Himeville - Mountain Echo

Himeville R 1 195 000.
Contact Neil 0822134795
This 4/5 bedroom
property situated in the
leafy lane of Thomas St
in Himeville, is
literally a walk in and
enjoy. Tastefully
appointed
and
immaculately
maintained.
Web Ref: KUG 3277.
MOUNTAIN
ECHO
YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
SINCE 1984
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:9
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
FREE NEWSPAPER
ENCOUNTER EG - Country and Garden
Festival
30 October
- 1 November
Encounter EG is now in its fifth year. This
Country and Garden Festival is designed as
a weekend of fun, interest and activity to
appeal to the whole family. It is a weekend
during which the beauty of East Griqualand,
the Kokstad, Cedarville, Matatiele, Swartberg
area of KZN/E Cape, is showcased with
stunning farm and town gardens, country
hospitality, agricultural events, birding, walks,
talks, fly-fishing, trail running and various
other activities with music and refreshments
at most of the venues…
This year it is to be held over the weekend of
Friday 30th, Saturday 31st October and
Sunday 1st November. Your wristband @ R70
is your weekend pass to all the gardens and
most events, although some of the talks and
evening events have an additional entrance
fee. Brochures, which can be shared, cost R30.
Accommodation is available…for these
details
consult
the
website
www.encountereg.co.za or contact Pat
Kotting on 082 784 4055
There will be sixteen beautiful gardens on
show, some town gardens but many of them
large farm gardens with different focuses…be
it a rose garden, an enviro-friendly garden, a
formal garden, a prayer garden, a plant
collection garden, a vegetable garden, a
creative garden..a garden for everyone!…all
beautifully landscaped and nestled into the
stunning surrounding East Griqualand
scenery, where one also ‘enjoys the ride’…
Refreshments will be served at most gardens
and in many, there will be music, plants for
sale and other points of interest.
Watsonias in East Griqualand Photo. Rex Fey
Besides the gardens, there will be a variety
of other events to cater for all tastes and
interests. The agricultural events include a
State of the Art Dairy, which can be viewed
at milking times; the Ferrero Roche Hazelnut
farm; Mushroom Gathering for export to
Italy…. The Barn will be open, where plants,
delicate ceramics and a wonderful collection
of antiques will be on show and for sale. Val
Payn will be delivering two fascinating talks
on The (Sexy!) World of Pollinators.
For the more energetic, on Saturday, a trail
run, over 6km, 14km and a 21km routes, will
be held on Chris Fey’s farm, past the cattle,
through the blaze of red Watsonias and
flitting sunbirds, and back to the orchards
over-looking the expansive dam where Grey
Crowned Crane come to roost. See
ROAG.co.za for online bookings.
There will be a Wetland Walk at the Penny
Park wetland, under the guidance of Cobus
Theron of Endangered Wildlife Trust, where
a large variety of birds can be seen.
The Kokstad Fly Fishing Club is planning to
open a number of dams to visitors for a nominal
rod fee.
Then there is the scenic Kokstad Golf Course,
where visitors are always welcome to play a
round of golf.
On Sunday morning, there will be a Sunrise
Service in the tranquil Prayer Garden outside
Kokstad and also a mid-morning service at
Chertsey, near Cedarville.
On Friday, there will be an afternoon of
24 / 7
QUALIFIED REGISTERED PLUMBER:
Michael 082 321 7074
QUALIFIED REGISTERED
ELECTRICIANS
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
(continued page 3)
SEPT 17 - 20 Hilton Arts Festival @Hilton College for info visit www.hiltonfestival.co.za
Giants Cup Uncut Run and Corporate Relay www.thegiantscupuncut.co.za
SEPT 19
SEPT 20
Midlands Country Market @Peter’s Gate Herb Farm see page 8
SEPT 24 - 27 White Mountain Music Festival www.c-weed.com/wmf or call 031 563 0824.
SEPT 25 - 27 Underberg Farmers Association Show contact 033 7011007 to book a stall see page 3
SEPT 25 - 27 The Sani Dragon 2 day MTB Stage Race for further information info@sanidragon.co.za see page 11
SEPT 26
Rosetta Country Market @ Rosetta DamContact Dave Whitfield: 082 550 4656see page 8
OCT 3
Howick Hospice Car Boot Sale 9am-12pm on our grounds at 7 Mansfield Road Howick.
OCT 3
Pevensey Place Fete @ Underberg primary School Hostel from 9am see page 3
MOTHS fun bowls day @Underberg Bowling Club see page 7
OCT 4
OCT 4
Dargle Local Market 09h00-11h00 at Lions River Club Contact: Mike 083 325 1082 see page 8
OCT 10
Rosetta Country Market Contact Dave Whitfield: 082 550 4656 see page 8
OCT 10
Zwartberg Farmers Association Annual Show see page 11
Historical society trip to Donnybrook Private Museum see page 5
OCT 11
OCT 14
Bridge Charity Fundraiser @ Anglican Church Himeville contactMerry (0726204359) see page 4
OCT 31
Rugby World Cup Final @ Underberg Primary School Hostel includes meal and corkage 033 7011040
OCT 30 - NOV 1 ENCOUNTER EG - Country and Garden Festival see page 1
NOV 1
SPCA Pet Show Competition @ Kenmo lake call Lucy Stroebel 0726909245 or Anna Forbes 0799854886.
NOV 6-8
Open Gardens Weekend and Festival @ The Barn, Hlogoma farm,Underberg Meg Redfern 0823163501.
NOV 4 -7
Swartberg Flyfishing Festival contact Shannon Gilson on gilfarming@futurenet.co.za.
NOV 7
Kokstad Round Table Golf Day - Pevensey Place Fundraiser see page 5
NOV 20
Tod Collins Book Launch “Cullen” @ Underberg Country Club 5.30pm
NOV 28
Sani Stagger Race see www.sanistagger.com
DEC 12
Himeville Museum Christmas Fair @ Himeville Museum contact 033 7021184
PAGE 2
082493 8700
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
SANI HIKING
CLUB
www.mountainecho.co.za
MOUNT
AIN
MOUNTAIN
ECHO
Is Your newspaper. Your input is valued!
OBER 9
OCTOBER
DEADLINE DATE OCT
OCTOBER
DISTRIBUTION DATE OCT
OBER 16
20 SEPTEMBER 23km moderate hike Sani
Top, via Hodgson’s Peak to Cobham Passport required meet at Himeville Arms
8amcontact Ansell Matcher 033 7021824
4 OCTOBER 12km easy hike Stromness Ngenwa pools meet at Himeville Arms 8am
Jelle Mientsma 033 7012749
For information on hiking call Barrie Green
at NUD Sports Tel 033 7011096
Underberg/Himeville
Trout Fishing Club
COMBINED SERVICE - 8 JUNE 2014
ELECTR
O TECH
ELECTRO
RADIO - TV SATELLITE SYSTEMS
SALES & REPAIRS
See Us For All Your Small
& Large Appliance Needs
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
August Stats showed 64 rods producing 88
fish . Conditions favourable with Quality
water.
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
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
lunch meeting
*Garden Club: Third Wednesday of every
month - All welcome.
*Moth “Boot & Saddle Shellhole”: meet
at
“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
* Sani Wildlife Committee: meets 1st
Thursday of month at 4.pm Himeville Hotel.
*Underberg Bowling Club: Tabs-In time is now
At the matric retrospective art exhibition held at IMPAK headquarters on the 14th of August,
Hannah-Jo Grinwis was awarded Most Creative Exhibition (2ND Place) out of 22 matric art
candidates. She is seen here with Bianca Pelser, Visual Arts subject expert at IMPAK next to
her painting titled, ‘What colour am I?’ (mixed media) for the trial-exams theme: Ubuntu. She
achieved 92% for this painting (which she donated to IMPAK for their reception area) and Summer time, from 1st September to 1st April
we are justifiably proud of her and our learning centre for this achievement - Underberg starting time 1.15pm. (13h15) All visiting bowlEducation Academy
ers 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.
SUPPLIED AND SUPPORTED BY BLOMEYERS
APPLIANCE CENTRE C.C. OF VICTORIA
ROAD PIETERMARITZBURG
033 7011240
BRIAN MOLEFETel:
0768034580
UNDERBERG CHIROPRACTIC
CENTRE
CHURCH NOTICES
Dr. Barry Stranack
Shop 21, Trout Walk Centre, Underberg
Phone: 079 401 9143
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
“ Democratic Alliance Councillor Trish Crawley
with DA Constituency officer, Gcobisa Bambeni
, handing over books and videos to the headmistress, Mrs Mkhize and children at
Reichenau Mission school for their school library. Reading is such an integral part of education and all children must be encouraged to
enjoy books.”
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
ROD ABBBETT - 60!!!
Happy 60th Birthday to our wonderful Dad for
the 28th September 2015. Love you lots from
Bronwyn and Kerry Abbett.
Parish of Drakensberg (Anglican)
Tel/Fax:033 7021013 - Roseanne Clark (office)
1 st Sunday of the month:
St.Michael’s,Himeville 7:30am Said Eucharist
9:00am Family Eucharist. Yellowwood
Church, Bulwer 11.30am 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. Every sunday 5.30pm Cafe
Church at parish Centre
Rector : Rev. Vikela Dlamini cell phone
0832257919
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
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015
ENCOUNTER EG Country and Garden
Festival
(continued from page1)
environmental talks on the ‘green’ theme at
Kruisspruit, followed by a sit-down meal
cooked in ‘green’ style by nationally renowned
chef, Citrum Khumalo (limited tickets).
