Kruger2Canyon Vol 16.18 by Mark Bishop

Hoedspruit

FREECopy!

BOEREMARK

Next Market on 4 August 2018 @ BOSVELD CENTRE 2.2KM out of town on R40

The paper that encourages dreams, supports people and builds the community! Vol 16 Issue 18, 20 July 2018, Kruger2Canyon News, Shop 12, Kamogelo Centre, Hoedspruit. Tel 015 793 2617 email: heidi.lee@mweb.co.za

K2C Challenge better than ever!

Tumi Matlou, hails from JHB, a well known track and field athlete fast making a name for herself on the trails with a first in the ladies’ marathon distance

MARIEPSKOP - Participants going into the 4th edition of the Kruger2Canyon Challenge, organised by KZN Trail Running this past weekend, knew that this event had a reputation of being tough as nails. However, the move of the event to its new venue at Franklyn Park meant that the organisers required new routes for both Stage 1, up the most northern section of the Drakensberg towards Mariepskop, and through the Stage 2 Bushveld section on Madrid. The subtle change on Stage 1 (26km marathon or 44km ultra distance options) proved to have a less-than-subtle impact on the runners. Incredi-

Take

one it’s a

FREE

Copy!

bly technical terrain, brutal climbs and breathtakingly steep descents tested runners every step of the way. Blood and tears were shed, but everyone who stood on the starting line on Day 1 achieved something incredible. Running through untouched forests, soaking up the natural beauty of Mariepskop, and personal challenges second to none! In contrast, Stage 2 traversed the flat landscapes of the Lowveld, and the privilege of running through the Big 4 territory of the Blue Canyon Conservancy was the reward for runners for their efforts the day before. The 18km marathon distance and 28km ultra took in drainage lines, waterholes, savannas and thick bush, with the excitement of knowing that the area was teeming with wildlife! The smiles and pride on the finish line were testament to a true challenge having been conquered!

A new addition to the Kruger2Canyon Challenge was the Marepe Trail Run, offering shorter 5km and 10km courses through the bushveld on Day 2 organised in partnership with local Lowveld Trail Running. ‘After the success of the inaugural Trail Series organised by Lowveld Trail Running, it was great to give locals another goal to work towards and a chance to get a taste of what the Kruger2Canyon Challenge is all about. Hopefully as trail running grows in the area, we will see more and more locals taking on the longer distances and exploring more of the stunning landscapes in our area on foot!’ said Michael Dickerson, cofounder of Lowveld Trail Running. The overall men’s winner and defending champion of the ultra-distance was well known trail runner Jock Green. Despite Jock’s time on Day 1 being Winner of the ladies’ Ultra distance Karine Bezuidenhout, ex local from Kampersrus, currently a Physiotherapist now residing in JHB. 64min slower ... cont on pg8...

Photography by Phonix Capture

Lauren Booth

20 July 2018 Kruger2Canyon

LOCAL NEWS

Stop the wave of plastic Eskom repair street lights

Tracey Larmont

HOEDSPRUIT - When Southern Cross Schools were invited to participate in a single-use plastic awareness campaign, we obviously jumped at the opportunity. During our Bush Lore and ECAL lessons, the learn-

ers got stuck into making a ‘wave’ from plastic to represent the enormous amount of plastic that ends up in our oceans. Although our first attempt at making the ‘wave’ didn’t quite turn out as we had hoped, we were very happy with what we ultimately produced. If you

haven’t yet seen the ‘wave’, make sure you pop into Pick ‘n Pay to have a look! Our appeal to everyone is to starting taking steps towards reducing the use of plastic which has such a detrimental effect on our environment. Together we CAN make a difference!

HOEDSPRUIT - On behalf of Hoedspruit Town Watch, the chairperson Peet van der Westhuizen wishes to thank Eskom for repairing the street lights in our town. Hoedspruit Town Watch wrote to Eskom in January 2017 requesting Eskom to repair the street lights in Hoedspruit. They described in the letter the difficulties they experienced because so many of the street lights did not work. Visibility forms an important part of crime prevention and broken street lights create a

security risk for residents. They also wrote to the Maruleng Municipality requesting the allocation of funds in the 2017/18 budget for the repair of street lights. Hoedspruit Town Watch is very pleased that the Eskom technical team is currently in Hoedspruit to replace the old broken street lights. They request residents to please be patient when the maintenance vehicle is parked in the road. This is very important infrastructure maintenance and a huge benefit to the whole community.

