Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).

Grease two loaf pans.

In a large bowl, combine margarine and sugar.

Add eggs and mix well.

Incorporate chopped dates, diced orange slice candy, chopped walnuts, and coconut.

In a separate bowl, dissolve soda in buttermilk.

Add buttermilk mixture to the large bowl.

Gradually add self-rising flour and mix until just combined.

Fold in chopped pecans.

Pour batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.

Bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice and serve.