There will also be a number of other talks and
evening events throughout the weekend.
There will be an ‘Evening of Cocktails’ hosted
by Holy Cross Pre-Primary on Friday and on
Saturday, the Polo club will be hosting the renowned RPO Steak Evening featuring the Perfect EG Steak, thereby promoting the Red Meat
industry.
An upmarket Craft Market will be in full swing
in the Town Hall on Saturday, where both local
and visiting stall holders will be selling their
produce and wares. Anyone interested in acquiring a stall, should contact Sonja on 079
335 1807.
Those interested in Encountering EG in all its
natural beauty, experiencing the warm hospitality of the community and enjoying a weekend of interest and fun are encouraged to consult the website www.encountereg.co.za, like
us on Facebook or phone Pat on 082 851 1555
for more information.
082493 8700
mountainecho@telkomsa.net www.mountainecho.co.za
UFA SHOW 25 – 27 SEPTEMBER 2015,
SANI PASS ROAD SALE YARDS
Once again, Show preparations are in full
swing and we are very excited at sharing
our event with the inaugural Mitsubishi
Sani Dragon MTB race which starts and finishes at the Show on the Friday and Saturday. This will obviously draw a whole new
sector to the Show and we appreciate the
organizers for their vote of confidence in
the UFA show as a host for this event.
This year sees many of the same faithful
supporters back again with their sponsorship and stands, and many new faces will
be joining their ranks! Lots to see and buy,
lots to eat and drink!
Trying to keep the show relevant and inviting, we have again incorporated items that
will appeal to the WHOLE family, with our
live-stock judging taking centre stage on
the Friday (Beef judging) and Saturday
(Dairy and Sheep judging). Some of these
items include the Faith-Way College Kidz
Zone, local arts and crafts, tea-garden, the
ever-popular ‘Farmers’ Challenge’,
Hopewell mini gymkhana and jumping
course, Underberg Polo Club mini tournament, and much more with a few other ‘surprises’ that should catch your attention over
the weekend.
Sani Round Table will be hosting their ‘Directory Auction’ from the bar on Friday
night, after which, much catching up can
be done while being entertained by Calan
Trollope, an accomplished musician from
our EG neighbourhood who already has a
few ‘charted’ numbers under his belt.
Also ‘happening’ on Saturday is the “We
Love ABBA!” live show by the now popular Cat Simoni from just beyond our borders in the Midlands!
She will present an intimate evening of
wonderful entertainment while the audience
enjoys their light finger dinner supplied by
the UFA and the convenience of liquid refreshments from the Sani Round Table bar.
These tickets are selling fast and only a few
are left! We don’t want anyone to miss out
on this promising evening, so to avoid disappointment, we encourage everyone to get
their tickets COD from the UFA office Monday to Friday between 08h00 and 13h30 at a
cost of R150.00 per person since there will
be NO tickets available at the door!
Together with the ‘Farmers Challenge’ on
Sunday, our family time will include the
horse vs. bike race, and a whole new ‘Youth
Show’ for the ‘littlies’ who aspire to be like
dad one day!
While our Show falls over a long weekend
this year, we are confident that it will be a
worthwhile excuse NOT TO LEAVE TOWN,
so come and support us AND your competitive neighbours who enter their fine
animals for a shot at top spot in this traditional competition. You will also get a
chance to support those suppliers that often go unnoticed yet play an active part in
‘paying back’ into our farming community
through their sponsorship of our Show.
See you at “THE YARDS”!
Underberg Open
Gardens 6 - 8
November
The weekend of the 6 to 8 November will
showcase 10 stunning Open Gardens in and
around Underberg. The Festival Pocket guide,
with maps and information on each garden
will be on sale soon. The Hub of the festival
is at ‘The Barn’ on Hlogoma Farm. Teas and
light lunches will be served, stalls, art on display, interesting talks ,flower demonstrations,
followed by a cocktail evening sponsored by
Spar on Saturday evening. The participating
gardeners and Himeville Underberg Garden
Club, look forward to welcoming you to the
beautiful gardens on display. More details
and information to follow in the October Mt
Echo. Contact Meg Redfern 0823163501 Virginia McIntyre 0828048928
PEVENSEY FETE
3 OCTOBER
The Pevensey fete will take place at
Underberg School on Saturday 3 October
starting at 9am. We would be very grateful
for any donations or contributions towards
stalls. We are always overwhelmed by the
support of our local community and hope
you will join us at the fete. For information
Shaun Collins and
Gloria Brown with
plants ready for sale at
the Pevensey Fete on
3 rd October. These
two, hardworking
Pevensey residents
run the green house
and their “green fingers” produce lots of
wonderful plants.
Many lovely flowering
plants will be available
at the fete. If you wish
to donate plants,
please contact Felicity
(033 701 2768)
or donations please phone Pevensey Place
on 033 7011882 or Trish on 7011967 or
0829253875. There will be lots to do, eat,
drink and buy for a wonderful cause.Stalls
include:- White Elephant, Vegetables,
Books, Meat and Biltong,Tea and pancakes,
Raffles and Garden stall. Come and enjoy
the day and support a good cause.
PAGE 3
Owners: Clive and
Trish P.
Crawley
Photo:
Welch
VISIT US AT: Shop 9a, Cloc
k
Clock
e, Underber
g
Centre
Underberg
Tower Centr
Phone: 033 7011577
YOUR F
AMIL
Y’S O
WN
FAMIL
AMILY’S
OWN
HEALTH
SHOP
- for all your natural preventative
and healing medicines
- good range of natural body care,
foods and gifts
FOR COLDS AND
FLU ULTIMA
KANG JANG NOW
IN STOCK
WE CARE ABOUT YOUR
HEALTH
Jennifer’s
Unisex
Hair
Salon
Closed on Mondays
Stockists of Indola
and JOICO products
Tel: 033 - 7012 203
Cell: 083 9639 816
PAGE 4
www.mountainecho.co.za
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
THE UNDERBERG HIMEVILLE WAR
Unfortunately the coming of the railway line
split the community right down the middle
and bitterness was rife because a railway was
something of great importance in those days
when road transport was still in its infancy
and the roads were particularly bad.
Vanderplank had given land for a number of
activities and businesses. One of these was
six acres of land on which to provide a school
’ near the terminus of the railway ‘ and the
education authorities jumped at the
opportunity to take it up.
It was still
assumed that a school would be built in
Himeville for the benefit of the district and in
fact land was earmarked for the purpose The
education authorities however were short of
money as always and although they made
money available for the building of a hostel for a school they had
not enough money to provide class rooms as well. The Underberg
Farmers Association were also looking for money in order to build a
hall for the community and they made a deal with the education
authorities to borrow the money for the building of a hall from them
on condition that they allowed school classes to be held in the
proposed hall.
This deal further infuriated the Himeville faction and was the final
straw that led to them hiving off on their own in 1919. They withdrew
from all activities in Underberg and the Himeville Agricultural Society
became the Himeville Farmers Association on the 8 th August 1919.
This created a duplication of all activities and separate clubs were
formed for tennis and bowls and the two hotels maintained their own
clientele who would not use the others facilities if at all possible.
The situation could have been hilarious if it had not been so serious.
The population was insufficient to create a viable number of members
for each of the duplicated facilities and make them economically
independent but they struggled on for many
years too proud to amalgamate with each
other until in the 1990’s Underberg finally
got the bowling club and Himeville took over
the tennis club.
In the meantime however although the
population changed periodically and not
many of the original families remained the
newcomers indulged themselves in the ‘war’
with even greater enthusiasm than the original
community who might be said to have had
an axe to grind. When the situation arose
some of the major protagonists were not
above coming to blows in order the settle
their arguments.
Just after the Second World War a man who
had had enough of England under the new
labour government and was seeking pastures
new arrived in Underberg. He attended one
of the districts major entertainments provided
by Ivan Tarboton from the garage who ran a
film show twice a month in the farmers hall.
After the show everyone was filing out onto
the veranda and down the steps when two
members, one from each divergent
community met on the veranda and started
an argument which soon escalated into
violence. Not only did they apparently
exchange blows but locked in each others
arms they rolled down the steps onto the
road below. The
visitor was most
impressed by this
manly display and
wrote to his wife
saying he had
found the right
place to live, where
men were men and
settled
their
differences
accordingly. He
packed up and
moved
to
Underberg where
he unfortunately he
fell into the hands
of one of the
districts notorious
con men. Some
three years later he
left Underberg
sadder, wiser and
a lot poorer
The cricket club
could only function
by utilizing players
082 4938700
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
from both sides of the district and had
set itself up on a piece of vacant land
opposite and a bit beyond the
Himeville hotel. It was not a very
wonderful field being bare ground that
was very dusty and a bit stony but the
best available site for many years.
During the 1960’s there was a move to
set up a ‘Country Club’ on land that
was becoming available through the
courtesy of Norman Roulston of ‘The
Banks,’ adjacent to the Underberg
village. The matter was raised time and
again at annual general meetings of the
cricket club but was shot down by the
Himeville contingent who always
managed to outvote their companions
from Underberg. After a number of
years the Underburghers managed to
raise a majority at a meeting and
looked like swinging the decision in
their favour for a moment. However at
that point Charles Ridgway leaped to
his feet and said,
“Mr chairman, how many of the
members from Underberg have paid
their subscriptions” ?
