The Life and Walks Of Joe Matimba

MY SECRET FOR SUCCESS IN LIFE.

1. Taking charge and being conscious of my thoughts and how they impact my life. The secret for my success is based on acquiring specific self-knowledge, resulting in understanding my Big purpose in life, especially in self-realization, personal development, community empowerment and environmental management, using my creativity and imagination to simulate success until it really happens. Visualization, focus and affirmation, creating actionable steps towards my big purpose every single moment of my life and to link that to my big purpose is part of my day to day activities. (reword)

I always appreciate, admire and reward myself for whatever I achieve in life whether small or big. I do not wait for the community I serve or organization I work for; to reward me, I reward myself before they reward me. Whenever I reward myself I always attract more energy, ability, courage and sense of self-realization and that actualization makes me content with whatever I do in life. I respect the mistakes I made used to make in the past. My foundation to success is built based on these past mistakes and experiences. Using the Due to my past mistakes and achievements, it has helped me to display gratitude for the success good things I already now have in life.

One of my secrets for success is being in tune with and understanding what drives other people. Those who help me to achieve my goals, creating positive habits and eliminating bad ones, making the best of every moment, overcoming the inevitable obstacles – the bounce-back ability and the love of assisting other people, working with community regardless of cultural background. I appreciate nature on a daily basis and I am always keen and love to create a healthy community and a healthy environment.

Biography

The This biography outlines the story of my ancestors’ origins, immigration roots, the successes, failures, pain, confusion, difficulties and hardships confronted by me on my life journey. Being surrounded by nature, plants, animals and appreciation of the creation always gives a me a sense of freedom and peace of mind, the unity between the body, the soul and spirit; and a diversity of lifestyle which encompasses culture, values, customs, religion, traditions and having sufficient means to sustain life.

The aim of my biography is to motivate and encourage individuals from all walks of life to compile their own autobiographical profiles for the benefit of their children, grandchildren and future generations. It also aims to provide insight into the work I have been doing in the community, schools, churches, hospitals and clinics during my lifetime on mother earth. Without a doubt, this biography will inspire millions of people around the world especially those involved in Environmental greening, community empowerment, development, food security, poverty alleviation and job creation. This biography is also creating a platform for individuals to build self-realisation, actualisation, confidence, esteem and enrichment. As people we need to know who we are; what we value and the origins of our forefathers. I have had to struggle a great deal in order to be able to communicate this story to you. I respect enjoy it because it embodies everything that is truly me, the origins of the great tribe, “Matimba tribe” and my life history. It is a very complicated biography whose telling caused me great pain, but I had to tell it. I wholeheartedly respect the story I have told in this biography. (What does this mean?)
CULTURAL BACKGROUND

I grew up in a co- figurative [S1] culture, which allowed me to explore and develop techniques and incorporating changes towards creating a prosperous life. Learning from society, past experiences, playmates, colleagues and parents were a great challenge and I had to get accustomed to it. I was extremely privileged to have parents who were keen and eager to impart a great deal about culture, traditions, its values, norms and beliefs. I had a wide range of life aspects to choose from in order to mould my life and my future. As a child, I had to learn values, respect, and responsibility, to love my neighbours and learn from them. There is a proverb, which says, “charity begins at home”. I started farming when I was five and used to play with soil, planting seeds and applying natural fertilizers in my parents’ fields. For me, I thought I was having fun. This was instilled in my subconscious mind, which I grew up with.

My parents, especially my father used to wake us up early in the morning to work on the farm, cultivating fields of maize, vegetable, potatoes, sweet potatoes, sunflowers, groundnut, sorghum and sweet millet. I was always the first one to wake up before others. Farming was in my blood and I still enjoy natural farming and environmental greening related activities on a daily bases. The seed of farming and love of nature germinated strongly in me. I started assisting my neighbouring communities in subsistence farming, natural organic food production and caring of the earth through environmental greening activities in my community.
PREFACE

At the time, I was brought on earth; I used to enjoy the fruits from the mother earth. Approximately 55% of Zimbabweans were living in rural areas and used to practice subsistence farming as part of earning a living. The food produced sustained the family and generated an income to send children to school and universities. Those living in urban areas spent every cent earned from working in national parks, game reserves, industries and small businesses to purchase food and send their children to school. A large percentage of the population living in townships, informal settlements and rural areas had barely any economic opportunities.

As time went by, Zimbabwe began facing a harsh situation; at least 35% of the country’s working population was retrenched and unemployed. Urbanization and progressive destruction of the natural resource base and other factors such as drought, overgrazing and deforestation made the situation worse and most people in rural and urban areas were living below the breadline. A new society with new values, economic and political models was were needed in the country. The existing ones were encouraging humankind to exploit the earth’s resources in order to create wealth for a minority.

