Exciting news for two remote farming communities near Phalaborwa!

Limpopo, South Africa (07 April 2026) – The African Conservation Trust (ACT) has helped install a cold room and solar power system at Gingirikani and Rixaka cooperatives in Phalakubeni village. This is a game-changer for local food growers to keep veggies fresh, reduce waste, and open doors to bigger markets.

Before the new cold room, farmers had to sell their vegetables on the very same day they picked them, because in the scorching summer heat, produce spoiled within hours. Now, they can harvest over several days and keep everything fresh until they have enough to make a big trip to market.

“We took our harvest to the market three times a week, and now we store it until we get enough produce. We don’t have waste or rotten stuff, and it’s improved our daily life.” says Vincent Mabunda, Coordinator at Gingirikani Cooperative.

At Gingirikani cooperative, a large insulated cold room was fitted inside a 6-metre shipping container, powered by a 6kW solar system. At Rixaka cooperative, a solar-powered borehole pump and drip irrigation system were installed. Together, the two cooperatives now farm five hectares of land with a full crop plan, growing seasonal veggies in large quantities.

The cooperatives are located near the Kruger National Park, quite far from big city markets. To bridge this gap, a refrigerated vehicle is being provided to transport crops, allowing farmers from both cooperatives to fill any weekly vegetable order and sell their fresh produce all the way to Johannesburg!

Making this happen took a team effort from several organisations, including ACT, Kruger to Canyons Non-Profit Company (K2C), and The African Stove Company (TASC), with financial support from K2C and TASC, enabling the installations.

Growing food in this region is not an easy task; farmers overcome many obstacles.

“Farmers face multiple food production challenges. Outward migration sees skilled workers leave for urban areas; many residents experience sustained unemployment, causing personal food insecurity; and small-scale farmers contend with drought, land degradation, and inadequate infrastructure.” says Carl Grossmann, Chairman of ACT.

On top of these hurdles, elephants from the nearby Kruger sometimes raid the gardens! Elephants Alive has stepped in with creative solutions like beehives to deter the ellies, along with chilli-based repellants, solar flashing lights, and metal strip fences. Watch towers have also been built at Gingirikani, which double as storerooms and honey harvesting stations.

More than 40 community volunteers work in the gardens and receive a stipend through the Social Employment Fund (SEF). Research shows that each SEF participant supports about six more people in their immediate family, meaning the ripple effect is major.

“Our families are thriving because more than 40 people volunteer in the gardens and receive a SEF stipend.” says Vincent.

Produce from the gardens is used in three impactful ways. The farmers eat it themselves, sell it to boost their income, or donate the surplus to vulnerable community members.

Sources: Project Africa.

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Nelisiwe Mfeka saw the potential for upcycling while working as a waste sorter. With a spirit of entrepreneurship, she took a group of women in her community under her wing, teaching them how to turn waste into craftsmanship and learn new skills to improve their circumstances.

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (24 January 2025) – Nelisiwe Mfeka, an EnviroChamp with the Duzi-uMngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT) and a member of the Social Employment Fund’s Use-It Recycling Initiative, is a shining example of what can be achieved through determination, creativity and drive.

Beyond just providing educational or empowerment opportunities, DUCT aims to also encourage its EnviroChamps to think beyond the present and explore new possibilities.

While working as a waste sorter at Use-It, Nelisiwe recognised an opportunity beyond simply separating recyclables. She saw the potential for upcycling and with a spirit of entrepreneurship, began mentoring a group of women in her community. Together, they transform discarded materials into beautiful and functional products.

She shares how she and her group of ladies have grown their skills by watching videos on YouTube. They also welcome community members with disabilities.

Nelisiwe’s dream is to grow their initiative and have their own working space, as they currently work from her home.

“We crochet plastic to make bags, mats and hats. We can use fabric to create vases or clean bottles and use them to create secure and creatively designed wall structures. Nothing is useless here,” Nelisiwe shares in a video.

She emphasises that no one should allow themselves to be homeless while there is still recyclable waste around that can be used as building materials or create something new to sell and make money.

“A change in perspective can inspire you to get up and use your hands to improve your circumstances instead of drowning in self-pity,” Nelisiwe says.

DUCT strives to create pathways for growth and development, empowering its members to become leaders and change-makers in their own lives. Nelisiwe took this concept and ran with it, lifting other women along the way!

Sources: Duzi-uMngeni Conservation Trust

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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