Of course
almost nobody had done so from either
camp so Ridgway immediately pulled
out his cheque book and wrote out a
cheque for the fees for all the Himeville
faction and declared that those who
were now in arrears could not vote.
He managed to pull this off at least
twice and the club remained in
Himeville until he passed away in 1975
when it was quickly moved to its new
premises in Underberg where it became
a major part of the Country Club.
If one wanted to start a business you
had to be careful what you called it. If
it was called the Underberg – Himeville
or Himeville - Underberg which ever
communities name came second
would boycott it and visa versa. Thus
it was that when Mick de Waal opened
a chemist shop in Underberg which
was a sorely needed facility he had to
call it a neutral name and chose the
name Sani Pharmacy.
In 1972 the old war was still bubbling
along quite happily and the Garden
Club decided that something should
be done to try and unite the two
villages. They accordingly cajoled
many members of the community into
each subscribing towards the
purchase of a tree to be planted along
the road between the villages. This
did little to unite anyone but at least
has provided us with a stately line of
oak trees along the road between
Underberg and Himeville and possibly
added a bit of atmosphere as well.
With the new dispensation of 1994 it
was decided by the Province in the
interests of efficiency to unite many
smaller villages under one
management and reorganize the areas
of control exercised by the small
councils. A public meeting was
arranged in Underberg at which a
tribunal of eight members from
Provincial government presented a
case for the uniting of the two villages
and the incorporation of Underberg
district into East Griqualand. This
caused no small uproar and
the meeting was left in no
doubt as to the opinion of the
residents. One of the Indian
members of the tribunal
however waxed quite
eloquent as to how he
envisaged the marriage of
the two communities etc. No
sooner had he sat down when
a member of the audience
leaped up and declared that
he presumed the gentleman
knew what happened to a
bride on her wedding night
and was that what he had in
mind for Himeville ? Some of
the audience nearly fell off
their chairs in the ensuing
hilarity and the meeting
ended on a far more cheerful
note than it had begun.
Nothing was heard of the
proposal again and the
status quo was maintained
for another few years.
In the year 2000 after the
second election various
councils did become
amalgamated by decree and
Himeville had to take over
Underberg whose affairs at
that stage were in a sorry
state, owing a very large sum
to the Province amongst
others while Himeville had no
such problems and was in a
healthy financial condition
with adequate space in which
to accommodate the new
council which became known
as KwaSani in order to satisfy
the
new
political
dispensation. This was a big
blow to some members of the
Underberg community who
had consistently insisted
that Underberg was the
senior village. After that the
‘war’ petered out although
there is still a hint of rivalry
and the Himevillians like to
claim that Underberg is just
the industrial suburb of
Himeville.
The final status of the two
villages however is still not
in sight as plans are afoot to
amalgamate the Kwa Sani
municipality with the Ingwe
Municipality based in
Creighton and which will
include Bulwer as well which
will probably become the
administrative centre of the
new municipality.
BRIDGE
14 OCTOBER
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
CHARITY
FUND
RAISER - Come and
enjoy a morning of social
Bridge with your friends,
on Wednesday 14
October, 9.30 am for 10.00
am, at St Michael’s
Anglican
Church,
Himeville. A lovely tea
will be served on arrival
and throughout the
morning, and a delicious
lunch and glass of wine
will follow the Bridge at
1.00 pm. Make up your
own foursome, and book
a place through Merry
(0726204359). Tables and
score sheets will be
supplied, but please
bring your own cards.
Cost R80 per person
which will be used to
purchase and distribute
food parcels to the needy
in our district.
www.mountainecho.co.za 082493 8700 mountainecho@telkomsa.net
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
BIRDING IN THE SOUTHERN KZN DRAKENSBERG
Gael Abbey’s chimney one night. Gael sat patiently waiting for the
sun to rise before calling for assistance. The chick seemed to be fine
and was released near its parent.
The arrival of intra-African migrants started with the usual species
with Yellow-billed Kites reported by Helga on 12 August, Whitethroated Swallows very close behind them while the first Steppe
Buzzard reported by Kevin Fraser on 28 August at Milburn Farm.
Crosley Black noted Alpine Swifts on 4 September.
Wilson Duma saw an Adult Martial Eagle on the Sani Pass on 14 Aug.
Peter Bodmann reported two Wattled Cranes on Dieu Donne on 31
Aug. Frank Kraupner reported a pair of all three Crane species, Wattled,
Crowned and Blue together on his field on 6 Sept, something he had
never witnessed before. Frank also mentioned something interesting
about the Spurwing Geese, apparently selecting to feed only in certain
maize hybrids, with a clear avoidance of certain other hybrids!! Bill
and Alta saw Hottentot Teal on Ross Treleaven’s dam. Aldo and
Sharron Berruti had Fairy Flycatcher in Underberg for the greater part
of the winter and a Cape Bunting on the Hlogoma mountain.
Some out of range and out of season sightings of mine include a
Yellow-breasted Pipit at the Underberg Farmers sale yards on 26
August, Glossy Ibis at Goxhill Dam on 26 August and a Black-headed
Canary on the KZN side at the top of Sani Pass on 7 Sept and a Pale
Chanting Goshawk at the first Protea view site on the Sani Pass on 9
Sept. The Black-headed Canary is a major tick for this province, they
have been recorded about 18 times in Lesotho according to Prof David
Ambrose’s Annotated Checklist of Birds of Lesotho. Robin Guy saw
a few of those reported and I have only twice seen them in Lesotho.
This bird is far east from the normal range.
For observations please call Stuart on 082 742 6981 or 033 702 1761
The annual vulture count took place on 5
September, starting as a cold and misty
morning, but fortunately clearing later.
Thanks to all the local birders and Honorary
Officers for helping with the count. The best
results came from Moyeni Farm where Trish
Strachan and Dave Minney had a massive
total of 219 Cape Vultures and 2 Bearded
Vultures, Beryl and Graham Osborne with
Jelle and Cynthia Meintsma saw 15 Capes
while Bill and Alta Small saw 18 Capes at
Hlogoma. The only other Bearded Vulture
was seen by Elias Mofukeng at Dassie
Corner. This means a total of 252 Capes and
3 Bearded Vultures were counted on the
ground.
Ansel and Lynn Matcher’s Spotted Eagle
Owls raised 2 chicks contrary to what you
may have read in last newsletter. The chicks
left the nest and were only discovered later
by Moses who works in the garden. Thanks
to his effort and enthusiasm these chicks
have done well. The Barn Owls at Paul and
Elaine Roth’s had at least 4 chicks fledge.
So good luck for a change in the owl world
so far. The Spotted Eagle Owls which nested
a few years ago in Himeville lost one of their
chicks to a collision with a vehicle having
been dazzled by the headlights in the main
street. The other survived a fall down into
Underberg Artists at the
ROYAL GARDEN SHOW
Pietermaritzburg
24th to 27th September.
In 2014, the Southern Darkensberg Art Society was invited to host
the inaugural art exhibition at the Garden Show. Following a
resounding success we have been invited to stage a larger exhibition
which, this year, will be on show in the Grill Room.
This year there will be sixteen participating artists exhibiting their
work. Eleven of the artists represent the Southern Drakensberg
from the Underberg and Himeville districts and are known locally as
the Underberg Art Group, ( previously: The Southern Drakensberg
Arts Society) .
The exhibiting artists work in a wide variety of mediums including
oil, water colour, pen and ink, acrylic and pencil, all of which will be
on show.
The exhibition will incorporate works as varied as portraits, still life,
landscapes, animals and flowers. The majority of the paintings are
mounted or framed.
Farmer Ploughing By Rob Leenhouwers
CLOSED TUESDAYS
079 495 7886
Taken back by the original owner Jeannine Bonsma
and Vanilla Rose accents partner Di Penny
Kokstad Fundraisers
For Pevensey Place
7 November
Kokstad Round Table will be Hosting a
Golf Day on the 7th November to assist in
Raising funds for Pevensey Place, we will also
be having a raffle where you can win a whole
beef Caracas @ R100 per ticket. All Proceeds
will be for Pevensey Place, You Can Contact
Myself Frank Barton 0849820208/ via email
frank@wesbartmotors.co.za for more information.
Visit to
Donnybrook Private
Museum 11 October
The Historical and Museum Society is
taking a trip down the Donnybrook Road on
Sunday 11 October 2015. We will visit the
Xumeni Forest to look at Redwood Trees
growing in an indigenous forest. From there
we will travel to Inglenook Farm where we
will visit John and Marie-Anne Mingay’s
private Museum. Do join us for a very
interesting visit.Meet at UNDERBERG
HOTEL – leaving there at 10.00 AM. Bring
refreshments and a picnic lunch.Or if you
are in the Bulwer area, meet us at the first
turn off on the Donnybrook Road just before
you reach Donnybrook.
Birds & Beyond
Bird Tours &
San Rock Art Walks
www.birdsand beyond.co.za
Tel: 033 7021761.
Cell: 082 742 6981
Stuart Mc Lean
PAGE 5
PAGE 6
www.mountainecho.co.za
082493 8700
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
UNDERBERG HIMEVILLE RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION
and communication, i.e. “Batho Pele”
KWA SANI MUNICIPALITY PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Whilst poor management at operational level is the order of the
It is acknowledged that every Municipality
must strive, within its financial and
administrative capacity, to achieve the
following objectives; a) provide democratic
and accountable government for local communities; b) ensure social
and economic development; c) promote safe and healthy environments;
d) encourage the involvement of communities and community
organizations in matters of local government.;
A Municipality must ensure that the machinery of local government
sphere, discharges its responsibilities effectively and efficiently,
honouring the precepts of Batho Pele namely, The People First.
