Key highlights include updates on projects, practical advice on composting, and inspiring ideas for church-based green spaces. Here's a recap:
John Dearden shared progress on the Cape Town project, focusing on recycling food and garden waste, container growing in bags (with potential for value-added sales like fish integration), and direct-to-consumer produce.
He also mentioned uploading Willem Landman's meteorology presentation to Spotify, with Emma Archer (University of Pretoria) confirming its accuracy and noting Willem's teaching enthusiasm.
Bishop Paul highlighted Willem's family connections and critical thinking.
In response to Nancy Ncube's query on odor-free composting from garden waste, John Dearden explained balancing "greens" (nitrogen-rich, like grass clippings and food scraps) and "browns" (carbon-rich, like cardboard and dry leaves) with a 50:50 ratio to begin with.
He advised layering materials, turning the piles weekly for faster decomposition (3 months vs. a year), covering during rain to prevent leaching of nutrients.
Green Anglican and Church Initiatives: Sheila reported on the "Green Anglican" program (now shifting to an ecumenical focus), promoting tree planting and food gardening in churches, including Methodist involvement.
Sheila agreeing to share contact details via Bishop Paul.
Scott proposed adding therapeutic/healing plant gardens at church entrances for medicinal use and positive energy, sparking enthusiasm from Emma, Nancy (who shared her garden-based skincare routine using plants like kumquats and aloe vera), and Bishop Paul (who noted similar reflective gardens in various faiths).
Cultural and Therapeutic Plant Discussions: The group explored indigenous plants like impepho (a wild aromatic "weed" used for cleansing, as described by Nancy and Bishop Paul), sage, lavender, and basil.
Bishop Paul shared examples from Ethiopian Episcopal and Catholic practices, emphasizing cultural sensitivity (e.g., differing uses among Sotho and Swazi communities).
Emma mentioned university gardens for food and therapy, and Nancy highlighted feng shui-inspired energy from plants. Bishop Paul referenced a succulent for fever blisters and encouraged fruit trees like mulberries in church settings.
Anthony: Apologized for absences and inquired about Jabavu progress, with plans to reconnect with John Dearden in November.
David: Completed data collection for the Vaal agricultural survey (urban agriculture in townships), a collaboration with WE-ARM, Orange Farm Advice Center (represented by Manana), and Lawyers for Human Rights. Draft report awaits feedback.
Excited about the Vaal survey completion; Manana reported meetings with Social Development and Agriculture departments in Mfuleni, leading to a site visit next Tuesday for land development.
Mr Mbata: Noted challenges in rural areas under Amakhosi, including unclear regulations for starting agricultural projects; expressed interest in meeting Manana and connecting with KZN contacts like Nomvuyiso, Milton Cele, Mkulisi Nioswa, and Douglas Dziba for support.
Clint Ngoma: Preparing goat projects at Jozini Dam (breeding genetics, starting Dec/Jan) and Isipingo (selling goats, starting April). Nancy suggested exploring Angora goats for mohair production, given SA's global dominance (80%+ supply), and will connect directly.
Scott (SULSA Solutions): Focused on long-term planning; highlighted parliamentary hearings exposing corruption (e.g., R2B+ lost in healthcare), urging prayer for change to enable government partnerships in food security.
Together, we're cultivating hope and sustainability—one seed at a time.
The PV Agri Team
Contact: [email protected]
The WhatsApp group was packed with infomation and inspiration, with Nancy Ncube and Jack Armour adding valuable insights and hope giving links.
Blessed are the Peacemakers is about becoming intentional, as South Africans, about healing our nation and for once and for all moving forward together.
Kumquat extract is becoming increasingly popular in skincare due to its numerous benefits that improve skin health and attractiveness.
Mohair is the fleece of the Angora goat, and it’s one of the world’s most beautiful sustainable natural fibres. South Africa is the biggest global producer of mohair, producing approximately 51% of the world’s mohair.
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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