Zimbabwe: From Hunger to Hope in Ward 14.

Councillor Dumisani Netha of Ward 14 in Magwegwe, Bulawayo, is one of the thirty-eight councillors serving the City of Bulawayo. His leadership is grounded in the scripture that says, “True religion is helping the widows and orphans.” Guided by this conviction, he saw the suffering of widows, youths, persons with disabilities and orphans in his community, families burdened by hunger, unemployment and poverty, women unable to pay rent or school fees, some losing property, and many facing ballooning bills that resulted in electricity and water disconnections. Poverty was fuelling conflict at home, isolation, and broken spirits. 

 Motivated by compassion and duty, Councillor Netha initiated the Ward 14 Community Gardening Project in line with the global vision of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which promotes food security. He reminded everyone that, “We may not change the whole world today, but we can change our ward with a step at a time.” His call was met with hope by women, youths and persons with disabilities who embraced the initiative, eager for a sustainable way to feed their families and rebuild their lives. A total of 106 participants joined the project 70 women, 10 men, 11 persons with disabilities and 15 youths. The councillor then organised with stakeholders like the government departments of Agricultural extension officers, social development and the private sector to train participants in agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainable gardening practices. The Bulawayo city council provided an open space (land) in Magwegwe to facilitate the horticultural project were crops like high value crops like potatoes, spinach, cauliflower, cabbages, tomatoes, carrots, rape, beetroots and more were produced. 

 The impact has been profound where families are now able to sell their produce locally and at market stalls, enabling them to pay rentals, settle school fees, and cover household needs. Children who once missed school due to unpaid fees now attend regularly. Households that struggled with hunger now enjoy nutritious meals from their own gardens. Financial stress has reduced, improving mental wellbeing and restoring dignity. Community cohesion has improved and strengthened as residents work together, sharing knowledge and supporting one another. As one elder, Mkhulu, testified, “The gardening project is really empowering the community even the youths who are unemployed to survive.” Mrs. Juliana added, “We greatly appreciate the setting up of the gardening project,”  

 The evidence of transformation is visible where the giant productive horticultural project in Magwegwe demonstrates food sufficiency and economic activities through sales generated by the project. More than 106 active entrepreneurs are providing fresh vegetables to their own families and neighbouring communities. This intervention enabled plot holders to heavily subsidised on the income and cutting of expenditure for the procurement of relish and others. The project’s borehole ensures reliable water supply, supporting year-round production. In addition, pictures of women watering crops, and the community clean up sessions. Videos also showing the elderly and women expressing gratitude for the life changing impact of the project have been compiled. 

 This transformation was made possible through training workshops, community collaboration, agricultural extension support and partnerships with local leaders and NGOs. The project is community owned and overseen by an active committee, which ensures on maintenance, accountability and sustainability. With youth involvement, the project’s skills and values will be passed on to future generations. Income from vegetable sales enables participants to buy seeds, tools and other inputs, making the initiative self-sustaining. 

 Ward 14 has moved from a place of hunger and isolation to one of unity, dignity and empowerment. Through the gardening project, Councillor Dumisani Netha has demonstrated that meaningful change begins with compassion, faith, and the willingness to plant a seed of hope. Today, the community of Magwegwe stands stronger, healthier and more united proof that when people work together, even the smallest garden can grow into a movement of transformation. 

By: Dumisani Netha