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Green Economy Summit

20 - 22 October 2015, Bloemfontein, Free State

I gave two keynotes: One where I touched on tourism, agriculture, industry, schools, hotels, homes with broad outlines on greening each. The second on "Virtuous Victuals" - a summary of the recent food conferences and events we've been involved in.

Some innovative and proven solutions were presented for the municipality and, generally, we discussed how the Free State could become the "Green Heartbeat of South Africa". It is already halfway there with free roaming cattle, charming old fashioned accommodation and unspoiled towns. Urban folk are beginning to crave traditional comfort food... "kos"... still easy to find in the state.

Monte Bello is a charming venue, just outside Bloem. It is an old farm where big stone barns and storerooms are being converted into a lodge. Nice conference room. Good, home-cooked food and you know what? Die Vrystaaters are still the warmest, friendliest people. Stop there next time you drive to Cape Town.