Kruger2Canyon Vol18.10 by Mark Bishop

Hoedspruit

BOEREMARK Next Market on 2 MAY 2020 @ BOSVELD CENTRE 2.2KM out of town on R40

The paper that encourages dreams, supports people and builds the community! Vol 18 Issue 10, 27 March 2020, Kruger2Canyon News, Shop 12, Kamogelo Centre, Hoedspruit. Tel 015 793 2617 email: heidi.lee@mweb.co.za

At the forefront of COVID-19 fight

Desiré Wright

HOEDSPRUIT – When the first case of COVID-19 was reported in South Africa on 5 March 2020, Hlokomela sprang into action immediately. Clinic and outreach staff mobilised first to refresh our own staff on the correct hand washing technique, social distancing and coughing etiquette, and thereafter started going into the community. To date Hlokomela has reached close to 2000 people, most of whom are farmworkers travelling daily by bus to the farms around Hoedspruit. ‘Do not believe everything you hear about COVID-19 unless it comes from a credible source such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) or the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). All information we receive at Hlokomela is verified before we send it out to the community’ says Sr Laverne Stebbing. Going into this difficult time, Hlokomela’s doors will remain open to serve the community. Our doctors and nurses are unified in their resolve to honour their pledge of service. ‘This is our time to be at the forefront and lead this community’ says Hlokomela director, Christine du Preez. Recognising how vulnerable healthcare workers are, not least because of a lack of available personal protective equipment (PPE) due to panic buying. Christine urges community members who feel ill and suspect that they may have COVID-19 not to come to the clinic immediately. ‘Please phone ...cont on pg5...

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27 March 2020

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LOCAL NEWS

Hoedspruit community & COVID-19

Following a meeting of most of the health professional teams in town, it was decided to release a brief statement about Coronavirus and health care in Hoedspruit. There has been at least one confirmed case in our community and so some of the planning and protocols for dealing with COVID 19 are now being used. - Testing (Where and How) - Individual steps that can help the community - Individual steps to help yourself Predictions and goals: COVID 19 is already in South Africa and in Hoedspruit. All the health care providers at the meeting have agreed to cooperate and share information so that as our community becomes affected we can monitor the situation, and try avoid panic and fake news which can only waste resources and worsen the situation. The WHO predicts that by the end of 2020 about 80% of adults will have had COVID 19, and this is likely to apply to Hoedspruit as well. Our target is to try to slow the spread of it within our community to enable three things. a. To prevent the number of sick people from overwhelming the available health facilities. If less people are sick over a longer period of time, then there are less fatalities than if more

people are sick in a shorter period of time. (See graph below right) b. To allow more time for the development of vaccines and treatments which might improve the prognosis for the more vulnerable members of our community. c. To accurately monitor the rapidly changing situation so that we are applying and updating proven best practices to what we are doing in Hoedspruit. Testing for COVID 19 (Dr Rogers/Llewellyn) There are two broad categories of people who are eligible for testing for COVID 19. Symptomatic Individuals Currently person with sudden onset of at least one of the following Cough/Sore Throat/Shortness of Breath/Fever > 38.0 And in the 14 days prior to symptoms:

Close contact with a known or probable COVID 19 case (Travel history no longer necessary) Then you could be eligible for COVID 19 screening. To arrange this please contact your own GP directly by phone and they will arrange to see and screen you in a way that is practical and safe for both you and the community. They may see you at the rooms or might send you to the Hoedspruit lab where testing can also be done. In both instances you will need to have discussed this with your Doctor first as you cannot be tested without the correct paperwork. Please do not just arrive at a GP’s rooms as this could endanger other people.

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Asymptomatic Individuals Individuals who have travelled to South Africa from the 10 highest risk countries as per the HO list have also been advised to be screened for Coronavirus. The Department of Health (DOH) in Limpopo has been tasked to set up screening centres for these individuals. At the moment these centres are not ready yet as the DOH does not have sufficient screening capacity, but the DOH has made this a priority and further updates are expected. Concerned individuals are advised to self isolate until they can be safely tested. We are still awaiting further

information on these centres but at the moment the advice is to self isolate and for updates phone the NICD hotline on 0800029999 Individual steps that can help the community (Drs Llewellyn/Rogers) At the moment there is little treatment or prevention available for COVID 19, so delaying the spread of the disease is the most important step to reduce the risk of this epidemic to our community. If you are unwell Please stay at home if you have respiratory symptoms or fever. Contact your GP by phone for advice if you feel you need medical attention rather than booking a face to face appointment, to plan an appropriate way to manage your symptoms. If you have mild symptoms try not to use medical facilities’ time and resources, but rather try to stay at home and where possible keep a safe distance from others at home. Cover your cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the bin. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Balance this with that if you are feeling significantly unwell you should then seek medical advice in a safe manner.

