Kruger2Canyon Vol18.08 by Mark Bishop

Hoedspruit

BOEREMARK

Next Market on 7 March 2020 @ BOSVELD CENTRE 2.2KM out of town on R40

The paper that encourages dreams, supports people and builds the community! Vol 18 Issue 08, 28 February 2020, Kruger2Canyon News, Shop 12, Kamogelo Centre, Hoedspruit. Tel 015 793 2617 email: heidi.lee@mweb.co.za

Fia Loof van Zyl

Mango Mania 2020

Ane-May Botha and Moya van Zyl seen having a blast at the recent Mango Mania 2020. Mango Mania has grown from humble beginnings in 2013 with only a handful of visitors into a fabulous well attended family-festival day out, in the Bavaria Estate mango orchards. Started originally by Bavaria General Manager Johan du Preez as a means of sharing his passion for mangoes and the vast variety that are cultivated on the farm. Johan’s aim was to increase mango awareness while providing fruit at an affordable rate and getting locals out of town and onto a tractor and into the orchards to experience picking mangoes for themselves. The event has grown from strength to strength and today boasts one of the highlights on the Hoedspruit Cycling calendar…read more on the back page.

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28 February 2020 Kruger2Canyon

LOCAL NEWS

TRUCKS & more trucks

The call of Africa

Jessica Sussens grew up on Tshukudu, and has recently begun sharing some of the history of the property and the story of how her grandparents Ala and Lolly Sussens came to live there and develop a world renowned tourism destination, in the then ‘lesser-known’ little town of Hoedspruit.

Part 1: In the beginning, there was Poland (1930-1949) It is impossible to tell you the story of Tshukudu if we don’t tell you the story of the founders. Tshukudu’s story is one that started just like a fairy tale. However, this fairy tale is not without hardships and it is apt we start at the beginning…in Poland. Alina Kuchcinska was born in Poland in 1930 to loving parents, Judge Lubomir Kuchicinski and Judge Maria Telatycka. She grew up in the idyllic Northern town of Swieciany in Lithuania and had a younger mischievous brother, Janusz. The children were loved by their doting parents and didn’t want for anything.

On Friday 23 Vicky Mittan posted this image and this comment on Hoedspruit Town SA’s facebook page: ‘Three trucks in front and three behind in three minutes going through Hoedspruit town on a Sunday afternoon at 5.00.pm. Our town roads will end up like lydenburg and Belfast. Is this their new route? Does anyone know? Kruger2Canyon has been inundated with calls of complaints about the volume of trucks on the R40 and now also on the Lydenburg Road. It seems that the trucks are using the Lydenburg Road as an alternative when there is unrest on the R40. At this point it seems there is no stopping the volume of trucks, as in the past it is going to take a lot of community involvement and dedication to make any in roads into this challenge. Drivers are encouraged to take care when traveling between Hoedspruit and White River as the traffic is extremely congested all the way!

Send pics and comments to heidi.lee@mweb.co.za

Ala (as she was known), remembers her favourite time in Poland to be Christmas. From Wigilia to watching shooting stars and feasting. This peaceful life would soon come to an end as the German army began moving in. The kids learned to retreat quickly to the cellar if they heard any sirens to keep them safe from potential bombing attacks. After Germany and Russia formed an alliance, the sight of tanks rolling through town became common. The family decided to move to a humbler dwelling in Lithuania in an attempt to escape anti-capitalism communists. Mom and Emilia (the nanny) were tasked to look after the children while Judge Lubomir went into hiding. The alliance didn’t look kindly on Polish intelligentsia. Sharing a single room didn’t prove to be half has hard as

what was in store for the ‘fatherless’ family. Soon their true identities would be uncovered, and they had to flee. The start of abuse, empty promises and illnesses on a jam-packed and toilet-less train would ensue. Hitler’s cruelty knew no bounds and his hatred towards the Polish people grew. The next stop was a village in Kazakhstan. The children made the best of their situation by playing games and enjoying their childhood by embracing everything nature had to offer. Working mothers, school going children and faith was the only normalcy that this never-ending struggle for

survival had to offer.

More journeys in even harder conditions were on the cards for the family. They travelled to Uzbekistan and later crossed the Caspian Sea to end up in Tehran.

