Rooted in Purpose

💬 Where did your passion for gardening and sustainability begin?
I was born and raised in Mossel Bay but now live in Oudtshoorn. Growing up, I visited nature reserves like Gondwana and the Seweweekspoort Mountains, and that’s where my love for the natural world really began. I’ve always been curious, I enjoy observing how things grow, how systems interact. Later, I connected with a woman named Kathryn Eybers from the De Rust Permaculture Farm. She became my mentor and introduced me to permaculture. That changed everything for me.

💬 Tell us a bit about the garden project at Bongolethu Primary. How did it come about?
I started there as a casual worker. When the ABSA garden project began, I was the only person recommended to maintain it. I wanted the garden to be more than just a space, I wanted it to teach, feed, and inspire. I worked with the learners to develop it from the ground up. We practiced companion planting, used mulch to retain water, installed a drop-by-drop irrigation system, and built everything using local and natural resources. I used the 12 Permaculture Principles to guide how we approached each part of the garden.

💬 What was it like receiving national recognition for the project?
Honestly, it was surreal. I was proud of what we’d created, but seeing the learners’ faces when we won - that was the real reward. The garden gave them confidence, skills, and a sense of ownership. Some of them even started growing vegetables at home with their families. That’s how change spreads.

💬 How do you think gardening can impact education?
It’s incredibly powerful. Gardening boosts learners’ performance because it engages them in something real. It improves their self-esteem and well-being. They’re not just learning from books — they’re learning from life, from nature. They develop technical skills, teamwork, and most importantly, pride in something they’ve helped create.

💬 What inspired you to join Cango Wildlife Ranch?

I’ve always respected the work that happens here — the mix of conservation, education, and care. When I saw the opportunity to join the team, I knew it was the right step. I wanted to bring my skills to a space where they could have an even broader impact, and where I could also keep learning.

💬 What are your hopes for your role at the Ranch?
I’d love to help start our own nursery where we grow from seed to seedling. I also have a long-term dream of introducing a biochar and charcoal briquette project to support gardens in rural communities. I want to use what I’ve learnt to help Cango become even more self-sufficient — and to keep showing people how powerful a garden can be.

💬 Favourite plant to grow?
Lavender. It’s hardy, beautiful, and attracts pollinators.

💬 Complete the sentence: To start a garden is...
...to believe in tomorrow.

💬 If your life were a plant, what would it be?
A bamboo tree — because it’s resilient, grows quickly, and adapts. Just like I try to.