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A health time bomb is ticking in the Langkloof Valley in the Eastern Cape. Raw sewage is ankle deep in some parts of the valley with just one sewage truck servicing 55 000 people.The Langkloof valley is well known for its Washing Enzymeexport but these days walking through raw sewage is a daily routine for children and parents at Louterwater.More than 4 000 children under the age of five die every day worldwide as result of diarrhea caused by a lack of basic sanitation and hygiene. Clinics in the Langkloof have seen a 40% increase in patients with diarrhea since the problem started, and are treating between 15 to 20 people daily.In Joubertina, the elderly at Huis Formosa retirement complex have also been affected by the overflowing of underground septic tanks. The manager of the centre, Olivier Kritzinger, says they have written and called the local, district and provincial leaders on several occasions to address the problem, but to no avail.He says that between 180 and 250 litres of sewage contaminated water flows into drains monthly. The water then enters the river systems which then feed into two of the Nelson Mandela Metro main supply dams.Koukamma manager of water and sewerage works, admits to a possible health threat, but says it is a general problem in the entire area. Some residents and the retirement complex now make use of a private contractor to render them with sanitary services. He says it would cost up to R12.5 million to have the infrastructure upgraded in Joubertina alone.Municipal workers on a strikeTo add to the problems, municipal workers are striking over a number of issues, including the appointment of people from the Ngcobo municipality being given preference for top posts instead of qualified locals.South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) Shop steward Georgina Mzimela says they have handed three memorandums to the town's council but they have not received any response. "It is mainly issues of fraud, corruption and mismanagement by the manager and mayor. They must step down," Mzimela said.
2008-06-11 10:22:34

The fruit of the iconic African Baobab tree could be the next nutritious food to appear on UK supermarket shelves with a report carried out by the Natural Resources Institute (NRI), part of the University of Greenwich at Medway, predicting it could provide a lifeline to millions of farming families.The Baobab is a common feature of the landscape in southern Africa and its Washing Enzymehas been eaten for generations across the continent. It has an exceptionally high Vitamin C content, is rich in anti-oxidants, natural fibre and is an excellent source of calcium and iron.The European Commission is currently considering an application to import the fruit by non-profit trade association PhytoTrade Africa, which helps African rural producers sustainably develop and market their natural products for export. Under EU legislation any food not eaten in Europe prior to 1997 is classified as a novel food and must gain special approval.PhytoTrade Africa is hoping by proving that Baobab has a history of use in Africa stretching back hundreds of years, it can get the green light for export, which could open the door for many other products to follow.A decision is expected in the near future and if successful, it could lead to large-scale importation of the fruit, which is ideal for use in healthy snacks and smoothies.Ben Bennett, an NRI Agricultural Marketing Economist who has been working closely with PhytoTrade Africa, carried out research into the Baobab Tree and its potential as an export commodity.He adds: “As the Lion is the iconic animal of Africa so the Baobab the iconic tree of the continent. It is drought resistant and is used for a great many different purposes but it could become a major export product providing a much-needed boost to the economy.“Baobab is a versatile product that has a fantastic vitamin profile. Should the EU give approval to exporting it to Europe, we could see thousands of tonnes brought over and used in a variety of products such as cereal bars. It could ultimately become a billion dollar industry and provide employment for more than 2.5 million households, which would be a great boost in the fight against poverty and starvation.”
2008-06-11 10:19:38

Washing EnzymeAnyone who wants to learn about operating a small business mightwant to consider spending some time in Fort Valley this summer. Starting Wednesday, the Fort Valley State University Rural BusinessOutreach Institute is offering a series of free seminars taught byarea business owners. Program coordinator Eddie Madison said it's the first time theinstitute has offered such a series, but he said plans are to makeit a regular summer event. "We want to highlight some of the small business owners in MiddleGeorgia," Madison said. The first class Wednesday is taught by Michael Brennan, owner ofFort Valley Ace Hardware. He was half owner of that store and theAce Hardware in Perry for 12 years, then last year he and hispartner split it up. When he went into the hardware business, Brennan said, his years ofworking as an engineer helped him, but he admitted that he reallydidn't know much about running a business. "Most of the things that I had to learn, I learned on the job," hesaid. Entrepreneurs need training to help understand the dynamics ofrunning a business, Brennan said, which involves much more thanknowing how to deliver the product or service. He noted that he recently spent more than an hour filling out acensus report required by the federal government, time that hewished he could have spent doing something else. "People need to have a more realistic expectation of what they aregoing to run into," he said. "I'm not looking to discourage peoplebut there is a lot to be discouraged about. The government is kindof hostile toward business, whether they mean to be or not." His seminar will focus on the pros and cons of operating a businessin a downtown area. Brian Scott, a Macon pharmacist, is leading a seminar June 25 onmanaging multiple locations. He is manager of Scott's Pharmacy,which has two locations. His father is the owner. Opening a second location is a major step for a business, Scottsaid. "A lot of people think you double the work, but you triplethe work," he said. Other topics for upcoming seminars include owning a franchise,planning and knowing your customers. Madison said he is not aware of any other program in the area thatoffers as much small-business training at no cost. Hors d'oeuvresalso will be provided. Registration is requested but not required, Madison said. So far,he said, not many people have signed up. Perry Swanson, president of the Peach County Chamber of Commerce,said the series offers a much-needed service to entrepreneurs orprospective entreprenuers, few of whom had any formal businesstraining. "It's a definite benefit for those wanting to start a smallbusiness and those in the early stages of their business to hearfrom those experienced in small business, who have had somesuccess, and be able to talk to these people," he said. To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 923-6199, extension 235. Rules: Keep it clean, respect others and use the 'report asviolation' link for any comment you feel violates these basicrules. For more details, read the terms at the bottom of thecomments page.
2008-06-11 10:15:45