Devoted Magazine Issue 30

Issue 30 www.devotedmag.co.za Wellness magazine – toward a healthy and fulfilling life Leaving an agriculture legacy Erlo Stegen, leaving Rita Joosten Shaping the Emseni a legacy of love and remodels the future of Farming, art of farming farming growing with compassion grace www.devotedmag.co.za 1

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The publication WE AIM TO BE A VESSEL TO INFORM, INSPIRE AND EDUCATE A WIDE AUDIENCE TO LIVE A FULFILLED LIVE. WE ARE COMMITTED TO - • Providing good and informative articles. • Being a trusted source of information and positive news. • Providing our readers with opportunities for personal growth. • Encouraging our readers to leaving a legacy. • Facilitating the building of spiritual strengths. • Equipping and empowering people to become better servants of others. OUR CORE VALUES ARE A FUNDAMENTAL BELIEVE IN: • God almighty • Ethical values • The importance of family • Respect for others • Trustworthiness, & honesty • Helping those less fortunate • Authenticity • Speaking out against social ills “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” (Martin Luther King Jr) www.devotedmag.co.za 3

Editor’s Note Leavlineggaacy T he Covid-19 pandemic and the privilege of meeting. He is one of our are worried about the future of South on-going widespread riots and country’s most inspiring missionaries, an Africa and especially food insecurities. destruction are uncomfortable entrepreneur, a farmer at heart, and South Africa is facing huge job losses and a reminders of how short life is and a philanthropist of note. possible food security crisis. People should how important it is to live life fully. It also be encouraged to cultivate the soil more makes me think about what it means to I believe that a person’s present can be than ever before, even if it is on a smaller leave a personal legacy and what God says best understood in the context of their scale. Agriculture is the source of our food about leaving a legacy? past. Stegen’s early years were spent on supply. It is impossible to imagine a world his family farm in KwaZulu Natal which without agriculture. When you talk about legacy, most made him a farmer at heart. He had people think of leaving behind money a strong desire to spread the gospel It is important to celebrate success and possessions for the next generation. amongst the Zulu people from a young stories which raise hope and inspiration. As I see it, legacy is not limited to money or age and consequently started a mission. We are proud to share with you the story possessions but has more to do with how For over 50 years he had dutifully lived out about a young and dynamic female farmer, you want people to remember you after his calling to uplift the community and Rita Joosten. Women are often the unseen you’ve passed on. For me, it refers more to combined it with his love for farming and faces of farming but, they are not new to how someone enriched the lives of others changed many lives whilst making agriculture. Women have always played that reveals what that life was all about to an impact. a vital role on the farms. I felt good whilst family, friends, and community. doing the interview with Rita. Her passion To sustain the mission and his various for her work, and compassion for people Shannon Alder said, community outreach programs, Stegen gave me hope for a better future for our began a wide variety of agricultural, and country than what the politicians would “Carve your name on hearts, not other, projects to achieve significant want us to believe. tombstones. A legacy is etched improvements in incomes, productivity, into the minds of others and the and food security. He took it even further It is my hope that our readers stories they share about you.” by helping, employing, showing, and will enjoy the “feel good” stories teaching the local communities on how to as much as I enjoyed writing So, what is a legacy, and how do we leave farm and to focus on sustainable farming them. one? In short, a legacy is when you use practices. But what started as community your God-given talents and calling to vegetable gardens, ended up being one With love, benefit others. The influence we have on of the country’s big, sweet pepper farms, others determines our legacy. It is not our amongst others. In short, Stegen has Gerda goal to live forever but rather to create fostered long-term sustainable agricultural something that will. transformation by working in unison with Like us on Facebook: the community. The reach and impact www.facebook.com/devotedmagazine Over the years, I have met numerous of his farming projects over the years people who have demonstrated what really makes it stand out among a lot of www.devotedmag.co.zaRead our newsletters and inspiring stories on it meant to leave a legacy so that future other successful farms. With his farming generations could benefit from it. projects he meets the needs of the present Share the good news articles with others These people make a difference in the without compromising the ability of future communities in which they operate and generations to meet their own needs. leave the world a better place than when they found it. One such person is Reverend In the aftermath of the July 2021 riots Erlo Stegen with whom I recently had and the burning of farms, warehouses, businesses, and properties, most people 4 www.devotedmag.co.za

