Kruger2Canyon Vol 16.23 by Mark Bishop

Hoedspruit

FREECopy!

BOEREMARK Next Market on 27 Oct 2018 @ BOSVELD CENTRE 2.2KM out of town on R40

The paper that encourages dreams, supports people and builds the community! Vol 16 Issue 23, 5 October 2018, Kruger2Canyon News, Shop 12, Kamogelo Centre, Hoedspruit. Tel 015 793 2617 email: heidi.lee@mweb.co.za

Making a difference is what it’s all about

Brass Brassett

MANOUTSA - Last Saturday, Hoedspruit AnimaL Outreach (HALO) conducted their monthly outreach in The Willows, a community some 40km outside Hoedspruit. On just another average outreach for this small group of passionate people and their equally passionate volunteers, 116 dogs were seen! HALO has been going into The Willows on a monthly basis since June last year, offering basic animal healthcare – deworming dogs, treating conditions such as mange, giving puppies their vital 5:1 course of injections, providing protection against ticks and fleas and, most importantly, getting owners to sign-up their dogs for sterilisation! Dogs with more serious conditions, such as wounds needing attention at a veterinary surgery and those suffering from TVT – a transmissible cancer – are taken for treatment. Dogs needing on-going care are looked after at the HALO Hospital Camp. Of course all this costs money, as do the sterilisation operations, fuel for getting to the outreaches, and food for the dogs. With two outreaches a month going to both The Willows and GaMoraba or Manoutsa, HALO is seeing on average 200 to 250 dogs a month. HALO is incredibly lucky to have two new food sponsors onboard – Hoedspruit’s SPAR and Toro Yaka Bush Lodge – as well as ad-hoc food donations from Pick n Pay – but we ideally need five food sponsors to be able to give dogs on outreach 1kg each and to feed all the dogs that pass through our Hospital Camp. If you are able to offer HALO a sponsorship, whether it be oneoff or on-going, for any of their expenditure, please do get in

Take

touch via their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hoedspruit.HALO). One of the most valued contributions people can make is their time! HALO outreaches can only run smoothly and

efficiently with volunteers to help. So if you have some time to spare on a Saturday morning and want to be surrounded by dogs, and people passionate about dogs, in some of the most beautiful areas

one it’s a

FREE

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Office: 015 793 1530

surrounding Hoedspruit, again, please do get in touch. Regiane Carvalho de Moraes, visiting the Hoedspruit area from Brazil, recently volunteered at an outreach and said after-

wards, ‘HALO’s community work was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. It was a wonderful day amidst incredible people, lots of dogs and charismatic local people.’

5 October 2018 Kruger2Canyon

LOCAL NEWS

Hlokomela hosts the ‘wedding of the year’

Greetings, fellow Farmwatchers With just a couple of days to go until the big night, we thought we would take a few moments to remind you of some important points concerning the evening. The fundraiser will be held at the Maroela Bar on Saturday October 13, kicking off at 18.00. Admission is R120 pp, with children under 10 paying R30. The entry fee after 21.00 is R60.00. Meals are not included. The admission tickets are available from Natasha at Pick n Pay or Louise at the Maroela Pub. Do remember however that you must contact Louise 072 9154486 to reserve a table. We will also be having a few raffles throughout the night with some truly fantastic prizes. Tickets for the raffles cost R50.00 but are valid for each and every draw (unless you win a prize of course). You do not have to be present at the event to win. We will end with an auction for a few selected donations and a draw for two mystery goodie boxes for those still standing at the end of the party. Please note that there will be no accounts open so make sure you bring cash for food and drinks and of course the raffle tickets. Don’t forget your admission tickets. Looking forward to seeing you all Organiser Ron Hopkins

Story by M.J. du Preez Photos by Annamie Meintjes HOEDSPRUIT - On 29 September 2018 Hlokomela hosted their ‘Strooijonker’ event at Francine’s Wedding Venue

and Farmhouse. The performance by De Klerk Oelofse, (known for his roles in ‘Die Boekklub’ and ‘Hotel’) was a hilarious, touching, and sometimes very awkward, look at the unrealistic pressures we all

put on ourselves at weddings. De Klerk is truly an amazing South African talent and a performer to take note of. De Klerk also auctioned off the ‘bride and groom’s wedding gifts’ to raise funds for the

Hlokomela project. Francine’s served a fantastic three course meal to go along with their spectacular venue. Do yourself a favour and book this stunning venue for your next event. To see more photos from the evening, visit the Hlokomela Fan Page on Facebook.