Salvation came after a doctor arranged transport for Ala’s mother, herself and her brother on a ship to South Africa. Ala’s miracle couldn’t arrive sooner, and in first class none the less. Luxury accommodation, sweets and laughter filled the ship as they celebrated the next chapter of their lives and said goodbye to the dreadful past few years. To be continued…

28 February 2020 Kruger2Canyon

NEWS & VIEWS

A female Greater Honeyguide was the bird that lead Robin Cook to the beehive in Jejane.

Robin Cook Having worked on Elephants Alive’s Bees, Trees, Elephants & People Project for four years, I had only ever heard the stories of Greater Honeyguides (Indicator indicator) guiding humans to the secret location of a beehive. Indeed, the tales have always fascinated me about how the bird would escort its follower to the beehive itself, before waiting patiently for its bee

larvae and wax reward. In fact, it is believed by some researchers that this co-evolution between honeyguides and humans dates back to the stone-aged days. Nevertheless, I was still awaiting the day that a honeyguide would guide me to a beehive. Then last week whilst walking through the bush, I heard a rather unusual chirping sound ahead of me. Looking up, I noticed a Greater Honeyguide sitting on a

False Marula, actively calling and jumping about. It then took off and flew a further 20 metres to the next large tree. Knowing where the closest Elephants Alive beehive was, and extremely curious about this bird’s behaviour, I decided to take the bait and follow. What followed next was simply amazing to witness. For a distance of around 200 metres, the honeyguide bounced from tree to tree, stopping and calling wildly each time with me hot on its trail. I knew that we were getting closer and closer to the beehive and its increased calling seemed to indicate this as well. Finally we reached the tree containing the beehive and I was delighted to see the honeyguide perched in the tree’s canopy, shuffling about and calling wildly. This time it did not take off when I approached, and it seemed clear to me that this was indeed the prize that it was after! It was a little heart-breaking, as I in fact had no harvesting gear on me and felt a little torn about raiding one of our hardworking, tree-protecting beehives for the sake of the honeyguide. However, being so impressed by this clever little bird’s persistence, I vowed that the next time I was by the bees I would indeed leave it a little wax treat. I trust that the honeyguide understood my message and will be waiting for me the next time I’m checking on the bees, expecting its wax reward after all its effort in guiding me to the Elephants Alive beehive!

Lucy King

Simon Price

Researcher’s encounter with Greater Honeyguide

Hlokomela invited to attend the 23nd International AIDS Conference USA July 2020. Hlokomela is a small, not-forprofit, HIV/Aids Health Care organisation that truly makes a daily difference in Hoedspruit. The organisation, which has been recognised as a leading health care model in the fight against HIV/Aids, is wholly dependent upon monetary and in-kind contributions from governments, international developmental organisations, and most importantly: local farms and lodges in the Greater Kruger to Canyon Biosphere area. Without these contributions Hlokomela would not be able to provide free health care and support services to the local communities and key population groups within the region. With an estimated 30 000 clinic visits per year, the work Hlokomela does is of immeasurable value to the region. The International AIDS Conference is a very important networking opportunity in terms of the international fight against HIV/Aids, with Hlokomela focused on securing new large funding opportunities at the conference. It

is therefore crucial that Hlokomela sends a team to this biannual event. Over the years, founder Christine du Preez and a small management contingent have used this event to strengthen existing donor relationships, connect with important role players within the international HIV/Aids space, and also to seek out new opportunities for funding and partnerships to keep moving the organisation forward. Due to financial limitations, Hlokomela are unable to cover all the travel expenses associated with attending the 2020 event. It is estimated that these expenses will amount to about ZAR 50 000 per attendee. This amount is due to the exorbitant increase in registration fees, and the unfavourable Rand to Dollar exchange rate. Registration opened on October 1, 2019. Hlokomela would like to register for the conference by the end of February and are kindly requesting support and contributions towards this amount from organisations who see the value in their

work. With the financial yearend fast approaching for many South African companies, consider supporting Hlokomela not just for the great work they do, but also for the TAX advantages it offers donors. Hlokomela is a Level 1 BBE organisation, and, because of our NGO/PBO status, can provide an 18A certificate for all donations in terms of Section 18A of the Income Tax Act. ‘Your support would be greatly appreciated! Says Christine du Preez, Director and Founder of Hlokomela. ‘Please feel free to request any additional information about Hlokomela you might need for your consideration. Thank you for your time and I hope that we can count on your support,’ she ends.

