By Maile Matsimela
In a groundbreaking initiative that combines agricultural innovation with cultural preservation, the L&P Zwane Foundation has successfully developed South Africa’s first indigenous language training programme for cannabis cultivation, opening doors for rural communities to participate in the burgeoning hemp industry.
The foundation, founded by Lynette and Peter Zwane in 2019, achieved a significant milestone in 2022 by translating their comprehensive cannabis cultivation training guide into isiZulu, making specialised agricultural knowledge accessible to communities previously excluded due to language barriers.
“Our vision has always been to empower young minds and create sustainable opportunities in sectors with growth potential,” says Sbusiso Zwane, Deputy Secretary General and Director of Business Innovation of the L&P Zwane Foundation. “By translating technical cannabis cultivation knowledge into isiZulu, we’re not only breaking down barriers to entry but also preserving indigenous knowledge systems that have historical significance in our communities.”
Their solutions include an anti-stigma campaign with a goal of taking their program all over the country to educate the masses about hemp and its benefits.
The foundation offers AgriSETA-accredited training programmes that cover practical cultivation skills, legal compliance knowledge and business acumen specifically tailored for success in the cannabis industry. What sets their approach apart is the deliberate incorporation of traditional knowledge, connecting modern commercial opportunities with historical practices.
“Cannabis has deep roots in our cultural heritage, including its use during significant historical events like the Battle of Isandlwana,” Zwane explains. “By acknowledging this history while teaching modern cultivation techniques, we’re creating a holistic approach that resonates with our communities.”
The L&P Zwane Foundation, working with indigenous language
The L&P Zwane Foundation operates with ambitious goals despite facing significant challenges, including limited government support. The organisation primarily self-funds its initiatives, which makes their achievements even more remarkable. They have, however, made requests for funding at local, provincial and national level and are still awaiting the outcomes.
Their social media presence under the handle @umkhulu_weHemp has helped them expand their reach, successfully doubling their training capacity in 2023. “Umkhulu weHemp” translates to “The Grandfather of Hemp” in Zulu. It is also the name of The Lynette & Peter Zwane Foundation, which focuses on empowering young people through agricultural training, particularly in hemp and medicinal cannabis cultivation. The foundation aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful farmers and entrepreneurs in the hemp industry.
“We’ve managed to transform participants into entrepreneurs through our comprehensive approach to training,” Zwane states. “Our graduates aren’t just cultivators – they’re business owners with the skills to navigate the entire value chain, from production to market entry.”
Their long-term vision includes facilitating R10 billion in community investment and R5 billion in economic circulation.
“Our ultimate goal is to see our entrepreneurs transform their local environments and eventually compete in global markets, including the Johannesburg Stock Exchange,” says Zwane. “We believe with the right skills and support, rural and disadvantaged communities can become significant players in the cannabis industry.”
The foundation plans to expand their translation efforts to include other indigenous South African languages, further democratising access to specialised agricultural knowledge and continuing their mission of youth empowerment through practical skills development.
For more information about the L&P Zwane Foundation’s cannabis training programs or to support their initiatives, visit their website, https://lnpzwanefoundation.org/, or follow them on social media @umkhulu_weHemp.
