Underberg - R 820 000 Contact Neil 0822134795 www.harcourts.co.za. neil.prior@harcourts.co.za. harcourtsunderberg.co.za Need some love 3 Bed, 2 bath(mes), 2 lounge, study, double lock up garage, swimming pool and separate subdivision included. Experts in home finance. DISTRIBUTED TO: Hilton, Merrivale, Howick,Curry s Post, Lions River,Nottingham Road,Balgowan, Dargle, Boston - Bulwer, Underberg, Himeville, Bushmansnek, Drakensberg Gardens,Sani Pass, - Creighton, Donnybrook, Ixopo - Swartberg, Kokstad, Cedarville Licensed Financial Service Provider (1185) Geoff Clark (Insurance Geoff Clark Advisor) (Insurance Advisor) geoffc@gwk.co.za 033 701 1109 0832900234 geoffc@gwk.co.za The Sani Stagger - One of the Most Challenging Marathons Jemima Stay (Insurance Advisor) jemimas@gwk.co.za 0824874852 Jemima Stay (Insurance Advisor) 033 701 1109 jemimas@gwk.co.za GWK Insurance gwk.co.za VOL:33 NO:11 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 FREE NEWSPAPER The Sani Stagger is set to test all runners on 26 November 2016. The Sani Stagger Marathon is one of the most challenging marathon s that one could take on with the full marathon taking runners to the top of the famous Sani Pass and back down again. The race is a Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon qualifier with the qualifying time set at five hours. The 21.1km sold out in 30 min with 275 runners competing. At the time of going to press 360 runners are competing in the 42.2km marathon. There are a total of just under 700 runners taking part altogether. The Sani Stagger is a massive boost to the local economy with over 1000 visitors (650 runners) expected in the area over the weekend. Well known runners and past winners Prodigal Khumalo and Skhumbuzo Dlamini will be competing Runners will encounter some of the toughest terrain when they take on the 2016 Sani Stagger with the full marathon running up and down the daunting Sani Pass with the half marathon starting at the top on Saturday, 26 November. Photo: Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media for first place against Underberg runner Philip Shezi who will be hoping to improve on his 3 top 4 finishes in the last 4 years. Skhumbuzo Dlamini from Bulwer proved he has what it takes to compete with the best when he powered to a race record time of 03:04:13 at the 2014 Sani Stagger Marathon and then went on to win the Comrades Marathon in 2015. Event organiser Spurgeon Flemington has been satisfied by the take up of entries in his first year involved in the race and explains that the one-of-a-kind race is always going to attract runners as it offers them something completely different. Local businesses are supporting the event by sponsoring water tables. The race does not come without its own logistical challenges considering the remote location of the start of the half marathon and the halfway stage of the full marathon. Despite this Flemington and his team understand the difficulties that they are going to face and have planned accordingly. Ferrying all of the runners in the half marathon to the top of Sani Pass for their race start is going to be a huge task in itself but we have made sure that we are prepared for that as well as potential weather problems we might encounter. The Stagger will be filmed by a SABC 2 crew and the event will be featured on the programme Athletics Alive. There will be a craft beer stand and refreshments for sale at the Start/Finish so please feel free to come and join in the fun. The 42.2km Marathon starts at 6am at the Sani Pass Hotel Golf Course and the first runners cross the finish line just after 9am. The 21.1km Half Marathon starts at Sani Top Lesotho Border Post at 8:30 For further infowww.sanistagger.co.za NOV 12 Live Music by Des Rasmussen. Supper,music and dancing @ UCC. Contact Trish Chapman 083 375 NOV 12 Paton Express Train Trip see page 6 NOV 13 Easy 10km hike to Ngenwa Pool down Gxalingenwa meet @ Himeville Arms 8am contact Barry Green 0823238684 NOV 12-13 Dan Knight Memorial Bowls Tournament @ Underberg Bowling Club NOV 16 Christmas Garden Club Meeting @Sally Ovendale s beautiful garden see page 4 NOV 18 Craft Fair @ The Stonehouse Himeville from 9.30 NOV 20 Family Fun Day @ Underberg Country Club Billy Brownlee 082 890 0882 or 033 7011130 NOV 25 Dads and Lads Camp Out @ Underberg Country Club Billy Brownlee 082 890 0882 or 033 7011130 NOV 26 The Sani Stagger starts at Sani Pass Hotel to enter go to www.entrytime.com NOV 26 Spring Flower walk Meet 8am at Underberg Inn Contact Ansell Matcher matchersnr@telkomsa.ne NOV 27 Easy 14km Hike from Swiman to Castleburn meet @ NUD Sports 8am contact Barry Green 0823238684 DEC 2 Novice Birding Day meet at Himeville Nature Reserve at 8.30am Contact Bill Small on 0337011269 DEC 4 Paton Express Train Trip see page 6 DEC 3-5 Hikes from Sani Top Chalet, passport needed for more details contact Aldo Berruti 033 7012311 DEC 8 Wacky Hockey Evening @ Underberg Country Club Billy Brownlee 082 890 0882 or 033 7011130 DEC 10 Club Day Fundraiser for Sprinklers on Golf Greens @ Underberg Country Club see page 3 DEC 17 Himeville Museum Christmas Market @ Himeville Museum 033 7021184 DEC 17 Offside Cricket @ Underberg Country Club Billy Brownlee 082 890 0882 or 033 7011130 DEC 31 - JAN 1 Rougham Rocks - Acoustic Music - Outdoor Cinema- Camping book at www.roughrocks.co.za JAN 29 Sani Pass Flower Walk see page 5 24 hours BRANDIS CONTRACTING QUALIFIED REGISTERED PLUMBER: Michael Brandis 082 3217074 QUALIFIED REGISTERED ELECTRICIANS Brian Brandis 082 453 2775 Geoff Hampson 082 562 5591 Office 033 7021878 Fax 086 660 1277 Email: bnbrandis@vodamail.co.za Proud members of the E.C.A.: E.C.B. and a Registered Electrical Company with the Department of labour. Our work is gauranteed and proven over the past 20 years Proud members of the E.C.A.; E.C.B. and a registered electrical Company with the Department of Labour. Our work is guaranteed and proven over the past 20 years WE PROMO OMOTE COMMUNITY EVENTS WITH THIS SPACE
PAGE 2 082493 8700 mountainecho@telkomsa.net www.mountainecho.co.za NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 Too Many Neighbors By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35. When the pictures, problems, and questions of hundreds of people scroll across our social media accounts, it is difficult to discern when and where to lend a hand. The man questioning Jesus, Who is my neighbor? was hoping for a boundary that would allow him to write off a group of people as undeserving of his love. As Christians who have experienced the generosity of God, the story of the Good Samaritan invites us to ask Him, Who are You calling me to love? Instead of feeling inadequate or scared that God may call us to a grandiose gesture on behalf of a stranger, we can confidently await His guidance. Small acts of kindness build momentum in our own lives and in the lives of those we serve. A mustard seed becomes a towering tree. As we practice giving and receiving, our capacity for both expands. Although our gifts and impact may seem small, God delights in expanding them. Just as Jesus multiplied the fish and loaves after asking the disciples to feed the hungry crowd, He will provide all you need to do what He calls you to. Do not waste time bothering whether you love your neighbor; act as if you did. C. S. Lewis NEED YOUR HOUSE PAINTED call Lee:0761366926 Lloyd: 0798685853 ELECTROTECH TECH Tel: 033 7011240 RADIO - TV - SATELLITE SYSTEMS SALES, REPAIRS & INSTALLATIONS. WE INSTALL EXPLORA MOUNTAIN Monday Night Burger and 0337011571. Shop 20,Trout Walk Centre, 12 Burger Sani Road and Bever erage e Night R60!! Thur hursda sday Night Pizza Pizza And Pasta Special From17h00 Open For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Mon Sat 8am to 9pm Sunday 8am to 5pm Steaks, Salads, Pizzas, Burgers, Light Meals, Kiddies Dishes, Tea and Illy Coffee available. 