At first glance, it might seem like something out of a fantastical futuristic tale: Spekboom in wine cans, proteas in pants pockets, fynbos in milk cartons. Yet these plants hold the key to empowering communities. As a Spier Growing For Good initiative, Tree-preneurs is a project that teaches members of impoverished communities within the Cape how to care for indigenous plants. Once the seedlings they’ve been given to nurture are big enough, they are exchanged for food vouchers, clothing, bicycles, educational support, and other essentials. The items exchanged unlock opportunities, provide support and spark inspiration.
Tree-preneurs is rooted in the ‘waste not, want not’ philosophy. As a rule, it doesn't purchase anything — no water, no pots. Instead, it creatively reuses what's already there. Water is collected when it rains, and seedlings are planted in used items like biodegradable coffee cups and other recycled containers. This commitment to upcycling and innovative creation is core to Tree-preneurs.
Lesley Joemat has been the dedicated project manager for Tree-preneurs since 2009, teaching individuals not just about caring for indigenous plants but also providing avenues for personal growth and community impact. Joemat lives by her principles, using water-saving gadgets and recycling at home too.
“This heart-warming project is a legacy of inspiration. It does more than just call for environmental awareness; it is a vision for regeneration. It calls for a simple yet compassionate and proactive approach to addressing global issues. The project’s power lies in its ability to inspire hope and action across impoverished communities, advocating for actions that restore health and harmony to the world’s ecosystems,” says project manager Lesley Joemat.
Under her watchful eye and green fingers, since 2009 the Tree-preneurs programme has empowered more than 310 individuals aged 9-79 from 12 communities by helping them barter more than a million indigenous trees. Many of the trees and plants are planted in disadvantaged areas of Stellenbosch in need of greening, donated to schools, NGOs, churches and used to rehabilitate the Plankenbrug River and Dwars River.
The project nourishes environmental consciousness in the communities where growers live; it also empowers others to make a positive difference. A powerful example of this is Tannie Katrina Babs Visagie, a Tree-preneur from Heather Park who runs a food kitchen, using the vouchers earned from her trees to buy food for orphans in her community. Since she joined the project in 2011, she has bartered over 9 300 trees, including 1 250 spekboom plants currently showcased on the verandas at Spier Hotel.
“I am proud to be a Tree-preneur. Through the project’s barter exchange, the reward vouchers allow me to contribute to our household. Currently, it's used for my son’s matric schooling and my grandchildren’s school stationery. I am grateful to Lesley and all her support. She means so much to us; if I need her she’s always ready to guide us.” - Katrina Visage (Tannie Babs)
If you're interested in seeing the journey from growing tiny seedlings to the lively system that supports people and the environment, visit the website to arrange a tour of Tree-preneurs at the Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch for a complete experience. It’s a powerful reminder that with a little creativity and dedication, even the most unexpected things can blossom into something beautiful.