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Biophilia: Nature immersion and the city

By Jason F McLennan

In part one of a series about biophilia and its relationship to the built environment, Canadian architect and founder of the Living Building Challenge, Jason F McLennan, shares some insights around the central concept and specifically how it to relates to city planning and urban environments.

Canadian architect and founder of Living Building Challenge
Jason F McLennan

E O Wilson described biophilia in his 1984 book by that name as “the innate tendency to focus on life and life-like processes.”

I first wrote about the importance of biophilia in 2004 in my first book, The Philosophy of Sustainable Design. I included biophilia as a guiding principle in version 2.0 of the Living Building Challenge (LBC) that came out in 2009; making LBC the first green building programme in the world to focus on the subject. Since then, I have watched the field of biophilic design evolve, gaining shape, definition, and serious consideration on projects all over the globe.

However, as easily happens, a checklist mentality around biophilic design has emerged within the design industry, while simultaneously nearly anything and everything is being described as ‘biophilic’ in order to satisfy this newfound interest. As has happened in other areas of green building, the essence and scientific basis of biophilia is being lost in point tallying – right now, a design need only include superficial applications and check the right boxes to call itself biophilic.

It is my hope that clearly naming what is essential to biophilia, will engender a more nuanced understanding and ultimately, a more successful application of biophilic patterns and attributes to design.

Frameworks and checklists will always benefit designers, but it’s time to dig in deeper to what we mean when we talk about biophilia and biophilic design. We need to focus on design strategies that actually have positive impacts and do more than merely justify a design through yet another trendy lens.

Science is only recently corroborating the long-standing, instinctual wisdom we’ve carried as humans for millennia – that we thrive in close connection to nature. I believe nature immersion is the single most important element of biophilia; if we only allow ourselves adequate time in nature, we can reap bountiful biophilia-associated wellness benefits.

Inside out

Estimates place 70 percent of the world’s populations in urban environments by 2050. With this migration, our connection to nature has dwindled and our feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression have filled the vacancy. Harvard School of Public Health Professor John Spangler puts a number to Americans’ disconnection from nature, and it’s shocking: we now spend 95 percent of our time indoors.

At the same time, a growing body of evidence suggests that if we reconnect to nature, we will become whole again.

Therefore, a key principle to establish under the framework of nature immersion is that any design that can get people outside, for as long as possible – using porches, covered walkways, courtyards, balconies, etc. – will always greatly outdistance anything that can be done inside a building. These types of design features prolong our exposure to nature, drawing down that 95 percent. The task isn’t the architect’s alone, but also the landscape architect’s, the urban planner’s, and that of each individual that occupies a building.

Immersive experience

Given so much of us live in, or are moving to, urban environments, we must, at a city planning scale, do the work of the biophilic designer to draw people outside through design. What do our cities look like? City parks provide immense opportunities for immersive experiences to urban dwellers and we should urgently create more, even on a small, pocket park scale. How many parks do we have now and how equitably are they dispersed? One recent, powerful study showed significant decreases in self-reported feelings of depression in test groups tasked with restoring vacant lots in economically-depressed urban areas.

This study illuminates the social justice aspect inherent in any discussion about urban planning and access to nature: “neighbourhood physical conditions, including vacant or dilapidated spaces, trash, and lack of quality infrastructures such as sidewalks and parks, are associated with depression and are factors that may explain the persistent prevalence of mental illness in resource-limited communities.”

As the populations of our cities grow, it is important that the number of public places for city-dwellers to be in nature, keep pace. It is my belief that everyone should have walking distance access to a beautiful public park.

Native ecology

Also, as the world’s population continues to move into towns and mid-size cities grow into large cities; cities should strategically plan for and conserve sizable tracts of land as highly accessible urban wildlands. Stanley Park in Vancouver, Forest Park in Portland, and Central Park in New York City provide crucial, substantive outlets for high-quality nature immersion for their urban areas and highlight what’s possible when the conditions for wildness are fostered rather than subdued by design within city limits. These conserved parks connect people with place in a powerful way, often providing them with an experience of what their place once looked like while simultaneously creating opportunities for the native ecology of that place to thrive. Living in close proximity to this kind of life has amazing potential to foster the stewardship mentality crucial to the conservation of our wild places.

Creating connections

What further opportunities can we identify to foster nature connections in cities? Do trails winding through untamed places connect us to the modern and convenient amenities that spurred our move, as a species, to cities? If not, can they? What is the state of our urban canopy and how can we revitalise it, and reap the associated biophilic benefits, alongside all the others, that make trees so essential to city landscapes? What is our relationship to water in our cities? Can we utilise design to daylight streams and stormwater, creating visual and auditory onnections with our life-source at every opportunity? Are our cities walkable and bikeable, with amenities spaced for pedestrian and biker access?