Happy 100 Madiba, never to be replaced always to be remembered.

FOOD FAIR

Sunday 22 July from 10am to 3pm - Come hungry and enjoy a fun day out -

078 819 1336 thepetbar@xpress.co.za www.thepetbar.co.za Next to Voltex, behind PnP Centre, Hoedspruit

For all your Labour & Human Resource needs!! Cell: 083 300 5051 Fax: 086 508 0754 E-mail: totalhr@mweb.co.za Website: www.gnlabour.co.za We at GN Total HR Solutions invite everybody to join us at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) on Saturday 28 July 2018 from 9:00 to celebrate the 3rd Birthday of our 2 adopted King Cheetahs. Come and experience the beauty of these rare animals. For tour bookings, contact HESC at telephone: (015) 793 – 1633 Tours booked for Saturday 28 and/or Sunday 29 July 2018 - Show this advertisement at the HESC gate, and get 10% discount.

NOTICE

Kruger2Canyon subscribes to the Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we don’t live up to the Code, please contact the Public Advocate at 011 484 3612, fax: 011 4843619. Or contact the Case Officer on khanyim@ombudsman.org.za or lodge a complaint on the www.presscouncil.org.za

NEWS & VIEWS

Dogs from the USA deployed to counter poaching Jeanné Poultney ORPEN - On 3 July 2018, the first of ten new counter-poaching dogs arrived at South Africa’s OR Tambo International Airport from Texas, USA. These specially trained, free-running pack dogs were destined for the Southern African Wildlife College where the highly motivated K9 Unit awaited their arrival. After only a week of settling in to their new surrounds, the dogs were rearing to go. With the arrival of Texan houndsman Joe Braman, the dogs were deployed in a counter-poaching operation in the Greater Kruger area. They didn’t miss a beat and achieved their first success. ‘We are incredibly excited to be working with these dogs. Our early successes with freerunning pack dogs allowed us to see just how effective they are in the field. The added skills that these dogs have is that they are also trained in apprehension work to help rangers stop poachers in their tracks,’ said the College CEO, Theresa Sowry. While on-leash tracker dogs have commonly been used by counter poaching teams, pack dogs that run off leash are relatively new to the scene, but are

already proving their worth. They can track at high speeds over even the most difficult terrain; recent exercises have seen them cover 30 km in two hours. Their top speeds, measured regularly over short distances, are around 40 km per hour! Using aerial support to follow the dogs allows the rangers to catch up valuable time in the field, whilst also protecting the dogs. The new dogs are a cross between Black and Tan and Redbone breeds. They have been bred for nearly a century in the USA to track humans for law enforcement purposes. The College has now successfully started working with these dogs so that they can continue to be deployed to track and then hold poachers at bay while waiting for back up to arrive. As the demand for well trained dogs and handlers grows, there is potential for the College, as an SADC training institute, to play a major role in replicating the K9 Unit’s early successes in protected areas throughout Africa. The College’s K9 Unit was established in 2015, thanks to a catalytic three year grant from the WWF Nedbank Green Trust, which supported the construction of kennels, the salary

and housing for the dog handler and the production of accredited training materials. Further assistance generously provided by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) helps support the unit’s increasing running costs, as does the support of other donors. ‘When I found out what is really going on in southern Africa – how serious, cruel and destructive the poaching crisis is – I thought, if I can do something to help, I’m going to do it,’ said Joe Braman, who has 35 years of experience working with dogs and wanted to positively impact wildlife conservation efforts. The arrival of this new valuable pack of hounds from the USA would also not have been possible without the support of the Ivan Carter Wildlife Conservation Alliance and its donors, including the Nelson Pruett Foundation, who provided support for the transport and some of the ongoing expenses. Other South African-based donors that generously pledged their support include Global Paws, who assisted with the applications for the dogs’ import permit authorisations and customs preclearance. In addition, Global Paws paid the dogs handling fees and were present for their checks on arrival by the state veterinarian. South African Airways Cargo – introduced to the project via WWF South Africa – very generously flew the dogs to South Africa. ‘This generous and collaborative effort by a number of parties, is a major win for conservation. Adding tracker dogs to the field ranger teams has already changed the game, but as their successes increase, so to do the risks they face. This is why the College needs ongoing support, most immediately for security upgrades for these valuable, hardworking dogs,’ noted Theresa. ‘They’re real conservation heroes that complement the work being done by field rangers, through aerial support and within communities, as part of our four-tiered approach to counter poaching. Having already proved their worth, we can’t wait to see the successes that these new additions from the USA bring to the team.’

