Beyond its direct impact, 58 will demonstrate a ‘buffet’ of regenerative solutions and approaches that can be adopted by the general public. Whether it is high-end rammed earth walls, biodynamic farming, community engagement, healing practices, biomimetic water solutions, biophilic design or otherwise, visitors can see, engage and physically experience what an alternative future may look like and how to apply these ways of doing themselves.

Ultimately, 58 creates a platform for progressive discussions around how we collectively as a society can move forward in a way that also expresses our appreciation for all life. In its role as a facilitator, 58 will provide a space for local and international leaders to convene in a place that is conducive for expansive thinking, while being surrounded by the physical manifestations of our own appreciation for life.

Community

Rather than short-term job opportunities, 58 aims to seed a life-long journey of change and progress for all members of our community; from informal settlements, schools and academies to farms, lodges and tourism venues; through active engagement and skills development.

Land ownership | skills transfer | job creating | micro-enterprises | social work | settlement upgrading | tree planting | food production | cross-border school collaborations

58 is located in the Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve – the meeting point of three different kinds of biomes; the central grassland plateaux, the sub-Saharan savanna and the Afromontane forest; which makes it exceptionally diverse in fauna, flora and animal species.

58 is also home to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 50 km northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa. This area hosts the archaeological finds of the earliest hominid species – the 3.67 million years old Little Foot. 58 is working closely with Past, University of Wits and University of Johannesburg to uncover more about our own iron-age sites.

We are rehabilitating damaged land by restoring water ways, removing alien species and planting trees. As part of the first phase of this rehabilitation, we have planted 500 indigenous trees at Columba Leadership.

Regenerative farming

The global momentum for agroecology is growing and there is an understanding that we need to shift our food production to regenerative practices, treat the land as custodians with the focus of preserving soils and biodiversity for the 7th Generation. 58 has partnered with the South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO), the formal sector body for organic agriculture, and the organisation has been and is doing much innovative work to transform the oppressive and non-functional food system in South Africa.

The agroecological farm at 58 will encompass best environmental and social practices on the land and will manifest itself through biodynamic agricultural practices based on the permaculture land-use design created by the team. It will incorporate all aspects for a regenerative approach to building soil quality and enhancing biodiversity on 58 as well as the surrounding biome of the Cradle of Humankind.

Principles

We are putting into law a new way of engaging and governing, to ensure this area is given the best conditions to thrive no matter who will be owning this land in the future; following a set of social, cultural and ecological principles to ensure the communities and ecosystems are being recognised.

The ultimate goal is to create a model of a regenerative, local economy that can be replicated and contextualised across the globe. We will share these principles once complete.