I believe one of the reasons Americans flocked to the suburbs in the post-World War II era was for these kinds of natural connections that had been choked out of industrialised cities. As our urban populations rise, it is critical that we invite nature back into city centres, creating nature-pedestrian connections that get us walking and interacting with our surrounding natural and human communities, immersing us more often and more completely within biophilic settings.

BROADER PERSPECTIVE ON ELEPHANT MANAGEMENT AT MADIKWE GAME RESERVE: PROTECT THE RESERVE, DON’T DESTROY IT

Madikwe Futures Company, a non-profit working in Madikwe, shares the public sense of outrage and sadness at the plight of the elephants in Madikwe, as highlighted in recent The True Green Alliance and NSPCA articles.

Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West province was created 30 years ago as a unique partnership between the government, private sector, and local communities.

The North West Parks & Tourism Board (NWPTB) manages the reserve. Conservation management at Madikwe is the sole responsibility of NWPTB. The lodge owners and the Madikwe Futures Company are legally and operationally constrained from managing the elephant population.

Private investors entered into concession rental agreements with the government and invested in creating and running a number of independently-owned lodges in Madikwe. For the local communities, the reserve sustains over 1000 jobs.

In addition, the lodges have come together in recent years to support Madikwe Futures Company, a non-profit that contractually assists NWPTB with anti-poaching, roadwork, bush-clearing and community projects. This is a ground-breaking public-private partnership that everyone agrees significantly benefits Madikwe.

Madikwe was created and exists as a tourism destination. The establishment of the reserve turned unproductive farmland into a large area of protected land. Madikwe is a non-malaria reserve that is home to the “Big Five” as well as African wild dogs, cheetahs and brown and spotted hyenas, as well as numerous smaller species. Madikwe has rich biodiversity.

Madikwe’s vegetation—like the vegetation of other reserves across southern Africa—has been put under pressure by a growing elephant overpopulation. “Especially with the current drought, other reserves with elephants, including reserves in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi and Zimbabwe, are in a similar situation, with elephants badly altering the vegetation,” says Dr. Hector Magome, a veteran conservationist and director of Madikwe Futures Company. This problem is so widespread that the South African national government formed a task team earlier this year, at the request of NWPTB. We applaud this effort and urgently appeal to the South African government to prioritise elephant population management—not only at Madikwe, but also across South Africa.

“Madikwe is in the middle of a devastating drought after a season of below-average rains,” says Magome. People who have been in the reserve for decades say they have never seen it so dry. The drought and lack of elephant population control are the main drivers of elephant deaths in Madikwe.

In recent weeks, Madikwe has received some rain and the grass and bushes are growing again. However, we are still waiting for substantial rains. Despite the harsh conditions, nearly all wildlife, including elephants, are surviving. We are relieved at the first rains, and believe that the reserve will be green again soon, but that still does not resolve the underlying problem.

Koos Potgieter, Managing Director of Madikwe Futures Company and a lodge owner who has lived in Madikwe since 2000, says: “During the last few months, some elephants died of starvation, which is sad and tragic. This is the first time in the 30 years of the reserve’s existence that this has happened. It is a tipping point and urgent intervention is needed. However, we are extremely concerned that the way the issue is positioned in the press is too broadly condemning—and will destroy the good that Madikwe has done and continues to do.”

For years, Madikwe Futures Company and the lodges have engaged with NWPTB to raise concerns and ring alarm bells, and we have escalated this with the severe drought that caught everyone off-guard. After the last season, where the reserve received less than average rains, we expended significant resources this dry season to ensure that dams and pans were scraped and boreholes functioning so that there is enough water for the wildlife. We continued with our sicklebush mulching program, which, as a byproduct, produces mulch that elephants eat.

According to Potgieter, “A lot of people come together and work hard, day in and day out, to make Madikwe successful. We urgently call on NWPTB and national government to address the elephant issue and resulting veld damage, in the short-term and the long-term. We cannot have the same situation continue, with another dry season and an ever-increasing elephant population. Madikwe Futures Company stands ready to take on a larger role to help.”

Women entrepreneurs matter, a key theme as 2024 TWIBA winners announced

South Africa has over 2.4 million female employees within the community social services industry, almost 1.56 million women in the trade sector and roughly 1.3 million in the finance industry.
As a business matures, the gap between men and women entrepreneurs widens with almost double the number of male established businesses -7.9% – compared to those established by females—4.1%
This shows that women find it more challenging to sustain a business than to start one.

