Dinake Nongo Motona, commonly known as The General, brought his wealth of knowledge to the recent Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Bioslurry Living Lab Farmer Field Day at Ladies Asparagus Farm in Ficksburg in the Free State.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
The General is an additional member of the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA) North West Provincial leadership, vice president of the Industrial Dacha Development Chamber and research director for the South African Cannabis and Hemp Industry Development Association (SACHIDA).
Although the event showcased biogas liquid byproducts as sustainable fertiliser alternatives, it was The General’s insights into hemp processing that had attendees buzzing about the untapped potential lying in what many consider agricultural waste.
From Waste to Wonder Products
“We are focusing on the stem,” The General explained, breaking down the hemp processing chain that’s changing how farmers think about crop value. “We take it through a machine called a decorticator. This machine processes the stalk and separates the fibre from the stalk.”
What emerges from this process – hemp shives or “hemp heads” as they’re known locally – is where the real magic happens. The General outlined multiple value chains that transform these byproducts into sought-after materials across industries.
Also read: L&P Zwane Foundation pioneers indigenous language hemp training
Building the Future, Literally
One of the most exciting applications The General spoke about was in construction. “You mix this with hydrated lime, then you can make a brick,” he said. “It can’t burn.”
But that’s just the beginning. The processed hemp fibres can be transformed into insulation materials. “You can make insulation out of this for your ceiling or drywall partitioning,” The General noted, highlighting the thermal and sound properties that make hemp-based building materials increasingly popular with eco-conscious developers.
For those wanting to venture into textiles, the processing doesn’t stop there. “You can process it further to cottonise it … and you can make textiles out of it.” This opens doors to the clothing industry, where sustainable fibres are in high demand.
Agricultural Gold
The hemp byproducts are making serious waves in agriculture too. The General highlighted a particularly promising application: “The poultry industry is looking to use this as chicken bedding… It [helps reduce] the mortality rate of chickens.”
This isn’t just about better bedding – it’s about animal welfare and farmer profitability. The natural properties of hemp shives create healthier environments for livestock, and the seeds and other plant parts provide nutritious feed supplements.
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