26 Aug 2013

The vice chairperson of the South East Sports Association for People Living with Disabilities, Mr David Motlhaba says he appreciates the support of Choppies supermarket in creating market for their produce.

Mr Motlhaba, who manages the association’s backyard garden situated at Magope ward in Ramotswa, said the chain store has been supporting their enterprise since 2012.

The association’s backyard garden was kick started by President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama in August last year during the Office of the President’s community service day. According to Mr Matlhaba, the backyard garden had opened opportunities for them and improved their lives.

However, he noted that the initiative had been without challenges, adding that their vegetables were destroyed by pests. He said the matter had been reported to the district agricultural offices who advised him against using pesticides on the affected crops, adding that this has reduced their gains, as they were also advised to uproot the affected vegetables.

Mr Motlhaba said they had four staff members who earned a living from the garden, although the money often made was insufficient. He noted that due to shortage of manpower they were unable to expand the project, adding that they get water from a borehole. ENDS