'Mainstream honeybush production could become reality'

OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Mainstream honeybush production in the Greater Oudtshoorn area could become a reality, bringing with it job creation and a boost to tourist numbers.

This is according to Garden Route Mayor Memory Booysen who visited the Western Cape Honey Bush Tea Cooperative (PTY) Ltd in Oudtshoorn on Friday 21 May together with a delegation of mayoral councillors and GRDM officials.

The cooperative currently has a nine-year lease agreement with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) for the land it is operating on. But GRDM executive manager for economic development and planning Lusanda Menze said it will take an extended period for the farm to reach a level of sustainability and to provide the co-operative enough time to achieve all their objectives. Therefore the municipality is in the process of seeking approval from the Council to proceed with extending the current lease contract to 20 years.

Booysen said, "As soon as the item is approved, both parties and the communities of Greater Oudtshoorn will be able to look forward to mainstream honeybush tea production activities in their area."

He said the initiative will help address the issue of unemployment in the area and a training facility could become a reality for those interested in the unique honeybush product and other related products that could be produced in the area. There will be economic spin-offs for the Little Karoo and Garden Route district.

Members of the co-operative shared essential information with the delegation, including their background, the progress of the farming operations and what plans they have to attract tourists to the farm and Greater Oudtshoorn area.

The municipality's delegation was also accompanied to the Nooitgedagt Farm where honeybush plants will be grown and harvested. Currently, small-scale farmers harvest honeybush in mountainous areas, but in a sustainable manner. Honeybush is pruned for optimal regrowth and more are cultivated for planting during the growing season.

Booysen said the partnership between the municipality and the cooperative has the potential to add value to families, as well as the Garden Route and Western Cape economy and that the time has come to formally put the initiative on the map. However, the relevant processes have to be followed.

The delegation also visited other projects in the Little Karoo, including the borehole/pomegranate project in Calitzdorp, as well as the municipality’s resort, Calitzdorp Spa, to view the progress made with the installation of new roofing for chalets.

A visit to the Calitzdorp Spa was on the itinerary where chalets are getting a facelift.