Himeville - Mountain Echo

Himeville R 1 195 000.

Contact Neil 0822134795

This 4/5 bedroom property situated in the leafy lane of Thomas St in Himeville, is literally a walk in and enjoy. Tastefully appointed and immaculately maintained. Web Ref: KUG 3277.

MOUNTAIN ECHO YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SINCE 1984

www.harcourts.co.za. DISTRIBUTED TO KZN MIDLANDS & [email protected]. SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG 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

VOL:32 NO:9 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

FREE NEWSPAPER

ENCOUNTER EG - Country and Garden Festival 30 October - 1 November Encounter EG is now in its fifth year. This Country and Garden Festival is designed as a weekend of fun, interest and activity to appeal to the whole family. It is a weekend during which the beauty of East Griqualand, the Kokstad, Cedarville, Matatiele, Swartberg area of KZN/E Cape, is showcased with stunning farm and town gardens, country hospitality, agricultural events, birding, walks, talks, fly-fishing, trail running and various other activities with music and refreshments at most of the venues… This year it is to be held over the weekend of Friday 30th, Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November. Your wristband @ R70 is your weekend pass to all the gardens and most events, although some of the talks and evening events have an additional entrance fee. Brochures, which can be shared, cost R30. Accommodation is available…for these details consult the website www.encountereg.co.za or contact Pat Kotting on 082 784 4055 There will be sixteen beautiful gardens on show, some town gardens but many of them large farm gardens with different focuses…be it a rose garden, an enviro-friendly garden, a formal garden, a prayer garden, a plant collection garden, a vegetable garden, a creative garden..a garden for everyone!…all beautifully landscaped and nestled into the stunning surrounding East Griqualand scenery, where one also ‘enjoys the ride’… Refreshments will be served at most gardens and in many, there will be music, plants for sale and other points of interest.

Watsonias in East Griqualand Photo. Rex Fey Besides the gardens, there will be a variety of other events to cater for all tastes and interests. The agricultural events include a State of the Art Dairy, which can be viewed at milking times; the Ferrero Roche Hazelnut farm; Mushroom Gathering for export to Italy…. The Barn will be open, where plants, delicate ceramics and a wonderful collection of antiques will be on show and for sale. Val Payn will be delivering two fascinating talks on The (Sexy!) World of Pollinators. For the more energetic, on Saturday, a trail run, over 6km, 14km and a 21km routes, will be held on Chris Fey’s farm, past the cattle, through the blaze of red Watsonias and flitting sunbirds, and back to the orchards over-looking the expansive dam where Grey

Crowned Crane come to roost. See ROAG.co.za for online bookings. There will be a Wetland Walk at the Penny Park wetland, under the guidance of Cobus Theron of Endangered Wildlife Trust, where a large variety of birds can be seen. The Kokstad Fly Fishing Club is planning to open a number of dams to visitors for a nominal rod fee. Then there is the scenic Kokstad Golf Course, where visitors are always welcome to play a round of golf. On Sunday morning, there will be a Sunrise Service in the tranquil Prayer Garden outside Kokstad and also a mid-morning service at Chertsey, near Cedarville. On Friday, there will be an afternoon of

24 / 7 QUALIFIED REGISTERED PLUMBER: Michael 082 321 7074 QUALIFIED REGISTERED ELECTRICIANS Brian Brandis 082 453 2775 Ian Kynoch 082 562 5591 Leon 082 850 6632 Office 033 7021878 Fax 086 660 1277 [email protected] 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

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SEPT 17 - 20 Hilton Arts Festival @Hilton College for info visit www.hiltonfestival.co.za Giants Cup Uncut Run and Corporate Relay www.thegiantscupuncut.co.za SEPT 19 SEPT 20 Midlands Country Market @Peter’s Gate Herb Farm see page 8 SEPT 24 - 27 White Mountain Music Festival www.c-weed.com/wmf or call 031 563 0824. SEPT 25 - 27 Underberg Farmers Association Show contact 033 7011007 to book a stall see page 3 SEPT 25 - 27 The Sani Dragon 2 day MTB Stage Race for further information [email protected] see page 11 SEPT 26 Rosetta Country Market @ Rosetta DamContact Dave Whitfield: 082 550 4656see page 8 OCT 3 Howick Hospice Car Boot Sale 9am-12pm on our grounds at 7 Mansfield Road Howick. OCT 3 Pevensey Place Fete @ Underberg primary School Hostel from 9am see page 3 MOTHS fun bowls day @Underberg Bowling Club see page 7 OCT 4 OCT 4 Dargle Local Market 09h00-11h00 at Lions River Club Contact: Mike 083 325 1082 see page 8 OCT 10 Rosetta Country Market Contact Dave Whitfield: 082 550 4656 see page 8 OCT 10 Zwartberg Farmers Association Annual Show see page 11 Historical society trip to Donnybrook Private Museum see page 5 OCT 11 OCT 14 Bridge Charity Fundraiser @ Anglican Church Himeville contactMerry (0726204359) see page 4 OCT 31 Rugby World Cup Final @ Underberg Primary School Hostel includes meal and corkage 033 7011040 OCT 30 - NOV 1 ENCOUNTER EG - Country and Garden Festival see page 1 NOV 1 SPCA Pet Show Competition @ Kenmo lake call Lucy Stroebel 0726909245 or Anna Forbes 0799854886. NOV 6-8 Open Gardens Weekend and Festival @ The Barn, Hlogoma farm,Underberg Meg Redfern 0823163501. NOV 4 -7 Swartberg Flyfishing Festival contact Shannon Gilson on [email protected]. NOV 7 Kokstad Round Table Golf Day - Pevensey Place Fundraiser see page 5 NOV 20 Tod Collins Book Launch “Cullen” @ Underberg Country Club 5.30pm NOV 28 Sani Stagger Race see www.sanistagger.com DEC 12 Himeville Museum Christmas Fair @ Himeville Museum contact 033 7021184

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082493 8700

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SANI HIKING CLUB

www.mountainecho.co.za

MOUNT AIN MOUNTAIN

ECHO

Is Your newspaper. Your input is valued! OBER 9 OCTOBER DEADLINE DATE OCT OCTOBER DISTRIBUTION DATE OCT OBER 16

20 SEPTEMBER 23km moderate hike Sani Top, via Hodgson’s Peak to Cobham Passport required meet at Himeville Arms 8amcontact Ansell Matcher 033 7021824 4 OCTOBER 12km easy hike Stromness Ngenwa pools meet at Himeville Arms 8am Jelle Mientsma 033 7012749 For information on hiking call Barrie Green at NUD Sports Tel 033 7011096

Underberg/Himeville Trout Fishing Club

COMBINED SERVICE - 8 JUNE 2014

ELECTR O TECH ELECTRO RADIO - TV SATELLITE SYSTEMS SALES & REPAIRS See Us For All Your Small & Large Appliance Needs

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 ClubClub mountain bike rides on the second Thursday of each month (from different venues) and Club Time. Trial and fun ride at Sani Spoors on last Thursday of every month +5.00pm. For information contact Spurg Flemington on 0823297737 [email protected] Sani Athletic Club Please contact Trish Crawley 0834470766 or Trish Collins 0828967524 by Friday am for details.All Visitors Welcome. *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

Marianna Rasmussen Tel.033 7012388 mobile 084 581 465 by wednesday noon prior to friday

August Stats showed 64 rods producing 88 fish . Conditions favourable with Quality water. 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

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

lunch meeting *Garden Club: Third Wednesday of every month - All welcome. *Moth “Boot & Saddle Shellhole”: meet at “Banks Farm” first 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 time is now

At the matric retrospective art exhibition held at IMPAK headquarters on the 14th of August, Hannah-Jo Grinwis was awarded Most Creative Exhibition (2ND Place) out of 22 matric art candidates. She is seen here with Bianca Pelser, Visual Arts subject expert at IMPAK next to her painting titled, ‘What colour am I?’ (mixed media) for the trial-exams theme: Ubuntu. She achieved 92% for this painting (which she donated to IMPAK for their reception area) and Summer time, from 1st September to 1st April we are justifiably proud of her and our learning centre for this achievement - Underberg starting time 1.15pm. (13h15) All visiting bowlEducation Academy ers and new bowlers are welcome every Wednesday and Saturday Sani Carers: 082 873 7349 / 084 991 3000. We are here to help. Underberg Support Group For Depression, Anxiety and Addiction. Meet every second Tuesday at the Doctors Rooms. 18h0019h00. Contact Di Hallowes on 079 438 4642. For the date of the next meeting.

