Through the hard work of Ga-Pila community members, the Ga-Pila Community Garden is currently producing 400 crates of tomatoes weekly, which are sold to diverse markets such as the Johannesburg and Tshwane markets. To date, the farm has generated revenue which will be reinvested back into the programme. Additionally, the farm is now poised to supply Gem tomatoes to Mozambique.

“Gem tomatoes are in demand in Mozambique, so it really is an opportune time for Ga-Pila community members to step in and fill the gap. The proceeds from the sale of the harvested crops will be allocated primarily towards sustaining and enhancing the garden's operations. This also includes the investment of the revenue generated in essential resources such as seeds, tools, and equipment necessary for efficient garden maintenance," added Black.

Previously, community members of Ga-Pila relied on external sources for their food supply, which highlighted the need for increased involvement in local agriculture. Additionally, despite the ability to grow quality produce, challenges such as a limited value-add post-harvest and more significantly, lack of technical knowledge to run a community farm previously hampered their growth.

It is against this backdrop that the Impact Catalyst, Monte View, Industrial Development Corporation and Anglo-American Platinum are working together to support the Ga-Pila Community Farm.

Over and above providing support to the Ga-Pila Community Garden to gain access to markets, the IDC has provided 100 community members with an employment opportunity to oversee the farm's daily operations. They work between 8 and 12 days each month, with their wages funded by the Social Employment Fund.