Klaserie Chronicle Klaserie Kroniek No: 09; July 2008
Palgrave tree magic at play in Camp George story and photos by Lynette Strauss
T
here are a few tree books that most tree lovers will have as their constant companions. One such book is Trees of Southern Africa, first written by Keith Palgrave, with assistance from his younger brother Paul and Paul’s wife, Meg. Meg revised the third edition, which ended up two centimetres thicker than the last version. “It took me five years to complete,” says Zimbabwean-born and based Meg. Her interest in plants goes back as far as she can remember. “My parents gave me packets of seed for my eighth birthday, and a book on wild flowers for my 16th,” which must be an indication of her interest at the time. After school Meg enrolled for a natural sciencedegree at Rhodes University in South Africa. “What I really wanted to do was horticulture, but in those days there were no such courses available.” Another milestone on her journey with trees was when she “married into the right family”. In 1957, Meg married Paul Palgrave who, with his brother Derek, was responsible for the photographs that featured in the book, Trees of Central Africa. This publication was a family effort with Meg’s mother-in-law, Olive who did more than a 100 paintings, and Keith doing the writing. Continued on page 3 ... He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.- Psalms, 1.3 1
Readers’ Forum - Briewebus
Die redakteur van die Klaserie Kroniek doen ’n beroep op alle lesers vir paslike items wat op hierdie bladsy gepubliseer kan word. Dankie, Redakteur
Notes from APNR receives top ‘grassland’ award Zani’s keyboard I have just licked my first Sausage tree blossom! And it is as yummy as Meg Coates Palgrave convinced us it would be. What a phenomenal lady - we are planning to get her back to the Klaserie for another course early next year. I will keep you posted. This is a not-to-be-missed experience. The Chronicle is packed with all sorts of happenings and exciting projects that took place since the last publication. Despite the tranquillity of the surroundings, interesting things are really happening here. Take a look at Page 8 and besides Gustav’s buffalo hunt advice there is a small piece tucked away on the bottom left reporting on the “Support-a-School” Project. Please help. I always find Colin’s reminiscing a good read and at times he seems to have quite hilarious experiences. This edition’s, Snap, crackle, croc! is no exception. Uit die hoek van my oog sien ek hoe ’n groepie buffels rustig in die rivier af wei en ek wonder wanneer is Gustav se volgende buffeljag. Lees meer hiervan op bladsy 8. Geniet die Kroniek en stuur asseblief vir ons lekker stories vir die Desember uitgawe. Spring is in the air, celebrate it by planting a few indigenous trees. Let us make a positive contribution to help erase our carbon footprint. Bush regards Zani
2
Colin Rowles, the Warden of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve - KPNR, had the honour of accepting the prestigious Peter Edwards Award for the Best Conservation Farmer in the Mpumalanga Province in 2008 on behalf of the Associated Private Nature Reserves at a Gala function held by the Grassland Society of Southern Africa and attended by 280 delegates on July 24.
The Peter Edwards Trophy is presented in recognition of the sound application of the principles of grassland science and resource conservation. This prestigious award recognizes top land-users who practice and encourage the sustainable use of natural resources. It is presented annually at the Congress of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa to a land-user, or community of landusers, in the province in which the Congress is held. The land-user should apply sound cultural and management practices that are recommended to ensure the optimum economic utilisation, conservation and reclamation of natural resources. The successful nominee will also have a proven track record of contributing to his/her community by way of participation and leadership in study groups, soil conservation committees and organised agriculture. The trophy, first presented in 1981, commemorates Peter Edwards, an internationally recognised pasture scientist who was born in the Eastern Cape. The lead up to this prestigious nomination has been preceded by years of responsible environmental management practices. Following the nomination of the APNR for the Award, a panel of five adjudicators, three of whom were from Pretoria visited the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve Headquarters in order to assess the applied conservation practices and procedures with Colin Rowles, KPNR Warden, and Jacque Brits, TPNR Warden. The KPNR model was sub- Klaserie Private Nature Reserve’s Colin jected to the scrutiny of the and Janice Rowles hold the award received adjudicators. Additional aspects by the APNR from the Grassland Society of that were judged in the APNR's Southern Africa. Read the accompanying favour were the high quality article by Janice for details of the award. and standard of the Headquarters infrastructure. Veld management practices It is not easy to express in adequate words such as soil erosion, habitat manipulation and our grateful thanks due to the CET’s bush clearing projects were scrutinized by the constant and loyal benefactors, namely, adjudicators as well as the standard of the boundthe Mary Slack and Daughters’ Foundaary fences and quality of the roads and road tion, MAD, 2 Help 1 Pty Ltd and the drainage. The APNR's commitment to skills Klaserie Private Nature Reserve development and staff upliftment and various Recent contributions include the foloutreach programmes all counted in the APNR's lowing donors: Sonae Novobord - cash favour. A further aspect that attracted the donation, Tindalls - cash donation, Roseadjudicator's attention was the water distribumary Ruest - painting, Donovan and Leetion policy. Anne (Klaserie Lodges) - various secondThe KPNR model was audited as being reprehand items, African Banquets - cash dosentative of the high standard of environmental nation and Fuji - Finepix S700 Camera. management applied in the APNR.
