Routes2Roots

03/03/2025

Botanic gardens have evolved from medicinal gardens to scientific institutions, Now, they must become conservation leaders on a global scale.

26/02/2025

💚

Burning invasive plants on site creates scars and prevents natural vegetation from growing back quickly.

26/02/2025

🔥 URGENT: SPCA SEARCH & RESCUE DEPLOYED AFTER TABLE MOUNTAIN FIRE – WE NEED YOUR HELP! 🔥

The fire that tore through Table Mountain overnight may soon be contained, but for the animals caught in its path, the crisis is far from over. Our Inspectors are on the ground right now, ready to search for and help injured wildlife—and they won’t stop until they are sure that every animal in need of help has received it.

🐾 HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP RIGHT NOW:

💧 Put out shallow dishes of water for displaced animals. Add stones so small animals can safely perch to drink.
👀 Be on the lookout for injured or displaced animals in your area.
📦 If you find an injured animal and it is safe to do so:
✅ Gently place it in a ventilated cardboard box lined with a towel / if the animal is burned, a sheet.
✅ Keep the animal calm by covering the box and keeping it away from pets and people.
✅ Call us immediately on 021 700 4158/9 – we will come to you!

🚷 STAY SAFE: Trails in Newlands, Devil’s Peak, and Maclear’s Beacon are closed due to fire damage and risks of rockfalls. Please avoid these areas to allow emergency teams to work.

💙 Donate now to support our rescue efforts: https://pulse.ly/r27ddu30eo

EFT DETAILS

Bank: Standard Bank
Branch: 025309 / 051001 (internet banking)
Account Number: 071832858
SWIFT: SBZA ZA JJ
Account Type: Cheque
Account Name: The Cape of Good Hope SPCA
Beneficiary Reference: Fire + your Phone number or Email
Send proof of payment to: [email protected]

Donations of energy drinks and bars as well as eyedrops and burnshield dressings appreciated too. ❤️🙏

16/02/2025

Meet the Giants 😊

On a ley line perhaps ..connecting to Noordhoek and beyond ? Not sure but this spot holds remarkable energy 🔥
∆Gorgeous and Ancient Wisdom Whisperers∆

"Ley lines are believed by some to be alignments of ancient and sacred sites or pathways that connect significant landmarks, often associated with Earth's natural energy or mystical power. These lines are theorized to carry spiritual or energetic significance, linking sacred spaces and facilitating spiritual experiences or rituals.

Spiritual beings refer to entities or energies that exist beyond the physical realm, often associated with religious beliefs, folklore, or metaphysical concepts. These beings may include angels, guides, ancestors, or other non-physical entities believed to influence, guide, or interact with individuals on a spiritual level, offering guidance, protection, or insights"

07/02/2025

Why must we not forage Indigenous plants?
We have only 6% of our natural vegetation left in South Africa. Harvesting indigenous plants from the wild can destroy fragile ecosystems and habitats. Over-harvesting can lead to the decline or extinction of precious plant populations. In many places, including South Africa, it is illegal to remove indigenous plant material from the wild. Foraging plants so unique, biodiverse and rare as the ones we have in South Africa can cause detrimental effects to our ecosystem.
Why must we not forage in conservation areas?
It’s illegal! And one must understand one’s capacity to destroy and exploit nature, as a human being, and rather strive to protect our natural vegetation. Protected areas must be left strictly alone!
The solution?
Forage for alien/invasive edible plants in non-protected areas, preferably on private land (with permission), or at least 90m from the roadside. Alien plants make up 94% of our vegetation in South Africa, and by removing them, you make space, water and nutrients available for indigenous plants to grow. If you must use indigenous plants, please grow them at home, or get the proper licensing and stick to your quota!

07/02/2025

RESTORATION OF ONRUS RIVER SYSTEM: FUNDING SECURED

Overstrand Municipality is pleased to announce that it has entered into three key funding agreements that will aid the rehabilitation of the Onrus River system, in particular the river banks and surrounding wetlands.

A funding proposal submitted by the municipality to support a project aimed at restoring the Onrus River from catchment to sea tweaked the interest of several major players partially due to the unique ecosystems associated with this river.

Amongst others, Overstrand Municipality’s Environmental Management and Conservation Division approached the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for financial support under the banner of the latter’s projects. The outcome of that application is that Overstrand and UNEP have now entered into a small-scale funding agreement whereby USD 80,000 will be placed at the municipality’s disposal to assist with strategic planning and the coordination of restoration efforts.

Furthermore, strategic and operational support to the value of R5 million will be provided by yet another key roleplayer, namely the Breede-Olifants Catchment Management Agency.

Given that restoration of the Onrus River’s banks and wetlands will, by and large, depend on the successful reintroduction of palmiet, the UK-based White Desert Foundation also agreed to support this carbon-sequestration project by pledging funds to establish nurseries capable of cultivating these indigenous plants on a large scale.

