“Stone” Nkokweni – An Inspiring Story of a Bamboo Charcoal Connoisseur
Patrick “Stone” Nkokweni started working for EcoPlanet Bamboo in July 2014 as a gardener for the areas surrounding the newly initiated Core Carbon factory.
It was quickly noticed by management that Stone was sharp, willing to learn new skills and eager to play a role wherever he was needed. Those qualities made him excel and in less than 6 months, he went from a gardener to a lab technician. He eventually became our Bamboo Charcoal Connoisseur, carrying out scientifically determined R&D on our charcoal and eventually becoming responsible for the production of bamboo charcoal on KowieBamboo Farm. Stone had a trying journey to get to where he is today, but those experiences shaped him and all that was missing for him was someone to give him the opportunities to excel.
Here is Stone’s story:
Stone grew up in the Peddie area of the Eastern Cape where his father was the local Chief. His father had 2 wives and Stone was the first born of the second wife. In total there were 10 children in his family. In 1991, his father moved his mother and siblings to Bathurst in fear of political retaliation and in search of somewhere safe for his kids to grow up.
Source: environment.co.za