Tree-preneur

"Treepreneurs is a project that is giving more than 70 people living in some of the Cape’s poorest areas the opportunity to change their lives. Treepreneurs range in age from seven to 70, and are taught how to care for indigenous trees and plants. They grow them from seed, and once the seedlings have reached 15cm, they can exchange them for vouchers for food, clothing, agricultural goods, tools, and bicycles – even school and university fees.

"The project was originally established in KwaZulu-Natal by an NGO, the Wildlands Conservation Trust and is now operational in over 24 communities. The initiative has been brought to the Western Cape through the support of Spier wine farm, PSG Konsult and PSG Corporate. It is operational in five communities including Nyanga, Blikkiesdorp, Kalkfontein, Lynedoch and Kayamandi.

"The driving force behind the project is Lesley Joemat, a Spier employee."