What an interesting, diverse and challenging subject. About 25 members and friends came to listen to Leif explained part of the thesis he is doing for his degree at an Australian University. He is also a board member of an organisation Sustainable Livelihood Foundation who do research on the informal economy amoungst other research.

He explained the differences of the formal and informal (cash economy - largely unknown and undocumented in the formal government and business world). He has gone out to selected informal settlements in Cape Town and identified as many businesses as possible with the assistance of the local community. It is very interesting how many he has found, confirming there is a real cash economy running in paralell to the formal economy.

Some of the audience listening intently.

Leif explained how the traditional healers from the Eastern Cape (EC) supply the needs of the local migrant community (persons from the EC) and the Rastas supply the needs of other local peoples. He explained the complexities of the makeup, operating processes, the interbusiness dealing the 2 bodies have with each other and some of the impacts the gathering of plants and animals has on the local conserved areas. He presented tables and statistics summarised from the research which was very revealing of a generally unknown economy.
These practices are going to seriously impact on indigenous species if immediate education and information programmes are not put into place very soon.
Leif has been and is interacting with City officials. It is a slow process, and little interest or money will be spent on the issue, unless more people in the community can put pressure on the decision makers.

This is a serious challenge for all of us intersted in biodiversity, if the future generations are to have a viable natural inheritance.

Leif taking a breather listening to one of the many questions asked after the presentation. His answers to the questions were insightful and gave some indication this is a very complex local issue which will take time to understand and address.

David handing Leif the traditional Zandvlei Trust thank you gift.