Farmers and Biowatch say no to GMOs 

and prepare to march against Monsanto

 On Saturday 23 May 2015, Biowatch South Africa 

and rural farmers in northern KZN 

will join the global March Against Monsanto, 

saying loudly and clearly: No to GMOs; No to industrial agriculture; 

No to the corporate control of our seeds and our food. 

 The March Against Monsanto (MAM) is a global protest against Monsanto and GMOs. Since the first march in 2013, MAM has grown into an international grassroots movement and at least 428 cities in 38 countries around the world are expected to take part in MAM 2015.

Although this global protest targets Monsanto because it represents some of the worst products and practices, it is also aimed at other agribusiness multinationals responsible for the globally damaging industrial agriculture system. The other major corporations profiting from toxic agricultural chemicals and GMOs are Bayer, Syngenta, BASF, Dow Agroscience and DuPont Pioneer.

Why we will be marching

There is increasing evidence of GMOs creating environmental and health risks and having dubious economic advantages: promised crop yields failing to materialise, increased dependency on pesticides, and contamination of farmers’ seeds.

“Even those farmers and consumers who reject GMOs and industrial agriculture are at risk of having their seeds, water and soil contaminated by unwanted genes and poisons because these products cannot be contained once they have been released in the environment,” said Rose Williams, Biowatch director.

“The corporate control of seeds and the food system makes farmers and society dependent. GMOs are yet another technology that furthers the industrialisation of agriculture, replacing ecologically and culturally appropriate and diverse traditional seeds, foods and farming methods to make farmers and consumers dependent on a limited and expensive range of corporate products. This industrialisation makes communities economically vulnerable to hunger and puts the entire food system at risk of collapse in the context of disease outbreaks and climate change,” she said.

The products of industrial agriculture, 

including GMOs and pesticides, 

cannot co-exist alongside agro-ecological farming and must be rejected.   

Biowatch and rural KZN farmers go to Parliament to contest proposed seed Bills

On Friday, 15 May 2015 Biowatch South Africa, along with representatives of rural northern KwaZulu-Natal farmers, will give oral submissions at the Public Hearings on the recently tabled Plant Breeders’ Rights Bill and Plant Improvement Bill. The hearings will take place in Parliament, Cape Town.

Biowatch is working with small-holder farmers in northern KwaZulu-Natal, supporting them to revive, enhance and multiply their own seed, to use agro-ecology to improve their soil and yields and to build community knowledge and cohesion. 

As such, Biowatch is advocating for a regulatory framework that acknowledges the importance of the informal seed system and the support that small-holder farmers should get to enhance this system and the associated knowledge and agro-biodiversity that it mutually supports.

“It is the duty of the South African Parliament to approve seed policies that will benefit the majority of its population. Preceding any consideration of a law that gives private ownership to what used to be commonly held for centuries is the recognition that private commercial rights can never override the rights of farmers and humankind to save seed and to grow food which feeds communities,” said Rose Williams, Biowatch director.

“In the absence of any policy or legislation that recognises and provides legal space for the vital contribution of the informal seed sector, public breeding and conservation activities, seed regulations and trade laws have become tools aimed at preventing farmers from producing seeds independently. These laws are prescribing uniformity not only in plant varieties but also in farming and cropping systems and have led to the erosion of genetic diversity and in the process narrowed down the options for farmers and food security,” she said.

“Seed regulations have evolved to become increasingly restrictive and are now used in tandem with plant breeders’ rights to protect the interests of seed companies and private breeders at the expense of agro-biodiversity and the independence of farmers,” said Elfrieda Pschorn-Strauss, co-ordinator of the Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI), a collaboration between Biowatch, the Mupo Foundation and the Bio-economy SARChl Chair at the University of Cape Town.

“It is therefore critically important to consider and determine the impact that seed regulatory systems developed for industrialised, commercial agriculture has had and will have on the informal seed sector, small-holder farmers, conservation and public breeding priorities,” she said. 

