Underberg - Mountain Echo

Bulwer - Offers on R 590 000
‘FaceBrick
Cottage’
MOUNTAIN
ECHO
2 Bedroom, 2
YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
bath, basic
SINCE 1984
kitchen, single
Contact Neil 0822134795
lock up garage.
www.harcourts.co.za.
DISTRIBUTED TO KZN MIDLANDS &
neil.prior@harcourts.co.za.
SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG
DISTRIBUTED TO: Hilton, Merrivale, Howick,Curry’s Post, Lions River,Nottingham Road,Balgowan,
Dargle, Boston - Bulwer, Underberg, Himeville, Bushmansnek, Drakensberg Gardens,Sani Pass,
- Creighton, Donnybrook, Ixopo - Swartberg, Kokstad, Cedarville
VOL:32 NO:11
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
FREE NEWSPAPER
Historic Inaugral
Vintage Diesel Train Trip
Through Paton’s Country
15 November
The first vintage diesel train trip hauled by a 1973 Class 91 diesel
locomotive through Patons Country. A train trip on a real working
railway with awesome views and lots of excitement.
On Sunday 15 November 2015. Departure: Allwoodburn Siding Ixopo.
Time: 10.30 Return 12-00. Cost – Adults R 175-00 Children R 125-00.
Eats and drinks available at The Station Coffee shop. Booking
Essential: kznrail@futurenet.co.za Tel: 0823741417. Be part of this
History making event made possible by donations from Transnet
Freight Rail, The Premier of KZN Senzo Mchunu and Ubuhlebezwe
municipality.
AT LONG LAST!
It seems to have taken ages but Mary Field’s
cookery book “John and Mary’s Cooking
Classes. Part 1: The French Connection” will
be on the shelves later this month. After two
false starts thanks to local initiatives and three
proofreaders it’s all come together!
This certainly is a small district with a lot to
offer. The book is a completely local effort;
from the cover design by Andre Bezuidenhout
24 / 7
QUALIFIED REGISTERED PLUMBER:
Michael 082 321 7074
QUALIFIED REGISTERED
ELECTRICIANS
to the final printing by Richard Braby Plus all
the support from Cathy and Sam of SPAR
Underberg and Janeen of SPAR head office.
This is a cookery book designed to be cooked
from or read. It won’t hold down a coffee table
or sit happily on a shelf. With its spiral binding
enabling it lie flat and the wipe proof paper it
is meant to be used.
This is the book that fills the gap between
Gogo and gourmet chef. It should appeal to
everyone who enjoys good food and would
like to up their skills. Every young man or
woman leaving home should have a copy!
You are invited to a lunch on Sunday 6 of
December at the Grind from 11 am. Come and
join the fun! There will be dips from SPAR,
Pizza snacks, tea, coffee and Champagne
Cocktails. The book will be available for R200
per copy. See you there!
COOKBOOK LAUNCH
6 DECEMBER
AT THE GRIND CAFE
Brian Brandis
082 453 2775
Ian Kynoch
082 562 5591
Leon
082 850 6632
Office
033 7021878
Fax
086 660 1277
bnbrandis@vodamail.co.za
Proud members of the E.C.A.; E.C.B. and a
Registered Electrical Company with the
Department of Labour.
Our work is guaranteed and proven over
the past 20 years
NOV 13 -15 Veterans Tennis Tournament @ Himeville Tennis Club
Christopher Duigan and Joanna Frankel in Concert @ Himeville Anglican Church see page 8
NOV 13
NOV 14
Rosetta Country Market @ Rosetta Dam Contact Dave Whitfield: 082 550 4656
NOV 15
WESSA Wildflower Outing meet @ Underberg Inn 8.30am contact Bill 033 7011269
Inaugral Deisel Train Trip in Patons Country kznrail@futurenet.co.za Tel: 0823741417 see page 1.
NOV 15
NOV 15
Midlands Country Market @Peter’s Gate Herb Farm Contact Karen 076 412 1320 or Paola 076 872 7734
NOV18
Garden Club Meeting @Hlogoma Farm, home of Taryn & Murray Turner. See Page 11
NOV 19 -20 Cansa Mobile testing clinic @St Michaels Church, Himeville 9am to 4pm.
NOV 20
Tod Collins Book Launch “Cullen” @ Underberg Country Club 5.30pm see page 3
NOV 21
Tod Collins Book signing @ Fab alley 9.00 – 1.00 see page 3
CUPPA 4 CANSA @ Khanyeni Himeville - 10am - guest speaker - see page 2
NOV 21
NOV 28
Sani Stagger Race see www.sanistagger.com
NOV 28
Rosetta Country Market @ Rosetta Dam Contact Dave Whitfield: 082 550 4656
Fab Fair @ Fab Alley, Himeville. Anyone wishing to book a spot please call Michele on 0724866895
DEC 5
.DEC 6
Dargle Local Market 09h00-11h00 at Lions River Club Contact: Mike 083 325 1082
DEC 6
Mary Field’s Cookbook Launch @ The Grind Cafe Underberg see page 1
Himeville Museum Christmas Fair @ Himeville Museum contact 033 7021184
DEC 12
DEC 19
Fab Fair @ Fab Alley, Himeville. Anyone wishing to book a spot please call Michele on 0724866895.
DEC 30
Fast Drak Challenge Canoe Race contact Dale Tomlinson 083 653 2209
DEC 31 - JAN 2 Rougham Rocks New Years Festival. 1st January Outdoor Cinema. Em Lockhart 084 468 9890
JAN 23 -24
JAN 31
6 FEB
7 FEB
N3TC Drak Challenge Canoe Marathon More information www.drak.co.za
Sani Pass Wildflower Walk contact 033 7020330 / 0839873071 OR email info@sanilodge.co.za
February Falcon Fest contact Helga 082 2181 694
Amazing Amur Race contact Chris 083 7006 299
PAGE 2
082493 8700
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
SANI HIKING
CLUB
15 -16 NOVEMBER 12km moderate hike at
Sani Pass Top along 12 Apostles to
Mqatsheni (3276 m) overnight in backpackers
(sunday and Monday. Passport required meet
at Himeville Arms 13h00 . Contact Aldo Berruti
033 7022311
29 NOVEMBER easy 11k m hike from
Drakensberg Gardens to Castleburn meet at
NUD Sports 8am contact Barry Green 033
7011096
For information on hiking call Barrie Green
at NUD Sports Tel 033 7011096
Underberg/Himeville
Trout Fishing Club
Stats for October 2015
Stillwaters had 53 rods producing 141 fish3.9kg Rainbow hen caught and released in
Lake Ringstead.
River Beats had 8 rods producing 20 fish some fine 50cm Rainbows on the Lower
Beats.Rod fees are R150.00 per rod per day
per beat and can be bought at NUD Sports
033 7011096
Office open on weekends 8am - 10am
otherwise call 0826363985
Submitted by A Payn UHTFC
ELECTR
O TECH
ELECTRO
www.mountainecho.co.za
MOUNT
AIN
MOUNTAIN
ECHO
Is Your newspaper. Your input is valued!
DEADLINE DATE DECEMBER 4
EMBER 11
DISTRIBUTION DATE DECEMBER
COMBINED SERVICE - 8 JUNE 2014
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
CLUB & SOCIETY NOTICES
Sani Spoors Mountain Bike Time Trail and
Trail Run on third Thursday of every month; Cost
members free, non-members R20. Venue Sani
Spoors at the Duck and Do-little, Drakensberg
Garden’s road; Refreshments available5:15pm
Drak MTB ClubClub mountain bike rides on the
second Thursday of each month (from different
venues) and Club Time. Trial and fun ride at Sani
Spoors on last Thursday of every month +5.00pm. For information contact Spurg Flemington
on 0823297737 riverlea@futurenet.co.za
Sani Athletic Club Please contact Trish Crawley
0834470766 or Trish Collins 0828967524 by Friday am for details.All Visitors Welcome.
*Social Bridge: Every Tuesday at the Tennis Club
@ 1.30pm - all welcome. O33 7011124
*Country Womens Club: First Wednesday
of the month @ 10am. 033 7011 741.
*Friday Ladies Lunch Club: 11.45 on
every second Friday of the month. Apologies to
Marianna Rasmussen Tel.033 7012388 mobile
084 581 465 by wednesday noon prior to friday
lunch meeting
*Garden Club: Third Wednesday of every
Left back Uwe Cohrs and Joachim Franz, Front: Manfred Reineck, Mrs Mkhize,(Head Mis- month - All welcome.
*Moth “Boot & Saddle Shellhole”: meet
at
tress) Father Wanda, CouncillorTrish Crawley and Dirk Schuchard.
“Banks Farm” first Thursday 6.30pm Contact
Mouldy 033 7012845
*Sani SPCA: 8.00am to 4.00pm Mon-Fri Officer
on call after hours & weekends 0769178495.
*Himeville Museum: Open daily 9.00 - 3pm except
Mondays are closed.Sunday 9am- 12..30pm
REICHENAU MISSION SCHOOL projects which assist vulnerable children * Sani Wildlife Committee: meets 1st
Thursday of month at 4.pm Himeville Hotel.
PROUDLY HAVE A NEW ABLUTION with care and educational needs.
*Underberg Bowling Club: Tabs-In time is now
BLOCK
BE YOUR OWN HERO DONATES
ABLUTION BLOCK TO REICHENAU
PRIMARY SCHOOL
It was a great celebration when the Be Your
Own Hero e.V. delegates came out from Germany to hand over the much needed completed ablution block they have sponsored
for the Reichenau Mission School.
The public school, on private property at
SUPPLIED AND SUPPORTED BY BLOMEYERS
the historic mission, has over 200 children
APPLIANCE CENTRE C.C. OF VICTORIA
ROAD PIETERMARITZBURG
from Grade R to Grade 7 and have had to
cope for many years with a few bucket port033 7011240
able toilets. Local councillor and chairperBRIAN MOLEFETel:
0768034580
son of byoh –SA,
Trish Crawley, brought
UNDERBERG CHIROPRACTIC
the very unsatisfacCENTRE
tory sanitary conditions to the attention of
Dr. Barry Stranack
the international orShop 21, Trout Walk Centre, Underberg
ganisation who fund
Phone: 079 401 9143
and implement various
RADIO - TV SATELLITE SYSTEMS
SALES & REPAIRS
See Us For All Your Small
& Large Appliance Needs
Monday Night – Burger and
Be
ver
a g e Night R55!!