“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation” General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964)
Snap, crackle, croc! One particular summer during the early 1990s, the Lowveld was blessed with exceptionally good rains. This brought welcome relief to the farmers, conservationists and great many surprises to owners and managers of golf estates and fish farmers. A large number of crocodiles moved from the flooded rivers and sought refuge in golf course dams and Koi ponds in and around Nelspruit. The Mpumalanga Department of Environmental Affairs was called upon to capture these reptiles and were tasked with the responsibility of finding them new homes. The KPNR was contacted and offered four of these large prehistoric beasts and I was instructed to travel to Nelspruit with
by Colin Rowles the Reserve’s truck to collect them. After and early start and an uneventful trip Janice and I arrived in Nelspruit at a temporary holding facility that had been constructed for the crocs. Here we met with the local conservation official. The pond in which the crocodiles were hiding was drained to expose them, they were promptly darted with an immobilizing agent called Flaxidil, their jaws were taped closed and they were laid on a bed of grass on the back on the truck. We covered them with sacks which we would wet periodically while travelling to keep their skins moist. With the necessary permits in hand and a spare syringe filled with Flaxidil we left Nelspruit with our valuable load. Soon we were passing through White River. As we were leaving the town on a long down hill stretch of road, a traffic inspector stepped into the road and indicated that I should stop, his young appearance and crisp laundered uniform had me beContinued on Page 4 ...
‘Indigenous Meg’ brings the trees to KPNR In appreciation
Continued from page 1 ... When Keith asked them to assist with the photographs for the first edition of Trees of Southern Africa in 1970, they had just moved to Harare and “had more free time on our hands”. The book was finally published in 1977. In the ensuing years Keith moved to Cape Town. The sprightly 73-year-old Meg not only loves learning and writing about trees, but also sharing her knowledge with others. Using a key she developed herself, Meg conducts tree identification courses, one of which recently took place in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, organised by Zani Kunz, coordinator of the reserve’s eco training project. Intermingling her identification instructions and key with interesting snippets about the different trees ensured all had fun while learning. “Most informative,” said Chris Mayes. Ann Anderson, a former guide in the North West and now resident in Raptor's View in Hoedspruit, found Meg’s identification simple and easy to use. “She is also a most wonderful down-to-earth person.”
Herbarium on 25 000 hectares In between her busy schedule, Meg also finds time to visit her projects in Mozambique and Miombo. Her young herbarium on a timber concession is very close to her heart. “I would love if that area is declared a world heritage site,” she says. At present, Meg has about 10 people collecting specimens and adding to the herbarium. “There are some nine endemic species on the 25 000 hectares,” she says. While keeping all fires burning, Meg would also love to produce the revised edition of Trees of Southern Africa in “some kind of electronic format”.
by Brad Black Nine enthusiastic souls arrived at Camp George on the 10th June 2008 for a two-day tree identification course conducted by Meg Coates Palgrave. This is most likely the best course that anyone that has anything to do with the bush can ever do. Your mind will be blown away when you realize how little you actually know about trees. You will be converted from a person who thinks ‘a tree is a tree’ to an absolute tree enthusiast in but two days. To be taught by the legend, of tree identification and all things trees is certainly one of my most memorable bush experiences. Meg started us off at the beginning of the first day with all the basics and general terminology which laid the foundation for the rest of the course. It was unbelievable to be able to stop at any tree, and be able to identify it within five minutes, using the key which Meg devised. Meg also parted with so much knowledge that our heads where spinning and the knowledge just kept on coming. We learnt so much about all the ins and outs of all the trees that it created a whole new aspect to the bush. Many of us on the course have been converted from keen birders to now being more interested in finding out what tree the bird is perched in. So for all of you out there that would like to know everything there is to know about the trees around you, gather a few friends and get Meg Coates Palgrave out here again. You are sure to have loads of fun! I would like to thank Deon Huysamer for the hospitality and allowing us to invade his Camp George. A big thank-you to Zani for organizing the course and hosting Meg during her stay. Lastly but most certainly not least, a thank-you to all of those who attended the course, without you it would not have been so much fun.
