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3 April 2025

PRESS KIT

Small-scale farmers from almost 60 community food gardens across Southern Africa delivered farm-fresh produce directly to customers during Shoprite and Checkers’ Market Day on Thursday, 3 April 2025.

Since its launch in 2017, Market Day has provided Shoprite-supported community food gardens with access to the retailer’s large customer base as well as a platform to generate income, gain valuable retail experience, and showcase their dedication to sustainable agriculture.

“This Market Day marks an exciting milestone for us as it’s our first time participating, and we are thrilled to share our harvest with the public.”

- Mandy Leibbrandt from Hopi Agri, an affiliate of the Suikerbossie Park garden in Brackenfell

Ladies in teal shirts selling vegetables. Mandy Leibbrandt from Hopi Agri, an affiliate of Suikerbossie Park garden selling fresh produce at Shoprite Home Office, Brackenfell.

“Being part of this garden for the past three years has been an incredible journey, growing not just fresh produce but also a strong community of 50 dedicated members. More than just a garden, this initiative is a vital step toward food security. We harvest monthly and distribute food to those in need, ensuring that our efforts directly support the community. This opportunity allows us to expand our reach and strengthen our mission of promoting sustainable agriculture and food accessibility.” 

“My late neighbour, Gogo Mbambo, introduced me to the community garden, and it has since become a source of pride for all ten members.”

- Nonhlanhla Mkhize from Siyaphambili Womens Hub in Umgababa, KwaZulu-Natal

Ladies in red shirts selling vegetables. Mary Mphatse, Amelia Makatsa and Mapaseka Ntsepe from Free State Rural Women Assembly Agroecological Hub.

“Through this garden, we grow fresh produce that not only feeds our community but also helps us earn a living. Seeing our display at Market Day makes us so proud as it draws more people to visit our garden and buy directly from us. Beyond that, the garden keeps the Gogo’s active and supports the most vulnerable members of our community.”

The Shoprite and Checkers Act For Change  programme supports over 4 000 home gardens and more than 260 community food gardens, helping to support food security in communities across South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana and Namibia.

Location Data Table

The gardens that will participate in Market Day include:

Botswana:
  • Adams Eden – Shoprite Gaborone
  • Sharodan Farms – Checkers Airport Junction Centre, Gaborone
Eastern Cape:
  • Phawu Agripak Cooperative – Shoprite Dutywa
  • Silverdale Womens Development NPC – Shoprite Gillwell Mall, East London
  • Varhoyi & Mgodleni Co-op – Checkers Metlife Mall, King Williams Town 
  • Wathint’ Abafazi – Shoprite Ziyabuya, Gqeberha
  • Yizanazo Co-operative – Checkers Vincent, East London 
Free State:
  • Community Working Programme – Usave Koffiefontein
  • Free State Rural Women Assembly Agroecological Hub – Shoprite Botshabelo Mall
  • Hola Le Rona Integrated Educare Centre – Shoprite Harrismith
  • Qholaqhwe Garden Project – Shoprite Mandela Park, Phuthaditjhaba
  • Realeboga Bakubung Training & Development Agency – Shoprite Thaba Nchu
Gauteng:
  • Carroll Shaw Memorial Center – Checkers Tambotie Mall Randfontein
  • LeanoAgri Food Garden – Checkers Greenstone Hill, Edenvale, Johannesburg 
  • Mmakgomo Agricultural Cooperative – Checkers Pretoria North
  • Tholakele Centre of Hope – Checkers Selcourt Towers, Springs, Johannesburg 
  • Winnie Mabaso Foundation – Checkers The Glen, Gleneagles, Johannesburg
  • Vukasechaba Massive Fresh Produce Primary Co-Op - Checkers Mall Of The South
KwaZulu-Natal:  
Lesotho:
  • Action Lesotho – Shoprite Leribe, Lesotho

Limpopo:
  • Khenso Farming Co-Operative – Shoprite Namakgale, Phalaborwa
  • Marubini Multi-Purpose Women's Primary Cooperative – Checkers Makhado Crossing, Louis Trichardt 
  • Ratanang Agricultural Cooperative Limited – Shoprite Mankweng, Polokwane
  • We Can Women's Development Co-op – Shoprite Paledi, Polokwane
Mpumalanga:
  • Ekuqaleni Genesis Farm – Checkers Hyper Klipfontein, eMalahleni 
  • Ploughs and Feathers Co-operative Ltd – Checkers New Hazyview Junction, Hazyview
  • Phumelelani Savings Scheme – Checkers Hyper Secunda Mall
  • Sibonile Agricultural Co-operative – Shoprite Acornhoek Mall
  • Too Fresh Produce Cooperative – Checkers Ermelo
  • Timbavati Garden – Shoprite Acornhoek Plaza
Namibia:                                            
  • Groot Aub Fresh Producers – Shoprite Lafrenz, Windhoek
Northern Cape:
  • Agape Community Upliftment Projects – Shoprite Postmasburg
  • Bomajakatha Garden Project – Shoprite Postmasburg
  • Matlhwareng A Rona Co-Operative Limited – Checkers Kuruman
  • SARAG Development Agency – Food Security and Environment Program – Shoprite Kimberley 
North West:
  • Bakgatla ba Mosetlha – Shoprite Temba
  • Dirang Batswana Greenery Project – Shoprite Mini Koster
  • Kopanelo Projects – Shoprite Mahikeng Mall
  • Mama Ruby Primary Co-operative Limited – Shoprite Lethlabile, Brits 
  • PatCathy & Projects Co-Operative – Shoprite Potchefstroom
  • The Visionaries – Checkers Rustenburg
Western Cape:
  • Our Garden – Checkers Protea Heights, Brackenfell
  • Mhani Gingi – Shoprite Home Office, Brackenfell
  • Mthimkhulu Community Development Programme – Shoprite Kleinmond
  • Hopi Agri, an affiliate of Suikerbossie Park garden – Shoprite Home Office, Brackenfell
  • Vulamasango – Checkers Weltevreden, Mitchells Plain