0337011571. Shop 20,Trout Walk Centre, 12 Sani Road ECHO Is Your newspaper. Your input is valued! DEADLINE DATE DECEMBER 2 DISTRIBUTION DATE DECEMBER 9 COMBINED SERVICE - 8 JUNE 2014 Kay Butler turned 100 years young on 14 October. Here she is with her grand daughters and her daughter. L-R Erica Wiggill, Sophie Watson, Dawn Coen and Elsa Smith. Kay was very active in the community until about a year ago, She did volunteer work at the SPCA, was a member of Country Women s Group and the Fossil FitnessDance group and loved to work in her garden. Dharmagiri Insight Meditation Retreat Centre Here s what s up @Dharmagiri for the next few months. Please check our website www.dharmagiri.org for more details. PLEASE NOTE: Healing thru the Enneagram with Compassion with Anita Craig has been moved from November 2016 to 3 rd to 7 th March 2017.Do make a note of those dates as this will be an amazing retreat. Here s what s up @Dharmagiri for the next few months. Please check our website www.dharmagiri.org for more details. Dec 16 to 21 - Chandasara & Nolitha Tsengiwe Transformation Through Mindfulness: The alchemy of awareness, Insight Meditation & compassion There still spaces available on this very insightful retreat, so if you wish to join us, please drop us a mail Dec 23 to 26 - Helen Altman Breath - Motion - Flow Movement in Stillness - Stillness in Movement (Yoga, Meditation) Escape the silly season & experience the peace & quiet of Bamboo Mountain! Dec 30 to Jan 5 2017 David Loy Waking from Illusions: A Meditation Retreat with David, a leading international Buddhist teacher. There are only a few spaces left on this very popular retreat, so if you wish to join us, please contact Marlene 084 799 0393 Locals continue to enjoy Amy s Hatha Yoga classes each Monday morning for from 09:15 to 10:15am. Classes incorporate yoga postures, core work and guided relaxation to strengthen the body and calm the mind. Sessions are open to all levels & beginners are always welcome. Please contact Amy on 071-326-0146 for more information. We would love to have you join us. For bookings or more info about the centre, please contact Marlene at office@dharmagiri.org or 0847990393 CLUB & SOCIETY NOTICES Sani Spoors Mountain Bike Time Trail and Trail Run on third Thursday of every month; Cost members free, non-members R20. Venue Sani Spoors at the Duck and Do-little, Drakensberg Garden s road; Refreshments available5:15pm Drak MTB Club For information contact Eileen Downing at drakmtbclub@gmail.com or see our Facebook page for upcoming events. Himeville Tennis Club Every saturday afternoon from 2pm. Contact Colin Roodt 033 7021202 *Social Bridge: Every Tuesday at the Tennis Club @ 1.30pm - all welcome. O33 7011124 *Country Womens Club: First Wednesday of the month @ 10am. 033 7011 741. *Friday Ladies Lunch Club: 11.45 on every second Friday of the month. Apologies to Sue Little telephone 082 2909 770 by wednesday noon prior to friday lunch meeting *Garden Club: Third Wednesday of every month - All welcome. *Moth Boot & Saddle Shellhole : meet at Banks Farm second Thursday 6.30pm Contact Mouldy 033 7012845 *Sani SPCA: 8.00am to 4.00pm Mon-Fri Officer on call after hours & weekends 0769178495. *Himeville Museum: Open daily 9.00-3pm except Mondays are closed.sunday 9am- 12..30pm * Sani Wildlife Committee: meets 1st Thursday of month at 4.pm Himeville Hotel. *Underberg Bowling Club: Tabs-In starting time is 1.15pm. (13h15) All visiting bowlers and new bowlers are welcome every Wednesday and Saturday Sani Carers: 082 873 7349 / 084 991 3000. We are here to help. Underberg/ Himeville Trout Fishing Club Rod fees are R150.00 per rod per day per beat and can be bought at NUD Sports 033 7011096. Office open on weekends 8am - 10am otherwise call 0826363985 CHURCH NOTICES Parish of Drakensberg (Anglican) Tel:033 7021013 - Rosanne Clark (office) 1 st Sunday of the month: St.Michael s,himeville 7:30am Said Eucharist 9:00am Family Eucharist. Yellowwood Church, Bulwer 9am Eucharist. 3rd Sunday of the Month 7.30 am Eucharist. 9am Family Eucharist Remainder of the month: St. Michael s 9am Eucharist & Young Children s church.priest in-charge Rev. Merryl James 081 2711760 Catholic Church Mass 1 ST and 3 RD Sundays at 8am. Communion services 2 ND and 4 TH Sundays at 8am Underberg Baptist Church Polocrosse Hall in the Underberg Club groundstime: 9am every SundayCommunion: 1st Sunday of each month [at 9am]Pastor: Johann Strauss 072 629 9371 johann.w.strauss@gmail.com Underberg Congregational Church Rev. Edward Pietersen 033-7011394 / 082-8896362 Secretary 082-4038864 Email: congchurch.underberg@gmail.com Sunday Services: 9am Communion Service: 1st Sunday of the month Weekly Prayer Meeting: Tuesdays at 6pm There is a big screen TV monitor in the parents lounge for those parents with children who would like to watch the service in a comfortable enviroment. Highlands Church International Johann & Debbie Van As: 033 701 1470 Sunday: 8:30am Prayer meeting 9:00am Celebration Service. Tuesday: 2:30pm Pevensey ministry 5:00pm Prayer meeting 1 st Tuesday every month 6:30pm Pulse Connect group Coastal Assemblies Meet at Underberg Education Academy just outside Himeville on your left at 9am. Riverkids sunday school 9-11am Jason Atlee 076 667 6022.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 082493 8700 mountainecho@telkomsa.net www.mountainecho.co.za PAGE 3 Underberg Country Club presents CLUB DAY 10 DEC ALL THE PROFIT FROM THE DAY WILL GO TOWARDS INSTALLING SPRINKLERS ON THE GREENS Come and join us for a fun family day Live music Jumping castles for kids and Great prizes for the golfers R250 Entry Includes playing fees and braai after the game R50 extra per meal for adults Hot dogs available for children Contact Louis: 082 550 8426 or 033 7011130 COMING TO UNDERBERG SOON..!! THE BLACK SHEEP The Great Sheep Theft of 1984. 605 sheep stolen at Lotheni Bill Small prevents his director s humiliation Mark Scott and his vet trade insults Howie Clough and his amazing gesture The Underberg grocer s assistant and his expensive dog s demise John Gilson s great fire and the court case The mystery flowers of the Sangwana How Des Duke s and Bruce Parker s cattle disease killed a vet on the other side of the earth An Underberg hobo s long hidden secret A Therapist called André The Black Box These are some of the 25 short stories that are included in Tod Collins third anthology of tales in his fourth book, The Black Sheep. The book is due to be released early in December and each story will be accompanied by pictures by Ken MacLeod or sketches by the author. The cover painting was done by Claudia McKenzie whose pictures were on the covers of Collins two earlier books of short stories. Tumelo Maketskete and Jan Maritz and eleven other adventurers stopped in at Pucketty Farm for delicious scones, jam and cream and the best cappacinos ever. Tumelo is a TV presenter on channel 189 Ignition to review Bridgstone tyres fitted to Toyota Hilux and Fortuners, look out for his programme on testing the new Bridgstone Dueller Tyres that were tested on Ongeluksnek Pass and Sani Pass. Jan Maritz is the National Marketing Manager of Bridgstone Tyres that have been made in South Africa since 1936 with South African rubber. The Tyre is now a standard fitting on all Hilux and Fortuners. Toyota produces about 600 000 of these vehicles every year of which about 300 000 are exported to 140 countries and as a result the Bridstone Dueller has now become South Africa s most used Tyre Jennifer s Unisex Hair Salon Closed on Mondays Stockists of Indola & Joico products 4 Pin Oak Lane off Ridge Road Uunderberg. Tel: 033-7011689 Cell: 083 9639 816
