From 3–7 August 2026, the Diocese of Mbhashe, in partnership with the Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI), equipped women from different Guilds and members of the clergy with practical food-processing skills during a training programme.
The five-day capacity-building programme focused on turning locally available produce into nutritious, value-added food products. Participants received hands-on training in making a variety of products, including watermelon and strawberry jam, orange and pineapple jam, vegetable atchar, tomato chutney, frozen vegetables and stir-fry mixes.
The training provided more than just practical cooking skills. It encouraged participants to see food processing as an opportunity to reduce food waste, improve household food security and potentially develop small income-generating activities within their communities.
The programme continued to bear fruit during the Mary Sumner Celebrations on 9 August, as participants graduated from the training and TARDI joined the Diocese in celebrating their achievements.
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