SUPPLIED AND SUPPORTED BY BLOMEYERS APPLIANCE CENTRE C.C. OF VICTORIA ROAD PIETERMARITZBURG

033 7011240 BRIAN MOLEFETel: 0768034580

UNDERBERG CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE

CHURCH NOTICES

Dr. Barry Stranack Shop 21, Trout Walk Centre, Underberg Phone: 079 401 9143

Monday Night – Burger and Be ver a g e Night R55!! Bev era y Night – Pizza And T hur sda hursda sday Pasta Special From17h00

“ Democratic Alliance Councillor Trish Crawley with DA Constituency officer, Gcobisa Bambeni , handing over books and videos to the headmistress, Mrs Mkhize and children at Reichenau Mission school for their school library. Reading is such an integral part of education and all children must be encouraged to enjoy books.”

BINGO NIGHT - 1st Wednesday of & Simpson’s DVD the month. Shop If you attend 3 Open For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Bingo nights in a row you will go Mon – Sat 8am to 9pm into a lucky draw Sunday 8am to 5pm Steaks, Salads, Pizzas, Burgers, Light Meals,worth R6000

Kiddies Dishes, Tea and Illy Coffee available. 0337011571. Shop 20,Trout Walk Centre, 12 Sani Road

And Craft & Gift Shop

ROD ABBBETT - 60!!!

Happy 60th Birthday to our wonderful Dad for the 28th September 2015. Love you lots from Bronwyn and Kerry Abbett.

Parish of Drakensberg (Anglican) Tel/Fax:033 7021013 - Roseanne Clark (office) 1 st Sunday of the month: St.Michael’s,Himeville 7:30am Said Eucharist 9:00am Family Eucharist. Yellowwood Church, Bulwer 11.30am 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. Every sunday 5.30pm Cafe Church at parish Centre Rector : Rev. Vikela Dlamini cell phone 0832257919 Catholic Church Mass – 1ST and 3RD Sundays at 8am. Communion services – 2ND and 4TH 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 StraussCell No: 072 629 9371Email: [email protected] Underberg Congregational Church Rev. Edward Pietersen 033-7011394/0828896362.Sundayservices:9am.Communion service: 1st Sunday of the month Weekly prayer meeting: Tuesdays at 5.30 pm. Community prayer: 1st Tuesday of the month NG Kerk Ixopo/Underberg Dienste is soos volg : Underberg/Bulwer Dienste word tans by Pevensey Oord gehou 2de en 4de Dinsdag vd maand om 10vm. Ixopo : 1ste en 3de Sondag vd maand om 10vm. Kontak asb vir Ds Eugene Ferreira by sel nr 082 3441800 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 – 1st Tuesday every month 6:30pm “Pulse” Connect group Wednesday: 6:00pm Grade 7 Youth

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

ENCOUNTER EG Country and Garden Festival (continued from page1) environmental talks on the ‘green’ theme at Kruisspruit, followed by a sit-down meal cooked in ‘green’ style by nationally renowned chef, Citrum Khumalo (limited tickets). There will also be a number of other talks and evening events throughout the weekend. There will be an ‘Evening of Cocktails’ hosted by Holy Cross Pre-Primary on Friday and on Saturday, the Polo club will be hosting the renowned RPO Steak Evening featuring the Perfect EG Steak, thereby promoting the Red Meat industry. An upmarket Craft Market will be in full swing in the Town Hall on Saturday, where both local and visiting stall holders will be selling their produce and wares. Anyone interested in acquiring a stall, should contact Sonja on 079 335 1807. Those interested in Encountering EG in all its natural beauty, experiencing the warm hospitality of the community and enjoying a weekend of interest and fun are encouraged to consult the website www.encountereg.co.za, like us on Facebook or phone Pat on 082 851 1555 for more information.

082493 8700

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UFA SHOW 25 – 27 SEPTEMBER 2015, SANI PASS ROAD SALE YARDS

Once again, Show preparations are in full swing and we are very excited at sharing our event with the inaugural Mitsubishi Sani Dragon MTB race which starts and finishes at the Show on the Friday and Saturday. This will obviously draw a whole new sector to the Show and we appreciate the organizers for their vote of confidence in the UFA show as a host for this event. This year sees many of the same faithful supporters back again with their sponsorship and stands, and many new faces will be joining their ranks! Lots to see and buy, lots to eat and drink! Trying to keep the show relevant and inviting, we have again incorporated items that will appeal to the WHOLE family, with our live-stock judging taking centre stage on the Friday (Beef judging) and Saturday (Dairy and Sheep judging). Some of these items include the Faith-Way College Kidz Zone, local arts and crafts, tea-garden, the ever-popular ‘Farmers’ Challenge’, Hopewell mini gymkhana and jumping course, Underberg Polo Club mini tournament, and much more with a few other ‘surprises’ that should catch your attention over the weekend. Sani Round Table will be hosting their ‘Directory Auction’ from the bar on Friday night, after which, much catching up can be done while being entertained by Calan Trollope, an accomplished musician from our EG neighbourhood who already has a few ‘charted’ numbers under his belt.

Also ‘happening’ on Saturday is the “We Love ABBA!” live show by the now popular Cat Simoni from just beyond our borders in the Midlands! She will present an intimate evening of wonderful entertainment while the audience enjoys their light finger dinner supplied by the UFA and the convenience of liquid refreshments from the Sani Round Table bar. These tickets are selling fast and only a few are left! We don’t want anyone to miss out on this promising evening, so to avoid disappointment, we encourage everyone to get their tickets COD from the UFA office Monday to Friday between 08h00 and 13h30 at a cost of R150.00 per person since there will be NO tickets available at the door! Together with the ‘Farmers Challenge’ on Sunday, our family time will include the horse vs. bike race, and a whole new ‘Youth Show’ for the ‘littlies’ who aspire to be like dad one day! While our Show falls over a long weekend this year, we are confident that it will be a worthwhile excuse NOT TO LEAVE TOWN, so come and support us AND your competitive neighbours who enter their fine animals for a shot at top spot in this traditional competition. You will also get a chance to support those suppliers that often go unnoticed yet play an active part in ‘paying back’ into our farming community through their sponsorship of our Show. See you at “THE YARDS”!

Underberg Open Gardens 6 - 8 November The weekend of the 6 to 8 November will showcase 10 stunning Open Gardens in and around Underberg. The Festival Pocket guide, with maps and information on each garden will be on sale soon. The Hub of the festival is at ‘The Barn’ on Hlogoma Farm. Teas and light lunches will be served, stalls, art on display, interesting talks ,flower demonstrations, followed by a cocktail evening sponsored by Spar on Saturday evening. The participating gardeners and Himeville Underberg Garden Club, look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful gardens on display. More details and information to follow in the October Mt Echo. Contact Meg Redfern 0823163501 Virginia McIntyre 0828048928

PEVENSEY FETE 3 OCTOBER The Pevensey fete will take place at Underberg School on Saturday 3 October starting at 9am. We would be very grateful for any donations or contributions towards stalls. We are always overwhelmed by the support of our local community and hope you will join us at the fete. For information

Shaun Collins and Gloria Brown with plants ready for sale at the Pevensey Fete on 3 rd October. These two, hardworking Pevensey residents run the green house and their “green fingers” produce lots of wonderful plants. Many lovely flowering plants will be available at the fete. If you wish to donate plants, please contact Felicity (033 701 2768)

or donations please phone Pevensey Place on 033 7011882 or Trish on 7011967 or 0829253875. There will be lots to do, eat, drink and buy for a wonderful cause.Stalls include:- White Elephant, Vegetables, Books, Meat and Biltong,Tea and pancakes, Raffles and Garden stall. Come and enjoy the day and support a good cause.