PAGE 4 www.mountainecho.co.za mountainecho@telkomsa.net 082 4938700 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 happened about every six months he would CHARLES RIDGWAY. send a telegram to his friends saying, Lock up your wives your wallets and your sweethearts, Ridgway is coming! He would Charles Ridgway was born in the south western corner of arrive and cause social chaos for a week then Basutholand where his parents were well respected traders. The he would go home and leave the locals to local chief was most impressed by the child and gave him his name by recover from his visit. which he was known for the rest of his life Makhakhe, which means He was very popular with the a Man of Repute, a name he was to make famous and justify in full. Basutho because he was a natural showman He grew up in a trading community and worked for various traders and when he had to attend a licencing hearing learning the ropes till he became well known. At one stage he would he would arrive with his supporters and a ride round his customers on horseback taking orders and carrying a Sangoma who would throw the bones while Shuttle Service for bottle of whisky in one saddlebag and a fighting cock in the other. Makhakhe danced with his entourage and Underebrg Howick Entertainment was lacking in such isolated situations so he would pit intimidated the opposition. He had an old Pietermaritzburg his fighting cock against that of his host with doubtless a few wagers employee called Apollo and he decided that Durban in between and afterwards they would drink the whisky and eat the it was time the old man was pensioned off. loser. He accordingly explained the decision to the Additional transfer to outlying Hotels and Resorts. Naturally he was an accomplished horseman and played Polo old chap but when he arrived home for lunch Private Transfers are flexible at any time. regularly, It was at one polo match that his future wife noticed him he found Apollo sitting on the steps with his and asked who the wild one was. He was a tall and imposing figure shotgun across his knees. A bit taken aback with a commanding presence and always well dressed. In later years he asked just what Apollo thought he was he adopted a monocle but most believed that he was not in need of doing, to which Apollo replied that if a one. He was always honest and fair to his customers and helped donkey became too old to work you shot him many of them in hard times. He was a great drinker and could drink and as Makhakhe now thought that Apollo any man under the table but was never seen to be drunk or under the was too old he had better shoot him right influence. He knew exactly how much he could consume and would now. Apollo went on working in Makhakhe s go home the minute he reached his limit Being a good Irishman he garden for a good many years. was always ready for a fight and in his youth became well known as In Himeville he was equally popular a real brawler. He claimed he was the worst kind of Irish man a staunch among the residents who nearly all knew him Royalist who never lost an opportunity to show the flag and yet one and he would often return from Maritzburg who celebrated Orange Day just as heartily. where he had had a successful day at the On one occasion when he was in Ficksburg waiting for his wife to races and order drinks all round. Saturday s arrive on the train at midnight he enquired of the barman,where the were nearly always a time of jollification and action was and was told that there was a National Party meeting up on one Saturday afternoon a foot race was on the Koppie so off he went to join in. He listened to the speeches organised starting at the hotel, The runners for a while till be began to get bored and then he stood up and all lined up and out came old Roy Aldous the bellowed in stentorian tones, God Save the King! An awful hush proprietor sporting a massive.45 revolver to fell on the meeting but in no time a fight developed that would have start the race. Everyone got ready, Roy pleased the dourest Irishman. He ended up under a motor car and raised his cannon and fired the starting shot anyone who tried to get at him received either a fist or a good kick for and a Dead Guinea Fowl landed on the road their troubles. He met his wife happy as a little pig with his shirt torn at his feet much to Roy s consternation. off and covered in bruises, he had had a wonderful evening. There was chaos with nearly everyone He was a great practical joker and at a party in Harrismith one having a fit of hysterics while Makhakhe day he bet a man that he was the worst salesman in the world. The climbed out of the tree and the race had to be man wouldn t believe him so he took him next door to a shop where re started. he produced a ten pound note and asked the owner if he would give It had always been Makhakhe s him eight pounds for it. Naturally the man refused smelling rat ambition to take his wife on a world cruise somewhere and no matter how much Makhakhe pleaded the man and at last he had decided that the time to do became more adamant in his refusal. Makhakhe returned to the bar so was at hand. He made the bookings and they both got geared up for the occasion when his wife had a stroke and died a week before departure. Poor Makhakhe was devastated, he had loved her dearly and had kept a gun in his car so that if ever she was injured in an accident he could shoot the perpetrator before he could get away. He decided then and there that as he had been taken by surprise that time he would organize his own demise and leave nothing to chance. He accordingly deposited sums of money in Maritzburg and Maseru to be used for the express purpose of holding a real Irish wake which was duly organized on his death and about which we will discourse later on. By M. Clark. Underberg History - THE LESOTHO TRADERS Managed by First Resorts +27 (031) 7177593 www.firstresorts.co.za and said, see I cant even sell a ten pound note for eight pounds I must be the worst salesman ever. Eventually he wanted the go out on his own and finding the stores of Lamont and Waering were available in the Mokhotlong area he approached de la Harpe in Bethlehem for a loan, de la Harpe agreed to put up half if Makhakhe would provide the rest and thus the partnership of Ridgway and de la Harpe was formed. However he still had to find the balance and looking round his friends he found that Bill Yeats would put up the balance on condition that it was repaid in cash. Makhakhe agreed and the loan was provided on the shake of a hand. Makhakhe arrived in Himeville in 1946 and set about making his stores pay for them selves. He prospered and eventually wanted to pay Yeat s money back but Yeats kept saying he didn t need it until Makhakhe hosted him in Underberg on e day and taking a small attaché case he put the money into it and duly presented it to Yeats who still protested he didn t really need it. Time passed and a year later Makhakhe made another trip to Maseru and in due course Yeats said to him, Oh by the way Makhakhe if you have some money available I could use it right now! Makhake was aghast and replied that he had given it to him a year earlier! Yeats then said, Oh well I don t remember I must have spent it. Makhakhe was worried sick but Yeats kept saying if you say you gave it to me that is good enough. On their arrival home Makhakhe asked where Yeats kept his suit cases and being told they were left in the garage he demanded a torch to go and look for the case. There was a real mess in the garage with old boxes and gardening equipment all mixed up in a jumble but Makhakhe dug in and after ten minutes of rooting around he found the case and on opening it there was the money still intact! Those were the men whose word was their bond and who believed in integrity at all levels. When he visited Maseru on business which usually Maxine on Driver Safety I can t use the cell phone in the car. I have to keep my hands free for making gestures. Maxine on Lawn Care The key to a nice-looking lawn is a good mower. I recommend one who is muscular and shirtless. NEED A PLUMBER Call Lloyd 0798685853 or Lee 0761366926
NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2016 082493 8700 mountainecho@telkomsa.net www.mountainecho.co.za PAGE 5 BIRDING IN THE SOUTHERN KZN DRAKENSBERG The Bearded Vulture on Black Mountain raised another chick this season. The chick appeared to fledge soon after the 8 October. It was interesting to see three adult Bearded Vultures on the nest at the same time, often I will see three adults nearby but this is the first time seeing them all on the nest together. Just off to the side of the Bearded Vulture nest is a small breeding colony of Southern Bald Ibis nesting in the small potholes. Aldo Berruti and I saw a very young Pale Chanting Goshawk on the 8 Oct, on the pass switchbacks. This was a different bird to that seen by Malcolm Gemmell, which was an adult and it flew into Lesotho from the same area on the pass. On the 9 Oct Helga and I saw a Southern Masked Weaver at the municipal dump. Tony Forde tells me he has a small flock of these breeding in his garden. On the 18 Oct for the very first time I saw a pair of Village Weavers on the Sani Pass near the Goodhope ruins. Rosanne Clark also saw Village Weaver in her garden. This bird has been recorded in the village previously but is obviously starting to settle in the area. The two species are shifting their range slowly. Aldo Berruti and I saw Fiscal Flycatcher at the SAPS Border post on the 19 and 20 Oct. LAST CHANCE? The upgrading of Sani Pass has finally been approved, despite our fight against the idea of a hard surface. Work has not yet begun although rumour has it that it will start soon. We said this last year, but this may be your last opportunity to walk to Pass before road works take over! Add a short walk through the botanical wonderland of the Lesotho plateau to your exciting day on the Sani Pass! Cost: R450 per person includes: Transport up Sani Pass; 90 minutes walking around Sani Top exploring different flowers in a different botanical niche accompanying botanical experts; Transport back from SA border post to Giant s Cup Café from 3pm onwards (not earlier); GOOD VALUE! NOTE that a day tour with a tour operator in Underberg now costs R800pp! Support a good cause funds raised from this event go towards sponsoring teachers from this area to go on Environmental Education courses with WESSA at Umgeni Valley. YOU NEED TO BRING: PASSPORT essential! You will be exiting SA at an official border and crossing into Lesotho. Also: hiking boots; lunch; lots of water to drink; hiking stick; hat; warm clothing; raingear. Flower The first Bush Blackcap was seen on the pass on the 13 Oct. The first Blue Swallows at Highover Nature Reserve at Hella Hella were seen on the 9 Oct. Broadtailed Warbler were seen at Highover on the 11 Nov. Short-tailed Pipits were seen on 11 Nov on the lower Sani Pass. The Matcher and Coromanski s Spotted Eagle Owls are both busy with broods at the moment. Those of Brian and Cathy Coromanski have chicks which have left the nest. Typically these owl chicks drop to the ground long before they can fly. It is important to leave them alone as the adults will protect them and feed them on the ground. You might not notice but there will be an adult on guard duty nearby. These birds have the ability to remain undetected in a large tree. It does of course help if your dog or cat is kept away!! Kevin Fraser reports that the Abdim s Stork has returned to FOUR STAR GUEST HOUSE Pale Chanting Goshawk Dartford Farm again. It must be the very same single bird that has been arriving in this area, probably every year since Allan Champkins was working at Glenhaven. Allan first reported an Abdim s Stork in this area about 6 or 7 years ago, now Kevin reports it. For any interesting bird observations please call Stuart or leave a message on 033 702 n1761 or 082 742 6981. ani Pass Wild Flower Walk January 29, 2017 books/binoculars/cameras optional ADVANCE BOOKINGS ONLY DUE TO LIMITED TRANSPORT! Meet 06h30 sharp at the Giant s Cup Cafe, 10.5km down the (tarred) SANI PASS ROAD on the left hand side. Sales (before and/or after the walk):hats; bottled water; snacks; Elsa Pooley wild flower field guide books; Sani Pass flowers, mammals, birds and reptiles posters; WESSA publications; local books and maps; indigenous plant species; Beth Fey cards; work by local artists BOOKINGS: for the walk contact Sani Lodge Backpackers 033 7020330 / 0839873071 OR email info@sanilodge.co.za Accommodation: for the night before is also available at Sani Lodge Backpackers, on the same property as the Giant s Cup Café (www.sanilodge.co.za) Preparation for Tarring of Sani Pass Road A meeting held at Department of Transport offices on 28 October informed those present that C A Civils ( Chris Africa ) under the directorship of Anton Nel intend to commence with Phase 1 of the Sani Pass and within two weeks they will have recruited about 50 local labourers to do preparation for culverts and bridges. Phase 1 is 20.6 km from where the tar currently ends near Goodhope stores to the South African border post. So by the time this paper comes out that should have a work crew. Birds & Beyond - Bird Tours & San Rock Art Walks www.birdsand beyond.co.za Tel: 033 7021761. cell: 082 742 6981 Stuart Mc Lean Animal Farm & Playground. Open 9am - 4pm CELL 074 1413153. CLOSED TUESDAYS during term time Malachite Manor & Orchid Restaurant Come celebrate spring at Malachite Manor The Gem in the Southern Drakensberg Lunch - Open Daily - NEW LUNCH MENU Dinner - Bookings required 083-645-2026 carrin@malachitemanor.co.za www.malachitemanor.co.za
PAGE 6 www.mountainecho.co.za 082493 8700 mountainecho@telkomsa.net NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 HIMEVILLE MUSEUM The year is rapidly coming to an end and despite this being the time when many places and people start winding down, things are really hotting up at the Museum. We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Himeville Fort and Museum Passport Competition. This competition is open to all school learners from Grades 4 to 7, and offers a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Museum, the items on display and the history of the area, as well as a chance to win one of the lovely prizes on offer. The competition is running from BERG MAINTENANCE & CONTRACTING Qualified Registered ELECTRICIAN Qualified Registered PLUMBER FOR ALL YOUR HOUSEHOLD AND BUILDING MAINTENANCE CALL Lee:0761366926 Lloyd: 0798685853 AMAKHOSI CONTAINER SALES STORAGE : REFRIGERATED : CONVERSIONS BEST PRICES AND QUALITY : 3m, 6m, 12m 27 YEARS EXPERIENCE DENNIS WESLEY: 083 733 6208 dennisw@acsales.co.za Kee eep War arm this Winter Insulate with ISOTHERM (insulate ceiling) ISOBOARD ARD(insula (insulated & water terpr pr ceiling board) 1 November 2016 and ends on 31 January 2017. What is the competition all about? The interested learner can collect a passport from the Museum to take part in the competition. The passport will have a questionnaire attached to it and the answers to all the questions will be found in the Museum. Once all the questions have been answered (and there might be a few Museum visits required to find all of the answers) the passport needs to be stamped with an entry stamp and left at the Museum to be entered in the prize draw. This is a really fun way for young people to explore and discover the treasures in the Museum. Any queries regarding the competition can be directed to the Museum on 033 702 1184 or by emailing himevillemuseum@telkomsa.net. Our Christmas Fair is only a few weeks away now and preparations are in full swing. Available stands are being snapped up and there will be wonderful goodies to buy for Christmas gifts and to just treat yourself. Raffle tickets will shortly be on sale and there is an amazing assortment of prizes to be won, so look out for these and buy your chances to win one of these. We are really looking forward to seeing everyone from the community and further afield at the Museum from 09h00 on Saturday 17 December so make sure you have diarised this date!!! Remembrance Day is almost upon us (11 November) and we would like to remind you that our Delville Wood exhibition is still on display, so please come and see it and pay tribute to those who lost their lives in that dreadful war. The roses in the MOTH