For millennia we humans roamed the vast lands of this planet Earth, foraging for foodstuffs, hunting animals to supplement our diet as necessary. We took what we could find, as needed, and our searches led us across the accessible landmasses. It is fascinating to think of the various landscapes that scores of successive generations saw - Earth in a state before any human … [Read more...]
Young entrepreneur brings solar solutions to townships
Invented by social entrepreneur James van der Walt, the SolarTurtle recently scooped a win at the Inventors Garage at the 2017 SABC Education SA Innovation Summit, walking away with R10k. The SolarTurtle, converted from shipping containers, charges solar batteries that can be used on site or at home in low-income communities to power LED lights, charge phones or other … [Read more...]
Changing lives through recycling in Ngwelezane Township
Two years ago, Nokubonga Mnyango was dreaming about making a better life for herself and her family. She noticed the need for litter collection in her small community of Ngwelezane. After doing some research, she learned that some of the waste that was present in the township actually had value. More than this, she learned that there are businesses who would pay for this … [Read more...]
Recycling prize for textbooks and fixing classrooms
What would your school do with the prize money if you win the 2015 Schools Recycling Competition? ‘We will buy textbooks, and fix broken chairs, desks and windows at the schools.’ This shows that the learners from the schools in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, are motivated to improve their learning environment – and that recycling can make a difference at schools. The teachers … [Read more...]
My life for water
Why do lives have to be sacrificed before crucial human needs are addressed in this country? The water bubble finally burst when 4 people died in protest about poor water delivery.This propelled the truth about water onto public platforms. Do we really understand what it’s like to walk ten hours for one bucket of water? Up to the light comes the worm of corruption and … [Read more...]
A new dream for the urban sprawl
Stephen Lamb and Andrew Lord's Green Shack featured at Design Indaba 2013 last week. They tell us about the concept that transforms temporary spaces into homes. When we designed and built the entrance pavilion to the 9th Shanghai Biennale, one of the shared aims of the design team (The Liter of Light Foundation, Touching the Earth Lightly, Andrew Lord and Justin White) was … [Read more...]
Energy saving technologies could save the day
Hunger and poverty go hand in hand. Every cent saved could mean a lot to a starving child; so reduction of fuel costs could mean the difference between going to bed without food or having a meal. Energy saving technologies abound…from old fashioned ideas such as a Haybox or Wonderbox to a myriad of designs for rocket stoves. However, this knowledge is not being passed on to … [Read more...]
Blitz Houses receive garden trees
Three giants on the sustainable development front have partnered to plant 112 trees in the Mbekweni township just north of Paarl as part of Food and Trees for Africa's Trees for Homes initiative. The Niall Mellon Township Trust (NMTT), the Ackermann Family Foundation and Food and Trees for Africa (FTFA) are ensuring resilient indigenous trees will soon be taking root besides … [Read more...]