CONTENTS In this Edition 6 9 13 Editor’s Note Front cover picture Leaving a legacy 4 Bees are pollinators. They, together with other pollinators, contribute to food security. Bees Shaping the future of farming 6-7 pollinate plants that produce our food. It is said that a third of the world’s food production depends on Erlo Stegen is leaving a legacy of love 8-9 bees. Ending hunger is everybody’s responsibility, and compassion so STOP KILLING BEES. Emseni Farming, growing with 10 - 12 Credits grace for decades MANAGING EDITOR Rita Joosten remodels the art of farming 13 - 14 Gerda Potgieter Advertise with us & build relationships SUPPORTING EDITOR with your customers Jeannie Millington We have introduced special advertising rates to help you and your LANGUAGE EDITOR business during these trying times. NOW is NOT the time to stop Mignionette de Bruin marketing your business, rather be more strategic and use cost- EditA effective options. Make use of our special - see previous page. CREATIVE AND DESIGN Annerine Lubbe Square Design Studio 071 897 6240 CONTENT DISCLAIMER: All rights reserved. While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of information, the editors and Devoted magazine cannot accept liability of whatsoever nature arising out or in connection with the contents of the publication. The views expressed in this on-line publication are not necessarily those of any of the Devoted team members. It remains the sole responsibility of the writers. Like us on Facebook: www.dViesitvouor wteebdsitemat ag.co.za www.facebook.com/devotedmagazine Emails: [email protected]; or [email protected] 5

Shaping the future of farming “God looked down on the African subsistence farmers are farming projects that develop a collaboration earth that He created and crucial for food security, now and of different components in an environment said, I need a caretaker for in the future. Some of the most designed to draw from the power of the the world I made, and so vulnerable and marginalised collective. smallholder farmers live in sub-Saharan God made a farmer.” Africa. These farmers lack support and What is subsistence or smallholder Paul Harvey resources, and they face the challenge of agricultural farming? growing enough food to feed their families, the rising costs, climate change, and the Subsistence or smallholder agriculture decline of natural resources. They rely mostly farming is when a family only grows enough on traditional modes of farming – many do food to feed themselves. This means that the not use irrigation, commercial seedlings, or family is self-sufficient when it comes to food. chemical fertilisers, which is why they have Normally, there is a very small harvest that such a huge impact on the preservation they can sell or trade and whatever surplus of the ecosystem and protecting the they have left, they tend to store it for their environment. consumption until the next harvest. Hunger has posed the greatest threat This is the most used method of to people’s well-being and security during agricultural farming in sub-Saharan Africa the pandemic. The difficulties involved in where most of the rural poor depend on it for getting food to millions of South Africans in their livelihood and existence. It’s a practice need of their basic daily food consumption that appeals to rural farmers because it is astronomical. Farming is a mechanism allows them to produce food at low costs in through which we can empower and equip their homelands, saves them from finding the poor to help themselves and turn the transportation to take their produce to the mentality of begging and entitlement city, and allows them to continue living in around to the “breadbasket of the world”. their village where housing and communal This is one solution to food security and land are much more accessible and addressing the poverty crisis in Africa. affordable. How do we shape the future of farming But why is this farming approach in South Africa to make it profitable and ineffective? Firstly, it is very susceptible to meet the food security challenges? Devoted climatic conditions. Drought or flooding believes that our farmers can become due to heavy rainfall will affect the harvest, the pillars of sustainability, job creation and they might not have enough food to and contribute positively to economic feed their families. Subsistence farming development, especially among the youth. To only works when the climatic conditions are do this, we must rethink how we do farming. right, but we all know this is not always the The answer lies in well-organised community 6 www.devotedmag.co.za

