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 | | William’s nursery produces 7.2 million seedlings per year
Author :: Louise de Klerk
Date :: Tue 08/24/2010 @ 02:37 |
| The first reason for his success is his commitment to his business. William loves his seedling business and work seven days a week from 7h00 to 16h00.
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In 2006 William left PNA Nursery where he earned R3800 per month, to start Khosouthopa seedlings, his own seedling nursery. Today the property is 2ha big with an office, planting area, germination area and 1500m² shaded areas for seedlings. The nursery has two boreholes each with its own generator.
The nursery employs 9 people, each earning +-R1000pm. Currently it is producing +- 660 000 seedlings per month and a total of 7.2 million seedlings a year.
Khosouthopa Nursery supplies a wide range of customers; including almost 300 farmers from Mesina, Joppie, Giyana, Malemulele, Polokwane to Mokopane. William is looking at expanding his nursery to 3000m² under shade and has recently bought a seed planting machine of R224 000 to help with increasing his production.
As a 47 year old divorced father of 4 Children near Mooketsii, he also takes the opportunity to empower his children, and his oldest son, Thembelani (27) works with PNA Nursery now. The first reason for his success is his commitment to his business. William loves his seedling business and work seven days a week from 7h00 to 16h00. He likes to water and fertilize his seedlings himself. He not only takes pride in the quality and presentation of his seedlings, but also to the neatness of his Nursery. The second reason for his success is his ability to work with money. William started Khosouthopa seedlings with R150 000 cash, which he has saved from starting as a Teller at school. William knows that a little effort every day goes a long way in the future!
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 | | Partner introduction: Netafim
Author :: Louise de Klerk
Date :: Tue 08/24/2010 @ 02:36 |
| Netafim has significant technical and agronomic infrastructure, to provide ongoing training, in all agricultural crop sectors and to ensure that all participants in a particular project, are well equipped to manage the system(s) effectively.
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Netafim South Africa (Pty) Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Netafim (A.C.S.) LTD in Israel. Netafim is a key player in the global irrigation sector, positioned as a pioneer and world leading provider of drip irrigation solutions. The company has over 2000 employees, 32 subsidiaries, and a strong distribution presence in 110 countries and manufacturing facilities in 11 countries. As a Timbali Industry partner, Netafim has significant technical and agronomic infrastructure, to provide ongoing training, in all agricultural crop sectors and to ensure that all participants in a particular project, are well equipped to manage the system(s) effectively. As part of the Timbali Mentorship team technical advisors are available to assist Timbali incubatees with the selection of drip and micro-irrigation systems and ensure that these take proper cognisance of water quality and soil types. Agronomists will ensure that appropriate irrigation scheduling programmes are in place in order to facilitate optimal yields and optimal water consumption. The knowledge in Netafim South Africa, through its people and the support from Netafim International, is one of the key factors for successful agricultural incubation. Together with other Timbali Partners, Netafim makes a difference in helping with skills development of upcoming and newly established agricultural BEE SMME’s.
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 | | Nononhlanhla grows her business as flower technician slowly but surely
Author :: Louise de Klerk
Date :: Tue 08/24/2010 @ 02:35 |
| Nonhlanhla has benefited from the incubation services by learning how to manage her business
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Nonhlanhla Mgwenya started her work life as a domestic worker in Nelspruit. Through her interaction with fellow commuters, she met Miss Alucia Ngobeni (Production Supervisor at Timbali) who introduced her to Timbali. Nonhlanhla became a trainee at Timbali in February 2008. Due to her dedication and diligence in her work, Nonhlanhla was appointed in August 2009 as a technician on Timbali’s Incremental Incubation Model. The incremental model means that the knowledge and skills acquired is increased gradually and more responsibility is assigned to the technician in order to empower her to successfully operate a business entity. Nonhlanhla has benefited from the incubation services by learning how to manage her business by reducing her costs by twenty one percent over a period of three months and become the most improved technician in July 2010. Nonhlanhla wants to be an established business woman in five year’s time. She will achieve this, by borrowing money from financial institutions to expand her flower growing business. The knowledge and skills gained at Timbali, will enable her to realise her dream.