Despite the potential of the country, small-scale and subsistence farming was no longer able to produce enough food for the community. The reasons for this were mainly to be found in the poor manner in which natural resources were being utilized and managed. As a result, the country faced increasing population growth, poverty, hunger, malnutrition and environmental problems. The surrounding community members used to come came to our farm to buy grains and also a barter system was used where people used to exchanged goods. I was so excited to see people flocking to buy farm products from my parents. I realised that in farming there is gold. The feeling of being a farmer grew in my blood and was inspired by my parents farming activities.

THE ORIGINS OF MATIMBA THE GREAT TRIBE

The Matimba tribe originated in Mozambique and immigrated to Limpopo- South Africa and then to Chipinge near Chiredzi under Chief Mapungwana, Zimbabwe. However after some years, the family immigrated from Chipinge to Rusitu, Zimbabwe. In Rusitu, the family split, some moved and settled in Chikukwa and some remained in Rusitu along the Zimbabwe and Mozambique borders. After some years, they immigrated to Mozambique and settled under chief Maathe, which is 250 km from the Zimbabwean border.

This is the place where my grandfather Ngozana and his sisters Chapinda and Vhumbukwani and his step sister Matsweruka initially settled. My family could not settle at one place for any length of time, they kept moving from one area to another. This seemed to be a “contagious disease” in the whole Matimba tribe.

At a later stage, my parents moved into a small village called Ngangu Township, situated in the Eastern Highlands in Chimanimani town (formerly known as Melsetter which is approximately 35 Km from the Mozambique Border). When they moved into a small village, my mum was expecting. In September 15, 1968, a precious little baby boy was born and I was given a traditional name “Chazvaita Joseph” which means, “Whatever happens, its okay God knows, English name Joseph”, and nicknamed Garakudla, which means, “sit and eat”. My umbilical cord was cut and buried in Ngangu Township, one of the oldest Townships in Chimanimani Town.

I was brought up in an extremely wealthy and diversified cultural and traditional background. The elderly people, relatives, colleagues and my parents imparted a great deal of indigenous knowledge on a varied range of life aspects from being young youth to a teenager and to manhood. I grew up in a large family of twenty-three. I built a firm bond with my family especially with my sisters and brothers; sometimes we had to fight physically in order to test the strength of each other.

From the age of 5 to the age of ten (10), I was working in the fields growing vegetables and crops with my mum and also assisting the neighbouring communities. I was very good when comes to use at driving oxen and donkeys to plough the fields. I was on demand from the local people. I could would spend the whole entire week not at away from home, but assisting the local community, ploughing their field, establishing fruit orchards and growing vegetables. Some people were taking took advantage of me since as I was not attending school. My parents could not manage afford to send me to school. The majority of children, especially of my age my peers, were laughing made fun of me.

When I was twelve (12), I was employed as a herd boy, looking after cattle and goats in a remote rural area called Chikukwa in the eastern side of Zimbabwe, which is 5 kilometres from the Mozambique Border. The area was known as the “Mountain of living pharmacies”, where old women, men and traditional healers searched for medicinal herbs to cure different diseases. The people living in that particular area were very far from the government clinics and hospitals; the natural herbs assisted them in curing some of the diseases they were suffering from. Traditional healers and herbalists took the advantage of the medicinal herbs in the mountain to generate money from for treating patients. The most famous herb, from the mountain was the one which was used to prevent girls from becoming pregnant.

The mountain was also full of different dangerous and poisonous snakes such as puff adders, green mambas and various other mountain snakes. The most frustrating thing I faced during my teenage years was being employed as a herd boy, looking after cattle and goats in the bush full of dangerous snakes and other wild animals. Since I was dying eager to accumulate money for school, I had no choice but to work in these unfavourable conditions. Working in the bush most of the time, I developed a passion for working with nature. When there was danger eg. baboons[S2] , my hair would warn me of the danger. My hair would stand up, my whole body would vibrate, and the baboons would make a very strange noise. This allowed me to survive in the mountain when I was herding cattle. Whenever there was a sign of danger I could sense it. I was uncertain about whether I was going the in the right direction, yet but I did not have any better ideas.

The scrambling of grazing land was a big issue as a herd boy; you had to choose your own area for goats and cattle. I could spend the whole day alone in the bush and only meet my colleagues late in the afternoon when heading home. There is a proverb, which says money is the root of all evil, and it could encourage and motivate anybody to do anything on earth - to destroy or create. I had to sacrifice many things in my life because of money. During this time, profound disturbances occurred in the relationship between the strong and the weak. I used to be in the company of much older boys than me and I had to be exposed to abuse, assault and beatings.

This situation however gave me strength, resistance and taught me to know what I wanted to achieve in life without depending so much on my parents, relatives or friends. The dependence syndrome is one of my greatest enemies on earth[S3] .