case. Very little to no income is generated upskill them from subsistence farming to entrepreneurs/enterprise Development for the family’s upkeep, and they lose commercial farming through an on-the- within the community and make farming time they could have spent working on job training programme. attractive to the youth. something else where they could have received an income from. The development of farming Emseni Farming and the cooperatives will protect from losses Maqhogo Mission in KwaZulu- Subsistence farming is a deterrent to because it increases the amount that Natal are examples of successfully development in rural Africa because it can be farmed. Profits are shared, which implemented best farming does not have the potential to upscale to means that if one farm suffers from practices. These farms sustain commercial production. It will continue drought or a flood that year, it can still be missionary work and outreach to prevent people from generating profitable. These cooperatives will provide programmes, train locals and income and expanding their smallholder opportunities for families to continue their show them how to farm, provide agricultural farms. farming and make money. This speaks jobs and livelihood to the directly to the culture of rural Africa, community, and collaborate with How can we help these farmers? where much of the land is communal and cooperatives in their farming where it is culturally accepted to share. training programmes. The There are many who believe that the successes of these farms are based thought process and values of subsistence The benefit of this farming culture in on a spirit of generosity and love farming are commendable. It aims to rural areas is the utilisation of vacant for the community, farming in create an integrated approach through land in rural communities. Farming unison and with the help of the agriculture and education to ensure can be done more intensely on smaller community, providing training to that food security is sustainable and parcels of land. Farmers will be trained farmworkers and showing them distributable through all levels of African and developed, and they will adhere how to farm successfully, years society. The answer lies in organising and to standardised farming methods and of hard work, dedication, and developing the agricultural cooperatives production practices. Subsequently, commitment to a calling, and because rural farmers already have a solid they will produce at household levels, good management practices. foundation to start. After all, farming is empowering the poor and middle-income We can all learn from them. what they know best and what they have households to add to the diversity and done all their lives. We need to build on nutrition in diets and food, which will that knowledge and provide training to become more affordable, accessible, and of higher quality. This will give rise to www.devotedmag.co.za 7

Erlo Stegen is leaving a legacy of love and compassion Devoted loves to share the Reverend Erlo Stegen, the founder work over the years, he has implemented untold stories, because of Emseni Farming and the and spearheaded numerous agricultural it provides insight and KwaSizabantu Mission (KSB) in and other projects for various income Kranskop KwaZulu-Natal, is not only streams that benefit the community directly inspiration. It is also about one of South Africa’s most successful farmers and indirectly. These projects also ensure celebrating loyalty and and entrepreneurs … he is a visionary leader sustainability for the many outreach and brilliance, so we like to and well known as one of the most inspiring upliftment programmes and missionary work missionaries of our time. Much has been implemented over the years. I do not know of feature strong believers who written about him, but unfortunately not another mission of its size that achieved the are enthusiastic about their enough about his good work and the legacy same levels of success. unfolding at the mission he founded and calling. Visionary leaders built through hard work, dedication, and The founding and successes of the who do their part to help staying true to his calling. diversified farming projects for the and uplift others selflessly, community’s benefit must be shared with deserve a special space in A prominent international award, the the world, because it is a story untold. The Robert W Pierce Award for Christian service, mission started small over 50 years ago, and our magazine. was bestowed upon Reverend Stegen on 9 today it is situated on a massive 550 hectares December 2007. The award was for his work between Stanger and Greytown. The Emseni among the Zulu nation as a missionary, Farming projects on the KwaSizabantu farm preacher, educator, and man of compassion. was started to support the mission’s work Another prestigious award, the NWF and the community. Today, it is one of the Chancellor’s medal, was presented to him on biggest bell pepper producers in South 23 May 2013 by the North-West University, Africa. You can read about the successful recognising his outstanding and continued farming projects on the following pages. contribution to education development, community upliftment, and outreach in rural All the businesses established on the and rural impoverished areas. mission are community-based, which is in line with one of its core values and focuses Reverend Stegen is a farmer at heart and - the upliftment of rural communities. for him it is all about God’s work and his Many community and sporting events are calling to serve His people. He does not sponsored throughout the country through believe in collecting monies after church the Mission’s business operations that were services to sustain the ministry or asking for implemented to sustain the missionary donations to do the work God has called him work and community outreach programs. to do. Therefore, to sustain his missionary Outreach programs include local feeding 8 www.devotedmag.co.za