20 July 2018 Kruger2Canyon

Safari Guide of the Year 2018 Competition

The FGASA team with all the candidates... Story on page4...

20 July 2018 Kruger2Canyon

LOCAL’S LEKKER

Insights into land reform Safari Guide of the Year 2018 Competition Peter Setou and Brian Whittaker

SOUTH AFRICA - Meeting South Africa’s land reform ambitions poses a serious challenge. Implementation is slow, the policies are confused, legislation is unhelpful, public institutions are weak, skills are limited, information is limited and inconclusive and resources are inadequate. The political response has been to blame the Constitution. The debate about changing the constitution surfaces starkly different perceptions. There are those who argue that expropriation of land without compensation (EWC) will erode property rights that are the foundation of individual liberty and that if property rights collapse so too will the economy. Those who hold this view warn that a third of the money borrowed from banks in South Africa is borrowed against the asset value of farms and if that is threatened loans will be withheld, investment will dry up, production will slump and food prices will rise. The fact that unjust, illegitimate and undemocratic colonial and apartheid governments took land from people without compensation is not a justification for a just, legitimate and democratic government to behave in the same way. The majority of South Africans however, have an entirely different lived experience to those who make the economic arguments against EWC. They have a long memory of brutal subjugation by colonial authorities and generations of forced removals without compensation handed down by oral tradition, borne out by the historical record and engrained in the culture of millions of people. Many continue to live in extreme poverty. They see through those who make the economic argument that they should now be reasonable for their own good. Why should they fret about declining investment or protecting the food supply and the financial system that remains under the control of people who have a scant appreciation of their needs in a world in which the lion’s share of investment is captured by those who always

have controlled the economy? On the one hand, there is an attempt to move forward by ignoring our past. There are those who feel that we can’t make progress by looking backwards. They feel that we need to move on, protecting what has been created and using it in the interests of all. But for those who 24 years into democracy see little benefit from investment in their lives, it is easy to conclude that a piece of land may provide a chance to improve their lives and that expropriation without compensation will provide that chance. If this risks damaging an economic system that has produced so little for them they may conclude that they will be no worse off than before. In the face of these sharply different views, parliament has set itself the task of introducing EWC without damaging the economy. How can that be done and how can we all help? If the Government is to square the circle on making expropriation without compensation more explicit while also honouring the commitment to do so in a manner that does not undermine productivity, food security and other sectors of the economy, it will have to do this in a measured way. Such expropriation will have to be limited to land reform (not all forms of property) and applied in defined circumstances such as in respect of land acquired by illegal means or with state grants or subsidies. Compensation will have to be subject to judicial oversight, based on the principles of justice and equity accepting that just and equitable compensation may be zero in particular cases. The process will have to be regulated by expropriation legislation setting out procedures, powers of the state, rights of landowners and beneficiaries and it will have to be subject to judicial review. All of this means that when expropriation without compensation makes its way into law, perhaps through the introduction of a revised Expropriation Act, with or without an amendment to the Constitution, the impact on the pace of land reform will be limited. The introduction of expropria-