Women make up half of the global population, yet statistics indicate that less women than men are engaged in entrepreneurial activities. Globally, studies have consistently shown that empowering women drives sustainable development. When women have equal access to economic opportunities, they not only uplift themselves but also contribute significantly to their families, communities, and national economies. This multiplier effect of investing in women ensures a ripple of benefits across various sectors, from education and health to community development and poverty alleviation.

The Tshwane Women in Business Awards (TWIBA) were held on 26 November at the Ditsong Museum of Cultural History in Tshwane, celebrating those who refuse to be marginalised women who lead, innovate, and uplift others. The theme for this year’s awards was ‘Advocating diversity and inclusion of Tshwane women trailblazers for economic emancipation’, a worthy topic as TEDA recognises, honours and celebrates the significant contributions that female business owners in Tshwane make to the city’s economy.

“These awards celebrate the extraordinary women who are overcoming these challenges and breaking barriers. They are the innovators turning waste into reusable products, the farmers feeding our communities, the tech entrepreneurs designing apps that solve everyday problems, and the manufacturers driving local production,” shared Dr Nasiphi Moya, Executive Mayor of Tshwane.

This event was not just a celebration of remarkable achievements but a reflection of TEDA’s collective commitment to ensuring that women hold a central place in the economic development of Tshwane and South Africa, highlighting the critical contributions of women to our economy, recognising their innovation, resilience, and leadership.

Also speaking at the event, Denmark’s ambassador to South Africa Elsebeth Sondergaard Krone, recognised that South Africa is good at celebrating women: with August being women’s month and the 16 days against gender-based violence activism campaign that starts at the end of November and runs into December.

However, Krone notes, “If you look at figures for women in senior positions: globally it’s 33%, with Denmark at 38% and South Africa at 42%. And yet there’s much more to be done—we need to aim to have 50% of women in leadership positions.”

Tshwane’s Local Economic Development (LED) Strategy prioritises sectors such as the Green Economy, Automotive and Components, and Agribusiness, where women’s participation is being actively promoted. These sectors hold immense potential to create jobs, foster innovation, and drive localisation—goals that are central to our Vision 2030.

Sadly, women in business often face structural and systemic barriers, from unequal access to funding and markets to social norms that limit their opportunities. For many women entrepreneurs, these challenges are compounded by the realities of gender-based violence, an unequal burden of care responsibilities, and a lack of access to networks and mentorship.

“Addressing these challenges is a responsibility shared by government, private sector, and civil society and a responsibility that the City of Tshwane embraces wholeheartedly,” agreed Dr Moya, mentioning that “Tshwane’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) serves as a roadmap for achieving this vision, highlighting economic empowerment as a cornerstone of our development agenda.”

One of the core pillars of Tshwane’s approach to economic development is empowering women entrepreneurs through targeted programmes and partnerships. For instance, their collaboration with TEDA has enabled the creation of platforms like these awards, which provide not only recognition but also networking opportunities for women-led businesses.

The Tshwane Agri-Parks Programme is another initiative where one witnesses the transformative power of women. Supporting over 700 small-scale farmers, many of whom are women, this programme addresses food security while promoting local economic resilience. By providing training, access to markets, and infrastructure, we ensure that women in agribusiness can scale their operations and expand their impact.

In the Green Economy, Tshwane is actively driving renewable energy projects and waste management initiatives where women are leading the charge. Their efforts to localise Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) have seen the emergence of women-led startups that focus on green technologies, demonstrating that women are key players in building a sustainable future.

Tshwane is also enhancing opportunities for women through public procurement policies that prioritise women-owned businesses. By ensuring that women entrepreneurs have equitable access to City tenders and contracts, they are not only diversifying the supply chain but also investing in businesses that reinvest in their communities.

The challenges faced by women entrepreneurs are too vast and complex to be addressed by any single entity. This is why the City of Tshwane strongly advocates for public-private partnerships as a means to amplify impact. Through collaborations with the private sector, academic institutions, and NGOs, they are unlocking resources, expertise, and networks that benefit women in business.

Speaking to the winners, runners up and nominees, Dr Moya shared “Your stories inspire us to do more, to be more, and to create an environment where the next generation of women leaders can thrive.”

“By recognising your contributions, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that Tshwane becomes a city where women entrepreneurs can dream without limits and achieve without obstacles,” she went on to explain.

Looking to the future, she shared that Tshwane’s aspirations are ambitious where they envision a Tshwane where women-led businesses are not the exception but the rule. And where they can foster an ecosystem where women are not only participants but leaders in key sectors, from technology and manufacturing to agriculture and finance.