AFRICA UNLOCKED

Private Guided Safaris

email: heidi.lee@mweb.co.za

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

HOEDSPRUIT – Ian Shoebotham, the man who has a heart for the environment and has more recently become known for growing incredible, organic vegetables, has just gone commercial with his secret! Soil with Soul compost and Bokashi medium for pot plants will be available this weekend at the Farmers Market, for the first time. Ian explains why Soil with Soul is so good: We’ve taken great care to make sure our compost is well matured, finely sifted and free of rubbish. It’s made using a variety of organic materials such as animal manure, wood chips, garden trimmings, food waste and biochar. We’ve also added effective microbes to enhance the symbiotic relationship between your plants and our soil. Not only will our Super Compost rejuvenate your soil, it will also increase water retention. Our nursery blend is a premium mix containing compost,

coconut coir, vermiculite and basalt rock dust. It’s intended for container plants struggling with Hoedspruit’s incessant heat. For the avid gardener or veggie grower there is Nourish, our professional growing medium. It’s packed full of micronutrients and has the most amazing texture, perfect for your prized

plants. Last but not least is our Bokashi, a solution to all food waste. Bokashi is a Japanese word and this anaerobic fermentation process was commercialised in the 1980s by Dr. Teruo Higa. ian@soilwithsoul.co.za 0741046055

LOCAL NEWS

Behind the scenes at Thornybush Tom Coetzee GREATER KRUGER – What a week we had…on Wednesday, a wild dog with a snare, Thursday – an elephant with wire entangled around its feet, and Friday: wild dog with snare again! The elephant was seen by a guide at Thornybush on Wednesday afternoon at 16:30. He saw the young bull drinking at the dam in front of the lodge and noticed that the animal had difficulty in walking. On closer inspection he could see that both the back legs were entangled in a bundle of old fencing wire and that he literally could only make small baby steps. Reserve management was notified and with very little

daylight left we had to move quickly. Dr Peter Rogers was called in to assist, and at 17:40 the dart went in. Little did we realise how much wire was involved and the elephant went down with his shoulders lying on top of the wire. It took us 10 minutes to cut through all the wire with wire cutters, and we had to make use of ropes to raise the elephant’s front legs up to enable us to pull the wire out from underneath the animal. We cleared the area of all the cut wire and Dr Rogers administered the anti-dote to wake him up. With some encouragement he got up and stood around for a few minutes before charging off into the bush, trumpeting…maybe it was a word of thanks!

5 October 2018 Kruger2Canyon

Roaring into action! Kerstin Nyberg Peart

TREK FOR BIG CATS Three adventurers – Gareth James Legg, Tracey Bruton and Timothy Jansen van Vuuren - are about to put the plight of the Big Cats into the spotlight in a spectacular way. The Trek for Big Cats team are planning a unique challenge to climb both to the Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro in November, all to raise funds for the UK-based international wildlife charity Born Free. South African-born Gareth has spent many years as a safari guide, and his passion and concern for the big cats inspired him to take on this unusual challenge. This is not just an ordinary ascent - the members of the Trek for Big Cats will be doing the climb dressed in costumes – Gareth as a lion, Tracey as a leopard, and Timothy as a tiger! Gareth’s lion suit was the first to arrive, and lucky walkers in the hillsides near Edinburgh, Scotland, where he now lives and trains, may be treated to the unusual sight of a lion roaming the area. The mascot suits may be cosy and warm at higher altitudes, but they add about 7 kg

to what the climber is carrying. The view from inside the headpiece is limited, all adding to the difficulties of an already challenging trek. All three trekkers are passionate about conservation, and deeply concerned by the decline in big cat populations due to hunting and habitat loss. We should all be concerned: Lions have lost more than 80% of their historical range in the past 100 years. There were about 450 000 lions in the 1940’s and 32 000- 35 000 lions in 2013. In South Africa, there are 6000- 8000 captive lions and 2300- 2500 wild lions, and an estimated 297 lion breeding facilities. (Information supplied by Blood Lions) Tigers are the largest of the big cats, and closest to extinction. There were 100 000 wild tigers in Asia 100 years ago, now only 3900. The tiger is listed as “endangered” by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, while two of the remaining subspecies - Malayan and Sumatran - are “critically endangered”. (Information supplied by Panthera) Leopards have vanished from 49% of their historical range in Africa, and from 84% of their historical range in Eurasia.

