Who we Are

Turning Neglect into Nurture: The GRAPA Community Garden Journey

GRAPA (Gabriel Road Area Project Association), registered as an NPO NPC under Company Reg 2020/891518/08 and recognized as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO Number: 930075683), operates within the Plumstead precinct in Cape Town, South Africa, with a mission to rebuild social fabric holistically. Dedicated to fostering a safe, vibrant environment while preserving and enhancing the area's beauty, GRAPA is committed to attracting businesses, creating employment opportunities, and promoting community engagement.

Back in 2020, amidst concerns of increasing litter and crime in Plumstead, a group of residents formed GRAPA. Their mission: to increase security, engage the community, and beautify the area. A long-term vision emerged – to create a community garden, a beacon of hope in a neglected landscape.

In 2021, GRAPA took decisive steps towards realising this vision. They reached out to the City of Cape Town for assistance in joining the Food Garden Programme.  Navigating a bureaucratic maze for almost two years was not easy, it took a lot of patience and persistence.

After months of dedication and coordination, the groundwork was laid – both figuratively and literally. In 2023, the first seeds were sown, symbolising the culmination of years of hard work and community spirit. Today, the GRAPA Community Garden stands as a testament to resilience and collective action.

Every Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm, the garden comes alive, offering a diverse array of fresh produce to the local community and businesses. Additionally, a monthly Garden Market provides a platform for local vendors to showcase their goods alongside GRAPA's bounty.

As GRAPA continues to flourish, they invite all to join them in their journey. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates on events and available produce. Located at the corner of Bardia and Gabriel Roads in Plumstead, next to the Shell at the circle, the GRAPA Community Garden awaits – a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together.

Donating to GRAPA supports various transformative initiatives, including community beautification, security,  social well-being, local food security, and sustainable practices. Businesses can further support GRAPA through monthly financial contributions, sponsorship of garden maintenance, employee volunteer programs, in-kind donations, and various partnership opportunities, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and sustainable development.

Our Mission: To provide a safe and secure environment, restore, beautify, and preserve the area, and attract new business and employment opportunities to Plumstead.

We Enable: Spaces for community engagement, dialogue on community issues, open space management, security, sustainability, tranquillity, and a deeper connection with nature. We strive to instil a sense of belonging and ownership, improving the quality of life for all.

Our Intervention: The establishment of a community food garden ensures food security through organic growth and sustainable practices, benefiting marginalised and at-risk individuals and families. Plumstead was once a thriving business hub and an enabler of community growth and economic development.

We Promote:

* The safety and security of persons and property.

* The development of community spirit.

* The protection and conservation of our immediate environment.

* The preservation of property values through the upkeep and maintenance of properties in our neighbourhood to acceptable standards.

Goals & Objectives:

GRAPA plans to create an edible and indigenous community food garden with the aim of improving food security amid decreasing disposable household incomes, providing employment, fostering social interaction and cohesion, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing the neighbourhood’s overall appearance. We create safe spaces for exercise, watering of plants, and tending to flower beds.

Operational Phasing:

* Phase 1A: Establishing an indigenous fynbos garden and border, sheet mulching, and planting according to landscape designs, with regular watering.

* Phase 1B: Establishing a composting scheme for local residents, ensuring upkeep and organised drop-offs with volunteers or committee members present.

* Phase 2: Establishing a market garden, including sheet mulching, seed sowing, daily watering, plant care, and harvesting once crops mature. We begin with weekly produce sales and handouts.

* Phase 3: Creating a permaculture garden, starting with hardscaping, followed by sheet mulching and planting according to landscape designs. This phase requires frequent watering and plant care.

Join us in this transformative journey as we cultivate a vibrant Plumstead community!