Breaking ground on new DSD & Agriculture Garden Project
On Friday, 19 September 2025, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture launched their Garden Project at the Bonnytoun Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC).
The Garden Project:
- Establishes food gardens at CYCCs to promote self-sufficiency and nutrition;
- Provides agricultural training to young people, offering them a pathway to employment and entrepreneurship; and
- Encourages rehabilitation through responsibility, while teaching discipline, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.
The fresh produce that will be grown will be used for community outreach projects, where it will be donated to crèches, schools, and a community kitchen that feeds indigent households.
The pilot project at the Bonnytoun CYCC is the first step in a wider rollout to several Child and Youth Care Centres in the Western Cape, ensuring that more vulnerable and at-risk youth benefit from this innovative partnership.
It is also part of on-going support that residents at these facilities receive.
Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer said, "The Bonnytoun Garden Project is a powerful example of how agriculture can transform lives and communities. Through our partnership with the Department of Social Development, we are not only cultivating food, but also hope, skills, and opportunity. Food gardens at Child and Youth Care Centres empower young people with agricultural training, promote nutrition, as well as entrepreneurial skills. This initiative reflects our commitment to food security, youth development, and sustainable agriculture – core pillars of our Strategic Plan and the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan. Together, we are growing a future where every young person has the tools to thrive."
Provincial Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt thanked Minister Meyer and the Agriculture Department for partnering with DSD to make this project a reality, “This partnership responds to dual challenges of empowering vulnerable youth and finding sustainable food production solutions. Through this project the children will learn about growing fresh produce, as well as cultivating a sense of discipline, teamwork, responsibility, and utmost respect for the planet.”
To access more information about services offered by the department, call our toll-free number on 0800 220 250, send an email to SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za or visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/social-development/services
Media enquiries
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development