The principle of Batho Pele is in the Constitution of the RSA, Chapter
1ss 152 ( e ) as in other legislative statues which govern local
Municipalities. Thus, a Municipality must, in carrying out its day to
day administrative functions, ensure that Public engagement and
participation is carried out on all municipal matters.
Such communication helps build public trust, confidence and integrity
between all stakeholders within the community.
Interaction was initiated and in early discussions with the Mayor and
the Municipal Manger, both the UHRRA and the Business Forum
strongly emphasised the importance of the above. Further to this, the
community advised that apart from engaging in matters of Municipal
concern they were in the position, because of the experience of its
members, to provide assistance, help and advice to the Council and
it’s officials on matters of Local Government administration and
governance. The spirit of this offer was acknowledged, as was the
undertaking to have regular engagement
meetings.
Regrettably, despite ongoing and multiple verbal
and written attempts by the Underberg Himeville
Residents and Ratepayers Association plus the
Community Business Forum, to engage with the
KSM and to bring to the attention of officials,
inclusive of the Mayor, the Municipal Manager,
25 YEARS EXPERIENCE
the CFO and other senior persons, the concerns
of the local community and in particular the
ratepayers, our efforts have been totally ignored.
dennisw@acsales.co.za
National Government is repeatedly referring to
the need for local government to “get back to
basics “ and above all, that municipalities are “to
communicate and engage”. Hard experience of
the UHRRA has proven that whilst the KSM has
tabled a “Public Participation” document, the
latter merely plays ‘lip service’ to it and as such
no engagement has been achievable and whilst
service delivery may appear to be in place, the
residents see little responsive interaction.
Constitutionally, local government have a
mandate to operate independently, at least in the
way it is structured. In reality the town is run
essentially as a political fiefdom, unaccountable
in practice to the Ruling Party government and
even less so to the constituents or the Rate Payers
of the area. The latter in itself allows for political
appointments in key positions, be they qualified
or not, their responsibility being not to the
electorate but their political party or their
Caucasus, the outcome of which is the resultant
poorly run Council the ramifications of which
we are now experiencing in the Underberg/
Himeville region.
The concept of participation is to give
communities and local residents a real say in
decisions at local government level on decisions
that affect their lives and as such people must
have access to decision making structures in order
to make their voices heard.
To date the Council tends to ignore the interests
of local stake holders and as such they have failed
to maintain or improve existed statutory channels
of communication as prescribed in the Municipal
Systems Act and the Constitution on all matters
of municipal affairs. This includes engagement
Winter has ar
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ved
arri
riv
Insula
te with
Insulate
ISO
THERM (insula
te ceiling)
ISOTHERM
(insulate
ISOBO
ARD(insula
oof
pr
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ISOBOARD
(insulated
wa
terpr
proof
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ceiling boar
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CONT
ACT YOUR L
OCAL AGENTS
CONTA
LOCAL
UNDERBER
G FOR
GE
UNDERBERG
FORGE
033 7011420
RPM CONTRA
CT
ORS
CONTRACT
CTORS
TEL: 033 7011419 Cell: 0741024808 Rory
rory@rpmcontractors.co.za
day, thus having necessitated the matters for discussion, the town’s
Municipal infrastructure is seen to be well below an acceptable
level in respect of maintenance and upgrading. The Council non
the less sees itself non accountable to the voices of rate payers and
the community.
With the 2016 merger with Ingwe now more or less fait accompli,
many issues viz, rates, by-laws, trading rights, service delivery,
waste collection and others need to discussed with the joint
communities prior to the 2016 Municipal Elections, and above all
there should a meeting of the minds in resolving these through
interaction, not by the officialdom representatives only, but above
all with the residents and ratepayers of both Underberg Himeville
and Ingwe.
The question is:-With the current engagement practices of the
KwaSani Municipality, will the principle of Batho Pele (The People
First) be foremost should there be no engagement on the outcomes,
particularly on the essential necessity for the critical interaction
and engagement with the communities on matters affected by the
merger of these Municipalities; these being to provide sustainable
Municipal services ensured by its compliance to the Constitution
in the new constitutional vision and the requirements of Local
Government through its structure, composition, internal
procedures, its powers and functions. This is of vital importance
when taking into consideration that the merger of these
Municipalities is less than nine months from now.
D FORBES CHAIRMAN UNDERBERG HIMEVILLE
RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION
LEARNER TRANSPORT
POLICY IS LEAVING OUR
CHILDREN BEHIND
Did you know 34,000 KZN learners are transported in bakkies that
are often not roadworthy and are an unsafe form of transport for our
precious children? And more than 2 million children in KZN are
forced to walk long distances to school often through rough and
unsafe terrain.
Because of financial constraints and locations, most parents have
no other choice in order to educate their children.
Education is vital to pursuing a better life. How can we expect better
results from our learners when they are forced to walk long distances?
We only need to look at the horrific number of accidents, continually
being reported in the media, to know that government is failing our
youth. Forcing our children to walk long distances or be transported
in unsafe vehicles infringes on their right to education, as enshrined
in our constitution.
It is government’s responsibility to ensure that all children, no matter
the circumstances of their birth, are assisted in any way possible to
access quality education. The current learner transport policy does
not do this.
Says DA Councillor, Trish Crawley, “I am very perturbed to see
just how many children in Kwa Sani have no transport at all to get
them to junior or high school. Many are even resorting to dangerously
hitching rides along the road. And very young children are walking
many kilometres to school and back in all kinds of weather too.”
“The DA will continue to push
for a learner transport policy
that will ensure safe and
reliable transport service are in
place so as to provide the
maximum benefit for our
children and so that their right
to access education is
upheld.”Today’s Youth are
Tomorrow’s Future.
RPM
Contr
actor
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TEL: 033 7011419
0834571855 Colleen
colleen@rpmcontractors.co.za
0741024808 Rory
rory@rpmcontractors.co.za
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
www.mountainecho.co.za
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
0824938700
White Mountain Music Festival
24 -27 September
On 24/25 August, Thukeyana Primary welcomed a group of Grade
10 boys from Clifton College, Durban. Besides the work completed
inside the classrooms (English writing and poetry – all carefully
monitored and well prepared), there was much excitement outside
as the Grade 7 learners together with boys from Clifton painted the
outside wall. These learners were supervised and guided by the
renown Mr Iian Robinson. Thank you Iian for transforming the wall
into a welcome sight and thereby uplifting the school grounds.
To Mr Donovan Fletcher, the tour organiser, staff and boys from
Clifton College and huge thank you from all of us at Thukeyana.
Thanks too for the donations and sponsorship which was greatly
appreciated. Many new gumboots can be seen around town.
We would like to take the opportunity of wishing the boys a successful 2015 (or what remains of it) and we look forward to your trip
next year.
DA Cllr Dave Adam visited the Khanyeni Assisted Living Open
Day in Himeville on Friday 28th August and congratulated owners
Tex and Anita Turton on their plans for a local private care home for
the elderly and infirm. Photo: Cllr Adam with Tex and Anita Turton
is joined by trained carergivers of the Eldercare Home Services
group, who will be assisting at Khanyeni. Front row: Tshengisile
Madikana Middle row left to right: Thobile Mhlongo, Gloria
Mkhwanazi, Anita Turton, Nomusa Ngubo, Fanisile Nyawose,
Zandile Kuboni, Samkelisiwe Duma. Back row: Cllr Dave Adam and
Tex Turton.
Life ends..when
you stop
Dreaming,
Hope ends..when
you stop
Believing,
Love ends.. when
you stop Caring,
And Friendship
ends.. when you
stop Sharing...!!!
Eldercare
Home
Services
Pty Ltd
Celebrating its 10th festival this year, White Mountain has always been
about more than ‘just’ a great line-up of acoustic acts. It’s also about
getting away from it all and unwinding in an awesome setting. And
how you choose to unwind is up to you! Maybe it’s simply taking time
out to relax and soak up the peaceful beauty of one of the most idyllic
spots in the central Drakensberg, but if it’s action you’re after, then
KZNUG/177/49605/P
you’ll be spoilt for choice!
PRACTICE NUMBER 13082300
For the more adventurous, there’s abseiling, a 100m zip line, paintball
HWSETA accredited caregivers
or you can try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding on the dam. And
now available locally.
if you’re feeling really energetic, this year sees the introduction of a
Live-in or part-time.
trail run presented by TRAIL magazine. Taking place on Saturday 26
Denise McCrory 084 991 3000
September, LoveTrail is an opportunity to experience White Mountain
Nomusa Ngubo 082 968 3455
like never before with a 15km true mountain run or 7km run/walk. Cool
Sinentlantla Litiba 079 460 0018
product samples and spot prizes up for grabs! Click here for more info.
Head Office: Salome Botes 039 976 2555
Less strenuous options include leisurely walks or guided hikes to the
Website: www.eldercarehomeservices.co.za
nearby Pigeon Pools, a game of volleyball with your friends, bass
Email: eldercarehomeservices@gmail.com
fishing (bring your own rods and tackle), plus a range of supervised
activities (like scavenger hunts) for the kids. Or
INTERMEDIA
TE DOMESTIC
INTERMEDIATE
you can blow up those lilos and tubes and hit
COOKING CLASS
the water...!
