New seedling tunnel enhances agricultural training for disadvantaged youth

A new seedling tunnel was officially launched at Living Hope’s agricultural training farm in Capri, as part of a new partnership between the non-profit and Tourvest Restaurants. 

The initiative was unveiled on Thursday, 17 July, in line with Mandela Day, a national call to uplift communities in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy.

Tourvest Restaurants funded the construction of the tunnel, which is set to enhance the training of young farmers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The tunnel allows for year-round seedling cultivation, helping to increase productivity, improve germination success rates, and provide students with critical experience in seed propagation and sustainable farming practices.

Living Hope described the partnership as a “shared vision to sow into the future of sustainable farming and food security by equipping the next generation of African farmers.”

Tourvest Restaurants CEO Josiah Montsho said the tunnel is more than just a structure — it’s a symbol of growth, opportunity, and hope.

“It is really a great honour to join you today for the official handover of this seedling tunnel — not simply as a structure but as a leading symbol of growth, opportunity and hope,” he said.

Montsho reminded the audience of Tata Madiba’s legacy, saying Mandela’s words continue to guide and challenge us to uplift others, serve the community, and work towards a better, more equitable society.

Quoting Mandela, he said: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

He praised Living Hope’s work, saying, “Your work empowering agricultural students, creating employment opportunities, supporting the homeless and engaging communities with compassion and care is a wonderful example of transformation in action.”

Montsho expressed hope that the site will become a living testament to what can be achieved when purpose meets partnership — “a place where dreams are nurtured, dignity is restored, and hope is cultivated every single day.”

He thanked the Living Hope leadership, staff, and volunteers for their passion and dedication, saying, “You remind us of the power of community and, most importantly, of living with heart.”

In closing, he urged everyone to remember Mandela’s words: “It always seems impossible until it's done.” He hopes the tunnel will serve as a lasting reminder of what is possible when vision, compassion, and courage come together.

The seedling tunnel supports Living Hope’s broader Agricultural Training Programme, which prepares participants to run farming operations from a business perspective.

The programme targets unemployed or underprivileged individuals and aims to help address poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity in South Africa.

The programme includes agricultural best practices, business basics and financial literacy, soft skills training and personal development, as well as mentorship in community development and business planning.

It also offers practical work experience, job shadowing and internship opportunities, support with launching agri-businesses, access to start-up loans and ongoing business support, and exposure to agricultural technology.

Participants are trained to become self-sustaining farmers and entrepreneurs.

The long-term goal is that graduates not only build viable businesses but also become economic contributors and credible voices within their communities.

Living Hope’s executive director, Victor Thomas, said the tunnel marked only the beginning of a growing collaboration between the two organisations.

“This is just the beginning of a growing partnership between Living Hope and Tourvest Restaurants — rooted in a shared commitment to uplift communities, invest in the future, and build a more food-secure Africa, one seed at a time,” he said.

He added: “It’s really teaching the next generation of farmers for our country. I see no reason why Africa can't be the envy of the world when it comes to agriculture and health. ”