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Owners: Clive and Trish P. Crawley Photo: Welch

VISIT US AT: Shop 9a, Cloc k Clock e, Underber g Centre Underberg Tower Centr Phone: 033 7011577

YOUR F AMIL Y’S O WN FAMIL AMILY’S OWN

HEALTH

SHOP

- for all your natural preventative and healing medicines - good range of natural body care, foods and gifts

FOR COLDS AND FLU ULTIMA KANG JANG NOW IN STOCK WE CARE ABOUT YOUR

HEALTH

Jennifer’s Unisex Hair Salon Closed on Mondays

Stockists of Indola and JOICO products Tel: 033 - 7012 203 Cell: 083 9639 816

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THE UNDERBERG HIMEVILLE WAR Unfortunately the coming of the railway line split the community right down the middle and bitterness was rife because a railway was something of great importance in those days when road transport was still in its infancy and the roads were particularly bad. Vanderplank had given land for a number of activities and businesses. One of these was six acres of land on which to provide a school ’ near the terminus of the railway ‘ and the education authorities jumped at the opportunity to take it up. It was still assumed that a school would be built in Himeville for the benefit of the district and in fact land was earmarked for the purpose The education authorities however were short of money as always and although they made

money available for the building of a hostel for a school they had not enough money to provide class rooms as well. The Underberg Farmers Association were also looking for money in order to build a hall for the community and they made a deal with the education authorities to borrow the money for the building of a hall from them on condition that they allowed school classes to be held in the proposed hall. This deal further infuriated the Himeville faction and was the final straw that led to them hiving off on their own in 1919. They withdrew from all activities in Underberg and the Himeville Agricultural Society became the Himeville Farmers Association on the 8 th August 1919. This created a duplication of all activities and separate clubs were formed for tennis and bowls and the two hotels maintained their own clientele who would not use the others facilities if at all possible. The situation could have been hilarious if it had not been so serious. The population was insufficient to create a viable number of members for each of the duplicated facilities and make them economically independent but they struggled on for many years too proud to amalgamate with each other until in the 1990’s Underberg finally got the bowling club and Himeville took over the tennis club. In the meantime however although the population changed periodically and not many of the original families remained the newcomers indulged themselves in the ‘war’ with even greater enthusiasm than the original community who might be said to have had an axe to grind. When the situation arose some of the major protagonists were not above coming to blows in order the settle their arguments. Just after the Second World War a man who had had enough of England under the new labour government and was seeking pastures new arrived in Underberg. He attended one of the districts major entertainments provided by Ivan Tarboton from the garage who ran a film show twice a month in the farmers hall. After the show everyone was filing out onto the veranda and down the steps when two members, one from each divergent community met on the veranda and started an argument which soon escalated into violence. Not only did they apparently exchange blows but locked in each others arms they rolled down the steps onto the road below. The visitor was most impressed by this manly display and wrote to his wife saying he had found the right place to live, where men were men and settled their differences accordingly. He packed up and moved to Underberg where he unfortunately he fell into the hands of one of the districts notorious con men. Some three years later he left Underberg sadder, wiser and a lot poorer The cricket club could only function by utilizing players

082 4938700

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

from both sides of the district and had set itself up on a piece of vacant land opposite and a bit beyond the Himeville hotel. It was not a very wonderful field being bare ground that was very dusty and a bit stony but the best available site for many years. During the 1960’s there was a move to set up a ‘Country Club’ on land that was becoming available through the courtesy of Norman Roulston of ‘The Banks,’ adjacent to the Underberg village. The matter was raised time and again at annual general meetings of the cricket club but was shot down by the Himeville contingent who always managed to outvote their companions from Underberg. After a number of years the Underburghers managed to raise a majority at a meeting and looked like swinging the decision in their favour for a moment. However at that point Charles Ridgway leaped to his feet and said, “Mr chairman, how many of the members from Underberg have paid their subscriptions” ? Of course almost nobody had done so from either camp so Ridgway immediately pulled out his cheque book and wrote out a cheque for the fees for all the Himeville faction and declared that those who were now in arrears could not vote. He managed to pull this off at least twice and the club remained in Himeville until he passed away in 1975 when it was quickly moved to its new premises in Underberg where it became a major part of the Country Club. If one wanted to start a business you had to be careful what you called it. If it was called the Underberg – Himeville or Himeville - Underberg which ever communities name came second would boycott it and visa versa. Thus it was that when Mick de Waal opened a chemist shop in Underberg which was a sorely needed facility he had to call it a neutral name and chose the name Sani Pharmacy. In 1972 the old war was still bubbling along quite happily and the Garden Club decided that something should be done to try and unite the two villages. They accordingly cajoled many members of the community into each subscribing towards the purchase of a tree to be planted along the road between the villages. This did little to unite anyone but at least has provided us with a stately line of oak trees along the road between Underberg and Himeville and possibly added a bit of atmosphere as well. With the new dispensation of 1994 it was decided by the Province in the interests of efficiency to unite many smaller villages under one management and reorganize the areas of control exercised by the small councils. A public meeting was arranged in Underberg at which a tribunal of eight members from Provincial government presented a case for the uniting of the two villages and the incorporation of Underberg district into East Griqualand. This

caused no small uproar and the meeting was left in no doubt as to the opinion of the residents. One of the Indian members of the tribunal however waxed quite eloquent as to how he envisaged the marriage of the two communities etc. No sooner had he sat down when a member of the audience leaped up and declared that he presumed the gentleman knew what happened to a bride on her wedding night and was that what he had in mind for Himeville ? Some of the audience nearly fell off their chairs in the ensuing hilarity and the meeting ended on a far more cheerful note than it had begun. Nothing was heard of the proposal again and the status quo was maintained for another few years. In the year 2000 after the second election various councils did become amalgamated by decree and Himeville had to take over Underberg whose affairs at that stage were in a sorry state, owing a very large sum to the Province amongst others while Himeville had no such problems and was in a healthy financial condition with adequate space in which to accommodate the new council which became known as KwaSani in order to satisfy the new political dispensation. This was a big blow to some members of the Underberg community who had consistently insisted that Underberg was the senior village. After that the ‘war’ petered out although there is still a hint of rivalry and the Himevillians like to claim that Underberg is just the industrial suburb of Himeville. The final status of the two villages however is still not in sight as plans are afoot to amalgamate the Kwa Sani municipality with the Ingwe Municipality based in Creighton and which will include Bulwer as well which will probably become the administrative centre of the new municipality.

BRIDGE 14 OCTOBER

Sani Window B&B / Self Catering

Sani Window Bed and Breakfast or Self Catering Units Overlooking the Golf Course, Sani Window is a corporate member of the Underberg Country Club and has access to the course through their garden gate. Can accommodate up to 40 guests with sister company Cedar Garden B&B. Sani Window is close to Sani Pass. Tel: 033 7010022 Cell: 083 822 7756 www.saniwindow.co.za

CHARITY FUND RAISER - Come and enjoy a morning of social Bridge with your friends, on Wednesday 14 October, 9.30 am for 10.00 am, at St Michael’s Anglican Church, Himeville. A lovely tea will be served on arrival and throughout the morning, and a delicious lunch and glass of wine will follow the Bridge at 1.00 pm. Make up your own foursome, and book a place through Merry (0726204359). Tables and score sheets will be supplied, but please bring your own cards. Cost R80 per person which will be used to purchase and distribute food parcels to the needy in our district.

www.mountainecho.co.za 082493 8700 [email protected]

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

BIRDING IN THE SOUTHERN KZN DRAKENSBERG Gael Abbey’s chimney one night. Gael sat patiently waiting for the sun to rise before calling for assistance. The chick seemed to be fine and was released near its parent. The arrival of intra-African migrants started with the usual species with Yellow-billed Kites reported by Helga on 12 August, Whitethroated Swallows very close behind them while the first Steppe Buzzard reported by Kevin Fraser on 28 August at Milburn Farm. Crosley Black noted Alpine Swifts on 4 September. Wilson Duma saw an Adult Martial Eagle on the Sani Pass on 14 Aug. Peter Bodmann reported two Wattled Cranes on Dieu Donne on 31 Aug. Frank Kraupner reported a pair of all three Crane species, Wattled, Crowned and Blue together on his field on 6 Sept, something he had never witnessed before. Frank also mentioned something interesting about the Spurwing Geese, apparently selecting to feed only in certain maize hybrids, with a clear avoidance of certain other hybrids!! Bill and Alta saw Hottentot Teal on Ross Treleaven’s dam. Aldo and Sharron Berruti had Fairy Flycatcher in Underberg for the greater part of the winter and a Cape Bunting on the Hlogoma mountain. Some out of range and out of season sightings of mine include a Yellow-breasted Pipit at the Underberg Farmers sale yards on 26 August, Glossy Ibis at Goxhill Dam on 26 August and a Black-headed Canary on the KZN side at the top of Sani Pass on 7 Sept and a Pale Chanting Goshawk at the first Protea view site on the Sani Pass on 9 Sept. The Black-headed Canary is a major tick for this province, they have been recorded about 18 times in Lesotho according to Prof David Ambrose’s Annotated Checklist of Birds of Lesotho. Robin Guy saw a few of those reported and I have only twice seen them in Lesotho. This bird is far east from the normal range. For observations please call Stuart on 082 742 6981 or 033 702 1761