Bev
era
y Night – Pizza And
T hur
sda
hursda
sday
Pasta Special From17h00
BINGO NIGHT - 1st
Wednesday of
& Simpson’s DVD
the month.
Shop
If you attend 3
Open For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Bingo nights in a
row you will go
Mon – Sat 8am to 9pm
into
a lucky draw
Sunday 8am to 5pm
Steaks, Salads, Pizzas, Burgers, Light Meals,worth R6000
Kiddies Dishes, Tea and Illy Coffee available.
0337011571. Shop 20,Trout Walk Centre, 12 Sani Road
And Craft
& Gift
Shop
After a lot of deliberation and approval from
AMAFA, the plans by local architect
Kathryn Roberts, were passed and the building beautifully constructed so as to aesthetically blend in with the rest of the buildings
on the mission. The local contractor, Berg
Construction and team, managed to source
the materials and to construct the building
so that it well services the needs of the school
children and staff.
Fr Wanda, Priest in charge at the Mission,
assisted with the opening ceremony and
thanked Joachim Franz and his German organisation and Cllr. Crawley, for their very
generous support. After cutting the ribbon
and officially opening the block, Mrs Mkhize,
the headmistress, said she was so very grateful for the kindness in having such a beautiful building, which was so needed, built for
the school.
Cllr Crawley has advised that the byoh team
have kindly committed to doing more work
with the upgrading of school classrooms and
the building of a new pre-school on the
Reichenau Mission School grounds.
The bishop of Mariannhill has given approval and plans and negotiations with
AMAFA and other organisations are to commence shortly in the New Year.
CUPPA 4 CANSA
Khanyeni Assisted Living is hosting a
CUPPA 4 CANSA on Saturday 21 November
2016 at 10am. Guest speaker Felicity Oates,
will be speaking on ‘Understanding
Dementia’ - so this is the time to get first
hand knowledge on this debilitating disorder.
R20 at the door will secure your tea and cake
and Elize of Heritage Nurseries has kindly
donated a flower basket that will be raffled
on the day. All proceeds to the Cancer
Association of SA Pmb/Midlands office.
We look forward to hosting you at Khanyeni
Assisted Living! You will find us in
Himeville, opposite the entrance to Faithway
School.Denise McCrory, Underberg Liaison
Group affiliated to Cansa Pmb/Midlands 084
991 3000.
BUDDHIST RETREAT
16 -20 DECEMBER
We invite you to join us for a live-in meditation retreat at Dharmagiri Insight Meditation
Centre - Mindfulness and Healing Modalitiesin the beautiful Southern Drakensberg:
KEEPING IT SIMPLE: MEDITATION & the
PRACTICE of JOY. 16-20 Dec. 2015
Kindly
register
by
email
at
office@dharmagiri.org or call 033 701 1138.
For more information about this and other
retreats
we
offer,
please
see
www.dharmagiri.org
Summer time, from 1st September to 1st April
starting time 1.15pm. (13h15) All visiting bowlers and new bowlers are welcome every Wednesday and Saturday
Sani Carers: 082 873 7349 / 084 991 3000. We are
here to help.
Underberg Support Group
For Depression, Anxiety and Addiction. Meet every
second Tuesday at the Doctors Rooms. 18h0019h00. Contact Di Hallowes on 079 438 4642. For
the date of the next meeting.
CHURCH NOTICES
Parish of Drakensberg (Anglican)
Tel:033 7021013 - Rosanne Clark (office)
1 st
Sunday
of
the
month:
St.Michael’s,Himeville 7:30am Said Eucharist
9:00am Family Eucharist. Yellowwood
Church, Bulwer 9am Eucharist. 3rd Sunday
of the Month 7.30 am Eucharist. 9am Family
Eucharist Remainder of the month: St.
Michael’s 9am Eucharist & Young Children’s
church. Rector : Rev. Vikela Dlamini cell phone
0832257919 Assistant priest Merryl James
08127117670
Catholic Church
Mass – 1ST and 3RD Sundays at 8am. Communion services – 2ND and 4TH Sundays at
8am
Underberg Baptist Church
Polocrosse Hall in the Underberg Club
groundsTime: 9am every SundayCommunion:
1st Sunday of each month [at 9am]Pastor:
Johann StraussCell No: 072 629 9371Email:
johann.w.strauss@gmail.com
Underberg Congregational Church
Rev. Edward Pietersen 033-7011394/0828896362.Sundayservices:9am.Communion
service: 1st Sunday of the month Weekly
prayer meeting: Tuesdays at 5.30 pm. Community prayer: 1st Tuesday of the month
NG Kerk Ixopo/Underberg
Dienste is soos volg : Underberg/Bulwer
Dienste word tans by Pevensey Oord gehou
2de en 4de Dinsdag vd maand om 10vm.
Ixopo : 1ste en 3de Sondag vd maand om
10vm. Kontak asb vir Ds Eugene Ferreira by
sel nr 082 3441800
Highlands Church International
Johann & Debbie Van As: 033 701 1470 Sunday: 8:30am Prayer meeting 9:00am Celebration Service. Tuesday: 2:30pm Pevensey ministry 5:00pm Prayer meeting – 1st Tuesday
every month 6:30pm “Pulse” Connect group
Wednesday: 6:00pm Grade 7 Youth
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
082493 8700
mountainecho@telkomsa.net www.mountainecho.co.za
LOCAL WRITER
TOD COLLINS
LAUNCHES NOVEL!
Underberg author Tod Collins launched his
300-page novel, CULLEN, at the Richmond
(SA’s Booktown in the Karroo) Literary Festival in late October. The KZN launch of the book
will be held at the Underberg Country Club on
Friday evening 20th November from 5.30 p.m.
His illustrated talk on the book will begin at
6.15 p.m. followed by signings and the club’s
usual pub and grub menu.
“CULLEN” has been in the pipeline for 40 years,
and the recent passing of two pivotal figures
in the story has allowed Collins to release the
tale. The story is set in England, the Himalaya
and the South Pacific and is NOT about vets
or farmers or animals! While mountaineering
forms the core thread of the two key parts of
the book, it certainly is not a “climbing book.”
Tod’s recent visit to Nepal with his daughter
Leigh was the final chapter in a fascinating, if
not downright mysterious, saga that occurred
in the mid-1970s.
For interested readers (and seekers of Christmas gifts) who can’t attend the evening launch,
Tod will also be at Fab Alley in Himeville the
following morning, Saturday 21st November.
He will give a short talk at 10 a.m. but will be
meeting readers and friends from 9.00 until
shayile time. The author warmly invites all
members of the community to celebrate the
launch of a “local’s novel,” whether or not they
THE HISTORY
OF MOOI RIVER
Every town in the KZN Midlands has a history
and sadly not too much of it has been recorded.
However, Philip Romeyn set about recording
the history of Mooi River and instead of publishing a book, this information has been put
on to a CD to be read on a computer. Philip was
the curator of the Rohde House Museum for
eight years and he patiently and carefully gathered all the information he could find and wrote
a book with each chapter dealing with a different aspect of Mooi River history from the Boer
War to polo to farming and much more. His
wife, Leonie, typed the manuscript and “The
story of the settlement and development of the
Mooi River district of KwaZulu-Natal” was
completed. It covers 150 years of interesting
history from 1844 to 1994. This is a thoughtprovoking read and will bring back memories
to many of the older people associated with
the area. It also gives young people a sense of
belonging to a district where the Mooi River
runs through it. A copy of the CD, that costs
R50, can be obtained from Leonie Romeyn and
her contact details are Tel: 033 263 1814 or on
email: leonieromeyn@telkomsa.net.
Dave and Norma Moon Celebrated their
58th wedding anniversary at Pucketty
Farm on 19 October
PAGE 3
HEALTH & HERB CELEBRATES 15 YEARS
IN UNDERBERG
Owners: Clive and
Trish P.
Crawley
Photo:
Welch
intend buying a copy. (Recommended bookstore price R240, special launch price R210)
As was the case with his previous books,
Collins says CULLEN should be an ideal
Christmas gift for friends and family members, local and abroad, as well as self-indulgent and thoughtful readers who enjoy
gutsy stories with twists and enigmatic endings.
“This very human true-life drama weaves a
story of adventure, love and tragedy and
the author toys with and marries these elements in his tantalising style,” says Vanessa
Finaughty, who edited the manuscript for
Reach Publishers.
Trish and Clive Crawley celebrate 15 years
since they opened Health and Herb at
The Clocktower Centre Underberg.
Congratulations to Health & Herb, your family’s own health store in Underberg, which celebrates 15 years of caring for your health.
VISIT US AT: Shop 9a, Cloc
k
Clock
Partners in business and life, Trish and Clive
T
o
w
er
Centr
e
,
Underber
g
Centre
Underberg
Crawley, acquired their home in Himeville while
Phone: 033 7011577
still working and living in Johannesburg.
AMIL
Y’S O
WN
FAMIL
AMILY’S
OWN
Trish, a senior manager in the electronic bank- YOUR F
ing of a major commercial bank, had always
HEALTH SHOP
been a keep fit vegetarian, making a lifetime
for all your natural preventative
study of the effects of bad living habits on the
and healing medicines
human body, and taking part in courses to ingood
range of natural body care,
crease her knowledge in alternate and natural
foods and gifts
healing medication.
During 2000, she decided that the time had arCLIVE AND TRISH THANK
rived to escape the corporate rat race and realize her dream- owning a health store. So in typi- ALL FRIENDS, FAMILY AND
cal, “Just Do It” Trish fashion, she acquired CUSTOMERS FOR 15 YEARS
the present premises in the Clock Tower CenSUPPORT
tre, Underberg, and opened for business on
th
15%
DISCOUNT
ON ALL
18 October 2000.
Trish found untangling herself from the corpoPRODUCTS DURING
rate web took longer than anticipated and it
NOVEMBER
was the following year that she arrived to run
the business herself. She soon also became in- WE CARE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH
volved in numerous social and civic affairs
while still managing to devote her skills to growing her business. With Clive, Trish started the
Sani Athletic Club and was the Sani Stagger
race organiser for 12 years. During this time
she completed 11 Comrades Marathons, and
ran a marathon on every continent of the world
Together with her local friend Trish Collins, they
were first women in the southern hemisphere
to complete this enormous athletic feat.
