Walter Sisulu University has announced a formal partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture to support school-based food gardens.
The initiative centres on the One School, One Garden programme, which positions schools as hubs for food security awareness, agricultural education and practical skills development.
What is happening?
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) has partnered with the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture to strengthen and formalise collaboration between education and agriculture stakeholders.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, Dr Pretty Mpiti, said the agreement marks a shift from “agreement to action”. The partnership introduces a structured framework with defined roles for stakeholders.
At the centre of the partnership is the One School, One Garden initiative. The programme supports:
- Practical agricultural learning
- Environmental responsibility
- School nutrition efforts
- Community engagement
- Knowledge transfer and self-reliance
The collaboration aims to move from signed agreements to active implementation in schools.
Why it matters to you
If you are a school principal, educator, governing body member or parent in the Eastern Cape, this initiative may directly affect your school.
School gardens can:
- Support school nutrition programmes
- Provide hands-on learning in agriculture
- Build food security awareness among learners
- Encourage environmental responsibility
- Strengthen community participation
For rural and peri-urban communities, food gardens may also reduce food insecurity pressures while building local skills.
What you need to know
Here is a summary of what has been confirmed so far:
| Key Detail | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Partnership | WSU and EC Department of Agriculture formal collaboration |
| Programme focus | One School, One Garden |
| Target group | Schools and learners |
| Main goals | Skills development, food security awareness, nutrition support |
| Implementation approach | Structured framework with defined stakeholder roles |
At this stage, no specific rollout dates, funding details or school selection criteria have been announced publicly.
What you should do next
If you are part of a school community:
- Ask your principal or school governing body whether your school is participating.
- Contact your local district education office for updates.
- Engage with local agricultural extension officers for guidance.
- Monitor official WSU and Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture announcements.
Schools interested in starting or strengthening a garden project can begin by assessing available space, water access and community support.
Where to get help
For verified information:
- Contact Walter Sisulu University Faculty of Education.
- Reach out to your nearest Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture office.
- Speak to your district Department of Basic Education office.
For more local education updates, visit our NSFAS / Education coverage hub.
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