​Lesego Montso
 
The One Clinic, One Garden initiative is bringing nutrition, skills and economic empowerment right into public health spaces, promoting wellness, dignity and sustainability. 
The community of Laudium have become the latest to get a garden established at their local health centre as part of the ongoing collaboration between the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH), Ebotse Development and Training Centre, Wits RHI and other partner organisations. 
The garden is expected to support patients, clinic staff, and the broader community with fresh, healthy food. Laudium Community Health Centre (CHC) will become a place not just of physical healing, but of growth and hope.
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said that the One Clinic, One Garden initiative is part of efforts to fight diseases long before the patient enters the consultation room.
"Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity are filling up our clinics. They are preventable. They are lifestyle related, and the answer often lies in our diet. If we can change what is on our plates, we can change what happens in the waiting room. That is why we want every clinic in Gauteng to have a garden," urged the MEC. 
Lebogang Sephuma, assistant manager at the clinic said that the garden will support a planned soup kitchen which will provide nutritious meals for patients, particularly those who spend long hours in queues waiting for care.
"This initiative will go a long way in improving patient experience. With the garden and the soup kitchen, we can give patients something nourishing while they wait. This is also an opportunity for us to create a cleaner and green environment," said Sephuma.
The One Clinic, One Garden does not only end by developing food gardens in communities, it also provide skills development programmes, creating jobs and opening new paths of income for disadvantaged families.  
With the support of Ebotse Development and Training, members of clinic committees and residents receive a three-month training programme in farming, poultry and plant production as part of the initiative. 
"These selected participants are paid a stipend during training, form cooperatives, and are supported with access to land, tools, and connections to market opportunities. This is how we empower communities. This is how we fight hunger and joblessness, one clinic, one garden at a time," said the MEC. 
In addition, the GDoH onboarded the Laudium CHC staff on the "I Serve With a Smile" campaign as part of continuous efforts to building a healthcare culture full of empathy, kindness, respect, and compassion.
Staff at Laudium CHC pledged to service with a smile, joining many others in Gauteng who are embracing this campaign. 
"Let this clinic be known for not just what it treats, but how it treats people, with dignity and warmth," added MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.