Garden of Remembrance are looking really lovely at the moment and are well worth a visit. We are waiting with much anticipation for the Flanders poppies to bloom as well. Remember the Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 09h00 to 15h00 and on Sundays from 09h00 to 12h30. We are also open on most public holidays. Himeville Fort and Museum History Happens here. proof THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT The Village Hobos Nicola Marais, Cecil Geldenhuys, Lizette Van Der venter and Karen Geldenhuys won the best dressed team at the MOTHS Bowls Day and came 16th out of 16 teams Under The Tin Hat Dad (Brian Cawood) and I (Bridgette) would like to say a very big Thank You to every one of you that have supported us over the last 18 months through Mum s (Judy Cawood) illness and her passing. Mum was a passionate gardener and a people s person; she loved to get to know people. So we say thank you for your interaction with her while she was still with us, with your visits, phone calls, flowers, meals, messages and any other way that you connected with her, it meant so much to her and us. Thank you for being such a supportive community. Methinks that Mother Nature is going through menopause. The good lady cannot decide if it should be Summer or Winter. The Scribe was a little remiss last month in failing to mention the award of ties for years of M.O.T.H. membership. They are as follows: 40 Years Bill Small / 30 Years Pete Hampson, Ian Darling, Rod Bath and Andrew Bath / 20 Years Hamish Rennie / 15 Years Charles Hicken / 10 Years Bruce Willox and Syd Millington. Well done! Hope there are many years left. The Bowls Day Fundraiser. What a day! Despite some suspect weather the day turned into a resounding success. It was the best day ever. Funds raised will be used to give M.O.T.H. widows and the residents of the Pietermaritzburg M.O.T.H. Cottages their Drif iftin @ Underberg Inn Best Wishes for Christmas & 2017 from Coleen and Lynette. annual Christmas Braai. Thanks to all the players for their support and to the Underberg Bowls Club for the use of their home. Other than our Main Sponsor, The Inn, we would also like to thank the following for their sponsorship on the day- The Craig Family, Pete Bell. SPAR and TOPS, Underberg Meat Supply, Round Table, Rod s Engineering and Underberg Liquor Store. A big thanks again to all involved as players, workers or sponsors! Lastly, Saturday 12 th November is Poppy Day and Sunday 13 th November is the Remembrance Parade at the Cenotaph in Himeville at 10h30. Support from the public would be welcomed. And on that happy note -that s all for now, till next time.yutth The Scribe Gift Shop and Designer Fashions Tel: 033 7011070 Piles of Christmas Stock Thanks for your support CONTACT CT YOUR LOCAL AGENTS UNDERBERG FORGE 033 7011420 RPM CONTRACT CTORS TEL: 033 7011419 Cell: 0741024808 Rory rory@rpmcontractors.co.za
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 www.mountainecho.co.za mountainecho@telkomsa.net 0824938700 PAGE 7 Two New Classrooms For Lesotho Schools In 2005 Russell Suchet of Sani Lodge Backpackers and Tour Company Drakensberg Adventures identified that there was a need for overnight traditional accommodation for international backpackers and as a result Number 10 Riverside was opened by the Nkune family. Every backpacker that has stayed over at number 10 since 2005 has paid R20 into a fund to uplift the local community. Two classrooms have been built one at Ha Tseko Primary School and another at Mphere Primary School. The number 10 riverside accommodation has added other cultural experiences for the backpackers including providing meals, horse riding, curios, dancing, visiting a traditional healer and now a visit to the shepherd school. Each one of these choices has created small scale tourism entrepreneurs and about 80 members of the community benefit from these intiatives. The classrooms have been built at a cost of R38 000 each and are designed to be added on to as more funds are generated through Drakensberg Adventures. The special opening of the classrom event was so entertaining with traditional dancing, singing and men on decorated horses ended with a delicious buffet lunch. What a joyful event and a privilege to be present at such a positive event. P. Welch Mrs. Nkune of number 10 Riverside, Headmistress Mrs. Mabatloung of Ha Tseko Primary School and Russell Suchet of Sani Lodge Backpackers and Tour Company Drakensberg Adventures in front of the new classroom. @ UNDERBERG VILLAGE MALL on the Sani Road to Himeville Contact 033 7010026 OR 082 377 3914 Branded Corporate Clothing. All Outdoor Gear. Sports Gear. Camping Gear. Cycling Gear. Fishing Tackle. Workwear. Gifts. 10am - midnight Underberg/Himeville Trout Fishing Club Stats for October showed 25 rods returning 28 fish in Club Stillwaters. 6 rods showed no return on River Beats. Xplorer/UHTFC Competition stats showed 48 rods catch and releasing 84 fish in UHTFC and District Stillwaters. Rod fees are R150.00 per rod per day per beat and can be bought at NUD Sports 033 7011096. Office open on weekends 8am - 10am otherwise call 0826363985 Submitted by A Payn UHTFC Jenny Van Helden with Penny Garland at the Underberg Inn Halloween Party. Penny and her son Gareth won the prize for the best dressed couple. NEED Renovations Call - Lee:0761366926 - Lloyd: 0798685853 083 788 7702 @ CLOCKTOWER CENTRE UNDERBERG YOUR SHOPPING EXPERIENCE KIDDIES SANDALS LADIES SUMMER SANDALS NGUNI ART ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES MEN S LEATHER BOOTS, GENTLEMENS GIFTS SHOES & SANDALS EXECUTIVE ACCESSORIES NGUNI SKINS IF IN DOUBT WE HAVE VOUCHERS FOR YOU
PAGE 8 www.mountainecho.co.za mountainecho@telkomsa.net 082 493 8700 NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2016 C L A S S I F I E D S CARAVAN PARK & COUNTRY ESTATE Bushmansnek, Silverstreams. 30 stands and 7 chalets to rent contact 0828598619 info@silverstreams.co.za www. silverstreams.co.za EMPLOYMENT SERVICE We offer a free employment service for domestics, farm workers, skilled artisans, computer literate workers, drivers, farm managers PETA PARKER PROPERTIES 033 7011777, 063 8178299, 083 3053009 RENTALS We require properties, large and small, to rent to responsible tenants. Please call us PETA PARKER PROPERTIES 033 7011777, 063 8178299, 083 3053009 EMPLOYMENT OFFERED Employment offered - Office position Fettercairn Farm (Andrew Gilson) has a mornings only position available immediately. Skills required email, excel, pastel. Conversational Zulu would be an advantage. Please send CV to admin@fettfarm.co.za. General enquiries Andrew 0824541345. Salary dependant on levels of skill and experience. (Office location 42 km from Underberg on R617) Assistant manager Fettercairn Farm (Andrew Gilson) has an assistant manager position available immediately. The farming operation is involved in mixed cropping and livestock. Skills required, agricultural training or prior work experience and conversational Zulu. Please send CV to admin@fettfarm.co.za. General enquiries Andrew 082 4541345. Salary dependant on levels of skill and experience. (Physical location 36 km from Underberg towards Swartberg on R617). GROOMERS PET SALON For your pet grooming needs CLIPPING. DIPPING. NAIL TRIMMING. BATH & BRUSH. Contact Leanne 0828906156 25 years experience Dogs & Cats welcome at BRAMBLY HEDGE SANI ROAD HIMEVILLE MR HANDYMAN Bathroom renovations - tiling & plumbing Carpentry - Wood floors & Decks. Light Building Work. Bricklaying & Plastering. Home Maintenance 0836808494 Syd Millington Junior. It is TIME to order your CHRISTMAS GAMMON, TURKEY, Leg of LAMB, SALT BEEF and MEAT for your Staff Par arty FOR SALE Castleburn Timeshare Flexi Weekend. PRICE R6000, Annual Levy R3800 Contact Celia C l o e t e 0 8 3 2 6 7 0 3 9 0 celia.cloete.cc@gmail.com NOTICE NURSING SERVICES CHRISTMAS COLLECTION 18-25 NOVEMBER The Annual Collection in lieu of Christmas Cards will take place from Friday 18th November Friday 25 th November at the Underberg Spar. Please support this voluntary, non-profit organisation generously. All donor names will be published in the December edition of the Mountain Echo. LESSONS Smocking and knitting lessons. Phone Linda on 0780779220. DEATHS Paddy Carr passed away on Saturday, the 29th of October. NEMA SECTION 24G PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS UNLAWFUL COMMENCEMENT OF LISTED ACTIVITIES AT KPP PIGGERY NEAR BULWER, KWA-ZULU NATAL Terreco Environmental cc was commissioned to undertake Environmental Impact Assessment studies in support of a Section 24G and the authorisation process for the unlawful commencement of the expansion and operation of facilities exceeding eight square meters for the concentration of more than 250 pigs at KPP Piggery near Bulwer, Kwa-Zulu Natal. The Section 24G Report was undertaken with due reference to EIA Regulations 2014 and the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998. Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 41 & 43 of the EIA Regulations 2014 of the availability of the Draft Section 24G Report for public review and comment. The Draft Section 24G Report is available for review and comment for a period of 30 days at the Underberg Library in Old Main Road, Underberg. An electronic copy is available on the company web page - www.terreco.co.za. The closing date for registering written comments is 12 December 2016. Any comments received after this date will not be included in the Final Section 24G Report. Written comments may be submitted to the following before 12 December 2016: Ms Vuyo Velentiya Terreco Environmental cc PO Box 19829, Tecoma, 5214 Tel: 043 721 2344 Fax: 043 721 1535 Email: assistant@terreco.co.za Date of publication: 11 November 2016 CONGRATULATIONS Gary King Howick High School Dux and academic honours for mathematics and engineering, graphics and design and the Kathlyn Trophy for achievement in sports and academics, FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY Available in the Underberg/Himeville district for home based caregiver training programme and caregiver placements with registered agency - Eldercare Home Services Pty Ltd Please contact Sandra Sheppard or Salome Botes on 039 9762555 for more information. Pete and Trish Hampson at Mic Hampson s graduation at Fort Benning, Georgia. A Proud Hampson moment. Mic is in the American Infantry and has been posted to Scofield barracks in Hawaai. ROD S ENGINEERING 3 Sangwana Crescent * All fabrication work undertaken * Sliding gates, burglar guards, security gates * Repair and Rebuild of all farm implements * Specialist welding undertaken; aluminium and cast iron * Precision turning and machining by Toolmaker and Fitter & Turner 082 569 8655 ABBCOO Hydr draulics 3 Sangwana Crescent * Sales & Service of Hydraulic Pumps, Cylinders & Valves * Manufacture Hydraulic Hoses 1/4" - 1" * Suppliers of Compression fittings and adaptors. Tel: 033 7012982 or 082 569 8655 SANI PASS CARRIERS Twice daily to P M B local - national - international Agents for DHL TNT TIMEFREIGHT & EXPRESS DELIVERIES TEL: 033 7011017 or FAX 033 7011030 DISCLAIMER This Newspaper is Published by the owner Eilan Donan Publishingcc T/A The Mountain Echo is printed by Gaurdian Web,Pietermaritzburg. All copy is accepted IN Good faith. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher, Paul Richard Welch.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 www.mountainecho.co.za 082 493 8700 mountainecho@telkomsa.net PAGE 9 OUR VANISHING GRASSLANDS Our grasslands are vital in the role for water production. The characteristically dense vegetation cover traps surface water, slowing run-off and allowing more water to drain vertically through the porous soil profile: this water is then stored as sub-surface water by the impermeable rock layers that lie beneath the subsoil. This sub-surface water drains slowly as clean water into the many wetlands that occur throughout these ecosystems replenishing streams and rivers almost year round. ( GRASSLAND ECOSYS- TEM GUIDELINES). In a perfect world grazers should be kept out of riparian habitats as they cause damage to the banks of rivers which leads ero- sion and silting. Where river water is the only option a few access points should be opened up and stabilized with rock packs In a perfect world there should be buffer systems around all rivers areas of natural vegetation that protect the ecosystem from damaging impacts, maintain ecological connectivity and protect the river banks. In the absence of specific data buffer zones should never be less than 10metres on either side of a river and ideally should exceed 30 metres. However this is not a perfect world but all landowners have a responsibility to respect and look after our grasslands and waterways as they are irreplaceable and we cannot live without them. E.Mackay NEED AN Electrician call Lee: 0761366926 Lloyd: 0798685853 The Stonehouse and Rose & Quail Cafe and Antiques Tel: 033-7021154 Breakfasts All Day, light meals, milk shakes and tea time treats. Every Monday Special Fish and Chips @ R62 CRAFT FAIR ON FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER from 9.30am All Welcome enjoy a crispy Prawn salad on Fair Day R65 UNDERBERG SCHOOL Coreopsis Clearing Campaign It is time again to take action and clear your garden, road verges and veld of this pretty yellow Tickseed. I see this invader is growing vigorously and already starting to flower. Please mow it, brush cut it or dig it out NOW before a whole new seed bank is released. If you have only a few plants in your garden, then dig it out making sure all the roots are removed. Should a large area be covered by this weed, constant mowing or brush cutting will do the trick. Please help us eradicate this plant with a powerful constitution and prevent it from spreading to our grasslands Top Of The Range upsoffice@telkomsa.net - www.underbergprimaryschool.co.za - P/Bag x205, Underberg, 3257 Pre-School: 033 701 1127 - School: 033 701 1040 - Hostel: 033 701 1012 - Fax: 086 695 1093 RHINO PEAK TRAIL RUN CHALLENGE Underberg Primary School celebrated World Rhino Day by going to see the run up Rhino Peak. Professional runners ran up and down the peak in less than three hours. Our learners were very excited to see these runners and gave them a good send-off and welcome back. All the grades pledged money for the runners. Grade 4 pledged money to Steve Erasmus and were thrilled to meet him. He too enjoyed meeting them and appreciated the support. The Grade 7s also met their runner, Ms Zunkel. The learners were taken on a walk by Dr Collins and Mrs Flamand and loved being part of being this event. UNDERBERG SCHOOL SENIOR PRIMARY PLAY At the end of the third term the Senior Primary Phase of our school presented their version of the many fairy tales out there. Handsome princes, hungry wolves and hunchbacks were all given the chance to showcase their talents. Learning lines and saying them over and over and over again and then just ten times more, and each time with a little more expression, requires extreme commitment. The absolute dedication and amazing talent that each and every one of our young actors and actresses brought to their performances was outstanding. A big thank you must go to all the mums who spent many hours working behind the scenes and to the teachers who OWLS HOMED AT UNDERBERG SCHOOL Underberg School received two baby owls from the Owl Box Project Centre and will be homing them until they are big enough to be released. An owl box has been placed in the school grounds and we hope the owls make this their home. Thank you to Tammy Caine from the Owl Box Project. THE SCHOOL WITH THE VIEW AND THE VISION
