Absa’s Possibilities Unearthed: Addressing food insecurity in South Africa

Leading pan-African bank Absa, in partnership with Urban Harvest, has provided another sustainable garden as part of the bank’s Possibilities Unearthed initiative. Groutville High School in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal has received the much-needed garden.

The partnership with Urban Harvest showcases Absa’s commitment to being a force for good in communities in which it operates through sustainable development and addressing the issues of food insecurity in South Africa.

“We are excited to make a much-needed contribution to Groutville High School and the wider KwaDukuza community,” said Mandisa Buthelezi, regional manager of Everyday Banking at Absa KwaZulu-Natal. “Access to nutrition is a non-negotiable for our learners, and this garden will help create sustainable access to food and nutrition. This is the type of tangible, positive difference that Absa seeks to create in society, and we are delighted to play our part in ensuring learners have access to quality meals.”

Over and above the obvious nutritional benefits, school learners will be actively involved in managing the garden, and learning valuable lessons. “Gardening is an engaging way to teach children about healthy eating habits and the importance of growing their own food, all while encouraging physical activity. Children will also learn about water-efficient gardening practices and responsible water usage – skills that are sorely needed in South Africa. Furthermore, in a country that is suffering skyrocketing unemployment levels, such efforts go a long way,” added Buthelezi.

Absa’s Possibilities Unearthed initiative has been bringing change in schools since 2021 and has now built vegetable gardens for schools in communities in which it activates its sponsorships.

Simphiwe Gumede, school principal at Groutville High School, expressed his excitement: “We would like to thank Absa for choosing our school as the 2023 recipient of the sustainable vegetable garden. This vegetable garden will go a long way to assist our children with the ability to concentrate and perform better in class, while promoting environmental awareness and healthy living.

“We will ensure we nurture the seed that Absa has planted to empower our children with the skills and knowledge of growing their own food. Our grade 10 agricultural sciences learners will partly be responsible for maintaining the veggie garden,” he added.

Buthelezi concluded, “With the Possibilities Unearthed initiative, we do not only plant seeds for cultivating but seeds of hope to inspire this young generation and remind them that they can plant their own nutritious food. They must know we support them and will continue providing opportunities that will help them live healthy lifestyles.”