“Crocodilians are the most vocal of all reptiles, and calls vary widely depending on species, age, size and sex. Context is also very important, and some species can communicate over 20 different kinds of messages through sound alone.” www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/croccomm.html
3
Ron Thomson addresses Snap,bycrackle, croc! Colin Rowles KPNR AGM in July Continued from Page 3 ...
written by Janice Rowles, photographs by Marlene Dukes On Saturday the 12th of July the Reserve held its 39th Annual General Meeting at the ‘Motlasedi’ site under the wise old Leadwood tree on the banks of the Klaserie River. Following a quick cup of coffee enjoyed with rusks in the company of other members, the Annual General Meeting began at 9:00am. The meeting was well attended and all the formalities where concluded in good spirit. Ron Thomson, the guest speaker, ended the proceedings with a thoughtprovoking presentation on wildlife management and on elephants in particular. Ron Thomson is best known in southern Africa for his books and articles on wildlife management. He has a passion for informing nature-loving people about the principles and practices of wildlife management/conservation.
The Exco and members have agreed to provide each voting member with a copy of Ron Thomson’s handbook entitled “Managing our Wildlife Heritage”. The day ended with the members being treated to a three-course lunch, and refreshments which were a donation by SA Breweries through Derek Macaskill.
Guesthouse opens in KPNR by Janice Rowles The Reserve’s new guest-house located at Headquarters has been completed and was officially opened on Friday, July 11. Exco members, the contractor and interior decorator were invited to view the house at a cheese and wine reception. The new guest-house was officially opened by Mike Myers and Fred Ruest. The project was carried out under the guidance of an Exco appointed subcommittee headed by Mr Fred Ruest, Mrs Jenny Howson and Janice Rowles, who provided valuable input on the interior decoration and finishing touches.
At the opening of the guest-house, from the left, Fred Ruest, Janice Rowles and Mike Myers.
The contract was granted to Mr Fred Dukes of Dukes Construction, a local Hoedspruit builder. The interior decorating was tastefully undertaken by Kathryn Parker of Kathryn Parker Interiors in Hoedspruit. The end result is a high class facility that the Reserve can be proud of.
It’s smiles all round at a special occasion, the opening of the KPNR’s guest-house. From the left, Gustav Roux, Colin and Janice Rowles and Erik Manyike.
4
lieve that he was a new recruit and that I may be his first encounter with the public. His short notice to me to stop prompted me to pass him before pulling over. As he approached from behind the truck I readied myself by pulling my drivers licence from my breast pocket, he drew level with my window and as I looked down on him we exchanged greetings and in the same sentence he demanded my licence. As I handed him my ID book I informed him that I had crocodiles on the back of the truck and that they were asleep, but should I remain stationary for too long the lack of fresh air blowing on them would wake them up. Well he didn’t even open my ID book, with a terrified look on his face he handed it back and said, “Jy kan maar ry meneer”. I don’t think he wanted to be accountable for four large crocodiles on the loose roaming the streets. Bursting with laughter Janice and I continued on our way. Check on the sleeping beauties When we reached Hazyview we stopped for diesel and with the attendant busy refuelling I climbed onto the back to check on the sleeping beauties and to pour water onto their sacks. This was too much for the puzzled attendant who peered curiously over the side of the truck, as he did so - stimulated by the cold water - one of the crocs hissed and moved his tail out from under the sacking. You can imagine the expression of horror and disbelief on the poor guy’s face, he seemed to twostep for a while in his efforts to get as much distance between himself and the truck. Needless to say I had to finish his job and then go and pay him in his new found comfort zone. I sat on their backs The rest of the trip was uneventful and we arrived back in the reserve in the late afternoon to a large reception committee. We drove out to a large catchment dam that had been identified as the release site. The crocs were now recovering from the effects of the Flaxidil and were roaming around in the back of the truck, one by one we carefully lifted them to the ground and while I sat on their backs to restrain them the tape was removed from their jaws. With everyone at a safe distance I jumped off and we watched as they raised themselves up on extended legs and swaggered into the shallow water and slid away into the sunset reflected onto the glassy water.
