CHANGEMAKER | Cultivating Health: The Organic Oasis Feeding Refentse

The Health-e News article "CHANGEMAKER | Cultivating Health: The Organic Oasis Feeding Refentse" tells the story of Joel Raphiri, a 64-year-old community leader in Refentse, Stinkwater, near Hammanskraal. Raphiri and his wife, Plantina, have been practicing a communal effort since more than a decade ago, with the goal of providing fresh vegetables to families in need. The couple transformed their garage into a community center and church, and eventually, an organic vegetable garden.

With the help of seven volunteers, the couple successfully cultivated their garden using natural borehole water for irrigation and cow dung manure as fertilizer. Their organic approach has had significant benefits for the community, as Joel explained, stating, "We don't use any GMOs or chemicals which would weaken our systems, that is why we are so strong today – from eating organic vegetables."

The garden now provides fresh produce to over a hundred people in the Stinkwater community and surrounding areas, including Dilopye, Eersterus, and Mogogelo. The Rahiris' primary motivation behind the project is not to generate profit, but to ensure families that cannot afford healthy food have access to nutritious meals. Despite the challenging circumstances, Joel highlighted the importance of personal responsibility and leadership in the success of the project. He noted, "People are willing to offer support, but you must drive your own project."