PLEASE MAKE DONATIONS TO:

Hoedspruit Training Trust ABSA Account: 4055051951 Branch: 632005 SWIFT CODE: ABSAZAJJ REFERENCE:AIDS2020

28 February 2020 Kruger2Canyon

LOCAL IS LEKKER

A glimpse into 2020 at Southern Cross College

Bush Hat Ceremony

Orientation

‘Traditions touch us, they connect us, and they expand us.’ The Gr8 learners relinquish their school cap to their Crux mentor during the Hat Ceremony at Southern Cross College and receive a floppy bush hat which they wear every day. Two weeks later at the Induction Assembly, they receive their caps back as a symbol of earning their place at the College.

‘Teamwork builds trust and the trust builds growth.’ SCS Gr 8 learners went through their orientation programme to kick off 2020. The aim of the programme is to encourage learners to feel comfortable in their new environment as quickly as possible. The orientation focusses on communication, teamwork and acceptance.

Tree Planting ‘The best thing about memories, is making them.’ After they have completed their orientation programme, the Grade 8s plant a tree at the College. A tree is a symbol of life and the planting of a tree acts as a reminder of the first time they entered Southern Cross College as Grade 8’s. This SCS tradition creates special moments and memories that keep the learners connected to the school and the environment for years to come.

Grade 7/8 Meet ‘Attitude is a little thing that makes a BIG difference.’ The 2020 Grade 7 class had their first of three introductions to Southern Cross College today. After three weeks of exciting, fun, and new experiences, the current Grade 8s met with the Grade 7’s to talk, answer questions and discuss their time in the College to date. It was amazing to see how the Grade 8’s were so comfortable in their new space. They are confident, chatty and happy with what their new school is adding to their lives. Comments like these were heard across the tables: ‘When you get an assignment, just do it’, ‘every teacher is so helpful’ and ‘orientation was SO much fun’ …

SUPPORT LOCAL

28 February 2020 Kruger2Canyon

A hospital tailor-made for Hoedspruit Kerstin Nyberg Peart The plan for a private hospital in Hoedspruit has been on and off the radar for a long time. A meeting in November 2018 laid out the plans to local health professionals, but soon the idea seemed to lose its impetus and everything went quiet. Not so, says local project coordinator Carien Taute. The project has been rolling along steadily, crossing bridges and clearing hurdles, and is well on track. After permission to build the hospital was obtained from the Department of Health (DoH) Limpopo, the plans were submitted to DoH Limpopo and are making good progress, only awaiting a clinical review before the final approval. Few changes to the existing plans are expected. In addition to clearing the plans with the DoH Limpopo, there were other matters, including land purchase, to deal with. Eight stands on Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate (HWE), zoned for building a hospital, were originally purchased, but to consolidate these into one required submission to the Surveyor General. The plans also had to be submitted to HWE, where the hospital will be located, and to Maruleng for approval of the site development. The next stage is to get the hospital management in place. Two major hospital groups that had been approached visited Hoedspruit last week and are expected to put forward their proposals imminently. Carien emphasises that the hospital is

a community project, and it was made clear to the potential management groups that subcontractors must be local; expertise can be brought in, but the jobs are for local people. This also applies to the financing. The management company selected will bring in investment in order to become a financial stakeholder, but in order to keep the hospital under local control they will not have majority. Local investment is encouraged, and after an expected two years to break even the long term returns should be excellent. The hospital will be built as a 50 bed facility and is

anticipated to open in early 2022 with only 30 beds, and gradually expand. Carien says that once the final hurdles have been cleared it will take three months for architects to do their job, and 18 months for the actual building work. She doesn’t expect any problems with attracting medical specialists, and says that her mailbox is already brimming with CVs from consultants interested in working in our area; likewise from specialist nurses. Consultations with specialists would be run on the basis of a visiting programme, but a 24 hour emergency service will be

continually available, and the hospital will right from the start have an Intensive Care Unit. Carien emphasises the uniqueness of the hospital. Not having a big group as a majority shareholder will guarantee that it will not be ‘another Mediclinic or Live or Nedcare’, but something distinctive for our area and our needs. The hospital will aim to specialise in the treatment of malaria, snakebites, etc. which is certainly very relevant to the Lowveld. As Carien so kindly put it: the hospital will be as unique to Hoedspruit as is Kruger2Canyon News!

