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2 August 2005

The Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Derek Hanekom, accompanied by the Premier Mr Sello Moloto officially launched the mosquito repellent candle factory of the Hi-Hanyile community today, in Giyani, Limpopo.

Funded by the Department of Science and Technology to the tune of R7 205m, and supported by thorough scientific research from the CSIR on the efficacy of the BPI essential oil in repelling mosquitoes, this project promises to be a huge success.

The product was tested by SABS and is rated to be above the efficacy rate of what is currently available in the market. The Deputy Minister commended the CSIR for excellent scientific research done and the traditional healers for the insight they have provided into the potency of the plant. He further said that community projects must graduate from being mere community projects to becoming successful business enterprises for the good of communities themselves.

Premier Moloto recommitted his government to working together with the Department of Science and Technology and the CSIR in ensuring that there are greater prospects of expansion of the project both in Giyani as well as throughout the Province, in order to create work and fight poverty. The Deputy Minister concluded by saying that there is every reason to feel proud and enthusiastic based on the achievements of the community, but that great tribute must be paid to ordinary people who have laboured hard to make this a success.

He emphatically stated that the onus was on those who had the skill, knowledge and determination to ensure that the market demands more of the product. The proceedings were concluded with the touring of the facility and the demonstration of distillation process as well as the actual manufacturing and packaging of the candle that will be sold under the brand name of 'Ulwazi Botanicals' an effective mosquito repellent with a fresh fragrance and a promise of a better life for the community both in terms of a better income as well as reducing the incidence of malaria.

For more information contact:
Sello Dithebe
Tel: (012) 317 4588
Department of Science and Technology

Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
2 August 2005
Source: SAPA