“Elephants can live to an age of up to 70 or 80 years and they have a good memory. It could be they come across an area that is experiencing a drought. Then they continue on their path and run into people,” Richard Leakey.
‘Who am I in the Kruger to Canyon Biosphere Reserve?’ by Kgaolo Shai Children's Eco Training (CET) is now flying! The theme of this April’s CET was,“Who am I in the Kruger to Canyon Biosphere Reserve?” Here the children were taught about this reserve’s background. Lectures included mapping, the functions of the reserve, why it is needed and who benefits from it. The trip took place from 7 to10 April 2008 with groups of children aged 6 to16 years from the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve - KPNR. From the KPNR we headed for the Canyon at Swadini. The objective of the trip was to show the children examples of the three functions of the biosphere namely conservation, development and logistics. The stops we made covered protected areas (Klaserie PNR), town (Hoedspruit), farms (citrus), conservation areas (Swadini). At Swadini we visited Blyde River Canyon Reserve. We were warmlywelcomed by Margaret who gave a talk to the children about the background, history and the special features of the Reserve. We then visited the dam wall and the Tufa Waterfall. We enjoyed the coolness, quietness, singing birds and the minute fish swim- Meeste van die kinders het nog nooit so ’n groot damwal gesien nie. ming around our feet. We would like to thank all the people who supported this successful learning adventure especially Great North Transport Bus Company, who sponsored an experienced driver and a bus for four days.
Margaret van die Swadini Sentrum verduidelik die ‘Canyon’konsep. The term “biosphere” was coined by geologist Eduard Suess in 1875, which he defined as: “The place on earth’s surface where life dwells.”
5
Bush kids get camera-wise story by Lynette Strauss photos by Karen Randall More than 150 rural-based children, aged between five and 17, had an unexpected bonus added to their mid-year holidays when they not only acquired basic photographic skills, but each one also received a camera, film and batteries to practice their new-found knowledge. On June 25, 2008, within three to four hours these children, many of whom had never held a camera, were budding photographers, hoping their best shot would be good enough for a grand prize. Under the patient and practiced guidance of well-known Fuji photographers, Derek and Norma Pearman, the enthusiastic children learnt about film, f-stops, shutter speed, and had obtained an appreciation of light as being more than simply a lack of darkness. Armed with new insight and new cameras, they captured shots of specially prepared props on the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve [continued on the right, below ...]
(KPNR), as well as imagination-led scenes in the 'free' photography category. Two days later their broad smiles spoke of excitement, pride and a sense of accomplishment when they shared the results of their newly acquired skills. Each film was carefully bagged, tagged and rushed to Fotofirst Nelspruit, about two hours from the KPNR, on Thursday for development. The photos were then hurried back to the reserve and handed to the eagerly waiting children on Friday. While Thabiso Mathebula, Hlulani Nyathi, Hlayisane Ntimane and Harries Mathebula were winners in the various categories, Miuehle Mathebula received a special judges' commendation for her 'out the box' film shot of the sun. Six-year-old, Deneo Mahathane, scooped the grand prize for the “best portfolio according to the brief”. Commenting on the course, Hlayisane said: “This is a good thing and I hope it will go on and on so that our younger brothers can learn too.” The photography course came about when Zani Kunz, co-ordinator of the Reserve’s Children's Eco Training Programme (CET), roped in the assistance of Linda Geldenhuys and Ilse Coetsee, of Make a Difference (MAD) [continued on page 7 ...]
“In my mind’s eye, I visualize how a particular... sight and feeling will appear on a print. If it excites me,
6 there is a good chance it will make a good photograph. It is an intuitive sense, an ability that comes from a lot of practice.” Ansel Adams 1902 - 1984
Fuji steps in to groom shutter bugs
A
[continued from page 6 ...]
