OurPlazi Storage Hub

A Community-Based Agricultural Storage & Distribution Project By Lungani Mbatha

Last season, I experienced something that many small growers in most communities go through but do not talk about enough .After months of preparing the land, planting, and working hard to grow vegetables, I watched a large portion of my harvest rot before it could reach the people who needed it.Not because there was no demand…But because there was no proper storage.This is the reality for many of us in KwaNyuswa.

What I Have Already Started

This year, I decided to do things differently.

I have already:
– Prepared and cleared land for production
– Installed fencing to protect and divide the growing area
– Set up a water system using a diverted stream for irrigation
– Started working with others to prepare for the next planting season

These actions are not plans they are already in motion.

this year getting ready
me and the guys already started preparation.
already done with the first portion
already diverted river water into the garden, for irrigation system

The Main Challenge

Without proper storage:
– Farmers cannot grow in large quantities
– Vegetables must be sold quickly or they spoil
– Small shops cannot buy in bulk
– Opportunities for income are lost

I have already experienced this through spoiled potatoes and spinach from my previous harvest.

If nothing changes, the same losses will continue this year.

The hardest lesson: most of my crop was lost to early rot. Each spoiled potato is more than just wasted food it’s lost time, lost opportunity, and a reminder of why finding a solution matters so much.
another wasted harvest of spinach

The Solution: OurPlazi Storage Hub

THE COOLING SYSTEM PROTOTYPE

I have developed a concept for a low-energy agricultural storage system designed for our rural environment.

This system:
– Uses minimal electricity, making it suitable for areas with power challenges
– Can be supported by alternative energy solutions such as solar
– Is designed to extend the life of fresh produce
– Will allow us to store and distribute vegetables locally

electronics
Every solution begins with an experiment. This stage was all about exploring the basics—connecting wires, testing circuits, and learning firsthand how to control temperature and airflow with simple electronic components. It was a mix of trial, error, and those exciting moments when something finally worked, lighting the path toward a real, practical solution.
This was the moment where innovation and effort truly met. By bringing together the tested electronics and the newly built structure, I was able to assemble the first full prototype. It wasn’t perfect, but seeing every part come together working in harmony proved that the vision could become reality, one careful step at a time.
Turning an idea into something you can touch always brings challenges and excitement. Here, I moved from sketches and concepts to hands-on building, assembling the frame that would eventually hold all the electronics and cooling materials together. With each piece of the structure added, the dream of a working cooling hub became more real and more achievable.

This is when i was running the prototype for the first time , and everything went accordingly , it works under the condensation principles . watch the video to see more 

THE MARKERTPLACE APP FOR EVERY SMALL FARMER

This is another way that is aiming to assist the new produce growers and sellers, this also embodies the tips and tricks for beginners . it covers lessons and some part are translated in isiZulu. It user friendly watch the video to see whole lot more. So far to access the App at this stage is to go to the website  via mobile to experience the App version after visiting the website you’ll get the massage prompting you to install “OurPlazi” to your phone, you then install it . Click Here for mobile experience.

This is the interface of the APP have developed for all small farmers or anyone who want to sell or buy their produce , even the one that looking for the supliers

Community Impact

This project is not only about my work; it is about the community.

The OurPlazi Storage Hub will:
– Reduce produce waste like how how it has been happening lately
– Lower vegetable prices for local families.
– Support small businesses and street vendors; no need to travel far to buy from the farms, and also you won’t struggle to find suppliers, thanks to the OurPlazi App.
– Create opportunities for local supply to find nearby customers.
– Open doors for skills development; remember the App also has a learning section.

Over time, this can grow into a local distribution hub that supports many people.

What I Am Asking For

If you like to support this initiative, contributions can be made by supplying building materials, equipment, professional services, technical expertise, or other resources that directly advance the project

Support Needed
• Site clearing and land leveling
• Building materials for the foundation and structure
• Construction materials for the working station
• Construction materials for the cooling room and storage facility
• Basic operational equipment required to start serving local farmers
• Technical assistance and transportation support where possible

Progress Made So Far
✓ A working cooling system prototype has been successfully built and tested.
✓ Research and development have already been completed.
✓ Detailed facility plans and layouts have been prepared.
✓ Some equipment has already been purchased using personal resources.
✓ Material lists and quotations have been compiled.

Why Your Support Matters
This project has the potential to help local farmers reduce crop losses, improve food security, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the local agricultural economy.
While I remain fully committed to seeing this project succeed, completing it alone will be a slow process and may delay the benefits it can bring to the community.
With the right support, the project can move from a proven prototype to a fully operational storage and distribution facility that serves farmers throughout the region.

Lungani Mbatha
OurPlazi Storage Hub

📞 073 702 0378
🌐 www.thereallungani.co.za

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