PAGE 10 www.mountainecho.co.za mountainecho@telkomsa.net 082 4938700 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 South Africa, in addition to political blue flowers. In nature, Scilla Natalensis often challenges, is currently facing severe water lives on steep slopes and in stony ground, but challenges. The last summer season plant it in a good soil in the garden and it can delivered way below average rainfall across grow spikes up to a metre long! As the season the country, and whilst this current season progresses, the flowers turn to small seed has shown tentative signs of being better, capsules and the leaves develop and mature the whole country faces a serious water into long tapering green to purple leaves. The GIANT S CUP deficit. Just have a look at Midmar as you bulb is a major source of medicinal properties drive past!! Gauteng, of course, has long in Zulu culture, being used for a range of CAFÉ & CRAFTS since far outgrown its own water supply, ailments. It is, however, reputed to be namely the Vaal River. It is only because poisonous to sheep and humans should not use 80% of the region s water now comes from it if unskilled in its preparation!! information booklet, browse our garden with the Katse Dam in Lesotho (an impressive Scilla Natalensis and over 70 other species of labelled plants and decide which plants your piece of engineering one should visit at some indigenous trees and shrubs are available from garden needs. Local art works and Bruce stage!) that they still have water coming out our greenhouse at Indigenous Plant Sales at Dell Wood Art are also on display. You can of their taps at all. Exacerbating the natural the Giants Cup Café, 10km on the Sani Pass get a full plant list at www.sanilodge.co.za issue is a human one. Not only are water road. Open daily 7.30am to 5pm. Enjoy a and click on the Indigenous Plants link. systems across the country often antiquated coffee and delicious scones with homemade and poorly maintained which leads to much jam and fresh farm cream while you read our leakage but water users have not changed Two Locals Acknowledged for Their Devotion Lovingly stocked with quality, fairly their wasteful habits (as electricity users priced novel crafts & gifts for whole have to at least some extent!) People gaily to Conservation family. Honey, cheese, trout, our own wash cars and water gardens with hose pipes, organic homemade fare - rich icecream, yoghurt, farm milk, jams, flush and pour good water down the drain that SA had a history of poor control over with little regard to its source and shortage! the mining industry and a future of Fracking Simone s chocolate almond treats, Although we often fare better here in the polluted landscapes and polluted water Berg, even the Mzimkulu River is looking must be avoided at all costs. The Karoo Fair Trade coffee,chocolate & tea. We low! basin covers half the land surface of South support small crafters. Breakfast, So gardeners are one of the villains of the Africa and contains tens of thousands of light lunches, cakes. Nature trail. piece. We all want a lush green lawn and water wells which would be impossible to Good cycle stop off. Cows handmilked at 3pm. Open 7.30am - 5pm from the northern hemisphere live in wetter rendered unpotable. pretty flowers and most species which come replace if the Karoo water were polluted and daily. SANI PASS ROAD 0337020330 climes and hence need water, water, water! The injection of waste water to replace the INDIGENOUS So this is where indigenous comes in. Local gas that had been removed could trigger species are adapted to our climate they are significant earth quakes. An Oklahoma PLANT SALES used to bone dry winters and to the geological report in the USA reported that :Choose from a range of tree and occasional summer drought. Get the average the occurrence of earth tremors above 3.5 shrub species. Information provided indigenous plant established and you can on the Richter scale had increased 600 times literally forget about it. It thrives happily since the Fracking companies had begun re and orders taken. Russell Suchet whatever nature throws at it, and you never introducing waste water underground! 0839873071 have to water your flower beds. Surely this Whereas historically an average of only two must be one answer to our ongoing water such tremors had been recorded per year crisis?? they had now recorded no less than two per This month s plant, Scilla Natalensis is one day and the residents should be prepared to species which is extremely hardy and shortly experience a significant earth quake. drought resistant. It is a bulb, and a large It is highly likely that our government one at that when mature, and it goes ministers will pay no heed to these facts completely dormant during the dry winter. particularly if they are able to smell a little Then in early spring, without so much as a money, however the matter should concern sprinkle of rain, it send out a long flower everyone in the country because our health spike with a profusion of beautiful small is on the line and that of our children even more so Are we to sit back and allow Scilla Natalensis - Inguduza TWK - AGRICUL GRICULTURE LIMITED underberg@twkagri.com Tel: 033 7012229 ENGEN SUMMER SPECIAL 5% OFF any TWO 20 Litre Drums NEW TEKPROL 20 Litre Drum ON SPECIAL Underberg - Swartberg - Cedarville - Ixopo - Kokstad - Howick WESSA, The Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa) have just celebrated their 90 th birthday and to mark the occasion they picked 90 people in Natal whom they believed have devoted their lives to enhancing and promoting the Wildlife ethic. Among these 90 names two are from Underberg, a fact we should be duly proud of and they were presented with certificates at a ceremony held at the Himeville Hotel on Saturday 15 th October which was attended by some 50 people from many parts of Natal. Bill Small the first recipient is at 92 still a walking encyclopedia of all things ecological and a moving force behind conservation in Underberg. Rosanne Clark has been involved in conservation and environmental affairs for many years and has worked at and taken part in a number of conferences ranging from Japan where she represented South Africa to Mexico and including Europe and North America. She has represented the Living Lakes organisation which keeps tabs on lakes under pressure all over the world and is headed by the Global Nature Fund in Germany. A hearty congratulations to them both! At last officialdom is taking a serious interest in Fracking and South Africa s top scientific body has urged the government to give serious thought to the potentially devastating effects on water supply before authorizing any search for shale gas. The Academy of Science of South Africa also said that quick economic gain was not guaranteed and was more likely to result in serious job losses along with polluted air, water and even significant earth quakes. The government was the trustee of the nations water and unless detailed basic baseline studies were set in p l a c e beforehand it would be inevitable that the Fracking companies would never be prosecuted for damage to human health, water and the environment. It is of concern that South Africa has not got the monitoring capacity nor the regulatory or enforcement capacity to provide security against Fracking causing long term damage. Professor Cyril O Connor of Cape Town university and a chemical engineer said UNDERBERG VETERINAR ARY SURGER GERY Tel: 033-7011092 (all hours) Stockists of a carefully selected range of LIVESTOCK HEALTH PRODUCTS Suited for local conditions At excellent prices with professional advice someone else to look after our affairs and our health? If you think it is a serious matter and you had better do so then at least put pen to paper and write to the Department of Environmental Affairs and tell them to lay off on Fracking. Don t use the excuse that they will do nothing, if enough people respond they will eventually have to! M Clark. Bill Small and Rosanne Clark being presented with certificates by Mayor Ngeleni Patricia Mncwabe for their commitment to conservation. Maxine on Housework I do my housework in the nude. It gives me an incentive to clean the mirrors as quickly as possible.