The changes to these Bills must also be seen within the context of South Africa playing a leading role in regional agreements that will impact on farmers in all SADC countries. The SADC Draft Protocol for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants as it currently stands restricts the rights of farmers to save and reuse seed and all SADC countries may be forced to change their legislation to comply.  

Biowatch’s written submissions are available on its website.

·        Submission on the draft Plant Improvement Bill: http://www.biowatch.org.za/docs/subs/2015/PI%20Bill%20written%20submission%20to%20Parliament%20May%202015-1.pdf

·        Submission on the Plant Breeders’ Rights Bill: http://www.biowatch.org.za/docs/subs/2015/PBR%20written%20submission%20to%20Parliament%20May%202015.pdf  

MARCH AGAINST MONSANTO

A pocket of farmers in northern Zululand are preparing to March Against Monsanto on the 23rd May 2015. They are not alone. At least 428 cities in 38 countries around the world will be marching in solidarity against the monster Monsanto.

Whilst Monsanto has been successful in muddling the heads of the consumers when it comes to understanding the scientific properties of GMOs and the toxic chemicals that have earned them millions, the agro-ecology farmers in Zululand are sure of one thing. They don’t want GMOs or Monsanto's chemicals. They want to continue farming as their ancestors have done and they want to save and own their own seeds.

Agro-ecology projects have cropped up in varies areas around Pongola, Kwangwanase, Ingwavuma, Tshaneni and Mtubatuba. They have wonderful names like ‘Thandazusebenze’ (pray and work) and are driven mainly by formidable Zulu women who will stop at nothing to protect their families and feed them good healthy food. These projects receive invaluable support from Biowatch South Africa which was established in 1999 as an environmental justice NGO. Biowatch works with small-holder farmers, other civil society organisations and government to ensure that people have control over their food, agricultural processes and resources, and other natural resources, within a bio-diverse, agro-ecological and sustainable system.

It has been devastating for rural farmers to learn of the dangers of GMOs and the long term effects of toxic chemicals like DDT that have been so prevalent in some areas. Large companies hold impoverished communities hostage by providing staple diets like mielie meal and soya that are riddled with GMOs. Ownership of seed is a major factor and this cannot be taken away from the farmer. The methods employed by adopting GM seeds requires mono cropping and relying on expensive seeds, pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers. This is completely contrary to the organic methods these farmers wish to continue with, that preserve the environment, are organic and chemical free and most importantly it ensures seed preservation. Contamination is a major factor not only in the environment but between seeds.

The products of industrial agriculture cannot co-exist alongside agro-ecology farming and must be rejected.

As environmentally aware consumers 

we implore you to 

support this march.

Useful links:

www.march-against-monsanto.com

http://www.biowatch.org.za/

Follow them on facebook too.

Other blogs by Lois Kuhle:

SMOKE RINGS IN CUBA. A TWO WEEK JOURNEY FILLED WITH SALSA, SUNSHINE AND SILLY PEOPLE: http://smokeringsincuba.blogspot.com/2013/10/smoke-rings-in-cuba-journey-filled-with.html

'LIFE'S COOL'. MY NEAREST AND DEAREST BECAME THOSE THAT GRUNTED, BARKED OR BIT.

http://milimanilifescool.blogspot.com/2013/12/i-n-2002-i-was-lucky-enough-to-be-given.html

COOL THOUGHTS – LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE: http://loiscoolthoughts.tumblr.com/

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/loiskuhlescribbler

WEBSITE: https://sites.google.com/site/loiskuhle/

FUND RAISING AT FALAZA

Our good friend Grant Tracy from Tracy & du Plessis Game Capture herded some of his good friends to feed on the fine fare at Falaza Game Park & Spa this weekend.