tion without compensation in a manner that provides a signal to those who are looking for more radical land reform while protecting the economy will have to be backed by a package of reforms to produce the results that constitutional change alone can’t achieve. Thrashing out these reforms will require hard bargaining and compromise to secure the concessions that will be needed to make rapid progress. But we can all make a contribution if we are committed to doing so. Landowners can review their land holdings and commit to working with reinvigorated District Land Committees to identify land for redistribution. Those with land under claim can work with the Commission on the Restitution of Land Rights to finalise claims and build partnerships with land claimants. Financial institutions can work with Government to make available investment capital for the development of land distributed under the land reform programme and working capital for new landowners. The government can increase the resources available for land reform and release state land for urban and rural development. Traditional authorities can work with government and communities to secure the land rights of families living in former homelands. Municipalities can transfer title deeds to homeowners and release new land for housing. Farmers can work with the department of agriculture to support the development of smallholder farmers. The government can streamline procedures for processing restitution claims and make the process of redistribution more transparent. Government, farmers and aid agencies can work with NGO’s to improve post-settlement support to land reform beneficiaries and smallholder farmers. None of this will proceed easily or simply. But there is more goodwill than the fractious debates about land may indicate. A “land pact” hammered out through a process of hard bargaining and compromise could ignite a spirit of cooperation in South Africa, form a cornerstone of a new ‘Thuma Mina society’ and contribute to greater social cohesion.

GUIDING SA - Africa Direct Tour and Travel Operators recently held their 7th annual event, The Safari Guide of the Year Competition, at Nkambeni Lodge, Kruger National Park. The Safari Guide of the Year Competition is an Africa Direct initiative, collaboratively endorsed by FGASA with the prime goal of giving recognition to guiding excellence. The competition honours professional guides within the tourism industry who are highly qualified and experienced FGASA guides, nominated by leading lodges and training providers within Southern Africa. Nkambeni Safari Camp in the Kruger National Park set the stage for the competition within the magnificent natural wilderness of the Big Five.

The five finalists from across the country (James Tyrrell from Londolozi, Adriaan Mulder from NJ More Marataba, Barney Khoza from Ngala &Beyond, Jacques Kruger from Black Rhino Reserve Pilansberg and Ryan Hillier from Kwandwe Game Reserve) attended a week long intensive assessment comprising of shooting and rifle handling, guided walking, game drive experience, storytelling, track and sign evaluation, and birding. The week was packed with exciting dialogue, fun, nervous moments, outstanding stories around the fire, and of course the grand prize giving evening, so well organised by Africa Direct. Speaking from Nkambeni Lodge, Mike Karantonis, Director of Africa Direct stated: ‘We are so privileged to be

sharing this incredible location with professional guides of an exceptional standard who have given up their time to be part of this rewarding initiative … they have taught us all so much of what makes a true, life changing guiding experience!’ James Tyrrell was the winner of three categories: Game drive experience, Birding, and Storytelling. Adriaan Mulder came top in Track & Sign and Advanced Rifle Handling, while the Big 5 walking experience was won by Jacques Kruger. ‘Our guides have done the industry proud to have attended and we thank the sponsors who contributed by donating valuable prizes, making it an astounding success’ said Brian Serrao, FGASA Standards Director.

Above: Finalist Barney Khoza of Ngala out in the field. Left: Adriaan Mulder came top in Track & Sign and Advanced Rifle Handling.

James Tyrrell was the winner of three categories: Game drive experience, Birding, and Storytelling.

Thanks to the sponsors: Africa Direct, FGASA, Nkambeni, Awesome Tools, Khaki Fever, Whysalls, Ulrike Berth, SATIB, Flight Centre (Ane Steyn) Struik publishing, Dirt Road Traders

20 July 2018 Kruger2Canyon

News & Views

Investing in people

Get ready to ROAR Gareth

Ian

AFRICA – The countdown to a unique Big Cat adventure has begun, as a group of wildlife lovers prepare for the biggest challenge of their lives! Trek for Big Cats will see an intrepid team conquer Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro wearing state-of-the-art big cat mascot suits in aid of international wildlife charity Born Free Adventurer and conservationist Gareth James Legg will be joined by safari guide Tracey Bruton and safari guide and cinematographer Timothy Jansen Van Vuuren, in a challenge to conquer two of the world’s toughest mountains, whilst wearing custom-designed, lifelike cat suits. The big cats are under increasing threat from habitat loss, human-animal conflict, the exotic pet trade, trophy hunting, bone trade, commercial breeding farms, entertainment, disease and poaching. Trek for Big Cats team hopes not only raise funds for Born Free’s vital big cat conservation work, but also to raise global awareness among members of the public of their plight. The project’s founder, Gareth, who grew up spending family holidays in Kruger National Park, explains: ‘Trek for Big Cats is both a fundraising campaign and a movement to raise awareness of worldwide big cat conservation. We will be trekking in big cat mascot costumes, adding a new dimension to an already extremely challenging climb! We hope that by doing something so extreme, the public will be inspired to make a stand to