Of course there’s also the option of just taking Where: Spitskop Cottage
it easy and sampling some of the great craft Cost: R620 per person
beer and food on offer, or browsing through the Dates: 22nd, 29th Septembe & 6th October 2015
craft market, or you could always head for Tom’s Time: 8:30am – 12:30pm
enquiries: judevanjaarsveld@gmail.com / 0607219633
Tavern in the lodge to catch up on some sport
Transport from Spar & back
(yes there’s DStv).
And then there’s the music. Performing at
White Mountain this year (and guaranteed to
make our 10th festival a celebration to remember!) are the likes of Matthew Mole, Rowan
Stuart, Rubber Duc, Al Bairre, Margaret’s
Daughter, Howie Combrink, Connecting Stars,
Holly and The Woods, Shomon, Tuin, Bad Peter, Majozi, Gugz and the Bam Bam, Early Hours,
as well as international Australian duo Jamie
MacDowell and Tom Thum. More info here.
With so much to see and do, the question is,
how are you going to fit it all in? Running from
24 to 27 September, White Mountain 2015 is
definitely not to be missed.
(Alex
Known for its intimate, relaxed atmosphere, the
0828317346)
festival is held at White Mountain Lodge in the
foothills of the Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve in
KZN, only 185km from Durban, 400km from JoBlock Printed
hannesburg and just 25km off the N3 on tarred
roads.
hangings,Kikois,
Tickets are available at Computicket or the fesAfrican
tival gate and include camping. For more information and the full programme,visit www.cbeadwork,
weed.com/wmf or call 031 563 0824.
The Koala Bear, a joint and a Lizzard
A koala was sitting in a gum tree smoking a
joint (as they do!) When a little lizard walked
past, looked up and said, ‘Hey Koala! What
are you doing?’ The koala said, ‘Smoking a
joint, come up and have some.’ So the little
lizard climbed up and sat next to the koala where
they enjoyed a few joints. After a while the
little lizard said that his mouth was ‘dry’ and
that he was going to get a drink from the river.
The little lizard was so stoned that he leaned
over too far and fell into the river. A crocodile
saw this and swam over to the little lizard and
helped him to the side. Then he asked the little
lizard, ‘What’s the matter with you?’ The little
PAGE 7
lizard explained to the crocodile that he had been sitting with the
koala in the tree, smoking a joint, but got too stoned and fell into the
river while taking a drink..The little lizard was so stoned that he
leaned over too far and fell into the river. A crocodile saw this and
swam over to the little lizard and helped him to the side. Then he
asked the little lizard, ‘What’s the matter with you?’ The little lizard
explained to the crocodile that he had been sitting with the koala in
the tree, smoking a joint, but got too stoned and fell into the river
while taking a drink. The crocodile said that he had to check this out
and walked into the rain forest, found the tree where the koala was
sitting finishing a joint. The crocodile looked up and said, ’Hey Koala!’
So the koala looked down at him and said, ’F*** me.... How much
water did you drink!?’
083 788 7702 @ CLOCKTOWER CENTRE UNDERBERG
Work & Walk
Sheepskin Lined Nguni Boots
with Walk
Sheepskin Slippers
About.
Boots for Farmers & Hikers
Professionally@Clocktower Centre
@Clocktower Centre Underberg
Produced
Underberg
083 788 7702
Working &
Walking Boots
Sani Curios
@Clocktower Centre
& tablecloths
Masai & Basotho Blankets
PAGE 8
www.mountainecho.co.za
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
EMPLOYMENT
FRONT OFFICE
ADMINISTRATOR FOR
COURIER SERVICE
Bushmansnek, Silverstreams. 30 stands and 7 chalets
to
rent
contact
0828598619
info@silverstreams.co.za www. silverstreams.co.za
FOR HIRE
AC trailer hire all size trailers contact Andre
Cronje 083-266-4534
MAKOTI SUPERIOR
GOOSE DOWN
Duvets and Down Products
available at 97A Main Street Howick.
Phone Corrie on 0842951770 or
0333302551
EMPLOYMENT
MANY CAPABLE Employees with
references…Tractor Drivers, Carers,
domestics, gardeners, cashiers, farm
labourers, secretaries looking for positions.
Tel 0833053009 This is a FREE SERVICE
FOR SALE
SAMSUNG fully automatic clothes washer,
DEFY 2.5M² cabinet deep freeze,Gas fired
braai on trolley, 3 folding sun beds, 3
Haverland 1500 kw oil-filled electric radiators,
6 ‘Boardmans’ wicker dining chairs, 1600mm
circular Oak dining table, 2130 x 810 marble
table on 2 pedestals with 8 white metal
chairs.Viewing by appointment 17th to 20th
and 28th - 30th September. Call: 0829062263.
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY
TO RENT
Light Industrial workshop 278m² for R24.40
Per M² including VAT (Cheapest space in
town)Tel 0833053009
Requirements: computer literate, friendly and
efficient. Telephone personality and able to
work with the public in a professional
manner. Ability to multi task and work under
pressure. General administrative experience
an advantage. Please email CV to
accounts@sanipasscarriers.co.za
WANTED
looking for old metal farm equipment, mealie
planters, ploughs, rakes etc. willing to pay
reasonable prices. Phone Kathy 0824627251
MIDLANDS MARKETS
Midlands Country Market 20 September
09h00 – 12h30 Peter’s Gate Herb Farm, R103,
Lidgetton (next door to Granny Mouse’s
Country House Hotel) Contact Karen 076
412 1320 or Paola 076 872 7734
Rosetta Country Market 26 September
08h00 – 12h00 Venue: Rosetta Dam, Kamberg
Road (about 500m from R103 on left hand
side). Contact Dave Whitfield: 082 550 4656
Howick Hospice Car Boot Sale 3 October
9am-12pm on our grounds at 7 Mansfield
Road Howick.
Dargle Local Market 4 October
09h00-11h00 at Lions River Club Contact:
Mike 083 325 1082
Rosetta Country Market 10 October
08h00 – 12h00 Rosetta Dam, Kamberg Road
(about 500m from R103 on left hand side).
Contact Dave Whitfield: 082 550 4656
The older farmers in our Underberg/EG area
most certainly deserve a rewarding
retirement. The current farms are like an
oasis, a beauty to behold.
200 cows have become 800 plus, new
parlours, centre pivots, maize yields from 5½
tons/ha to 9+ tons/ha.
It is impossible to keep count of the milk
tankers. The progress made by both seed
and commercial potatoe growers. Timber
grower’s yields are higher than the original
expectations. The expected 8 years growth
was achieved in 7 years. The improvement
in quality of beef herds was very evident at
the recent bull sale of Chippy Watson and
Chris Dwen. Our local farm economists have
done wonderful work and are responsible
for their outstanding achievements.
Without offering any solutions, the current
questions we are faced with – the surplus of
milk, the drop in price and what future
markets do we envisage, the electricity
debacle, the financial position and
unfortunately the unstable political position.
It is worrying to learn about the recent labour
strikes on some of our largest farms. The
deliberate fires and the ongoing hunting
problems. The devastating fires our region
has suffered in the last 2 years.
The obvious solution is to encourage the
farmers to keep up the good work and pray
that we have a bright future and continue to
grow as you have done in the past.The
younger generation keeps up the good
family farming tradition and enables the older
generation to retire.
The obvious solution is to retire to a
complex and just chill, play golf, go on
holiday, watch the grandchildren play sport.
What a life!
Have you considered inflation, the cost of
THANKS
Home made traditional brawn R59.90
Prime Rib R59/Kg
T - Bone R85/Kg
This august it is 11 years ago that my sister Astrid passed away in her
house in Himeville.Some time after this we heard that a memorial tribute
would be placed at the SPCA where she worked and lived for a while.
The family unfortunately lost contact with Astrid’s friends so we
never heard what, if anything, had been done. Thanks to the internet
I now have been able to contact the newly established SPCA in
Himeville and they very kindly sent a photograph of the plaque at the
memorial wall ; Also on behalf of my sister Babette I would like to
thank everybody who was involved in making this tribute, if we had
known earlier we would have thanked you all before. The plaque
looks remarkable but we were saddened and dissapointed to see our
name misspelled, it reads broekmanN instead of broekman ! However,
we hope everybody shares good memories about her with us and
Babette and I express our appreciation for the effort that was made.
One day I hope to visit Himeville again and see it myself. Kind
Regards, Peter Broekman, Amstelveen, Holland broekmap@gmail.com
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
Agents for DHL TNT
TIMEFREIGHT &
EXPRESS DELIVERIES
TEL: 033 7011017 or
FAX 033 7011030
DISCLAIMER
office@venniker-accounting.co.za
ROD’S
ENGINEERING
Twice daily to P M B
local - national international
Ubudedengu kwezempilo
Abameli bakwaFrederick Badenhorst bangabameli
abangongoti emacaleni obudedengu kwezempilo
ikakhulu kwawokulimala kwengqondo kubantwana
ngesikhathi bezalwa, ngenxa yobudedengu
bukadokotela noma abahlengikazi esibhedlela.
Inombolo yocingo: 033 394 5429
Noma
Xhumana noMnu uClive Ngubane ukuthola ulwazi
kanye nosizo kulabo abakhuluma isiZulu.
Inombolo yocingo: 071 393 4138
033 701 2088
golf and holidays, the boredom – please read
the passage about love thy neighbor?
The alternative is to keep farming with no
stress. This is a practical solution which
has been tried by one of our local farmers
and worked. In this case 2 farms were
purchased in the Memel/Harrismith area.
The farms appreciate in value and so do the
beef cattle. The labour force is 2 per farm.
