Feed the Khaltsha, also known as FTK Organic Garden, was established in February 2020 by Thapelo Xabanisa, with its location behind the Sibongile Day and Night Care Centre in Khayelitsha. Recognizing the need for expertise in farming, Thapelo approached his friend Baluleka Sisusa, who possessed a farming background. Together, driven by their shared passion and desire for self-employment and empowerment, they embarked on this inspiring project.
The name "Feed the Khaltsha" was chosen to reflect their intention of growing and providing sustenance to the less fortunate in the Khayelitsha community. Through their NPC, they have been able to create job opportunities for the unemployed while simultaneously operating a soup kitchen to feed those in need.
Initially, Feed the Khaltsha focused on supplying organic vegetables to the Sibongile Centre, specifically targeting children with cerebral palsy (CP) and other severe disabilities. By providing the centre with organic produce, they successfully reduced the centre's monthly expenses, saving them thousands of Rands. Recognizing the growing demand for fresh vegetables in the area, FTK expanded its reach to cater to the larger community as well.
What started with just three beds of spinach has now flourished into a thriving garden spanning approximately 403m2. The team at FTK possesses extensive knowledge in organic agricultural processes, encompassing soil preparation, planting, cultivation, as well as sales and marketing. They are also committed to the core principles of permaculture, enabling their garden to be more efficient and resilient. Although they began with nothing but innovative ideas, their unwavering determination and resourcefulness have propelled them forward. Overcoming challenges such as infrastructure, water scarcity, limited equipment, market access, and the need for training, they have found creative solutions to overcome each obstacle. Their primary focus remains on vegetable production and capturing the commercial market.
Thapelo Xabanisa is a 27 year old man, who was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. Growing up in the vibrant township of Khayelitsha, he received his education in Cape Town, attending primary and secondary school there. Pursuing his academic journey, Thapelo enrolled in Information Technology studies at MSC Business College, where he successfully graduated.
During his formative years, Thapelo's love for sports, particularly soccer, flourished, and he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors. However, it was his early experiences with gardening that truly ignited his passion. Reflecting on those moments, he fondly recalls planting tomato and butternut seeds in a corner of his house, right next to the bin. This humble spot became his oasis of nurturing, and he eagerly anticipated the sight of those seeds sprouting and growing. Thapelo felt such a strong connection to those seedlings that he willingly took on the responsibility of taking out the bin, ensuring their protection and well-being. Additionally, his visits to the Eastern Cape during school holidays provided him with countless opportunities to assist his grandmother on the farm, solidifying his growing love for agriculture. Thapelo's journey into farming began to sprout from these early experiences, nurturing his passion for cultivating the land and growing plants.
Baluleka Sisusa, another native of Cape Town, shares a similar upbringing. Raised amidst the dusty surroundings of Khayelitsha, his passions were drawn to sports, education, and gardening. A pivotal moment in his journey occurred during a visit to Kirstenbosch, renowned as one of the world's most breathtaking botanical gardens. It was there that Baluleka's fascination with nature, particularly plants, ignited. Inspired by this newfound love and driven by curiosity, he dedicated his time to volunteer at local community gardens, such as Abalimi Bezekhaya. Through these hands-on experiences, coupled with the knowledge acquired during his volunteer work, Baluleka recognized the significance of formal education in the field of agriculture.
Motivated to enhance his understanding and skills, Baluleka enrolled in Horticulture at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Seeking to further specialize, he pursued and successfully obtained a qualification in Vegetable Production from the esteemed Elsenburg Institute. This educational journey equipped him with the necessary expertise and insights to thrive in the realm of farming, particularly in cultivating vegetables.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.