The Vukuhambe Disabled Centre in Gugulethu is using agriculture to create opportunities for people with disabilities to develop practical skills, strengthen their independence and work towards sustainable livelihoods.
Established in 1987, the centre was founded to empower people with disabilities by providing skills and opportunities that can help them earn an income and participate meaningfully in their communities. Members receive skills development support and are referred to employment opportunities where possible.
Through a partnership between Casidra and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, the centre has established a 15m × 9m food garden. Members are receiving specialist gardening training and adaptive tools designed to enable people with disabilities, including wheelchair users, to participate actively in food production.
Casidra Project Implementer Mongami Maqaqa said the initiative aims to increase food production while developing practical skills and creating opportunities for income generation.
“The garden is fostering independence and ensuring that people living with disabilities have a seat at the table in the agricultural economy. More than vegetables, this garden is growing independence, inclusion and economic participation. It is dignity and food security in action,” said Maqaqa.
Members are involved in the full gardening cycle, from planting and maintaining crops to harvesting and preparing produce for sale. Vegetables will be sold to residents in Gugulethu and surrounding communities, while some of the produce will support the centre’s soup kitchen.
The centre also plans to expand its gardening activities and establish a soup kitchen that can serve the wider community, strengthening its contribution to local food security.
Centre leader Nomntu Mnqandi said the garden also provides an opportunity to introduce children and young people to agriculture and demonstrate how productive activities can contribute positively to their communities.
“The work at Vukuhambe extends beyond gardening. Members are involved in various activities, including recycling and collecting cans, reflecting the centre’s hands-on approach to keeping people active, engaged and equipped with practical skills,” said Mnqandi.
Maqaqa said the commitment and teamwork demonstrated by members were among the aspects that stood out during the project.
“The willingness to work and the teamwork at Vukuhambe is notable. The centre is always hands-on, with members involved in various activities, including gardening, recycling and collecting cans. Looking at the number of people involved, I would love to see the centre have access to a bigger plot in the next few years, allowing them to expand production and create an even more sustainable impact,” he said.
For Vukuhambe, the garden represents more than food production. It is a practical platform for skills development, economic participation and greater independence, while creating opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute to their community and build sustainable livelihoods.
