{"id":18656,"date":"2025-07-28T14:36:38","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T12:36:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=18656"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:10:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:10:17","slug":"mec-nkomo-ralehoko","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/mec-nkomo-ralehoko\/","title":{"rendered":"MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko Brings Nutrition to the Forefront with Garden Project"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#a-community-led-fight-against-hunger-and-disease\" data-level=\"2\">A Community-Led Fight Against Hunger and Disease<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#creating-sustainable-livelihoods-through-farming-s\" data-level=\"2\">Creating Sustainable Livelihoods through Farming Skills<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#transforming-clinics-into-centers-of-nutrition-and\" data-level=\"2\">Transforming Clinics Into Centers of Nutrition and Empowerment<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#addressing-lifestyle-diseases-with-preventive-meas\" data-level=\"2\">Addressing Lifestyle Diseases with Preventive Measures<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#community-involvement-and-leadership-at-the-forefr\" data-level=\"2\">Community Involvement and Leadership at the Forefront<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#positive-early-outcomes-and-community-reception\" data-level=\"2\">Positive Early Outcomes and Community Reception<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#strategic-collaboration-to-maximize-impact\" data-level=\"2\">Strategic Collaboration to Maximize Impact<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aligning-with-broader-public-health-and-social-goa\" data-level=\"2\">Aligning with Broader Public Health and Social Goals<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#mec-nkomo-ralehokos-vision-for-healthy-communities\" data-level=\"2\">MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko\u2019s Vision for Healthy Communities<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#future-prospects-and-expansion-plans\" data-level=\"2\">Future Prospects and Expansion Plans<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Gauteng is witnessing a fresh approach to tackling hunger, disease, and unemployment as MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko leads an innovative community initiative. Recognizing the pressing health challenges many residents face, this project focuses on nutrition as a cornerstone of well-being. The initiative turns local clinics into vibrant spaces where people can grow their own food, gain vital farming skills, and build sustainable livelihoods. It directly addresses lifestyle diseases and empowers communities through hands-on involvement, education, and collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/the-benefits-of-a-balanced-diet-find-out-all-the-benefits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Benefits of a Balanced Diet: Find out All The Benefit<\/a>s<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a-community-led-fight-against-hunger-and-disease\">A Community-Led Fight Against Hunger and Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The garden project launched at Kammeldrift Clinic in Roodeplaat embodies the connection between nutrition and health. MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasized, \u201cOur clinics are struggling under the weight of lifestyle diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and other heart related diseases, these are the silent killers filling our waiting rooms.\u201d This initiative brings hope by giving communities control over their nutrition and health through locally grown fresh food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3227382898\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"creating-sustainable-livelihoods-through-farming-s\">Creating Sustainable Livelihoods through Farming Skills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond planting vegetables, the project invests in capacity building by training local residents in farming and food production techniques. Trainees also form cooperatives and sell their produce, generating income while improving access to healthy food. The initiative even offers stipends to participants, helping alleviate the economic strain while cultivating food security and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"transforming-clinics-into-centers-of-nutrition-and\">Transforming Clinics Into Centers of Nutrition and Empowerment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko explained how the project enhances clinic environments, not just through practical agriculture but by fostering dignity and wellness. Alongside establishing vegetable gardens, the team revitalized the clinic\u2019s physical space with fresh paint and maintenance, signifying renewal and hope. \u201cThis year\u2019s Mandela Day theme reminds us that it is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity, and here at Kameeldrift Clinic, we are doing just that with our hands, our hearts, and our land,\u201d she stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1298791618\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"addressing-lifestyle-diseases-with-preventive-meas\">Addressing Lifestyle Diseases with Preventive Measures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The project strategically targets the root causes of rising chronic conditions in Gauteng. By emphasizing fresh food production and healthier eating habits, it aligns with efforts to reduce cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko stressed, \u201cWhen people eat fresh, healthy food, when they eat food they grow with their own hands, they live longer, they live better, and they spend less time in clinics.