Tracey protect big cats and their natural environment – by making a donation, joining a global rally or march, signing a petition, or taking a stand against the exploitation of big cats by the tourism industry.’ The expedition begins in Nepal in November with the 17,600ft trek to the base camp of Mount Everest, an area which is home to the magnificent snow leopard. The team will then head to Tanzania, home to iconic African species such as the lion and the leopard, where they will attempt to reach the 19,340ft summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. They will visit primary schools on route to Everest Base Camp and in Tanzania, to run educational activities on the topic of wildlife conservation. ‘We have some exciting names in the pipeline! There will also be an opportunity for further team members to sign up for the Kili trek, with up to 20 places available. Anyone interested in joining our ‘pride’ should contact us directly, via our website.’ To find out more about the Trek for Big Cats, see how it will help protect big cats in the wild, and get involved please visit: www.trekforbigcats. com Keep up-to-date with the team’s progress on social media visit: www.twitter.com/ trekforbigcats www.facebook. com/trekforbigcats or www. instagram.com/trek_for_big_ cats For more about Born Free’s global conservation work and how to support the charity, please visit: www. bornfree.org.uk

Working drawing of the lion suit for the ‘BigCat Trek’

TIMBAVATI - Motswari Private Game Reserve, a familyowned and Newmark-operated luxury safari lodge located in the Timbavati and Umbabat Private Nature Reserve, is pleased to announce that almost 25% of its staff complement is celebrating fifteen years or more of employment at the lodge. This is a remarkable testament to the culture that is practised at Motswari Private Game Reserve: One that focuses on people and their wellbeing, whether they are guests, colleagues or em-

ployees. It further brings to light the positive impact that the lodge has had on surrounding communities by creating the platform for skills development and sustainable job opportunities. Very significantly, four of Motswari’s employees have been working at the lodge for twenty-five years, eight for twenty years and five for fifteen years. The following staff members were given recognition in a special awards ceremony held at Motswari Private Game Reserve on

Monday, 25 June 2018: 25 Years of Service: Ephraim Marule, Happy Sibuyi, Lisbeth Manyike and Netta Makhubela 20 Years of Service: Godfrey Mathebula, Grace Mnisi, Ina Nziyane, Johannes Mkhari, Lucy Mathebula, Sarah Sibuyi, Thaina Mthabini and Themby Sibitane 15 Years of Service: Cyril Makhubela, Difference Hlophe, Jacky Molobela, Petros Molobela and Thandy Mnisi The lodge started operat-

Readers can look forward to meeting some of these key staff in the next K2C

ing in 1976 and was purchased by Paul Geiger in 1979. Since then, Motswari Private Game Reserve along with Geiger’s Camp have remained an intrinsic part of the Geiger family line, being passed down from one generation to the next. The notion of ‘family’ applies to the way current owners, Marion Geiger Orengo and Fabrice Orengo de Lamazière run the lodge, bringing truth to the statement, ‘guests arrive as visitors and leave as friends’. The focus on human connection or ‘family’ rings true for staff too, as these long-service awards reveal.

International learning exchange Lucky Rapitsi HOEDSPRUIT - The Kruger to Canyon Biosphere Region is involved in an international partnership with the Rhone Biosphere in Germany. The objective of the partnership is an exchange on technical issues, on methodological aspects and management approaches, as well as capacity building. The project works together closely with the people living within the biosphere reserves, attempting to reduce any adverse human impact on nature while creating new sources of income for local communities from the use of biodiversity in a sustainable way. On 7 July Southern Cross Schools welcomed twelve students and two of their teachers from the Rhone BR Martin Pollich Gymnasium School in Germany for a learning exchange, as part of an international school exchange programme managed by Engagement Global (ENSA) in Germany. The visitors arrived in Hoedspruit on Saturday, 7 July, and learners and teachers from Southern Cross are hosting them for the duration of their stay until 28 July. The goal of the programme is to establish a long and mutually beneficial school partnership, learning from each other. Young people are encouraged to explore current social issues in depth, and the theme this year, is ‘Lifestyles - sustainable way of life’. This will include aspects such as the amount of water needed to produce food, energy, carbon footprint and the environmental impact. This is very fitting and exactly what Southern Cross Schools teach their learners, and an amazing experience from which both parties will benefit. Another theme this year

