September 2010 DAFF Official newsletter of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Also in this issue: Departmental News 3 Competition recognises Female participation of women Departmental News Entrepreneur 5 Support for winners Awards Departmental News Arbor city award function 7 ceremony

Departmental News DAFF proclaiming 8 champion trees

Provincial News 9 Farmers sign charter

Sector News

Learners grow 10 vegetable gardens

Sector News

Food and wine tasting 11 in Shanghai

Sector News Ms Mavis Mathabatha, winner in the category: Top Entrepreneur: Commercial, Goliat van Gat pumkin Processing and also overall winner and Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of 12 Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Ms Mathabatha walked away with a total of competition R365 000 in prize money. Departmental There is no reward for laziness

By Mercia Smith

First Lady, MaKhumalo, who is the patron of food security in , said in her motivational speech that she appreciates the numbers that are gathered at the occasion to celebrate the contribution of women towards food security and improving the liveli- hoods of families. Women have always worked hard and stayed focused. “Today, as I speak to you, I urge and encourage you to continue work- ing hard and to continue producing from the soil and the oceans” she said. She told the women that their efforts have proved that there is no reward for laziness. Such efforts also teach our young people that only through hard work can they succeed. Hard work prepares our youth to take the baton and proceed on- MaKhumalo received a mohair blanket as gift from Province. With ward to a successful and more food-secure her is Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. future for our country. It is indeed true that through this sector we can improve our lives and our economy.

Dancers from Stimba Sound Productions entertained guests at the Awards function.

Editor Rebecca Thlabane (012) 319 7165 [email protected] DAFFnews is the newsletter of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Reporters Thuli Dube (012) 319 7929 [email protected] Fisheries. Private Bag X250, PRETORIA 0001. Samuel Kgatla (012) 319 7181 [email protected] It is published by the Directorate Agricultural Information Services, Private Bag Innocent Mhlanga (012) 319 7827 [email protected] X144, PRETORIA 0001. Rony Moremi (012) 319 6622 [email protected] Percy Sepaela (012) 319 6866 [email protected] Opinions expressed in DAFFnews are not necessarily those of the editorial team. Mercia Smith (012) 319 6666 [email protected] No part of this newsletter may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by Subeditor Ruben Mitchell (012) 319 7183 [email protected] any means, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or Distribution Pam Sutherland (012) 319 7104 [email protected] retrieval system without prior permission from the editor. Photographer Fanie Mahlangu (012) 319 6654 [email protected]

2 September 2010 DAFFnews No. 9 Departmental Competition recognises participation of women

By Mercia Smith

The Female Entrepreneur of the Year of the Year competition was Ms Mavies 2010 Awards were hosted by the De- Mogasie Mathabatha of . partment of Agriculture, Forestry and For female entrepreneurs to be eligible Fisheries in conjunction with Total SA, for the competition, they must have their the platinum sponsor at Mentors Coun- own businesses. In the case of groups, try Estate in Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape ownership by women should be 80% and Province, on 28 August 2010. companies must be registered in their Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson said names. In the case of a trust, 80% of the the main objective was to encourage and trustees must be women and they must be recognise the participation of women active. In instances where management is in the agricultural, forestry and fisheries in the hands of many people, a business sectors. The event rewarded efforts to establishment will be entered as a legal contribute to food security by women and entity collectively representing the group young people. and winnings must be shared equitably. The function was also attended by the first lady, MaKhumalo, who is also the Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of patron of food security in South Africa. She Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, with a traditional Xhosa pipe encouraged young people to venture into agriculture and urged that people must not be afraid of hard work. “It is only through our labour that we can be able to feed this country”. The winners were awarded in seven categories. Under Best Female Worker in the forestry sector, the winner was Ms Grace Hlatshwayo of . In category 2, Best Subsistence Producer in the agriculture sector, the winner was the Mogogakgomo Project of the North West. Ms Nonceba In the fisheries sector, the winner was Ms Gxasheka, Dolie Patricia Mthembu of KwaZulu-Natal. Eastern Cape In category 3, Top Young Entrepreneur in provincial the agricuture sector, the winner was Ms coordinator for the Female Serena Vivashe of the Northern Cape. In Entrepreneur category 4, Top Entrepreneur: Smallholder Competition with in the processing subcategory, the winner Ms Tina Joemat- was Ms Merle van der Merwe of the Free Pettersson, Minister of State. In category 5, Top Entrepreneur: Agriculture, Commercial in the Horticulture and Crops, Forestry and the winner was Emmanuel Haven Farm of Fisheries, giving the Eastern Cape. In the Livestock subcate- the minister a traditional Xhosa gory, the winner was Ms Karin Pretorius of outfit as a gift Gautengm and in the Processing subcate- gory, the winner was Ms Mavis Mogasie Mathabatha of Limpopo. In Category 6, Top Entrepreneur: Export Market in the Fisheries sector, the winner was Ms Adele Hattingh of the Western Cape. The overall winner of the 2010 Female Entrepreneur