Not only were we well fed and watered, but we were also supporting a good cause, fund raising for rhino anti-poaching. To some this may seem like the ‘same old, same old’ but what is impressive about this particular campaign is that it is information intelligence driven. Using information intelligently, so to speak.

Hluhluwe game farmers are in the midst of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife reserves and are particularly vulnerable to poaching. A group of farmers formed the Munyawana Conservation Fund 2 years ago. It consists of 6 directors drawn from this area, and includes members of some of the illustrious private game reserves (&Beyond Phinda Game Reserve, Zululand Rhino Reserve and Zulu Nyala Game Lodge – just to name drop one or two). 

The spike in rhino poaching 4 years ago prompted this community to find a way of effectively curbing the decimation of rhino. They introduced a strategy of ‘keeping it simple’ and by using useful information on the ground they have developed a strong network which enables them to know what is going on. This costs money. And sometimes, a lot of it.

In the past two years they have 25 recorded incidents leading to potential rhino poaching. That’s 1 every month. The reward system for successful intervention and/ or arrests has paid off.  This has led to 56 arrests and a number of poacher fatalities; 25 high caliber weapons,113 rounds of ammunition, 21 vehicles, 14 silencers and 16 axes have been confiscated.

This dedicated team of people, passionate about rhino conservation, work pro-bono and no funds are used for administration costs.

Every donated cent counts and our delicious dinner at Falaza contributed 25% towards this incredibly effective cause.

For more information contact:

Simon Naylor -  simon.naylor@andbeyond.com

Grant Tracy – office@tdgamecapture.co.za

Other blogs by Lois Kuhle:

SMOKE RINGS IN CUBA. A TWO WEEK JOURNEY FILLED WITH SALSA, SUNSHINE AND SILLY PEOPLE: http://smokeringsincuba.blogspot.com/2013/10/smoke-rings-in-cuba-journey-filled-with.html

'LIFE'S COOL'. MY NEAREST AND DEAREST BECAME THOSE THAT GRUNTED, BARKED OR BIT.

http://milimanilifescool.blogspot.com/2013/12/i-n-2002-i-was-lucky-enough-to-be-given.html

COOL THOUGHTS – LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE: http://loiscoolthoughts.tumblr.com/

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/loiskuhlescribbler

WEBSITE: https://sites.google.com/site/loiskuhle/

NOT JUST CANEFIELDS

It’s a healthy exercise to see your city through the eyes of a tourist. I had good company this morning. Anni Ballieu, a travel agent, was visiting from Australia and our competent guide, and good friend, was Lori Kelly from Zulu Sun Safaris.

Durban, we feel, is frequently undersold. As a destination we fight against the good marketing done by Cape Town, Sun City and Kruger National Park. But don’t underestimate the power of the bush, beach and berg experience offered by KwaZulu-Natal.

But today we did a city tour of Durban. I live north of the Umgeni River in Umhlanga, and anything south of the river is not on my roadmap, unless absolutely necessary. My eyes were opened and I loved getting to know my city with the help of a well-seasoned guide.

Anni’s interest was in the golfing opportunities on offer. Frequently, after a long safari either in Botswana, Zim or Zambia, clients are keen to hit a few balls on manicured courses. And Durban has plenty to offer. 

Yesterday we bimbled north, on the scenic M4, to Zimbali CoastalResort with its five star golf course. It has so much to offer with great accommodation, either in the 2 luxurious Fairmont hotels or equally stylish self-catering homes.

40 odd kilometres away, Durban has its fair share of golf courses. Mt. Edgecombe Country Club, Durban CC, Beachwood and Grayville.

We ascended the Sky Car at Moses Mabhida Stadium to get a feel for the texture of Durban. The stadium itself is so impressive and the view shows off Durban at its best. We declined the opportunity to bungy jump.

Below us was the Sun Coast Casino. South Africa has a plethora of Miami style casinos where you can double or lose your holiday allowance.