They are threatened by bush meat poaching, habitat loss, illegal hunting for pelt and body parts, trophy hunting, and human/animal conflict. (Infor-

mation supplied by Panthera) You can follow the trek on www.trekforbigcats.com and www.facebook.com/trekforbigcats.

5 October 2018 Kruger2Canyon

Reaching out to educate

Tracey Larmont HOEDSPRUIT - Southern Cross Schools believe in reaching out to the communities to uplift the lives of children, and the recently established Educational Support Centre at the school was established for that very purpose. Many children from surrounding communities apply to Southern Cross Schools, some independently, and others with the support of private sponsorship and

donors. Sadly, they may not have received an educational grounding of good quality, and do not possess the skills and knowledge which enables them to cope with the standard of learning at our school. It is heart breaking when a young mind is held back due to a lack of opportunity. Now children with the potential to overcome academic gaps are able to join a bridging class at SCS which facilitates intense, individual teaching. The goal is to strengthen their

skills as fast as possible so that they are able to join the school’s mainstream classes. SCS has established relationships with various supporters and currently three children are enjoying this opportunity. In addition to this learning space, a classroom is available to various therapists who currently use this facility to support and assist learners with specific needs. It also offers a private space for oneon-one counselling.

Cycling for rhino conservation

Onward! An image created for a legend JOHANNESBURG - For over 50 years, Iain Douglas Hamilton has dedicated his life to saving the African elephant. His research and his voice alerted the world to the ivory crisis in the 70’s and 80’s, and he argued for a worldwide ban on ivory trade. In 1993 he founded Save the Elephants to secure their future by preserving their environments and encouraging a tolerant relationship between elephant herds and human populations. Dr. DouglasHamilton recently spoke at a fundraiser in Johannesburg for Elephants Alive, Two Girls’ charity of choice. We were honoured to create an original piece inspired by his work, and to present him with the first Limited Edition Print at the event. The original oil on elephant dung painting and the remaining limited edition prints are now on sale at www.twogirlsandanelephant.com with fifty percent of the sale price being donated to Elephants Alive South Africa.

has dedicated 25 years to protecting wildlife and put his life on the line while combating this war. Experiencing first-hand, through my dad’s commitment and courage, the devastating consequences of rhino deaths and the struggles of fighting against rhino poaching, is what has inspired us to take on this epic cycle tour and hopefully make a difference.’ ‘This is one small contribution we can make to protecting the voiceless’ Kayla explains. The cycle tour is endorsed by Nkombe Rhino, an NPO founded by South African rugby professional Joe Piet-

erson, a wildlife ambassador with a passion for conservation. Nkombe Rhino has supported Tim’s Anti-Poaching Unit through various means which has led to a significant break-through in protecting local rhino. The team is hoping to have a back-up vehicle that will follow the cyclists. The cyclists will finish their tour by cycling the Rotary K2C Cycle Tour in Hoedspruit on the 20th July 2019. For more information contact Kayla at kaylaparker9412@gmail.com or follow Instagram: Kenya2Kruger Cycle Tour 2019 and Facebook: Kenya2Kruger Cycle Tour 2019.

Now more than ever, elephants are under siege, but Douglas-Hamilton remains optimistic that this second spike in poaching can be stopped. ‘I’ve been through

all of this before,’ he said. ‘As a collective group we stopped that killing, and in the savannahs there was a reprieve of 20 years. I believe we can do it again.

Mambas honour Minister Molewa

Lucky Rapitsi

Kayla Parker and Chris Adam, will be embarking on a cycle from Kenya to Hoedspruit to raise awareness of the critical plight of rhino in Africa.

HOEDSPRUIT - Kayla Parker, a local Hoedspruitian, and her partner Chris Adam are cycling the Kenya2Kruger Cycle Tour 2019 in support of raising awareness of the increase in rhino poaching. The couple met while studying at Rhodes University. They share a common passion for nature and adventure. ‘Our mission is to cycle from Kenya through southern African countries, visiting schools where we will be giving presentations on the severity of rhino poaching, and educating students about the importance of rhino conservation and wildlife in general,’ says Kayla. ‘My dad, Tim Parker,

