They delved into the newsletter's effectiveness, Paul expressing satisfaction but emphasizing the need to build capacity nationwide.
Suggested improvements included distribution, noting that WhatsApp links often get quicker attention in South Africa than emails.
As the conversation flowed, Scott elaborated on content strategies, praising John's use of AI to draft from transcripts, which added a polished flavor despite its generic tendencies.
He proposed a long-term shift: reframing the focus from pure agriculture to an "agricultural community" narrative, emphasizing how farming impacts people—drawing on the group's strengths to fill a void in typical publications.
Paul questioned if this would alter inputs, but Scott reassured him it was more about repositioning, like discussing bean harvests not just as yields but as community benefits.
Soon, the group expanded with arrivals like Euodia, Nancy, and Mbatha, greeted warmly by Paul, and apologies were read.
John went first, reflecting on the newsletter feedback and suggesting Scott expand on reports from contributors, to highlight the community benefits and potential of their reports, that might not be initially apparent.
Google Mapped Out
Space capacity
Detailed growing/layout ideas
He also shared updates on Mr Mbatha's site, an eight-hectare plot, which neared commercial scale possibilities.
Using the location pins Mr Mbatha provided, to analyze topography and water sources, advising on scalable farming options, to remotely help asses the site.
Something that members of the group could also consider for their sites.
John also noted Jonathan's struggles in Jababu, Soweto, with electricity issues delaying the tool & equipmnt recon updates, however, seedlings were planted and non-electric work was hopefully continuing.
Bishop Paul mentioned potential plans to address electricity at Jababu, aiming for solar eventually after settling ESKOM debts.
Scott reinforced this, urging financing for solar installations as a cheaper, more reliable alternative to ESKOM, with fixed payments leading to long-term savings.
Scott then shared his own updates: an upcoming meeting on a land transfer in Limpopo, signed by President Ramaphosa, involving tribal reclamation from public or government land, including a former military base.
Despite objections, progress was steady, and the group expressed interest in applying Sulsa Solutions' sustainable protocols for an agricultural community hub. He also described work with Parktown North Methodist Church, transforming it into a sustainability center with initiatives like recycling, water use, and home gardening, tied to sermons on sustainable living.
Nancy sought clarification on the land transfer, questioning government involvement in tribal land. Scott explained its history as a reclamation process through multiple departments, with public notices and resolved petitions from hundreds, now addressing final objections.
E. Volanie (Euodia) but deferred her full report, later sharing slow progress on registering a non-profit, enriched by conversations with Nancy and Denisa (introduced via Sibongile) on potatoes & markets.
She appreciated the YouTube channel for exciting members about ongoing work and noted Denisa's interest in rejoining the group—Paul instructed her to send contact details.
Mbatha reported enthusiastically on two fronts.
In KZN, the community garden had expanded with more members joining, clearing trees for space and seeking municipal or provincial support; he invited Paul and the team for a visit.
On a plot from last week, challenges persisted with the lease owner hesitant to sign permissions, despite willingness from Manana (who couldn't attend due to budget issues). Mbatha's team planned to discuss next steps, possibly partnering with others, but emphasized needing a written agreement for security.
Nancy probed on the signature's purpose, and Mbatha clarified it was for timed permission to avoid risks. John advised addressing the owner's concerns with milestones and clauses tied to performance.
AMCU President, Joseph Mathunjwa and Bishop Paul Verryn. Photo: Neil McCartney
As the meeting wrapped, Paul noted the Marikana anniversary's significance, having journeyed with them since the tragedy.
He scheduled the next meetings session for 11 a.m. the following Friday, wishing everyone blessings and a wonderful week ahead, echoed by fond farewells from Scott, Nancy, and others.
Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa & Sesotho
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