This is a milestone that has been 10 years in the making. In 2014, we embarked on a project to establish our first vegetable garden at the remote ranger station at Shangoni. Our aim was to contribute to the welfare of the ranger community as they cultivate their own fresh produce. Shangoni, located approximately 50 km northwest of Shingwedzi, is nearly 30 km from the nearest shops in Giyani. It was an ideal location for the kick-off of this initiative. Subsequently, other vegetable gardens were established at Punda Maria, Nwanetsi, Tshokwane, Houtboschrand, Letaba, Mahlangeni, Kingfisherspruit and Stolznek. In Marakele National Park, we built a vegetable garden at Molapofifi. These structures each measure 9 m x 15 m, are 2.5 m high, and have a gable roof. They are equipped with a door and are totally covered with shade cloth to protect the crops from insects. Additionally, they are designed to withstand baboons and rodents. The units are equipped with essential tools such as rakes, water hoses, sprinklers, spades, forks, and a wheelbarrow, along with two water taps for irrigation. Construction typically takes five to eight days, with all materials transported to the site before commencing. Initially, the cost of building these structures was around R80 000, but it has since increased to over R150 000. Fortunately, we have received generous donations of steel and other materials from various businesses over the years, significantly reducing our expenses. June 2023 saw the completion of East Rand Region’s 10th vegetable garden! 120 SANParks Honorary Rangers 2024 VEGETABLE GARDENS IN KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Members’ activities continued
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