Three Saldanha Bay schools—Diazville Primary School, Masiphathisane Primary School, and Steenberg’s Cove Primary School—have taken a major step toward improving food security and agricultural education thanks to a sustainable food garden initiative delivered by TotalEnergies. The project aims not only to provide fresh produce, but to cultivate a deeper agricultural awareness among young learners, nurturing future stewards of the land.
A Milestone for Community-Based Agriculture
The handover took place on Tuesday, 25 November 2025 at Diazville Primary School. Representatives from the Department of Education, community leaders, project partners and school staff gathered to celebrate the establishment of the gardens. These gardens form part of TotalEnergies’ broader Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy, which prioritises long-term, practical agricultural solutions for communities.
Infrastructure Designed for Sustainable Production
Each school received a fully developed garden system that includes garden beds, tools, seedlings, and practical training for educators and learners. The approach supports both short-term production and long-term sustainability, ensuring that gardens can continue operating season after season.
Agriculture as Education
According to Baxolile Msomi, Communications & CSI Manager for TotalEnergies E&P South Africa, the project goes beyond food production.
“These gardens are much more than a source of fresh food. Through this project, learners will gain practical skills, while also helping communities to become more food secure. We are proud to partner with these schools in building long-term solutions that support education and nutrition,” Msomi said.
Teachers and principals echoed the importance of agricultural learning becoming part of the school experience. Diazville Primary School Principal, Lee-Ann Davids-Hartzenberg, highlighted that the gardens foster responsibility, environmental awareness and practical life skills that extend well beyond the classroom.
Strengthening Community Food Systems
The initiative supports a wider regional need: strengthening local food systems in semi-rural coastal communities where access to fresh produce can be inconsistent. By training learners in basic horticulture, crop care and sustainable growing methods, the programme lays foundations for long-term agricultural resilience.
The handover event concluded with a guided tour of the newly established gardens, a harvesting demonstration with learners and a symbolic tree-planting ceremony. These activities emphasised the community’s shared commitment to nurturing the gardens and ensuring their continued success for years to come.