Sustainability Institute

The Sustainability Institute’s Nourish Programme aims to reconnect people with food, land, and each other. It also demonstrates what a more just and regenerative food future can look like in practice.

The school programme, the Green Café and all of our venues, client events and catering are run by the Nourish team.

Contact the Nourish team at [email protected] or 021 881 2500 for events, catering and venue bookings.

It’s , and we want to eat food that makes a positive impact and supports a healthy food system! We aim to do this in practical, tangible ways through the implementation of ten food principles.

In the video, our Nourish Programme coordinator, Rico Wessels, provides an overview of the philosophy behind these principles, including:

1. Being driven by what the at Spier Wine Farm and our food garden can provide.
2. Supporting agro-ecological and small scale producers to promote soil regeneration.
3. Staying away from imported goods as far as possible to minimise our carbon footprint and to support the local economy.
4. Transparency about provenance.
5. Using free range and pasture-reared meat, eggs and dairy products.
6. Using seasonal produce.
7. The integration of indigenous plants, herbs and leafy greens.
8. Using historical African seeds and grains.
9. Staying away from GMO foods as much as possible.
10. Promoting well-being through food while maintaining affordable prices.

To learn more or taste some of the food we enjoy at the Green Café every day, come for a visit or get in touch at [email protected]!

How can we empower young learners to contribute to just and sustainable futures?

Our schools coordinator, Jessica Eley, explores the key learning principles that help cultivate ecological intelligence and a sense of social justice. This includes creating a safe, nurturing environment, encouraging consistent hands-on learning, building confidence and self-empowerment, and fostering respect for all living things.

Learn more here: https://www.sustainabilityinstitute.net/2026/02/27/follow-the-child-early-childhood-development-the-montessori-way/

We are proud to share that we are a Top 50 finalist for the 2026 Global Schools Prize! 🎉

A huge thank you to the Varkey Foundation for recognising schools around the world driving meaningful impact in education and helping every learner thrive. 🌍

Montessori is a transformative approach to learning that positions the as a guide who helps children direct themselves in a supported and nurturing way.

In the video, our schools coordinator, Jessica Eley, highlights the role of the teacher in Montessori education in comparison to traditional teaching settings.

Learn more here: https://www.sustainabilityinstitute.net/2026/02/27/follow-the-child-early-childhood-development-the-montessori-way/

Montessori education offers a powerful framework for cultivating the minds of young learners so that they have agency to act and to innovate. In under-resourced communities, Montessori principles can be adapted without expensive materials. What matters most is the philosophy that the child is respected, there is order and beauty in the environment, there is consistency and a high expectation of belief.

In the video, our schools coordinator, Jessica Eley, discusses how Montessori supports holistic development beyond academic readiness.

Learn more here: https://www.sustainabilityinstitute.net/2026/02/27/follow-the-child-early-childhood-development-the-montessori-way/