Eisteddfod 2020 Details The Eisteddfod will have five categories so everyone with a creative aptitude can participate. The categories and respective performance dates are:

Art 10 - 12 March English Drama 4 - 8 May Afrikaans Drama 20 - 24 July Dance 14 - 15 August Music 26 - 27 August

For more information please contact hoedspruiteisteddfod@gmail.com, or call: Belinda Blignaut 073 936 5696, Colleen Taylor 073 543 4696 Maureen Lahoud 083 785 5354 They will put you in direct contact with the appropriate organiser in your school. Please do not be shy. You have lots of time to prepare. We cannot wait to see you shine at the 2020 Hoedspruit Eisteddfod.

AFRICA UNLOCKED

Private Guided Safaris

28 February 2020 Kruger2Canyon

R1.25 million Donated to SANParks Honorary Rangers to Counter Poaching

Call: 013 752 6057 email:info@crocprint.co.za

DAB water pack 1 kit: DAB 0.37kw 230v motor DAB S4-1/13 Pump Safety rope Base plate with fittings 70m Submersible cable Cable joint. Total R5152.46 DAB water pack 2 kit: DAB 0.56kw 230v motor DAB S4-2/10 pump Safety rope Base plate with fittings 70m Submersible cable Cable joint. Total R5 309.83

NEWS & VIEWS

DAB water pack 3 kit: DAB 0.75kw 230v motor DAB S4-2/14 pump Safety rope Base plate with fittings 70m Submersible cable Cable joint Total R6056.82

For the past five years the Conservation Services National Project of the SANParks Honorary Rangers has received an annual donation of R250 000 from the Amdec Group for anti-poaching efforts in the National Kruger Park area. The SANParks Honorary Rangers is a group of unpaid volunteers who give freely of their time to support wildlife conservation in South Africa’s National Parks. The total R1,25 million donation for the Save Our Rhinos Initiative has been used to procure the rangers’ essential anti-poaching equipment to improve their working conditions and poachers’ tracking performance. The funds have also been used to support the SANParks Air Wing. Amdec’s 2019 donation was used to install landing lights at the Skukuza runway to allow anti-poaching helicopters to take off and land at night, as well as enable the rangers to track poachers at any time. In 2020 the company’s donation will be allocated to equip the rangers with specialised survival equipment that allows the rangers to stay out in the bush, tracking down poachers, for longer periods of time. Proudly South African, The Amdec Group seeks to safeguard the environment with its commitment towards eco-sustainable development, so preserving our rich natural heritage for future generations. It is with this goal in mind that John Wilson, Chairman of the Amdec Group and keen wildlife photographer and conservationist, founded the initiative back in 2015

to raise funds in support of anti-poaching projects. ‘These passionate volunteers give freely of their time and skills to support what is dear to my heart and to our heritage as a nation,’ shares Wilson. ‘Every rand donated to the Save our Rhinos initiative is used to fight poaching.’ SANParks Honorary Ranger Janssen Davies expressed his gratitude for this exceptional donation, adding that SANParks and the honorary rangers look forward to many more years of close collaboration with the Amdec Group

to help stop poaching in our National Parks. This year’s cheque was handed over by John Wilson to Janssen Davies at a ceremony in Cape Town on 20 January 2020. For more about Save Our Rhinos: https://www.facebook.com/AmdecSaveOurRhinos or thttps://www. amdec.co.za/giving-back/ save-our-rhinos/ Herewith a link to a recent video of the story of Save Our Rhinos and the SANParks Honorary Rangers in action: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=a1MrExM9YP8

SANParks Honorary Ranger Janssen Davies receives donatioun cheque from John Wilson.

