Our Story
Rooted in Purpose,
Growing in Community
Feed the Khaltsha began with one man's vision and a patch of earth. Today it is a thriving community movement.
Thapelo Xabanisa
Founder & Community Leader
The Founder
Thapelo Xabanisa
Thapelo Xabanisa grew up understanding the deep connection between land, food, and dignity. Witnessing food insecurity in his community, he asked a simple but powerful question: what if we grew our own?
That question became Feed the Khaltsha — a community garden that has since transformed vacant land into a living, productive space where families grow food, share knowledge, and build lasting bonds.
Thapelo's leadership is rooted in ubuntu — the belief that we are who we are through others. Every plot, every harvest, every volunteer who shows up is a testament to that philosophy in action.
A Vital Partnership
Bringing the World to Our Garden
One of the most transformative forces behind Feed the Khaltsha has been our partnership with Uthandosouthafrica. Every week, they bring tourists from all over the world to visit our garden — and that global visibility has changed everything.
Through these visits, we have attracted sponsors, volunteers, and supporters from across the globe. What began as a local community effort has grown into an internationally recognised model for grassroots food security, in large part because Uthandosouthafrica believed in us and shared our story with the world.
When the world sees what we are doing here, they want to be part of it. Uthandosouthafrica made that possible.
Our Core Purpose
Feeding Sibongile's Children
At the very heart of Feed the Khaltsha is a mission that drives every seed we plant: supplying Sibongile Day and Night Care Centre with fresh, organic vegetables. The children in Sibongile's care live with disabilities, and for them, clean and nutritious food is not optional — it is vital to their health, growth, and wellbeing.
We grow without pesticides or chemicals, because these children deserve produce that is as pure as the care they receive. Knowing that our harvest ends up on their plates gives every volunteer, every donor, and every sponsor a reason to keep going.
These children cannot advocate for themselves. Growing the cleanest food we can for them is the least we can do — and the most important thing we do.
What We Stand For
Our Values
Ubuntu
We believe in the power of community. Every person who joins us makes the garden stronger, and every harvest belongs to all of us.
Sustainability
We grow with the land, not against it. Our methods are organic, our practices regenerative, and our commitment to the earth is unwavering.
Education
Knowledge grows when it is shared. We teach gardening skills, nutrition, and environmental stewardship to people of all ages.
Food Dignity
Access to fresh, nutritious food is a right, not a privilege. Feed the Khaltsha exists to make that right a reality for our community.
Our Journey
How We Grew
The First Seed
Thapelo breaks ground on the first plot, planting the seeds of what would become Feed the Khaltsha.
Community Joins
Word spreads. Neighbours, youth groups, and local families join the garden. The first full harvest feeds 50 families — and begins supplying Sibongile Day and Night Care Centre.
Growth & Recognition
Feed the Khaltsha expands to 15 plots and begins hosting community workshops. Uthandosouthafrica starts bringing weekly international visitors, opening the garden to the world.
Feeding 200+ Families
Three full seasons in, the garden nourishes over 200 families each season. Sibongile's children receive a steady supply of organic produce, and global support continues to grow.
Be Part of the Story
Feed the Khaltsha is always growing — and there is always room for one more pair of hands.
Get Involved