The annual vulture count took place on 5 September, starting as a cold and misty morning, but fortunately clearing later. Thanks to all the local birders and Honorary Officers for helping with the count. The best results came from Moyeni Farm where Trish Strachan and Dave Minney had a massive total of 219 Cape Vultures and 2 Bearded Vultures, Beryl and Graham Osborne with Jelle and Cynthia Meintsma saw 15 Capes while Bill and Alta Small saw 18 Capes at Hlogoma. The only other Bearded Vulture was seen by Elias Mofukeng at Dassie Corner. This means a total of 252 Capes and 3 Bearded Vultures were counted on the ground. Ansel and Lynn Matcher’s Spotted Eagle Owls raised 2 chicks contrary to what you may have read in last newsletter. The chicks left the nest and were only discovered later by Moses who works in the garden. Thanks to his effort and enthusiasm these chicks have done well. The Barn Owls at Paul and Elaine Roth’s had at least 4 chicks fledge. So good luck for a change in the owl world so far. The Spotted Eagle Owls which nested a few years ago in Himeville lost one of their chicks to a collision with a vehicle having been dazzled by the headlights in the main street. The other survived a fall down into

Underberg Artists at the ROYAL GARDEN SHOW Pietermaritzburg 24th to 27th September. In 2014, the Southern Darkensberg Art Society was invited to host the inaugural art exhibition at the Garden Show. Following a resounding success we have been invited to stage a larger exhibition which, this year, will be on show in the Grill Room. This year there will be sixteen participating artists exhibiting their work. Eleven of the artists represent the Southern Drakensberg from the Underberg and Himeville districts and are known locally as the Underberg Art Group, ( previously: The Southern Drakensberg Arts Society) . The exhibiting artists work in a wide variety of mediums including oil, water colour, pen and ink, acrylic and pencil, all of which will be on show. The exhibition will incorporate works as varied as portraits, still life, landscapes, animals and flowers. The majority of the paintings are mounted or framed.

Farmer Ploughing By Rob Leenhouwers

CLOSED TUESDAYS

079 495 7886 Taken back by the original owner Jeannine Bonsma and Vanilla Rose accents partner Di Penny

Kokstad Fundraisers For Pevensey Place 7 November Kokstad Round Table will be Hosting a Golf Day on the 7th November to assist in Raising funds for Pevensey Place, we will also be having a raffle where you can win a whole beef Caracas @ R100 per ticket. All Proceeds will be for Pevensey Place, You Can Contact Myself Frank Barton 0849820208/ via email [email protected] for more information.

Visit to Donnybrook Private Museum 11 October The Historical and Museum Society is taking a trip down the Donnybrook Road on Sunday 11 October 2015. We will visit the Xumeni Forest to look at Redwood Trees growing in an indigenous forest. From there we will travel to Inglenook Farm where we will visit John and Marie-Anne Mingay’s private Museum. Do join us for a very interesting visit.Meet at UNDERBERG HOTEL – leaving there at 10.00 AM. Bring refreshments and a picnic lunch.Or if you are in the Bulwer area, meet us at the first turn off on the Donnybrook Road just before you reach Donnybrook.

Birds & Beyond Bird Tours & San Rock Art Walks www.birdsand beyond.co.za Tel: 033 7021761. Cell: 082 742 6981 Stuart Mc Lean

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082493 8700

[email protected]

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

UNDERBERG HIMEVILLE RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION and communication, i.e. “Batho Pele” KWA SANI MUNICIPALITY PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Whilst poor management at operational level is the order of the It is acknowledged that every Municipality must strive, within its financial and administrative capacity, to achieve the following objectives; a) provide democratic

and accountable government for local communities; b) ensure social and economic development; c) promote safe and healthy environments; d) encourage the involvement of communities and community organizations in matters of local government.; A Municipality must ensure that the machinery of local government sphere, discharges its responsibilities effectively and efficiently, honouring the precepts of Batho Pele namely, The People First. The principle of Batho Pele is in the Constitution of the RSA, Chapter 1ss 152 ( e ) as in other legislative statues which govern local Municipalities. Thus, a Municipality must, in carrying out its day to day administrative functions, ensure that Public engagement and participation is carried out on all municipal matters. Such communication helps build public trust, confidence and integrity between all stakeholders within the community. Interaction was initiated and in early discussions with the Mayor and the Municipal Manger, both the UHRRA and the Business Forum strongly emphasised the importance of the above. Further to this, the community advised that apart from engaging in matters of Municipal concern they were in the position, because of the experience of its members, to provide assistance, help and advice to the Council and it’s officials on matters of Local Government administration and governance. The spirit of this offer was acknowledged, as was the undertaking to have regular engagement meetings. Regrettably, despite ongoing and multiple verbal and written attempts by the Underberg Himeville Residents and Ratepayers Association plus the Community Business Forum, to engage with the KSM and to bring to the attention of officials, inclusive of the Mayor, the Municipal Manager, 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE the CFO and other senior persons, the concerns of the local community and in particular the ratepayers, our efforts have been totally ignored. [email protected] National Government is repeatedly referring to the need for local government to “get back to basics “ and above all, that municipalities are “to communicate and engage”. Hard experience of the UHRRA has proven that whilst the KSM has tabled a “Public Participation” document, the latter merely plays ‘lip service’ to it and as such no engagement has been achievable and whilst service delivery may appear to be in place, the residents see little responsive interaction. Constitutionally, local government have a mandate to operate independently, at least in the way it is structured. In reality the town is run essentially as a political fiefdom, unaccountable in practice to the Ruling Party government and even less so to the constituents or the Rate Payers of the area. The latter in itself allows for political appointments in key positions, be they qualified or not, their responsibility being not to the electorate but their political party or their Caucasus, the outcome of which is the resultant poorly run Council the ramifications of which we are now experiencing in the Underberg/ Himeville region. The concept of participation is to give communities and local residents a real say in decisions at local government level on decisions that affect their lives and as such people must have access to decision making structures in order to make their voices heard. To date the Council tends to ignore the interests of local stake holders and as such they have failed to maintain or improve existed statutory channels of communication as prescribed in the Municipal Systems Act and the Constitution on all matters of municipal affairs. This includes engagement

Winter has ar ri ved arri riv Insula te with Insulate ISO THERM (insula te ceiling) ISOTHERM (insulate ISOBO ARD(insula oof pr ted & w ater ISOBOARD (insulated wa terpr proof d) ceiling boar board)

CONT ACT YOUR L OCAL AGENTS CONTA LOCAL UNDERBER G FOR GE UNDERBERG FORGE 033 7011420 RPM CONTRA CT ORS CONTRACT CTORS TEL: 033 7011419 Cell: 0741024808 Rory [email protected]

day, thus having necessitated the matters for discussion, the town’s Municipal infrastructure is seen to be well below an acceptable level in respect of maintenance and upgrading. The Council non the less sees itself non accountable to the voices of rate payers and the community. With the 2016 merger with Ingwe now more or less fait accompli, many issues viz, rates, by-laws, trading rights, service delivery, waste collection and others need to discussed with the joint communities prior to the 2016 Municipal Elections, and above all there should a meeting of the minds in resolving these through interaction, not by the officialdom representatives only, but above all with the residents and ratepayers of both Underberg Himeville and Ingwe. The question is:-With the current engagement practices of the KwaSani Municipality, will the principle of Batho Pele (The People First) be foremost should there be no engagement on the outcomes, particularly on the essential necessity for the critical interaction and engagement with the communities on matters affected by the merger of these Municipalities; these being to provide sustainable Municipal services ensured by its compliance to the Constitution in the new constitutional vision and the requirements of Local Government through its structure, composition, internal procedures, its powers and functions. This is of vital importance when taking into consideration that the merger of these Municipalities is less than nine months from now. D FORBES CHAIRMAN UNDERBERG HIMEVILLE RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION

LEARNER TRANSPORT POLICY IS LEAVING OUR CHILDREN BEHIND Did you know 34,000 KZN learners are transported in bakkies that are often not roadworthy and are an unsafe form of transport for our precious children? And more than 2 million children in KZN are forced to walk long distances to school often through rough and unsafe terrain. Because of financial constraints and locations, most parents have no other choice in order to educate their children. Education is vital to pursuing a better life. How can we expect better results from our learners when they are forced to walk long distances? We only need to look at the horrific number of accidents, continually being reported in the media, to know that government is failing our youth. Forcing our children to walk long distances or be transported in unsafe vehicles infringes on their right to education, as enshrined in our constitution. It is government’s responsibility to ensure that all children, no matter the circumstances of their birth, are assisted in any way possible to access quality education. The current learner transport policy does not do this. Says DA Councillor, Trish Crawley, “I am very perturbed to see just how many children in Kwa Sani have no transport at all to get them to junior or high school. Many are even resorting to dangerously hitching rides along the road. And very young children are walking many kilometres to school and back in all kinds of weather too.” “The DA will continue to push for a learner transport policy that will ensure safe and reliable transport service are in place so as to provide the maximum benefit for our children and so that their right to access education is upheld.”Today’s Youth are Tomorrow’s Future.