is food and tradition. Project manager from K2C BR Vusi Tshabalala said that ‘the group of learners from Rhone are planning on learning about the different types of food we eat in our area, how organic they are, where it comes from and if our local people can afford it or not’. Vusi further

explained that ‘the group will be visiting most of the food station around our area to see the food we eat and also be doing a village visit, visiting all types of cultures we have around our area’. ‘We have partnership with the Rhone BR, as much as they come from the Rhone

and we have that long standing partnership, we are supporting that because when we went to Germany we also visited their school and now them coming this side, we are also showing them around our biosphere, which is why we took them to the strydom tunnel’ Vusi concluded.

20 July 2018 Kruger2Canyon

NEWS & VIEWS

#MenToo and #NotoInfertilityStigma Lucky Rapitsi

KENYA - On July 10, about 200 journalist from across Africa participated in the first Merck Foundation Media Health Training programme aimed at breaking the stigma of infertility on the continent. The participants, from 17 African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Tanzania, Rwanda, Gambia, Namibia, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Botswana, Liberia, Cameroon and Sierra Leona, were informed about infertility and Associated Reproductive Techniques (ART), including In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). A panel of experts threw more light on the topic, including the causes of infertility in both men and women; key among these being the

improper treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). They also identified stigma as the biggest obstacle to the successful treatment and acceptance of infertility in couples. Although about 85% of infertile couples could be treated, it created stigma and suffering especially for women within their marriages, as the problem was often blamed on them. The topic continued to be treated as a grey area, often hidden among societies. Women unable to fall pregnant after months and years of marriage were humiliated, subjected to dehumanizing conditions, abused by both their communities and spouses, even to the point of losing their lives. Jackline Mwende, a 27 year old woman from Masii,

Machakos County, in Kenya had her hands hacked off by her own husband for failing to conceive, even though he was the one with fertility problems. Her husband told her ‘today is your last day’. Through the Merck Foundation, Jackline Mwende’s life has been transformed and she now has a beautiful baby called Zawadi which means ‘gift’ in Swahili. Merck More than a Mother heroine, Linda Haiduwa from Namibia delivered an emotional and powerful speech. She talked about her struggle with infertility and asked the media to empower infertile women. Linda said ‘I plead that the media advocate and educate the public about infertility’. Dr Rasha Kelej, the Chief Executive Officer of Merck

‘n totaal van 300 spelers. Elke dag was deur die spelers met geesdrif aangepak. Tydens die middagsessies kon die spanne van die verskillende skole mekaar die stryd aangee gedurende kort wedstryde. Hier was dan ook leiding gegee deur die Sportsworx-span in terme van posisionele spel en veldwerk. Die afrigters van onderskeie skole het ook die geleentheid gehad om te gradeer as skeidregters. Kathleen en Gerrit Falling het met

hul sprankelende persoonlikhede en entoesiasme weer vuur kom blaas onder die gradeerders. Sonder hande en ondersteuning was die week nie moontlik nie. Laerskool Mariepskop bedank graag elke ouer en borg wat bygedra en hard gewerk het om van die week ‘n sukses te maak. Ons glo ook dat elke speler die vrugte sal pluk en ‘n positiewe bydrae sal lewer tydens die seisoen. Volgende jaar maak ons weer so!

