By Mampho Mofokeng and Christopher Makua
Across South Africa, organised communities in informal settlements are leading efforts to improve living conditions through collective action. The Federation of the Urban and Rural Poor (FEDUP), in partnership with the Community Organisation Resource Centre (CORC), supports these efforts by strengthening community-led savings groups, housing projects, and livelihood initiatives. Women have been at the forefront, organising, innovating, and driving change from within their communities. Partnerships with the Small Enterprise Foundation (SEF) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) have further enabled FEDUP members to access funding, skills training and other resources to grow and sustain these initiatives.
Dedicated FEDUP member Mmole Phaelo Phildere is a supervisor at the Thinasonke Agricultural Hub in Thinasonke Extension, Ekurhuleni. She also forms part of the FEDUP leadership in the Gauteng province, serving as the acting Regional Savings Facilitator. Through her leadership, urban agriculture has become a tool for strengthening food security, generating income and improving living conditions. Her journey reflects the determination, community commitment, and innovation that lie at the heart of FEDUP’s work.
In September 2023, Mmole was first introduced to the Department of Agriculture’s prestigious Agriculture of the Year Awards. Inspired by the recognition of excellence in the sector, she dedicated herself to strengthening Thinasonke Garden to meet the standards required for competition entry. Her efforts paid off when, in 2024, she successfully entered the competition and was nominated in the ‘Best Subsistence Producer’ category. Her hard work and dedication were rewarded as she was announced the first runner-up winner, receiving both an award and a cash prize of R50,000.
Reflecting on her achievement, Mmole shared, “Last year September I got invited at the Agriculture of the Year award and was inspired a lot. Then I worked hard to improve Thinasonke Garden to meet the requirements needed to enter the competition. This year I entered and was nominated in the Best Subsistence Producer category. I was awarded as the first runner-up winner, receiving R50,000 and an award. I am going to use the money to further improve the garden and also celebrate this achievement with my fellow garden members.”
Mmole’s recognition reflects the collective efforts of FEDUP members working to transform their communities. The Thinasonke Agricultural Hub is a local example of how urban agriculture can improve food security and livelihoods, while also demonstrating the value of partnerships, such as those with SEF, IDC and CORC, in expanding impact.
