The Official Website of
The Mophato oa Mants'ase Society
Building Blocks
Faith Foundation purchased the machine that makes building blocks from a mixture of soil and cement. Manufacturing the blocks is one of Trust for Africa's projects, and the project yard is situated on the small holding property. Blocks are produced for sale as well as for construction projects at Mants'ase.
Trust for Africa provided building blocks for the construction of two dormitories at Mants'ase Children's Home.
Water for domestic use is pumped from a borehole into a reservoir, from where it is taken by gravity to the buildings.
Solar energy is used to supply power to the water pump and for heating water for domestic purposes.
Surplus water is made available to Qhalasi village.
The Pelargonium Plantation
Pelargonium sidoides is a species of geranium unique to southern Africa. It grows throughout Lesotho and can also be found growing in the Eastern Cape, Free State and Gauteng provinces of South Africa where it is called Kalwerbossie or most commonly Umckaloabo, a word which originates from the Zulu language and refers to a heavy cough. Rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids, Pelargonium sidoides also has clear antibacterial characteristics, and treatment with Pelargonium sidoides often improves the typical symptoms associated with a cough, fever and/or sore throat. Its success is attributed to high consumer satisfaction.
In southern Africa the effect of the Pelargonium sidoides root has been known for centuries and local inhabitants have continued to manufacture tinctures for the treatment of respiratory diseases for generations. Based on this knowledge Dr Schwabe, a German company, produces a syrup called Umckaloabo from the roots of Pelargonium sidoides grown in southern Africa.
Dr Schwabe created the Umckaloabo Stiftung (Foundation) to support social projects in both Lesotho and South Africa and the Foundation helps fund day-to-day expenses at Mants'ase Children's Home. In co-operation with Bophelo Natural Products (Pty) Ltd (Lesotho), the Umckaloabo Stiftung has also helped establish a two acre Pelargonium sidoides plantation at Mants'ase, the income from which is earmarked for Mants'ase Children's Home.
The Society's small holding is approximately 15 hectares (approximately 37 acres) in size and there are two water storage dams on the property. This water is used for irrigation.
Faith Foundation planted fruit trees and installed a drip irrigation system for the vegetable garden.
For the foreseeable future Trust for Africa will manage most of the small holding land on the Society's behalf and will supply Mants'ase Children's Home with fresh produce. Trust for Africa will use the remaining produce for the benefit of orphans and vulnerable children in nearby communities.
Pelargonium sidoides flowering at Mants'ase
Maize field at Mants'ase 27th October 2011
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