Riepies bied 8ste suksesvolle hokkiekliniek aan! Chantelle Redelinghuys KAMPERSRUS – Gedurende die afgelope skoolvakansie was daar weereens hard gewerk op die hokkievelde by Laerskool Mariepskop se agtste hokkiekliniek. Die span van Sportsworx, onder leiding van Gareth Jones, het soos altyd gesorg vir puik afrigtingsessies. Die deelnemende skole was van wyd en suid met

Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, said in her welcome address that studies had shown that although men contributed to about 50% of infertility cases they often refuse to admit, or get tested with their wives, to identify the source of the problem for treatment. The training, she explained, was therefore part of the Foundation’s efforts to empower journalists to use their various media tools and channels, to break the stigma associated with infertility in Africa. It was part of the Merck More than a Mother community awareness initiative to emphasise the important role that media play to influence societies to create a cultural shift with the aim to break the stigma around infertility in general, and infertile women in particular. Dr Kelej used the occasion to announce the start of new hashtags #MenToo and #NotoInfertilityStigma, to invite the media from all over Africa to share their opinions and stories on social media on the topic. She said ‘I am very happy to initiate this important training session and the two hashtags on the social media platform, inviting all media representatives to share it on their platforms’. #MenToo can be the cause of infertility; #MenToo can suffer the infertility stigma and social pressure. #NoToInfertilityStigma for women and #MenToo is the

key message we wish to deliver.” She said that there was a need to confront society openly with the truth that infertility could affect both men and women alike, hence the need to change their thinking in order to avoid stigma, and rather support, encourage and prevent infections that often led to the problem. Both Dr Koigi Kamau, the Chairman of the Kenya Fertility Society and Dr Wanjiru Ndengwa, also a gynecologist and IVF specialist, spoke on male infertility causes, as well as the

management options, admitting the fact that about 25% of couples faced such challenges and did not know how to handle them. They called for evidencebased research that would provide clear data to guide policy formulation in all African counties, especially in the area of providing access to fertility care services and making them affordable to all, in the light of ensuring Universal Health Coverage. Merck More than a Mother is an initiative to break the stigma of infertile women.

Jackline Mwende and her son seen here with Merck More than a Mother CEO Dr Rasha Kelej. Jackline has received prosthetic hands from the Merck Foundation and has been given a new lease on life.

Local learner pays his own way to Reunion Heidi Lee Smith

Call: 013 752 6057

HOEDSPRUIT– You may have bought a boerie-roll outside Pick n Pay recently. Did you know that Matthew Diederichs, a home-schooling student from Hoedspruit, has been selling boerewors rolls at Pick n Pay for the last three weeks to collect funds, to pay his own way for an almost five month student exchange trip to Reunion Islands. Mathew was invited by his hosts Christophe Geyer and Véronique Guillemot to spend a semester at Lycée Bellepierre College in Saint Denis with their children Julien, Mathilda and Annette. Mathew was not going to let funding stand in his way! ‘My goals are to improve my French and learn more about the French culture and life on Reunion,’ a determined Mathew told Kruger2Canyon. It’s great to see youngsters with such drive and focus. Please support this youngster and learn more about his future plans; you will find him at PnP from Wednesday to Saturday selling his delicious boerie rolls. Mathew says he is extremely grateful to everyone who has supported him, as he was able

to book his flights this week and is now working towards

his spending money and visa expenses.

20 July 2018 Kruger2Canyon

PROMO STATION

Sonja en Tjokker Nuwe personeel besoek Drakieland HOEDSPRUIT – Sonja en Tjokker het die Grondslagfase besoek, Vrydag, 15 Junie. Sy het al die leerders se volle aandag van die begin af gehad waar almal heerlik saamgesing, gedans en geleer het!! Die interaktiewe program het lewenslesse in gehad wat elke dag plaasvind en leerders geleer het wat dit is om die regte ding te doen.

Sonja and Tjokker visited the Foundation Phase on Friday, 15 June. She had all the attention of the learners from the beginning, where everyone had a great time together, danced and learned!! The interactive program has life lessons that take place every day and learners have learned what it is like to do the right thing.

