🐟 22nd August:Fish, Land & Data

Bishop Verryn invited reports, and John Dearden went first, while not much news on his end, they they've had a busy week revitalising a fish farming project during the quieter winter months.

Responding to student interest, they're aiming to have it fully operational by year's end, with all nutrients supplied by the fish in the closed recirculating model.

John also recounted an exciting interaction with a former student, from back in 2021, Thami from Orange Farm. he’s acquired two hectares of land near the Swaziland border in Mpumalanga, close to KZN.

The spot is ideal—a north-facing slope in a valley with full sun and a stream running through it. John advised Thami to expand to the available 60 hectares, drawing parallels to the productive valleys in the Western Cape's export industry. He mused aloud about how many untapped opportunities like this exist across the country.

Questions followed, with Mr. Mbatha inquiring about potential uses for such land, including goat farming ideas from his group in Mpumalanga and KZN.

For smaller plots up to 10 hectares, recommendations were to implement market gardening for its quick cash flow and low-risk mistakes.

Next up was Mr. Mbatha himself, reporting from a windy spot near a field.

His team is preparing to transplant seeds provided by John into their plot, with potting under way today and tomorrow.

The seedlings are thriving and ready for the field, marking steady progress on their farming efforts.

Manana Matima sought clarification, and Nancy elaborated: It would detail who's funding what (e.g., Coca-Cola on water purification or Anglo on farming in the Northwest), including time-lines and partner preferences, tapping into compliance-driven funds tied to BEE scorecards.

Last week, they hosted a Women's Month event with Minister Nyoso from Land and Rural Development, drawing 60 women and 12 men to discuss "Land, Woman, Faith, and Soil." Attendees received goody packs with spinach seeds and manuals, leaving Manana excited but exhausted.

Scott asked about the survey content, and Manana explained it covers challenges like land access, government assistance, farming duration, and future aspirations. The data will fuel campaigns in Sedibeng and south Johannesburg, focusing on issues like unused land, short leases, and fencing.

Danisa Qasha reported next, starting with Moringa.

She's training farmers on growing it, with an offtake oppor.tunity expanding from Botswana to South Africa, focusing on Limpopo and Mpumalanga clusters for export

In the Eastern Cape, they're starting a potato project in near Port St. Johns, sending tubers and organic rabbit manure today.

Planting begins Monday after field prep with 10 trained farmers.

Manana mentioned an upcoming event: Partnering with a local library for tree-planting days with 60 high schoolers on September 5 and 45 primary kids on September 12. She sought contacts for fruit and evergreen tree donations..

Spinach will be ready in two to three weeks, and festive-season potatoes are thriving, awaiting spring rains.

Bonginkosi reported from his project in Pietermaritzburg: Volunteer mothers dedicate two days a week—one to the main garden, one to a women's Manyano initiative.