Look out for your neighbours; for example offer to collect food and medicines for those who are self isolating. Leave packages outside the house but do not go inside. Be aware that many business will not be running as usual during this time so please be patient. At times our friends and neighbours will be getting sick, but the vast majority will recover so please take heed of safe information but be wary of and try reduce the impact of panic and fake news. Try to reduce your travel and contact with others to a minimum. This included non essential staff who may be travelling to work on crowded buses and taxis. Please balance the risks and benefits to your staff and to the community. Please be conscious that even if you are young and fit and unlikely to be severely affected by this illness, your actions can have a knock on effect on those who are less fortunate. There are no miracle cures for Covid 19, but how we adapt to it will largely determine how our community fares in this difficult time. Individual steps to help yourself (Dr Blignaut) A lot is going around about the COVID-19 virus, but how do I protect myself and my loved ones? Second to trust in your Creator, your immune system that He gave you, is one of

the most important weapons to fight this and other diseases. It is within your reach to strengthen it and keep it up. You can do this by healthy and balanced nutrition; enough fresh fruit, vegetables, unprocessed protein and unrefined starches. Add to it regular exercise like brisk walking, cycling or something similar. Drink at least 2 litres of water every day and when Hoedspruit heats up like it usually does, increase your intake of water. Temperatures higher than 27C is the virus’ enemy and it will be of benefit to your health if you can have at least 15-20 minutes of sunlight exposure, preferably before 10 o’clock each morning or after 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Temperance or moderation is key in that which is good, i.e. eating, drinking of water, exercising and the like, as is abstinence from that which is bad, i.e. alcohol, drugs, late night activities and long working hours, which all add to high stress levels. We have fresh air in abundance in Hoedspruit – take advantage of it. As far as is possible, sleep with your windows open. Your body needs physical rest, make sure you get at least 6-8 hours quality sleep every night. Regular sleep deprivation weakens your immune system. These few practical steps will in combinations do wonders to build and uphold your immune system.

If you are well Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Continuing food production is the road to survive lockdown Saai, a South African organisation for family farmers, welcomes the government’s firm actions to curb the spread of the coronavirus, but is still studying the measures that were announced by the President

to determine the potential implications for farmers. Saai especially welcomes the exception of food production and distribution in the suspension of economic activities. While businesses in other sectors of the economy have to downscale urgently, food production and distribution cannot come to a standstill. Saai and its network partners are continuously busy investigating best practices to ensure a smooth value chain, and we want to share these results with family farmers. Farmer access to production instruments, such as stock remedies, fodder, sprays, fertiliser and diesel, remains vital to protect, care for and produce harvests. Saai recently finalised

the structure of a medical scheme custom-made for family farmers through Medihelp Medical Scheme, in cooperation with a number of other agricultural unions. In such a group scheme, farmers older than 50 years can be exempted from paying the higher premiums and can manage their families’ healthcare risks through a menu of options at different price structures. The outbreak of the corona pandemic underlined the urgency of such a scheme. Saai realises that the measures will subject the economy to great pressure and the need for a constant supply of affordable food has never been more important. Saai and its network partners also signed an agree-

ment with a wholesale provider of a registered hand sanitiser to ensure the availability of the sanitiser on farms and elsewhere in the value chain. There is uncertainty about the different aspects of the production process and value chain issues such as export measures, labour and logistics, which Saai and its network partners will discuss with the relevant authorities. Saai requests any farmers who experience problems with harvesting and transporting their produce to the market to contact us in terms of possible legal action. Contact us at navrae@saai.org or 066 071 6094. Dr Theo de Jager Chairperson of the Board of Directors - Saai

