11 Sep 2024

Many people have realised that life can be a wild ride full of ups and down and a positive mindset can make a world of difference.

 Since the launching of the Mindset Change Initiative last year, it seems the concept has inspired a positive mind as many, especially young people, have started realising that the power of positive mindset can be a safety net.

Instead of dwelling on challenges, they acknowledge that a positive mindset can boost their creativity and set them on a path to success.

Young people are now realising that employment opportunities are limited as the government can not employ all and as such, they have to utilise the available government initiatives in place to venture into income generating projects that can stimulate and create employment for themselves and others.

 A group of young people from a tiny village of Sexaxa have realised that the only way to end unemployment is to change the dependency syndrome and the spirit of waiting for employment but rather stand up and apply their minds to eke a living.

Through their innovation and skills, the group, made up of five members, has ventured into a project dubbed “aquaponics”, an innovative and sustainable agricultural approach that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water) in a mutually beneficial system.

Research has indicated that the method can boost horticulture production and help combat the impact of climate change in arid and semi-arid settings. The group leader, Mr Onkabetse John, confirmed in an interview that they have already secured a big farm within the village and currently working on other logistics.

 He explained that the project came about as a result of embracing mindset change indicating that they were aiming to change from the traditional farming method to a modern one thus empowering the community to accept new and innovative practices of farming.

He said the hydroponic system provides better yield and crop productivity by saving water, energy and space.

Mr John explained that the fish waste would supply organic nutrients essential for plants’ growth and the plants in turn would purify the water which is then used continuously cycled back to the fish tanks.

“With this type of farming, we will grow substantially more food with less water, land and labour than the traditional agriculture since we have been relying on the Thamalakane River to provide the community with fish and water to irrigate our gardens, which is no longer flowing year round,” he added.

 He pointed out that the project has potential to create employment for the community, noting that they also intend to provide free education awareness to the community to adopt new farming practices.

By so doing, he said, they would be contributing to enhancing food security as well as contributing to the achievement of the Vision 2036 pillar calling for prosperity for all and human social development.

“This is a unique project that is going to bring quality and affordable food, free education awareness, empower the community as well as create employment opportunities,” Mr John emphasized, noting that once they secure funding, the project would commence.

 The group has made proposals to different financial institutions and the members are hopeful that their applications would be successful. ENDS