Growing up on a farm gave Lion du Plessis insight into the problems faced by farmworkers. But after studying human rights he gained an even deeper understanding of these issues, which spurred him on to create a charity that uplifts rural communities. Lindi Botha reports.
Backed by a highly impressive array of qualifications in law, higher education, financial planning, human rights and project management, Lion du Plessis led a successful corporate career in Gauteng. But periodically returning to his family on the farm near Ermelo, Mpumalanga, where he grew up, he witnessed the plight of the rural communities and felt a need to do more to uplift these people.
“Studying human rights was a bit of a turning point and really gave me a different view of life. It helped give me insight into the less fortunate,” he says.
In 2009, Du Plessis launched the Children at Play (C@P) charity, initially with the aim of getting workers’ children living on the farm active and involved in sport.
“I believe sport can go a long way towards teaching discipline and therefore aiding in business, so it seemed like a good place to start,” he says.
The venture was then extended to provide stationery for the school children.
“Many families can’t provide stationery, and the schools usually have limited resources. We’re so often shocked that some of the children don’t even have one pen with which to write. Supplying them each with their own stationery pack not only gives them the ability to take part in schoolwork, it motivates them to work harder for success.”
In 2012, Du Plessis moved back to Ermelo to farm, and alongside his farming activities continued expanding C@P. Today, it comprises several focus areas to provide for a range of needs in rural and less fortunate communities. As a registered non-profit organisation, it relies on the support of volunteers, sponsors and donors. Du Plessis believes that through C@P, children from all backgrounds can acquire the tools to develop and grow up to be responsible, productive citizens. He takes his role as a farmer and his responsibility towards the greater farming community very seriously.
Denne historien er fra December 21 - 28, 2018-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 21 - 28, 2018-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.