HOEDSPRUIT BUSINESS DIRECTORY

KAMPERSRUS – Laerskool Mariepskop het twee nuwe liggies by hul personeelkorps gevoeg vanaf Mei en Junie 2018. Die personeellede is ‘n splinternuwe graad 1 juffrou, Louise van Breda, en ‘n entoesiastiese graad-R assistent, Sunette Kriel. Louise is gebore in die hartjie van Pretoria, maar het groot geword in Louis Trichardt. Nadat sy haar B.Ed graad by TUKS verwerf het, het sy Rekeningkunde gaan aanbied by haar alma mater, Hoërskool Louis Trichardt. Sy het onderwys gaan studeer omdat kinders mal

is oor haar, maar sy het gou geleer dat sy ‘n passie vir hulle ook het, klein en groot. Sy voeg by dat haar hart soos ‘n taxi is - altyd plek vir nog een. Sy is baie opgewonde om deel te wees van die #lekkerplek en die Mariepskop berg is my siel se tuiste. Graad-R assistent, Sunette Kriel, het hierheen getrek in Februarie 2017 vanaf Groblersdal. Sy het ‘n hart en ‘n passie vir kinders, maar meer vir kinders wat sukkel. Sy is ook baie entoesiasties oor sport en kultuur. Sy wil graag ‘n positiewe verskil maak orals waar sy gaan.

Shop 5 Leadwood Corner

Advertise in Kruger2Canyon to get a FREE listing on our Business Directory ACCOMMODATION Fleur de Lys guest farm 079 505 3665 Marula Camp/ Tshukudu Safaris 015 001 7084 BUSINESS / SHOPS / SERVICES 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 Cap Company 082 774 5809 Crocodile Printers 087 802 8307 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 Goddin&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 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 Kill-a-Bug 083 258 5537 Kruger2Canyon News 015 793 2617 Maruleng Municipality 015 793 2409 Mediation & Training 083 253 3675 Moov to Move / Nina 078 778 9014 Niche Cleaning Service 083 233 9852 Pet Bar 078 819 1336 PicknPay Hoedspruit 015 793 0482 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 015 793 0225 1st Class Electrical 071 657 5305 Hoedspruit Tool & Tile 015 793 0195 Hoffmans Thatching 015 793 1530 LED Electrical and Pumps 083 501 8979 Midrand Aircon Hoedspruit 015 793 3337 Pool & Spa specialists 015 793 0166 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 079 102 919*2 Optometrist (M. Landman) 082 803 0369 ProVet Veterinary Hospital 015 793 0797 REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY Century 21 015 793 1534 Fine & Country 083 377 6622 Pam Golding 015 793 2712 Wildfig Apartments 083 977 9678

JUMBO ADS are affordable and effective

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 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 Garden of Eden 079 505 3665 Godding&Godding 082 808 9203 Hoedspruit-info 015 793 2167 Hds Endangered Species Centre 015 793 1633 Imbizo Gallery 087 808 2826 Khamai Reptile Park 087 806 2093 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 Hi-Q Tyres 082 804 2502 Laeveld Trekkers 087 806 5616 Motor bike hire (24’ SOUTH) 082 859 0966

Electrical & Wholesale Services Cell: 071 657 5305 nick@firstclasselectrical.co.za

dupainttoolhoedspruit dupainttool

Huilboerboom Street, Hoedspruit (Next to HiQ) Number: 0835711344

K2C Challenge better than ever!

Above: Jock Green, winner of the men’s Ultra distance. Jock is a regular podium finisher on the South African trail circuit. Seen here fresh off his win in the inaugural UTD 100Miler, blazing through the K2C mountain forests. Right: Winner of the ladies’ Ultra distance Karine Bezuidenhout receives her trophy from co-organiser and founder of Lowveld Trails Running, Michael Dickerson.

Photography by Phonix Capture

...from pg1...than his winning time in 2017, he commented ‘the new routes are really tough, harder than last year but much more scenic!’ The women’s ultra-distance was also won by a regular winner on the trail circuit and local ex pupil of Laerskool Mariepskop, Karine Bezuidenhout. Karine couldn’t believe that this was on her doorstep growing up and said ‘What an awesome experience racing on the mountain that I spent my math classes day dreaming about! The event really captured the mountain on Day 1 and the bush on Day 2!’ Now solidly entrenched on the trail running calendar and touted by many as the toughest Stage Trail Race in SA, we can be sure to see many lining up to test themselves against the Kruger2Canyon Challenge 2019!

www.kzntrailrunning.co.za www.lowveldtrailrunning.co.za

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”

“Quick As A Wink”

OFFICE: 015 793 0792

Chris Dreyer: 0835735920

Main Street Hoedspruit