Rotational grazing with good licks are used.
A scotch cart is used. The many advantages
are the beautiful countryside and excellent
grazing. The Receiver will have to wait a
few more years while you enjoy the farming
tax benefits.
Buy a new bakkie, Punch Chapman will
deliver your only tractor. You support the
Cheetahs, the home of the flowing rugby.
No need for champagne glasses, just take
some wors and enjoy watching SA top rugby
school
We have an exciting selection of farms in
the Free State, we look forward to showing
you. By Norman Herring 082 901 8363 or
www.ppproperties.co.za
or e-mail: info@ppproperties.co.za
SANI P
ASS CARRIERS
PASS
Famous Biltong
Smoked Trout Fillets
082 518 1550
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
How does a farmer retire?
C LAS S I F I E D S
CARAVAN PARK &
COUNTRY ESTATE
082 4938700
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.
Hazeldene
Nursery
LARGE TREES IN
VARIOUS SIZES
FOR
INSTANT IMPACT
ALL YEAR ROUND
by appointment only
Tel/Fax: 033 7021686
SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2015
www.mountainecho.co.za
Visit Himeville 5km from Underberg
Himeville Museum Draws
International Visitors and Kids
who Discover The Olden days
Over the past few weeks the Museum has once again hosted a
number of visitors from as far afield as Japan, Israel, Belgium
and even Ghana. Visitors have included honeymooners, families, people from other museums, retirees, holidaymakers on
return visits, as well as many local residents who enjoy the
sense of history and heritage that belongs to them. People from
all walks of life have spent time learning more about our local
history and the roles that many people have played in developing our area to where it is today. Many of the older visitors
relive parts of their youth when they recognise exhibits and
artefacts that were everyday items in their homes while they
were growing up, and younger visitors are taken aback by just
how far technology has advanced over the past 100 years or
so. Something that we have learnt ourselves over the recent
past is just how many people are currently involved in genealogical research – based on a sense of wanting to know more
about their roots. All of this just serves to reinforce the fact that
history is far from dead, in fact it is alive and thriving! Himeville
Fort and Museum is most definitely a place where history happens and we once again invite everyone, young and old to pay
us a visit.
Preparations for the Christmas fair are well underway and we
have already received a number of bookings for stands. Please
don’t forget to diarise the date – 12 December 2015. We are also
still accepting donations of goods for the Fair and these may be
dropped off at the Museum. Due to unprecented feedback and
requests the Fair will be held at the Museum again this year.
We are also pleased to announce that you will soon be able to
purchase a stunning “Birthday Calendar” from the Museum.
This lovely calendar showcases many iconic houses and places
of interest to be found in the area and is a “must have” item for
each home. It will also make a lovely Christmas or birthday gift
for someone special. Watch this space for availability…..
Remember that the Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from
09h00 to 15h00 and on Sundays from 09h00 to 12h30 and entrance is free. You are guaranteed a warm welcome here. Any
queries may be directed to the Curator, Bongi Zondi on 033 702
1184 or himevillemuseum@telkomsa.net.
082 4938700
Under The Tin Hat
To the 3 people who missed Under The Tin Hat,
sorry, the Scribe’s computer got a glitch and files/
videos/pictures all got lost in cyberspace!
Among the files was 10 odd years of Under The
Tin Hat! Suppose that’s why there is something
called backup! If items are repeated,
apologies.The Boot and Saddle MOTHs handed
over a cheque for R 6000-00 to Sani Carers for
their Cancer SA project. These funds are actually
from our supporters in the District. So a big thank
you again to one and all.The Scribe is not having
a good time! The advert for the MOTH Fun Bowls
Day, kindly placed by Paul in the last edition,
SANI SPCA
We have exciting news this month! First and
foremost,we now have electricity at the
kennels,which means that the infrared globes are
functioning in the individual kennels to keep our
furry friends warm.Brandis Electrical, we thank you
most sincerely for all your efforts in making it possible for us to have electricity connected again,
after nine months without any power. We all know
how reliant we are on our electrical appliances!
Once ceilings have been installed, Brandis Electrical will continue with the wiring.Thank you guys,
for your amazing contribution! There are many
more thanks due to other businesses in the community: Murray Cairns and Lana of Sani Pass Tours
donated blankets to us; Underberg Forge gave us
buckets and food; Mike Comins of Sani Signs will
be erecting our revamped signage this week; Anne
and Gordon of Computer Workshop print posters
for us of pets looking for homes. We are reliant on
donations to function, so we thank you all most
sincerely.
Our trainee inspector Lindile Jakatyana has returned from a week of intense training at the SPCA
in Vereeniging and in his absence,field worker Sfiso
Mlotshwa has been hands on at the kennels.
Please people,come to visit the kennels.We have
two beautiful juvenile female cats and a tabby male
kitten looking for approved homes. A reminder
about our fun event on November !st, 2015 - SPCA
Pet Show Competition and Fun Day at Kenmo Lake
with music by Neil Prior.
Obituary CLOUGH (Howie) George Howard McIntyre
5th July 1944 - 20th August 2015.
Fab Fair @ UFA
SHOW
25 -27
September
It is with deep regret that we announce the untimely passing of
Howard Clough, following a fatal heart attack at the age of 71 in
Underberg. Howard was the middle child of John & Hilda Clough, his
mother the elder daughter of McIntyre Day Houston who was an
early Settler on the farm ‘Kilmun” in the Coleford/Underberg district.
Howie’s love of the district was deep rooted, having attended
Underberg Primary School where he excelled at athletics and returning to the area upon completion of his secondary and tertiary education. Howie epitomized the character that his alma mater, Maritzburg
College, strove to produce as his gentlemanly conduct, sporting
prowess and personable nature enabled him to excel. This culminated in his appointment as a School Prefect in 1963, the College
Centenary year. Following this, Howie chose to pursue his passion
for farming, attending Grootfontein Agricultural College in the E.Cape
in order to learn the sheep/woolen trade. After a stint working for the
Wool Board in the E.Cape, Howie returned to farm with his father at
“Kilmun” & after his father’s death he took over part of the farm
which he named “Pudsey”, the place his father came from in Yorkshire. Howie loved sport, both watching and participating and was a
very active member of the cricket, tennis and bowls clubs at various
stages of his life. After cricketing success at all levels of the game,
culminating in his selection for the Natal Country Districts side, Howie
began suffering from the effects of a back problem which he developed at school, resulting in several operations which significantly
affected his mobility later in life. Even after Howie was not able to
continue playing bowls, a game that he loved, he took on the responsibility of green keeper for the Underberg bowling club to remain
close to the game. In 1987 Howie married Gaye BULLIMORE, taking
on the role of a caring devoted husband as well as a father and role
model to her three children, Justine, Simon & Amber. He was a man of
uncompromising integrity, extreme work ethic and a positive influence on all that came into contact with him. Despite his own failing
mobility, Howard continued to work until the day of his death, never
finding reason to complain and making light of the challenges that
life threw at him. He was a great Zulu linguist and made many friends
across the spectrum of cultures that the district has to offer including at the petrol pumps, where he would engage the attendant in
long conversations! Although Howard will be sorely missed, the
legacy passed on through his principles, love for life and infectious
optimism will continue as a source of inspiration for the generations
to come. He leaves his wife Gaye, her children Justine, Simon , Amber, his nine grandchildren, his sister Adrienne and his brother
Michael who lives in the U.K.
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
was incorrect. Again sorry. The correct date of the day is Sunday 25
October 2015 and we urge you all to put in teams and enjoy a day of
family fun. Lastly the Boot + Saddlers will be manning a food stand
at the UFA Show. So pop round for a visit and enjoy a Hamburger or
Bacon and Egg Roll while the kids have Hot Dogs! Keep well till next
time YUTTH The Scribe
Tel: 033 -7021154
OPEN
7 Days a Week
The
Stonehouse
and Rose &
Quail
Cafe and
Antiques
Country
Kitchen
Tuesdays: Fish & Chips R55.00
Omelette R38.00 all day
Sunday Roast with all the
trimmings
Relax in our budding spring
garden and enjoy Tea & Treats
or
Browse in the Antiques &
Collectables shop for something
that takes your fancy
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
Boot + Saddle
Established 1904
FUNKY JUNK & TRASHY
TREASURES
Entrance on George street at
Harcourts: Main road,
opposite Museum, Himeville.
Open Tuesday to Friday 9 - 4,
Saturday 10 – 2.
PAGE 9
M.O
.T
.H.
M.O.T
.T.H.