LOCAL’S LEKKER

HOEDSPRUIT - Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa has died on 22 September at the age of sixty one. On 27 September the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit hosted a memorial service which was held at Balule in honour and remembrance of the late Minister. The Black Mambas honoured her by a parade and by planting a marula tree. Before being appointed Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs in 2010‚ Edna Molewa served as MEC for social development. At national government level‚ she briefly served as minister of social development in 2009‚ but in 2010 became the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs after a cabinet reshuffle‚ replacing Buyelwa Sonjica. Four years ago the department was split and Ms Molewa became the Minister of

the new Department of Environmental Affairs ‚ a position she held until her death. The Black Mambas celebrated the life and mourned the loss of the Minister. The Black Mambas said that her support and encouragement over the years remain in their hearts, and she will be sorely missed. They wish her family strength dur-

ing this difficult time. ‘We would like to thank Nick Koornhof, MP and Vusi Ndlovu of K2C for their kind words of support, as well as those who joined us from SANParks and Olifants West as we planted a marula tree that we hope over the coming years will grow as strong as her legacy’ said the Mambas.

Call: 013 752 6057

LOCAL IS LEKKER

5 October 2018 Kruger2Canyon

The Spirit of Ubuntu alive & thriving

A big win for Mambas

JOHANNESBURG – The Black Mambas are headed for more fame. Filmmaker Bruce Donnelly has won Best International Short Documentary Film at Jozi Film Festival 2018 Awards on October 1, for his rendition of the work being done by the Black Mambas antipoaching team based in the Greater Kruger area.

Jacquie Gauthier ACORNHOEK - A uniquely South African word inspired a unique celebration of community and connection over the Heritage Day weekend. The inaugural Spirit of Ubuntu Festival at Nourish Eco Village on the Orpen Road brought together the best of live music, market stalls, yoga, star gazing, drumming and dancing. From the opening evening of fireside food and entertainment, through the Rhino Rush colour run and the Heritage Day Braai Challenge, there literally was something for everyone. The crowd was diverse, from yogi vegans to boerwors braaiers; and whether gathered in the Zen zone yoga tent, by the pool or at the on site shebeen, the vibe was relaxed, friendly and fun. Many made a whole weekend of it, booking in at Shik Shak Eco Backpackers or bringing their own camping gear. Nourish founder and director Sarah Bergs says the first festival was a great success, and it will only get bigger and better. ‘We had a clear vision for this event, and it was everything we’d hoped it would be. Everyone felt welcome, and it was a

great combination of education, activities and entertainment. Truly a celebration of peace, unity and what South Africa is all about. Ubuntu is at the core of what Nourish is; an organi-

zation bringing people together and creating opportunity. We are all connected and together we’ll go far,’ Sarah elaborated. Plans for next year’s festival are already underway.

HOEDSPRUIT - Hoedspruit Garden and Home Furniture and Hoedspruit Boxes have recently opened in Hoedspruit Crossing, just next door to Sleepers Restaurant. They have a beautiful range of South African sourced furniture, consisting of steel, sleeper and mahogany furni-

ture. You certainly need to pay a visit to their store to get a feel of their range. You can purchase off the floor or place an order to suit your style and cushion colour. They stock a range of umbrellas, and more to order. By the end of the year they will stock bed bases and mattresses, including a

hospitality range. The enthusiasm is there, no order too large or too small to handle. For canvas prints, mirrors and smaller accessories and gifts, please pop by. Your will be delighted to see that they are also stockists of Yankee Candles. For those who don’t know about Yankee Candles – do pop in and smell their scent and Simone will be delighted to guide you through the fragrances. For the converted, say no more, it’s exciting to know Hoedspruit has a local stockist. The box division of the store has a range of boxes, tape, bubble wrap, mattress protectors and more. Hoedspruit Boxes can help you with all your storage and packing needs.

Garden & Home now in the Hoed

Filmmaker Bruce Donnelly above and left, seen here at the Jozi Film Festival 2018 with Adrian More, who scored the film, and members from The Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit, Lewyn Maefala and Goodness Mhlanga.