schemes for orphaned children, an HIV/ Setting the record straight Aids care centre, and a broad spectrum of community projects. A lecturer at Cedar International Academy NPC, Elfrieda Fleischmann, recently received the degree Philosophiae Doctor in Theology with The good relationship between KSB Missiology for her thesis, “Erlo Hartwig Stegen: A Missiological evaluation management and the community has paid of his life, ministry and teachings”. She grounded her evaluation of the off numerous times. It has seen miracles KwaSizabantu Mission “within the theory of revivals from where she unfold amid the turmoil during widespread synthesized a protestant revival evaluation criteria (PREC). The study riots and destruction in various areas in South revealed a deepfake phenomenon within recent mainstream media’s Africa, but especially in KwaZulu-Natal. The accounts of Stegen’s 60 years of service to the Africans. It shows also Mission’s people and its community worked in that his ministry has profited remote Zulu communities over the span unison to safeguard livelihoods and property of more than 50 years on a large scale.” during these riots. Other projects, such as clean-up initiatives, are aimed at unifying Elfrieda says, “Stegen pioneered various developmental projects the community and working together to among the Zulus during the height of Apartheid. Although he make a difference, and are supported by the was constantly challenged with Apartheid legislation limitations, community members. he pioneered projects on agriculture, economy, education, and humanitarian efforts. Stegen used his farming skills to empower rural Leaving a legacy Zulus with knowledge of sustainable agriculture, thereby enhancing the economic wellbeing of many poor communities’. The Mission and Emseni Farming, among many others, are integral parts of the legacy of “Stegen also taught business skills to community members on an Reverend Stegen. Bernard Barker says, “It (KSB) ongoing basis. He pioneered and provided schooling and affordable provides all parties involved the opportunity tertiary education to remote communities over many decades. He has to return to and live out the basic principles taken care of over 18 500 youths struggling with drug addiction while of the living gospel of Jesus Christ. It is in the carrying the costs of reaching over 5 500 schools across the country simple voluntary acts of mostly the poor and from 2010–2020, warning youth about the dangers of drugs. Through marginalised people that had experienced his intervention, many ex-drug addicts that received help are currently the unselfish Christ-like compassion and supporting their own families and benefit from his job creation activities. love of Reverend Stegen, his close family and In addition, he has provided help to HIV/AIDS patients and orphans. loyal staff of many years that his legacy was His project dynamics have benefited many rural communities.” unfolding. In most cases, a legacy is often described as laudable developments in (Note from the editor: An electronic version of the thesis, Erlo Hartwig the past’. Stegen: A Missiological evaluation of his life, ministry and teachings, is available on the following website: https://repsitor.nwu.ac.za/ “The Reverend’s legacy is alive in the handle/10394/37398 and you can also visit the catalogues on: https://sierra. present, manifesting in the daily actions of nwu.ac.za/record=b2536893-S4) persons who take the calling seriously. Perhaps now there is such a watershed moment for Leaving a legacy people at KwaSizabantu to ensure that the original purpose of evangelisation amongst the Zulu people is renewed and aligned. This is Reverend Erlo Stegen’s living legacy.” The secret of the reverend’s work lies in sharing experience and knowledge with the community while providing opportunities for them to grow and support themselves and their families. His generous disposition makes him beloved by the local communities. The more he hands out, the more he receives back. What makes his life’s work standing out from the rest is his commitment to his calling to serve his people, despite the challenges and onslaughts on his work and legacy. www.devotedmag.co.za 9