Trish’s passion is caring for children in the district, hence she co-founded the Clouds of Hope
Children’s Home with Sr. Abigail Ntleko in 2002.
She is also chairperson of BYOH SA- the
Southern African arm of be Your Own Hero e.V,
an international organisation funding and implementing various projects which assist vulnerable children, in particular those affected by
HIV/AIDS, with care and educational needs.
They have recently completed a much needed
ablution block at the Reichenau Mission
School. Since the 2011 local government elections, Trish is also a Democratic Alliance councillor tirelessly representing the needs of the
residents in the local Kwa Sani Municipality.
Despite all her activities, the business has
grown steadily over the past 15 years, thanks
to the support of loyal local and surrounding
customers such as Kokstad, Swartberg,
Matatatiele, Donnybrook, Creighton and
Bulwer. Many regular holiday makers and tourists have also contributed significantly to the
Closed on Mondays
success of the business.
Clive and Trish would like to thank everyone
who has supported them over the years but,
after 15 wonderful years have decided to “emigrate” to the Western Cape. For family
reunification reasons. Hopefully Health and
Herb will survive and be taken over by someTel: 033 - 7012 203
one who will continue to care for you and your
Cell:
083 9639 816
family’s health as Trish and Clive have so passionately and successfully done since 2000.
Jennifer’s
Unisex
Hair
Salon
Stockists of Indola
and JOICO products
PAGE 4
www.mountainecho.co.za
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
082 4938700
History of Mokhotlong and the Sani Pass
We have seen how the Sani Pass began and how it became a little
more developed. In 1881 the Mokhotlong area was wild and deserted
with a very few people entering the mountains except in summer to
graze their herds of sheep, goats and cattle which were raided
periodically by the Bushmen. After the Gun War when Letsie,
Paramount Chief of Lesotho allowed Lelingoana the Batlokoa chief
from the Mount Fletcher district to flee from the British and settle at
Tlokoeng more Basutho began to settle in the valleys of the Khubelu
and the Senque (Orange) rivers so that by 1891 Letsie found it
necessary to establish a district authority in the area and sent his
son Rafolatsane to take over .The early residents had obviously
used the Sani Pass and doubtless given it a name derived from the
most important man of the times, the District Chief Rafolat-sane In
1904 a police officer from Maseru by the name of Captain Clementi
established a police camp on the Mokhotlong site where it has
become the district headquarters, the largest district in Lesotho and
the least inhabited on account of so much of it being high mountains.
In 1908 Lamont and Waering arrived and established themselves at
the police camp and at Rafolatsane’s some 8 miles south. They had to
obtain supplies from the north or the west both equally grueling trips
so they cast about looking for a better and shorter way in which to
obtain their supplies and after a while looked at the Sani Pass which
was only half the distance across the country compared to the other
ways. There was no established path or track despite the route having
been used before but it was easier and there were other white men at
Underberg who could help with their wagons to get the goods much
closer. (The railway only arrived in Underberg in 1916 and the proper
tar road from Pietermaritzburg was only completed in 1972)
The going was so rough that donkeys were the main form of transport
because with their small feet they could handle the narrow paths
across the stony slopes and they slowly wore a sort of track to the
top of the escarpment from where they slid down the steep slope on
the south side of the central buttress at the top of the pass. It was
described as an ice slope in winter and a mud slide in Summer and was
a most daunting obstacle in the minds of all who had to use it as the
pack animals had to be helped up by the drivers one at a time.
With the bigger pack trains of Lamont and Waering who used mules
and horses the path began to attract more users and although it can’t
be said that it was improved it became more established as a recognized
route down to Natal. To begin with most of the trains turned off at the
foot of the main cliff s just above what was known as Twin Streams
and cut across towards Cobham and thence to Underberg while some
continued down along the Umkomazana river towards Makhakhes
(Ridgways) and White-Smiths stores and Himeville. Lesotho was
suffering the effects of drought and the crops were failing and in the
three year period from 1930 to 1932 the whole of Africa suffered a
disastrous drought and the Basutho were particularly badly hit. They
had no food and no work with which to earn money to buy what food
was available and the situation became very bad. In 1932 Harry Smith
was the police officer in charge at Mokhotlong and he told me that he
had sat on a rock at Sani Top and without standing up he had counted
no less than 60 pack animals that had died of hunger and exhaustion
after climbing up the pass from Natal. So the British Government that
administered the territory had to do something and they started
building a system of bridle paths across the entire country that helped
open up the inaccessible areas, and gave the people work with which
to earn money for food. The bridle paths are a standard size be they in
the South American Andes, the Himalayas or Lesotho. They are 8 feet
wide, enough to allow two pack animals carrying big saddle bags to
pass each other, the corners are wide enough for a horse to turn on
and if there are steps in the road that doesn’t matter because they are
not designed for wheeled traffic. The bridle paths did help
tremendously and more and more began to use the track. To begin
with I was told they used to tie their animals
head to tail so one man could lead a long string
of animals as is done in the Canadian Rockies
but on one occasion two pack trains met on a
narrow part of the track with a steep drop on
one side into the Umkomazana river bed and
one horse panicked and jumped off the track
taking the whole train with him and they were
all killed so they gave up and just herded them
loose from then on. At the height of the season
however some 2000 animals a day could be found
using the pass during the 1950’s descending or
ascending the steep track.
It was into this heavy traffic that David
Alexander, a veteran of the war in Italy (and it
was said that he was the youngest South
African soldier to be wounded during the war)
found his way and decided to start a motor
transport business. The pass had already been
breached by Godfrey Edmond, a Willys Jeep
salesman from Kokstad and Brian Gray the
officer in charge at Mokhotlong in 1948 followed
by the Hunt Holley brothers and Alwyn Bischoff
the Agricultural officer in Mokhotlong but the
road was hardly suitable for motor traffic. In
1955 there were 37 corners on which you had to
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
back and till in order to get round them, seven
times on some of them and then only to gain
no more than 10 meters at times. To start with
David used a Willys Jeep a small vehicle but
it still had to be bounced round a number of
corners because the corner was too tight to
get round on its own. Gradients were 1:3 in
several places and the surface was loose, the
only good thing was that the decomposed
basalt which the bridle path workers removed
from the drains and placed on the road surface
did not become slippery in wet weather but
the track from the top along the 4 miles to
Sani River was one succession of bog holes
in wet weather and you had a road about 50m
wide from which to choose your route and
hope it was the right one
David got the Willys to the top of the
escarpment and then hired six mules to take
his goods from the foot of the pass to the top
from where he would carry them on to
Mokhotlong with the Willys. The road from
the pass to Mokhotlong was not much better
but at least it wasn’t as steep and there were
not so many corners. After three months
David and the bridle path workers managed
to widen out the bad places until David was
able to get through using the Willys all the
way. He then pensioned off the mules and
bought a short wheel based Land Rover and
the business was in full swing.
David was given the use of a derelict house
on Dieu Donne where he and Mary his wife
lived in extreme discomfort, the floors had
collapsed and there was no water and the
stove smoked so badly there was more smoke
inside than outside the building but at least it
was a base for operations. Many people
wanted to join up with him but most faded
quickly when they realised just what he was
doing. John Webb however did join up and
remained in the business for 20 years. Repairs
were being handled by Tarboton’s garage in
Underberg and were so numerous that it
became necessary to employ a mechanic and
eventually Arthur Major joined them and cut
down the expenses considerably. The next
addition to the company was Bill Bright then
employed by the railways who had some book
keeping experience and began to put order
into the accounts which David had kept on
the back of his cigarette boxes. In 1957 Bill
Bright negotiated a deal with the Lesotho
government to carry their goods and they in
turn negotiated a deal with the Natal Provincial
Administration to provide money with which
to improve the track to Sani Top. Lesotho
provided a small D6 bull dozer with which they
improved the road widening and straightening
it out and eliminating some corners but it still
remained very steep with several gradients of
1:3. It wasn’t until 1976 that the road was
improved once again to what we see today
and the steepest parts eliminated. Now they
talk of hard surfacing it,widening and
improving it once again, making it available
for any motor vehicle to use. Unfortunately
this will destroy the ethos of the road that
has brought so many visitors from all different
parts of the world to enjoy a little excitement
and a slightly different experience amidst the
inspiring scenery of the Drakensberg.
(For greater detail about the Sani Pass consult
the book. Saga of the Sani Pass which is
available at several outlets in Underberg.) By
M Clark.
Sani Window
B&B / Self Catering
Sani Window Bed and Breakfast or Self Catering Units Overlooking the Golf Course, Sani Window is a corporate member of the
Underberg Country Club and has access to the course through
their garden gate. Can accommodate up to 40 guests with sister
company Cedar Garden B&B. Sani Window is close to Sani Pass.
Tel: 033 7010022 Cell: 083 822 7756 www.saniwindow.co.za
LIGHT TRAVELS
FASTER THAN
SOUND,
WHICH IS WHY
SOME PEOPLE
APPEAR
BRIGHT UNTIL
YOU HEAR THEM
SPEAK.
Never miss
a good chance
to
shut up.
www.mountainecho.co.za 082493 8700 mountainecho@telkomsa.net
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
BIRDING IN THE SOUTHERN
KZN DRAKENSBERG
The migrants have mostly arrived by now although some species are
in small numbers still, as it is very dry. The first Mountain Pipits
arrived in the Lesotho Highlands by 13 October. Black Cuckoo started
calling from 18 Oct while the first Red-chested was heard calling in
Underberg by Allan Payn on 12 Oct, this is about two weeks later than
normal. Derek Watson heard Diederik’s Cuckoo calling already on 20
Oct, I still have not heard one here.
Some unusual sightings during the month were of a Rufous-chested
Sparrowhawk chasing a Cape Turtle Dove into Derek and Cathy
Watson’s bedroom window, the dove died on impact, but the
Sparrowhawk crashed through the window and ended up lying wings
spread like it was sleeping on the bed! The bird later recovered and
flew off.