In those days, my life was a nightmare; the path was rough, full of thorns, clouded with darkness and an unknown future. I did not wish the for nightfall, because I used to have had sleepless nights accompanied by bad dreams and stress. I did not imagine that one day I could enjoy life. I thought that I was born to suffer like donkeys on a farm ploughing fields and carrying loads everyday without a rest. What came to mind one day when I was busy crying in desperation, was that people are not all equally gifted or all fortunate enough to be born into more favourable circumstances but everyone has an equal right to be treated fairly. Although I was working as a herder and I could not afford to save money to support myself or buy my parents groceries. My parents thought that since I was working, I was going to bring money home, but it was very difficult for me even to buy a sweet for myself. This hardship was busy opening doors and opportunities for me to work hard and visualise what I could be in the future. What kept on waving in my head was constantly on my mind was that I was brought on earth by my parents for a special reason and I had to fulfil that particular mission given by the Creator. I always thought that one day I could become a wealthy person in terms of skills, talent and knowledge for the benefit of others.

Sometimes, I thought I was brought on earth to die suffering. Sorrow was always hovering in my mind and tears rained from my eyes as I saw my friends achieving their goals and getting whatever they wished for. There was no choice but to make sure that I changed my life vision and goals for the betterment of my future. I sensed that there was no reason for me to despair in life. I had to accept the gap between the rich and poor. As a result, I had to work hard to develop myself in order to fit well into the society.
SCHOOLING HISTORY

The parents who I was working worked for agreed to pay for my school fees and work only on during the weekends and school holidays. The money earned was to contribute towards school fees. I started my grade 1 in 1978, when I was fourteen (14) which was against the Zimbabwe Schools Regulatory Board , only children of seven (7) were allowed to be admitted in Grade one (1).

This was the first springboard or stepping-stone for me to see the light, as I could never had have dreamed that one day I was going to attend school. It was a dream come true and I could not hold my breath for excitement.[S4] The only thing, which put me off, was that I was the oldest pupil in the class. The majority of pupils thought I was one of the teachers at school. And a major problem I encountered was whenever the school inspectors visited the school, I was forced to hide behind a big fig tree to avoid being expelled. Needless to say, my path was not very smooth.

The other problem was that I was living in the most remote and mountainous rural area. There were no signs of telephones, electricity and transport in the area. The pupils from rich families used bicycles to get to school. It was a different story for me. I used to wake up around awoke at 4:30am daily to prepare myself for school. I walked approximately 35 kilometres to and from school every day. I would often arrive home after school around 5pm. Studying after school was not easy as I was tired and as there was no electricity, I had to use a paraffin lamp which generated light, to do my assignments.

I skipped a great deal of classes, made sure that I was present at the exams and walked away with distinctions, especially from grade 1-5. After completing Grade five, I was transferred to Fairfield Primary School where I completed my grade seven. The problem came when I completed grade seven and my parents could not afford to send me to secondary school. I was very frustrated and did not know what to do after completing primary school. The majority Most of my friends, relatives and classmates encouraged me to look for employment in order to raise funds for secondary school. Like enough Luckily, one of my brothers agreed to buy pay for my schooling. I completed my secondary school at Chimanimani High School, Zimbabwe.

During my secondary school, I was involved in organic food garden activities. I spent some of my weekends and school holidays working in the organic vegetable garden, participating in nature conservation activities and drama. The principal of the school was very impressed with my organic garden and used to assist me, whenever I needed guidance with organic farming and even my studies.

My endless involvement in this natural organic vegetable food garden project started to bear fruit. The project was used by the school to teach learners about food nutrition and processing. The local community members and educators used to come came to my natural organic vegetable garden to buy vegetables to feed their families. The school project got exposure especially to the local government department such as Department of Agriculture, Education, and Natural Resource Management as well as to NGOs, local schools and media. I was often being invited to represent the school in sustainable organic farming conferences, seminars and workshops.

In 1988, Mr. John Wilson attended a Permaculture Course in Botswana taught by Bill Mollison. A few years later, he came up with the idea of addressing the environmental and social crisis’s [S5] facing the majority of Zimbabweans, especially in the rural areas. John Wilson established the “Zimbabwe Institute of Permaculture” which is 21KM west of Harare. The Institution was established to provide alternative farming methods utilising natural resources to encourage self-reliance in food production, alleviate poverty and create employment within the community. Shortly after the inception of this institution 1988, I was invited by the Institute to transform the Permaculture farming concept using drama and poems while still at the high school.

The Zimbabwe Institute of Permaculture was officially opened by Mr. Bill Mollison the founder member of Permaculture in 1989. The opening of the Institute opened opportunities for Permaculture trainees and trainers to go abroad to study advanced Permaculture concepts. The institute became a hive of activity receiving several visitors from all over the world who shared their experience, skills and information regarding Permaculture.