Emseni Farming, growing with grace for decades At Emseni Farming in the K ranskop is situated in uMzinyathi ministry over 50 years ago, more than Kranskop area you can see in KwaZulu-Natal at the edge of 3 million people from around the world hectares upon hectares of the Tugela River and the Valley have entered the farm’s gates to get help, of a Thousand Hills and consists mostly volunteer, or learn to farm successfully. beautiful hydroponically of rural communities. Facing limited grown bell peppers in job opportunities, the communities are When Reverend Stegen started his work, hothouses, and lettuces reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods. the farm consisted of virgin land with The communities are struggling to make hectares of wattle plantations. To feed the that are organically grown. ends meet. The distances to the cities and ever-growing number of churchgoers, he The KwasiZabantu Mission challenges such as the lack of infrastructure started to grow vegetable gardens with the (electricity and running water) and not help of the community. He also taught them operates it as a business enough job opportunities make it difficult how to farm and encouraged them to plant entity under the trading for the locals to earn a decent living or farm their vegetable gardens so that they could name Emseni Farming successfully to provide for their needs. The feed themselves and their families. (meaning place of grace in community also have limited knowledge Zulu) and the enterprise about how to farm. Against this background, Gremah Khwela (born in 1946) joined benefits the community. Reverend Erlo Stegen started his missionary; Reverend Erlo in the early days, and she The hectares of greenhouses and subsequently the farming projects to currently still works there. She has many sustain his work and to uplift the community. stories to tell about how the founder helped are a sight to behold! her community by preaching the gospel The current diversified farming at Emseni and showing them how to farm. She was involves a wide range of agricultural very enthusiastic when she shared about activities, which include avocado and fruit the many miracles over the years of God cultivation, a dairy, making compost and providing food when they had nothing to hydroponically grown lettuces and sweet give to the hungry people seeking help. peppers. Beehives set up among the avocado “I was there from the beginning. I felt, and I tree orchards assist with the movement of saw the love he (Reverend Stegen) has for my pollen between plants and produce avocado people. The lesson that I learned from him flower honey. But it took a visionary leader, is that you pray for what you need. dedication, and hard work to be Here (at Emseni), God works with blessings, so successful. and not everybody will be happy with the work. Despite that, God’s work is growing, Early days but people do not see that.” Emseni Farming was started to sustain the Making the most of Mother Nature missionary and humanitarian work of the founder; and has gradually developed into Reverend Stegen has always encouraged the the 550 hectares of diversified agricultural farmers on Emseni and in the community projects. Since the founder started his to make the most of Mother Nature and use what they have; and make the best of it. 10 www.devotedmag.co.za

There is not a single project at the farm enjoys his work, especially because he can biggest employer in the area. It provides that he has not inspired and initiated. pass on his knowledge and experiences opportunities for community members to the community through training and and others to earn money to support their All aspects of sustainable gardening mentorship programmes. Emseni has a families with dignity. As jobs in the area are applied. The small pepper plants are memorandum of understanding with are hard to come by, the projects are like a grown in coco peat growbags on special the Maphumulo Tropical Cooperation beacon of light to the communities. gutters which keep the plants off the to provide training and mentorship ground. Pests are biologically controlled programmes to upcoming farmers. The Numerous marketing campaigns and with tiny insects, imported from the membership of the Cooperation outreach events frequently have local Netherlands and Israel. The greenhouses is growing annually. participation that directly benefits the are individually climate controlled using communities. With the revenue generated customised controllers and computer Themba says, “Emseni regularly expands from this, and other businesses, Emseni programmes. Temperatures in the houses its enterprises and look after its members. has expanded its operations to assist are closely regulated and the irrigation I follow Reverend Stegen’s advice … more people and finance its outreach solution includes drain water, which is People must be self-sufficient. I help and missionary programmes. As a recycled and UV treated. people to grow avocados. I started liaising community-based business, one of its with the local chiefs so they can inform the core values and focus is the upliftment They are also making compost on the community how to grow and experiment of rural communities. Emseni sponsors farm. The compost comprises organic with avocados. In my information sessions numerous community and sporting waste from the mission and waste with groups, I also focus on other tropical events throughout the country through obtained from the greenhouses such as fruits such as litchis and macadamia nuts.” its business operations. The outreach old coir bags pruning waste; old plants programmes include local feeding which are removed annually; wood chips; Giving back to the community schemes for orphaned children, an HIV/ cow waste from the Emseni dairy and Aids care centre, and a broad spectrum other farms; and hay. The composting Over years the various agricultural projects of community projects. process is managed carefully to produce have impacted the communities to ensure the optimal balance of temperature, food security; and the workers earn an Advancing food security moisture, and air for breaking down the honest living through these projects. material and killing harmful pathogens Many people are dependent on the money Globally, food security is a daunting and weed seeds. The result of the compost they receive for the work that they do at challenge. Africa is one of the world’s is used back into the farm, mainly in the Emseni. For many of them, it is the only most poverty-stricken continents where avocado orchards, and helps to improve opportunity to earn a decent living to farming, also subsistence farmers, are the soil structure. feed their families. Job creation and skills crucial for food security, now and in development at Emseni spans over several the future. Themba Mzobe heads up the nursery areas which starts from the germination at Emseni which is registered at the of the plants, through to the packaging No one can deny the critical role Department of Agriculture. He has a BA thereof. agriculture plays in the daily lives of in Psychology but has chosen to work at people and communities – it is the Emseni following in his mother’s footsteps The economic impact of the agricultural backbone of a country’s economic system. as it gives him much joy. Themba clearly projects is enormous because it is the Long before the industrial revolution www.devotedmag.co.za 11

