In the face of mounting challenges to food security, both in South Africa and across the African continent, Stellenbosch Network has taken a bold step to spark change at the grassroots level. With a resounding response to the #IdeasForChange Food Secure Challenge, the community is proving that even small initiatives can make a significant impact. The Urgency of Food Security … [Read more...]
SA game changers honoured at the Eco-Logic Awards
There is an infectious feeling of optimism and comradery in the air when a group of like-minded individuals get together to celebrate the incredible work being done by local individuals, organisations, and communities to build a greener and more eco-logical world. And that’s exactly what the 2023 Eco-Logic Awards, which took place on 9 November at the Two Oceans Aquarium, is … [Read more...]
More packaging return programmes needed
The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) enlisted South Africa as one of the 16 countries that participated in this year’s global ‘Trend Tracker Survey.’ The biennial consumer research study, driven by Two Sides, seeks to understand consumer perceptions towards print and paper products, looking specifically at environmental awareness, reading habits, and … [Read more...]
Guterres appeals for ‘sustained’ humanitarian access to Gaza
With essential supplies running out in Gaza, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday appealed for humanitarian access to the besieged enclave. “For nearly two weeks the people of Gaza have gone without any shipments of fuel, food, water, medicine, and other essentials. Disease is spreading. Supplies are dwindling. People are dying,” he said at a press conference in … [Read more...]
Rewiring food systems to soften climate impacts
To make more progress in the fight against hunger, the world needs to make at-risk communities less vulnerable to climate shocks and other emergencies, according to the UN World Food Programme. “If we want to break out of the never-ending cycle of crisis and response, we need to address the root causes of hunger by multi-year, long-term projects that shield communities from … [Read more...]
WFP resumes ‘vital’ food distributions to refugees across Ethiopia
The World Food Programme (WFP) has begun rolling out food distributions to nearly 900,000 refugees in Ethiopia following a full revamp of its refugee operations. Families living in refugee camps, including new arrivals who have fled from Sudan, are receiving food parcels for the first time since WFP paused food distributions in June, following reports of large-scale … [Read more...]
Hunger relief partnership drives impact
In the realm of addressing hunger and food waste, partnerships play a pivotal role in effecting change and driving impact. They can evolve over time, transforming from initial collaborations into impactful, solutions-driven initiatives grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision. The journey of SA Harvest and the OneFarm Share programme is a testament to the power of such … [Read more...]
SA organisation in the running for 2023 Earthshot Prize
At an event in New York City on 19 September, Prince William and The Earthshot Prize announced ABALOBI as one of the 15 Finalists for the 2023 Earthshot Prize, a prestigious global environmental award that celebrates and champions innovators focused on solving our most pressing global climate challenges. Founded by Prince William in 2020, The Earthshot Prize aims to discover … [Read more...]
Civil society urges phase-out of dangerous pesticides
373 civil society and Indigenous Peoples organizations from 74 countries urged leaders at a historic global conference to act with urgency to phase out Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). This particular group of pesticides cause the most severe harm to human health and the environment and are considered too dangerous for use. The petition letter to governments and other … [Read more...]
Great success for Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa
The second Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa held last week surpassed all expectations and left an indelible mark on the organic and natural products industry. This much-needed event received resounding acclaim from exhibitors and visitors alike, firmly establishing itself as the Continent's foremost platform for organic and natural products. Held at the Sandton … [Read more...]
How kitchen waste is helping to win a war
Food scraps are an unlikely ally in any battle – except in the one we cannot afford to lose. Two military bases in Limpopo are proving that the war to save the planet can be won one kitchen at a time. A man on a military base who talks and even sings to what is in essence a high-tech compost heap is not an every-day sight – unless you find yourself on the outskirts of Louis … [Read more...]
Protecting the PHA ecosystem from sand mining
The Water Tribunal says the Philippi Horticultural Area wetland ecosystem is irreplaceable and rejects Consol Glass/Keysource Minerals Water Use Licence to mine silica sand…for a second time. This is another important milestone in the on-going struggle to protect the PHA foodland, the Cape Flats Aquifer in its soil both crucial for the city’s climate resilience. On 14 … [Read more...]
Humanitarian response ramped up after Libya floods
UN agencies and partners are responding to the disaster unfolding in eastern Libya after extreme rainfall caused devastating flooding and loss of life over the weekend, humanitarians told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday. Latest figures as of Tuesday night, suggest there could be more than 5,000 people dead and around 10,000 have been reported missing in the massive floods … [Read more...]
