Welcome to this week's edition of our newsletter, where we highlight the inspiring efforts of community leaders and organizations working to combat food insecurity in South Africa's most vulnerable areas sharing updates, challenges, and opportunities in sustainable farming and community development. The focus remains on empowering local growers to build self-reliant systems that make a real difference in people's lives.
Cold pasteurization
Pinning
Mushroom Cultivation Update: John shared exciting developments in mushroom farming, noting an expanding variety of spawn available from suppliers. New types include Chicken of the Woods, Pink and Golden Oysters, Shimeji (white and brown), Stropharia, and Enokitake. These join traditional options like button and brown mushrooms, offering greater business opportunities for entrepreneurs. Prices are dropping—oyster mushroom spawn is now under R200 —making it more accessible and profitable. John emphasized the ease of growing using cold pasteurization on straw in bags, with multiple harvests possible. Beyond food, mushrooms provide medicinal benefits (e.g., Lion's Mane for capsules) and byproducts like compost mulch.
Scott inquired about non-food uses, leading to talks on medicinal properties and drying for preservation. Nancy shared her challenges with failed batches, prompting John to advise on simple techniques like misting and using pre-inoculated packs to minimize contamination risks. He encouraged perseverance, highlighting successes like Bonginkosi's bottle-top method.
KZN Crop Updates from Bonginkosi: Recent spring rains have boosted potato growth, with harvests expected before year-end.
Spinach is currently ready for market, following the end of a previous batch two weeks ago.
Local Government Engagement: Mr Mbatha had a visit from a Gauteng agricultural extension officer highlighted requirements for support, including soil samples, water access, and cooperative standards.
Tree Planting Initiative. Despite initial frustrations with transport, the local municipality was able to transport the 200 fruit trees she’d been donated from Kempton Park nursery in Ekurhuleni. Plantings took place at schools Community Colleges, Thaba Jabula Secondary and Diepdale Primary schools in Pimville, Soweto. More trees are en route for additional sites, including open farming spaces and orphanages. The goal is to provide shade, future food sources for children facing hunger, and long-term community benefits.
Nancy questioned income potential, sparking ideas on self-sufficiency and outreach. John advised on planting techniques (e.g., fertilizers, hole sizes) and noted spring is still ideal for establishment. Scott emphasized turning efforts into self-supporting ministries, while John gave a nod to one of Nancy’s value add’s to a NPO’s activities, documenting the quantifying value (e.g., tree costs) for future fundraising and portfolios. Mannana affirmed WiArm's focus on building self-reliant communities without direct handouts.
University Partnerships (Dr. Modise): Progress on a memorandum of understanding with Lupano University in Zimbabwe for agriculture collaboration, focusing on the Welkom campus. Community projects will involve training, short learning programs with certificates, and on-campus farming. Dr. Modise also addressed local challenges in Welkom (e.g., service delivery, vandalism), with a meeting planned for October 14.
Livestock Project: Clint todus us about his preparations for a major initiative selling Boer goats and sheep in Isipingo, KZN, in partnership with a North Coast chief.
Clint seeks advisors for success and shared contacts for collaboration (e.g., with Mbatha on goat farming interests).
Eastern Cape Efforts (Eudonia): An agricultural team meeting is set to plan partnerships with departments for training projects amid food security crises, including child malnutrition. A colleague attended a "Gardening God's Way" workshop and is inspiring regional involvement in home gardens.
Other Notes: Scott stressed including community impact in reports for the newsletter. Bishop Verryn connected participants (e.g., Matshediso with Bonginkosi on seminary agriculture ideas) and encouraged replicating university-community models nationwide.
These updates show real progress in alleviating food insecurity through practical, community-driven agriculture. If you're involved in similar efforts or have resources to share (e.g., soil testing, seeds, or expertise), reach out via [email protected]. Let's continue making a difference—one harvest at a time.
Next Meeting: October 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Join us to contribute your voice, & stay inspired.
Podcast and YouTube versions, with video & extra images from the regions.
PodCast version from Bishop Paul Verryn's weekly Agriculture forum.
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