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"community-involvement-and-leadership-at-the-forefr\">Community Involvement and Leadership at the Forefront<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Local Clinic Committees have played a vital role in initiating and sustaining the garden project. Their leadership ensures that the initiative reflects the needs and strengths of the community. This grassroots involvement boosts ownership and encourages wider participation, increasing the possibility of lasting success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-496796914\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"positive-early-outcomes-and-community-reception\">Positive Early Outcomes and Community Reception<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Community members recently enjoyed the first harvest of spinach from the gardens, symbolizing tangible progress and nourishment. Participants express pride and optimism about the impact on their health and livelihoods. The project\u2019s combination of practical skills and direct benefits fosters enthusiasm and trust among residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"strategic-collaboration-to-maximize-impact\">Strategic Collaboration to Maximize Impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The garden initiative represents a partnership between the Gauteng Department of Health and organizations like Ebotse Development and Training. Such collaboration enhances resource sharing, expertise, and outreach capacity. This joint effort maximizes the program\u2019s effectiveness and supports scaling to other clinics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1169250644\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aligning-with-broader-public-health-and-social-goa\">Aligning with Broader Public Health and Social Goals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This nutrition-focused project dovetails with Gauteng\u2019s wider health strategies to reduce chronic disease burdens and improve quality of life. It moves beyond treatment to emphasize prevention and community empowerment, critical factors for sustainable public health improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mec-nkomo-ralehokos-vision-for-healthy-communities\">MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko\u2019s Vision for Healthy Communities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko envisions a province where nutrition and health are interconnected through practical community initiatives. Her leadership highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health through innovative programs that engage people directly. \u201cWe must make healthy living accessible and achievable for all,\u201d she remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3059625313\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"future-prospects-and-expansion-plans\">Future Prospects and Expansion Plans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Given the initial success, plans are underway to expand the garden project to more clinics, amplifying its reach and benefits. Continued training, community engagement, and resource investment will sustain momentum. This approach offers a model for other provinces addressing similar challenges in nutrition and public health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/app.clickup.com\/9015341642\/inbox\/b\/eyJub3RpZmljYXRpb25CdW5kbGVJZCI6IndzaWQ9OTAxNTM0MTY0MiN1aWQ9OTQ2Njc1NjYjI3JlPWNsaWNrdXA6dGFzazo5MDE1MzQxNjQyOjg2YzRyZ3E1OCNzPXVuY2xlYXJlZCMjMjAyNS0wNy0yOFQxMDoyNjo0Ni43NThaI3Rhc2tfaGlzdG9yeTo0NjYyNDI2MzYyNDQ2NzAzNjgwIyMyMDI1LTA3LTI4VDEwOjI3OjA4LjEwMVojdGFza19oaXN0b3J5OjQ2NjI0MjY3MjkzNjQ0MTg2MTMiLCJlbnRpdHlSZXNvdXJjZUlkIjoiODZjNHJncTU4IiwiZW50aXR5UmVzb3VyY2VUeXBlIjoidGFzayJ9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Through this garden project<\/a>, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko and Gauteng\u2019s health department set a powerful example of how local action can address complex problems like hunger, disease, and poverty. By integrating nutrition, education, and community empowerment, this initiative paves the way for healthier and more resilient communities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gauteng\u2019s MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko leads the One Clinic One Garden initiative to improve nutrition and prevent lifestyle diseases.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":18660,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Gauteng\u2019s MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko leads the One Clinic One Garden initiative to improve nutrition and prevent lifestyle diseases.","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[8075,10097,10098,10095],"class_list":{"0":"post-18656","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-community-empowerment","9":"tag-gauteng-nutrition-project","10":"tag-lifestyle-disease-prevention","11":"tag-one-clinic-one-garden"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18656","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18656"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18656\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18664,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18656\/revisions\/18664"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18660"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18656"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18656"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18656"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}