No. 9 DAFFnews September 2010 3 Departmental Competition promoting women in various sectors

By Mercia Smith

Ms Grace Hlatshwayo, winner in the category: Best Female Worker, Forestry and Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Ms Hlatshwayo is from North West MEC, of Agriculture, Conservation and Mpumalanga Province and she works on the Zonstraal Timber Environment, Mr Boitumelo Tshwene and Ms Gladys Farm, which measures 280 hectares. She started in 1996 as Kgatle of Mogogakgomo Project in North West Province. an operational worker with the sole aim of supplementing the The project won the category: Best Subsistence Producer, family income. Because of her ability, Grace was moved to the Agriculture. It was started in 2006 in Moretele processing site of the farm as part of her promotion. Municipality was started in 2006. Their produce includes tomatoes, which they plant in a tunnel and spinach and cabbage, which they plant outside. They supply their local Spar, local vendors and the local community with vegetables. They also donate spinach and tomatoes to local schools, and water to the community.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development, Ms Lydia Johnson, with Ms Dolie Mthembu, winner in the category: Best Subsistence Producer, Fisheries. Ms Dolie Patricia Mthembu is a 41year-old single mother of five making a living as a licensed fisherwoman under the Intshwayelo Conservancy. She operates in KwaNgwanase in KwaZulu-Natal on the border of South Africa and Mozambique and sells fish to hawkers, retailers and the local community. Dolie now boasts three Izimvambi (kraal entrapments built on the beach) which she uses to catch a variety of fish from November to March (summer) and from April to June (winter).

4 September 2010 DAFFnews No. 9 Departmental

Northern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr Norman Shushu, Ms Tina Joemat- Pettersson, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Serena Vivashe, winner in the category: Top Young Entrepreneur, Agriculture and Dr Jerry Gule, General Manager: Transformation at Total SA. Total SA is the main sponsor for the Female Entrepreneur Competition. Ms Serena Vivashe started farming in 1994 after completing matric. She started with two sheep and then moved to a bigger farm of 6 960 ha and expanded her livestock with 36 goats. She produced 40 lambs and 25 goats in the first quarter of 2010. She sells her produce to the local people.

Support for winners

To enhance the sustainability of businesses, an annual workshop for all nation winners will be held after the awards function. The agenda of the one-day work- shop will include a presentation on the following: • Production support pro- grammes of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries • Export opportunities • Keynote address by Minister or Deputy Minister Emmanuel Haven Farm was the winner in the category: Top Entrepreneur, • Half-day visit to one success- Commercial: Horticulture and Crops. From left are Ms Mamisa Chabula-Nxiweni, Ms Boniswa Dinge and Ms Desiree Nxiweni. ful enterprise close to the Emmanuel Haven Farm is in the Eastern Cape Province and was started in 2005 venue. with the help of a grant funding from the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture. The project is a unique community based project with an integrated market place approach, established to primarily deal with the growing number of adults and children infected with HIV and AIDS in the Motherwell community. Tomatoes, cucumbers, green pepper and lettuce are produced in a hi-tech greenhouse. On an area outside the greenhouse, more crops are grown by re- cycling the growing medium from inside the greenhouse and utilising the run-off fertilised water. These crops are sold to provide income. Currently the project has 24 permanent workers and 10 workers on a casual basis.