John Ellison saw African Jacana on 9 Oct at Ottermere dam for the
first time in about 10 years. Jill Willment saw Ground Hornbill on the
Lockhart’s farm Rougham on 3 Oct. I saw two Osprey over Peter and
Gitti Kraupner’s farm near the Polela Bridge on 3 Nov. Nobethle spotted
a White Stork near the Umkomaas River. Aldo and Sharron Berruti
had a Brimstone Canary in their garden, I believe a first for the village,
strange since we have had them on the lower Sani Pass for about 10
years now. Bill and Alta Small saw Yellow-breasted Pipit on the roadside
on their way to Mount Arthur. Helga and I saw 7 Glossy Ibis on the
Goxhill Dam mud flats. I heard European Bee-eater at the top end of
the Sani Pass Hotel golf course on 21 Oct. I found Short-tailed Pipit
have arrived back in suitable grassland.
The bird of the month was a Great Spotted Cuckoo seen by Wilson
Duma and photographed by a tourist on the Sani Pass in the Protea
belt on 3 Nov. This is far from its normal range in the very north of
KwaZulu Natal.
It seems there are some people who believe that dogs are vulnerable
to being caught by eagles here in the district. I think this is highly
unlikely considering we have hardly any eagles. This is not supported
by reported observations, so I consider it totally unacceptable to
blame eagles until you have the proof.
The Southern Drakensberg Tourism committee is organising an event
to create awareness for the Amur Falcon, please support this party for
the birds on 6 and 7 February 2016. The February Falcon Fest will
start at about 17h30 on Saturday and folk can bring their chairs and
binoculars, sit, chat and eat until the falcons come in to roost.
Afterwards Aldo Berruti will give a talk at The Himeville Arms. On
Sunday the Amazing Amur Race will start at the Underberg Country
Club and vehicles can take part in the treasure hunt across our stunning
area, ending with a braai at the Country Club. The committee will
keep you updated and remind you of the Feb Falcon Fest!
Great Spotted
Cuckoo
www.birdsand beyond.co.za
Tel: 033 7021761.
Cell: 082 742 6981
Stuart Mc Lean
Kyle Eggar of Underberg at full cry and
airborne in the recent Harescramble event
held in Matatiele, competing in the 85cc
Senior class.The event was the final round
of the KZN Junior series for 2015 in which
Kyle finished a very creditable 3rd overall.
Kyle competed in the Harescramble and
Enduro events held throughout the province
for the year and acquitted himself proudly.
A full report of the year’s Championship will
be published in the next issue of the
Mountain Echo.
Jordyn Eggar standing tall in her well earned
Sisonke Tracksuit. Jordyn took part in the
KZN Athletics League, for High Jump,
hosted in 5 different locations. Qualifying
for the finals, on the 1st of November at
Chatsworth Stadium, where she came 4th
overall. Well Done , we are all so proud of
you.
CLOSED TUESDAYS
079 495 7886
Taken back by the original owner Jeannine Bonsma
and Vanilla Rose accents partner Di Penny
Birds & Beyond
Bird Tours &
Bushman Rock Art Walks
The Olde Duck Cafe in Top
100 Coffee Spots in Kzn
Siya Miya is the barista at The Olde Duck Cafe and has achieved
second position in Kzn Inland section of the top 100 coffee spots in
Kzn run by The Sunday Tribune.
Andy Dijkstra of the Sunday Tribune said “a fantastic cappuccino
was served with foam art that looked too good to destroy with my
eager lips. Siya, the passionate barista, is an incredible foam artist and
I congratulated him for his efforts - not only with the artwork, but also
in the way he created an excellent coffee that had just the right intensity and robustness. I could taste the mild, slightly bitter taste of the
dark roasted beans and it was served at the right temperature. This
proves that a barista who treats every cup that he prepares as a work
of art has the passion to create sensory experiences that are going to
see customers returning.”
PAGE 5
PAGE 6
www.mountainecho.co.za
082493 8700
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
The History of Conservation & More
Conservation is a word that is in common
use today and usually denotes the sustaining
of a species although it is often confused with
Preservation. Few seem to realise that it is
possible to ‘preserve’ a species to extinction
by allowing them to multiply until they are
unable to find food and they die out. Conservation on the other hand
demands that a species is managed for its own advantage by ensuring
that sufficient food is available during the present and into the future
and that numbers are not allowed to rise beyond sustainable levels
which may well mean culling, something that so many object to very
strenuously without understanding the facts behind the necessity.
Today it seems as though conservation has always been there and in
fact it has been around for a great many years. Shaka Zulu was the
first conservationist way back in the 1820’s when he set aside certain
areas along the iMfolozi rivers and hunting was only allowed once a
year under his supervision. The next major conservationist was Paul
Kruger a man of vision who created the Kruger National Park in
1890 and extended it in 1898 against considerable opposition and
which only really got going in the 1930’s. Kruger also proclaimed
the Pongola Nature Reserve in 1894 but it was deproclaimed in the
early 1900’s and had to be revived in the 1970’s by a later government.
In Natal the Lake St Lucia reserve was set up in 1897 followed by the
Hluhluwe and iMfolozi reserves also in 1897 thanks to the efforts of
Cherry Sutton in the government of the Colony of Natal and despite
the efforts of Sir Albert Hime, later the Prime Minister of the Colony
of Natal who was dead against game reserves considering them a waste
of money and resources In the berg Giants Castle was proclaimed in
1904 and became the model for all the later reserves along the
Drakensberg.
Surprisingly all these reserves battled opposition
of one sort or another for many years to keep
going and Kruger survived due to the endless
efforts of Stephenson Hamilton. In Natal
farmers were continually attempting to get the
reserves deproclaimed and allocated as cattle
farms despite the diseases that the cattle
25 YEARS EXPERIENCE
contracted particularly in the northern parts and
the Lowveld. They even managed to get the
government to agree to the slaughter of all the
dennisw@acsales.co.za
game in the Hluhluwe, iMfolozi area in the belief
that the game was responsible for the Nagana that
was killing the cattle. It took many years for the
true culprit to be found in the form of the Tsetse
fly. After WW11 the government used some
obsolete Ventura bombers to spray vast areas of
the lowveld to get rid of the fly which proved
effective but also killed off many species such as
the Red Billed Oxpecker that had kept the ticks
under control and giraffe in particular became
smothered in the little grey parasites. Fortunately
the Parks Board re introduced the Oxpeckers
which have now flourished and keep the animals
reasonably tick free. After all these traumatic
events it has only relatively recently been realised
that cattle do not do well in the climatic conditions
of the area and game farming and tourism is
becoming widely accepted as being far more
profitable. Tourism and the provision of venison
to the city markets is now taking over, fences are
being let down and the game farms are
amalgamating creating a new economic front in
a previously impoverished part of the country.
1.During the 1940’s and early 50’s nobody
considered conservation to be of any importance
and any officials appointed to carry out
conservation work were usually considered to be
nothing but a nuisance and their lives made very
difficult by land owners and would be hunters.
The Natal Parks Board that had been set up to
amalgamate the various services under one
umbrella battled financially and it was only due
to the enthusiasm and dedication of those early
game rangers who struggled with innumerable
difficulties of housing, low wages, public
opposition and even shortage of adequate
clothing and transport that the organisation
Winter has ar
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ved
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riv
Insula
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Insulate
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CONT
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OCAL AGENTS
CONTA
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UNDERBER
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UNDERBERG
FORGE
033 7011420
RPM CONTRA
CT
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CONTRACT
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TEL: 033 7011419 Cell: 0741024808 Rory
rory@rpmcontractors.co.za
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
survived and has given us the reserves and facilities that we can
enjoy today. Such were the difficulties they endured that the public
were regarded with suspicion to begin with and had to take a game
guard with them when visiting a game reserve. This did have a
positive angle however as the public were hardly conversant with
the ethos of a reserve and knew little if anything about the game
that they would find there much less the manner in which they should
behave. Accommodation in those days was basic and at times very
primitive but visitors were not so demanding and enjoyed the
experience of a return to nature. Regrettably there is little of that
type of experience to be found in our game reserves or parks today
where they try to cater to the international visitor and the dedicated
conservationist is being replaced with the university educated
employee who enjoys a few years of the wild life and thereafter just
when they have gained enough experience to be useful to the service
they leave to go into commerce or industry where the wages are
infinitely more attractive. Life is changing for everyone and the
service is finding it difficult to recruit game guards that have even a
remote concept of the natural world and the requirements of their
profession. Instead of growing up in the ‘wild’ herding animals and
learning all about nature they now go to school and learn to read
and write while their animals roam unherded, invading the fields
destroying the crops or being stolen by the unemployed. The
families no longer produce food but have to buy it from the local
store with money that has had to be earned by one of them getting
work in town
Down the years there have been many who have put in a lot of hard
work trying to change the accepted attitude regarding wild life. Many
books have been written on the subject and many lectures delivered
by eminent specialists on the subject. Various organisations have
come and gone, some achieved short term acclaim and then
disappeared, others lasted longer but one publication has hung in
through thick and thin and is still with us providing information and
physical intervention where ever possible, promoting nature
conservation and attempting to influence the masses by educating
the youngsters. This magazine originally named African Wildlife
was first published by the Wildlife Protection Society in 1946 that
is now known as WESSA (The Wildlife and Environmental Society
of SA ) and is widely distributed among fifteen countries of Southern
Africa. In 2009 it became amalgamated with eight other
environmental bodies so as to cut down on the duplication and costs
of each having their own publication and as a result produces a very
readable and interesting magazine entitled ‘Environment’. This
publication which covers the whole country is usually distributed
free at the numerous Ezimvelo camps. The WESSA organisation
has many branches throughout the country and our own Sani Wildlife
is one of the most active branches. Every month they try to have a
talk by someone on some related subject, or an outing to a place of
interest. For anyone even remotely interested in the natural wonders
of our country it is an easy and relaxing way in which to learn a
little more about the things around us. M Clark
CANCER MOBILE CLINIC
19 -20 NOVEMBER
OR FARMS 16 - 18 NOVEMBER ON
REQUEST
The Cancer Association’s Mobile Testing Unit will be at the
Himeville St Michael’s Anglican Church on Thursday 19
November.And Friday 20 November 9am to 4pm each day.
We will be conducting free pap smears, breast checks and male PSA
tests. It will be on a first come first serve basis so there will be a bit
of a wait, but we will be serving refreshments to people who come
for testing. Also, as it is difficult for farmers to lose their staff for
most of the day, we have been offered the mobile clinic for Monday
16, Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November which means that if
farmers prefer, for R3500 for the day, we can arrange for the clinic
to visit the farm and test their staff on site. Only three farms will be
able to take up this offer this year so better call me now!
