Premier encouraged by Athlone’s thriving and resilient business and NGO communities
Premier Alan Winde paid a visit to Athlone, Cape Town this week to meet residents and organisations that are helping their communities in creating opportunities.
In 2016, Aziza Hendricks planted the first seeds of a community food garden. Where there was once a makeshift dumping site, carrots, spinach, butternut, chillis and much more, have taken root, thanks to Ms Hendricks’ efforts and dedication. The produce that is not donated to feeding schemes is sold, earning her and her team a living. “We want to make everyone here as self-sufficient as possible,” she told the Premier as she proudly showed off her garden.
Premier Winde commended her efforts, “These are residents who are getting the job done. By bolstering food security and building urban farming skills, Aunty Aziza has been transforming her community for a decade.”
The Western Cape Government, through its Department of Agriculture, continues to strengthen food security by supporting more than 2 500 household food gardens each year. This support includes expert guidance, soil analysis, essential production inputs, and infrastructure such as irrigation systems. Since 2020, the department has facilitated the establishment of over 16 000 food gardens across the province.
Another Athlone family that has over the years been creating local opportunities is the Henkemans.
What began as a leather bag operation in a family garage has grown into a small enterprise now led by Shawn Henkeman, employing three people with plans for further expansion.
Encouraging continued growth, Premier Winde said, “Never stop aiming for new heights. Even when SMMEs encounter challenges, learn from them, pick yourself up, and keep trying. This is the spirit of entrepreneurship.”
The Premier’s visit highlighted the critical role that community-driven initiatives and small businesses play in building stronger, more self-sufficient neighbourhoods across the Western Cape, as well as creating jobs.