Another World is plantable - Part 3

Community gardens are widespread in South Africa, mainly because people – most of all in the townships – are extremely poor and need food. Most of the gardens are founded and supported by governmental agencies, NGOs and private companies.

It mustn’t be forgotten that despite the fact that the black majority of the population gained political rights after the end of apartheid, most people are still very poor. The recent economic boost only benefits the rich minority. In most cases neo-liberal policies have had a negative outcome for the poor.
Health care and social benefits are not being invested in; instead they are made more expensive through privatization. As a result some people feel government and business support of poor communities is simply propaganda to distract from neo-liberalism. This becomes especially clear when you hear the Health Minister and President Mbeki saying that HIV/AIDS would be treated more effectively with garlic from community gardens, than with medication.