Denise McCrory 0849913000
RPM
Contr
actor
s
Contractor
actors
BUILT IN CUPBOARDS
& All
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Needs
TEL: 033 7011419
0834571855 Colleen
colleen@rpmcontractors.co.za
0741024808 Rory
rory@rpmcontractors.co.za
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
www.mountainecho.co.za
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
SANI SPCA
0824938700
PAGE 7
catering&cookingclasses
It’s hard to know where to begin!Our kennel catering for all events- Christmas Functions,
manager Garth Nortje is ably assisted by a Weddings, Parties…
committee and two volunteers. At long last,
we are close to acquiring our own vehicle. Our Christmas Cooking Course
first major fundraiser was held at Kenmo Lake
25th November, 2nd & 8th December
on 1st November, a pet competition and fun
judevanjaarsveld@gmail.com
day, both venue and music donated and what’s
0607219633
more , Neil Prior proved to be a very competent and amusing compere. The pet competiW AYNE’S CYLINDER HEADS
tion was the brainchild of our local Lucy
Stroebel and together with Anna Forbes, these
& ENGINEERING
ladies drove the event,chose categories reHead
Overhauls
Head Skimming
ceived sponsorship and set a precedent to be
Broken
Bolts
Thread Repairs
repeated.
Faithway School 148 learners were fortunate to have recently received
Our oldest entrant was Edith Taylor, a Queen
OPEN 8am - 4.30pm
21 new laptops for their primary school, and 21 additional laptops for
their high school, as a winner of the Vodacom Millionaires program. Elizabeth lookalike, with her Corgi, Binky.
076 933 7406
“We are grateful to Vodacom for giving our learners the opportunity
NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION AND A
to enjoy a modern education with access to the latest technology,”
said Kim Wright, Principal at Faithway College.
WATER USE LICENCE APPLICATION FOR THE PROPOSED
In addition, Intel Corporation sent 6 of their employees from around
SANIBONANI MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT, KWASANI
the world to spend a full week in Himeville, working with the learners
MUNICIPALITY.
and educators to teach them how to take the fullest advantage of the
computers and the school with new servers, content, and other equipPROJECT DESCRIPTION
ment. The Intel employees are part of the Intel Education Service
The Himeview Trust proposes to construct a development which
Corps whose mission is to enrich the lives of children throughout the
will consist of low, medium and high density residential erven,
world. The Intel employees are from the United States of America and
provision for civic and social land uses, commercial areas, health
Taiwan, and volunteered to fly to South Africa to donate their time
facilities (medical centre), two school sites, a sports field and a
and equipment to Faithway. Dan Christensen, spokesman for the Intel
hotel. The development will be completed in phases and will be
team said “By providing modern technology to Faithway College, we
dependent on market demand. The entire development is anticiare putting their learners on equal footing with their peers anywhere
pated to occur over a 10 to 20 year period.
in the world. Access to information is the key to success in today’s
ENVIRONMENTALLEGISLATION
world, and with this information the learners at Faithway College can
Notice is given in terms of the following
receive current information and lessons from around the world.”
%
Section 24(5) of the National Environmental ManAmong the information that the K-12 school now has are digital copagement Act 1998, (Act No. 107 of 1998), as amended and
ies of more than 50 full color textbooks, 400 books, a massive encyclothe Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations R982
pedia of information, online lessons in math, science and other top(December 2014) of the intent to submit a Basic Assessics, and information on basic healthcare information specifically tarment application to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of
geted for communities like ours where basic healthcare is not always
Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental
readily available. “Although we came to Faithway College intending
to provide technology and assistance, we are coming away from our The youngest ,Lucy Venniker with her patient Affairs (DEDTEA)
experience and time here in Himeville feeling richer than we arrived” little doggie, Mvovo, who she pushed around %
Section 21 of the National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998)
said Mr. Christensen. “We were astonished by the spirit of learners in a pram all morning.
for the submission of a Water Use License Application to
that we are fortunate enough to have met during our week here. These We all remember how hot it was that Sunday, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
are children that have encountered difficulties in their life that chil- so many of the more aquatic canines enjoyed NAME OF PROPONENT: The Himeview Trust
dren their age – or any age – should never have to endure. But cooling off in Kenmo Lake while their owners NAME OF CONSULTANT: WSP | PB Environment and Energy
despite that, they have an optimism about life that we have rarely and families sat in the shade of the beautiful Contact Person:
encountered that is utterly amazing. These children have a sense of trees with their picnic baskets
Bathabile Msomi
optimism and expectation that they will not only survive but thrive, .Once again, our amazingly generous commu- Assistant Consultant
and we are very pleased to have been able to help them on their nity donated abundant dog and cat food and Tel: 031 240 8852
journey.”
prizes and gave of their time, assisting on the Fax: 031 240 8861
day.
Email: Bathabile.Msomi@wspgroup.co.za
Team Brandis, Brian, Nicki, and Mike, we thank Address:
1 Langford Road, Westville, 3629.
you most sincerely for fixing our electricity and REGISTER AS A STAKEHOLDER
ceilings and now you tell us, it is all a To register as a stakeholder, please submit your name, contact
donation!Thank you guys.
information and interest in the matter to Bathabile Msomi.
We have homed our 3 cats, but are still looking
for approved, forever homes for our black bitch
Ebony and 3 delightful pups.We can’t keep
them indefinitely so please come to the ken-
Intel at Faithway
nels to see if any one
of them can fit into
your home.
We have held a successful doggie dipping day; members of
the public may bring
their dogs for free dipping for ticks and fleas
and in return, a donation will be most appreciated. Every Saturday at the kennels,
9am to 2pm.
083 788 7702 @ CLOCKTOWER CENTRE UNDERBERG
The Clock is Ticking Christmas is Coming.
Ne
w Stoc
k of Ladies Sandals Ar
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New
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Contact 082 377 3914
OPENING
1 DECEMBER
@ UNDERBERG VILLAGE MALL
OPENING SPECIALS
on the Sani Road to Himeville
Order Now factory
closes on 16 December
NURSING SERVICES APPEAL FOR
RETURNS AND DONATIONS
If anyone who has any Nursing Services
medical accessories such as wheelchairs/
crutches/bedpans etc. please return them to
nursing services. If anyone has such items
they wish to donate, Nursing Services would
appreciate them. Please contact Bruce on 033
7021411 or Ann on 033 7021190. Many thanks
PAGE 8
www.mountainecho.co.za
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
082 4938700
SANI PASS
CARRIERS
New Entrance
C LAS S I F I E D S
BIRTH
Jacques and Eirene Flamand are delighted to
announce the birth of their grandson Remi
Murray Flamand , son of Philippe and Juliet
Flamand, on the 9th October 2015 in Zurich.
CARAVAN PARK &
COUNTRY ESTATE
Bushmansnek, Silverstreams. 30 stands and 7 chalets
to
rent
contact
0828598619
info@silverstreams.co.za www. silverstreams.co.za
MAKOTI SUPERIOR
GOOSE DOWN
Duvets and Down Products
available at 97A Main Street Howick.
Phone Corrie on 0842951770 or
0333302551
EMPLOYMENT
WE offer FREE EMPLOYMENT
PLACEMENT SERVICES. Employers,
please contact us for all your employment
requirements. We are so happy to announce
that 17 candidates found
suitable
employment last month.033 7011777
0833053009 Lorna and Peta
“Looking for an energetic, reliable person
(Young or old, man or woman) to be a shop
assistant for a new outdoor retail store. Just
a little sport knowledge and love for the
outdoors is needed. Basic salary offered with
target incentives based on sales. Please send
1 page CV to mustangpromo@gmail.com.to
start 1 Dec 2015
DONATIONS OF WOOL
I am looking for donations of DOUBLE
KNITTING WOOL.
For many years I have regularly brought
knitted items such as beanies, jerseys, socks,
gloves to Underberg for distribution to the
needy.
These come from a group of ladies in Durban
who call themselves “Crafty Ladies”.
Notably four of this group knit for Underberg
and its environs. They are Marg
McGuinness, Flo Harper, Bev Miller and Joy
McDonald.
This goes back as far as Thelma Beck’s time
and over the years I have handed the items
over to whoever is involved in the “helping/
aid projects” in our area, mainly through
Country Women’s Group.
If you have any spare DOUBLE KNITTING
WOOL please contact me at 072 830 7636
preferably via SMS or leave a message on
my landline 033 702 1059 or if you are passing
Himeville Museum please drop off with
them. I will contact and or collect from you
when next I am in the area. Many thanks.
Lynnette Butt
NOTICE
NURSING SERVICES
CHRISTMAS CARD
COLLECTION
Need a break? Need a farm sitter? Contact
Dave Willment on 073 618 8451
The Annual Collection in lieu of Christmas
Cards will take place from Friday 20th
November – Friday 27th November at the
Underberg Spar. Please support this
voluntary, non-profit organisation
generously. All donor names will be
published in the December edition of the
Mountain Echo.
HOUSE CLEARANCE SALE
FARM MANAGER
FARM SITTER
All household items including furniture,
kitchenware, soft furnishings, ornaments,
mirrors and more for sale. Please contact
0767025763 for further information.
Seeking Farm Manager position, managing
farms past 17 yrs, dairy, forestry, poultry and
mixed veg, fruit and nuts. Available to start
immediately. Contact
Peter on
0760201030
or
peterjparry@gmail.com
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
FAREWELL FROM THE DYERS
When we left Underberg on the 14
November 2014, to take Ian to hospital, we
had no idea that we would not be returning
to live in Himeville. Since then many months
have gone by and many miracles have taken
place, and we thank all our family and friends
for their prayers, love, visits, messages and
support during this time.
We are now happily settled in Nottingham
Road, and Ian has recovered remarkably well.
We will always have happy memories of our
twenty years in the friendly and caring
community of Underberg and Himeville, and
we miss you all.
We are only four kms off the N3 and would
welcome all visitors. Gill & Ian Dyer.
