I have given this piece a lot of thought and when the idea crossed my mind, I simply had to find an angle to it, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Leigh-Ann Londt. What touched me the most about Njo’s story was that he was trying to feed an unfortunate community, along with his family.
I think of the homeless people, the hungry people and the people who are both homeless and hungry and here are my thoughts for Mr BaNkuna:
Dear Njo BaNkuna aka the ‘Cabbage Bandit’,
I want to start off by saying I am sorry that our law system gave you a fine for planting crops in your front yard for a good cause.
I want to commend you on your bravery, you didn’t do this to look cool in the eyes of the world, but you are the world’s hero and I am pretty sure your family’s entire world.
You selflessly thought of the next person who remains stressed day-by-day, not knowing what their next meal would be and I thank you for that.
Our country is slowly supporting your aim of feeding the less fortunate by planting crops in their front yards, which indicates that your story has not gone unheard.
“When you meet the thickest darkness in life, pray for the brightest light.” ―
I plan to start planting a few crops outside my home too because we have a lot of hungry and homeless people in our area. Thank you for the idea.
Don’t let this one curveball in life get you down. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and I believe that you won’t give up this easily. I look forward to covering where your next planting location will be in your hometown.
“My dark days made me strong. Or maybe I already was strong, and they made me prove it.” ―
Remember: You buy a vegetable and you feed a family, you cultivate a garden you feed a community. Don’t ever be afraid. Keep your chin high! Your country supports you.
Yours sincerely,
Cape {town} Etc / Leigh-Ann Londt
Picture: Facebook / Njo BaNkuna