The 2024 award winners and runners up were:

Award category winners:
Manufacturing Sector
- Winner: Kool Krew
- Runner Up: MI Desk Global
Agro Processing
- Winner: Elishiva Trading
- Runner Up: PKL Neo
Automotive
- Winner: MH Automotive Engineering
Energy
- Winner: Hakem Energies
- Runner Up: Zizwe Fuels
Special Awards (Recognised for their outstanding potential and exceptional promise, based on their entries for their awards)
- Bongi Bees
- Moipone Aesthetics

“As we celebrate the achievements of the awardees, the nominees and winners, let us remember that their success is our success. Their dreams, realised through hard work and determination, are building blocks for a stronger Tshwane and a better South Africa. May your stories inspire us all to rise to the challenge of creating an inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Tshwane,” Dr Moya said.

She went on to add, “we need to continue to create opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and transform our economy where every woman in Tshwane has the resources, networks, and confidence to pursue her ambitions.”

Lardo Stander, CEO of TEDA, wrapped the event with a heartfelt thanks that resonated with the attendees. “It was incredibly inspiring to see such a remarkable turnout at today’s event, celebrating the outstanding contributions being made in the capital city. The level of engagement and enthusiasm demonstrated by all attendees truly reflects the vibrant spirit of our business community. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the entire TEDA team, whose tireless dedication and meticulous attention to detail made this event possible. Their commitment to excellence is a testament to our organisation’s values and mission. Together, we are building something extraordinary, and I am confident that this is just the beginning of even greater achievements to come,” he said.

For more information about the Tshwane Women in Business Awards (TWIBA), please visit TEDA’s website: https://teda.org.za/twiba/

Opinion piece: Strengthening after-market support – South Africa’s urgent need for locally manufactured solutions for infrastructure development

By Mervyn Naidoo, Group CEO at ACTOM

Infrastructure plays a critical role in driving growth and economic development in South Africa, particularly through projects involving the country’s Energy, Logistics and Water sectors. The country is currently experiencing a significant infrastructure backlog in its electricity supply landscape and requires investment to expand infrastructure across all elements of generation, transmission and distribution.

Infrastructure projects of this nature rely on specialised equipment, such as towers, transformers, high voltage equipment, switchgear, electric motors, alternators, turbines, and associated products, some of which are imported. Additionally, South Africa is currently experiencing a logistics crisis as it is unable to transport the required volumes of commodities to our ports for export. Therefore, as a country, we are missing out on economic opportunities due to the lack of infrastructure, both in the energy and logistics sectors.

There is thus a massive need for a capital injection to fix some of the fundamental backlogs in both sectors and capabilities do exist to manufacture some of the required infrastructure locally. Only where local capacity becomes saturated, or the local industry lacks the capability to manufacture some of this equipment should we be looking at importing it from overseas markets.

Expanding local capacity

In such cases, it is key that instead of simply importing, South Africa should rather look at encouraging both local and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to invest in expanding local capacity and ensure technology transfer and localisation.

Price should not be the only adjudication factor in buying locally-made versus imported products. Life cycle cost considerations are key in buying local. Localisation enables “cradle to grave” support which enables optimal return on investment, through optimised plant availability due to aftermarket support. This is evident when you look at Transnet’s historic locomotive procurement programmes versus the more recent 1064 procurement initiative. The previous procurement initiatives which extensively supported localisation have fleets which are still functional relative to that which was not localised in more recent times. There are currently a high number of new locomotives, which were a part of the Transnet 1064 procurement program, out of service. The lack of localisation on segments of that contract is one of the major contributors to the current lack of locomotive capacity. Localisation would have facilitated spares availability and aftermarket support.

Local companies should strive towards process efficiency and product development to ensure that they can make products that can compete against imports. Where local manufacturing is viable, it is crucial that that project owners and developers should maximise localisation.

Where products are imported, we should partner with foreign suppliers, especially in areas where local companies can add value through assembly or providing basic components. However, local procurement practices should prioritise South African manufacturers, which enable reduced logistics and working capital costs, with the added benefit of after-market support.

Significant challenges

On the other hand, spare parts will typically not be localised for imported products, and this can pose significant challenges related to the unavailability of components needed for after-market support. This could result in extended downtime of a plant, reducing plant availability, and increased costs stemming from having to rely on imported components and spares.

This could force local companies to stock up on spares, pushing up working capital costs due to the need to invest in inventory to avoid long lead times related to the import of spares. However, when companies source a product locally, they can depend on a vertically integrated supply chain that would enable spares availability and support in the local market.

