What started as a simple idea has blossomed into a movement of empowerment and resilience. Through the generous support of Investec Bank, Khulisa Social Solutions and Ikemeleng Environmental Development and Justice launched the Garden in a Bucket initiative in Kroondal. Women in the community received starter kits containing toiletries and vegetable seeds, sparking a wave of transformation.

The project trained participants in sustainable farming practices, including soil care, organic cultivation, crop rotation, and water-efficient techniques. Equipped with these skills, women transformed their backyards into thriving gardens, producing a variety of vegetables, including spinach, onions, and tomatoes. Families now enjoy improved food security, while surplus produce generates income for households.

Beyond nutrition and income, the initiative has strengthened community bonds. Women come together to celebrate harvests, share techniques, and support one another, building solidarity and local resilience.

“This project demonstrates how something as simple as a bucket can plant the seeds for long-lasting change,” said Lesley Ann van Selm, Managing Director of Khulisa Social Solutions. “Thanks to Investec’s vision, women in Kroondal are rewriting their stories—growing food, income, and confidence in equal measure.”

Looking ahead, Khulisa and its partners envision expanding the program to other villages across Rustenburg and beyond, linking women to schools, shops, and larger markets, and providing continued mentorship and farming resources.

The Garden in a Bucket initiative stands as proof that when women are given the right tools and support, they not only uplift their families but also inspire their entire communities.