Extension 36 – First Evaluation

A number of 50 trees were evaluated at Olievenhoutbosch, Extension 36. All trees in the visited homes are growing well. The house owners are happy with their trees. The only problem is that, the trees are not mulched. It is that reason, while evaluating the trees, the house owners were reminded to mulch and make water basins.

Most of the residents said they water their trees twice a week, and the complained much about they type of soil they have. “Our land is not fertile. When they were building, they removed all the good soil.” Said one house owner.

Most fruit trees has no leaves but this is because it is still winter. People need to be reminded again and again about taking care of their trees.

Getting more involved with the kids in need

Megan visited a township to engage with the kids.

Project Report As of 24-06-2010: Permaculture Visit

By Megan Kallin

I went with Busi and two potential Japanese sponsors named Fumi and Masa to visit a Permaculture project at a primary school in Randburg. Masa is the founder of a Japanese NGO called Table for Two, which is now three years old. The idea behind the organization is that they are trying to combat the global food crisis whereby some of the world’s population eats too much food and is obese, and much of the world’s population is starving. The organization mostly operates in Japan but is also trying to start projects in the USA and perhaps Canada. What they do is add a surcharge to cafeteria foods served in workplaces and at schools, and they take the profits made from this surcharge to support the feeding scheme in Third World schools. Fumi has recently started working for the NGO, and he is currently doing a twelve-week internship in Malawi in the Millennium Villages Project as part of his masters degree in Development. His program is very similar to mine.

We drove to view an FTFA project at a primary school in Randburg, and we were welcomed there by the school grounds caretaker who is looking after the garden even though the school is on holiday. I was very impressed by all of the greenery on the school grounds- I’m sure that it will look even more beautiful in the summer. The Permaculture garden itself is quite large and it is flourishing despite the dry and cold weather. They had planted mostly spinach as well as parsley, celery, beetroot, and spring onions. They had also planted carrots and spinach underneath netting to protect the plants until they grew bigger. There was a sprinkler turned on watering some of the plants and they also had rainwater collection drums set up in a few places. There were also many water tanks and a plant nursery. There was a sign up in the garden explaining which plants were good companions, and there was a great deal of intercropping. They also use crop rotation.


The caretaker was very good to show us around the garden and explain everything to us. He was very knowledgeable and I learned a lot, and Fumi said that he learned a lot as well. The caretaker explained that they plant spring onions in winter because in summer they release more of a scent and attract pests, but if they are planted in winter then the plants will be strong and resilient against the pests. Tomatoes cannot be planted in winter because they cannot survive the frost. They cannot plant nearly as many plants in winter as they can in summer. The caretaker also showed us their compost heap and explained that they do not compost onions and garlic, but that they save these to use as natural pesticides. He said this pesticide works quite well. He also showed us their liquid manure composed of chicken manure, which they use to help fertilize the garden naturally. We also saw the orchard, and there were some small apple trees that had just been planted.

I was quite impressed with the project and the enthusiasm of the caretaker, who is supposed to be on holiday now but has volunteered to help out with the garden and with paving a driveway to the school. Fumi and Masa seemed quite impressed as well. Fumi is currently working on an agriculture project where they use chemical fertilizers to increase yields, and he and Masa were both impressed with what could be accomplished using organic fertilizers and natural processes.

Tree Evaluation Extension 23/24 - 17 June 2010

17th June 2010

Solomon Mondlane visited 92 houses taking pictures of each and every planted tree in every home. He also had an opportunity to speak with the house owners concerning the trees that were donated to them by Audi.

“My tree is doing well. I am following everything you told me to do guys.” Said Mr. Mabuyane with pride.

80% of the trees evaluated are doing well. The people water them twice a week. The challenges are that, most trees were not mulched and the water basins were not made around them.

During the evaluation I reminded the house owners about the importance of mulching the trees and making the water basins around them.

They promised to do that.

World Day to Combat Desertification

17 June 2010

By 09h00 the residents of Olievenhoutbosch, extension 19 were already waiting for their trees. The programme was supposed to begin at 10h00.

FTFA banners were already displayed, and the hole for the tree demonstration was dug.The Community Based Educators were interacting well with the residents who were shivering in cold. By 10h00, we had a significant number of people almost 400 of them waiting for their trees. 70% of them were women; 25% men and 5% were children.

By this time the trees were not delivered. People were now getting impatient. Solomon Mondlane and Sipho Mathe (FTFA Community Foresters) tried to explain to them why there was a delay in delivery of trees. The nursery had not delivered trees because those which were packed were damaged by the cold. There was no way we could contact the truck driver because his mobile was off; and it was difficult even for their office to contact him. We had no way to know their whereabout.

Sipho and Solomon came to a conclusion that they run the programme without trees on sight; and what would remain would be a “tree demonstration” part. 500 trees were to be distributed to the residents of Olievenhoutbosch.

The programme started as it was drafted in paper; but it was already 10h30. Sipho greeted the residents and apologised for the delay. He promised them their trees even if they were delivered late. He introduced the CBE, Ntombixolo Poni to welcome the people.

