Food prices saw large jump in 2020
Recent research from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PEJDG) shows that food prices rose by 17% over the course of 2020, going up faster than inflation for the year. In December 2020, the total price of a basket of food to feed a family in a month was at R4,002.42, marginally lower than the same basket in November (R4,018.22).
No Ringing in the New Year for South Africans – Alcohol Banned Again
On December 28, 2020, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a total ban on the sale of alcohol from stores, restaurants and bars until January 15, 2021, except in the case of exports or for sanitizers.
Top Brewers and Bartenders wow with Indigenous Ingredients in Drinks this Festive Season
Local brewers and mixologists are capitalising on the opportunity which South Africa’s rich plant life presents by developing unique beverages for local and international markets, enhancing sensory experiences for tourists and locals alike.
Wow, can wood really make that?
For millennia, trees have provided mankind with fuel, food, fibre and medicine from their fruit, flowers, roots, wood, leaves and branches. In fact, many things we use daily are connected to wood. Printer paper, chewing gum, planks, viscose fabric, vitamins, pallets, toilet tissue, toothpaste, and detergents all have a link back to wood.
Developing Nestlé’s first Net Zero Dairy Farm in South Africa
Nestlé has announced the Skimmelkrans Net Zero Carbon Emissions Project: an ambition to create the company’s first carbon neutral dairy farm, located in George, South Africa. Nestlé has committed that by 2023, the farm will be carbon net zero.
Pulling the wool over … our faces
The pandemic face masks look set to be an environmental burden – disaster even – for decades to come. What about masks made from wool?
Producer associations and stepping up to the plate
At the virtual meeting last week, a member of the parliamentary Portfolio committee for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development asked the National Agriculture Marketing Council (NAMC) why smallholder farmers were selling products to other producers, instead of being linked directly with markets.
Water Stewardship event emphasizes good governance and sustainable investments for green recovery
The 6th Annual Water Stewardship Event convened on Tuesday, 17 November and provided examples of how strengthening water sector governance and stewardship practices can provide a pathway for a green and inclusive recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.
Wayne – Africa’s largest and leading gumboot specialist over the last 80 years
Wayne Safety started manufacturing gumboots an incredible 80 years ago, with Wayne Rubber producing rubber gumboots in KZN.
Friday again! (A look at employment in agriculture)
It’s Friday again and many of us are wagging our tails, so to speak. There is usually a sense of relief and anticipation on this time of the week as people look forward to being at home and enjoying a break from the office. Spare a thought for the many who are without employment at this time, some 30.8% of the working population (which, as we are sometimes reminded, doesn’t include those who are discouraged and are no longer pursuing the search for jobs).