Fuji magic
and Fuji Film, represented by the Pearmans. According to Linda, the winners’ best photos will be enlarged and auctioned at a MADsponsored golf day in November this year. “Through CET, we strive to inspire within the young - the leaders of tomorrow - a greater overall appreciation of nature's importance in all its intricacy,” says Zani. “With this course, while having great fun, we could transfer a technical skill and use the environment as an inspirational tool in the process.”
“I dream that someday the step between my mind and my finger will no longer be needed. And that simply by blinking my eyes, I shall make pictures. Then, I think, I shall really have become a photographer.” Alfred Eisenstaedt 1895 -1995
7
Buffeljag in Afrika In menige kampe pryk ’n foto van oupa met ’n buffel en as ons aandagtig luister na oupa se vertelling hoop ons vuriglik om ook eendag Afrika se gevaarlikste te kan aandurf. Die asemrowende Afrika buffel het nie verniet ’n reputasie as gedugte teenstander in die jagveld nie want vele jagters het al met hul lewens betaal vir foute. Alhoewel buffel jag deel van ons kultuur is, moet ons besef dat dit’n uiterste voorreg is. Die diere moet met respek behandel word en wanneer ons in die veld stap, moet ons besef ons is nou in hulle “kantoor”. Wat kan ons verwag van ’n buffeljag? Die jagters kom by die HK bymekaar om die nodige papierwerk te voltooi nl. permitte en vrywaringsvorms. Ons sal kortliks skootplasing bespreek, en die skietbaan besoek om te verseker die wapen en skut is gereed. Die jagters sal dan vergesel van ’n veldwagter die buffels gaan soek. Ek sluit aan en die jag begin te voet. Dit kan van twee ure tot twee dae neem om diere op te spoor. Die jag self kan tot vier dae neem. Indien ons wel sukses behaal, sal lang foto sessies volg. Daarna word die dier gelaai, en na die HK geneem. Buffel jag begin reeds by die huis. Lees oor die dier se gewoontes, ens. Dit gee jou net ’n beter idee van wat om te verwag in die veld. Kevin Robertson se boek, “Africa’s Most Dangerous” handel oor die jag van buffels,en die bekende Craig Boddington het reeds twee videos op die mark naamlik “Boddington on Buffalo”. Dan begin die lekker gedeelte! Die komende buffeljag is die perfekte verskoning vir die mans om bietjie tyd by die skietbaan deur te bring, en selfs om bietjie ekstra geld op die nodige toerusting te spandeer. Veldskiet posisies moet geoefen word want geen buffel in Afrika word vanaf ’n tafel geskiet nie. Skiet stokke help baie, en maak ’n groot verskil. Afstande Ons skiet meestal buffels oor afstande van 10 tot 80 meter. Die gemiddelde skoot is omtrent 50 meter. Probeer om meeste
‘Support-a-School’ Project CET has conducted in loco inspections at 20 schools in the area. Following these checks we have resolved to spread our wings. We have decided to adopt schools with a dynamic and strong management structure, but whose progress is hampered by severe restrictions and limited resources available to them. The major shortcomings identified are: potable water, a library and classroom furniture. Should you wish to get involved in any way or would like to know more about the project's modus operandi , please contact me. All contact details are at the foot of page 12. Zani.
