Rustler’s Valley (part V): the children
By Craig Macaskill Posted 2017-09-17 In Blog After breakfast, we set off on our tour to see what was happening at Rustler’s Valley, what the Naledi Village Farmers’ Co-operative were up to. It began with the crèche and, next door to it, the school. I smiled at the appropriateness: children are the foundation of any […]
Rustler’s Valley (conclusion): The Conversation
By Craig Macaskill Posted 2017-09-17 In Blog The steps taken by EarthRise Trust in purchasing Rustler’s Valley and setting in motion what has happened since is a conversation on its own. Co-operatives have long been punted by governments worldwide as the vehicle to get the wheels of development turning. Our chapter on co-operatives begins: “Co-operatives are not […]
The importance of feeding on rotting meat
By Craig Macaskill Posted 2017-09-16 In Blog It is with great sadness that we read about 45 vultures being poisoned this week, ironically the week after International Vulture Awareness Day. That it happened in neighbouring Mozambique is immaterial. The sun shines, rivers run and vultures fly as they have for centuries: nature does not recognise the compromise […]
Rustler’s Valley (Part II): What problem do you most want to solve?
By Craig Macaskill Posted 2017-09-13 In Blog “What problem do we most want to solve?” The question is posed by Gino. Gino Govender has a history of organising and strategy, in trade unions and human rights organisations. His path has led him here, to being one of the founding members of EarthRise Trust, a not-for-profit initiative […]
Rustler’s Valley (part I): The Rumour
By Craig Macaskill Posted 2017-09-13 In Blog When I was growing up as a kid near Ficksburg in the Eastern Free State, Rustler’s Valley was what its name suggests: a hold out for the lawless; a safe haven from polite society. The local community was scandalised by stories of what transpired behind those there mountains: […]
Tree nuts
Introduction The tree nut industry worldwide is growing on the back of improved lifestyles and a desire to eat more healthily. South Africa has the climate and the ecology to become a recognised producer and value added processor of most nuts. The harvest time in the southern hemisphere is ideally suited too, just before the […]
Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts is an important crop in South Africa. It is an important earner of foreign revenue, has high growth potential while also being labour intensive.
Wood, pulp and paper
Introduction This page looks at what happens downstream of the plantations: sawmilling, furniture making, paper and pulp production etc. TIMBER PROCESSING Fibre Sawmilling Treated poles Charcoal Pulp milling Wood chip Fibre board From which come: (i) paper & paper products (ii) wood products Mining timber Sawn lumber From which come: (i) wood products (ii) wood […]
Forestry
Introduction Forests include plantations, natural/indigenous forests and woodlands/savannas. All activities linked to these fall under the umbrella of “forestry”. In addition to timber and related products, forests offer non-timber products and activity. They play a big part in our fauna and flora. Fruits, plants, medicinal herbs, birds and animals are found here. Trees protect watersheds […]
Rooibos (redbush)
Introduction Rooibos, Aspalathus linearis, is a natural herb found in the Cape fynbos biome. It is cultivated commercially mainly in the Cedarberg region north west of Cape Town. The plant thrives on coarse sandy soil and winter rainfall. It is called rooibos (‘red bush’) or Red Tea because of its colour when dried. It has a […]