27 March 2020

NEWS & VIEWS

Chadd Smith

The sun will keep on rising

Heidi Lee Smith I just woke up, it’s Wednesday 25 March 2020. The day before South Africa goes into a 21-day lock down because of a virus. ‘How vulnerable is humanity’, I think. My mind and heart are contemplating that this might be the last hard copy of Kruger2Canyon, a newspaper I have financially fought so hard to keep going for eighteen years. I have survived this long in my effort to serve our little community that I love so much, and what the future holds, none of us know. It’s a calm morning after a stormy night. I can see the sun coming up, playing its

painting game on the morning sky’s canvas, highlighting the clouds as it soldiers upwards to shine life on this perfectly balanced spaceship we call home: Mother Earth. I feel worried for my family. We have no way at this moment of earning an income, we have no extra reserves, we have staff to pay and responsibilities that are going to be difficult to manage, just like so many other entrepreneurs in South Africa. But perhaps this is the quantum shift humanity needs, being brought to our knees to rethink our future ways? To give the Earth a window of opportunity to breath and wash the waterways clear,

while people are stuck in the confines they call home. Perhaps it’s where we learn again to share and really care and be a family, a community. Might it be what we need? Perhaps there is going to be more peace after this virus? Until now humanity has been manically centred around an inextricable production of waste, rushing, buying, chucking, buying again, hardly stopping to smell the morning air and enjoy nature or take time to greet a loved one. The current production of plastic and air pollution will result in us not having enough oxygen to breath. But we didn’t stop. Perhaps this virus

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is a blessing in disguise? We have been destroying the jungles and creating global warming at an unprecedented rate (what a boring subject) – ‘not anther Greta Thunberg lecture’ I hear people say. Environmentalists have been warning that 5G will disrupt birds’ and bees’ ability to navigate. But we didn’t stop. Faster was all we wanted. Faster, faster, faster and then came a virus, and put the entire world on hold, or is it only us humans that are on hold? Nature is already repairing herself, let’s give her the opportunity and we will all have a better chance. ‘There is enough on Earth for every mans need, but not enough for every mans greed’ – it’s a simple quote by Ghandi, but so pertinent right now. Save this newspaper – it might be the last. Treasure everything you have and never be wasteful again. Hold out your hand to give not take. Be grateful and kind, both are free, in fact it’s been said that everything in life that is worth anything, is free: love, life, air, water, birds, bees, trees and let’s not forget health and nature…

Stay safe everyone. The Kruger2Canyon team hopes you enjoy this compilation of stories. And finally thank you to everyone who has supported me and this little local rag for eighteen years, you are appreciated more than you

know. Whether it’s been editorial content or advertising – that’s what has made K2C unique and valuable – thank you. We hope to pick up again in May. Until then we will be going digital. The sun will keep on rising.

27 March 2020

Kruger2Canyon

Remembering Ala

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COVID19 effects

Kerstin Nyberg Peart

On April 6th, ten years will have passed since Ala Sussens, owner of Tshukudu Game Lodge, was killed in a car crash, together with her son Ian. Ala was a true pioneer of tourism and conservation in the area, and her death was a huge loss to her family, her many friends, the lodge staff and the Hoedspruit community. These are my personal memories of this remarkable lady. On our first ever visit to South Africa in 1996, we took advice from the Cadogan Guide – no Tripadvisor in those days – and booked ourselves a few days at Tshukudu, which was advertised as a friendly, family-run reserve. Little did we know that the friendships which began then would be life changing, and that 15 years later we would call Hoedspruit our home. We came again the following year – and became part of a large group of returning visitors who were drawn back, year after year, by Ala’s kindness and hospitality as much as by the game viewing. We got to hear her story on the long journeys by car to Tzaneen where we would join her and her bridge playing friends for a day of very competitive bridge (we almost always came last). We met her brother Janusz and fascinating, larger-than-life friends from the early days in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Ala’s life had not been easy. Her comfortable childhood in Poland was destroyed by World War II, as she, together with Janusz and their mother, suffered appalling deprivation in prisoner of war camps. The bond between Ala and her irreverent younger brother Janusz was obvious and touching, and he didn’t even get angry

with her when she mistakenly doubled our contract in bridge and they lost comprehensively! Fate had taken Ala to southern Africa, and in Zambia she met Lolly, who would become her husband and partner in all their business adventures. As Europeans, we were captivated by her stories about life in the bush, and the various – sometimes disreputable - characters who inhabited it. We were fascinated to hear that they hosted Seretse Khama and his English wife Ruth at their lodge in Chobe and that Lolly was the president’s favourite fishing partner. Ala was a devout Catholic and very much involved in the local Catholic church.