7. DRAMA PERFORMED & TITLES

During the opening of the Institute, the drama group performed at the event to entertain the guests, VIPs, and local community members. My drama group was known all over the country, especially in Mashonaland, Matabeleland and Manicaland. This introduced me to a previously unknown world; I could not imagine that one day I could become a star, role model, and the talk of the town. This opened several opportunities, locally, provincially, nationally and internationally for me to become known and create networks with different community organisations, NGOs, Government departments, international organisations and schools.

Through drama, we could disseminate skills, knowledge, information and ideas to the community and school groups. The educated and uneducated could both learn something through drama and would remember the importance of Permaculture in their lives. Drama was then applied practically where Permaculture projects were developed and implemented. This mechanism proved to be the most effective strategy of starting Permaculture projects in schools and communities. This exposed me to a wide range of people from different cultures and countries. As time went by I became the talk of the whole country. I managed to gained popularity in promoting Permaculture and environmentally related activities in my own country and the rest of the world through Permaculture drama.

Some of the drama titles were:
“Ziva Kwavakabva” - Know your roots

(This means that people should not forget about their culture, customs, traditions and the way their forefathers used to cultivate fields without the usage of chemicals such as artificial fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides. These destroy the productivity of the soil and the nutritious content of the crops. As a result, people were not in a position to support themselves from agricultural activities. Through the consumption of chemically treated foodstuffs, people were facing terrible situations such as starvation, unemployment, crime, child abuse, poverty and diseases in plants, animals and humans. All these contributed towards the decline of life span. People should get back to their roots and adapt the natural way of farming which our forefathers used to)

“Ndatambura newe”- You made me suffer
(The drama was mainly focused on the introduction of Western agriculture, which contributed enormously towards the misuse of productive land by feeding it with chemicals which resulted in land degradation, water shortage, land and air pollution, disturbance of biomass, biodiversity, ecological balance and unproductive soils)

“Kurima kwemadziko” - Natural farming
(This drama was focused on educating and encouraging people to use Permaculture farming methodologies which utilised the available natural resources such as soil, water, air, sunlight, waste, manure, plants, and humus in order to produce food to feed their families and at the same time to create employment for themselves.

8. PERMACULTURE ACTIVITIES

Permaculture is an ecological design science for creating efficient, productive, and self-sustaining systems that serve human communities and evolve into dynamic and regenerative relationships with the surrounding environment. Permaculture extends far beyond food production systems to our entire economy. The word Permaculture means designing systems for creating sustainable human environments. It is a philosophy and an approach to land-use which weaves together microclimate, annual and perennial plants, animals, soils, water conservation, management and human needs into intricately connected, productive communities. It embraces permanent agriculture and permanent culture, as cultures cannot survive for long without a sustainable agricultural base and land-use ethic.

Permaculture ethics:
Care of the earth means care of all living and nonliving things: soil, species and their varieties, atmosphere, forests, microhabitats, animals, and water. It implies harmless and rehabilitative activities, active conservation, ethical and frugal use of natural resources.

Care of people implies the provision of the basic needs such as food, shelter, education, satisfying employment, health, and financial assistance.

Share resources: work with people who want to work and who appreciate your efforts to create wealth, employment for yourself and others; create a healthy environment and community in your area, share skills, knowledge, experience and information with others

Promoting Life: This is not one of the original ethics but it is now accepted as one of Southern Africa’s ethics in sustainable land use management. Bring food growing back into your school, homes and communities, assist people to become self-reliant, promote community responsibility and share the resources such as knowledge, skills, information and materials.

School Permaculture food gardening projects

9. THE BEGINNING OF BRIGHT FUTURE

When I completed my O’ Levels in 1988 at Chimanimani High School, my former principal Mr. J.Wilson, who was then the Director of the Zimbabwe Institute of Permaculture enrolled me in a four- year Permaculture Diploma course in 1989. Mr. Wilson saw the potential in me to be used as an instrument to transform Permaculture to communities and learners through drama at the Institute.

This gave me a fascinating opportunity to travel throughout the country, teaching subsistence farmers through drama on water harvesting, management, sustainable land-use techniques, soil enrichment and conservation, energy management, livestock & plant integration and indigenous knowledge, waste recycling and natural resource management, the planting of a diverse range of food and indigenous plants, compost making and land-use management.

Once the participants had understood the concept of Permaculture through drama shows, it became easier for them to practically implement this.

My popularity came when I appeared in Mr. Mollison’s video “Global Gardener” which was shown throughout the world. Mr. Bill Mollison, the founder of Permaculture in Australia, also trained me in Permaculture concepts including energy efficient site analysis, energy-saving design & techniques, dry land cropping & tropical regions, planning & design methods, urban Permaculture, garden layout & design, land access & community funding systems, livestock management systems and tree crops & pasture integration for stock and sustainable land-use management.

