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 […]
Moringa
Introduction The moringa tree has its origins in the northern regions of India. In Africa, two types are grown, moringa oleifera and moringa stenopetala (Lekgau, undated). The moringa tree is considered one of the most nutritious trees in the world since it has vitamins, minerals and amino acids which the human body requires for health. The leaves can be […]
Indigenous medicinal plants
Introduction In the past two decades, the links between bio-cultural diversity and the richness of plant species in South Africa have contributed to ongoing attempts to develop traditional medicines for use in the modern complementary and alternative medicines sector. Eventually this will aid in the discovery of new drug entities for pharmaceutical industries. African traditional […]
Water and the three percent
By Craig Macaskill Posted 2017-08-13 In Blog When I first heard, years ago, that the name of a piece of music was Water Music, I chuckled, and chuckled even louder when the friend earnestly asked: “Do you get it?” The name was whimsical, silly and the young man who was me did not “get it”. I […]
Hunting
Introduction Information on hunting (regulations, procedures etc) can be found at www.phasa.co.za and www.sahunters.co.za. In the latter half of the twentieth century a new model for management of game on private land developed in South Africa. Fundamental to this model were the issues of private ownership of game animals and adequate fencing required to keep animals in the […]
Donkeys
Introduction Donkeys can play a vital role in the economy. As a result of the droughts the number of donkeys used for cultivation and transport has increased dramatically. In the southern part of Africa donkey use is on the increase and liable to remain at high levels for the foreseeable future. Donkeys are utilised throughout […]
Dairy processing
Introduction “Milk producers” are milk farmers. “Milk processors” buy milk from producers and process it for the retail market. Some role players, of course, are both and are termed producer-distributors in the annual Lacto data publication by the Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO). The reader will find some of these listed under the “Companies involved” heading. In order to […]
Dairy cattle farming
Introduction South Africa’s dairy industry compares favourably with the world’s top dairy industries in farming methods and processing of dairy products. Although dairy farming occurs throughout South Africa, it is concentrated in the coastal provinces, with 86,1% of production coming from the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape (MPO, 2026). In January 2026 there […]
Baking
Introduction Bread is the second most important supplier of energy (kilojoules) in the South African diet after maize products. Apart from bread, bakers also produce other products like biscuits, pies and pizzas. Local business environment South Africa manufactured 3 289 138 tons of wheaten products in the months October 2024 – August 2025. SA imported […]
Abattoirs and the meat industry
Introduction Natural progression from live animal to carcass to meat: Animals are transported, offloaded and kept for slaughter in a manner that does not involve unnecessary pain. Clean water is provided continuously. Depending on the time they have to wait for slaughtering, food, in accordance with their needs, is provided. The animals are handled in […]