She introduced us to Father Miguel, the priest based in Acornhoek whose work among Mozambiquean refugees she and Tshukudu supported, and again opened up a new world for us. We eventually decided to retire to this area, and we had booked our flights to come out and look for a house when the tragic news reached us. Our plans took a nose dive; we saw Ala as the anchor in our new life and we had to sit back and consider our next step. We decided that there was still so much going for us here, not least the friends we made through Ala. She left a big void, but we are always grateful to her for opening up life in South Africa to us.

Ala (right) and her brother Janusz (second left) enjoying a game of bridge with the author and her husband Barry in 2004

Due to a misapprehension, Kruger2Canyon has sadly decided to withdraw The Call of Africa series about the history and life of Ala Sussens, as started in Volume 18:08. Kruger2Canyon would like to credit the writing of the series, which is taken from Ala’s autobiography, to Lizmarie Wolmarans. However, we hope you enjoyed reading Kerstin’s personal story about their wonderful friendship with Ala that evolved over the many years of visiting the Tshukudu Family. Ala and Lolly Sussens certainly were key in developing the ‘lesser-known’ little town of Hoedspruit into a world renowned tourism destination.

Thank you Kruger2Canyon for the opportunity of free exposure. At times like these, its MUCH appreciated. We find ourselves as individuals, families, communities and a business in a new space and environment. The world has not seen or experienced anything like COVID19 before. It is quite factually unchartered territory and we recognise that it is a scary and complex situation for all. At Thornybush, we immediately took the stance of doing what we thought was responsible and right for everyone. We knew more than ever it was time to act together and ensure we looked after each other. A truly Thuma mina (humbling) feeling. Our first priority has been the health and safety of our valued team members – and our guests. We continue to practice vigorous and regular washing of hands as well as the disinfecting of every surface or touchpoint that may be infected, discourage handshaking ( which has been extremely tough), encourage social distancing, and working together to ensure we all come out of this. We emphasized the importance of building and strengthening immune systems to our teams. We encouraged healthy foods which boost the immune system, promoted exercise and motivated sufficient sleep, and although difficult to do at times, stressed that we needed to remain calm. In addition to ensuring the health and safety we have had to comprehend the impact of Covid19 on our business.

President Cyril Ramaphosa shared with us his plan to manage Covid19 in South Africa. His tough decisions included schools closing, banning gatherings of 100 people or more, borders closing and so forth. All these changes have an impact on all of us in different ways, from events being postponed to learning to home school your children overnight. These decisions – in addition to similar decisions made by other governments around the world - have had a fast and drastic impact on South African tourism. All flights, transportation, accommodation, tour operators, and just about anything tourism related, are all feeling the impact – including us, as Thornybush. During the course of the last two weeks we have seen a drastic increase in cancellations as well as a significant reduction in new bookings. As soon as we became aware of the spread and potentially catastrophic impact of Covid19 we reacted quickly by freezing nonessential expenditure and driving cost saving initiatives - hard. It was imperative we looked at where we had quick wins to reduce costs. We acted quickly where we could, as we believe this will ensure Thornybush’s survival. We are in unchartered territory here. South Africans and the South African tourism industry are facing a crisis which we need to work through. Despite all the knowledge we have of our business and the networks we interact in; this is not something we have experienced or seen before.

We are working alongside key partners in the tourism industry and all other available support resources to find solutions and opportunities which are feasible to ensure survival. We also have seen it as our duty, to spread as much factual information as possible into our local communities. We have encouraged our staff to take their translated documents around COVID19 home to their families and spread the preventative measures within their communities. We have engaged our focus schools, Tribal authorities and NGO partners, to ensure everyone has access to information. This is tough for all of us, but together we need to think and work differently to ensure we get through this unprecedented time. In the words of another President President Abraham Lincoln at a time of great adversity in the United States - “The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew.” Please see attached photos; Do let me know if you need them in a high res and or more. I have just picked a general selection. Also a link to our COVID19 special rates - https://www. thornybush.com/rates Thanks again, it really is much appreciated. As an expense heavy company, employing over 270 local people, we are looking for any and all opportunities which come our way. Many thanks Candice Grover Community Projects Manager

