Rooted in purpose: How Sasfin Wealth’s food garden project is cultivating change

Sometimes, making a difference isn’t about grand gestures. It starts with something as simple as a patch of soil, a shared purpose, and a willingness to show up. That’s exactly what happened with Sasfin Wealth’s Food Garden Project; a collaboration that has sprouted more than just vegetables. It’s planted pride, purpose, and powerful connections.

A project rooted in purpose

The Food Garden Project was born from a desire to do more for our communities and the planet. As Viksha Rajcoomar, Head of Human Capital at Sasfin, explained, it was a way to bring our values to life: “We wanted to make a meaningful contribution to food security while encouraging sustainability and employee involvement. It speaks directly to our culture of care, innovation and long-term impact.”

What started as a simple wish to plant a few trees evolved into a full-scale food garden in partnership with Greendale House (formerly Hospice Wits Soweto), responding directly to a community need.

Bringing the garden to life

With the help of sustainability experts and local partners, the project was shaped into something functional and resilient. It didn’t take long for our graduate team to roll up their sleeves and dive in.

“The energy and enthusiasm from our grads was incredible,” said Kelsey Carlton from Human Capital. “They were hands on, eager to learn, and committed to making a difference.”

From designing the garden layout to digging and planting, the graduates were at the heart of the initiative. Their involvement turned a CSI project into something deeply personal and purpose driven.

A graduate perspective: lessons in growth

Tshireletso Vlaarmuis from Sasfin Health Consulting found fulfilment in the garden’s impact. “Knowing that we were helping someone facing challenges made it incredibly meaningful. It showed me how small actions can make a big difference.”

Wealth FICA’s Palesa Kubeka echoed this: “The project reminded me of the value in collaboration. Seeing how different people brought their skills together was a powerful reminder of what community looks like.”

Ziyanda Manaway from the Central Investment Desk captured the heart of the experience: “Just getting my hands dirty and doing something real made it feel like we were leaving something positive behind. Even if we don’t see the end result, the effort matters.”

Unexpected challenges, unforgettable moments

As with any project, there were hurdles. From tough soil to telling weeds apart from young vegetable plants, the team faced practical challenges head on. But the sense of reward in seeing the garden take shape was undeniable.

“The digging was tougher than expected,” said Ziyanda. “But standing back and seeing the garden in full bloom made it all worth it.”

What the project taught us

Beyond gardening skills, the initiative reminded them of the importance of humility, teamwork and consistency. “It made sustainability and food security feel more real,” said Tshireletso. “We all have a role to play in protecting our environment and supporting our communities.”

Palesa added, “It taught me to appreciate what I have and how I can use my role at Sasfin to make a difference.”

Where to from here?

At Sasfin Wealth, sustainability goes beyond ESG metrics, it is about fostering partnerships that nourish both people and purpose. Our collaboration with Hospice Wits at Greendale House is a powerful example of this, where a simple food garden has become a living legacy of dignity, hope, and healing. Together, we have transformed a piece of land into a space where growth is measured not in profits, but in people empowered, plates filled, and spirits lifted.

Viksha sees this as just the beginning. “Our next step is to expand, either through new gardens, workshops, or getting more teams involved. We welcome anyone who wants to volunteer, donate, or simply be part of the journey.

At its core, this wasn’t just about planting vegetables. It was about planting values. And that, perhaps, is the most meaningful harvest of all.

Curious to see more? Check out our video recap and follow the journey on our content hub.