I managed to acquire vast experience, skills, knowledge and information of Permaculture from the founder himself. This was one of the greatest gifts one could ever get.
Through the popularity of Bill Mollison’s videotape of Global Gardener, many people especially from Southern and East Africa and a few from Europe visited the Zimbabwe Institute of Permaculture and I was interviewed about Permaculture farming technology. Some of my articles were published in local, national and international newspapers, newsletters and magazines. All these cultivated the opportunities I was looking for in life.
10. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

During my time at Zimbabwe Institute of Permaculture I received several job offers from different organisations such as: Abalaka Agricultural Institute in Kenya, Emerson College (UK), Natural Farming Network (Zimbabwe), Hluvukani Development Agency in Pretoria, Wildlife Environmental Society and Gold Fields Foundation. These offers came my way without applying for them because of my expertise in sustainable community and environmental development knowledge and skills. This was an indication that God had put me on earth for a special reason, especially in the restoration of the environment and community development.

At the Zimbabwe Institute of Permaculture I was one of the most industrious and talented students. My Permaculture demonstration plot was a living Permaculture example. Most of the tourists, local farmers, community groups and schools were taken to my plot. Through my efforts, hard work and knowledge about the Permaculture systems, Zimbabwe Institute of Permaculture employed me as a Permaculture production assistant manager and trainer.

October 1996 - present
Food & Trees for Africa

Food & Trees for Africa Project Manager

· Responsible for setting up and co-ordinating Environmental and Permaculture projects in community and schools throughout the country. Data collection programmes included water conservation and management, soils management, flora, fauna, health, nutrition and women's issues. Specific responsibility for formulating the conceptual approach, detailed planning, budgeting, monitoring, project appraisals, evaluation and pilot programme for environmental greening activities, natural resource management and food security.

· Developing environmental upliftment and educational projects in communities and schools

· Working with schools, churches, youth organizations in greening initiatives and Permaculture food gardening projects

· Promoting self-sustainable development, organic food production and environmental greening activities in schools, Home Based Care Centers, Hospices, prisons, communities

· Promoting sustainable utilization of natural resources for environmental, economic growth, educational, recreational, cultural, health and spiritual purposes

· Responsible for setting up the framework for environmental and Permaculture implementation strategies and assessment tools. The work includes drafting of an overall Environmental Management Plan for the project and designing and presenting formal training sessions and informal training on site for beneficial[S6] .

· Conducting community and school workshops based on climate change and global warming

· Providing long-term sustainability of Permaculture projects initiatives through empowerment of community organizations, ranging from farmers, gardeners, environmentalists, schools, NGOs, & local government extension officers

· Facilitating national school EduPlant workshops for educators and circuit managers

· Conducting Permaculture and nursery establishment & management workshops and courses for community

· Implementing and improving community and environmental healthy and sustainable quality of life for all through environmental awareness and greening programmes

· Assisting project members in formulating business plans, constitutions, policies, implementation action plans, training schedules and memorandum of understanding

· Compiling reports for sponsors and, course & workshop educational materials for project members

· Development and provision of environmental health education and awareness campaigns at all levels of education and health impact assessments

· Running youth developmental and HIV/AIDS programmes in rural & urban areas

In 1998, Food & Trees for Africa realized my potential as community and environmental developer and my post was upgraded to National Project Co-ordinator working throughout South Africa as well as the Southern Countries such as Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland.

During my time with the organization, I created a great impact within the lives of people especially communities, pensioners, children and youth, creating employment and jobs throughout the country. I have worked with local, provincial, and national government departments, local councillors, CBOs, NGOS, individuals and the private sector promoting food security, greening of the environment and establishing School environmental clubs. I also contributed towards planting over 3.7 million trees, facilitated and developed over 2500 natural food gardens for and underserved communities in South Africa.

In 2004, I was further promoted as a National project Administrator and in 2005 was further promoted as the project Manager. My efforts also attracted positive and complimentary comments from international sponsors, local, provincial & National government Department representatives, Private Sectors, Foreign Investors, community groups and others.
12. COMMUNITY & SCHOOL PROJECTS

The following pages will give you an overview of the projects and programmes that I have been involved in and/or am currently involved in as a Project Manager for the organization to address the needs of previously disadvantaged communities and their environment. I am extremely excited to have achieved results of this magnitude, which contribute towards community and environmental restoration. I hope to get much more challenging opportunities in the near future. Included are visuals for the projects to give an in-depth understanding of what I have achieved in my career as a Project Manager of the organization.

I have served Food & Trees for Africa for the past thirteen (13) years and have been an asset to the organization. I created a great impact in the lives of disadvantaged communities in South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as I have travelled and trained hundreds of communities and school learners in Permaculture design and the utilization of natural resources to produce healthy food and create a healthy environment.

Community Permaculture food garden programmes

Most South African communities have a high unemployment rate and live below the breadline. The majority of women are the breadwinners and most of the families earn just enough to put bread on the table. These poverty-stricken families cannot manage to pay for their children’s educational needs.