agriculture was the main source of income In return the community can pass the Emseni Farming in a nutshell of world economies and, even before that, blessings they receive onto someone else in biblical times, tilling the soil and rearing in need to benefit the community through Avocado’s cattle was the mainstay of employment this process. Hectors under trees - 170 Hectors. (Genesis 2:5; 4:2 and Hebrews 6:7). Total trees - 51 000 trees. As the population continues to grow in What stands out at Emseni is the Produce per year - 2 100 Tons. developing countries, food insecurities founder’s strong belief that labour can Type of avocados - Hass, Pinkerton, and malnutrition are major concerns and achieve it highest potential if farm Ryan, Fuertes, Ringtone, Lamb that is why food security matters now workers are educated and share the Export - 60 to 70 % of produce. more than ever before. benefits. Over years, through hard work and dedication, he has developed small Bell peppers At Emseni the community is actively holders and emerging farmers one step Hectors of greenhouses - 11.5 involved in development of the farm at a time. Hectors. and its many projects, working together Produce per year - 2 500 Tons. over many years to uplift and change Emseni and its people show us how Type - Bell Pepper: Green, Red, lives for the better. The various farming we can do so much more to build strong Yellow, Orange, Conical projects ensure multiple income streams communities if we work together. that benefit the community directly It has developed a blueprint for Dairy and indirectly. Emseni, its founder and sustainable farming that others Holstein herd - 750 cows. (Including leadership, have been continuously can follow. heifers and calf’s) applying the principle of “paying it Cows been milked p/d - 350 cows. forward” where they have invested into (Watch the following Utubes on Emseni Liters per day. - 8 000 Liters the lives of the community and taught Farming: New Emseni Farming Greenhouses; them skills, among others, to farm. Emseni Farming Avocado project; Emseni, Bonle products: place of grace (drone footage)). Yogurt p/y - 100 000 Liters Amass p/y (Calabash milk) - 440 000 Liters Juices p/y - 35 000 Liters Other products Dragon Fruit, Mangoes, Litchis’, and Papayas. 12 www.devotedmag.co.za