RPM

Contr actor s Contractor actors BUILT IN CUPBOARDS & All Your Building & Plumbing Needs TEL: 033 7011419 0834571855 Colleen [email protected] 0741024808 Rory [email protected]

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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White Mountain Music Festival 24 -27 September

On 24/25 August, Thukeyana Primary welcomed a group of Grade 10 boys from Clifton College, Durban. Besides the work completed inside the classrooms (English writing and poetry – all carefully monitored and well prepared), there was much excitement outside as the Grade 7 learners together with boys from Clifton painted the outside wall. These learners were supervised and guided by the renown Mr Iian Robinson. Thank you Iian for transforming the wall into a welcome sight and thereby uplifting the school grounds. To Mr Donovan Fletcher, the tour organiser, staff and boys from Clifton College and huge thank you from all of us at Thukeyana. Thanks too for the donations and sponsorship which was greatly appreciated. Many new gumboots can be seen around town. We would like to take the opportunity of wishing the boys a successful 2015 (or what remains of it) and we look forward to your trip next year.

DA Cllr Dave Adam visited the Khanyeni Assisted Living Open Day in Himeville on Friday 28th August and congratulated owners Tex and Anita Turton on their plans for a local private care home for the elderly and infirm. Photo: Cllr Adam with Tex and Anita Turton is joined by trained carergivers of the Eldercare Home Services group, who will be assisting at Khanyeni. Front row: Tshengisile Madikana Middle row left to right: Thobile Mhlongo, Gloria Mkhwanazi, Anita Turton, Nomusa Ngubo, Fanisile Nyawose, Zandile Kuboni, Samkelisiwe Duma. Back row: Cllr Dave Adam and Tex Turton.

Life ends..when you stop Dreaming, Hope ends..when you stop Believing, Love ends.. when you stop Caring, And Friendship ends.. when you stop Sharing...!!!

Eldercare Home Services Pty Ltd

Celebrating its 10th festival this year, White Mountain has always been about more than ‘just’ a great line-up of acoustic acts. It’s also about getting away from it all and unwinding in an awesome setting. And how you choose to unwind is up to you! Maybe it’s simply taking time out to relax and soak up the peaceful beauty of one of the most idyllic spots in the central Drakensberg, but if it’s action you’re after, then KZNUG/177/49605/P you’ll be spoilt for choice! PRACTICE NUMBER 13082300 For the more adventurous, there’s abseiling, a 100m zip line, paintball HWSETA accredited caregivers or you can try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding on the dam. And now available locally. if you’re feeling really energetic, this year sees the introduction of a Live-in or part-time. trail run presented by TRAIL magazine. Taking place on Saturday 26 Denise McCrory 084 991 3000 September, LoveTrail is an opportunity to experience White Mountain Nomusa Ngubo 082 968 3455 like never before with a 15km true mountain run or 7km run/walk. Cool Sinentlantla Litiba 079 460 0018 product samples and spot prizes up for grabs! Click here for more info. Head Office: Salome Botes 039 976 2555 Less strenuous options include leisurely walks or guided hikes to the Website: www.eldercarehomeservices.co.za nearby Pigeon Pools, a game of volleyball with your friends, bass Email: [email protected] fishing (bring your own rods and tackle), plus a range of supervised activities (like scavenger hunts) for the kids. Or INTERMEDIA TE DOMESTIC INTERMEDIATE you can blow up those lilos and tubes and hit COOKING CLASS the water...! Of course there’s also the option of just taking Where: Spitskop Cottage it easy and sampling some of the great craft Cost: R620 per person beer and food on offer, or browsing through the Dates: 22nd, 29th Septembe & 6th October 2015 craft market, or you could always head for Tom’s Time: 8:30am – 12:30pm enquiries: [email protected] / 0607219633 Tavern in the lodge to catch up on some sport Transport from Spar & back (yes there’s DStv). And then there’s the music. Performing at White Mountain this year (and guaranteed to make our 10th festival a celebration to remember!) are the likes of Matthew Mole, Rowan Stuart, Rubber Duc, Al Bairre, Margaret’s Daughter, Howie Combrink, Connecting Stars, Holly and The Woods, Shomon, Tuin, Bad Peter, Majozi, Gugz and the Bam Bam, Early Hours, as well as international Australian duo Jamie MacDowell and Tom Thum. More info here. With so much to see and do, the question is, how are you going to fit it all in? Running from 24 to 27 September, White Mountain 2015 is definitely not to be missed. (Alex Known for its intimate, relaxed atmosphere, the 0828317346) festival is held at White Mountain Lodge in the foothills of the Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve in KZN, only 185km from Durban, 400km from JoBlock Printed hannesburg and just 25km off the N3 on tarred roads. hangings,Kikois, Tickets are available at Computicket or the fesAfrican tival gate and include camping. For more information and the full programme,visit www.cbeadwork, weed.com/wmf or call 031 563 0824.

The Koala Bear, a joint and a Lizzard A koala was sitting in a gum tree smoking a joint (as they do!) When a little lizard walked past, looked up and said, ‘Hey Koala! What are you doing?’ The koala said, ‘Smoking a joint, come up and have some.’ So the little lizard climbed up and sat next to the koala where they enjoyed a few joints. After a while the little lizard said that his mouth was ‘dry’ and that he was going to get a drink from the river. The little lizard was so stoned that he leaned over too far and fell into the river. A crocodile saw this and swam over to the little lizard and helped him to the side. Then he asked the little lizard, ‘What’s the matter with you?’ The little

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lizard explained to the crocodile that he had been sitting with the koala in the tree, smoking a joint, but got too stoned and fell into the river while taking a drink..The little lizard was so stoned that he leaned over too far and fell into the river. A crocodile saw this and swam over to the little lizard and helped him to the side. Then he asked the little lizard, ‘What’s the matter with you?’ The little lizard explained to the crocodile that he had been sitting with the koala in the tree, smoking a joint, but got too stoned and fell into the river while taking a drink. The crocodile said that he had to check this out and walked into the rain forest, found the tree where the koala was sitting finishing a joint. The crocodile looked up and said, ’Hey Koala!’ So the koala looked down at him and said, ’F*** me.... How much water did you drink!?’

083 788 7702 @ CLOCKTOWER CENTRE UNDERBERG

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& tablecloths

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EMPLOYMENT FRONT OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR FOR COURIER SERVICE

Bushmansnek, Silverstreams. 30 stands and 7 chalets to rent contact 0828598619 [email protected] www. silverstreams.co.za

FOR HIRE AC trailer hire all size trailers contact Andre Cronje 083-266-4534

MAKOTI SUPERIOR GOOSE DOWN Duvets and Down Products available at 97A Main Street Howick. Phone Corrie on 0842951770 or 0333302551 EMPLOYMENT MANY CAPABLE Employees with references…Tractor Drivers, Carers, domestics, gardeners, cashiers, farm labourers, secretaries looking for positions. Tel 0833053009 This is a FREE SERVICE

FOR SALE SAMSUNG fully automatic clothes washer, DEFY 2.5M² cabinet deep freeze,Gas fired braai on trolley, 3 folding sun beds, 3 Haverland 1500 kw oil-filled electric radiators, 6 ‘Boardmans’ wicker dining chairs, 1600mm circular Oak dining table, 2130 x 810 marble table on 2 pedestals with 8 white metal chairs.Viewing by appointment 17th to 20th and 28th - 30th September. Call: 0829062263.

