Garden Competition
Sizwe Dlamini|Published
COMMUNITY food gardens across South Africa have a new opportunity to scale their operations and deepen their social impact, as the second Act For Change Food Garden Competition opened for entries on 20 October 2026.
Five winning gardens will share R1 million in tailored support. Rather than solely judging the volume of food produced, the competition evaluates entries based on their broader social impact, skills-sharing initiatives, operational models, and contributions to local food security.
The winners will receive customized assistance, determined through a needs assessment, which may include training, resources, and infrastructure upgrades to increase harvests.
To qualify, entrants must be at least 18 years old and represent a community-based food garden. Private home gardens, private companies, and close corporations are ineligible.
Applicants must submit a brief history of their garden, its community role, and photographs. Entries close on 15 November 2026, with winners announced before April 2027. Entry is free and can be completed via a data-free online portal.
The inaugural competition, which drew nearly 600 entries, has already yielded tangible results for last year’s winners, who have put their support to work across the country.
In Limpopo’s Mogoto Village, first-place winner ACFS Khunadi Food Garden used the support to install a shade-net structure, protecting its crops. Bertha Magoge, representing the garden, noted that the support improved infrastructure and food production, ultimately allowing them to reach more community members.
In the Eastern Cape, second-place winner Ngxanga School Garden in Libode installed a new irrigation system that expanded its growing area. Project Manager Neziswa Mlenzana reported that the upgrade allowed the garden to permanently employ three local youths and dedicate Wednesdays to learner participation.
Meanwhile, third-place winner P Agricultural Group in Soweto is using the platform to shift urban perceptions of agriculture. Project Manager Phetole Raseropo observed that the initiative is helping people see farming not just as a rural activity, but as a viable opportunity to learn and earn.
Other recipients are implementing practical, on-the-ground changes. Hope Park Children’s Health Campus Garden in Gauteng has launched a second site, while Plenty Green Africa in Tsakane redesigned its layout using new training in soil health, pest control, and seed sowing.
In Gonubie, the Food Security Project is restoring soil using wood-chip mulch and worm composting, with beneficiaries now applying these permaculture techniques at their own homes.
Sanjeev Raghubir, chief sustainability officer for the competition’s backer, the Shoprite Group, noted that community gardens address food access and economic opportunity by putting fresh food within reach, creating opportunities to learn and earn, and bringing communities together.
The retail group recently reached a milestone of 300 supported community gardens as of July 2026. Additionally, gardens already in the programme will have the opportunity to showcase and sell their fresh produce in-store across South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia during a market day on 27 October.