5 October 2018 Kruger2Canyon

NEWS & VIEWS

Fiesta Despedida Story by Yvette Dreyer Photos by Annamie Meintjes HOEDSPRUIT – Once again history has been made at Lowveld Academy Hoedspruit when their first Matric Farewell was held on 27 September 2018 at the beautiful Francine’s Venue. The theme, Fiesta Despedida, translates to Farewell Party Nina van Eeden 078 778 9014 | Dina de Waal 083 327 0325 info@moov2move.co.za and the Mexican inspiration came to life with colourful décor, a larger than life painting of Frida Kahlo, a menu to awaken the taste buds, as well as entertainment provided by the Gr11 dance-group, choreographed by Sune Muller. The LA Matric students all looked elegant and stylish and were lucky enough to have the talented Annemie Meintjies Applications are awaited from organized, well-motivated candidates who would photographing the glamourlike to become part of a unique Citrus and Mango operation with further developous event. ment potential in the Hoedspruit area. LA bids their Matric students a fond farewell and Due to the high level of commitment required within this role, we will only consider meetwishes them good luck with ing with those candidates who meet with all the below minimum requirements. the preparation for final exQualification and Skills aminations. • A tertiary qualification in Accounting Sciences • 5+ years hands-on working experience in bookkeeping • Pastel Partner or similar accounting systems. • Microsoft Dynamics NAV experience would be an advantage • A reasonable working knowledge of the structure and purpose of a Statement of Comprehensive Income and a Statement of Financial Position • Computer literacy in MS Office to at least intermediate level. • A good working knowledge of statutory rules/ laws and returns • Detailed oriented and strong organizational skills. • Ability to prioritize and meet strict deadlines. • Above average people and communication skills. • Excellent written and oral communication skills (English) • Own reliable transport and valid driver’s license. • Experience in the agricultural sector will be an advantage.

Bookkeeper Vacancy | Hoedspruit

Main KPA’s will include but not limited to • • • • • •

Preparing books of account: Posting of monthly accounting entries up to Trail balance level Checking postings and recons by other employees, thereby ensuring completeness and accuracy. Reconciliations Statutory returns Providing reports and information to the Financial Manager

A remuneration package which is market related will be offered for this position but will be based on the relevant qualifications and work experience. The successful applicant will report to the General Manager. Should you have the above-mentioned experience and qualifications you are welcome to email a full CV with trustworthy references to giselam@ndfe.co.za. CLEARLY indicate the position you are applying for on the subject line. Closing dates for application: Friday 19th October 2018 Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a computerized assessment and excel test. (If you have not been contacted within a week after the closing date please consider your application unsuccessful.)

Lowveld Academy’s Matric Farewell Mexican themed inspiration came to life with colourful décor, of a larger than life painting of Frida Kahlo

VACANCIES 2019 1 2 3 4 5 6

English Home Language Grade 8-12 Afrikaans FAL Grade 10-12 Physical Science Grade 10-12 Life Science Grade 10-12 Mathematics Grade 8-9 Computer Application Technology Gr 10-12 Information Technology Grade 10-12

REQUIREMENTS • • • • • •

SACE Registered Dedicated to the teaching profession Assumption of duty: 1 January 2019 Language of teaching: Afr. / Eng. Interview will be held: 15 October Attach complete CV

Contact LA Office: 015 793 3750 Email: hoedspruit@lowveldacademy.co.za if you strive for excellence...

5 October 2018

LOCAL IS LEKKER

Kruger2Canyon

Poetry on a platter March on GNT Kyra Girardin

HOEDSPRUIT - Poetry on a platter, an evening for students to express themselves through poetry, was held in August by Southern Cross College. It’s an annual highlight on the calendar for both the school and the surrounding communities. The theme was “A Night under the African Sky”, portrayed beautifully through the décor and food. Indi-

vidual tables were set up for the audience, who, eager to be entertained, watched the beautiful poetry and enjoyed a delicious three-course African dinner. Most of our poets really entered into the spirit and dressed in African traditional clothing. Every table had a brown paper bag full of activities and games to encourage audience participation. In-between the poetry there was a short interval during which the

Winners Megan and Melvin both crafted colourful poems that celebrated African culture and heritage.

HOEDSPRUIT BUSINESS DIRECTORY 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 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 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 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 015 590 3993 1st Class Electrical 071 657 5305 Hoffmans Thatching 015 793 1530 Jackal Berry Construction 078 874 2156 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

games were played. They were great fun, and included teams having to write their own poem as well as making up a beat on the djembe drum to accompany the poem. The host for the evening was Head of School, Shearer Ngobeni, and the three judges, Mike Kendrick, Graeme Wuth and Maureen Lahoud, did a great job. Judging all these exquisite poems and having to pick only the three best ones was challenging. As is the case each year, the evening was full of energy and smiles. At the end of the evening the judges tallied up their scores and had to choose the winners. The top three contestants were matric student Fadeelah Aboobaker in 3rd place, who wrote a carefully crafted poem called “Words”. Coming in 2nd place was grade 8, Melvin Mahlaule, with her powerful poem, “Tsonga was Made to Hypnotise”. The winning poet for the evening was grade 9, Meghan Mashigo, with her gorgeous and captivating poem, “Africa”. Overall it was a fantastic event enjoyed by all. Thanks go to Faith Khosa and her Cultural Committee for hosting another successful poetry on a platter.