PAGE 12 www.mountainecho.co.za 082493 8700 mountainecho@telkomsa.net NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2016 IT S PERFECT, JUST MOVE IN! R1.995M Immaculate home with lovely finishes throughout and picturesque views over Nature Reserve.. Beautiful landscaped colourful garden with sparkling pool. PLUS 2 income earning flats. NATURE LOVER S DELIGHT R1.5M Neat 70ha property bordering an Indigenous Forest with lovely old farmhouse used as a self catering lodge. Second dwelling has 4 bedrooms. 5 campsites with an ablution block. Mature trees and colourful shrubs SUPERB MOUNTAIN VIEWS! - R1.795M This unique property at the end of a quiet cul de sac has magnificent mountain views and is extremely well maintained. House has 5 bedrooms, large open plan living area with a fireplace. 3 garages and staff quarters. BERG SMALLHOLDING WITH RIVER FRONTAGE R2.6M 20 ha smallholding on Drakensberg Garden Road with exclusive river frontage and dam. Well designed 3 bedroom house, heated swimming pool, staff cottages,6 stables, and splendid mountain views. VERY KEEN SELLER! R780 000 Comfortable 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 lounge family home close to shops and schools in manageable level garden with swimming pool. Price reduced to sell! Tel: 033-7011777 Cell: 083 305 3009 - PETA 082 901 8363 NORMAN 076 9555 679 LORNA www.ppproperties.co.za e-mail:info@ppproperties.co.za 33 Ha Smallholding, mostly arable, with THE BEST views of the southern Berg and plenty of sheds, small camps, labour housing, large open shed and expansive new workshop. A 2 bed compact home and scenic dam complete this property. R2,195m Charming smallholding on 5HA on Umzimkulu river, beautiful face brick home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, lounge/dining room plus family room, double garage and outside laundry PLUS labour housing, steel shed and workshop R2,28m. 2.6 acre elevated subdivisible property with outstanding mountain views. 4 bed home with bar room, large kitchen, flowing entertainment area, double garage, workshop and comfortable self contained cottage.r1,795m Charming 3 bed, 2 bath, open plan entertainment/ kitchen area enjoying wonderful mountain views. An glassed in verandah with wood burning heater allows enjoyment of this unrepeatable view in all conditions. Excellent position on 2864sq m, VERY KEENLY priced at R920 000.00 Ref: 1UB1283768 UNDERBERG: R 2 300 000 Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 2 / Garages: 2 Fabulous home in Fairmount Estate with generous interior spaces, gorgeous wooden floors and a kitchen fit for even the most particular gourmet chef. Ref: 1UB1290798 HIMEVILLE: R 575 000 Bedrooms: 1 / Bathrooms: 1 / Garages: 0 Well-maintained, cute country cottage with a wood fireplace, set in a quiet, residential area. Fully fenced, gently sloping garden with views to the Himeville Nature Reserve and adjoining farmlands. Ref: 1UB1290621 HIMEVILLE: R1 850 000 Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 3 / Garages: 2 Enjoy the magnificent views of the Southern Drakensberg from the comfort of this beautiful home. Situated in an exquisite garden surrounded by mature trees and shrubs, on sought-after Thomas Street. Ref: 1UB1291986 UNDERBERG: R 1 950 000 Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms : 3 / Garages: 2 Soak up the mountain views from this contemporary-style home on the front row at The Meadows. Open-plan, doublevolume living area with a stylish kitchen, opening onto the outside covered entertainment area. FABULOUS FAIRMOUNT ESTATE R1,750,000 Perfect lockup and go home in upmarket Estate with direct golf course access. Easy maintenance unit in excellent condition. 3 Bedrooms with flatlet option or 3 rd garage for your golf cart. OFFICE: 033 7011359 Sue Acutt 082 457 5535 Kathy Abbett 082 925 7983 John Nothard 082 491 4447 www.acutts.co.za underberg@acutts.co.za UP-AND-COMING-BULWER 70 Ha scenic smallholding with indigenous forest and established treed garden in elevated position overlooking forestry and mountain views. Tourism establishment for twitchers in search of the Cape Parrot. Two spacious dwellings each with 4 beds,3 bathsand plenty of entertainment space. The lodge (pioneer home) is tastefully furnished, resplendent with Origen floors and yellowwood ceilings plus wrap around verandah from which an abundance of birdlife can be viewed. Camp site with outdoor bathroom and attractive ablution block, all for R1,5m Please contact us for your RENTAL requirements. Ref: 1UB1292773 HIMEVILLE R 2 200 000 Bedrooms: 3 / Bathrooms: 2 / Garages: 2 This newly renovated, generously proportioned up-market residence presents light soft hues and inviting spaces, complemented by water and mountain views. The sleek Duck Egg Blue kitchen and superior finishes make this master of design a blank canvas for the most discerning buyer. Office 033 7011563 Underberg: Angela Walker 082 772 8984 / Sue Preston 084 8808701 / Paula Bullimore 079 4910101 Angie Shackleford 082 306 0000 Kokstad: Ed Jenkins 073 193 4205 / Peter Desmond 082 456 6761 / Sanele Madlavu 072 885 3559