Additionally, imports result in unemployment and contributes to deindustrialising the South African economy, which leads to a loss of critical skills in areas such as engineering, development and innovation. This can culminate in greater unemployment, poverty and social challenges as more people become dependent on social grants. Fewer economically active people means less revenue in terms of taxes, and this is largely detrimental to gross domestic product growth and the broader economy.

Instead of importing, South Africa should leverage its considerable demand for infrastructure to localise products for infrastructure development. This in turn will enable the upskilling of people, the transfer of technology, as well as the evolution of technology, engineering and competence. Ultimately, this will grow our economy and contribute to a better South Africa.

Swift and decisive action needed to restore technical skills pipeline

The measures implemented over the years to address poor learner maths and science performance have ultimately failed as is demonstrated by South Africa’s repeated poor performance in the Trends in International Maths and Science Study (TIMSS). Decisive action must be taken urgently to solve a problem that is undermining economic growth through its major contribution to skills shortages. This pressing responsibility rests solely in government’s lap as the custodian of the public school system. So says Marco Maree, an Expert Training and Development Advisor of Triple E Training, a leading provider of adult education and training (AET) to industry for workplace and community training.

“The quality of basic skills education at the vast majority of our public schools is to blame. Thus, this is where the focus needs to be if we are to the steer the tide and build a robust pipeline of technical skills that can take South Africa forward. Our AET continues to provide many individuals who struggled at school and ultimately dropped out a second chance to learn foundational skills. Despite previous poor learning experiences and, at times, learning disorders, they excel in these programmes, including numeracy. This demonstrates the importance of quality tuition. Bear in mind that many of these individuals were initially reluctant to take numeracy as a subject until they started attending classes and realised that they can do it. Equipped with a solid foundation in numeracy, many holders of a General Education and Training Certificate in AET have even gone on to pass conventional maths at a matric level with a percentage mark sufficient to study technical fields at university. Our other learners pursue technical trades, which involve a strong foundation in mathematics,” Maree says.

Undertaken every four years, TIMSS monitors maths and science achievement at the fourth and eighth grades. South Africa performed exceptionally poorly in the 2023 TIMSS, pointing to further deterioration of the country’s basic maths and science education system. Worse still, older South African learners at higher grades performed poorly against younger students in lower grades. South Africa insisted that fifth and ninth grade learners be assessed in this eighth cycle of the study to better match curricula and maintain trend measurement. Assessed against international fourth grade learners, the country’s older learners were placed last for their mathematics and science competence. Meanwhile, local ninth grade learners ranked fifth last in mathematics and second last for science against younger eighth grade learners.

The Human Sciences Research Council started conducting TIMSS in South Africa in 1995. Local eighth grade learners participated in the 1995, 1999 and 2003 cycles and ninth grade learners in TIMSS 2003, 2011, 2015 and 2019. TIMSS 2003 assessed the competence levels of eighth and nine grade learners in these technical fields. To gain a better understanding of education and achievement in primary schools, fifth grade learners participated in TIMSS 2015 for the first time. Both the mathematics and science skills levels of South African learners were again assessed in 2019. Skills, of course, also have a bearing on productivity. And, as Maree notes, South Africa’s productivity has remained flat for more than a decade. Measured according to a country’s real gross-domestic product per employed worker, productivity play a crucial role in bolstering employment opportunities. In turn, this leads to better wages and improved economic conditions for citizens at the household levels and across the nation.

“We have essentially collected a wealth of data over more than two decades that keeps highlighting major causes of the problem, but nothing much has been done over this period to solve it. The first places our many public schools, especially those attended by poor South Africans, under the spotlight. Only between 6% and 7% of South African learners who participated in TIMSS 2019 attended schools that were adequately resourced. This is compared to the 26% of international learners who attended well-equipped schools who participated in the study. Obviously, these learners achieved significantly higher maths and science scores. The learning environment is very important and hence the reason that we insist that our AET is always undertaken in decent spaces at the workplace. For community training initiatives, a lot of time is invested in finding a suitable place to facilitate training,” Maree says.

