South Africa: By-laws that govern urban farming need to find common ‘soil’ for food security
Perhaps municipalities should swap iron fists loaded with fines, for green thumbs to assist folks.
By Ling Shepherd
Daily Vox
September 21, 2021
Excerpt:
Djo BaNkuna aka “The Cabbage Bandit” was threatened with arrest for having a vegetable garden on the pavement in front of his home. He has since been given a R1500 fine for obstructing sidewalk space reserved for pedestrians. BaNkuna’s intentions with his garden may be questioned. However, there is no denying that food security is an important issue in South Africa.
The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has said Nkuna did not own the land. This means he could not decide to use it for agricultural purposes. He was also in violation of the Road Traffic Act 96 of 1996, by causing an obstruction. The TMPD also said Nkuna could have made use of the City of Tshwane’s “adopt a spot” programme but did not. This is a programme which encourages the public to take care of the environment by beautifying public spaces.
Tshwane’s environmental and agriculture department’s mission is to ensure a sustainable and equitable agricultural development. One of its key objectives is to provide basic farming infrastructure and develop agriculture. It also facilitates Black economic empowerment in agriculture, and establishes homesteads and community food gardens.
