CHANGE MAKER: Health and hope thrive in a hydroponic garden on a rooftop in Hillbrow

A hydroponic garden atop a high-rise in Johannesburg's Hillbrow neighborhood is transforming lives and bringing hope to its residents. The Lake Success Rooftop Food Garden, accessible via narrow stairs, offers a lush vegetable garden that is accessible to those living below. The garden, established in 2012, was started by Sipokazi Somzana, community development manager for Makhulong A Matala, in collaboration with various organizations.

The hydroponic garden, which uses 90% less water than traditional soil farming, has significantly improved food security in the building. The plants grow 30% to 50% faster and produce higher yields, providing fresh greens for residents and local markets. The women who maintain the garden package and sell these greens, keeping the growing cycle alive.

Somzana emphasizes the importance of developing sustainable enterprises and livelihoods for the residents. The garden has not only improved food security but also fostered a sense of community and village spirit in the high-rise. Lungisani Ntuli, general manager of Makhulong A Matala, highlights the JHC's commitment to inner-city urban regeneration and social development through projects like the Lake Success Rooftop Garden.