Lucky Rapitsi HOEDSPRUIT - On 2 October 2018 Better Residents Association (BRA) marched to the Great North Transport Hoedspruit depot to submit a memorandum to the transport company. The memorandum was submitted for attention and response within 21 days, to the manager of Great North Transport Hoedspruit depot. The Members of BRA highlighted issues which they believe affect the community of Bushbuckridge and compromise the local economic development in the Municipality. The memorandum challenged Great North Transport which they say has been operating in Bushbuckridge Municipality which is administered by Mpumalanga Province, but was previously administered by the Limpopo Province.

‘Up to today the entity still benefits Limpopo Province by generating income from the community of Bushbuckridge. Thousands of people are carried daily to farms in Hoedspruit by Great North Transport from Acornhoek and other related areas within Bushbuckridge Municipality. Eighty percent of the operation in their Hoedspruit depot relies on the commuters from Acornhoek and surrounding areas. The bus company relies on the people of Bushbuckridge for sustainability in terms of financial benefit, however the Limpopo Province benefit more than Bushbuckridge residents’ states the memorandum from BRA. BRA is demanding that the Hoedspruit depot be moved from Hoedspruit to Acornhoek where a big percentage of their clients come from so that it could benefit people of Acornhoek and

affected areas within the Bushbuckridge Municipality. BRA is aware that Gillon Mashego, the MEC of Mpumalanga Public Works, Road and Transport wants to privatise the operation. The people of Bushbuckridge should be consulted as a priority because they are the ones who are affected by the geographical operation of the business. BRA also demands that they should be involved in decisions affecting the daily operation of buses especially where commuters are directly affected. The association therefore needs a representation on the board of directors of Great North Transport since its members are geographically affected by the operation. BRA also demands consultation in terms of social responsibilities, to benefit communities not individuals.

Shop 5 Leadwood Corner

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 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

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

dupainttoolhoedspruit dupainttool

Huilboerboom Street, Hoedspruit (Next to HiQ) Number: 015 590 3993

Out and about with SCS College they learnt about SA’s unsettling past of inequality and the birth of one of the most highly regarded constitutions in the world; they found out about Johannesburg’s beginnings with the discovery of gold during a day at Gold Reef City where they also learnt about the Voortrekkers and the Great Trek; and lastly they appreciated SA’s art - old and new - at the Pretoria Art Museum. There is no doubt the Gr 10s thoroughly enjoyed their trip and the exposure to city life (and traffic!).

Tracey Larmont SOUTHERN CROSS - The Grade 8’s thoroughly enjoyed their recent trip to Schoemansdal. They enjoyed a variety of obstacle courses, hiked up the mountain, used ‘high ropes’, zip lined, and learnt about spiders, vultures and snakes. It was a wonderful team-building experience. The Grade 9’s spent some days on Mariepskop for their class trip last week. It was a tough couple of days, but the students faced the formidable tasks head on. With Mr Bradford leading the way, the students conquered the steep ascent, the forested plateau trails, and the long descent into the Blyde River Valley. Although it was challenging, lots of fun was had by all. The Grade 11’s attended a leadership camp in Magoebaskloof last week with Mr Gibbs and Mrs Dickerson. The programme began with a series of lessons on communication, and lectures and video’s analysing and looking

activities such as abseiling, hiking and zip lining, designed to deal with overcoming possible fears. The group made the most of every opportunity and participated beyond expectation in all aspects of the programme.

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After roughing it on the Grade 9 camp on Mariepskop the previous year, the Grade 10 learners looked forward to a ‘big city’ experience in Johannesburg and all the luxuries and entertainment that came along with it. For some learners, it was the first time they had watched a movie or seen a live music show, but there is far more to the Gr 9 cultural trip than city entertainment. At Maropeng, they learnt about the discovery of early hominids and our ancestors; at Constitutional Hill,

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at leaders and different types of leadership styles. There was time for introspection and learners were able to analyse themselves and recognise their strengths and weaknesses. The programme was interspersed with physical challenges and

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