geskryf deur Gustav Roux
van jou oefening op hierdie afstande te doen en dit beteken nie gou 10 skote skiet voor die jag nie. Die skut moet konstant drie skote kan groepeer vanuit veld posisies en dit moet binne 140mm groepering wees. Die hart-long area van die buffel is groot, so dit is ’n redelike maklike skoot. Daar is uitstekende boeke met skootplasing prente. Indien die skut onbekend is met sy wapen sal ek voorstel dat hy twee tot drie keer per week die wapen droog vuur. Maak net asseblief seker om lewendige rondtes weg te bêre en slegs ’n doppie te gebruik. Die waarde van ‘droë vuur’ oftewel ‘dry fire” moet nooit onderskat word nie. Die liggaam gaan deur dieselfde aksies, enigste verskil is dat daar geen knal is nie. Die doppie word gebruik om die ‘firing pin’ te beskerm. Skootplasing Jag begin en eindig by skootplasing. Mens hoor baie van buffels wat 10 skote en meer onvang het, blykbaar met geen effek nie. Dit is niks anders as swak skootplasing nie. Wanneer enige dier’n goeie hart skoot onvang, is dit slegs n kwessie van tyd voor die dier sterf. Die dier sal gewoonlik weghardloop sonder probleme, maar sal binne 100 meter stop en vrek. Met n’n perfekte skoot kan buffels selfs 6 minute neem om te vrek. Die buffel het’n baie dik vel, selfs waneer groot kalibers soos .458, of 416 gebruik word, is daar baie min bloed. Die bloed wat wel uit die wond vloei stol op die dier se vel. Om’n gekwesde dier uit ’n trop van 300 buffels te vind, is amper onmoontlik. Ons moet dus besef dat die eerste skoot alles bepaal. Wees dus voorbereid om die perfekte skoot, die eerste slag te skiet. Slegs wapens wat 300 grein projektiel vuur is geskik vir die jag van buffels, dit wil se bv. 375 H&H. Ek sal die gebruik van’n goeie, lae vergroting teleskoop aanbeveel. Dit vergemaklik skootplasing. Geskikte ammunisie vir buffels is baie duur. Ek beveel die volgende aan, nl. Remington Swift A frame, Federal Bearclaw, Federal Barns X triple shock. Wanneer die jagter herlaai, kan die volgende punte gebruik word: Rhino bullets, Swift A frame & Barns X triple shock. Hierdie punte het Skrywer van hulself reeds bewys. hierdie artikel, Ek het reeds heelwat Gustav Roux. punte uit buffels verwyder, en sal moeilik my opinie verander. Verder is dit belangrik dat jy die dag geniet. Die bos werk op sy eie tyd, so geniet die tydloosheid van Afrika en sien die klein dingetjies om jou raak. Los asseblief horlosies tuis!
“During my lifetime, I have been blessed to turn my passions of shooting and hunting into a career as an outdoor communicator. During this time, I have had 20 books and over 3000 magazine features published in an attempt to share my adventures, memories and observations on the great sports of shooting and hunting.” Craig T. Boddington. 8
• Al die Fuji-wenners bymekaar •
Fujifilm borg opleiding in foto’s neem “With this course, while having great fun, we could transfer a technical skill and use the environment as an inspirational tool in the process,” - Zani Kunz
Foto’s kloksgewys van links bo: • Foto wenners in die verskeie kategorieë van ouderdomme ses tot sestien jaar; • CET ontvang ’n spesiale geskenk van FUJI, ’n FinePix S700 kamera; • Sandy Wilkes, stigter van CET, saam met Jane Mnisi; • Norma oorhandig ’n prys, geborg deur Edumat, aan een van die wenners; • Deon Huysamer deel in die genot van die foto’s wat die kinders terug ontvang het.
Kruger 2 Canyon International Sustainable Living Festival 15 – 17 May, 2008, Kruger 2 Canyon Biosphere in conjunction with the German Rohn Biosphere hosted the first International Sustainable Living Festival in Hoedspruit to celebrate International Biosphere Day on the 17th of that month. Guests from all over and 300 Children from the nearby rural villages were invited to join the celebrations. CET’s trainers accompanied the groups to the various stalls after exhilarating displays by CET, Wilderness Vision, Khamai Reptile Park, Birdlife SA and Moholoholo
Sustainable Development - “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. The World Commission on Environment and Development.
9
Adult education takes off During the latter half of 2007 the Reserve Executive Committee agreed to source a service provider who could provide the Reserve staff with Adult Basic Education Training. After following up numerous contracts provided by the Tourism, Hospitality Education and Training authority -THETA - the Reserve was unable to locate a suitable local provider. During early 2008 an accredited training provider Thuto Kelefa was contracted by THETA to provide the Reserve with the required training at no cost. This came about through the Reserve’s commitment to skills development, which was recognised by THETA. The Abet training programme is designed to provide basic literacy and numeracy skills for adults who are illiterate. It is a course which is recognised nationally. On completion of the course the staff will receive a certificate of National accreditation. At the outset of the training, all of the identified staff were subjected to an evaluation process to determine their literacy levels. Once this had been determined the participants were divided into three different groups. All workbooks and stationery has been supplied by THETA at no cost. Training takes place two hours per day from Monday to Thursday and is expected to be concluded at the end of August. The access to the training has been received with great appreciation and the lessons are attended with enthusiasm. The end result will be that all of our staff will have been provided with the basic literacy skills needed to exist in this modern era. Speaking to some the staff they have indicated that their biggest wish is that they will have gained much knowledge and the ability to read and write.
