Rotary’s Aquaponics Training Project Cultivates Sustainability and Self – Reliance in Southern Africa
In the heart of Randburg, Johannesburg, something remarkable is happening. Through a
powerful partnership between FreshMinistries, Rotary International, and One World Fresh, an
innovative aquaponics training programme is transforming lives — one seed, one fish, and one
future farmer at a time.
The state-of-the-art Aquaponics Greenhouse, launched in March 2024, has quickly become a
beacon of hope and opportunity. With funding from a Global Grant from TRF (The Rotary
Foundation) training started this year in 2025. This project has been driven by the dedication of
Rotary E-Club of Eagle Canyon, Rotary Jacksonville, and their respective districts, this initiative is
equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge to break cycles of poverty and food
insecurity through sustainable agriculture. The trainees do their practical activities at the world
class greenhouse in Randburg.
What is Aquaponics?
Aquaponics combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil)
into a closed-loop, climate-resilient farming system powered by renewable energy. This
revolutionary method uses 90-98% less water than traditional farming, produces greater yields
per square foot, and allows crops to flourish vertically — perfect for regions challenged by
drought, climate change, or limited arable land.
But aquaponics is much more than an advanced farming technique. It is a tool for community
empowerment, self-reliance, and economic growth — all core values embraced by Rotary.
The Training: Building Knowledge, Building Leaders
The programme delivers a robust, multi-phase curriculum designed not only to teach the
technical aspects of aquaponics but to build future entrepreneurs and leaders in sustainable
agribusiness:
Initial Training (5 Days):
Trainees receive comprehensive instruction in aquaponics system components, water
chemistry, fish and plant care, business planning, financial management, and marketing
essentials. Hands-on workshops allow participants to apply classroom learning directly in the
greenhouse, with site visits to observe successful agribusiness operations.
Advanced Managerial Training (2 Weeks):
Selected participants advance to an intensive focus on business development, financial
planning, risk management, customer relations, marketing campaigns, and real-world sales
simulations — preparing them to not only operate, but also scale their own agribusiness
ventures.
System Operations Training (4 Weeks):
The final phase immerses trainees in every detail of daily aquaponics system management,
including planting, harvesting, pest control, food safety standards, and research techniques for
optimising system performance. Practical experience is key, ensuring each graduate leaves with
the confidence and competence to manage a commercial operation.
Early Success: Cohort 1 Graduates
The first cohort of 25 trainees successfully completed the full programme between May and
June 2025. With graduation ceremonies concluding on 5 June — and additional trainees finishing
by 15 June — these newly skilled entrepreneurs now stand ready to contribute to their
communities, stimulate local economies, and build long-term food security.
Recruitment is already underway for the second cohort, ensuring a steady stream of
empowered leaders equipped to replicate and expand aquaponics operations across Southern
Africa.
The Rotary Difference: Service Above Self
This project is a shining example of Rotary’s global mission in action: combining innovation,
partnership, and service to meet real community needs. Through FreshMinistries, The Rotary
Foundation, and the collaboration of dedicated Rotarians, we are not only growing food — we
are growing futures.
As one participant shared, “This training is not just about fish and plants. It’s about creating
businesses, feeding families, and bringing hope to places where hope is needed most.”
Through aquaponics, Rotary is helping communities thrive, one harvest at a time.
Rotary is proud to celebrate a major milestone in its innovative Aquaponics Training Programme
in Randburg, as the first group of trainees from the Rotary-supported centre prepare to graduate
in the first week of June.
This forward-thinking initiative has empowered a new generation of “urban farmers” with the
skills and knowledge to grow fresh, sustainable food using aquaponics – a revolutionary method
that combines fish farming (aquaculture) with soil-less plant cultivation (hydroponics). It’s a
solution perfectly suited to meet the challenges of food insecurity and climate resilience in urban
and peri-urban communities.
Thanks to the dedication and collaboration of the Mila Team, Charlotte, and Ntabiseng, the
programme has provided hands-on training, practical tools, and mentorship to individuals eager
to learn and grow – both personally and professionally. Their hard work and commitment have
helped turn the training centre into a hub of innovation, learning, and opportunity.
The upcoming graduation marks not just the end of the course, but the beginning of new
possibilities. Graduates are now equipped to build their own aquaponics systems, contribute to
local food systems, and become change-makers in their communities.
As Rotary continues to invest in sustainable development and economic empowerment, projects
like this show what’s possible when communities, experts, and volunteers work hand in hand.