I broke this poverty cycle by giving back to the community members by training them in starting Permaculture food gardening, nurseries and other related projects to create employment and combat poverty within the community. The organization I work for secures funds on their behalf from different sponsors to assist community members to establish these Permaculture food gardens in their communities. I assisted the community-based project to formulate constitutions, business plans and develop the mission statements, vision and aims and objectives for the projects.

Schools Permaculture programme

In 1995, the National Schools Permaculture Programme was born. Permaculture is an ecological design science for creating efficient, productive, and self-sustaining systems that serve human communities and evolve into dynamic and regenerative relationships with the surrounding environment.

As such, the promise of Permaculture extends far beyond food production systems to our entire economy. The word Permaculture means designing systems for creating sustainable human environments. It is a philosophy and an approach to land-use which weaves together microclimate, annual and perennial plants, animals, soils, water conservation, management and human needs into intricately connected, productive communities. It embraces permanent agriculture and permanent culture, as cultures cannot survive for long without a sustainable agricultural base and land-use ethic.

The programme aimed to encourage learners and educators to take part in School environmental greening, environmental education and awareness. The common feature was that these schools were impoverished and severely disadvantaged. Most were concerned with food security and lack of basic resources, as well as educational resources. Many of these schools are in extremely disadvantaged areas with no access to running water, electricity and a high rate of unemployment amongst parents. As a result the programme was developed to focus on these aspects of life through Permaculture.

Permaculture presents common sense ideas for permanent agriculture and permanent cultures through the application of real life skills (many inherent in the diversity of the South African culture). It is the conscious design of our environments to support basic needs, in a sustainable way. These are water provision, food and natural resource security, shelter (including sanitation and appropriate building technologies), alternative economic strategies and social organization. What this means is skills development, primary health care, job creation (income generation), sustainable natural resource management, reduction in crime, empowerment of women, youth and the unemployed and a culture of learning.

Permaculture food gardens in schools

I travelled throughout the country facilitating and implementing projects in schools and communities. When facilitating Permaculture workshops, I integrate drama, poems, music, dance and songs. This creates a great impact and makes the workshop live and exciting.

This programme put me in a bright position; most community members I serve call me “Mr. Permaculture”. This opened several doors and opportunities for me to be invited by Schools, Government departments, NGOs, Community Based organizations and private sectors to assist them in facilitating projects and workshops for their project members.

The EduPlant programme has become the point of convergence for Permaculture activities in South Africa. EduPlant has contributed enormously to the popularity and acceptance of Permaculture with government departments, media, educators, students and the public as a whole. This makes me proud of my achievements and contributions towards development of the schools and community.

I have been facilitating and assisting the National EduPlant competitions for Schools for the past 12 years and I could not have achieved any of this, without the support of my colleagues. These are some of the people who were behind my success.

National Tree planting programme

When I joined Food & Trees for Africa, one of my responsibilities was to promote and encourage tree planting in the most disadvantaged schools and communities, improve the capacity to apply sustainable participatory environmental management principles and increase grass roots support for government greening and forestry initiatives. The organization has been in existence for over 18 years, involved in greening of the environment through tree planting in the most disadvantaged communities, schools and churches. This came about, after seeing that most townships, schools and churches were established or erected usually on marginal environmentally sensitive land exposed to urban environmental hazards such as polluted air, land erosion, water and subsequent health problems. I was involved in addressing the above-mentioned problems within the community and schools. I contributed in planting over 3.6million trees in South Africa and beyond the borders and facilitating climate change and global warming workshops for community based educators (CBEs).


Planting trees with officials from government departments

The learners here are being educated about the importance of trees in our lives and environment. My mottos is “plant a tree, your soul will live forever and cutting a tree is shorten your life”

Community & School Nurseries programme

The organization, used to spend large amounts of money to purchase trees from commercial nurseries for the community. In order to assist the community to become self-reliant and self-employed, I embarked on empowering community members through the establishment of small-scale tree nurseries for income generation. The main reasons for constructing these nurseries were to bring environmental greening activities within the community/Townships and add value of urban greening through the selling of indigenous trees in schools and communities and also to promote and encourage entrepreneurial initiatives among the youth and community of South Africa. The programme manages to combat crime through creating job opportunities for unemployed community members.

I was also involved in the construction of community nurseries and the training of project members on nursery establishment & management. Without a doubt, I am a multi-talented person and my effort and ambition is to create sustainable development, poverty alleviation and create jobs within the communities of South Africa.

Here are some of the nurseries I have constructed with project members in different projects.

