Stories
BACKGROUND: For the period over 4years (2020 - 2025) - while our MooiSights Garden Restaurant Initiative's stages development for a corporate business innovation initiative's identity and footprint establishment, were dampened (for optimism's sake) by the slow Government Infrastructure installments in Sewer, clean water and streets gratings - the generak business landscape - at a parallel - was experiencing excrutiating and startling economic downturns; and since the pandemic. Both big and small players (Tourism and Retail) were forced to either close shop or else pivot by reinventing themselves amid harsh financial strains and the simultaneous changes in technology, the amended sector regulations and external forces interferences. NEEDS EVOLUTION: The once brewing entrepreneurship was not left untouched even from failed interceptor y strategic proposals plus the emergence of the unprecedented shifts in customer psychology (ensued) opting for more enticing environments or Ideas to satisfy their hard earned money. OUR CURRENT POSTURE: It is against this backdrop our Initiative emerged in its developing stages and in the riskiest part of the neighbourhood for lack of vibrant and supplementary Products which can produce a chain of outlets; hence the INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN Input lodged with the Mayoral Executives since the Floods of 2021/2022 Calendar in attempt to mitigate the risks identifiable and the potential partnership considerations. - If it does not generate it is not an entity - G Business Quote. OPPORTUNITY IDENTIFIED: Nevertheless - the recent; as observed; 2024/2025 Festivities' increased rate of drive-by cars has informed an Agency for renewed partnership dealings where if this market is not converted through value appeal initiative creations, will be an opportunity missed in Budget Market. If we could attract at least 50% of 8 to 10 drive-by cars - A Day - this will boost Product Visibility for a lasting Customer buy-in. INTENTION: Because we are determined to maintain a steady presences and an active business proposal - we thus propose a 29th March 2025 OPEN DAY to promote Sundays for Sessions Chilas/Hangout; for by the time we have electricity supply (in Mooi Draai) our statement would have been clearly reinforced to push up the numbers and even more confident in our product features to withstand whatever competion is likely to throw at us in Market acceptance. PROPOSAL REQUEST: Because we are targeting a number of Companies and brands for fundraising and alignment purposes - our Request is an investment in at least attendance of 2 employees/partners and in sectional divisions for relevance of attendance, thus support our Home Cooked & Braai Meals & Sweet treats DAY OUT BANQUET at a FEE of R250 per person or just R2000.00 for 8 attendees(Math). This will be a high caliber Event befitting 36ppl capacity holding of our Venue - seated. Event Description: "No Heels and Smart" Dress Code: Chilled Food Service: Self Serve Drinks: B.OB Mood: Soft Ballads, Soul, R&B AND COOL JAZZ MIXES. Entry: 2 verification points of entry (Guarded) Sun Shades: Our traditional rusty-look Innovation shades plus stretch tent setups around 5 sections. LEVEL PREPARATION: Though at 80% complete (No Water, you will find that our gobble stone designs of Jacuzzi, Water feature Rockeries and our Inter-active and captivating pathways and overall garden plan will provide you with the sight worth your Day Out Pleasure.
I’m excited to introduce Rise, a groundbreaking theatrical production that tackles bullying head-on. Designed to inspire and empower school audiences, this immersive experience spreads a vital message: united, we can rise above bullying. With 57% of South African students affected by bullying, this initiative is more than a show—it’s a movement. Created in collaboration with psychologist Geraldine van Heerden, Rise authentically addresses different forms of bullying, fostering empathy and understanding in young audiences. By sponsoring this production in schools, your company will: - Invest in a powerful educational tool that creates lasting change. - Demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and community well-being. - Leverage your CSI or marketing budget for a cause that impacts the next generation. As a non-profit organization, we can issue a Section 18A Tax Certificate for your contribution, providing tax benefits while amplifying your impact. We’d love to schedule a meeting to explore how we can partner to bring Rise to schools across South Africa. Please watch the attached promotional video to see this transformative initiative in action. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to collaborating with you to empower South African learners. Best regards, Jaco Verwey (Co-Founder)