...from page1...first and ask to speak to a professional nurse. We as an organsation are taking all reasonable

SUPPORT LOCAL

measures possible to mitigate this hazard to our staff, but we will only succeed if we have full cooperation

from the community’ Christine emphasises. ‘The response from farmers has been amazing and they are willing to pitch in and help Hlokomela where they can’ says media and marketing manager M.J. du Preez. ‘Hlokomela is entirely dependent on donor funding for which the organisation has specified activities, so in order to respond to COVID-19 support from farmers and businesses will be crucial’. ‘We have received orders from farmers for more than 2000 ‘buffs’ to protect their staff as they will continue operations as an integral part of the food supply chain’ says M.J. who also manages the Hlokomela Sewing Project where Hlokomela staff are producing buffs and masks. As a word of inspiration to the Hlokomela team for the time that lies ahead, Christine ended by saying ‘Keep calm and wash your hands’. Sometimes the simplest advice may still turn out to be the best. If you would like to support Hlokomela, please contact M.J. du Preez on info@ hlokomela.org.za or phone the office on 082 560 0248.

27 March 2020

Kruger2Canyon

Africa Unlocked...

Albie Venter Bill Gates stated in a TED talk already in 2015 that the biggest threat to humanity will not come from missiles but from microbes. Yet noone took heed. These ideas were banished to the back of our minds where it shared space with the likes of the Inca calendars, Y2K computer bugs, earth destructing asteroids and other ridiculous end-of-days predictions. Never did we think that it will ever have a real impact on our daily lives. The Corona virus, sadly now a common term on everyone’s lips, changed that for sure and few people today are not affected by it as each of us stare a very real threat in the eye. The value of tourism is clear and well understood. Millions of happy travellers experience the wonders of the world while traveling from global corner to global corner. Back home they sing the praises of that destination and infect others (pun intended) with enthusiasm to retrace their tracks back to this marvellous place. A self-perpetuating mill that churns out ambassadors for a country and an industry that sustains millions of people. This is definitely true for Hoedspruit, which is frequently and proudly cited as South Africa’s wildlife tourism capital. My wife and I have been involved in tourism since 1997 and have chosen Hoedspruit as our base from where we do safaris, both locally and further afield in Africa. The current situation has affected Africa Unlocked severely as it has others, resulting in an unprecedented drop in business almost overnight. In order to stem the spread of the virus, travel (even to the grocery store) is discouraged. Not good news when

travel is your business. How much our town is dependent on tourism is now apparent. Industries indirectly related to tourism are also affected as lodges and safari operators close their doors. However, this is not a moan, which in our sheltered, selfabsorbed and entitled world we seem to do all too well. I wish to share the immediate wonder of people. As soon as this calamity struck, we found ourselves surrounded by supporting friends, colleagues and business associates. People’s character shines through in situations like this and for the most part this has been overwhelmingly compassionate. There has sadly of course been the isolated minority who wish to gain from situations such as this but I won’t spend time on them. As for the tourism industry, as much as I wish that it will bounce back quickly after this pandemic, if I have to be realistic it will probably be months or even years before we see the industry as we left it. Expendable income is affected and luxuries such as travel will take a lower priority to more pressing commodities. But perhaps this is the perfect time to reflect on what we do as professional guides. In the traditional

sense of the word a safari is a journey. And most journeys have an element of the unknown. Daunting at times but terribly exciting for the most part. What does the next bend in the river hold? Something amazing may lie in wait of discovery whether it be around the next termite hill or distant horizon. That element of the unexpected and unknown which draws us to pursue this as a career will come into play over the following few months as we navigate the trails and paths into the future. It will no doubt reveal many surprises both good and bad but in the spirit of exploration and wonder we will push on and do what we love. There will no doubt be great opportunities and deals to entice guests back to our great part of the world and we will be ready to play our part. We are thankful and humbled to be living amongst such a compassionate community in Hoedspruit during such testing times. This is an enormous silver lining. So, to all my friends, colleagues, as well as guests, many of whom I consider good friends; let’s keep going. This will pass. Probably slowly and painfully like a kidney stone. But it will pass and the sun will rise again.