Invite you to
join us for a
Fun Bowls Day
Sunday 25 October
at Underberg Bowling Club
Time 08h30 for 09h00
Dress Casual or Fancy Dress –
(Flat Shoes MUST be worn)
Team 4 to a Team (Only 1 Club Bowler allowed per Team)
Cost R 125 per player (Includes Lunch, Teas and Snacks)
Prizes for all Bowlers
Prize for Best Dressed Team
Children welcome - free juice + hot dogs provided
Contacts: Bruce 072 376 9537 or Mouldy 072 405 8854
PAGE 10
www.mountainecho.co.za
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
The annual burning of old dry moribund veld is a very necessary
procedure for many reasons that have been gone into more than once
in the Mountain Echo so they wont be repeated here. At one time the
organizing of veld burns were left entirely to the individual farmer
and his neighbours a system which worked well enough but left a bit
to be desired at times. In actual fact few of the serious runaways were
due to controlled fires getting away on account of weather conditions
but were usually caused by arson, arcing power lines, ‘long dead’ logs,
stumps or even roots flaring up and spreading sparks in a high wind
long after they had been considered put out
With improving communications efforts were made to organize and
control winter burns in the interests of communal safety To begin
with legislation was introduced that laid down the dates on which
burns could be made and limited the periods during which plantation
slash could be burned. However there were still occasions on which
things went wrong and may have resulted in considerable damage to
property, livestock and even lives. Obviously more is needed to be
done to promote safety and the protection of property. Communications
have improved exponentially in just the past few years so it has become
possible to keep in touch with many more rural community members
Lovingly stocked with quality, fairly than it was in the good old days of the party line telephones
Accordingly a .’Working on Fire’ organisation was set up with
priced novel crafts & gifts for whole
family. Honey, cheese , trout, our own headquarters in Greytown and backed by legislation, the legal
requirements of which make it possible to prosecute those who ignore
organic homemade fare - rich icethe rules. The legislation also makes it compulsory to join a local Fire
cream, yoghurt, farm milk, jams,
Protection Association and provides for an annual levy with which to
Simone’s chocolate almond treats,
finance the operation of a local Fighting on Fire team in each district
Fair Trade coffee,chocolate & tea. We It is run by a central office that provided weather information which is
support small crafters. Breakfast,
disseminated to all the other regional offices on a daily basis each
light lunches, cakes. Nature trail.
morning They decree when it is safe to burn and when not, they give
Good cycle stop off. Cows handthe humidity and the expected temperatures for the day as well as
estimated wind speeds to back up for their decisions.
milked at 3pm. Open 7.30am - 5pm
Unfortunately the weather information as supplied by the
daily. SANI PASS ROAD 0337020330
weather office is often not all that accurate which has resulted in
many occasions when a perfect day for burning has been ruled out
:Choose and as there are not that many perfect days in a season a lot of veld
from a range of tree and shrub species. may go unburned posing a hazard to the landowner the following
Information provided and orders taken. season. No allowance is made for local input either and considering
that weather conditions vary so greatly from one district to the next
Russell Suchet 0839873071
this becomes a serious problem at times when farmers have had to
hold off on account of a decision being made in a totally different part
of the country to which our weather has never been a part. To the
casual observer this would not seem a problem but it often means that
in order to keep his rotation going the landowner has to put in a late
burn which burns a lot of green grass that was beginning to emerge
resulting in serious damage to the veld. This becomes a problem for
everyone so we badly need an intelligent local input which will be
respected by the organisation and allow a degree of latitude in daily
decision making.
Regrettably some landowners ignore the levy and the
necessity to join their local Working on Fire organisation because
should a fire originate for whatever reason on their land and then
get into a neighbours
property
the
landowner on whose
land
the
fire
originated will be
held liable for all the
damage caused and
should
their
neighbour perhaps be
SAPPI or Mondi they
could find themselves
expected to pay an
enormous sum in
underberg@twkagri.com
r e p a r a t i o n .
Furthermore failure
Tel: 033 7012229
to join your local
organisation renders
you automatically
liable regardless of
the
reasons or
causes.
M Clark
B U R N I N G
GREEN GRASS
GIANT’S CUP
CAFÉ & CRAFTS
INDIGENOUS
PLANT SALES
TWK AGRICUL
TURE
GRICULTURE
LIMITED
Underberg - Swartberg Cedarville - Ixopo Kokstad - Howick
SPECIAL COMPLETE DOG FOOD
Buy 1 x 25Kg & get free
dog shampoo
SEED POTATOES
VEG SEED PACKS
MEALIE SEED
Planting Season Is Here
Please contact us for your
Fertilizer needs
See you at the U.F.A. Show All the best to all
our customers with their entries at the show.
082 4938700
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
Auto Electrical & Towing
MO
VING 1 OCT
OBER
MOVING
OCTOBER
NEXT TO NESTLE ON
MAIN R
OAD UNDERBER
G
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UNDERBERG
24 Hour mobile service
JT
AUT
O
UTO
Call John Thompson on 082 610 5597 A/H FAX 033 7012254
Email: jtauto@telkomsa.net
we pride ourselves in personal service
Property & Wealth
’Land redistribution’s big unknowns need further interrogation
Uncertainties and impediments surrounding the status of large areas
of traditional communal land remain a challenge to South Africa’s
land restitution process. The prevailing situation regarding traditional
land is still in most instances preventing many communities and
thousands of individuals from gaining access to the benefits, especially
economic, of direct legal and full ownership of fixed property.
Much of the process of fully modernising and regularising the situation
is likely to play out in the courts for some years to come.
An important recent judgement in the Constitutional Court illustrates
this process and might give some direction for future litigations. In a
dispute between the Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela Communal Property
Association of the Northwest Province and traditional leader Kgosi
Pilane and the Traditional Authority, the Court ruled in favour of the
Association, representing the majority of the community, to take
possession of the land in question. The Court effectively clarified the
proper interpretation of section 5(4) of the Communal Property
Association Act (the Act).
Scope of the issue Assessing the size and status of ‘Black’ communal
areas is an important step in overcoming the bias and misunderstanding
that often clouds the public debate, and a way to the adoption of wellinformed policy positions regarding land restitution. According to
the 2014/15 Commission on the Restitution of Land Rights’ annual
report some 428 claims were settled thus far. Of these 241 were urban,
and 187 rural. There have been 78 600 beneficiaries from 15 457
households. Awards of 144 406 hectares were made at a cost of around
R1 billion, with financial compensation totaling around R1 billion. It
adds up to R2 billion spent on the land restitution process to date.
However, many communities and especially individuals, in the
absence of the ability to register individual titles over the land on
which they reside, remain excluded from the full potential benefits of
the process. As mentioned in the previous column, the PLAAS
(Institute of Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies) research identified
15% of South Africa’s land mass as being ’Black’. That translates
into approximately 18 300 000 hectares of land that are historically
designated as traditional land.
More specifically PLAAS attributes the ‘black’ land as being:
·
1% former ‘coloured’ reserves;
·
2% being held by the Ingonyama Trust (in former KwaZulu);
·
2% other customary lands held in trust by the state; and
·
10% being the ex ‘homelands’, other than KwaZulu.
These communal areas vary considerably across the provinces, from
over 36% in KwaZulu-Natal to under 0,05% in the Northern and
Western Cape. The former homelands represent communal areas that
cover over 17 million hectares of which around 14.5 million hectares
were classified as agricultural land, with the balance being towns and
protected areas. This land is mostly state-owned and heavily settled
by black households under various forms of customary tenure, with
tenure reform a highly contested yet neglected cornerstone of
government policy.
The PLAAS report goes on to identify the main slice of 67% of the
land as being ‘white’ commercial agricultural land, 10% being ‘other’
state land and only 8% being classified as ‘the remainder’, which
includes the urban areas where most of the ‘property market’ operates.
And the latter is an important perspective to keep in mind: the lucrative
and vibrant privately held residential property market we read about
in the daily media is essentially found in this 8% one can classify as
‘the remainder’. It is mainly here that the R6 TRILLION property
market plays out as an asset class for underpinning the wealth of the
county’s citizens. And it is here where the benefits of private home
ownership are seen to bear the fruit and which, in our constitutional
democracy, must be open to all the people of the country. It is high
time that ways are found to make it possible for those citizens living
and toiling on communal land to share in the benefits and opportunities
of this market. The question is: Should it just be left to a cumbersome
legal process, which could stretch over many years into the future?
by Eve van Basten This article first appeared in The Intelligence
Bulletin.
SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2015
www.mountainecho.co.za
COMMUNITY WATCH
Once again it is pleasing to note that our local
crime statistics remain low. As reported in the
previous number of Mountain Echo articles,
theft of diesel continues to be a problem. Few
house break ins have been reported. Stock
theft stats remain few except in the Bulwer
area. Those of you who use gas for cooking/
heating and store the gas bottles outside, be
warned that they are in great demand. The
local Mqatsheni residents have formed their
own stock theft patrols and have recorded
good successes in livestock recovery. Well
done Mqatsheni residents.
We appeal to everyone to make sure that
security starts at home. Have alarms fitted,
stay alert and vigilant. Report all suspicious
activity. The police rely heavily on community
co-operation. I believe that probably 98% of
house breakings occur on properties that do
not have alarm systems. Our crime statistics
indicate that assaults and theft are a problem
in the two low income housing areas. I can
understand that when ones home is broken
into one is upset and asks what the police
and everyone else is doing about it, but what
precautions has the owner taken, particularly
those who only come up here now and again.
With the availability of work becoming more
and more of a problem, together with the large
By John Pearce
number of workers being laid off – retrenched,
the security situation is not improving. A
request from the National Police
Commissioner to all communities, is for cooperation with SAPS, reporting crime,
suspicious activity and for people to be alert
at all times. I believe that our community is
doing this anyway, but we must not become
slack!
Members from DAFF head office in Pretoria,
carried out an audit on 9th September of the
Southern Berg Fire Protection Association. I
am pleased to report that they were suitably
impressed with the set up we have in place
regarding fire management in our area of
jurisdiction. It was pleasing to inform them
that the co-operation we receive from our
members is top notch. DAFF we were
informed, is available to assist with the
prosecution of anyone who does not abide
by the fire rules and regulations and
deliberately puts the district at risk.
