# Khayelitsha Brothers Turn Hyacinth Into Biochar

> South African brothers convert invasive water hyacinth into biochar for farmers.
- Title: Khayelitsha Brothers Turn Hyacinth Into Biochar · Allafrica
- Summary: South African brothers convert invasive water hyacinth into biochar for farmers. Siyanda and Akhona Sopangisa harvest invasive water hyacinth from…
- Keywords: siyanda sopangisa, akhona sopangisa, khayelitsha, blowy wetland, water hyacinth, biochar, seattle, cape town, makhaza, mowbray market, char2cool, german non profit
- Source: Allafrica — https://allafrica.com/stories/202610090189.html
- Published: 2026-10-09T05:51:26+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: siyanda sopangisa, akhona sopangisa, khayelitsha, blowy wetland, water hyacinth, biochar, seattle, cape town, makhaza, mowbray market, char2cool, german non profit
## Sopangisa brothers start biochar business
Siyanda and Akhona Sopangisa harvest invasive water hyacinth from Blowy wetland in Khayelitsha to make biochar for gardens.

> When invasive hyacinth blocked their canoe trips in the Khayelitsha wetland, Siyanda and Akhona Sopangisa started harvesting the hyacinth to make biochar.
## Biochar production process
They dry hyacinth in sun, burn in kiln, mix with cow dung, rest two weeks before packing.

> To produce 1kg of biochar, you need 5kg of hyacinth.
## Char2Cool training
Char2Cool, a german non-profit, taught brothers how to make biochar from hyacinth.

> While we were still learning, we sent them videos of the biochar we made via whatsapp
## Current sales
They sell biochar at R80 in suburbs and R20 in Khayelitsha, with seedlings selling better.

> We are out of seedlings now because they sell well.
## Gardening project
Volunteers launched Masilime Sonke Gardening Project with 46 home gardens and a ten-year lease.

> Since we don't work, the gardening project helps make money to buy electricity, meat and food.
## Future plans
Brothers aim to hire unemployed residents to produce biochar for big farmers.

> We will hire unemployed residents to produce the biochar.
## Wetland pollution
City of Cape Town says alien plants were removed in january and february but illegal dumping continues.

> These activities take place roughly every two years depending on resources.
## Community impact
Gardeners use project to earn money for electricity, food, and teach poor learners to grow vegetables.

> Since we don't work, the gardening project helps make money to buy electricity, meat and food.
## Key takeaway

Siyanda and Akhona Sopangisa harvest invasive water hyacinth from Khayelitsha wetland to make biochar for gardens and farmers.