LIGHT INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY TO RENT Light Industrial workshop 278m² for R24.40 Per M² including VAT (Cheapest space in town)Tel 0833053009

Requirements: computer literate, friendly and efficient. Telephone personality and able to work with the public in a professional manner. Ability to multi task and work under pressure. General administrative experience an advantage. Please email CV to [email protected]

WANTED looking for old metal farm equipment, mealie planters, ploughs, rakes etc. willing to pay reasonable prices. Phone Kathy 0824627251

MIDLANDS MARKETS Midlands Country Market 20 September 09h00 – 12h30 Peter’s Gate Herb Farm, R103, Lidgetton (next door to Granny Mouse’s Country House Hotel) Contact Karen 076 412 1320 or Paola 076 872 7734 Rosetta Country Market 26 September 08h00 – 12h00 Venue: Rosetta Dam, Kamberg Road (about 500m from R103 on left hand side). Contact Dave Whitfield: 082 550 4656 Howick Hospice Car Boot Sale 3 October 9am-12pm on our grounds at 7 Mansfield Road Howick. Dargle Local Market 4 October 09h00-11h00 at Lions River Club Contact: Mike 083 325 1082 Rosetta Country Market 10 October 08h00 – 12h00 Rosetta Dam, Kamberg Road (about 500m from R103 on left hand side). Contact Dave Whitfield: 082 550 4656

The older farmers in our Underberg/EG area most certainly deserve a rewarding retirement. The current farms are like an oasis, a beauty to behold. 200 cows have become 800 plus, new parlours, centre pivots, maize yields from 5½ tons/ha to 9+ tons/ha. It is impossible to keep count of the milk tankers. The progress made by both seed and commercial potatoe growers. Timber grower’s yields are higher than the original expectations. The expected 8 years growth was achieved in 7 years. The improvement in quality of beef herds was very evident at the recent bull sale of Chippy Watson and Chris Dwen. Our local farm economists have done wonderful work and are responsible for their outstanding achievements. Without offering any solutions, the current questions we are faced with – the surplus of milk, the drop in price and what future markets do we envisage, the electricity debacle, the financial position and unfortunately the unstable political position. It is worrying to learn about the recent labour strikes on some of our largest farms. The deliberate fires and the ongoing hunting problems. The devastating fires our region has suffered in the last 2 years. The obvious solution is to encourage the farmers to keep up the good work and pray that we have a bright future and continue to grow as you have done in the past.The younger generation keeps up the good family farming tradition and enables the older generation to retire. The obvious solution is to retire to a complex and just chill, play golf, go on holiday, watch the grandchildren play sport. What a life! Have you considered inflation, the cost of

THANKS

Home made traditional brawn R59.90 Prime Rib R59/Kg T - Bone R85/Kg

This august it is 11 years ago that my sister Astrid passed away in her house in Himeville.Some time after this we heard that a memorial tribute would be placed at the SPCA where she worked and lived for a while. The family unfortunately lost contact with Astrid’s friends so we never heard what, if anything, had been done. Thanks to the internet I now have been able to contact the newly established SPCA in Himeville and they very kindly sent a photograph of the plaque at the memorial wall ; Also on behalf of my sister Babette I would like to thank everybody who was involved in making this tribute, if we had known earlier we would have thanked you all before. The plaque looks remarkable but we were saddened and dissapointed to see our name misspelled, it reads broekmanN instead of broekman ! However, we hope everybody shares good memories about her with us and Babette and I express our appreciation for the effort that was made. One day I hope to visit Himeville again and see it myself. Kind Regards, Peter Broekman, Amstelveen, Holland [email protected]

3 Sangwana Crescent No job too big or small * Manufacturing of burglar guards and gates * Repairs to farm implements * all types of welding *precision turning & machining *fabrication *hydraulic repairs and hoses

082 569 8655

Agents for DHL TNT TIMEFREIGHT & EXPRESS DELIVERIES TEL: 033 7011017 or FAX 033 7011030

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ROD’S ENGINEERING

Twice daily to P M B local - national international

Ubudedengu kwezempilo Abameli bakwaFrederick Badenhorst bangabameli abangongoti emacaleni obudedengu kwezempilo ikakhulu kwawokulimala kwengqondo kubantwana ngesikhathi bezalwa, ngenxa yobudedengu bukadokotela noma abahlengikazi esibhedlela. Inombolo yocingo: 033 394 5429 Noma Xhumana noMnu uClive Ngubane ukuthola ulwazi kanye nosizo kulabo abakhuluma isiZulu. Inombolo yocingo: 071 393 4138

033 701 2088

golf and holidays, the boredom – please read the passage about love thy neighbor? The alternative is to keep farming with no stress. This is a practical solution which has been tried by one of our local farmers and worked. In this case 2 farms were purchased in the Memel/Harrismith area. The farms appreciate in value and so do the beef cattle. The labour force is 2 per farm. Rotational grazing with good licks are used. A scotch cart is used. The many advantages are the beautiful countryside and excellent grazing. The Receiver will have to wait a few more years while you enjoy the farming tax benefits. Buy a new bakkie, Punch Chapman will deliver your only tractor. You support the Cheetahs, the home of the flowing rugby. No need for champagne glasses, just take some wors and enjoy watching SA top rugby school We have an exciting selection of farms in the Free State, we look forward to showing you. By Norman Herring 082 901 8363 or www.ppproperties.co.za or e-mail: [email protected]

SANI P ASS CARRIERS PASS

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082 518 1550

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

How does a farmer retire?

C LAS S I F I E D S CARAVAN PARK & COUNTRY ESTATE

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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.

Hazeldene Nursery

LARGE TREES IN VARIOUS SIZES FOR INSTANT IMPACT ALL YEAR ROUND by appointment only

Tel/Fax: 033 7021686

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2015

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Visit Himeville 5km from Underberg

Himeville Museum Draws International Visitors and Kids who Discover The Olden days Over the past few weeks the Museum has once again hosted a number of visitors from as far afield as Japan, Israel, Belgium and even Ghana. Visitors have included honeymooners, families, people from other museums, retirees, holidaymakers on return visits, as well as many local residents who enjoy the sense of history and heritage that belongs to them. People from all walks of life have spent time learning more about our local history and the roles that many people have played in developing our area to where it is today. Many of the older visitors relive parts of their youth when they recognise exhibits and artefacts that were everyday items in their homes while they were growing up, and younger visitors are taken aback by just how far technology has advanced over the past 100 years or so. Something that we have learnt ourselves over the recent past is just how many people are currently involved in genealogical research – based on a sense of wanting to know more about their roots. All of this just serves to reinforce the fact that history is far from dead, in fact it is alive and thriving! Himeville Fort and Museum is most definitely a place where history happens and we once again invite everyone, young and old to pay us a visit. Preparations for the Christmas fair are well underway and we have already received a number of bookings for stands. Please don’t forget to diarise the date – 12 December 2015. We are also still accepting donations of goods for the Fair and these may be dropped off at the Museum. Due to unprecented feedback and requests the Fair will be held at the Museum again this year. We are also pleased to announce that you will soon be able to purchase a stunning “Birthday Calendar” from the Museum. This lovely calendar showcases many iconic houses and places of interest to be found in the area and is a “must have” item for each home. It will also make a lovely Christmas or birthday gift for someone special. Watch this space for availability….. Remember that the Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 09h00 to 15h00 and on Sundays from 09h00 to 12h30 and entrance is free. You are guaranteed a warm welcome here. Any queries may be directed to the Curator, Bongi Zondi on 033 702 1184 or [email protected].

082 4938700

Under The Tin Hat To the 3 people who missed Under The Tin Hat, sorry, the Scribe’s computer got a glitch and files/ videos/pictures all got lost in cyberspace! Among the files was 10 odd years of Under The Tin Hat! Suppose that’s why there is something called backup! If items are repeated, apologies.The Boot and Saddle MOTHs handed over a cheque for R 6000-00 to Sani Carers for their Cancer SA project. These funds are actually from our supporters in the District. So a big thank you again to one and all.The Scribe is not having a good time! The advert for the MOTH Fun Bowls Day, kindly placed by Paul in the last edition,

SANI SPCA We have exciting news this month! First and foremost,we now have electricity at the kennels,which means that the infrared globes are functioning in the individual kennels to keep our furry friends warm.Brandis Electrical, we thank you most sincerely for all your efforts in making it possible for us to have electricity connected again, after nine months without any power. We all know how reliant we are on our electrical appliances! Once ceilings have been installed, Brandis Electrical will continue with the wiring.Thank you guys, for your amazing contribution! There are many more thanks due to other businesses in the community: Murray Cairns and Lana of Sani Pass Tours donated blankets to us; Underberg Forge gave us buckets and food; Mike Comins of Sani Signs will be erecting our revamped signage this week; Anne and Gordon of Computer Workshop print posters for us of pets looking for homes. We are reliant on donations to function, so we thank you all most sincerely. Our trainee inspector Lindile Jakatyana has returned from a week of intense training at the SPCA in Vereeniging and in his absence,field worker Sfiso Mlotshwa has been hands on at the kennels. Please people,come to visit the kennels.We have two beautiful juvenile female cats and a tabby male kitten looking for approved homes. A reminder about our fun event on November !st, 2015 - SPCA Pet Show Competition and Fun Day at Kenmo Lake with music by Neil Prior.