LOCAL IS LEKKER

28 February 2020

Kruger2Canyon

Real Questions.... Asked at Hoedspruitinfo in 2020!! What time are the lions fed at the zoo in Kruger National Park? Can I test drive my new 4X4 on a private Game Reserve? How big is a malaria mosquito in real life? Do the animal remote control collars use safe batteries?

Call: 0766324004 or e-mail: pierre@ecologic.co.za

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Are you Information ? Answer: You decide.....

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Advertise in Kruger2Canyon to get a FREE listing on our Business Directory BUSINESS / SHOPS / SERVICES @Home Dog Grooming 083 843 0331 ABC Information Technologies 015 793 0851 ABC Information Technologies 079 875 8888 Abupheli Waterproofing 082 780 3610 Agri Box 082 888 0520 Barefoot Dance Academy 083 785 5354 Blackbird Business Services 082 552 6594 Boek & Pen 015 793 0859 Bureu de Change 015 793 1368 Bushmaster Solar & Electrical 015 793 3540 Cap Company 082 774 5809 Crocodile Printers 087 802 8307 Cudo Point 084 657 5031 Deltec Solar 015 793 2448 Darkie Design Interiors 079 503 0151 Ecologic Degreaser 089 525 9210 Fruitful Living 015 793 3703 Gabriella’s Décor & Events Hire 074 140 6069 Garden & Home 062 278 2724 Godding&Godding (24’ SOUTH) 072 467 3310 Hancolodi 079 432 3505 Hangupz (24’ SOUTH) 082 440 8514 Hi-Q Hoedspruit 015 793 1580 Hobby Box 015 793 0043 Hoedspruit Cleaning Crew 071 879 6416 Howzit (24’ SOUTH) 082 304 9131 Hoedspruit Paws 078 431 3161 Hoeds Wildlife Est Pharmacy 015 793 1427 InterAfrica Money Exchange 015 793 1368 Joburg Online 015 793 0093 Khaki Fever 015 793 0943 Kruger2Canyon News 015 793 2617 Maruleng Municipality 015 793 2409 Mediation & Training 083 253 3675 Moov to Move / Nina 078 778 9014 Must Love Dogs 083 843 0331 Niche Cleaning Service 083 233 9852 Pet Bar 078 819 1336 PicknPay Hoedspruit 015 793 0482 Proforum Accountants 015 590 6761 RadioActive 015 793 0855 Round Da Bend (24’ SOUTH) 078 431 3161 Secure Storage 083 263 7433 Simply Sewing 072 210 7411 SPAR Hoedspruit 015 793 2305 Tops @ SPAR 015 793 2069 Top 2 Bottom Cleaning 073 722 7913 Valencia Fabrics / Nelspruit 013 752 7005 Vehicle License Department 015 793 0838 Woodenways Luxury Furniture 013 590 5018 CONSTRUCTION & INDUSTRIAL BUCO 015 793 0560 Coastal Hire 015 793 0971 Drain Surgeon 015 793 1484 DU Paint & Tool 015 590 3993 Emross Consulting Pty Ltd 082 467 8868 1st Class Electrical 071 657 5305 Hoffmans Thatching 015 793 1530 LED Electrical and Pumps 083 501 8979 Midrand Aircon Hoedspruit 015 793 3337 Pool & Spa specialists 015 793 0166 Rudamans Hoedspruit 015 793 0137 Talisman 015 793 0560 Trellidor 013 752 4022 Wildlife Thatch 015 793 0792 SCHOOLS & EDUCATION Drakensig Laerskool 015 793 3756 Drakensig Pre-primer 015 793 2401 Perspective Training College 082 787 4471 Hoedspruit Christian School 015 793 2067 Lowveld Academy 015 793 3750 Mariepskop Laerskool 079 529 6071 Mariepskop Pre-primer 082 880 7069

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Professional Accountants (SA) Et Tax and Business Advisors Professionele Rekenmeesters (SA) Et Belasting en Besigheidsadviseurs Tel: +27 15 590 6761 | email: hoedspruit@proforumacc.co.za

REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY Century 21 015 793 1534 Fine & Country 083 377 6622 Pam Golding 015 793 2712 Wildfig Apartments 083 977 9678 RESTAURANTS & CATERING Anne’s Cotton Club Café 079 286 5600 Desperate Housewives 015 793 0820 Silverwings Spur 015 793 0559 Sleepers Railway Restaurant 015 793 1014 Three Bridges 079 912 9416 SPA’S & SALONS African Summer Spa 015 793 1895 Africology Spa 076 339 1035 Godding& Godding Spa 082 808 9203 Hooked on Hair 015 793 0475 StylistiX Hair &Beauty 015 793 2944 TOURISM & THINGS TO DO 24 Deg. South / Old Silk Farm 072 467 3310 Africa Unlocked Tourism Specialists 082 745 0522 Amurala Lapa 015 781 7766 Ashtons Kruger Shuttle 015 793 2617 Blyde Canyon Adventure 015 795 5961 Cheetah Paw 079 563 4463 Daktari Wildlife Orphanage 082 656 2969 Eastgate Airport 015 793 3681 Forever Resort Swadini 015 795 5141 Godding&Godding 082 808 9203 Hoedspruit-info 015 793 2167 Hds Endangered Species Centre 015 793 1633 Jabulani Elephant Interaction 015 7931265 Khamai Reptile Park 087 806 2093 Klasirie Dam (Tersia) 073 463 3148 Kruger Park Shuttle (KPS) 072 667 2231 Moholoholo Rehab Centre 082 907 5984 Roots of Rythms 083 785 5354 Sun Catchers (Hot Air Ballooning) 087 806 2079 Sky-Way Trails 013 737 8374 VEHICLES. SPARES & REPAIRS Cronje Vervoer 079 695 5444 Deltec Batteries Hoedspruit 015 793 2448 JC Plant Hire Hi-Q Tyres 082 804 2502 Laeveld Trekkers 087 806 5616

. “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” - Nelson Mandela

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Mango Mania 2020 MTB explosion

Shannon Hancock (Facebook)

and cloudy conditions. The 70km riders had to deal with muddy sections, but the rest of the field enjoyed a relatively dry track after the good rains we enjoyed a couple of days before the event, as well as a drizzle during the race.

Traci Thomson

Jeanne Cloete

Hoedspruit’s annual Mango Mania MTB (mountain bike) race has come of age. Hoedspruit Cycling Club, organisers of the event, proudly announced the elevation of the race status

to be a qualifier for Nationals. Race numbers grew by 77% to over 460 competitors over the 2019 event. The event, held at Bavaria Farm, featured four race distances of 70, 35, 15 and a 5km fun race for the little ones in slightly cooler

Caryn Fisher Bowie

Patrick J Green

Jeanne Cloete

Overall MTB positions & podiums Patrick J Green

70km Men: Christo Carelsen (Sub Vet) followed by Willie Horn (Masters) and Pieter Hennop (Veteran) 70km Ladies: The Veteran ladies dominated the top three spots with Elvy Canadas first, followed by Retha Beukes and Zelda Katzke. The 35km event was dominated by Juniors taking the

top three spots. Herman Fourie led Gunther Katzke and Reinhardt Viljoen home. The gap to the first lady was much tighter than the 70km event, with line honours going to Bernice van Wyk (Junior) followed by Christelle Coetzer (U23 elite) and Karla Durant (Youth). A special mention for 6 year old Sean Lewis, winner of the nippers’ category who finished his 35km race on a fat bike! Well done Sean!

I was left standing in the dust by the 15km event race winners who overtook Angela and me with Hanro Ehlers (Sprogs) in first, followed by youth category riders Rourke Deacon and Antonie Fourie. Sub Vet Marietjie Pieterse led the ladies home followed by nipper Lohane Ehlers and sprog Dané Strydom a scant two seconds behind. A big thank you is extended

to the farm owners who gracefully allowed the riders to race on their land, as well as sponsors Afrique Water, Avon, Bavaria Blyde Vallei, Buco, Clemengold Gin, Debonairs, Greer’s Sports and Cycles t/a Giant Hoedspruit, JCS The Hoed, RO3 Oasis Water, Steers and Wimpy. And last but not least the competitors. Hope to see you at Mango Mania 2021!

OFFICE: 015 793 1484/5 EMERGENCY: 083 307 9258 Main Street Hoedspruit www.facebook.com/drainsurgeonhoedspruit

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