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 | | What you say about us... compliments received
Author :: Louise de Klerk
Date :: Tue 08/24/2010 @ 02:32 |
| Die ander kwekers se produksie was vir ‘n hele tyd baie laag, maar julle het julle normale kwota aan die mark gelewer, wat ook beteken dat julle die lojaliteit van kopers sal behou.
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“We at JA Floral would like to thank you for the wonderful service we have received from you all over the past few years you are always so helpful, friendly and very efficient. Your quality and supply has been great throughout the year but especially during this winter season when flowers are a real problem you have had the quantities we require at any given moment and when a problem arises i.e. a difficult colour you always let me know and make an alternate arrangement. Thank you”
“Ons kry gereeld komplimente van kopers oor die goeie kwaliteit van julle blomme, soos ek van tyd tot tyd vir jou deurgee. Ons het oor die algemeen bitter min probleme met julle blomme en kry baie selde klagtes. Selfs in die onlangse langdurige gure weersomstandighede, toe ander kwekers botritis en ander siekte probleme gehad het, was julle kwaliteit deurgaans van hoogstaande gehalte. Dit sal ook een van die grootste redes wees waarom julle top pryse op die mark behaal.
Die ander kwekers se produksie was vir ‘n hele tyd baie laag, maar julle het julle normale kwota aan die mark gelewer, wat ook beteken dat julle die lojaliteit van kopers sal behou. ‘n Ander rede hoekom julle produk gewild is, is die feit dat variteite akkuraat en duidelik gespesifiseer word, en die koper weet presies wat hy koop as hy sy knoppie druk. Ek wil net baie dankie sê vir die kwaliteit produkte wat julle aan Multiflora lewer en hoop dat dit so sal aanhou, baie geluk!”
Tjaart Kilian - Quality Control Manager, Multiflora SA.
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 | | Compliment of the month: SEDA Technology Programme (STP)
Author :: Louise de Klerk
Date :: Tue 08/24/2010 @ 02:31 |
| STP provided the seed funding to start the Timbali Technology Incubator in 2003, and has since been a partner nurturing the Incubator to full bloom.
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This month’s compliment from the Timbali team goes out to SEDA Technology Programme. STP provided the seed funding to start the Timbali Technology Incubator in 2003, and has since been a partner nurturing the Incubator to full bloom. We would like to recognise Ishmael Mmbadi, whom has been our project officer, for 5-years specifically. Compliments also go to Jayesh Ravjee, acting national executive manager and Senior Manager of Incubation: Nosipho Khonkwane. We thank the STP team for sharing our vision and allowing the incubator to show-case world class success as our main funding partner.
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 | | Arrangement of the Month
Author :: Louise de Klerk
Date :: Tue 08/24/2010 @ 02:30 |
| The beauty of minimalism and the pure crisp colours of winters; grey and white with tints, tones and shades of soft pastels in the evening glow touched my senses... and I could not wait to create a Winter Wonder Land flower design
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“Many people would find winter a drab and dreary season. I find the winter season a challenge to create something exciting! So.... I walked through my garden to get the feel of winter on my skin and for some inspiration... There was a nip in the early evening air and the trees stood stark and naked against the pale blue-gray sky. A little dove flew up from a branch to meet his friend in the sky and to look for a cosy place to settle for the night. The earth was at rest...but there was still life, happening all around me! The beauty of minimalism and the pure crisp colours of winters; grey and white with tints, tones and shades of soft pastels in the evening glow touched my senses... and I could not wait to create a Winter Wonder Land flower design” – Angelique Pretorius, Floral Designer. To download the shopping list and step by step guide to recreate this arrangement, visit www.amablom.co.za.
"Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour."