She expressed her happiness on the job done by FTFA and Audi and apologised for the delay. “This is the first time to happen. We have been working in this area for the past 4 to 5 months and nothing like this has happened.”

Sipho introduced the speaker, Solomon. He also apologised on behalf of FTFA and promised them that the trees would be delivered anytime from that momement. He talked much about Audi and FTFA partnership. He also told them the background of FTFA and the programmes that falls under FTFA. He xeplained more about the Trees for Homes Programmes.

The next speaker was the CBE, Mr. Gubini. He thanked the residents for coming down to collect the trees. He also emphasized on FTFA as a committed organisation to its work. He did not forget Audi for sponsoring with trees.

Solomon was called to teach the people how they will have to plant the tree on a dug hole. He demonstrated around the hole without a tree and explained how a tree was being planted and looked after.

The residents were grouped in such a way that, it would be easy for the trees to be delivered next to their households.

The residents were dispersed with the promise that they would be called by a loud hailer once the trees were delivered and they would get them by the spot they chose.

The trees arrived at almost 11h30 and people were already gone. A loud hailer was used and people came in numbers to take their trees, not at once though. The trees distribution event took long than what it was expected.

The event went until it was 15h00. All in all was a good experince and how patient one need to be; and be able to come with option 2 if the other part has failed to deliver.

We took time to do evaluation of other areas amd taking pictures of trees. We encouaraged the people to mulch their trees.

Umzansi, Uya-rocka Megan!

Megan has just learnt to blow i-vuvuzela after struggling for a while.

"Hola Mzansi"

"I can also do it!" That's Solomon

This is Megan in Mzansi taxi. Feel it, its Mzansi. From Olievenhoutbosch to Johannesburg.

Project Visit Report; by Megan

This tree planting demonstration and distribution was very successful. The people were very keen and attentive, and very grateful for their trees. Everyone made sure to get a pamphlet, and once they had received their trees, some people even kissed them. Many people took time choosing their tree, and many wanted to know the names of the trees and what types of trees they were. I think these people will treat the trees with loving care. Once the distribution was over, we visited one of the houses in the neighbourhood. The people there had already planted their tree, put mulch down, and they were watering it. One of the ladies there said she hoped that the tree would grow to be very big.

Before the demonstration Solomon and I dug a hole for the tree we were planting and we put up the banners for FTFA. We had a bit of trouble getting the banner beside the tree to face toward the crowd to make picture-taking easier. So, we had to take pictures from the other direction during the event. We folded pamphlets and I distributed them to everyone. Sipho spoke to the crowd mainly in Zulu, but also used a bit of English, and so I couldn’t follow most of what was said. Overall, I believe he was talking about the value of trees and how to look after them. Then Mr. Vessel talked about his product the ‘aqua matrix’ and did a demonstration. First, he demonstrated in a plastic cup how the product expanded and absorbed the water. When he tipped the cup upside down, no water came out. Mr. Vessel then went around the crowd with the cup, and I got a chance to feel it. It felt squishy. He then sprinkled some of the dry product into a hole dug in the soil and mixed the product in with the soil. Solomon and Sipho planted the tree along with the soil with the aqua matrix, filled in the soil, and put down some mulch. Solomon watered the tree, and Mr. Vessel pointed out to the crowd that the water was being absorbed very slowly because of the aqua matrix. This product’s long-term success has yet to be seen.

Tammy & Megan

Community resident & Sipho

Megan & the community residents

Community member

Mr. Wessel

Megan & community residents

Megan

Megan

Megan In South Africa

The Trees for Home Team

Megan & Solomon

Megan Kallin is a young lady from Canada who has just arrived in South Africa and she is volunteering with Food & Trees for Africa. She had been meeting with the staff members of FTFA for the past 2 days. “I’m glad to be here in South Africa.” She said. “I have been longing to come to this country since the beginning of this year.”

She is very happy to be around the country and to be meeting the beautiful people around. Her concern is the tight security; electric fence, and tall security buildings around most houses and business found in the city of Johannesburg and its surbubs.

Megan is looking forward to her 12 weeks she will spend in South Africa. She will be helping out in our different departments at FTFA. So far, so good!

We all say, “Welcome Megan to South Africa!”

Jeminah & Solomon on the Diski Dance

Megan & Sipho

Megan

Busie and Megan

Motlatse, Megan, Linda, Pamela & Annah

Megan and Jeminah

Jandi and Megan

Megan and Nonhlanhla

Megan and Mary - Ann

Solomon and Megan

Fanboy, Megan & Miranda

World Environment Day - TfH/Audi Distribution Event

It was a warm-beautiful day at Olievenhoutbosch on Saturday 5 June 2010. Food & Trees for Africa, and Audi SA got yet another opportunity to meet the residents of that community under “Trees for Homes” programme. This was at extension 36.

5 June is the World Environment Day. This day is celebrated all over the world annually. 500 trees were distributed to the residents of that community. We had 250 indigenous trees and 250 fruit trees. People started coming as early as 07h00. Most people were not aware that it was the World Environment Day. “What is happening with these trees?” asked one woman before the start of the programme.