Have now moved their entrance
to the big gate and no longer
the pedestrian entrance to make
it easier to fetch bulk
collections.L-R: Sheldon Kok,
Natasha Potter, Doreen
Mokhele, Jane Darling, Felix
Mamela, Senzo Duma and
David Nyide
SANI P
ASS CARRIERS
PASS
Twice daily to P M B
local - national international
Agents for DHL TNT
TIMEFREIGHT &
EXPRESS DELIVERIES
TEL: 033 7011017 or
FAX 033 7011030
Christopher Duigan and
Joanna Frankel Concert
13 November
There will be a Music Revivial Concert at
St. Michael & All Angels church on Friday
13th November starting at 19h30 (7.30pm).
Christopher Duigan will be performing his
popular classical music mix with guest artist
Joanna Frankel (violin) Concert Master of
the KZN Philharmonic. Joanna is a Juilliard
graduate and member of the Carnegie Hall
Young Artists Programme. Christopher is
well known for his astounding versatility as
a soloist and accompanist and performs
regularly at Art and Music Festivals in
Franschhoek, Hilton as well as concerts with
the KZN Philaharmonic Orchestra and in his
home. We at St. Michael’s are excited to
host him again. Tickets cost R100 per person
which includes filter coffee nougat and home
made eats during the interval. For all
inquiries contact Rosanne Clark in the
church office, mornings only, 033
7021013,cell
082
3596736
or
drakparish@telkomsa.net
ROD’S
ENGINEERING
3 Sangwana Crescent
No job too big or small
* Manufacturing of burglar
guards and gates
* Repairs to farm implements
* all types of welding
*precision turning & machining
*fabrication
*hydraulic repairs and hoses
082 569 8655
Specials While Stocks Last
PORK BRAAI CHOPS R50/kg
PORK PACKS R40/Kg
Place Your
Christmas Orders Now:Gammon, Tonue. Salt Beef etc.
Hazeldene
Nursery
DISCLAIMER
082 518 1550
033 701 2088
office@venniker-accounting.co.za
This Newspaper is Published by the owner Eilan Donan
Publishingcc T/A The Mountain Echo is printed by Gaurdian
Web,Pietermaritzburg. All copy is accepted IN Good faith.
The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher, Paul Richard Welch.
LARGE TREES IN
VARIOUS SIZES
FOR
INSTANT IMPACT
ALL YEAR ROUND
by appointment only
Tel/Fax: 033 7021686
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
www.mountainecho.co.za
082 4938700
PAGE 9
Visit Himeville 5km from Underberg
HIMEVILLE MUSEUM
As we draw closer to Christmas and the last moments of 2015 it is a
given that many of us will be looking back on the year that passed
and look forward to the year that is about to begin. We at the Museum are no different.
Many exciting changes and events have happened at the Museum
over the past year and one of these events was the talk given by
Rob Scott on “Caring for Wood and Wooden Furniture”. A well
attended, very interesting presentation meant that all the people
who joined us for the morning went away with a great deal of knowledge on how to retain the value of those special items that we have
in our homes.
This talk was just the first of a planned series of presentations on
things that will interest all members of the community so keep your
eyes peeled for news on upcoming events.
Another snippet of news is that, due to popular demand, we will be
reintroducing our “What Is It?” feature. The museum is filled with
myriad interesting and even obscure items, and we would like to
show off some of these along with an explanation as to how inventive people were in the past.
The staff and Board of Trustees of the Museum are all committed to
making (and keeping) the Museum at the top of mind of places to
visit – both by local community members and visitors to the area.
We welcome any feedback you would like to give us on the Museum
and you can contact us on 033 702 1184, email
himevillemuseum@telkomsa.net or on our new Facebook page which
we encourage you to visit and interact with on. You will be able to
see the Facebook page under Himeville Fort and Museum. It would
also be wonderful if people would download photographs of the
museum that they have taken that are special to them.
Year end also means that the annual, extra special Himeville Museum Christmas Fair is about to happen. The Fair will take place at
the Museum grounds on Saturday 12 December 2015. There will be
something for everyone at the Fair so make a note in your diaries to
keep the date!
We are still accepting any items that you might like to donate for the
stalls and these may be dropped off at the Museum up to 11 December. If you are unable to get to the Museum please contact us and we
will make arrangements to have the items collected from you.
Remember, the Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 09h00 to 15h00
and Sundays 09h00 to 12h30. Closed Mondays.
Spoil yourself with an OVERNIGHT STAY
at the Moorcroft Manor Country House.
Or simply visit us and enjoy
BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND SUPPER.
We also serve TEAS & CAKES;
all to be enjoyed in front of FIRES
in Dining Room and Lounge.
Sani Road, Himeville 3256, Kwazulu Natal
Telephone 033 7021967
WWW.MOORCROFT.CO.ZA
MOTHs on Parade at the Himeville Cenotaph 8 November
Himeville Museum has produced a birthday
Calender with many old photos of homes and
families of the district. This wonderful and
enduring present cost R85.
The Himeville Rubbish
Dump is a Disaster
Residents of Underberg and Himeville have
noticed a steady deterioration in the condition
of the Himeville rubbish dump. The sorting of
rubbish into its various categories has so far
produced virtually no income for the workers.
Workers have received R100 per month this
year for recycling. The recycling efforts are
unproductive because there is not enough
space to store cardboard in a dry area. The
dump is in such a shambles that the bottles get
crunched into the ground by a tractor and TLB.
The shed that the workers work in was
condemned six years ago and yet the
municipality chooses to throw good money
after bad to repair it. Retired,qualified residents
in our district are prepared to give freely of
their time to help sort out the situation but the
municipality doesn’t take advantage of this
generous offer. The Underberg Himeville
Residents Rate payers Association have not
had a meeting with the municipality since 5
December last year despite numerous attempts
to meet. The meetings are always cancelled or
postponed indefinmitely .
Dr Leon van Schalkwyk. said “I have been
seeing an increase in environmental hygiene
related diseases lately like diarrhoea, skin
infections, upper respiratory tract infections,
etc. and visited the Dump 29th October 2015. I
was shocked – what a dump!!! Clearly not
within any rules and regulations. Water
seepage leading to decaying organic material
attracting flies a major problem, because true
to their name the Flies fly everywhere and go
sit on everything with their filthy feet and
spread disease!! The Garden refuse mountain
of a heap is an excellent breeding ground for
rats! And Moses‘s accommodation!? - a
transgression of human rights and dignity!”
Presently the municipality move all the waste
to Shongweni. These trips are being made and
nothing is being received in return from
recycling efforts. From January to July this
yearthe municipality has wasted R474197 on
transport.
A local transport contractor said he could send
a 34 tonner to Durban for R6800 . That’s nearly
Niki’s Beauty Boutique
@Blush/Moorcroft Manor Country House
Niki Craig 071 336 5068
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
Under The Tin Hat
Greetings, gesticulations, salutations and a general Hi Guys! Can’t
believe that year end is sprinting towards us at such a rate but that’s
life!
Our Fun Bowls Day Fundraiser was a great success. We had 14
Teams which was 6 better than last year, and we were let down by
teams. All in all it was a great day enjoyed by all who attended. As is
normal always with such events there are a few thanks to be given. A
very big thank you to the following, in no particular order.
· The Craig Family who donated a sheep which was used for prizes
· Underberg Meat Supply for donation of prizes
· SPAR for discounted lunches
· Mike’s Restaurant for a great big salad
· Round Table for their usual support plus a cash donation
· Maureen Neil and the MOTH wives that assisted with lunch and
teas
· The Underberg Bowls Club
· All MOTH’s for their donations and hard work
· To all the players that supported us.
By the time you read this Poppy Day and the Remembrance Parade
will be over and then we’ll just have the ‘Maritzburg MOTH Cottage
braai and our own Christmas party to throw! Till next time, YUTTH
The Scribe
70 trucks a month. If they were all stacked with just cardboard they
should make a profit of R30,000 per trip. (That’s based on average
bale weight of 190Kgs and 144 bales per truck and R1350/Kg for the
cardboard. Aluminium which is at around R4000/Ton has not even
been considered, nor plastic or paper or glass or scrap metal. The
co-op that was formed to do this could could earn a good living. At
present they have earned about R100 per month since January and
have no support from the municipality. Kevin Mc Donagh has put
in many hours of his personal time at no cost and said at a meeting
on 10 November that given a budget of R270 000 his recommendations could make this dump into a viable, functioning economic
proposition. At least the workers at the dump would also be making
good money from their recycling efforts.
L-R: Edith Taylor, Andy Piper, Beth Fey, Bella Guy and Alta Small
were some of the friends gathered to celebrate Beth Fey’s 92nd
birthday on 29 October. Photo:- Jenny Egberink
CHRISTMAS OPEN DAYS
3 & 4 December
Come and see our Christmas Gift Range
from 8am - 5pm while enjoying
Decadent Drinks & Eats
Stockists of:
SKNLOGIC skincare
Karma candles.
Pure Beginnings Organic
The Lavender Co.
FUNKY JUNK & TRASHY
TREASURES
SPECIALISING IN PAMPER PARTIES.
Entrance on George street at
GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE.
Harcourts: Main road,
craig.niks@gmail.com Sani Road Himeville, Moorcroft
Qualified Beauty & Massage Therapist
(ITEC & SAAHSP)
opposite Museum, Himeville.
Open Tuesday to Friday 9 - 4,
Saturday 10 – 2.
PAGE 10
www.mountainecho.co.za
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
Crinum Bulbispermum
GIANT’S CUP
CAFÉ & CRAFTS
Lovingly stocked with quality, fairly
priced novel crafts & gifts for whole
family. Honey, cheese , trout, our own
organic homemade fare - rich icecream, yoghurt, farm milk, jams,
Simone’s chocolate almond treats,
Fair Trade coffee,chocolate & tea. We
support small crafters. Breakfast,
light lunches, cakes. Nature trail.
Good cycle stop off. Cows handmilked at 3pm. Open 7.30am - 5pm
daily. SANI PASS ROAD 0337020330
INDIGENOUS
PLANT SALES :Choose
from a range of tree and shrub species.
Information provided and orders taken.
Russell Suchet 0839873071
We have just returned from three weeks
away in Israel, and what a joy to return to
our gardens looking lush and with many
plants in flower! Israel is by nature a pretty
dry and arid land, and it was autumn there,
the start of their rainy season. We thus saw
things at their driest. Israelis love gardening
though, and we saw flowering plants
everywhere. Two things really struck us, one
being the multiplicity of southern African
plants which have been brought in and thrive
and the other being the state of the art dripper
irrigation techniques used everywhere, from
date palm groves to garden beds and flower
pots on middelmannetjies and traffic circles.
