In a world where unemployment and poverty often lead young people down a dangerous path towards drugs and crime, two ambitious boys from a disadvantaged community decided to take a different route.
Instead of joining the ranks of the street hustlers, they picked up shovels and trowels, and transformed their lives by becoming farmers.
With their eyes set on a future goal of owning a farm, these young boys are proving that hard work and dedication can pave the way for a better life.
Mduduzi Nkambule and Xolani Nkabinde from Vosman both started planting vegetables such as onions, cabbage, beetroot, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and butternut in their home backyards gardens.
“We are doing vegetable farming. We started last year 2023, July. Due to the lack of space since we were doing the gardening in our homes back yards, we then decided to ask space at Jeremiah Mdaka school.” Nkambule said.
“Being a farmer has saved me from many things especially bad friends, doing house robbery, taking drugs or nyaope. We all know that being a man is very hard especially when you are not working. There’s a lot of pressure, at home, the streets and girls.”
“We have grown in farming and still hoping to get more customers, since we are playing to sell the vegetables to the schools, homes and downtown.” he added.
“I believe we have chosen a good direction. As a man we are entitled in always making a plan, so we love what we are doing. We have earned the community’s trust.” Nkabinde said.
“Life is hard, there are no jobs, which is why you will young boys offer themselves to drugs or alcohol because of a stress of not having any jobs. The advice I can give to young boys is not never given up. They must always find a way in making their lives to become better instead of doing crime activities.” he added.
In many communities, the lack of job opportunities can push young people towards illegal activities as a means of survival. The allure of fast money and the pressure to provide for themselves and their families can be overwhelming, especially in areas where poverty and crime are rampant.
