Co-production with Deutsche Welle 6 June 2008 We have been involved in a joint project between Deutsche Welle Radio and Radio Khwezi in which the feasibility of bio-energies implementation in South Africa has been considered. The research covers in-depth investigation about bio ethanol, bio-gas, bio diesel as sources of energy. The problem with biofuels is that they might result in a rise of staple food prices and many people are concerned about this. Can bioenergy be developed without affecting the poor? This is the question we have been asking. Within three weeks Michael Ngubane and Hlakaniphani Ngidi from Radio Khwezi and Mathias Bölinger from Deutsche Welle have been travelling all over KwaZulu-Natal to get some answers. An answer at this stage is definitely, 'No!'. It would only be possible if the government would subsidise the bio-energy sector. It is very costly even to buy a cooking ethanol gel which is the converted form of bio-ethanol according to Mr Morland Matthews, a retired maize farmer who lives in Margate on the South Coast of Kwazulu-Natal. His company, which he owns together with his sons, is called Silversands ethanol. He says ethanol gel is more expensive and safer than paraffin, whereas on the other hand the staple food price has risen tremendously. Poor people cannot afford to pay for the bio-energies if the government doesn't intevene to rescue the sinking ship. Fuel price hike is a global problem. It results in bringing up the prices of other goods because of the so-called 'transport cost'. Interview with farmer Deutsche Welle blog of the production progress go to: top of page back to: home page