Trees for Homes programme
Planting trees with former president Thabo Mbeki (SA)

Environmental issues are inherently linked with quality of life. Environmentally sound human settlements, where air quality is good, housing, energy and water efficient, and planting provides green ‘ lungs’ or even food security, may be seen as healthy, sustainable settlements which support quality living environments. Few can argue against the fact that to date South Africa’s Settlement Policies have done little to encourage any consideration of environmentally sound practices. The result is that many of our habitats are smoggy, barren wastelands, which detract from the quality of life of the residents. As a result of the Subsidy Scheme, hundreds of low cost houses are being built every week. Most of houses are built without any consideration to environmentally sound principles. Even simple aspects such as correct solar orientation or planting are not taken into account.

In the race to achieve delivery targets, housing beneficiaries are being tied to a future of high-energy consumption, which will cause local air quality problems and increase greenhouse gas concentrations in the stratosphere. I have also been involved in planting fruit-trees and shade trees in some of houses built by the government.

Community members are extremely happy to receive trees for their home. Planting a tree is like planting love, bringing prosperity, peace and unity in your homes. Trees play an important role in greening the environment in the new houses subsidized by the Government. I used to say to people “A house without a tree is a house without love, peace and unity”. My training has always been based on land conservation, urban integration and greening activities.
Planting trees with Grac’ia Machel

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

During my time with Food & Trees for Africa, and Wildlife Society South Africa, I managed to lay a solid foundation for me as a Permaculturist, environmentalist, and community developer. I found I had fallen in love with discovering the passion for developing environmental, Permaculture, educational resources and writing environmental and Permaculture related articles, some of which were advertised in the following publications: Permaculture villagers, Farmers’ Publisher in Kenya, Land & Home Garden magazine, The Urban Green File, Farmer’s Weekly Magazine, Food & Trees for Africa Newsletters, Wildlife & Environmental Society, Gold Fields Foundation and SASOL newsletters, Local & National Newspapers.

I also developed educational resource materials such as Health food garden, nursery booklet for beginners, Permaculture Landscape Designers Manual for junior land care, Learner Permaculture activity book and Facilitator resource book. I also contributed to developing the unit standard for AGRISETA accreditation for Food & Trees for Africa.
CONFERENCES

I have been exposed to the World by attending several conferences, seminars and workshops in different countries. In 2002, I received a bursary worth twenty-six thousand Rands (R26 000) to spend one month in Find horn, Scotland (UK) studying Eco-Villages, as well as one week of attending the Restoration of the Earth Conference in the UK, which was attended by representatives from 75 Countries. I was also invited to represent South Africa on Sustainable Forest and natural resources Management in Southern Africa Windhoek, Namibia for one- week.

In 2007, I attended a two-week Permaculture Convergence (IPC8) and a one-week tour to Amazon Forest in Brazil. The Permaculture Convergence is a private two-week gathering organized on behalf of the larger global Permaculture family sharing their Permaculture experience, skills and information. It provides a unique opportunity for Permaculturilists to set continental and global agendas, make appropriate connections, and share innovative experiences. The event was hosted in Sao Paulo and IPEC, which is located on the outskirts of Pirenopolis in Brazil.

IPEC is a unique Permaculture reference centre and school and has been awarded national prizes for innovative architecture and technology. To participate, delegates must be recognized Permaculture Design Certificate holders (PDC). Convergence working committees were to be organized under major climate groupings and special attention paid to the issues of green technology, seeds and genetic resources, trade, academic degree certification, bioregionalism, women in development, Eco-villages, Permaculture schools, development of Permaculture organizations, disaster strategies, and urban self-reliance. In 2006, I also attended a one-week regional integrated land use management workshop in Zambia and a two-week workshop on integrated land use design in Zimbabwe.

In March 2009, I was in Israel to attend NGOs Management and Development course at Galilee College. The course covered the following: Project management: concept and development, Project management: Timing and budgeting, Project evaluation & financial analysis, Methods and tools for social assessment, Essence and uniqueness of NGO leadership, Human resource development and management, Communication & leadership skills, Implementing change in the organization, Conflict management & resolution, Challenges of democratic leadership and Empowering future leadership & Fundraising strategies.

The programme addressed the current role of NGOs in community development and challenges NGOs leaders in their efforts to build the organizations. It provided participants with a learning environment that promoted the exchange of ideas and experiences and build international links among NGO leaders from different countries.

The programme was based on experiential and participatory activities. Lectures were supplemented by study tours, case studies, small group discussions, games, presentations and simulations facilitated by faculty and guest lecturers.

It was really a great pleasure attending the NGOs Management & Development workshop in Israel. What impressed me was the manner in which the course was organised, the educational resources, the tour to Biblical & Historical sites such as Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Mount of Beatitudes, Tiberius, Jerusalem and Bethlehem, the professionalism of the lecturers, the and the hospitality of the College staff.

17. SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS

I joined Food & Trees for Africa in October 1996 and have gained considerable experience working with community groups, schools, youth, pensioners, Correctional Services and disabled groups in environmental upliftment and Permaculture food garden production in the most disadvantaged communities of South Africa.