No. 9 DAFFnews September 2010 5 Departmental Competition promoting women in various sectors

The Limpopo MEC for Agriculture, Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba, with Ms Mavis Mathabatha, winner in the category: Top Entrepreneur: Commercial, Processing and overall winner. Ms Mavis Mogasie Mathabatha farms with the “miracle tree” called Moringa oleifera. Leaves are harvested and Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms processed into an edible powder that may help children Nandi Mayathula-Khoza and Ms Karin Pretorius, winner in suffering from malnutrition. Today she produces Moringa the category: Top Entrepreneur Commercial Livestock. Ms oleifera leaf powder, packaged in biodegradable plastic Pretorius is from Kiewietsvlei farm in Gauteng Province. bags. The edible powder contains proteins, vitamins, iron Ms Pretorius of Kiewietsvlei Melkery has 70 lactating cows, and calcium. 18 artificially inseminated heifers, 15 dry cows and 10 calves. She farms with Jersey cows. Because she has a diploma in agriculture she can identify the symptoms of different diseases and knows how to treat them. She has two permanent employees.

Head of the Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape, Ms Joyene Isaacs, with Ms Adele Hattingh, winner in the category: Top Entrepreneur Commercial, Fisheries and Mr Lulu Johnson, member of the Agriculture Portfolio Committee. Ms Hattingh started working at the 110 ha Roman Bay Sea Farm in 2000 and became the first female manager of an abalone farm. With water pumped from the sea through filters, the 200 male and female breeding abalone produce eggs. The animals are moved and split every four months for three years until they are graded and exported. Altogether 140 tons are produced annually. All abalone produced on the farm is exported to the Far East. The abalone is fed with kelp, which is purchased from a previously disadvantaged group that harvests it from the sea.

6 September 2010 DAFFnews No. 9 Departmental Arbor city award ceremony

By Samuel Kgatla The Department of Agriculture, For- said. “Plant these trees in areas where you had already planted. Give birth to your estry and Fisheries hosted a memo- they belong. Be wise to plant trees and environment by planting a tree.” rable Arbor City awards ceremony to fruit that will be fruitful to you as they grow. Moreover, she suggested that DAFF must honour the Drakenstein Municipality As government, we promised that we will host this award countrywide and identify an of the Western Cape at the Mbekweni embrace our environment by planting overall winner. She also lauded the Execu- Thusong Centre, Paarl. The prize was in the form of R250 000, some trees, a trees. Drakenstein, you are the winner, but tive Mayor of Drakenstein, Ms Charmaine dry water irrigation system, a trophy I also want to tell those living in this area Manuel, and her team for successfully and a certificate. The competition is to double the number of trees from what running this project. also sponsored by Total SA. The Arbor City awards were introduced in 2002 to encourage municipalities to undertake greening initiatives with the aim of promoting environmental conserva- tion and development, thereby securing a healthy living environment for all. The awards are an additional effort to give incentives and reward municipalities involved in greening the environment, especially in the previously disadvantaged areas. Through this competition, municipalities were encouraged to undertake green- ing initiatives, develop greening plans, expand greening projects to previously disadvantaged areas, ensure that mu- nicipalities comply with relevant greening legislation, e.g. the National Forests Act (NFA), the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (CARA), and the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), and raise awareness about the importance and value of greening in communities. The Drakenstein Municipality has planted more than 3 000 trees over the last three years. In conjunction with the Cape Winelands District Municipality, it donated more than 2 600 trees to new housing developments. The judges were impressed by the Drakenstein tree man- agement programme, which includes the management of oak trees. The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, who graced the event with her presence, encouraged even young people to plant trees so that they can grow with these trees. Executive Mayor of Drakenstein, Ms Charmaine Manuel, Minister of “I advise you to plant indigenous trees DAFF Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson and MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in Western Cape, Mr Gerrit van Rensburg during the that will grow well in your areas,” she Arbor City Award Ceremony in Paarl, Western Cape.

