#AppreciationMonday: Andile Matukane took her farming to the rooftop...
A beautiful story about determination and sustainability all rolled up into one...
Over and above everything that we have had to adapt to due to the pandemic, one of the things that has become a priority for many people is eating and taking care of their health. So, in essence, we are more particular about what we put into our bodies.
So how amazing would it be to know that fresh produce is just around the corner from you. That you could have access to fresh food that is both grown and harvested on the rooftop of one of the malls in your area.
Don't get too excited because for now, the only mall that is home to such a project is situated in Johannesburg. But that doesn't mean that the innovative mind of Andile Matukane won't reach our province sooner or later.
"This is the vision of Farmers Choice founder Andile Matukane who is now farming in an old parking lot at the Menlyn Park centre in Pretoria. She originally started out in Magaliesburg, also in Gauteng, where locals know her as “the spinach lady”." (Food for Mzansi)
Andile hasn't just displayed a sense of innovation, but she is the ideal example of inspiration and motivation for us this Monday morning. Her new venture is an expansion of her current farming business.
It's certainly something that shows that even though land is a such a valuable asset, it doesn't always comprise of looking at land as only on the ground. In this case, it's a rooftop with lots of potential to grow...
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Getting the space wasn’t easy. It involved a lot of expertise and was financially demanding just for the installation [of the rooftop farm]. Currently, I am looking at serving the restaurants and retailers within the Menlyn centre, as well as individuals. For me, that will be a big step towards growing my company and reach in the area I am working from. I also intend to expand the rooftop farm and be the biggest in South Africa; being able to service a number of people and businesses.
Just that nudge of motivation, with a dash of appreciation this Monday. Thank you, Andile, for showing us that sometimes all it takes is thinking outside the box and pushing the limits...
Because with that, you can achieve your vision and you can produce anything...
Image Courtesy of Facebook