Andile Xaba from KZN
When the poor are hungry, there’s no rest for all of us.
Welcome to Stories, where growers, homesteaders and small-scale farmers in South Africa share about their journeys. Today I’m sharing Andile Xaba’s story. Andile has created urban veg gardens all around Durban. I’m so encouraged and inspired by his story.
You may have noticed that I did not share a story the last few weeks. I am still going to be sharing stories, but to make it more sustainable, I’m going to ask that you share contacts of great stories around the country, for me to be in touch with. I need your help to keep telling our stories! I know there are hundreds of thousands of people growing in South Africa, and that each one of us benefits from sharing our story and being heard. So here’s to sharing, listening and reading.
When the poor are hungry, there’s no rest for all of us.
Tell us a little about yourself!
I am Andile Xaba, born in Eshowe lived in Empangeni through my primary schooling, then came to Durban starting high school. Im a son and grandson of farmers both from the maternal & paternal sides.
How did you start doing what you are doing now?
As a tree felling & land clearance contractor for the Municipality, I became concerned with removing alien invasives year upon year, but not developing the plots further, away from being eyesores and crime scenes. I wanted to see and implement real beneficial change for the various underprivileged communities I would be tasked with. Our communities are in dire need of organically grown fresh produce in their localities. I started from 2017 sending proposals to various stakeholders.
What are you most proud of in this process?
Growing my own food in an urban environment, which a lot of people find strange. Setting an example for others to emulate, the compliments, the interest in urban farming it has sparked.
What is the most helpful piece of advice you received when you were just starting out?
We appreciate what you’ve started, don’t stop.
What advice would you like to give to others who are younger/earlier on their journey?
Start early, start small, make connections with locals-community and authority. Never ever give up.
Where do you see growing going in South Africa?
I see more people being aware of the importance of knowing their food source as well as taking an active role in production and procurement. I see a growth in local Small Scale Grower sector.
Thank you so much to Andile for sharing your story. When I’m reading your story, I feel inspired to do as much as I can with each metre of land available.
You can be in touch with Andile via Linkedin, or reach out to me for his email or phone number!
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