No. 9 DAFFnews September 2010 7 Departmental DAFF proclaiming champion trees

The giant bluegum tree is thought to be close to 100 years old.

A huge rose gum tree was unveiled quently delisted. In Bloemfontein, a group trees were planted more than a century as a Champion Tree in Gauteng on 10 of trees at the old Government Buildings, ago, and the largest of these has a trunk September. The tree’s massive crown, including century-old cedars planted by circumference of almost 11 metres. The measuring more than 38 metres from members of the aristocracy, such as Lord gum trees in South Africa reach excep- side to side, shades part of the Gavin Alfred Milner, was delisted after most of tional sizes, exceeding the sizes of other Relly Green on the Witwatersrand Uni- versity campus and is supported by a the trees died off. These trees apparently gum trees planted in all other countries trunk of 7,5 metres in circumference. perished because of a lack of water. except in their native Australia. However, the Wonderboom wild fig Other famous trees already declared as The Outeniqua yellowwoods of the Kny- tree in Pretoria holds the title for the Champion Trees include the Post Office sna forests draw many visitors, such as the largest crown (61 metres in diameter). milkwood tree at Mossel Bay, where Portu- Tsitsikamma Big Tree, which receives more This thousand-year-old monarch consists guese seafarers left messages for passing than 80 000 visitors a year. In the Goud- of a mother tree with rings of daughter ships centuries ago, and a three-centu- veld Forest one of the new champions has trees that sprouted over centuries from ries-old lane of camphor trees planted at been renamed the Dalene Matthee Big branches touching the ground. Then there Vergelegen Estate by Governor W.A. van Tree, in honour of the author who wrote is Sagole in Limpopo, where the largest der Stel. Most of the trees to be added to a best-seller series of historic novels about indigenous tree in the country – a baobab the Champion Tree list are exotic species these forests and the woodcutters of the with a trunk circumference of more than such as oak and gum trees. Some oak nineteenth century. 33 metres – can be found. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) is set to add more trees to the declared list of Champion Trees. This will bring the number of Cham- pion Trees to more than 60. Trees already declared include a grove of very tall rose gum trees (Eucalyptus saligna) that was planted in 1906 by forestry pioneer A.K. Eastwood on the Woodbush Forest Estate near Tzaneen. The two tallest of these trees were measured by professional tree climbers in 2008 and have been dubbed the Twin Giants of Magoebaskloof. At a height of 79 metres, they would tower above a 26-storey block of flats, and are officially the tallest trees in Africa and the tallest of all planted trees anywhere in the world. Another baobab tree will soon be added to the list of champions. This giant tree, the King of Ga-Ratjeke, towers over the Shangane village in Limpopo Province after which it was named. It replaces the Glencoe baobab near Hoedspruit (the second largest baobab in the country) The giant bluegum tree, a Eucalyptus grandis on Wits University’s Gavin Relly after it partially collapsed and was conse- Green gives shade to students between lectures or eating lunch.

8 September 2010 DAFFnews No. 9 Provincial Limpopo Department received awards

The LDA received diamond, gold and growth categories. The silver award joined brand awareness. Random sampling was silver awards at the PMR Africa Lim- the other awards shining in the LDA’s used in the research. PMRafrica conducts popo Leaders and Achievers Awards cabinet, the reward for being the provin- this research not only in Limpopo, but hosted in Polokwane on Monday, cial government department providing the annually throughout South Africa. Neigh- September 13, 2010. The MEC for public with the best customer service. bouring countries such as Botswana and Agriculture, Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba, accompanied by the Head of Depart- The awards were based on a survey Lesotho also use this survey to honour ment (Professor Edward Nesamvuni), conducted by PMRafrica (or Professional leaders and achievers as identified and the Chief Financial Officer and some Management Review-Africa). According to rated by their peers. Participating top General Managers, received the Mr Johan Hattingh, the Chief Executive Of- business, provincial and local govern- achievement with a smile. ficer for PMRafrica, the survey was aimed ment leaders in Southern Africa are rated The LDA received a diamond award at measuring companies, institutions, gov- through PMRafrica’s independently con- for being the provincial government de- ernment entities and individuals in terms of ceived surveys. partment that did the most to eradicate their contribution to the economic growth Some of the Limpopo provincial govern- poverty,and two gold awards for the and development of the province, levels of ment departments which received awards provincial government department that management expertise and implementa- include Economic Development, Environ- has been the most effective in achieving tion of corporate governance. ment and Tourism, Roads and Transport, its goals over the past 12 months and the The survey, Hattingh explained, meas- Local Government and Housing and provincial government department that ured the competencies of companies, Health and Social Development. has done the most in the prosperity and institutions and government as well as their Farmers sign Charter

