Regenerative farming training boosts Pacaltsdorp

GEORGE NEWS - Through the Nedbank Proud of My Town (PoMT) programme, Ranyaka Community Transformation recently hosted a two-day regenerative agriculture training session in Pacaltsdorp.

Presented in partnership with the Green Gardens Foundation and the Pacaltsdorp Community Business Association (PCBA), the programme aimed to boost local food production, support soup kitchens and introduce food-growing activities at a nearby early childhood development centre.

The initiative also aligned with 16 Days of Activism, creating hands-on learning and leadership opportunities for local youth and residents.

Ahead of the training, Nedbank donated essential equipment to support practical demonstrations.

Training highlights

Day one focused on the fundamentals of water-wise regenerative farming. Topics included soil health, water movement, erosion, topography and basic irrigation techniques.

Ranyaka agri-expert Ryan Marsden emphasised how technical knowledge supports the long-term business value of regenerative agriculture.

Day two covered sustainability and leadership, including how seed and starter packs can be used for youth development, how to craft simple agri-business plans and how to identify income opportunities throughout the growing cycle.

“Our garden community learned so much, and with this knowledge, they can now help others who were not able to attend,” said Luwayda Trantaal from the PCBA.

Luwayda Trantraal (Pacaltsdorp Community Business Association) and Anceleen Terblance (the Greens Garden Foundation).Luwayda Trantraal (Pacaltsdorp Community Business Association) en Anceleen Terblanche (die Green Gardens Foundation).

Broader PoMT work in George

The training forms part of ongoing PoMT efforts in George. Over the past two years, Ranyaka has collaborated with the municipality, local businesses and civic partners in Pacaltsdorp on a range of development initiatives.

In 2024, 30 entrepreneurs completed consumer financial education training, followed by a building business workshop and pitching session with 26 participants.

This led to the establishment of the Pacaltsdorp Thrive Business Club, under which 35 entrepreneurs attended an introductory session and 17 committed to forming a co-operative.

Enquiries: Purdey September at office@ranyaka.co.za, or visit www.ranyaka.co.za.

Representatives from Ranyaka, Nedbank, the Green Gardens Foundation, the Pacaltsdorp Community Business Association and community members at the agri training day. Photos: Hopesters Media (Megan Cunningham and Daniel Human)Verteenwoordigers van Ranyaka, Nedbank, die Green Gardens Foundation, die Pacaltsdorp Community Business Association, asook gemeenskapslede tydens die landbou-opleidingsdag. Foto’s: Hopesters Media (Megan Cunningham en Daniel Human)

Andrew Fluks (the Green Gardens Foundation), Ryan Marsden (Ranyaka), Grant Gezwint (senior market manager, client networks, Western Cape, Nedbank) and Purdey September (Ranyaka).Andrew Fluks (die Green Gardens Foundation), Ryan Marsden (Ranyaka), Grant Gezwint (senior markebestuurder: kliëntnetwerke, Wes-Kaap, Nedbank) en Purdey September (Ranyaka).