Spekboom Net Zero is a large-scale ARR carbon capture project in South Africa based on planting Spekboom on selected available farmland. First phase of this project is on the order of 7,300 Ha with the potential of capturing over 100,000 tones CO2 per year for decades to come. The project provides an opportunity for Spekboom thicket restoration supported and financed through the carbon markets. Eligible farms may plant Spekboom truncheons in areas where Spekboom once flourished. This is a grouped project where additional landowners and farmers may participate over time in an ever-increasing amount. SNZ plans to plant 10,000 Ha per year for the next 3 years to capture 12.4 million tCO2 over 30 years. Growing Spekboom absorbs CO2 at a rate similar to the Brazilian rain forest. Carbon sequestration is measured by analyzing carbon content in aboveground biomass, litter, and soil. These measurements are made annually after establishing a baseline. A species-specific allometric model will be employed in some cases to covert measurements into tones of CO2 removals per Ha. South Africa’s SDG goals are expanded through project activities such as increased income to local farmers, employment for farm workers, investing in the local communities, and improving area biodiversity. The project will also improve social livelihoods for some of South Africa’s population facing the challenges of poverty, high unemployment, and a skewed distribution of resources. Estimated income to project farmers at full growth may be around R 2.4 million per year per 1000 hectare of carbon capture land. Spekboom which can last for up to 200 years is important to South Africa’s SDG 15 goal is to protect, restore and promote the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and other ecosystems. SNZ arranges funding for Spekboom truncheon planting activity. Each farmland owner then receives 70% of the carbon credit income, SNZ retains 30% for services rendered. You may visit https://www.socialcarbon.org/ where our project is listed as "Spekboom Regeneration and Carbon Sequestration" to see our Methodology SCM0004 specifically developed for Spekboom based on 15 years of peer reviewed research publications. Also see our Project Description Section 6, “SOCIALCARBON® Indicators,” for measures designed to track progress of SNZ planned socioeconomic activities. This is the right project for South Africa. Carbon Farming will increase employment in Eastern Cape where unemployment is near 50%. This high unemployment rate is partly due to habitat degradation, which has resulted in a decline in the agricultural sector in this region. Project success is expected to spurn similar projects thus spreading these social and economic benefits throughout South Africa. Income to farmers at full growth will continue next 100 years or more. Actual income to farmers will depend upon many factors such as truncheon survival rate, plant growth rate and market price for carbon credits.
I hosted and facilitated a motherhood session at Qwa-Qwa on the 8th of November 2024, we shared baby bags with the expecting mothers, motherhood tips, mental health support tips, refferals and many activities.
Lebowakgomo Junior Tennis Club is situated at Lebowakgomo tennis courts at Lebowakgomo stadium under Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, Capricorn District, Limpopo Province. Lebowakgomo Junior Tennis Club has 25 kids presently and is growing slowly because tennis is not a dominating sport in and around our community. Our kids are very dedicated and passionate to it and they enjoy the court a lot. Knowing that the tennis equipment and gear is very expensive and parents are unable to afford most of the sport needs. Our kids are attending different primary and secondary schools around Lebowakgomo and all of them are attending no fees schools. We always request parents to buy the starter kit which is the rackets and tennis shoes for their kids and others are struggling to affort the kit. We request donations around our community but we don’t get the support like other sports (Soccer/Netball). Our kids are practising on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and daily on school holidays. They utilise the local municipality tennis courts for practising, it has seven (7) tennis courts. In December 2023 they stole six (6) nets in the courts and our kids are struggling when practising. Parents contributed some money to buy two used nets and we are using colourful ropes in other courts. Lebowakgomo Junior Tennis Club has kids in Rising Star Games, Limpopo Baobab Prokennex Rainbow Kids Tournament and Inter-Provincial Schools Tournament and we achieved: 1.The winner of Rainbow Kids Tournament 2023 Under 10 is from our club Mphahlele Mahlodi. 2. Rising Star Capricorn District Medalist 2024(Mphahlele Kamano, Seabi Kamogelo, Mochemi Bohlale & Modika Thepudi). 3.Rising Star Limpopo Province Champions 2024 (Mphahlele Kamano, Seabi Kamogelo, Mochemi Bohlale & Modika Thepudi). Due to shortage of funds our kids are unable to attend TSA tournaments in other provinces to uplift their rankings nationally, provincially and to gain exposure and more experience of playing outside with their peers. We are hoping or wishes to have the tennis academy one day or in future because the municipality is not maintaining the tennis courts and they are not supportive. Parents must always come to remove the weeds in the courts to prevent snake hideouts and the safety of the kids. Lebowakgomo Junior Tennis Club needs any form of assistance, it can be monetory donations,tennis equipments, shoes, attire and tournament sponsor.