The Eastern Cape Provincial Depart- hectare each season. The remainder of Job creation and improving food se- ment of Agriculture and Rural De- the maize will be sold by AsgiSA and the curity in the rural areas are some of the velopment together with the Acceler- money will be invested in the project, which fundamental issues that the Department ated Growth Initiative for South Africa has also helped to create jobs for members of Rural Development and Land Reform (AsgiSA ) and the farmers of Nqadu of the community. strives to address in a sustainable manner. have come together to celebrate the work achieved in partnership with The total number of hectares planted The community of Nqadu is encouraged the Nqadu community. The gathering in the old Transkei to date, particularly in to produce their own food and to partici- also included the signing of a Social Butterworth and Nqadu, is over 2 000 ha, pate in economic development initiatives Charter. and about 300 households are benefiting aimed at uplifting them. Stakeholders such The event was held at kuloZulu JSS in from the project. An estimated 5 000 tons as PANAAR Seed have offered to provide Willowvale in the Mbashe Municipality. of maize are expected to be harvested this training when there is a need for it. About 620 ha are used for food produc- season. The Department of Trade and Industry tion by the community of Nqadu, together AsgiSA has strengthened relationships (dti) has encouraged the community to form with AsgiSA. The community leased the with different stakeholders affected by cooperatives and they briefly outlined steps 620 ha to AsgiSA in the Eastern Cape. The or interested in the project. The Social to be followed in this regard. They also agency helps the community to plough Charter agreement was signed by all the informed the community of the R300 000 and harvest their crops, which include stakeholders. The charter outlines how all incentive/grant offered by the dti to coop- mainly maize and soya beans. the stakeholders will work together for the eratives. AsgiSA also provides training on The main purpose of this initiative by sustainability and success of the project Master Farmer Development. Each village AsgiSA is to address issues of food security. and it is guided by a common vision and has to delegate people to attend the train- The families that are leasing the land to values that will help all the parties to drive ing and then come back and implement the AsgiSA will receive 500 kg of maize per the project forward. skill and educate the community.

No. 9 DAFFnews September 2010 9 Provincial Educating communities on the conservation of trees

The Department of Agriculture, Forest- • If we do not plant them today, how green, job creation and fruit trees to aug- ry and Fisheries (DAFF) in collaboration will future generations know? ment the programme of food security. with the Limpopo departments of Ag- • Plant trees and say no to desertifica- Since it was launched, an operational plan riculture (LDA), Public Works (LDPW), tion. has been produced and a number of trees Economic Development, Environment • Greening helps create a healthy and have been planted, and all the activities and Tourism (LEDET) hosted the 2010 Arbor Day celebration. MEC Ms Dipuo dignified environment. are happening under the auspices of the Letsatsi-Duba, MEC Mr George Phada- • Uncontrolled veld and forest fires DAFF greening strategy and the Greening gi and MEC Mr Pitsi Moloto led the destroy life – prevent them. Limpopo programme. celebration. Premier Cassel Mathale Besides being the lungs of the earth, The day was also used to educate com- gave the keynote address. trees provide economic and social benefits munities on the conservation of protected The 2010 Arbor Day Celebration was for nations and fruit trees help alleviate trees, particularly marula and leadwood, hosted under the theme, “Plant for the hunger and poverty. with a view to reducing the deforestation planet – grow green”. Arbor Day aims to raise awareness taking place in that area. It is anticipated The following messages were commu- about the importance of trees, and that this will serve to create awareness nicated together with the theme: therefore Premier Mathale initiated the among people who cut trees at an alarm- • Contribute to the million trees pro- Greening Limpopo programme last year. ing rate that such activities may ultimately gramme by planting a tree during The MEC for Public Works was entrusted lead to desertification, a most undesirable Arbor Week. to lead with the aim of getting Limpopo result. Learners grow vegetable gardens