He points out another problem that prevents learners from performing at their peak, namely their level of readiness for maths and science instruction. Only 8% of the learners who participated in the previous TIMSS cycles were ready for instruction, which included having the prerequisite skills, as well as sufficient nutrition and sleep. It is not surprising that they achieved significantly higher maths and science scores than those learners who were not ready for instruction. Triple E Training spends a lot of time preparing employees and community members for AET. This process includes an assessment of candidates’ existing basic education skills so that they are placed at a suitable AET level. Learners must transition seamlessly from previous education attainment into the programme. If they find the course content too difficult or too easy, they will not complete AET. The company also conducts an awareness session before every training project to address learner’s concerns and fears. “In many of these meetings, learners have expressed concerns about their ability to pass AET numeracy, or just an outright irrational fear of mathematics. Many have been incorrectly led

to believe that only some people can do well in the subject, whereas nothing could be further from the truth. This needs to be addressed promptly because if our learners believe that they have a limited, fixed capability for mathematics, they will perform accordingly. Based on the high progression rate through our programmes, we continue to demonstrate the importance of instilling a growth mindset among our learners. They must believe that through growth, practice and effort they will overcome adversity. A positive attitude enables them to learn and master content as they make mistakes,” he says.

The other reason that so many South African learners struggle with technical subjects is because of poor English reading comprehension skills. Non-native English speakers are expected to learn maths and science in these subjects. They start doing so in the fourth grade where the decline in learning quality first becomes apparent in many South African schools.

Maree says that the close correlation between academic performance and English language comprehension is demonstrated by the high rate of progression of adult learners through Triple E Training’s numeracy programmes. Many of these learners also attended English literacy classes, which includes English reading comprehension as one of the fundamental learning areas. In many instances, learners will first have to complete higher English literacy levels before they can be registered to do AET numeracy at lower levels. This is because their English literacy skills are not sufficiently developed to cope with numeracy training presented in the language. “So many non-native English speakers are being denied an opportunity to improve themselves because they have poor communication skills. Yet, they are very capable employees. Without robust basic English literacy skills, they will not be able to cope with course content at National Qualifications Framework levels 2, 3 and 4. They will also not be able to write their trade tests in English, which is the formal language of learning and instruction, shutting them out of vocational training. This is while the country struggles to develop the artisans it needs to implement the National Development Plan,” he says.

Maree, therefore, welcomes the phased implementation of mother-tongue based bilingual education for fourth grade learners from 2025. As part of the development, a national assessment for fourth graders will replace the traditional year-end exam. Counting 20% towards the promotion mark, it will test learners’ knowledge in mathematics, science and technology and conducted in their mother tongue.

“One study after the next has confirmed that learning in a familiar language helps children to process information more easily, leading to improved cognitive development. When they are taught in a language that they understand, children can focus on the content of the lesson as opposed to struggling with the language of instruction,” Maree says.

He says that another challenge that needs to be addressed is the lack of pedagogy training among South African maths and science teachers, although many local educators are suitably qualified. “The science and art of teaching plays a large part in learner success. Over half of the ninth-grade learners who participated in TIMSS 2019 were taught by teachers who specialised in mathematics but did not have pedagogy training. The just over a quarter of learners who were taught by teachers who specialised in both scored higher than their counterparts who did not. Furthermore, although our maths and science teachers can be considered knowledgeable, they are not as qualified as the TIMSS international cadre of teachers. Also, a relatively low percentage of South African learners who participated in TIMSS 2019 were taught by mathematics teachers who had participated in continuous professional development in mathematics pedagogy or instruction. This is a concern considering the importance of pedagogy in educators’ classrooms and teaching practices which contribute to improved learner performance,” Maree concludes.

Partnership fuels environmental and social transformation in Bellville

The Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP), and the EPR Waste Association of South Africa NPO (eWASA) have partnered in a groundbreaking partnership aimed at driving long-term environmental and social transformation in Bellville.

Together with the City of Cape Town, this collaborative initiative goes beyond waste collection, setting a powerful example of how joint efforts can uplift communities, enhance sustainability, and empower individuals toward economic independence.

Through this partnership, GTP and eWASA are committed to reducing landfill waste, improving recycling efforts, and supporting informal waste collectors in Bellville. By providing critical resources, training, and support, the collaboration enables waste pickers to work as self-sufficient entrepreneurs, bringing social upliftment and environmental stewardship together under one unified mission.

Warren Hewitt, CEO of GTP, highlighted the transformative impact of this partnership: “Our work with eWASA is about much more than waste; it’s about fostering a sustainable, inclusive ecosystem for Bellville. By investing in our community’s homeless individuals, we’re not only improving local recycling but also providing valuable job skills and dignified income opportunities. This partnership exemplifies how collaboration can drive lasting change and inspire community pride.”

The power of collaboration in action

The official launch event, held yesterday at Bellville’s Recycling and Buy-back Centre, brought together key partners, including GTP, eWASA, and the City of Cape Town, celebrating this forward-thinking collaboration and the promising path it lays for Bellville’s future.

