Back on Track

Themba, Tony and Stephen proudly display some of the tomatoes harvested and ready to be sold.

 A few months ago a violent storm damaged the tunnels at the Carryou Ministries' farming programme at Vleikop.
 The damage caused, seriously curtailed food production for the Elandsvlei and Toekomsrus Drop-in Centres.

Storm damage

 "We were able to limp along, but couldn't produce the quantity of crops grown in the past," says Stephen Ngakane, manager at the facility. "We also faced water problems."

Money

 As always, finding money to make the repairs and get activities back on course was a problem, until Carryou Co-Founder, Tony Jamison, stepped in and personally provided the more than R20 000 required.
 "When children are in need, I cannot stand idly and do nothing," he said.
 Recent heavy rains and hot weather resulted in a never-ending battle with weeds, and this week Stephen and Themba, a volunteer from nearby, were hard at work, digging out the invading plants and preparing the ground for the planting of winter crops.

Harvesting

Planning the planting of winter crops

 In the meantime they continue to harvest and sell tomatoes.
 "We intend to plant spinach, onions, cabbage and carrots," says Tony, who is now working in close co-operation with Stephen.

The war against weeds never ends!