2012 began with an idea and as the year comes to an end that idea is coming to life. The transformation from a disused bowling green to a vibrant, beautiful, productive Farm that nourishes our neighbourhood is well under way. Only through the support, sweat and sacrifices of volunteers, community members and kindred spirits has this been possible. The list of thank-yous is long indeed!
Let us begin with the huge recent contribution of Boris and Horst Lederer of Lema Civils. Not only did they bring seriously heavy equipment that saved us weeks (or months!) of time and back-breaking work, but their team’s skills have been invaluable in getting the paths laid, pond constructed and more — and they have passed some of those skills on to our Straatwerk team. Please, if you see either Boris or Horst on site, give them a big hug!
Thanks also to Mike Hurworth of MH&E Engineers for his role in making the earth move (powered by diesel rather than sweat), and for his own contributions. Huzzah, Mike!
We also need to acknowledge the sustained dedication, energy, creativity and ‘let’s get it done’ attitude of Tanya de Villiers of CNdV Africa, who as the Farm’s landscape architect has been able to bring the design concepts for the Farm to life, while contributing mightily to the aesthetic, horticultural, technical and just about every other aspect of the Farm. In addition, she’s twisted some arms, called in some favours and has made some miracles happen (including getting Mike, Boris and Horst out to the Farm), and one couldn’t ask for more commitment.
Another huge amount of thanks goes to Mark Stead of Derrick, who has been the creative mind (and eye) behind nearly everything of aesthetic importance related to the Farm from the beginning, as well as tackling IT, poles, and chalking machines. From the logo to the Farm layout to t-shirts and more, Mark’s creative vision (and some hard work from his Derrick colleague, Carlo Milandri) is coming to life and we can’t wait to see how it will flourish.
And where would we be without our farmer, Mario Graziani, who has been there from the start (and before)? Countless hours and boundless energy committed to making this dream of his come true.
Thanks also to the Farm’s Volunteer Coordinator, Edith Viljoen, and our Bokashi Wrangler (and fine artist, among other hats she wears for the Farm), Lizza Littleworth. Each in their own way has contributed mightily to the effort over recent months since joining the team.
We need to voice a sincere and deep thank you to Hannes and Straatwerk, and our team of hard-working farm assistants, Clinton, Johannes, Ernest, Vuyisa, Jaffet, Sbusiso, Morney, Sandile, Meshack and Mpumeleni, who have been toiling long days for months now to subdue the bowling green to the point where it can be brought to life as a flourishing, beautiful and inspiring Farm. We are grateful for your commitment, your determination, your character (and your muscles!), and we are looking forward to a long relationship ahead.
To our many volunteers, supporters, fans, followers, neighbours, helpers, friends, families and others who have shown interest, given moral support, come out to swing a hoe or plant a tree, given a donation, bought a t-shirt, told a friend or just ‘liked’ a Facebook post, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Many thanks to Belinda Mutti, formerly with Heritage Management at the City of Cape Town, who went above and beyond to ensure the Farm would protect and enhance the provincial heritage site on which the Farm is situated, as well as to ensure we would get approvals to proceed.
And there are others, of course: OH Watch, CIBRA and the Oranjezicht Heritage Society; Pauline McConney from City Parks; Pat at Soil for Life, Rob at Abalimi Bezekhaya, Saul at ERMD in the City, and apologies if we’ve inadvertently overlooked anyone else.
Finally, we are so, so humbled by and grateful for the confidence that Richard Griffin and the Madame Zingara group of restaurants have placed in us by contributing a major portion of the start-up costs that are needed to get the Farm on its feet, and for their commitment to support the Farm into the future. We couldn’t ask for more inspiring and committed partners, and without you, we would still be sitting around a table trying to figure out how to get this thing off the ground. Thank you from the bottoms of our dirty boots to the tips of our green thumbs!
An undertaking like the creation of Oranjezicht City Farm takes a lot of effort, and it’s only possible when many people get involved in ways big and small. We are still in the earliest stages — without even putting our first seeds and seedlings into the soil! — so let us not get ahead of ourselves: there is a long, long road ahead. But we will be walking it together, and the future will unfold in remarkable ways that we are confident will result in a Farm that we all can enjoy and be proud to have in our neighbourhood.
With deep appreciation and thanks, and warm wishes for the holiday weeks ahead,
The Oranjezicht City Farm Team
Eat Fresh, Local and Healthy
We’re moving into the peak summer season for local fruit and veg, and we hope you will take advantage of that bounty in the holiday weeks ahead! Keep your eye out for what’s grown locally and what’s in season, whether for your own kitchen or if you’re dining out.
See you Saturday Morning!
Just because it’s school holidays doesn’t mean work on the Farm stops. Come out this Saturday between 8am-12pm to meet your neighbours, plant a tree, and see how much things have changed!