Staff receive first aid training in Tsonga
story & photos by Janice Rowles
The Adult Basic Education Training group on parade with their lecturer, Elsie.
Not even a broken leg is too much for Elias and David to handle.
story & photos by Janice Rowles A three-day Level One First Aid course for all Reserve staff was held at the Headquarters in May. The course was presented by the South African Wildlife College. The trainer, Mongezi, spent three days at Klaserie providing First Aid training to all participants. The training was predominantly of practical nature. The examination, held on day three, concentrated on the practical application of the first aid procedures that had been taught to the staff. All of our staff passed and were recently presented with their certificates in recognition of their achievements. The Reserve staff enjoyed the First Aid training which was provided in Tsonga and believe that they have learned valuable procedures which will enable them to act with confidence should they be faced with a medical emergency at work or at home. What they have been taught may even save a life. The first aid learners with assorted ‘broken limbs’ on the mend. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela
10
A rose is a rose is a rose ... Using the common names of plants is often regarded as unacceptable as they can be misleading. However, by their very nature common names are given by the community with local knowledge and often these names can hint at fascinating facts about the vegetation in question. The Rain Tree, Weeping Boer Bean and Huilboerboom are so called because of the foam secreted by the spittle bug that then drops from the branches in such large amounts that it can form pools under the trees. This interesting insect falls into the category of arthropods called ‘bugs’. While we might erroneously call all insects, bugs, they in fact differ from other insects by all possessing a piercing and sucking mouth parts. The long mouthpart is called the rostrum and is kept folded back beneath the head and between the legs. All bugs belong to the order Hemiptera and lack the pupal stage of an insect's life -cycle. Instead, the nymph stage is a smaller exact replica of the adults. The Rain-Tree bug is also sometimes called a frog hopper and
by Judy Meeser
spittle bug. The nymphs suck the sap from the host plant. The sap is a weak solution of sugars and salts and the insect has to absorb a great deal to attain sufficient nutrition. The surplus sap is then excreted and simultaneously mixed with air blowing from their spiracles to froth into afoam (spiracles are the breathing apparatus of these insects). The foam covers the soft bodied nymphs protecting them from predators and from drying out. The bugs infesting our various ‘rain trees’ are likely to be of the genusPtyelus grossus - see photograph. Their favoured host, the Rain Tree or Appel Blaar has recently been re-classified. The old name Lonchocarpus cappasa (from Greek: lonche = lance + karpos = fruit: tree with lance shaped fruit) has become Philenoptera violacea (from Greek:philenos = traceable + pteros = wing: the wing makes the pod manageable for dispersal) and violacea referring to the violet coloured flowers. Here, with the correct interpretation, even the unpronounceable scientific names, the label given to all organisms can tell us much.
Laeveldhemelruim: Ons maan Tydens nagritte dwing die maan mens behoorlik Die teenoorgestelde is waar in die oggende. om sy silwer kleed wat hy soos ’n vloed gedurende deur Louise Vermaak Aangesien die son in die Ooste opkom, sal die volmaan tye oor die slapende veld uit te giet, te maan se gesiggie aan sy Ooste kant wees. bewonder ... Hierdie beginsel werk altyd, of die maan 'n klein Hoeveel ritte het ek al meegemaak en, met die Landy se ligte en sekelmaantjie, of 'n vet-gegroeide driekwart maan is. Kyk maar die wilds-ligte afgeskakel, net na die skitterende nag-veld gekyk. gerus na die maan, en toets jouself. Dis amper asof die silwer maanlig die stowwerige winter-veld Afrika Volksverhaal skoongewas het. Wie het die maan vol gate getrap? Die maan het nie ’n ligglans van sy eie nie, maar weerkaats die son, As mens mooi na die volmaan kyk, sien mens die groot ronde wat 150 miljoen kilometer ver is, se lig na ons toe. Die rede hoekom donker gate wat deur iemand... of dalk iets, getrap is. Wie kon dit dit so wit en helder is, is as gevolg van die tipe sand wat die wees? 