I have been involved in facilitating over 2500 community and school food gardens and have facilitated hundreds of National School EduPlant workshops and courses for educators, the South Africa Scout Association, HIV/AIDS victims and government extension officers. Have contributed in planting over 3.7million trees in the disadvantaged community of South Africa and SADC regions.

As a multitalented and skilled person, I also assisted communities in developing community Permaculture projects, drafting policies, contract agreements, project implementation planning, constitutions, food garden projects business plans, procedure and training manuals.

My efforts on behalf of Food & Trees for Africa a non-profit, non-government organization (NGO), as well as many disadvantaged communities I serve, commendable and often invaluable. These efforts could be directly linked to the following awards: International Chevron Conservation Award, Department of Environment Conserva Award, SABC PMR emPower Award for Urban Agriculture, Investing in the Future Award, Institute for Housing SA Community Upgrader Award, Sasakawa Climate Change Award, Mail & Guardian Green Trust award, PMR Award, ESKOM Chairman Award, Urban Forestry and Permaculture projects with young offenders at Emthonjeni Correctional Service, Youth Development organizations, environmental clubs and unemployed pensioners, Environmental journalist Award,.

My efforts have attracted positive and complimentary comments from sponsors, government representatives, community groups and others. My skills and knowledge of community development & empowerment, Youth development, Permaculture, environmentalism, urban forestry and urban agriculture have contributed enormously towards the uplitment and improvement of the most disadvantaged communities and their environment in South Africa and Southern African Development Community (SADC).

I have the ability to bring people of different cultural groups together and encourage them to work together and focus on achieving one specific goal.

· In 1997, I assisted Mr. Bill Mollison the founder of Permaculture to facilitate a two-week intensive Permaculture design Course in Rustlers Valley Free State
· I established Sikhebhe Natural Training Centre in Northern KwaZulu Natal

· I wrote several articles which were published in national & local newspapers, farmers weekly and magazines.

· I also assisted with the development of My Nursery, sustainable greening, Permaculture and Nursery for beginners booklets

· Facilitated & organised 500 Arbour week events,

· Did landscaping & Design for five premises (Emthonjeni Correctional Services, Department of Labour and three Schools)

· Facilitated five- 72 hours Permaculture Design Course at Rustlers Valley -Free State, New Castle, and Umgeni Valley in KwaZulu Natal

· Assisted in organising 12 National EduPlant Competitions for Schools and facilitated a one-day women seminar on Ten years of Democracy and women on Sustainable Development SA.

· I was selected to deliver a presentation at the IPC8 Convergence on behalf or Food & Trees for Africa in Brazil. I have also put endless effort and contributed to bringing IPC9 to Africa, which will be hosted in Zimbabwe and Malawi.

· I have also contributed in the planting of over 3.8million of trees to improve the environment and offset carbon emission in the country and create a health environment and community.

ORGANIZATIONS

I worked with several organizations, including Environmental Justice Network Forum (EJNF), Gold Fields Foundation, Wild Life & Environmental Society, Food & Trees for Africa, Kellogg Foundation, African Self Help Association (ASHA), Zimbabwe Natural Farming Network, South Africa Permaculture Association, Hluvukani Development Agency, Christian Children Fund (CCF), Botswana Permaculture Association, Sikhebhe Natural Farming Training Centre, Fambidzanai Permaculture training centre, Zimbabwe Institute of Permaculture, Gauteng Provincial Farmers Union (GPFU), Medicinal Edible garden Association (MEGA) and women for Peace, King Lithuli Transformation Centre (KLTC) and several government departments, including: Department of Water Affairs & Forestry (DWAF), National Department of Agriculture (NDA), Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism (DEAT), Department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Land Affairs (DACEL), Land Care South Africa (LCSA), Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Housing, Department of Social Welfare & Population Development, Department of Correctional services (DCS).

Permaculture was first introduced in South Africa in 1991 and I was one of the first pioneers to introduce Permaculture concept in the country. I facilitated hundreds of workshops and courses in Environmental management, natural conservations and Permaculture farming technologies for community members, learners, youth, children, educators, NGOs, churches and government department representatives. My workshops focused on the practical design of sustainable Permaculture food gardens and environmental greening projects addressing food security, environmental problems, malnutrition, poverty and unemployment in the most disadvantaged in the SADC communities.

I also assisted communities to set-up community based organizations, NGOs, Close Co-operations companies such as Integrated Environmental Management Services (IEMS), Focus 2000 Marketing & Advertising Company, South African Unemployed Women Association (SAUWA), Khanya Africa Development Services (KADS), Sports Development Foundation SA (SDFSA) and Friends for Greening Africa (FFGA), Environmental and Nature Conservation Rangers (ENCR). Mavilos Nursery and Vuxeni Plants & Seedling Suppliers Nursery. Vuxeni Plants & Seedlings Suppliers.