It’s amazing how things change so quickly,
and especially when you’re not looking! One
of the plants showing their splendour at the
moment is Crinum bulbispermum. This is a
large bulb which disappears over winter,
returning miraculously to life in the spring.
It sends out very long, thin grey-green leaves
which are folded upwards. They straggle out
from the central point, and between
September and as late as December, send
up a flower stalk from the middle. Mature
plants can send up multiple stalks in
succession. The flowers quickly develop and
TWK AGRICUL
TURE
GRICULTURE
LIMITED
Underberg - Swartberg Cedarville - Ixopo Kokstad - Howick
underberg@twkagri.com
Tel: 033 7012229
20 Liter AGRITRAC
ON SPECIAL
NEW DOG FOOD IN STOCK
- SUPREME PET.
082 4938700
open at the end of the flower stalk, a circle of
beautiful tubes of pink to white.
As the flower progresses, a thickening can be
observed at the base of each flower, and this is
where the seed clusters form. If pollination has
taken place, the plant produces a bunch of large
seed. Each seed is a large, irregular shape and
unusually, it has no type of pod and is green.
This is because the seed itself can
photosynthesise. In nature, the seeds fall from
the plant and germinate on the surface. The
seed sends out a root and
a shoot, and continues to
photosynthesise
to
provide food for its initial
growth. Eventually, as
the plant becomes
established, the seed
withers away and
disappears.
Crinum will grow pretty
much anywhere in a
garden, but ideally likes
a moist but sunny
location. Take care of
snails as they will eat it
vigorously!!
The
spectacular flower show
and fascinating seed
makes this a wonderful
garden plant!
Crinum bulbispermum and over 70 other
species of indigenous trees and shrubs are
available from our greenhouse at Indigenous
Plant Sales at the Giants Cup Café, 10km on
the Sani Pass road. Open daily 7.30am to 5pm.
Enjoy a coffee and delicious scones with
homemade jam and fresh farm cream while
you read our information booklet and decide
which plants your garden needs. Local art
works are also on display. You can get a full
plant list at www.sanilodge.co.za and click on
the “Indigenous Plants” link.
UNDERBERG
BOWLING CLUB
Sunday 1st November the second Dan Knight
Memorial Tournament was held, with teams
from all around Natal competing, as well as
the usual support from our local district clubs.
The weather started off warm and sunny with
the clouds gathering by lunchtime which the
bowlers welcomed. There was some excellent
bowling witnessed, with several nail biting
games when one was unable to gauge whose
game it would be and in those cases the winners only won by one point.
At lunchtime Scott Fraser’s team was in pole
position, with Dup’s team lying in second position, but the afternoon brought challenges to
them both. The overall winners were the
Pietermaritzburg team skipped by Kevin
Williams, followed by Jack Allen’s Collegians
Club team and Dup du Plessis’s team from
Richmond in third place. Well done to you
all, as there was stiff opposition. Thanks must
go to our generous sponsor Renasa, organized
by EGIB Garrun as without your support this
tournament would not be possible. As always
the Underberg Ladies catering was excellent,
thanks to Denise McCrory & Alison Darch for
organizing this. Currently the League Matches
are taking place in the Natal Inland Bowling
area and to date our Ladies team are doing us
proud as they are top of their League Section.
The Club In-house Competitions are also
underway with the Senior Singles matches due
to start next week. Kitty
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
OUR VANISHING
GRASSLANDS
The main issues of concern in our grassland
ecosystems are :*Poor rangeland management 1)
Communal grazing : In areas subject to
communal grazing, where there is usually
no single management authority, herders
attempt to stimulate green-flushes in the
grassland by burning two to three times a
year. This leads to reduced plant vigour and
tuft size, and increases soil erosion. 2)
Commercial grazing : High altitude
grasslands are not adapted to extensive or
extended grazing by large herds of grazers.
Agricultural advice has generally focused
on sustaining the productive grasses, such
as Themeda triandra (Rooi grass) and has
under-emphasized the species rich forb
component. Although the forbs are adapted
to fire, they are unable to cope with
sustained grazing pressure.
*Localised encroachment of invasive alien
plant species – American bramble ( Rubus
cuneifolius ), Black wattle ( Acacia
mearnsii ), Gum ( Eucalyptus sp ) with
Fleabane (Conyza sp ) and Bugweed (
Solanum mauritianum ) also becoming a
problem. *A loss of formal land
management – complex socio-political and
socio-economic issues such as stock theft,
declining security on farms and challenging
economic conditions, have led some
commercial farmers to abandon their farms
and the resulting management vacuum can
lead to problems described under
communal grazing. *Afforestation –
leading to direct loss of grassland
biodiversity and potential loss of ground
water.
Guidelines for good management of
grasslands and rangelands are :- #Stick to
low grazing rates with continuous grazing
over large area, with long periods of rest (
at least a full season ) #Invasive alien
species should be controlled as a matter of
priopity # No further afforestation # Avoid
any further fragmentation of natural
grassland areas – and the ultimate extension
of this is to create “ conservation corridors
“ rich in biodiversity which allow the
movement and genetic interchange of many
species and ecological processes to take
place.
Extracted Grassland Ecosystem Guidelines
published by SANBI 2013, and reference
Enviroment Magazine Winter 2015
“Humans & Biodiversity: Public
Communication about Biodiversity
Conservation – The Eden to Addo Corridor
Initiative” E.Mackay
Kevin Williams with his team
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
www.mountainecho.co.za
COMMUNITY WATCH
Community Watch receives numerous
telephone calls when one or both villages
are without water. Of these two villages,
approximately 21% of the residents are paid
up members of Community Watch, yet
residents who believe that a R100.00 per
month membership fee is too much or not
worth spending, are not shy to phone us
enquiring about the water problem. Some
of these people are also not shy about
contacting us when they have heard via the
grapevine, that the R617, N3 or other roads
have traffic problems or to enquire about a
contact number. SMS’ cost Community
Watch on average between R1,500 and
R2,000 per month in keeping our members
informed about water problems, traffic
problems, accidents, security issues and
general district functions. Our local Spar
donates R500/month toward this community
service for which we and our members are
very grateful. It is very difficult to turn
people away who require assistance but are
not members. PLEASE folks, do the right
thing and sign up at Community Watch.
Membership Application Forms are easily
sent on Email.
A vote of thanks to Councilor Dave Adam
for all the work he is doing in TRYING to
get to the bottom of why there are constant
water problems in Underberg and Himeville
villages.
According to information about El Nino, we
are in for a below average summer rainfall
with higher than average temperatures. In
comparison to other districts in KZN, we
are at present better off, but please
conserve, not waste water. It could bite us
later in the season. Midmar dam is already
By John Pearce
down to 53% capacity
Livestock grazing conditions are becoming a
problem in the district. I guess that there are
farmers who regret having block burned
certain grazing paddocks. I believe that some
timber growers are feeling the pinch due to
the Saicor mill at Umkomaas having had to
reduce production due to low water levels in
the Umkomaas river. One more problem due
to the drought. KZN has been declared a
disaster drought area.
Crime statistics for SAPS Himeville continue
to be on the low side. House breakings have
increased slightly and once again probably
99% occur in houses with no alarm system.
Houses left vacant for any length of time are
also vulnerable because they too have no
alarm in place. Also a plea to those whose
houses are not numbered. Please identify
your house with a number at the entrance.
It makes the response time for any emergency
so much quicker.
At 02h14 on the 5th November, I received
information from a local farmer that a
suspicious white Hyundai bakkie with an
ND registration was seen loaded with a large
roll of black cable plus a green transformer.
Himeville and Bulwer SAPS were notified.
SAPS Bulwer stopped the vehicle. Three
arrests were made and the vehicle impounded.
Estimated value of the stolen cargo
R400,000.00! Well done to the farmer, private
security vigilance in spotting the vehicle and
SAPS for their response.
A brief summary of the labour problems
encountered at Drakensberg Gardens Hotel
when burning logs and tyres were used to
block the road to the hotel. Berg Protection
Services, SAPS Himeville and Public Order
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
082 4938700
Police from Port Shepstone were involved in
controlling this illegal incident. Having made
enquiries as to why no arrests were made at
this illegal gathering, it became abundantly
clear that our police force has its hands tied
i.e. At such incidents, and I presume this
applies to student unrest, labour unions and
other riots, negotiation and video coverage
is the order of the day unless lives have been
lost or are threatened. This I believe is mainly
due to what happened at Marikhana. After
an incident, Video footage is closely
monitored and ringleaders/trouble makers are
identified and then later arrested. Some 120
foreign tourists were delayed in leaving Drak
Gardens Hotel for some two or more hours.
What does this do for foreign tourism in our
district? It is no wonder that ANYONE with a
gripe can strike, march and destroy property
seemingly with impunity. Has the time not
come for the SANDF to be called upon to deal
with these issues which are costing the
country billions of Rand? It would seem that
no one is ever held accountable and the
government seem not to care.
With regard to the Kwa Sani/Community
Watch issue. No payment has been made and
Kwa Sani continue to stall payment by coming
up with demands to prove that Community
Watch has carried out the Disaster
Management co-ordination duties 24/7 as
stipulated in the Agreement. This is ludicrous!
However we will be going to arbitration
although from our side what is there to
arbitrate.
Community Watch 24hour emergency
contact numbers:
033-702 1114/7; 702 1143. Fax: 033-702
1821; Email: ops@com-watch.co.za
“Let us work together in fighting crime” “Masibuyisane Silwe Nobulelesi”
Underberg Farmers Association Show 2015
After months of hard work, the UFA has yet again pulled off a highly
successful Annual Agricultural Show. Of major significance was that
we shared our event with the inaugural Mitsubishi Sani Dragon MTB
2- day stage race, which started and finished at the Show on the
Friday and Saturday. Drawing many new people to our Show, we
thank their organizers for the vote of confidence in the UFA show as
host for this event.
As always, it was heartening to see so many of our faithful supporters
back again with their sponsorship and stands, with many new faces
joining their ranks! There certainly was variety with lots to see and
buy, lots to eat and drink!
While our live-stock judging continued to take centre stage on the
Friday and Saturday, we included items that appealed to the WHOLE
family over the entire 3 days. Judging from the public opinion, this
did not go unnoticed and was enjoyed by young and old alike.