On the 6th August 2015, a letter sent to the
Kwa Sani’s attorneys from the Community
Watch attorney was ignored. On 1 st
September 2015 an URGENT Email from our
attorney to the Kwa Sani attorney basically
stated the following: “ It recorded that our
attorney had not received a notification of
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
your client’s objection to paying the amount
owed to Community Watch. That no argument
from his client refuting their indebtedness to
Community watch other than the allegation
that the original contract was invalid. (Note:
Kwa Sani’s allegation over ruled in four court
cases). Our attorney stated that should Kwa
Sani fail to pay within ten (10) days of receipt
of the letter, he had been instructed to issue
summons in the High Court. Kwa Sani’s
attorney was asked to notify the writer
immediately, failing which we accept that there
are no objections to same”. I believe the
deadline is 14th September.
The fire season is not over yet. We still have
the remainder of August, the whole of
September and October to get through, so
please keep our district safe from fires. No
burning of garden refuse or timber slash is
permitted before 1st November.
At Community Watch, we sometimes receive
requests from non members to put out
messages either on the radio network, by SMS
or internet. Unless the request is an
emergency, we cannot comply. Our members
pay for our services and cannot afford to have
people riding the band wagon.
Community Watch 24hour emergency
contact numbers: 033-7021114/7; 7021143.
Fax:
033-7021821Email:ops@comwatch.co.za Let us work together in fighting
crime – Masibuyisane Silwe Nobulelesi.
082 4938700
PAGE 11
UNDERBERG FARMERS
ASSOCIATION
SEPTEMBER 2015
STOCK SALE STATS
QTY SUPPLIED
QTY SOLD
MAX PRICE
MIN PRICE
AVE PRICE
613
605
R14600
R1600
R7227
UNDERBERG
AR
Y
VETERINAR
ARY
VETERIN
SUR
GER
Y
SURGER
GERY
Tel: 033-7011092 (all hours)
Stockists of a carefully selected
range of
LIVESTOCK HEALTH
PRODUCTS
Suited for local conditions
At excellent prices with
professional advice
OUR VANISHING GRASSLANDS
Grasslands are old, stable and resilient
ecosystems in which most of the plants are
long lived, and can withstand repeated
defoliation or disturbance by fire, frost and
low to moderate levels of grazing .
Grasslands are categorized into three types
of palatability for grazing:*Sourveld
*Sweetveld
*Mixed veld
The Underberg/Himeville area is sourveld
which exists in high rainfall regions with
frosty winters and highly leached soils. In
these grasslands animal production off the
veld is only possible for six months of the
year before lower temperatures and dry
winters result in a significant decline in
forage quality. Sourveld plants withdraw
their nutrients from their leaves, starting
early in autumn, resulting in the leaves being
unpalatable during winter.
Thinking is now changing, not just focused
on grasses, and biodiversity of grasslands
is no longer an issue confined to
conservationists, biologists and wildlife
supporters. It is important to everybody
involved with land use and agriculture.
Signs of a healthy, biodiverse grassland are:*High basal cover ( a measure of how much
Zwartberg
Farmers
Association
Annual Show
- 10th
October
2015
soil is covered by the bases of plants) which
binds the soil and prevents erosion
*High diversity of growth form (soft leafed
herbaceous plants – forbs – bulbs, sedges,
ferns, succulents etc in addition to grasses)
*High diversity of grass species rather than
dominance by any single species
*Topsoil that is intact, rich in organic matter
and uncommpacted, with lots of evidence of
soil turning through the action of various
animals.
*An even grass sward, rather than tussocked
veld – tussocked veld is an indicator that all
the palatable species have been eaten, leaving
big tufts of unpalatable species,
*An absence of invasive plants.
Because we share the world with many other
species of plants
and animal, we
must consider the
consequences of
our actions.
Extracts
from
“Grassland
E c o s y s t e m
Guidelines”
SANBI.
SERVICING
UNDERBERG
AUTO
DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER
ANALYSIS.
CENTRE
0337011318FORKLIFT - Sales / Servicing
Hydraulic pipes
0827828408
24 hr CALLOUT
Riddle for seniors.... Today’s riddle for
seniors...Here is the situation: You are on a
horse, galloping at a constant speed. On your
right side is a sharp drop-off. On your left
side is an elephant traveling at the same speed
as you. Directly in front of you is a galloping
kangaroo and your horse is unable too
vertake it. Behind you is a lion running at the
same speed as you and the kangaroo.What
must you do to get out of this highly
dangerous situation? Quietly get off the
merry-go-round and go home!
The 2015 ZFA show will start at 10am, farmers
from Kokstad, Underberg and Swartberg will
bring their animals to be judged, and there
will also be a fun Farmers’ Challenge, Beer
Tent and various activities for the whole
family.
The ZFA Barn Dance
will begin at 7pm - so
bring along your
Workshop
Stetsons
and
cowboy boots for an
Mackenzie Street - Goxhill
entertaining
Himeville
evening.
Contact Meg Rorich
Public Relations
zfa@zfa.co.za 079
520 7578. 039 747
D O N
B L A K E Y
4620
DON’S REP
AIRS
REPAIRS
Road
MAINTENANCE OF
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES
033 7021110 or 7021835 or 0823421387
MITSUBISHI SANI DRAGON MTB RACE
PAGE 12
www.mountainecho.co.za
082493 8700
mountainecho@telkomsa.net
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
033 7011563
underberg@pamgolding.co.za
A RARE AND SPECIAL PROPERTY R1.995M
This well maintained home is set on 10,921 sq m of park like garden
with Magnificent Mountain views. Additional features include
“Hole in the Wall pub, pool, self-contained flat, staff room and
double garage.
PICTURESQUE SETTING IN HIMEVILLE R1.95M
Set in the peaceful village of Himeville, this beautiful home
overlooks the Nature Reserve, dam and farmlands. Open plan
design with attractive kitchen. Separate spacious granny flat and
teenage pad. Pool and entertainment gazebo. Double garage.
BRIGHT & LIGHT FAMILY HOME R1.195M
Immaculate 4 bedroom home in secure level garden with pool in
desirable area close to the Himeville dam and Commonage. Large
open plan living area and undercover patio, lovely kitchen and
spacious games room or studio. Garage and tandem carport.
607 Ha MATATIELE EXCELLENT
GRAZING elevated farm with notable rooi
grass grazing. Basic house, sheds and
handling facilities. 40 Ha eragrostis.R6m
UNDERBERG BEEF FARM 800 ha , 50Ha
enriched arable, good cattle water, handling
facilities, close to village,R6,2m
UNDERBERG GRAZING 91Ha mountain
grazing on Hlogoma mountain.R1,5m
UNDERBERG DEVELOPMENT SITE 40Ha
3 scenic dams, rose hedges and exquisite
mountain views. Ideal for MEDIUM cost
housing, R1,5m
UNDERBERG
LOG CABIN
R 795 000
Situated on a gently sloping, fully fenced property within walking
distance of local amenities. Open-plan living room and kitchen, 3
beds (two en-suite), lock-up garage.
UNDERBERG
GARDENER’S DELIGHT
R 850 000
A recently renovated home, set in a private, beautiful garden.
Downstairs open-plan kitchen/ living room with fireplace and guest
bathroom. Upstairs 2 beds, study / dressing room and separate
bathroom. Studio and double garage.
7Ha smallholding with river frontage and
Mountain views R720 000.00
UNDERBERG RERDUCED PLOT Half acre
in desirable area with partial mountain views,
reduced to R 125. 000 HURRY
UNDERBERG
MOUNTAINAIRS
R 975 000
Enjoy the magnificent views of the Southern Drakensberg from your
veranda. 3 beds, 2 baths, living room with fireplace and dining room.
Carport. Situated near a magnificent oak tree, with room to enjoy the
garden.
IXOPO SMALLHOLDING 23 Ha Huge
homestead,3 S/C cottages, 3 big sheds
(635m² Total) 3 stables tack/grooms room,
labour housing, good borehole, R1,78m
EXECUTIVE TOWNHOUSE R2,695M
Superb 450 sq m home in a small complex with spectacular views
and direct Golf Course access . Exquisite kitchen forms the hub
of the modern open plan living area. 3 large en suite bedrooms,
entrance hall, study and guest toilet. Double garage and
storeroom.
PRICE SLASHED TO SELL R595 000
Comfortable 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home with great mountain
views, double garage, staff accommodation & outside office. Fully
fenced & alarmed. A great buy at this price
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
COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES ranging
from R5m to R21,5m in Matatiele and
Howick. Blue chip anchor tenants. Excellent
returns. More viable than farming!
BULWER 225HA agric smallholding with
strong river and pump, lots of arable, small
dairy, accommodation for 80 pax (4786m²
buildings!), large hall ,including moveables.
Bargain at R3,8m
UNDERBERG To Rent
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL WORKSHOP 278m²
for R24,40 per m² (Incl VAT) .
HIMEVILLE Quaint 2 bed cottage R3500pm.
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
HIMEVILLE
SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME R 1 150 000
Warm 4-bed family home set in a large garden with beautiful old
trees. Income-earning cottages with separate entrance, storeroom
and staff accomm.
UNDERBERG
THE MEADOWS
R 1 595 000
This home set in a landscaped garden, has top quality finishes and
direct views to the Drakensberg mountain range. Open plan lounge
/ dining room with gas fireplace. Covered veranda with built-in braai.
Fitted gourmet kitchen.
Angela Walker
Sue Preston
Paula Bullimore
082 772 8984
084 880 8701
079 491 0101
Peter Desmond 082 456 6761(Kokstad)
Sanele Madlavu 072 885 3559 (Kokstad)
www.pamgolding.co.za