Water is one of our country’s most agreed straight away to help by generously The learners, teachers and Mr Kabinde precious natural resources and with providing a brand-new JoJo Slimline™ are very excited about the school garden, predictions indicating that South Africa tank, which is installed close to the veg- “We are looking forward to maintaining will experience a wide range of water etable garden thereby securing a water the garden, integrating it into our teach- shortages from 2025, it is important supply to the newly planted vegetables. ing material and reaping the nutritional that we all learn how to look after this SmartStone provided beautiful pavers to rewards of fresh vegetables. It is also in- scarce resource. finish off the project, while Doonholm credibly rewarding to provide the learners In support of water conservation and Nursery supplied additional fresh vegeta- with first-hand experience of the benefits of as part of the company’s commitment to ble and herb seedlings. rainwater harvesting. Through this interac- water education, JoJo Tanks recently un- “We are honoured to be involved with a tive greening project, we are changing our dertook a goodwill project for the Walter project where we can increase awareness water usage behaviour, becoming water Sisulu Primary School in Olievenhout- of the importance of water conservation wise and learning that ‘Together we can bosch, south of Pretoria. and rainwater harvesting amongst our save water’. And one of the most water The school principal, Mr Garos Kab- learners, the decision makers of tomor- wise things to do is to install a water tank to inde, needed a sponsor for a school row. We trust that the sponsorship of the harvest rain, our free source of water.” greening project that a group of his learn- JoJo Slimline™ tank will be the beginning To view the garden or for more informa- ers was undertaking, and he approached of the greening of not only the Walter Si- tion about the Walter Sisulu gardening SA Garden/SA Tuin Paleis magazine for sulu Primary School but also of the entire project, contact Mr Garos Kabinde at 072 help – with some very green results! community,” said JoJo Tanks’ Managing 919 2045. The magazine contacted JoJo Tanks who Director, Mr Rod Cairns.

10 September 2010 DAFFnews No. 9 International Food and wine tasting in Shanghai

By Lebo Moloko The 2010 Shanghai Expo that is 50 million litres exported that year to over of South Africa (WOSA) and many other currently under way in Shanghai, 300 million litres today, making South wine companies. China, is a world-class event themed Africa one of the largest exporters of wine The Expo is scheduled to continue until “Better city – Better life”. The theme in the world. 30 October 2010 with themed events that signifies Shanghai’s new vision for the Each month will also feature wine som- will run concurrently with departmental 21st century – to be the next great world city. Since the Expo started on 1 May meliers, who will do presentations on events taking place each month at the 2010, different countries have been wine tasting for international counterpart venue. A closing ceremony will be held showcasing their technologies and wine industries visiting the Expo. The on the last day of October. other developments aimed at ensuring wine experts will be representing Wines a better life in their cities. South Africa is one such country that has been afforded an opportunity to stage a number of exhibits in a pavilion showing developments across all sectors. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), as the lead department, received an invitation to participate in the pavilion and it extended the invitation to other departments. Since agriculture is an essential element of de- velopment worldwide, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) was also invited to participate. Food and wine tasting is a major agri- cultural attraction at the expo. For the six months, the programme will feature food and wine tasting sessions in which South African chefs will be cooking diverse tra- ditional dishes which reflect the cuisines Wine tasting at the South African pavilion during the 2010 enjoyed by the different cultures of South Shanghai Expo in China. Africa. The food and wine tasting session for the month of June took place on the 18th. In his opening remarks, Mr Selwyn Mokonyane, Deputy Commissioner-General (DCG) for the South African Pavilion, said that eating and drinking well are fundamental aspects of South Africans’ culture and hospitality. Mr Mokonyane also expounded on the background of wine in South Africa. “In recent years, our wines have attracted global attention. While there are vineyards all over Africa, the continent’s finest wines are produced down south in the Cape, where climatic and topographic conditions simulate those of the old wine countries,” said the DCG. He added that South Africa has been making a significant impact on the world since 1994, growing from some

