Isn't it strange how seemingly unrelated events seem to link together in amazing harmony?

So it was when we met a group of amazing strangers at an informal meeting in the Hennopsriver, Gauteng area who are committed (in their seemingly unrelated ways) to becoming self-sustainable.  This would include biodiesel manufacturing, solar, water pumps, a waterless toilet, electricity generators, various building methods, a plant nursery and even an unconventional school.  (You will soon be able to chat to someone at the Bryanston Organic Market about all of these!)

Bioman Energy was invited by Wits University to exhibit the little Assagay 60 litre dry wash biodiesel processor at  the PREA (Promoting Renewable Energy in Africa) workshop in Stellenbosch during October. (Check out their web site http://cms.ises.org.prea/pages/main/msc.xsp.)  An honour indeed.

The connection between the PREA workshop and the Hennopsriver self-sustaining community then?  

What about if there is more to biodiesel than just running a vehicle?   What if it contributes in various ways to full-on self-sustainability?   How does this link with Bioman's vision of supplying the small producer of biodiesel with the means to do so? 

To start, we all believe that anyone should be able to produce biodiesel to get off the grid - whatever the 'grid' may entail for the individual - be it powering your home or vehicle (or both) from your own garage; and at a cost which an individual can afford.  Oh, of course the 'greenies' will like it too - for all the obvious reasons..!

Secondly, get a group of like-minded people together, and things start to cook!  These people believe in making a difference;  while offering like-minded individuals some answers to being self-sustainable.  

Biodiesel may well be a big part of that difference.