Rita Joosten remodels the art of farming It is not every day that It blows my mind when I think about the the founder and leaders and the way they one is privileged enough omnipotence beauty and splendour of work with people that spoke to me. What to meet with, and talk to how God had created Mother Nature, and has made an impact on me is the high moral a dynamic female farmer, I thank Him for farmers who live so close to it standards of the founder and the leaders, and who understand the workings of nature. and the fact that I was taught how to respect and the experience for We have lost much of our humanity in this and interact with my fellow workers and my me was one in a million! concrete jungle of ours because nature is fellow South Africans”. Rita Joosten is in her early so far removed from us. So, it is good to be twenties. Our first meeting reminded of all the natural wonders that are What can you tell our readers about in the new greenhouses around us. green peppers that they do not know? (her workplace) of Emseni Rita is the daughter of the farm manager “I learn so much from nature. I don’t know if Farming took place in at Emseni, Dietmar Joosten. She is a many people know that the pepper is God’s September 2021 in beautiful member of the fourth generation of family most humble plant. The bell pepper plant farmers. Her sister, who currently works starts as a flower and then grows into fruit. KwaZulu-Natal. Her eyes at the packhouse on Emseni, and herself Look here at the flower that bends its head sparkles when she speaks, used to visit the farming projects with their down, it will never lift its head to look at and the enthusiasm with father when they were small. These visits the sun… It is of humility. When the flower established their love of farming from a very lifts its cup, we know that the plant is not which she shares her early age. The enthusiasm with which she healthy; and some large greenhouse farmers knowledge is contagious. shares her knowledge is contagious, and in Europe, where they grow peppers at a The passion she radiates is the passion for her work makes her face much larger scale, pick the flowers that are evident as her whole face glow while she speaks with conviction. Few not bend down. It is because they know it lights up when speaking young people her age have worked out will bear bad fruit, is either deformed or the exactly what they want to do in life; and not colouring is not right. Only the humble fruit about her work. many acquire so much knowledge of their is chosen. This reminds me daily to remain field at such a young age. She added value humble, especially if you have people who to our conversations with her exceptional are reporting to you.” important life lessons: How do you control deceases in the Why do you prefer to work at Emseni? greenhouses? “There is nothing else I want to do. There is “Small plants always have the risk of no place like home. I grew up and live here, becoming infected with diseases; and the and my family is here. I really enjoy working farmer may then lose a crop. We plant the in the greenhouses at Emseni. It is especially seedlings in a U-shape as this prevents them the respect for people and the generosity of from being infected by viruses. Our workers www.devotedmag.co.za 13

must disinfect their hands thoroughly day, and I try to live in such a way that I The benefits of peppers before touching the seedlings. We use also make an impact.” (capsicum annuum) milk for the plants because the proteins in the milk have an antiviral effect on Note from the editor: The bell pepper is softer on the the small plants. We also use it for the tongue than any of the other big plants when we harvest it. If a plant My visit to the inspiring farm with its members of the pepper family but has a virus, the milk will prevent it from many uplifting stories came to an end is endowed with much more flavor. spreading to other plants.’ too soon; and I experienced a deep If you want to add an element of sadness when I left. But I have forged surprise and excitement to a dish, “We try and do everything biologically. ties with the loving people on the farm then the humble pepper does it! For instance, tiny spiders are imported and there will be a reunion. For me, from the Netherlands and Israel in small what makes Emseni so unique is the Most people can safely add sachets such as these one over here to comprehensiveness and sustainability peppers to their diets because they control pests. The spider is very small of the farming projects; the community are rich in antioxidants associated and can hardly be seen with the naked and agricultural upliftment; with good health and protection eye, but they have a positive impact on commitment to a vision and calling; against heart disease and cancer. the plant. What I learned from insects jobs that are life opportunities created They contain potassium, Vitamins in general is that even though they are for people; and the amazing God- C and E, beta carotene, and folate. so small, they have a positive impact on fearing and humble people who do the Peppers may also have the following the environment. It reminds me that the work. The work done at this farm can health benefits: smallest gesture, such as a simple ‘hallo’ serve as a blueprint for other farms to to a stranger, can have a huge impact on address South Africa’s many challenges • Preventing cataracts and macular others around us. The smallest smile can of poverty, unemployment, ongoing degeneration positively affect someone else’s whole land problems, and others. • Reducing the likelihood of anaemia • Protecting us from certain chronic diseases such as heart problems due to their anti-inflammatory capacity • Preventing age-related memory loss, and • Lowering blood sugar. (Source: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com) 14 www.devotedmag.co.za

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