The long term intention for the Meraka project is to create a world-class regenerative knowledge exchange hub (Meraka), where a variety of living heritages activities are taught and performed. Regenerative development describes processes that renew, restore and revitalise communities and the planet. We envision a world in which marginalised communities take charge of their own present and future livelihoods from an environmental and social justice perspective. This main site for the Meraka project is on a smallholding in Roodewal, and daily activities is managed by Sebabatso Mary Mofama.
What skills and resources were you able to draw from the community for this project?
The site is open for training any groups. Community members from the area are trained on demand. Students from different faculties are involved in the programme, and individuals from all over the country is volunteering time to be upskilled in post-natural building methods related to cultural activities. The building activities are drawing a large number of international students and researcher to the site, where they gain practical experience on how to apply regenerative design and development principles.
The challenges
This Meraka cultural village implements community programs that empower vulnerable groups to gain skills and knowledge that focuses on creating self-regenerative livelihoods. In addition, this community development village also promotes responsible green tourism, where tourists will have a chance to stay a few days and join activities while being mentored by Me Mofama. The short term aim for the Meraka project is to provide continues regenerative technical training in disadvantaged communities in the Free State.
Addressing the challenges
Through regenerative livelihood practices that focus on food security, housing and social entrepreneurship Sebabatso Mofama aspire to create and train community members in climate-resilient self-sustainable lifestyles that are accessible to all. The specific scope of work activities included in the project are to provide research and technical assistance to marginalised communities to create regenerative livelihoods; to complete post-natural building units and permaculture garden based on the indigenous, innovative and appropriate technologies. This project serves as a regenerative and cultural hub for the broader community. The research focuses on appropriate technology and post-natural construction methods that focuses on international and local best practices related to regeneration in the built environment. Local and international volunteers have the opportunity to participate and learn from the leading grassroots pioneers in innovative easy to apple building technologies. Grassroots vulnerable groups are taught how to be self-reliant with innovative low- to no-cost, low-skilled and environmentally sound building and permaculture methods. Learners gain practical building experience, which they in turn can use to better their livelihoods through self-help building activities in informal settlements. This a best practice example of how appropriate green building technologies can act as a catalyst for social change in creating climate change resilient communities. The project will never be complete, because we learn from each other and constantly experiment with different building methods.
The achievements
The project showcase a viable model on how to create regenerative communities that can respond to the climate crisis world. Various buildings are showcased and the site is open for anyone to receive training. The training is community development orientated with using the post-natural building as a tool to reach out to communities from different social classes and racial background. The Meraka concept refers to intergenerational and international knowledge transfer practices that happen on the site. Cultural identities are explored through hosting festivals to revive a love for indigenous knowledge systems.
Johannesburg, South Africa