AFRICA UNLOCKED

Private Guided Safaris

6 27 March 2020 Kruger2Canyon

Look after your thoughts Dr Ronelle Joubert Anxiety and depression, as well as negative thinking and talk, are very real issues that are facing us and communities around the world during this time. The key is that we should not panic and especially watch what we read on social media as this can cause more panic. There are a couple of things that we can do in general and one will be to captivate our thought patterns. We must look after our thoughts and have a plan in place when our thoughts do run away with us. Here are a couple of things that we can do for our mental health. 1. Go for a walk daily or just sit sometimes in your garden and breath in the bushveld air deeply and let nature or your garden be soaked in through your eyes. The sun is very important and it helps with depression. 2.Allocate 15 minutes per day at a regular time, morning or night where you will allow yourself to contemplate the worries you have. After that all worries

during the day you will address by saying to yourself: I acknowledge this thought I have now (name it), however, I will not let it form part of my normal day and will put it aside and address it during my 15-minute worry time. While you address your ‘worry’ during the 15-minute allocated time, breath in deeply until the breath hits the bottom of your stomach and blow this out very slowly. After this, get up and go do something different to steer you away. 3. It is also important to phone your friends and family. Speak to them daily. We must hear other voices besides the voices in our home for the next 21 days. Visually seeing your family and friends can also have a very positive effect via SKYPE, ZOOM or WhatsApp. 4. Find creative ways to keep yourself busy with your family. This can be a very productive time to rekindle or build a stronger bond within our home, to get to know one another. 5.Exercise will be very important during this time. If you do not have exercise

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

Gardening brings inner dignity Stella Horgan

equipment at home, get into the garden and do at least 30 minutes per day of gardening in the sun. 6. Live one day at a time. Do not allow your mind to run away with you during your day. Get up each morning and do and think for today only. Tomorrow will look after itself. It is a known fact that 98% of those things that we worry about never happen. 7.When we balance our mental energy then we will reduce our anxiety, depression and negative thinking as well as negative self-talk. Throughout this time there will be 30-minute sessions available online at a reduced price. Please contact me on 082 787 4471 for further details. Let’s look after one another, stop and think before we publish something or before we take something said on Facebook to heart.

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

On March 14, 2020, nineteen women from RDP Village, Acornhoek, graduated from Permaculture Explorers, a year-long programme for women blending small business training, permaculture education, and climate change awareness alongside mitigation strategies. It was developed by local NPO Zingela Ulwazi Trust, who started it with a team of volunteers motivated to help uplift some of the poorest families in the area. It was an ecstatic afternoon of song, dance and celebration for participants’ loved ones; Zingela Ulwazi board members, members of the RDP Civic and Ward Council; and partners of the project, including Rotary Hoedspruit, Seeds of Light,

Hlokomela Women’s Clinic, and Mpumalanga Water Caucus. The women spoke about how the project had changed their lives, and what it means to have a vegetable garden that can not only feed one’s family fresh, organic food, but also bring in income from the sale of excess vegetables. Each household now has a fenced garden plot covered with shade netting and a 2,200lt rainwater catchment tank with gutters to capture water from their roof. They honored Nurse Sonja Botha from Hlokomela Women’s Clinic, for the respectful care they received while getting women’s health screenings. We were on the edge of our seats during spoken word poet Quentan Marule’s

moving ‘Women, Get Your Groove On’ poem. The highlight of the day was when the women did a formal singing procession into the room in their traditional outfits– they looked like jewels and were radiant with dignity. Each received a framed certificate signed by the Zingela Ulwazi team, and three women, Renky Mabuye, Tinyiko Chawane and Pretty Moeng, received Game vouchers for outstanding attendance. Big congratulations to all the women for their hard work and high achievements. We are excited to launch the second group of women from RDP Village; this was due to happen at the end of March 2020 but has been postponed due to the current countrywide lockdown. In the interim, we continue

The hunger is gone at my house. I’m happy and my kids are happy. – Florah I walk with dignity. I am doing everything in my house with dignity. I know myself now. I am not ashamed of who I am. - Agreement to support the graduates to develop their businesses and their gardens, so they have fresh food available daily. We extend a huge thank you to our partners, and also to the National Lottery Board; Jane Burt, our Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Consultant;, Emerencia Mohlolo, who taught

maths; Kruger to Canyon Biosphere; Hlokomela Herb Garden; From the Region For the Region; Ekurhuleni Center for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, where we hold our business classes; SIETA Foundation; Rotary Hoedspruit; Rotary Club Rozendaal-Veluwezoom in Holland; and Kruger2Can-

yon News.

