DIY diesel 'is a piece of cake'

2008-06-03 21:00

Sydney Masinga

Polokwane - A Limpopo agricultural union is offering to train ordinary South Africans to make bio-diesel to beat rising fuel prices.

Dries Joubert, chairperson of the northern branch of the Transvaal Agricultural Union, TAU-SA North, said on Tuesday the union had received many requests from members of the public who want to learn to make their own fuel.

"Ordinary people find that fuel prices are eating deeply into their monthly budgets.

"One of the cheapest solutions is learning to make bio-diesel, a process perfected almost 100 years ago.

Old cooking oil

"The best news is that the process is not complicated at all. Almost any person who can calculate, can handle the process with ease," said Joubert.

He makes bio-diesel from old cooking oil, which he collects from take-away outlets.

He said those interested in learning the technique should call Wilma on 015 297 3749 to attend the next workshop in Pretoria on June 25.

"It is important that people roll up their sleeves to find solutions to the many challenges in the country," he said.

- African Eye