Phuthu Stay Phut, Don't go!

The word “doctor” usually conjures up images of intelligent, respectful and altruistic individuals. So to see these professionals, protesting and picketing outside hospitals for better wages, albeit peacefully, seems so unbefitting.  One may be inclined to think that because doctors have devoted their life to helping others, they’ll work day and night for stipends. Maybe. But the protests in recent weeks have demonstrated that even the most self-effacing individuals can only be pushed so far.  Perhaps the paradigm is shifting, perhaps the government is realising that health practitioners need to be paid fairly in order to prevent further brain drain in South Africa.

It was with great pleasure that I heard that the State had increased doctors’ salaries by between 10 and 60% yesterday. And although it might not be an exact match to their demands, at least it’s a start.  It is a sign that our government is heeding the desperate call of these humanitarians and finally seeing the wood for the trees. Eureka!

Rick James always dreamt of becoming a farmer. When his family bought a seven acre smallholding in the Assagay Valley of Kwa-Zulu Natal, a small crop of coffee was already established there. The James family decided that they wanted to try their hands at coffee farming, and started sowing seeds in 1992. Through gradual experience and success with the product came the inspiration to reach further and further into the market. Five years ago Assagay Coffee moved to a much larger farm of 100 acres in Cato Ridge – now home to 30 000 coffee trees.

“We’re a dedicated family of coffee growers, who over many years have researched and developed our product through carefully chosen cultivars. The end result has been the creation of a fine, full-bodied South African coffee,” says Rick James. “We realised the demand for local products through trial orders with some of the outlets near us. Orders were good, and this encouraged us to take the concept further,” he adds.

Coffee is not usually grown in South Africa. Being one of only two coffee farms in the Kwa-Zulu Natal area, Assagay Coffee have a distinctive Calico cloth packaging – marketed locally under their original farm name of “Assagay Coffee“. For the international market, they have created the “Zulu Brew” range, which has been very well received overseas through export agents.

Assagay Coffee has 12 full time staff members and in the picking season anything from 14 upwards of part-time labour. “All training is on going done on site, and is very much hands-on,” explains Rick. Benefiting the community with job creation as well as providing a locally grown, locally manufactured coffee, Assagay Coffee is definitely proudly South African. “Ever person working on the product, from the pickers in the fields, to the staff in the factory is South African. The coffee is grown, processed, and packed in South Africa,” says Rick.

As for challenges, Rick says marketing a locally grown and manufactured coffee in a primarily import and big corporate controlled industry is not easy. But seeing increased sales and very often positive feedback from customers is however extremely rewarding.

“For those starting a business, I recommend that you research the market you wish to enter extensively, and be very sure you have the finance to compete,” advises Rick. He also adds that marketing and packaging is extremely important. “Our packaging had proved to be a winner because of its distinctiveness.”

Rick and his wife Lesley will take you on a tour of the farm explaining the coffee harvesting process. Afterwards you can indulge in a cup of their delicious home-brewed coffee. The farm is also currently being renovated to include a venue for barista courses – including a lecture area and accommodation overlooking the exquisite rolling green hills typical of the area.

For more info tel 031 782 1268 or e-mail assagay@ionet.co.za

“Jan, Jan, Jan, die soul van die span”

These were precisely the words that I woke up singing this morning.

I think these Vodacom adverts are fantastic, and I never get tired of seeing them.

For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, you need to watch more rugby! (Louise, Elzet)

Or you can check out the Youtube video below

It seems as if food prices went haywire overnight. South Africans, as with the rest of the world, are definitely feeling the food inflation pinch. We need a mindset change and a serious attitude adjustment. I’m including myself in this – I’m waving my favourite cous-cous dish farewell for now! Most of us are used to the good life which means good food. This is where the mindset change comes in, we can still enjoy good food, we just need to be less fussy and creative in the way we go about it.

Phuthu’s low-budget meal suggestions

• Cottage pie
• Beans on toast
• Stuffed potatoes
• Stews
• Butternut, bean, potato & leek or vegetable soup (big quantities to freeze)
• Spaghetti Bolognaise
• Macaroni and cheese
• Pap with a tomato and onion mix served with boerewors, mince or beef
• Chicken curry, chicken casserole or chicken stirfry
• Lentil stew
• Tuna or Pilchards bake or a tuna and pasta salad
• Curry in a Hurry (mince and tinned curry veggies) on bread / rice or as a bunny chow

Save this way:

• Use a cheaper brand of rice or replace rice with samp, maize rice, pap or 2 minute noodles
• Stretch your meals such as stews, stir fries and curries with a lot of cheap veggies
• Always compare no-name brands to the original brands
• Use Chuck meat in your soups and stews
• Coleslaw makes for a nice and cheap side dish
• Buy your fresh produce from a market or from Fruit and Veg City
• Seasonal foods are always cheaper
• Halve your meat and add soya, this way you still get the meat taste but it’s much cheaper

South Africans have such an amazing ability to adjust and unite – we can do this. Yes, we can! 

If you have some good money saving meal tips, please share them with us!

Other articles of interest:
Recession 101: Socialising
Recession 101: Budget Decor Ideas