The Mothong African Heritage Project, funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, is carried out in collaboration with various institutions. The project aims to cultivate plant species with medicinal and cosmeceutical potential, develop a sustainable value chain, and establish an on-site processing plant. The farmers and community are trained to cultivate the material for supply to manufacturing companies. Farmers and community members also contribute to data collection and participate in the research trials conducted on site. The site is therefore developed not only as a commercial farm but also as a research centre that brings together various stakeholders. Some of the stakeholders are the City of Tshwane municipality, Department of Environmental Affairs, University of Pretoria, Tshwane University of Technology, University of South Africa, Agricultural Research Council, and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Participants in the workshop

A workshop was organised on 19 September 2025 at the Mothong African Heritage Project site. The workshop focused on learners from schools in Mamelodi, aiming to raise awareness about the plants, the project and its activities. J Kekana High School, Zamintutuko Primary School and Shirenda Primary School were invited to participate in the event. The aim of the workshop was to introduce learners to indigenous plants, explore their uses, and engage with them through different senses. The workshop programme, outlining the topics and presenters for each session, along with photos of the event, is presented below.

Participants in the workshop

Overall, the feedback from the workshop indicated that the learners gained valuable knowledge, including the names of plants and their various scents and tastes. They also gained valuable insights into the significance of indigenous knowledge and plants, particularly their roles in job creation, commercialisation, and sustainable living.

*Submitted by Professor Gerhard Prinsloo, Department of Agriculture and Animal Health