Obituary CLOUGH (Howie) George Howard McIntyre 5th July 1944 - 20th August 2015.

Fab Fair @ UFA SHOW 25 -27 September

It is with deep regret that we announce the untimely passing of Howard Clough, following a fatal heart attack at the age of 71 in Underberg. Howard was the middle child of John & Hilda Clough, his mother the elder daughter of McIntyre Day Houston who was an early Settler on the farm ‘Kilmun” in the Coleford/Underberg district. Howie’s love of the district was deep rooted, having attended Underberg Primary School where he excelled at athletics and returning to the area upon completion of his secondary and tertiary education. Howie epitomized the character that his alma mater, Maritzburg College, strove to produce as his gentlemanly conduct, sporting prowess and personable nature enabled him to excel. This culminated in his appointment as a School Prefect in 1963, the College Centenary year. Following this, Howie chose to pursue his passion for farming, attending Grootfontein Agricultural College in the E.Cape in order to learn the sheep/woolen trade. After a stint working for the Wool Board in the E.Cape, Howie returned to farm with his father at “Kilmun” & after his father’s death he took over part of the farm which he named “Pudsey”, the place his father came from in Yorkshire. Howie loved sport, both watching and participating and was a very active member of the cricket, tennis and bowls clubs at various stages of his life. After cricketing success at all levels of the game, culminating in his selection for the Natal Country Districts side, Howie began suffering from the effects of a back problem which he developed at school, resulting in several operations which significantly affected his mobility later in life. Even after Howie was not able to continue playing bowls, a game that he loved, he took on the responsibility of green keeper for the Underberg bowling club to remain close to the game. In 1987 Howie married Gaye BULLIMORE, taking on the role of a caring devoted husband as well as a father and role model to her three children, Justine, Simon & Amber. He was a man of uncompromising integrity, extreme work ethic and a positive influence on all that came into contact with him. Despite his own failing mobility, Howard continued to work until the day of his death, never finding reason to complain and making light of the challenges that life threw at him. He was a great Zulu linguist and made many friends across the spectrum of cultures that the district has to offer including at the petrol pumps, where he would engage the attendant in long conversations! Although Howard will be sorely missed, the legacy passed on through his principles, love for life and infectious optimism will continue as a source of inspiration for the generations to come. He leaves his wife Gaye, her children Justine, Simon , Amber, his nine grandchildren, his sister Adrienne and his brother Michael who lives in the U.K.

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was incorrect. Again sorry. The correct date of the day is Sunday 25 October 2015 and we urge you all to put in teams and enjoy a day of family fun. Lastly the Boot + Saddlers will be manning a food stand at the UFA Show. So pop round for a visit and enjoy a Hamburger or Bacon and Egg Roll while the kids have Hot Dogs! Keep well till next time YUTTH The Scribe

Tel: 033 -7021154 OPEN 7 Days a Week

The Stonehouse and Rose & Quail Cafe and Antiques Country Kitchen Tuesdays: Fish & Chips R55.00 Omelette R38.00 all day Sunday Roast with all the trimmings Relax in our budding spring garden and enjoy Tea & Treats or Browse in the Antiques & Collectables shop for something that takes your fancy

Spoil yourself with an OVERNIGHT STAY at the Moorcroft Manor Country House. Or simply visit us and enjoy BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND SUPPER. We also serve TEAS & CAKES; all to be enjoyed in front of FIRES in Dining Room and Lounge.

Sani Road, Himeville 3256, Kwazulu Natal Telephone 033 7021967 WWW.MOORCROFT.CO.ZA

Boot + Saddle

Established 1904

FUNKY JUNK & TRASHY TREASURES Entrance on George street at Harcourts: Main road, opposite Museum, Himeville. Open Tuesday to Friday 9 - 4, Saturday 10 – 2.

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M.O .T .H. M.O.T .T.H. Invite you to join us for a

Fun Bowls Day Sunday 25 October at Underberg Bowling Club Time 08h30 for 09h00 Dress Casual or Fancy Dress – (Flat Shoes MUST be worn) Team 4 to a Team (Only 1 Club Bowler allowed per Team) Cost R 125 per player (Includes Lunch, Teas and Snacks) Prizes for all Bowlers Prize for Best Dressed Team Children welcome - free juice + hot dogs provided Contacts: Bruce 072 376 9537 or Mouldy 072 405 8854

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The annual burning of old dry moribund veld is a very necessary procedure for many reasons that have been gone into more than once in the Mountain Echo so they wont be repeated here. At one time the organizing of veld burns were left entirely to the individual farmer and his neighbours a system which worked well enough but left a bit to be desired at times. In actual fact few of the serious runaways were due to controlled fires getting away on account of weather conditions but were usually caused by arson, arcing power lines, ‘long dead’ logs, stumps or even roots flaring up and spreading sparks in a high wind long after they had been considered put out With improving communications efforts were made to organize and control winter burns in the interests of communal safety To begin with legislation was introduced that laid down the dates on which burns could be made and limited the periods during which plantation slash could be burned. However there were still occasions on which things went wrong and may have resulted in considerable damage to property, livestock and even lives. Obviously more is needed to be done to promote safety and the protection of property. Communications have improved exponentially in just the past few years so it has become possible to keep in touch with many more rural community members Lovingly stocked with quality, fairly than it was in the good old days of the party line telephones Accordingly a .’Working on Fire’ organisation was set up with priced novel crafts & gifts for whole family. Honey, cheese , trout, our own headquarters in Greytown and backed by legislation, the legal requirements of which make it possible to prosecute those who ignore organic homemade fare - rich icethe rules. The legislation also makes it compulsory to join a local Fire cream, yoghurt, farm milk, jams, Protection Association and provides for an annual levy with which to Simone’s chocolate almond treats, finance the operation of a local Fighting on Fire team in each district Fair Trade coffee,chocolate & tea. We It is run by a central office that provided weather information which is support small crafters. Breakfast, disseminated to all the other regional offices on a daily basis each light lunches, cakes. Nature trail. morning They decree when it is safe to burn and when not, they give Good cycle stop off. Cows handthe humidity and the expected temperatures for the day as well as estimated wind speeds to back up for their decisions. milked at 3pm. Open 7.30am - 5pm Unfortunately the weather information as supplied by the daily. SANI PASS ROAD 0337020330 weather office is often not all that accurate which has resulted in many occasions when a perfect day for burning has been ruled out :Choose and as there are not that many perfect days in a season a lot of veld from a range of tree and shrub species. may go unburned posing a hazard to the landowner the following Information provided and orders taken. season. No allowance is made for local input either and considering that weather conditions vary so greatly from one district to the next Russell Suchet 0839873071 this becomes a serious problem at times when farmers have had to hold off on account of a decision being made in a totally different part of the country to which our weather has never been a part. To the casual observer this would not seem a problem but it often means that in order to keep his rotation going the landowner has to put in a late burn which burns a lot of green grass that was beginning to emerge resulting in serious damage to the veld. This becomes a problem for everyone so we badly need an intelligent local input which will be respected by the organisation and allow a degree of latitude in daily decision making. Regrettably some landowners ignore the levy and the necessity to join their local Working on Fire organisation because should a fire originate for whatever reason on their land and then get into a neighbours property the landowner on whose land the fire originated will be held liable for all the damage caused and should their neighbour perhaps be SAPPI or Mondi they could find themselves expected to pay an enormous sum in [email protected] r e p a r a t i o n . Furthermore failure Tel: 033 7012229 to join your local organisation renders you automatically liable regardless of the reasons or causes. M Clark