Intended to attain significant carbon sequestration within the next four to five years, restoration will commence on a small pilot scale to allow the two envisaged nurseries with a combined capability to cultivate around 150 000 plants to get up to speed.

Overstrand Municipality’s Environmental Management and Conservation Division will manage funding, monitor the project and ensure that all municipal by-laws and policies are adhered to.

A steering committee, on which all key organisations will enjoy representation, will be tasked with coordination and oversight.

To study the full report tabled in Council, visit the municipality’s official website overstrand.gov.za.
Go to Documents > Meetings: Agendas and Minutes > Council > November 2024.

Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill

19/01/2025

Join us for the IYX Africa Online Conference for Community Solutions! 🌍

As we step into 2025, we extend an invitation to all youth leaders, community activists, indigenous leaders, healers, and inspired individuals to join us for our Online Conference for Community Solutions. This conference is an opportunity to unite in the face of the significant environmental, social, and political challenges confronting us globally, as we encounter struggles such as climate change and a global food crisis that require a collective effort to pave a way forward. Together, we aim to shape a path for our families and communities, addressing these pressing issues faced by our indigenous first nation.

🗓 Date: Sunday, 19 January, 2025
🕒 Time: 15:00 - 16:30 SAST
💻 Platform: Zoom

📚 Topics Include:

Community Building
Indigenous Empowerment
Food Sovereignty
Green Safe Zones
Youth Development

Don't miss the chance to hear from experts and engage in meaningful discussions on these vital issues!

🚀 Secure Your Spot!
If you want to register for the Conference for Community Solutions, be sure to complete the Community Questionnaire. This is your chance to share about yourself, your community, and your vision for the year ahead. Plus, filling it out secures your spot at the conference! 📝✨

👉 Fill out the Community Questionnaire here! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pgGPsrxy9VfxmJaYraO-m5z7jv9337z-i4CcfcUFWD0/

Together, let’s create change and healing in our communities! 💪🌱

For more information, visit our website: www.iyxafrica.com or contact us at [email protected].

© IYX Africa NPC 2020 – 2025. All Rights Reserved.

#2025

30/12/2024

Some more red sun and beautiful summer evenings

27/12/2024

Red sun ❤️

27/12/2024

A levy of 1.5% of the farm gate price of the herbal tea will be paid into a trust controlled by the Khoi and San, each year.

23/11/2024

The "Le Dumont d'Urville"
Named after Jules Sebastien Cesar Dumont d'Urville, a French explorer and naval officer who explored the Pacific, Australia, and Antarctica
docking in our bay yesterday 🌊

15/11/2024

14/10/2024

In a beautiful collaboration with Fairtree Foundation and Agrico, we are excited to announce the creation of a burgeoning indigenous forest on our De Rust farm! Over 340 trees, including Yellowwood and Wild Olive, have been planted, with the help of De Rust Futura Academy students, ensuring that future generations will benefit from this vibrant ecosystem.

This initiative isn’t just about trees – it’s about community and education. Fairtree also donated R50,000 to support De Rust Futura Academy, a school founded by Getrude Clüver, to nurture the minds of over 1,300 local students.

Discover the roots of this project: https://bit.ly/TheBurgeoningIndigenousForestProject.

27/09/2024

is a Khoisan word for an ancient celebratory dance performed by the San (Bushmen) Nama and Khoi. It is considered one of the oldest dancing styles of indigenous South Africa. Also known as , it is taught from a very young age ❤️🎶

02/09/2024

Traditional pear trea cutting in the gardens of Genadendal Mission Museum

02/09/2024

Gethyllis villosa, a member of the notorious kukumakranka species, is relatively widespread, found from Namaqualand to the Cape Peninsula and extending east to Mossel Bay. It thrives in various habitats, from flats to gentle slopes, often on cooler, south-facing slopes in arid environments where moisture collects and grows in sandy or stony clay soils.
This species is easily recognized by its loosely spiraled leaves, which are covered in coarse white hairs and emerge from a single growth point at ground level. Gethyllis species are geophytic, meaning it has a true bulb that produces leaves during the winter months when conditions are suitable for growth. These leaves die back in the dry summer months, during which the plant enters dormancy.
Summer is also when the plant produces its short-lived but highly fragrant flowers, a striking contrast to the harsh conditions. After pollination, the underground o***y begins to develop but remains hidden until early autumn. When atmospheric pressure changes, usually triggered by approaching cold fronts, the o***y elongates and pushes through the soil, producing fragrant, yellowish-white fruit.
These fruits, often described as "sausages," are highly valued by local communities, who use them to make kukumakranka brandy, a traditional remedy for colic and digestive issues.

Written by: Tristan Kruger
Photo credit: Tristan Kruger
References: Mtsuma, A.(2022) Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden.[Online] https://pza.sanbi.org/gethyllis-villosa Accessed: 02/09/2024