The Sani Round Table ‘Directory Auction’ was a financial success,
enabling these philanthropists to continue with their charitable
endeavours, and EG musician, Calan Trollope closed off their evening
in fine form.
Another major coup was booking Cat Simoni and Paul Spence for the
live show “We Love ABBA!” barn-yard supper evening on the
Saturday night! The audience waited patiently, while enjoying their
tasty finger supper prepared and served creatively by Jude Van
Jaarsveld, for an evening’s entertainment that was sold out within 3
weeks of tickets becoming available. This world renowned and highly
accomplished artiste with an angelic voice, played to an audience
that was in awe of her spontaneous versatility, which was continuously
peppered with humour and amazing musicianship. Together with the
energetic, animated Paul, their easy and intimate interaction with the
audience left us all calling for ‘More!’, and even after her curtain call
numbers, she and Paul tarried a while, getting to know the locals a
little better over a drink or two in the bar. Hopefully, this duo will be
back in the near future.
Of special mention regarding this highly entertaining evening, was
that Paul and Cat, who had performed there earlier in the day free of
charge, opened their hearts to Pevensey Place, Sani Round Table
152’s local charity, by sending two hats around for an audience
donation towards this very special local organization. While the total
raised is still unconfirmed, both hats were filled to the brim! What a
wonderful gesture for Pevensey!
Sunday was rounded off with another ‘Farmers Challenge’, which
saw an increase in the lady entries! This proved to be something that
should have been taken very seriously by the male contenders,
because Taryn Turner now holds the title!
Our horse vs. bike race was well supported, with a cyclist once again
coming in first. A whole new ‘Youth Show’ for the ‘littlies’ who aspire
to be like dad one day, brought everyone ‘ring-side’ in the morning to
admire the usual and the not-so-usual animals that were proudly
paraded in front of the Judges! Thanks to Niki Craig, not one child
went home empty handed and will no-doubt start a first ‘dustcollecting’ line-up with their trophies. After the Youth Show, Callie
Barrow held an impromptu choir performance by her children from the
Underberg School, and perhaps any others that were keen to get in
front of the mike. Well done, children! We can confirm that our ‘hills
were alive with the sound of music.’
While our Show fell over a long weekend this year, we were encouraged
to see so many folk come and support us. Even our competitive
neighbours entered some fine animals and some succeeded to top
spot in this traditional competition.
As the dust settles, we wish all our supporters a Blessed ending to
2015 and look forward to seeing you at “THE YARDS” in 2016!
PAGE 11
Expats: What South
Africa has lost,
America has gained..
After a quarter century, this small generation
of South African immigrants has risen to break
through, en masse, into such key leadership
roles that they’re changing the U.S.
YouTube, PayPal, SolarCity, epigenetic
cancer therapy and intelligent Mars robots
exist only because of these expats: One of
them has led the transition from PCs to cloud
computing, another leads the U.S.’s top
business school, and another is replacing the
space shuttle.
But they’ve done it as individuals and – with
the notable exception of commercial
spaceflight pioneer Elon Musk – almost
invisibly. In December, the Silicon Valley
Business Journal made a remarkable
statement regarding four of their first five
winners of the US’s high-tech chief executive
officer awards, which feature competition
from the likes of Google’s Larry Page.
It said, “Here’s something interesting about
our executive of the year awards, something
that hadn’t occurred to us at the time that
these four executives were selected—they are
all originally from South Africa.”
In Silicon Valley alone, South African-born
high-tech chief executives include Vinny
Lingham, founder of Yola and Gyft; Willem
van Biljon, co-founder of Nimbula; and Pieter
de Villiers, founder and chief executive of
Clickatell, the world’s largest online text
messaging service.And these weren’t even
among the award winners. Those include
Gauteng brothers Lyndon and Peter Rive,
who built the U.S.’s largest provider of
residential clean energy, and Paul Maritz, the
outgoing Chief Executive of cloud computing
giant VMware, who was schooled in
KwaZulu-Natal.Article written by Julian
Krinsky – Tennis coach, originally from Johannesburg now living in Philadelphia.
SOURCE : http://www.sablenetwork.com/
insights/blogs/what-america-gained-andsouth-africa-lost-02-13-2014
Garden Club
18 November
- Hydrangea Talk
Himeville-Underberg Garden Club Meeting Wednesday, 18
November at 10h00 sharp. This month’s meeting will be held at
Hlogoma Farm, home of Taryn and Murray Turner. Our Guest
Speaker is Brian Pearce on HYDRANGEAS. Brian has been
growing and selling hydrangeas in Hilton for the past five years
where growing conditions are ideal. He is also a beekeeper and
produces 400 to 500kg a season from gumtrees in the Hilton Area.
Visitors welcome - fee of R20 payable.
Directions to Hlogoma Farm - Travel 5km out of Underberg on the
Bulwer Road - take the first turn off to the left after The Barn
SERVICING.
UNDERBERG DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER
ANALYSIS.
AUTO
CENTRE
Tel: 033-7011092 (all hours)
FORKLIFT - Sales /
Stockists of a carefully selected
Servicing
0337011318
range of
Hydraulic pipes
LIVESTOCK HEALTH PRODUCTS
0827828408
24 hr CALLOUT
UNDERBERG
VETERIN
AR
Y
VETERINAR
ARY
SUR
GER
Y
SURGER
GERY
Suited for local conditions
At excellent prices with
professional advice
UNDERBERG FARMERS ASSOCIATION
SEPTEMBER 2015 SHOW STOCK SALE
STATS
QTY SUPPLIED
450
QTY SOLD
450
MAX PRICE
R13500.00
MIN PRICE
R2600.00
AVE PRICE
R7489.56
DON’S REP
AIRS
REPAIRS
Workshop
Mackenzie Street - Goxhill Road
Himeville
MAINTENANCE OF
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES
D O N
B L A K E Y
033 7021110 or 7021835 or 0823421387
PAGE 12
www.mountainecho.co.za
082493 8700
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
Underberg: 033 701 1563 /
Kokstad: 039 727 3311
MAGNIFICENT SMALLHOLDING! R2.9M
Brand new listing! Set in a very attractive setting on 4.14ha in
beautiful Drakensberg Gardens valley. Well built house with
magnificent Berg views. 2 furnished stone cottages, flat and staff
cottage.
BUY I GET I FREE!!! R1,895,000
2 Lovely furnished semi-detached units in Fairmount Estate sold
for the price of one! Both consists of: 3 Beds, 2 baths, open plan
lounge/dining, fitted kitchen, courtyard, double garage and
communal undercover patio. Direct access to Golf Course.
UNDERBERG Spacious upmarket home on
complex adjoining Golf Course on 1789 m².
Three bedroomed home(two and a half
bathrooms) with study and 3 birth garage
with extra height for caravan. Superb flowing
entertainment area incorporating wide
viewed verandah, lounge, dining room and
kitchen. These areas can also be closed off
for winter warmth. A granny flat is easily
constructible within present plan. This
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entrance hall, central alcove, pantry(with
built in safe) maximum cupboard space, all
considerations of gracious living for a mere
R1,5m.
Ref# 1UB1237564
Underberg / R765 000
Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / Garages 2`
Set in a private cul- de-sac, ideal for the growing family - fully-fenced
garden with Mountain views. Within walking distance of all local
amenities.
Ref# 1UB1191273
COMMERCIAL LISTING! VERY KEEN SELLER! R1.1M
Considerable monthly rental income and scope for future
development from this well priced 2023 m² Main Rd property.
Himeville Mall which is 550 m² in extent, has 6 shops + 4 small
rooms at the rear of the building.
MATATIELE 809Ha beef and maize farm
offering excellent maize lands, eragrostis and
kikuyu camps totaling 182Ha arable. This farm
is well fenced and watered. There is a main
line in for CP irrigation, all usual shedding
and double story homestead. R8,5m
Underberg / R1.395 million
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 1
Modern unit in the Meadows - spacious open-plan living/dining room,
fully-fitted kitchen. Large enclosed veranda with doors opening onto a
level garden - single lock-up garage.
Ref# 1UB1212530
Himeville / R1.6 million
IDEAL STARTER HOME R595 000
Urgent sale! Ideal starter home with loads of potential and
beautiful mountain views. 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, fitted kitchen,
lounge and dining area. Several outbuildings.
Bedrooms 2 / Bathrooms 1.5 / Carports 2
From the elevated deck of this solid timber home on 8ha, enjoy the
spectacular outlook over your shared trout dam of the Southern
Drakensberg - developed garden and security fence.
SOUTHERN MIDLANDS 20 Ha
smallholding with dam and borehole. Useful
for small farming enterprise eg Piggery,
Equitation Centre, or Agricultural Training
Centre. PLENTY of accommodation and
shedding. Close to village, off tar. Perfect
for the energetic retiree. R1,8m
CEDARVILLE Beef farm 722 HA with 16
Ha Centre Pivot for winter feed. Labour
housing but no homestead R6.1m
SOLID FAMILY HOME R820 000
Solid, spacious home in large established garden in walking
distance to the Village. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open plan kitchen
and lounge with cosy second lounge all leading to the under
cover patio. Numerous outbuildings.
OFFICE: 033 7011359
FAX: 0866163763
Sue Acutt 082 457 5535
Kathy Abbett 082 925 7983
John Nothard 082 491 4447
Rentals: Sarah Acutt 073 171 9446
www.acutts.co.za
underberg@acutts.co.za
UNDERBERG Beef farm with excellent
fencing, good handling facilities, 6km from
town in the best cattle country. River and
mountain springs. Greatly reduced to R6,5m
For Innovative
Property Solutions
Tel: 033 - 7011777
Cell: 083 305 3009 - PETA
082 901 8363 NORMAN
www.ppproperties.co.za
e-mail: nfo@ppproperties.co.za
Ref# 1UB1011573
Underberg / R1.895 million
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2
This is a perfect ‘lock-up-and-go’ unit to use as your holiday home,
and /or retirement spot, in The Meadows Country Estate.
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Agents
Underberg: Angela Walker 082 772 8984 / Sue Preston 084 880 8704 /
Paula Bullimore 079 491 0101
Kokstad: Peter Desmond 082 456 6761 / Sanele Madlavu 072 885 355