DURBAN — In a concerted effort to address ongoing issues of unemployment, poverty, and crime in George Hill Informal Settlement, the eThekwini Municipality has inaugurated an organic vegetable garden to provide support to the local residents.

According to South African Government News Agency, the Inner eThekwini Regeneration and Urban Management Programme (ITRUMP) Area Based Management (ABM), which spearheaded this initiative, the project aims to bolster food security and support impoverished families within ward 31. The initiative gained momentum after ITRUMP ABM collaborated with various sister departments to ensure the garden's successful establishment. Under the guidance of Althea Bantom from ITRUMP ABM, community volunteers have dedicated numerous hours to cultivating the garden.

ITRUMP Senior Manager, Hoosen Moolla, praised the community's efforts and the city’s role in nurturing such projects. "We are a caring city that provides support to residents where we can. We will continue to provide ongoing support to ensure this food security garden continues to grow and provide for the community," Moolla remarked. Expressing gratitude for the municipality’s support, local resident Thamsanqa Mzobe vowed, "We vow to take care of this garden which is a source of food for many families and continue to make it a success."