If you would like to join us and support this innovative, love filled program, please contact Stella Horgan : stella@zingelaulwazi.org.za or 076 885 8168. We are building our network as this is big work and cannot be done by a single organization.

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

27 March 2020

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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

Southern Cross Schools

015 793 0590

EMERGENCY – HELP LINES After Hours Emergency Doctors 084 770 1741 Air Force Base Hoedspruit 015 799 2911 Ambulance AFB 015 799 2065 Ambulance Hoedspruit 015 793 1581 Ambulance Tintswalo 101 77 Farm watch/ Plaaswag 072 310 0032 Fire Brigade AFB 015 799 2172 Fire Brigade Maruleng 015 793 0536 Hoedspruit Medical Rescue 072 170 0864 Hospital AFB 015 799 2065 Hospital Tintswalo 013 795 5000 Police Hoedspruit 015 799 4000 Protrack 015 793 2585 MEDICAL & VETERINARY SERVICES Counselling Ronelle Joubert 082 787 4471 DR Van Eeden (Dentist) 015 793 1876 DR Werner Muller (Dentist) 015 793 1894 Hlokomela 072 698 6538 Hoedspruit Clinic 015 793 2342 Hoeds Wildlife Est Pharmacy 015 793 1427 J Coetzee (Clinical Psychologist) 015 781 0012 Marlie Landman (Eye Clinic) 082 803 0369 Med Centre (Dentists) 015 793 0845 Med Centre Emergency No 084 770 1743 ProVet Veterinary Hospital 015 793 0797

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

For all your Earth Moving Needs | Building of Dams | Roads | Bush Clearing and More! Contact Jaco 082 454 8458

Cell: 082 5600 248 Info@hlokomela.org.za Hours: 07h30-16h00 weekdays

OFFICE: 015 793 0792

Chris Dreyer: 0835735920

Main Street Hoedspruit

www.facebook.com/wildlifethatch

Music to our ears

Safety first @PnP During lockdown PnP Hoedspruit will be at your service. Customers are encouraged to please come shopping on their own. The elderly, young children and anyone immune compromised should please stay at home during the next 21 days. ‘All our actions are focused on supporting the well-being of our customers. We know that the Coronavirus is more of a threat to older people, and it is thus especially important that our older customers limit the number of times they

013752 6057 / info@crocprint.co.za

are in busy spaces as much as possible. Elderly customers are encouraged to come before 9am and after 6pm every day, a quiet period of 2 hours in the morning and 1 hour in the evening,’ says owner Debbie Wheeldon. Every Wednesday, all Smart Shoppers over the age of 60 will also earn double points in-store. Customers can claim this voucher at the Smart Shopper kiosk or mobile app, provided they have updated their Smart Shopper profile with their date of birth.

A clearly marked cross, reminds customers to keep their distance whilst at the till point.

Introducing a new addition to the Hoedspruit family, Treasure Mushwana is a musician and sound engineer from Johannesburg who has recently moved to our community. With fifteen years of experience, his ‘rep sheet’ includes: Eight gold medals and his national colours in the South African championships of the Performing arts {SACPA}. Top 8 males of SA Idols Season 8 {2012}. Winner of the Music Gate National competition. Finalist in the Emerging Sounds Acoustic Song Writing Competition in 2016. He has also had two music videos on channel O and has recently had two songs climb the charts on YFM. More recently he took the role as a judge at Hoedspruit’s Got Talent. With his recent move to Hoedspruit he hopes to share his experience and skill in the community by giving vocal, guitar, piano and drum lessons to the young and old. Also catch him as he sets the stage on fire at a number of local restaurants once the lockdown is over. For now, in order to help combat cabin fever blues, he is giving online guitar and vocal lessons. For more information, Bookings or Lessons contact: 063 325 8747 / 079 918 5805 Treyohms@gmail.com Treasureblue4@gmail.com

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

“No job too deep, too dark or too dirty”

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