'n Tsonga gids het aan 'n sterrekundige van Kaapstad die oppervlakte van die maan uitmaak. Julle ouens wat bietjie geologie volgende verhaal vertel. tydens julle studies gedoen het, sal verstaan as ons se dat die maan Hier in die Kruger Wildtuin, is daar wonderlike diere wat in die se sand hoofsaaklik liggekleurde anortosiet is. Dit is ryk in kalsium, veld rondloop. Volgends die gids is daar die "madodas", die alumunium en suurstof. Die donker dele van die “waterlose mere” indunas van die veld, wat, wanneer hulle doodgaan ander weiveld is veel jonger basaltiese rots. gaan soek. Want sien, hierdie groot bulle wat ons as "tuskers" ken, Alle rotse wat vanaf die maan teruggebring is aarde toe, bevat kan net eenvoudig nooit doodgaan nie! absoluut geen water nie, waar aard-rotse almal tussen een en twee Die weivelde wat hulle gaan opsoek kan ons snags sien wanneer persent water bevat. Al gehoor van die teorie om ,wanneer jy baie die maan opkom. Die groot ronde gate op die maan se oppervlakte dors is en daar geen water in die omtrek is nie, ’n klippie te suig? is volgens oorlewering, deur die ronde voete van hierdie Maan rotse is ook almal stollings gesteentes, en daar is tot dusver indrukwekkende reuse getrap. Wanner die maan weer so mooi vol nog geen sedimentere rotse op die maan ontdek nie. is, kyk maar, soek of jy dalk Tshokwane of een van sy maters daar Om rigting te vind kan sien ronddwaal... Die maan is onfeilbaar as rigting aanwyser vir Oos en Wes. Die Waarskuwing! lekker van die maan is dat hy soms ook in die nag sigbaar, en net Vir die afgelope vyf jaar doen daar 'n storie die rondte dat nader so effektief is! Wat ons wel kortwiek, is dat mens nie altyd die maan aan die einde van Augustus (27e) Mars baie naby aan die aarde kan sien nie, en indien mens dringend rigting moet vind en die maan gaan kom. En die bewering is elke jaar dat die rooi planet dan so nie aan diens is nie, help sy akkuraatheid ons nie veel nie. groot soos die maan in die lug sal vertoon. Daar was nog nooit Ongelukkig ook, kan hierdie metode nie gebruik word tydens waarheid hier rondom nie, en indien jy so 'n e-pos kry, lag dit af as nuwemaan of volmaan nie. swak joernalistiek deur 'n verslaggewer wat nie sy huiswerk Die maan-beginsel werk so. Die maan, net soos die planete, deeglik gedoen het nie en nou elke jaar geld daardeur maak deur genereer nie sy eie energie nie, en is afhanklik van die son om lig die onkunde van die bree publiek uit te buit. te weerkaats. Logika vertel ons dan, dat wanneer die maan in 'n fase Ek het tot dusver, soos duisende ander Suid-Afrikaners, elke jaar is, hierdie verligte kant dus altyd in die son se rigting wys. dieselfde epos gekry. En elke jaar doen die storie maar nog steeds Die son kom in die ooste op en gaan in die Weste onder. Dis, as die rondte, word almal opgewonde, en spaneer 'n hele nag in die ons die maan na sonsondergangs in die aand sou sien, sou sy blink koue winter buite om die verskynsel te sien, tevergeefs. gesiggie Weste toe wys, omdat dit die kant is waar die son is. Bos groete, Louise Vermaak “You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses,” Ziggy quotes (comic strip created by Tom Wilson)
11
Au Revoir, Dave & Sue; Jo & Brigitte It was as such ‘farewells’ are; always reflecting a joy of camaraderie but tinged with an infinite sadness at parting. At a reception hosted by Mark and Sandy Wilkes, the KPNR took leave of Dave and Sue Tindall (photo right) and Jo and Brigitte Puck (photo left). Dave and Sue were the owners of Ngulube (a portion of Durham farm) for the past 20 years having also resided on the farm for the past seven years. They have now ensconced themselves in Plettenberg Bay. continued below ...
continued from above ... Jo and Brigitte managed Bateleur’s Nest for no less than 16 years. They now reside in White River. Both couples will be sorely missed for their respective and very valuable contributions made in and around the KPNR.
“Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends.” Richard Bach
12
Proudly produced in support of the ideals of the KPNR by: Zani Kunz, PO Box 1227, Hoedspruit 1380; Cell nr: 082 462 8252; Fax nr: 086 628 8733; E-mail: zani@cet-kpnr.co.za - all correspondence welcome.