Local plant healthy alternative to sugar

SHONGOANE – A local miracle plant that has been used in traditional medicine for years might hold the answer to producing a healthy natural substitute for sugar.
‘Schlerochiton ilicifolius’, the scientific name of a plant known locally as ‘molomo monate’, is one of the plants researched by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) over the past 27 years and was found to be 1 400 times sweeter than regular sugar.
Shongoane and Seleka residents participated in the project by the CSIR and were eligible for royalties resulting in a payment of over R1,3 million by the department of environmental affairs to the residents last week.
Molomo monate (loosely translated as “nice mouth” in Sotho) was used by traditional healers for decades before it was discovered by CSIR scientists who extracted and characterised a non-carbohydrate sweetener.
William Makgae who is a former secretary of the late (Queen) Kgošigadi Shongoane said that in 2004 they met with department of environmental affairs, the CSIR and the Royal Council to appoint a representative who would act on behalf of the community of Shongoane with the companies.
“In 2008 there was an official message brought to the Queen and her Royal Council about what molomo monate can produce and that resulted in a beneficiary agreement that was signed with the Queen. In 2012 a delegation was sent to the Northern Cape and a certificate was obtained from Environmental Affairs regarding this plant.”
Makgae said that the royal
council plans to meet with the
Department of Agriculture to ensure that the cash- injection will help the community to develop agricultural opportunities in and around villages near Shongoane.