Key speakers, including Hewitt along with Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, and Etienne Basson, National Project Manager at eWASA, who each addressed attendees, highlighting the partnerships commitment to reducing landfill waste by bolstering recycling efforts and streamlining waste management, fostering community well-being, and empowering homeless individuals to become financially independent.

GTP leads project implementation, handling logistics and operations, while the City of Cape Town provides essential infrastructure for waste collection. eWASA’s financial investment of R600,000 fuels the programme, offering income subsidies based on participants’ recycling contributions. Together, these efforts create an empowering environment for waste pickers, who receive training, resources, and the tools they need to improve Bellville’s environmental footprint while gaining stable incomes and entrepreneurial skills.

“The initiative between the GTP, who the City proudly supports, and eWASA exemplifies the value of forging collaboration. Not only will this project critically reduce the impact on landfills, but it will also empower members of the community with necessary skills,” said Alderman Vos.

Beyond direct impact on waste collectors, this initiative also engages Bellville residents, businesses, and schools, fostering awareness and responsible waste practices throughout the community. The initiative will have the use of a MellowVan for twelve months, beginning on 15 January 2025. The vehicle will be utilised to collect recyclables from businesses and schools.

Etienne Basson, National Project Manager at eWASA, shared the organisation’s long-term vision: “Supporting waste reduction alongside socio-economic upliftment is central to eWASA’s mission. Our partnership with GTP demonstrates that sustainable community development can only thrive when we invest in both environmental initiatives and individual well-being.”

This partnership marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to environmental improvement and social development in Bellville. Future plans include expanding recycling capacity, creating more jobs, and integrating sustainable practices such as localised composting. These steps align with the shared goal of building a cleaner, greener Bellville and positioning the area as a model for sustainable urban development.

For more information on how you can support this initiative or learn about other impactful projects in Bellville, please email monique.muller@gtp.org.za or visit www.gtp.org.za.

Raising 366 Years of South African Wine: Excitement Builds for Annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event

The anticipation for the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event is palpable as the South African wine industry prepares to celebrate its 366th year. This gathering will take place on Thursday, 6 February 2025, at the historic Groot Constantia Wine Estate. The event honours the origins of the South African wine industry and recognises the achievements of those who inspire new levels of excellence.

South Africa’s wine heritage is unique, with the country able to pinpoint the exact origin of its wine industry to a diary entry dated 2 February 1659:

Today, praise be to God, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes. This precise historical record sets South Africa apart in the global wine industry.

2025 Wine Harvest Commemorative Event

The Wine Harvest Commemorative Event, initiated by the Board of Groot Constantia, is a black-tie event that promises a night of elegance and reflection. As Jean Naudé, CEO of Groot Constantia, aptly expresses, “It is again a privilege for Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm and a custodian of heritage, to organise and host the annual Wine Harvest Commemorative Event. This festive occasion celebrates the commitment of dedicated people over centuries towards the common goal of quality wine production. At the event, we honour the current leaders in their fields for carrying the tradition of dedication into the future.”

The event pays tribute and bestows recognition in the following categories: 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership, Growing Inclusivity, Wine Advancement, and Viti- and Viniculture. For the first time, the Wine Harvest Commemorative Event will include the Wine Agri-Worker of the Year category, celebrating the invaluable contributions of vineyard, cellar, and farm workers who form the backbone of South Africa’s wine industry—an initiative in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards.

South Africa’s wine industry evolution

Rico Basson, CEO of South Africa Wine—a non-profit company that provides critical support services to the players within the wine and brandy industry value chain—reflects on the rich history and dynamic future of South African wine: “We stand at a remarkable milestone that bridges our heritage with an exciting future as we move closer to commemorating the 366th anniversary of South African wine. That first pressing of grapes at the Cape in 1659 was more than just the birth of our wine industry. It was the beginning of a story that would shape South Africa’s agricultural identity and global presence. Today, our wine industry represents world-class products and our people’s resilience, innovation, diversity and spirit. Since the inception of our industry 366 years ago, we have made more than just wine, we’ve grown communities, preserved traditions, and consistently pushed the boundaries of excellence. And a future focused on inclusivity and diversity heralds new heights for a proud industry. Cheers to the amazing story of South African wine.”

South Africa’s wine tourism triumph

”We are thrilled to honour 366 years of South African wine. The Wine Harvest Commemorative Event marks the beginning of the harvest season and serves as a remarkable celebration of the Western Cape’s rich heritage and world-renowned wine tourism offerings,” says Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander. “This occasion not only recognises the enduring legacy of our winemakers but also highlights the significant role the wine sector plays in driving our economy. With 20 wine routes across the Western Cape and a diverse wine tourism sector, the Western Cape continues to be a world-class wine destination and sought-after source market,” Stander adds.