In the comfort of our air-conditioned kombi, sparing us the balmy Durban weather, we ambled along the ‘Golden Mile’ which is actually about 4 miles long. Although not a first choice for accommodation, the esplanade underwent a massive face lift for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. It has become a popular play-ground for all Durbanites with great facilities, a fun place to walk, ride bikes and surf.

Our only negative experience was with a rickshaw driver who willingly posed for photos and scoffed at our ‘tip’. Be sure to negotiate a price before snapping away with your camera.

Old Point Road, now Mahatma Ghandi Road used to be a den of iniquity, and home to scoundrels and prostitutes. It has been cleaned up and beautiful old buildings restored to turn it into a cosmopolitan area. Across the bay the lush protected forest of the Bluff remains untouched. The traditional Zulu name for Bluff is isibubulungu, meaning a long, round-shaped ridge. It also means "white man’s bluff", which may be a reference to habitation by shipwreck survivors.

Wilson’s Wharf with its incomparable harbour views is Durban's trendiest fusion of fun food, top shows and crafts, blended with the rustic interface of a boating marina and working slipways.

We headed into town towards the Indian Market where I had a Cinderella moment and found a fab pair of leather shoes for a mere R150. It was a pleasant experience without the haggling and hussling so prevalent in many African markets.

We rounded off our tour with a drive down Florida Road with its tree lined road displaying restored Victorian and Edwardian buildings boasting over 2km of restaurants, pubs, clubs, art galleries and eclectic little shops. There is something to do 24/7 and should definitely be on your to-do list when visiting Durban.

As we headed north over the Umgeni River back ‘home’ to Umhlanga, I felt confident that my Aussie visitor would have a positive and impressionable memory of Durban, an elegant, mature and ambitious city. It is a trendsetter in offering great lifestyle, speckled with adventure activities, blessed with natural beauty and an astonishingly liveable city.

Other blogs by Lois Kuhle:
SMOKE RINGS IN CUBA. A TWO WEEK JOURNEY FILLED WITH SALSA, SUNSHINE AND SILLY PEOPLE: http://smokeringsincuba.blogspot.com/2013/10/smoke-rings-in-cuba-journey-filled-with.html
'LIFE'S COOL'. MY NEAREST AND DEAREST BECAME THOSE THAT GRUNTED, BARKED OR BIT.
http://milimanilifescool.blogspot.com/2013/12/i-n-2002-i-was-lucky-enough-to-be-given.html
COOL THOUGHTS – LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE: http://loiscoolthoughts.tumblr.com/

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/loiskuhlescribbler

THE HAPPY CAMPER

I confess that I generally believe camping is for the birds….and the screeching cicadas. 

We were invited by wonderful friends to join them at Bhanga Nek. 

A place so remote and iSimangaliso WetlandsPark’s best kept secret, 

which I promised to keep. 

So, please eat this note as soon as you have read it.

First trick is to get detailed directions, otherwise you will never get to point B. 

There are no helpful signs and the best thing is to follow the track most traveled.

The camp site belongs to the community. We were there 10 years ago and I fear not a bit of maintenance has been done since then. However, we will forgive it, as the position is absolutely idyllic. The exquisite beaches, devoid of any other life form except the tracks of turtles, were declared by adventurer Kingsley Holgate to be the best in the world.

The sea is beautiful, but one needs to be careful. The strong rip can wash you out with the turtles and the incoming tide delivers waves powerful enough to clean out your sinuses and other orifices.

Our mess tent area was kept tidy by Msimango, a well-spoken gent who doubled up as our turtle guide. 

Under the glow of the almost full moon we headed north along the beach in search of egg-laying turtles. Hoping to trip over them close to home we eventually trekked 8kms – there and back. The company was great, the moon brilliant, the sea inviting and the turtles eventually appeared. 