Trees were already arranged the day before the distribution event. The Community Based Educators were already interacting with the residents who were very patient to stand in the colds waiting to receive their trees.

Mr. Mondlane who was the programme Director started the day’s event by greeting everyone and introducing himseld and his colleagues. He went on to thank Audi SA for their commitment in the greening of Olievehoutbosch. He also thanked Food & Trees for Africa for being there for the communities of South Africa who need them the most.

Mr. Mondlane introduced the invited speaker for the day, Mr. Solly who is the Chairman for the local SANCO. “We appreciate the work Audi and FTFA are doing for our community. We are so fortunate to be given trees for free in this age in time where everything is for sale.” Said Mr. Solly. He urged the community to look after their trees. He emphasised in the need of having more trees to fight against climate change, and adding value to their houses.

Mrs. Ntombixolo Poni was the next speaker to be introduced. She is currently volunteering with FTFA as a Community Based Educator. She was very happy to have the trees distributed at extension 36, and she urged the community to look after their trees. She also urged them to teach their children about the importance of trees in our homes. She thanked Audi and FTFA for their partnership and choosing Olievenhoutbosch to run their “Trees for Homes” programme.

Mr. Sipho Mathe was called to talk more about FTFA and its programmes. We then had Ms. Mookho Chaka who did the “Tree Planting Demonstartion”.

After that, every one was given a tree. The residents were happy about the initiative and knowing that they were celebrating the World Environment Day, “If they ask me, ‘What did you do on 5 June?” I will tell them, I planted a tree.” Said Themba Dlamini with a smile.

The event went very well and other neighbouring communities came to request that we do the “Tree Distribution Event” in their Extension. By 12h30, all trees were collected.

Pick N Pay -World Environment Week - 3 June 2010

“Trees are good for shade; they are good for fruits and they help us fight against global warming.” Shouted Solomon Mondlane using a loud hailer inviting the residents of Cosmo City to come and collect their trees. “Pick N Pay and other sponsors like Fruit tree, Aqua matrix, UNEP are proud sponsors of 540 trees to be distributed in this community. Come and have yours. One thing I like about trees is that, ‘when you want to say sweet words to your love one, you can say it politely under a tree. So come and take your tree’” continued Mr. Mondlane.

It was a lovely afternoon on 3 June 2010. 540 trees were to be distributed to the community of Cosmo City. All was set; the Community Based Educators were standing on their positions; and trees had labeled with the main sponsor’s logo.

The event started at 14h00 with guests from Pick N Pay and Aquamatrix. Ms. Mookho Chaka, FTFA Community Forester entertained the community by asking them questions related to the event. Those who got the answers right were rewarded with hand spades and products from Aquamatrix.

The event started on the high note with the Programme Director, Solomon Mondlane making jokes and branding the trees with all the good words like they were human beings. Amongst the guests was the FTFA-Trees for Homes Programme Manager, Joanne Rolt. Pick N Pay was represented by Ms.Lena Toko and Aquamatrix was represented by its Marketing Manager, Mr. Wessel Vlok. On our presence was also the new FTFA-Trees for Homes Administrator, Tammi Human.

Mr. Mondlane introduced the residents to a new Pick N Pay song he composed, and he also assured them that they would “Pick a tree and Not Pay”. He said to the laughter of the residents.

The first speaker was Ms. Jennifer Mbushe, who represented the ward counselor of the area. She thanked the Sponsor and FTFA for being with the community for a long time, distributing trees to the community of Cosmo City. “Pick N Pay does not only give trees but also food parcels to the community. We thank them for giving back to the community.” She said. “FTFA is our long time friends. If I had strength, I would give them houses here to stay.” She said. She thanked the community and everyone for coming and celebrating the World Environment week

Ms. Mookho Chaka was the next speaker. She briefed the community about FTFA and its programmes, and the purpose of planting trees. “FTFA is the pioneer of greening in South Africa and it is celebrating 20 years in this field.” She said.

We also had Mr. Wessel from Aquamatrix who introduced the community to their product that saves water when watering a tree. “A tree is the most important living thing in the world; it also out live many species that exist around the world. Make sure you take care of it.” Said Mr. Wessel who was speaking through an interpreter. His product was so amazing on how it hold the water together.

Mr. Wessel did the practical tree demonstration and demonstrated how one can use the aquamatrix product.

We had the speaker from Pick N Pay, Lena Toko who was happy to be part of the community on the week where the world was celebrating the environment. “We want to see the community taking care of all the trees and teaching the little ones not to destroy them.” She also announced that a Pick N pay shop would be built in the area so that it can benefit the community. The community was pleased to hear that.

Ms. Jennifer was called to give a vote of thanks. After that the community was taught how to plant a tree.

Everyone got his/her tree, the aqua matrix products and a packet of juice. It was smiles to everyone who was there.

The event went very well, and the community was thankful to Pick N pay, Aquamatrix, Fruit tree and to FTFA for what they were doing for the community of Cosmo City.