The 366th anniversary of South African wine

This year, the celebration promises to be a memorable night, featuring performances by the internationally acclaimed Tygerberg Children’s Choir, led by conductor Karina Erasmus. Guests will experience a night of music, camaraderie, and a deep appreciation for one of South Africa’s most cherished industries.

The event is made possible through the generous support of Groot Constantia, Standard Bank, Air France-KLM, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, South Africa Wine, Wesgro, Cape Town Tourism, Die Burger, MCC Labels, and Seabourne Logistics.

Secure your spot at this glamorous gathering Book Wine Harvest Commemorative Event tickets (R1 300 VAT included per person) at event@sawineharvest.co.za. Visit www.sawineharvest.co.za for more details, and follow @sawineharvest on Instagram, Facebook, and X. Cheers to an inspiring journey—share your wishes with the hashtag #HappyBirthdaySAWine.

Coated with success: B.E.D. announces major surface engineering company customer win

Bolt And Engineering Distributors (B.E.D.), a leading supplier of engineering products and services, proudly announces a significant customer win with a surface engineering customer, one of South Africa’s leading providers of thermal spraying and coating technology. This collaboration, which underscores B.E.D.’s dedication to providing top-quality welding solutions and exceptional customer service, began a year ago when one of the customer’s team members was introduced to Kevin Jenkins, the newly appointed B.E.D. Area Sales Manager (ASM) for the Vaal region. The customer – already acquainted with the high standards of Fronius’s welding machines – had a unit which required service and calibration.

Leveraging its expertise as a longstanding and experienced Fronius distributor, B.E.D. efficiently managed the repair process, returning the machine to optimal performance. This success was pivotal in building trust and demonstrating B.E.D.’s capability to meet the customer’s high expectations.

“We are very pleased to announce our collaboration with this valued customer! This is a testament to B.E.D.’s unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction – and to the excellence of our supplier Fronius’s welding equipment and solutions,” says Mike Giltrow, CEO of B.E.D.

Addressing customer requirements

Following the repair and return of their welding machine, the customer encountered an operational issue regarding the selection of the correct settings for a specific welding application. Demonstrating dedication to customer satisfaction, a specialist from B.E.D.’s welding division accompanied the ASM to the customer’s site. The hands-on support and training provided speedily resolved the issue, again showcasing B.E.D.’s commitment to ensuring optimal operational performance for its customers.

Recognising the need to remain competitive in the market, the customer then expressed interest in the Fronius TPS400i Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) machine, driven by their requirement to offer advanced welding processes to their clients. B.E.D.’s welding specialist provided comprehensive insights into the CMT machine, initiating the quotation and purchasing process.

Expertise and confidence

“The customer’s expertise in surface engineering, and the variety of welding processes required for this – including, for example, their familiarity with the cold metal transfer welding process – combined with their confidence in B.E.D. and in the Fronius brand – played a crucial role in their decision-making process,” Jenkins explains.

He adds that throughout the discussions, B.E.D.’s welding division’s extensive industry knowledge was very evident: “Our welding team addressed all the technical queries raised by the customer, providing detailed explanations on materials, machine capabilities and optimal welding settings. This technical support was instrumental in securing the order of the new CMT machine.”

B.E.D.’s welding division’s in-depth technical experience, and understanding of Fronius’s products and solutions assured the customer of the quality and reliability of their purchase. The promise of ongoing support and backup service, along with training for the machine operator post-commissioning, further reinforced the customer’s confidence in their decision. “In addition, our welding division team ensured that all potential issues were promptly addressed, providing robust operational support to the customer,” Jenkins advises.

Successful implementation

Upon delivery and commissioning of the CMT machine, B.E.D. also conducted thorough training sessions, ensuring that the customer’s welding team was well-versed in the use of the new equipment.

“This hands-on approach guaranteed that the customer could maximise the machine’s capabilities from the outset. Since automating their CMT process, the customer has reported outstanding results, reaffirming their satisfaction with Fronius’s welding technology – and the sterling support received from B.E.D.,” Jenkins enthuses.

“Our collaboration with this market-leading surface engineering customer exemplifies the synergy between our technical expertise and their commitment to excellence. By providing comprehensive support and high-quality solutions, we have strengthened their operations and affirmed our dedication to customer satisfaction.

B.E.D. is proud to have facilitated this customer’s enhancement of their welding processes, enabling them to maintain a competitive edge in their market. Our collaboration exemplifies B.E.D.’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality engineering solutions and fostering strong, supportive relationships with our customers,” Mike Giltrow concludes.

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