PROJECT OVERVIEW The Community Library and Play Parks Project aims to provide a safe, educational, and recreational space for all community members. The project will focus on establishing a library with a diverse collection of books, STEM, coding, robotics, educational toys and creating play parks that promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. OBJECTIVES Enhance literacy: Provide access to books, educational materials, STEM resources, educational toys and digital resources for people of all ages. Promote physical activity: Establish welldesigned play parks to encourage outdoor play, physical exercise, and social engagement among children. Community development: Foster community engagement through educational programs, reading clubs, playgroups, and social activities in shared spaces. Inclusivity: Design the library and parks to be accessible for people with disabilities. SCOPE Library Component: Collection of books, magazines, STEM, educational toys and digital resources. Spaces for quiet reading, studying, and group discussions. Educational programs (e.g., story time, book clubs, STEM clubs, coding, robotics sessions, tutoring). Public access to computers and the internet. After-school programs, ECD visits and workshops. Play Park Component: Age-appropriate playground equipment. Safe, durable, and accessible design (including ramps and sensory play areas). Green spaces for relaxation, picnics, and community gatherings. Walking and exercise trails for all age groups. PROJECT TEAM Project Manager: Oversees planning, budgeting, and execution. Community Coordinators: Engage with community stakeholders for feedback and participation. Core Team: Plan the layout and design of the library and play parks. Community members, SEF, PESP & EPWP programs: Responsible for the physical construction. Library Staff: Manage the operations, including book circulation, programs, and events. Volunteers: Assist in day-to-day tasks, especially during community events and programs. PROJECT TEAM Project Manager: Oversees planning, budgeting, and execution. Community Coordinators: Engage with community stakeholders for feedback and participation. Core Team: Plan the layout and design of the library and play parks. Community members, SEF, PESP & EPWP programs: STAKEHOLDERS Local Government: Permits, funding, and ongoing maintenance. Community Members: End-users and contributors to the development. Non-Profit Organizations: Potential collaborators for funding, books, and educational programs. Educational Institutions: Local schools may partner in providing books, volunteers, or program materials. Corporate Sponsors: For financial support, donations of materials, or volunteer programs. FUNDING Library: Books, digital resources, and materials. Furnishings (tables, chairs, shelves). Computers and IT infrastructure. Salaries for librarians and support staff. Play Parks: Playground equipment (swings, slides, climbing structures). Landscaping and fencing. Maintenance and safety inspection. Funding Sources: Grants from local government and foundations. Corporate sponsorships. Crowdfunding and community fundraising. In-kind donations of books, equipment, and volunteer time. TIMELINE Phase 1 (3 months): Initial planning, stakeholder engagement, and securing funding. Phase 2 (6 months): Library design, book collection, and program planning; begin construction of the play parks. Phase 3 (3 months): Library setup, hiring staff, program launch, and park completion. Phase 4 (Ongoing): Operation, maintenance, and evaluation of the project’s impact. RISK MANAGEMENT Funding Shortfalls: Seek multiple sources of funding and ensure strong community engagement. Construction Delays: Plan for contingencies and hire experienced contractors. Safety Concerns: Regular inspections and adhering to safety standards for both the library and parks. MONITORING & EVALUATION Library Usage: Track the number of visitors, books borrowed, and program participation. Play Park Usage: Monitor community engagement through foot traffic and feedback. Community Impact: Survey community members for feedback and suggestions for improvement. SUSTAINABILITY PLAN Regular fundraising drives and events to ensure long-term financial support. Community volunteers and partnerships with schools and organizations for ongoing engagement. Environmental sustainability practices such as energy-efficient lighting, recycling programs, and green landscaping. This plan aims to create a thriving, inclusive environment where community members can be a part of their own community development program on different stages of the program by utilizing ABCD( Asset-Based Community Development) methods, to foster growth intellectually, socially, physically and to develop pride and a sense of ownership towards community development. SCALING COMMUNITY LIBRARIES Modular Library System: Create portable or pop-up libraries that can easily be set up in different communities. Digital Library Network: Build a shared online library system where people can borrow books from different community libraries without needing a lot of physical space. Volunteer-Based Scaling: Train local community members to run small libraries, which lowers staffing costs and gets more people involved. Satellite Libraries: Start small library branches in places like schools or public buildings, and expand them if needed. Partnership Networks: Partner with larger libraries, universities, and companies to get resources, expertise, and used books. SCALING PLAY PARKS Replication Model: Make a guide for building new parks. Each park should stick to basic principles but be flexible to fit the community's needs, using playground ideas and design handbooks. Public-Private Partnerships: Work with local businesses, non-profits, and the government to share costs and keep the parks running long-term. Franchise Model: Design a flexible park model that other cities or towns can use by getting a license or franchise. Technology Integration: Add smart technology (like smart benches and safety monitors) to improve park efficiency and gather information on how the park is used. Maintenance and Staffing: Create a plan to keep parks well-maintained, either by hiring staff or working with local groups for volunteer-based upkeep. APPROVED LAND We are honoured to have been allocated a plot of land by the Makoane Traditional Council for the building of the library.
