Hello, friends!
Imagine stepping into a cosy, bustling room—or maybe you’re just tuning in with a cup of tea in hand. Either way, welcome to this week’s newsletter, straight from our Friday gathering. Today, we had Clergy with kind eyes, NGO workers with big dreams, Community leaders with notepads in hand, and academics who light up the space with their passion, bringing factual reasoning to the table. We’re all here for one reason: to lift up vulnerable communities, breathe life into townships, and plant hope in rural corners.
Whether you’re reading these words or hearing them through your ear-buds, you’re part of this story. So, grab a seat—let’s catch you up on what unfolded!
Land Investment and National Security: A Global Shift
Scott leans forward, his voice steady but brimming with urgency. He’s just heard big news from across the ocean. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has slammed the brakes on Chinese companies buying up American farmland.
Why? It’s about national security—keeping the food supply safe from foreign control.
It’s a plot twist that made us all pause.
Here in Africa, we’ve seen our own version of this tale: investors swooping in, scooping up fertile land, growing crops, and shipping them off to distant shores. But what about the families who’ve tilled this soil for generations?
What about the kids who need that harvest to fill their plates?
The Big Question: Could this American move spark a fire in African nations to protect our own land and food?
Why It Matters: Food isn’t just something we trade—it’s the heartbeat of our communities. If we guard it well, we secure a future where no one goes hungry.
Agricultural Projects: Growing Hope, One Community at a Time
Now, let’s wander through some stories that warmed our hearts today. First, there’s Thoko— think of her as a gardener of hope. She’s been busy registering the Joseph ”Power” Mpiyakhe MnTambo-Zim Foundation , a lifeline for child-headed homes, widows, and blind folks.
At the same time, she’s coaxing green shoots from the ground with agricultural projects for inmates.
It’s tough—elections and new committees keep slowing her down—but Thoko’s spirit? Unbreakable.
Then Anthony chimed in, his voice cutting through the winter chill. “Jabavu team,” he said, “spring’s coming—don’t let it catch you napping!” He’s right—those fields won’t plant themselves.
Land & Agri Training
Over in the Eastern Cape, Euodia from the LCC Congregational Church shared her dream: sending young people off for agricultural training.
Imagine them returning, hands calloused and minds sharp, ready to farm and feed their neighbours.
And Scott? He had us leaning in close. He’s juggling four community pilots, but one’s stealing the spotlight—a massive land transfer in Limpopo. It’s nearly done, and soon it’ll bloom into a hub where communities can thrive.
Picture families gathering there, kids laughing, crops growing tall — it’s a vision worth rooting for..
Market Breakthroughs: Opening Doors for Small Growers
Next, the room lit up with stories of doors swinging wide open. Meet Sibongile—trailblazer extraordinaire. She’s just become the first black woman to own market slots in Jo’burg and Mpumalanga, and the only black female market agent with an operational license. Her journey’s been a climb, but now she’s standing tall, showing every small grower what’s possible.
Then the ideas started flowing like a river. Someone piped up: “What about Durban and Cape Town? Could entrepreneurs team up with market agents there?” Picture this: at day’s end, agents sell leftover produce at a discount— less waste, cheaper food for families, and a lifeline for small farmers.
It’s the kind of plan that could ripple out, turning local wins into nationwide change.
The Ripple Effect: These aren’t just victories for one person or one place—they’re stepping stones to lift up growers and communities everywhere.
Research and Reality: From the Lab to the Land
Groundup.org
Now, let’s get our hands a little dirty—figuratively, of course. John and Emma took us to Stellenbosch, where fields are drowning after a soggy winter. “Waterlogged,” Emma said, shaking her head. “Without proper drainage, that land’s crying for help.” It’s a reminder: farming’s not just seeds and sunshine—it’s science too.
Scott jumped in with a quick nudge: “Hey, our newsletter’s got 64 subscribers now—give it a read, catch any typos, and tell John!” Electronic pages mean mistakes don’t stick around long.
Emma, ever the thinker, offered more: “I’ve got a PhD student who could talk sunflower diseases and climate risks.” Imagine a young researcher, charts in hand, helping us shield our crops from nature’s curve-balls.
Then Mr. Mbatha waved us over: “Team John, come see this field in Eikenhof!”
The lease owner’s on board, and it’s ours to shape — time to roll up our sleeves and dream big.
And Thoko? She’s got a spark of genius: wood scraps from a pallet company near Refilwe could become something useful for Malachi Lanseria.
It’s small, scrappy, and oh-so-smart—sustainability with a community twist.
Action Items: Turning Talk into Progress
Mark your calendars—our next meeting is Friday at 11:00. Come join the conversation as we keep pushing for a stronger, greener community!
Leasing for Impact: We’re digging into land investment models that put communities first, and our newsletter’s reach is fuelling that push.
Translation Team: John’s calling out: “If you speak IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, or Afrikaans, check our translations—make sure they sing!”
Lease Smarts: Mbatha got some wisdom: aim for a five-year lease minimum. Short terms risk losing all that sweat and love poured into the land.
Mandela Day Joy: The Emseni project marked Mandela Day with a flourish—a new tunnel, fresh trees, and hands in the dirt. A little sponsorship went a long way, lighting up smiles all around.
Next Gathering: Circle July 25th on your calendar—our next meeting’s a date you won’t want to miss
Whether you’re here with us on the page or catching this through sound waves, you’re in the story. Got a thought to share? Drop us a line at [email protected].
Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market wholesale prices - 19th July 2025
Potatoes retain the top spot in veggies at local w/sale markets.
Despite relatively high prices, smart entrepreneurs can still compete with larger retailers
Buy bulk and repack to smaller packs.
20kg pocket, R2.80/kg av price.
10kg pocket, av price R4.12/kg
5kg pocket, av price R16.12/kg
Prices above correct @ 18th July 2025, comparative products taken from respective online stores, product quality may vary. Boxer & Spar had no relative products, uSave has the same brand as Shoprite @ R11.99/kg.
Bedding Plants for Natural Pest Control in South Africa: A Comprehensive Guide
With the beauty of a thriving garden comes the challenge of managing pests. Instead of relying solely on chemical pesticides, many gardeners are turning to natural methods,
https://mdseedlings.co.za/garden-tips/bedding-plants-for-natural-pest-control-in-south-africa-a-comprehensive-guide/
Jabavu Bio-char class
DIY Biocarbon Production – A Step-by-Step Guide to Small-Scale Pyrolysis Methods
In this article, we will provide detailed step-by-step guides on how to produce biocarbon using the three small-scale pyrolysis methods mentioned earlier: top-lit updraft (TLUD)
Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa & Sesotho - Listen, Download & Share.
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