-John Boswell
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 | | Thank you for visiting us
Author :: Louise de Klerk
Date :: Tue 08/24/2010 @ 02:28 |
| Chief Project Officer, Mr. Andile Hawes, and team (on right) from the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
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Chief Project Officer, Mr. Andile Hawes, and team (on right) from the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
African neighbours representing a NEDPAD initiative, including Dr Percy Chimwamurombe from Dept of Biological Sciences and Dr. Chinemba Samundengu from Dept of Food Science, both senior officials from the University of Namibia involved in starting an Incubation Programme in Namibia.
Top management of Syngenta South Africa, including Vinesh Ramsaroop, Financial Manager, and colleagues.
Rene Slabbert from Media Worx, an ABET external evaluation company
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 | | Rare flowers in bloom at Timbali – Lisianthus
Author :: Louise de Klerk
Date :: Tue 08/24/2010 @ 02:21 |
| Also known as Prairie Gentian or Texas Bluebell, the Lisianthus bloom in summer from the upper leaf axils. Lisianthus are long-lasting flowers with a good post-harvest life – generally 10 – 15 days. Colours of Lisianthus include white, various shades of pink, lavender, deep purple, and bicolors such as blue-violet.
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Although Timbali and our farmers are best known for the Gerbera flowers we grow in the sub-tropical climate of Mpumalanga, we have a few special seasonal secrets – in summer we also produce Lisianthus, a speciality cut flower. Lisianthus are a North American wildflower, with large gentian-like bell-shaped flowers with flaring pale purple petal-like lobes. Also known as Prairie Gentian or Texas Bluebell, the Lisianthus bloom in summer from the upper leaf axils. Lisianthus are long-lasting flowers with a good post-harvest life – generally 10 – 15 days. Colours of Lisianthus include white, various shades of pink, lavender, deep purple, and bicolors such as blue-violet. Double- and single Lisianthus flower varieties exist. Lisianthus grow best where the minimum temperature is above 15°C, and the daytime maximum temperature is less than 25°C, though the plants will tolerate much higher temperatures. The climate in Timbali’s hometown, Nelspruit, is thus ideal for growing Lisianthus in our greenhouses. Good drainage is essential, and they are commonly planted in raised beds. Summer is coming, and Amablom have Lisianthus to buy as an alternative to roses and other cut flowers that don’t last so long in summer.
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 | | Compliment of the month July 2010
Author :: Louise de Klerk
Date :: Mon 07/26/2010 @ 03:23 |
| Multi-flora market is a key partner for Timbali and Amablom.
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Multi-flora market is a key partner for Timbali and Amablom. Tjaart Kilian and his team receive our compliment of the month for always providing us some critical and honest feedback, and ensuring our flowers reach our commercial and social goals! Thank you for your assistance
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 | | Arrangement of the month - Jewels of July
Author :: Louise de Klerk
Date :: Mon 07/26/2010 @ 03:22 |
| Angelique Pretorius, our Amablom floral designer, chose to use all those striking colours available in winter, given to us by nature. Says Angelique: “ The wonderful, richness of reds, oranges and yellows flowing into it’s soft tints, tones and shades, and then the bronzes and browns , really sparks my imagination and my creative mind spins into action. I chose the rusted containers for this month’s special parallel design, to celebrate the browns of autumn.”
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Angelique Pretorius, our Amablom floral designer, chose to use all those striking colours available in winter, given to us by nature. Says Angelique: “ The wonderful, richness of reds, oranges and yellows flowing into it’s soft tints, tones and shades, and then the bronzes and browns , really sparks my imagination and my creative mind spins into action. I chose the rusted containers for this month’s special parallel design, to celebrate the browns of autumn.”
Gerberas ...BEAU, MELROSE, DUNE AND CHATEAU , spice up the colours of the design to an ultimate high! Dry leaves from the swivel palm, lends height to the arrangement. Lotus pods repeat the colour of the container and I have used Spanish moss to cover the rest of the oasis. It is very important that you should leave empty spaces between the vertical lines of the arrangement for optimum depth in the design. Add berries...for that interesting touch. To finish the design I added the pebbles to emphasize the autumn colours and to contrast the rough texture of the containers. For more on Angelique and her flower designs, or to visit her guesthouse, go to www.purplezebra.co.za.
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