We watched mama loggerhead lay her 100+ eggs, then, seemingly exhausted she caught the next wave home. In the light of day we saw that many turtles had been ashore to lay. Just think of all those babies slowly developing under the hot sand, soon to scamper into the ocean to their destiny, either as dinner or as a survivor.

It never ceases to amaze me why campers spend their year working hard to earn whacks of money to come to a place so primitive, not even Eskom could make us miserable.
There is no electricity.

After a couple of days in Bhanga Nek I realised why.

We did beach things like henna our hands, make sushi and play bananas. Bliss.

Other blogs by Lois Kuhle:

SMOKE RINGS IN CUBA. A TWO WEEK JOURNEY FILLED WITH SALSA, SUNSHINE AND SILLY PEOPLE: http://smokeringsincuba.blogspot.com/2013/10/smoke-rings-in-cuba-journey-filled-with.html

'LIFE'S COOL'. MY NEAREST AND DEAREST BECAME THOSE THAT GRUNTED, BARKED OR BIT.

http://milimanilifescool.blogspot.com/2013/12/i-n-2002-i-was-lucky-enough-to-be-given.html

COOL THOUGHTS – LIFE IN THE SLOW LANE: http://loiscoolthoughts.tumblr.com/

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/loiskuhlescribbler

Name dropping in Zululand

It's a wine affair.

When Zululanders get together for wine club it tends to be a jolly affair. Our particular wine club has been in existence for close to 23 years, with members coming and going, and a hard core that has quaffed through the past 21 years. 

Larry & Anita Stevens, originally from Mkuze, have religiously attended, as has the oldest teenager in Zululand, Rob Stock (he’s 61 BTW).

Left: Larry with Gavin and Bridget Dixon from Hluhluwe River Lodge.

We don’t pretend to know our wines, although as the evening progresses we do become cleverer. Our notes prove it. If you can read them. And, yes, we do have a ‘Wine File.’

Grant and Colette Tracy, of Tracy & Du PlessisGame Capture, hosted our November tasting.

The vineyard chosen was Rijk’s in Tulbach. Colette was doing a bit of name dropping as the wine maker, Pierre Wahl, is aangenaaide familie. An Afrikaans expression claiming complicated family connections. Marriage is involved somewhere along the line.

Rijk's produces older vintage fine food wines to satisfy the sophisticated palate of wine enthusiasts from around the world. Elegance, finesse, complexity and concentration of fruit are the hallmarks of their wines. And they didn’t disappoint our experienced palates.

Our host, Grant, took his presentation very seriously, having invested heavily in these somewhat pricey wines that had been shipped to Zululand for this function. He was constantly interrupted by a bleating baby goat desperate for her next bottle, followed by the baa-ing of her companion, an orphaned lamb. Both confused as to whether they are sheep, goat, dog, chicken or human.This was accompanied by a rather ruffled cockerel who had clearly lost his last fight. 
To top it all, the gods were moving furniture. Being farmers, we temporarily lost concentration. The promise of rain does that to us. We were rewarded with a huge clap of thunder and a bolt of lightning …. and a spot of rain. 

Such is life in Zululand.

But I digress.

We were treated to Rijk’s signature varieties being 
Chenin Blanc, Pinotage and Shiraz. 
Each having 3 categories:

Larry, who normally sniffs at a Pinotage, found it challenging to criticize this fine wine.

We sipped, we tasted, we inhaled the perfect bouquets and 
we all agreed that every single wine we tasted was delicious.

Speaking of which, we then had an amazing lunch produced by Colette.

The next morning, with hardly a hangover between us (good wine is kind like that) we wandered around the farm with its many creatures. Some of whom are porkers. I confess that I ooh-ed and aah-ed at the piglets and exclaimed 
“OMG is that what we ate yesterday?” 
We had beef. 
Well, that was awkward.

‘till we meet again, cheers, and thanks Grant and Col 
for another memorable wine tasting!

Above: Brian and Denise Blevin from Shayamoya

Below: Author with the oldest teenager in Zululand.