No. 9 DAFFnews September 2010 11 Sector International vulture awareness day

The first Saturday of September every “This initiative received such interest from and Lesotho, is classified as “endangered” year is observed as International organisations elsewhere in the world that and its numbers continue to decline. The Vulture Awareness Day by the Endan- the first international event was celebrated Cape vulture (Gyps coprotheres) occurs gered Wildlife Trust’s Birds of Prey by 152 organisations, representing 45 only in southern Africa and the conserva- Programme (EWT-BoPP), its partners countries in 2009. We expect global sup- tion of this species remains one of the and associates, including provincial conservation bodies and several other port to be even greater this year.” main focal areas of the EWT-BoPP. Other NGOs involved in vulture research and South Africa is home to no fewer than vulture species, such as the lappet-faced conservation in South Africa. nine vulture species. Seven of these species (Torgos tracheliotus), hooded (Necrosyrtes The purpose of this day is to create are listed in the Red Data Book of Birds monachus), white-headed (Trigonoceps awareness of the continued plight of all of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland occipitalis) and African white-backed vulture species and to highlight the work (Barnes, 2000) as facing, to some extent, (Gyps africanus) mostly occur in large done by conservationists to monitor popu- a threat of extinction. The Egyptian vul- conservation areas and are listed as lations and implement effective measures ture (Neophron percnopterus) is one of “vulnerable”. to protect these birds and their habitats. only two bird species listed as “regionally Vultures are facing a range of threats “The day evolved from the Sasol Nation- extinct” in South Africa. The bearded vul- such as poisoning, persecution, electrocu- al Vulture Awareness Day that has been ture (Gypaetus barbatus), whose range in tion/collision with powerlines, drowning celebrated in South Africa since 2005,” southern Africa is restricted to the Maluti- in farm reservoirs in the drier parts of says EWT-BoPP Manager, André Botha. Drakensberg mountains in South Africa the country, a shortage of safe food sup- plies and loss of suitable habitat. Recent research has shown that these birds have an extensive range and can cover several hundreds of kilometres in a day in search of food. This makes the implementation of Goliat van Gat effective conservation measures to benefit these species a daunting task which needs to be approached from a national, or pumpkin competition more likely an international, perspective. For additional information on how you The Goliat van Gat pumpkin growers 825 6938 can become involved please go to www. compitition is around the corner. The time • Utrecht: 19 March 2011at Kosmos- international-vulture-awareness-day.org. to prepare and plan for the 2011 competi- fees Utrecht tion is now. • Contact: Annelie Stannard 034 Currently there are five Goliat van Gat 331 3331 competitions in the following areas. Each festival is organised together with • Pretoria: 26 March 2011 at Pioniers a fundraising activity in the community Museum in Silverton Pretoria where it takes place. This gives the • Contact: Henri Combrink 082 organisers the opportunity to contribute 552 9428 to a worthy cause in their community. • Stilbaai: 2 April 2011 at Primary With this competition we would like to School Bertie Barnard gain support for farmers in South Africa. • Contact: Christina de Jager 072 By buying and planting and growing these 386 69587 pumpkins one soon realizes that with all • Swartwater: 18-19 March 2011 at the pests, plagues and adverse weather Swartwater Bosveld Skouspel conditions, it is really a great challenge • Contact: Wilma Prinsloo 015 to be farming. In order to ensure food 2973749 security in South Africa we cannot afford • Marble Hall: 23 April 2011 at Oes- to loose one farmer. fees Marble Hall Support South Africa’s farmers. • Contact: Ernst Jansen 082

12 September 2010 DAFFnews No. 9