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Property & Wealth ’Land redistribution’s big unknowns need further interrogation Uncertainties and impediments surrounding the status of large areas of traditional communal land remain a challenge to South Africa’s land restitution process. The prevailing situation regarding traditional land is still in most instances preventing many communities and thousands of individuals from gaining access to the benefits, especially economic, of direct legal and full ownership of fixed property. Much of the process of fully modernising and regularising the situation is likely to play out in the courts for some years to come. An important recent judgement in the Constitutional Court illustrates this process and might give some direction for future litigations. In a dispute between the Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela Communal Property Association of the Northwest Province and traditional leader Kgosi Pilane and the Traditional Authority, the Court ruled in favour of the Association, representing the majority of the community, to take possession of the land in question. The Court effectively clarified the proper interpretation of section 5(4) of the Communal Property Association Act (the Act). Scope of the issue Assessing the size and status of ‘Black’ communal areas is an important step in overcoming the bias and misunderstanding that often clouds the public debate, and a way to the adoption of wellinformed policy positions regarding land restitution. According to the 2014/15 Commission on the Restitution of Land Rights’ annual report some 428 claims were settled thus far. Of these 241 were urban, and 187 rural. There have been 78 600 beneficiaries from 15 457 households. Awards of 144 406 hectares were made at a cost of around R1 billion, with financial compensation totaling around R1 billion. It adds up to R2 billion spent on the land restitution process to date. However, many communities and especially individuals, in the absence of the ability to register individual titles over the land on which they reside, remain excluded from the full potential benefits of the process. As mentioned in the previous column, the PLAAS (Institute of Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies) research identified 15% of South Africa’s land mass as being ’Black’. That translates into approximately 18 300 000 hectares of land that are historically designated as traditional land. More specifically PLAAS attributes the ‘black’ land as being: · 1% former ‘coloured’ reserves; · 2% being held by the Ingonyama Trust (in former KwaZulu); · 2% other customary lands held in trust by the state; and · 10% being the ex ‘homelands’, other than KwaZulu. These communal areas vary considerably across the provinces, from over 36% in KwaZulu-Natal to under 0,05% in the Northern and Western Cape. The former homelands represent communal areas that cover over 17 million hectares of which around 14.5 million hectares were classified as agricultural land, with the balance being towns and protected areas. This land is mostly state-owned and heavily settled by black households under various forms of customary tenure, with tenure reform a highly contested yet neglected cornerstone of government policy. The PLAAS report goes on to identify the main slice of 67% of the land as being ‘white’ commercial agricultural land, 10% being ‘other’ state land and only 8% being classified as ‘the remainder’, which includes the urban areas where most of the ‘property market’ operates. And the latter is an important perspective to keep in mind: the lucrative and vibrant privately held residential property market we read about in the daily media is essentially found in this 8% one can classify as ‘the remainder’. It is mainly here that the R6 TRILLION property market plays out as an asset class for underpinning the wealth of the county’s citizens. And it is here where the benefits of private home ownership are seen to bear the fruit and which, in our constitutional democracy, must be open to all the people of the country. It is high time that ways are found to make it possible for those citizens living and toiling on communal land to share in the benefits and opportunities of this market. The question is: Should it just be left to a cumbersome legal process, which could stretch over many years into the future? by Eve van Basten This article first appeared in The Intelligence Bulletin.

SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2015

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COMMUNITY WATCH Once again it is pleasing to note that our local crime statistics remain low. As reported in the previous number of Mountain Echo articles, theft of diesel continues to be a problem. Few house break ins have been reported. Stock theft stats remain few except in the Bulwer area. Those of you who use gas for cooking/ heating and store the gas bottles outside, be warned that they are in great demand. The local Mqatsheni residents have formed their own stock theft patrols and have recorded good successes in livestock recovery. Well done Mqatsheni residents. We appeal to everyone to make sure that security starts at home. Have alarms fitted, stay alert and vigilant. Report all suspicious activity. The police rely heavily on community co-operation. I believe that probably 98% of house breakings occur on properties that do not have alarm systems. Our crime statistics indicate that assaults and theft are a problem in the two low income housing areas. I can understand that when ones home is broken into one is upset and asks what the police and everyone else is doing about it, but what precautions has the owner taken, particularly those who only come up here now and again. With the availability of work becoming more and more of a problem, together with the large

By John Pearce

number of workers being laid off – retrenched, the security situation is not improving. A request from the National Police Commissioner to all communities, is for cooperation with SAPS, reporting crime, suspicious activity and for people to be alert at all times. I believe that our community is doing this anyway, but we must not become slack! Members from DAFF head office in Pretoria, carried out an audit on 9th September of the Southern Berg Fire Protection Association. I am pleased to report that they were suitably impressed with the set up we have in place regarding fire management in our area of jurisdiction. It was pleasing to inform them that the co-operation we receive from our members is top notch. DAFF we were informed, is available to assist with the prosecution of anyone who does not abide by the fire rules and regulations and deliberately puts the district at risk. On the 6th August 2015, a letter sent to the Kwa Sani’s attorneys from the Community Watch attorney was ignored. On 1 st September 2015 an URGENT Email from our attorney to the Kwa Sani attorney basically stated the following: “ It recorded that our attorney had not received a notification of

[email protected] your client’s objection to paying the amount owed to Community Watch. That no argument from his client refuting their indebtedness to Community watch other than the allegation that the original contract was invalid. (Note: Kwa Sani’s allegation over ruled in four court cases). Our attorney stated that should Kwa Sani fail to pay within ten (10) days of receipt of the letter, he had been instructed to issue summons in the High Court. Kwa Sani’s attorney was asked to notify the writer immediately, failing which we accept that there are no objections to same”. I believe the deadline is 14th September. The fire season is not over yet. We still have the remainder of August, the whole of September and October to get through, so please keep our district safe from fires. No burning of garden refuse or timber slash is permitted before 1st November. At Community Watch, we sometimes receive requests from non members to put out messages either on the radio network, by SMS or internet. Unless the request is an emergency, we cannot comply. Our members pay for our services and cannot afford to have people riding the band wagon. Community Watch 24hour emergency contact numbers: 033-7021114/7; 7021143. Fax: 033-7021821Email:[email protected] Let us work together in fighting crime – Masibuyisane Silwe Nobulelesi.

082 4938700 PAGE 11 UNDERBERG FARMERS ASSOCIATION SEPTEMBER 2015 STOCK SALE STATS QTY SUPPLIED QTY SOLD MAX PRICE MIN PRICE AVE PRICE

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OUR VANISHING GRASSLANDS Grasslands are old, stable and resilient ecosystems in which most of the plants are long lived, and can withstand repeated defoliation or disturbance by fire, frost and low to moderate levels of grazing . Grasslands are categorized into three types of palatability for grazing:*Sourveld *Sweetveld *Mixed veld The Underberg/Himeville area is sourveld which exists in high rainfall regions with frosty winters and highly leached soils. In these grasslands animal production off the veld is only possible for six months of the year before lower temperatures and dry winters result in a significant decline in forage quality. Sourveld plants withdraw their nutrients from their leaves, starting early in autumn, resulting in the leaves being unpalatable during winter. Thinking is now changing, not just focused on grasses, and biodiversity of grasslands is no longer an issue confined to conservationists, biologists and wildlife supporters. It is important to everybody involved with land use and agriculture. Signs of a healthy, biodiverse grassland are:*High basal cover ( a measure of how much

Zwartberg Farmers Association Annual Show - 10th October 2015

soil is covered by the bases of plants) which binds the soil and prevents erosion *High diversity of growth form (soft leafed herbaceous plants – forbs – bulbs, sedges, ferns, succulents etc in addition to grasses) *High diversity of grass species rather than dominance by any single species *Topsoil that is intact, rich in organic matter

and uncommpacted, with lots of evidence of soil turning through the action of various animals. *An even grass sward, rather than tussocked veld – tussocked veld is an indicator that all the palatable species have been eaten, leaving big tufts of unpalatable species, *An absence of invasive plants. Because we share the world with many other species of plants and animal, we must consider the consequences of our actions. Extracts from “Grassland E c o s y s t e m Guidelines” SANBI.

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The 2015 ZFA show will start at 10am, farmers from Kokstad, Underberg and Swartberg will bring their animals to be judged, and there will also be a fun Farmers’ Challenge, Beer Tent and various activities for the whole family. The ZFA Barn Dance will begin at 7pm - so bring along your Workshop Stetsons and cowboy boots for an Mackenzie Street - Goxhill entertaining Himeville evening. Contact Meg Rorich Public Relations [email protected] 079 520 7578. 039 747 D O N B L A K E Y 4620

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PAGE 12

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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PICTURESQUE SETTING IN HIMEVILLE R1.95M Set in the peaceful village of Himeville, this beautiful home overlooks the Nature Reserve, dam and farmlands. Open plan design with attractive kitchen. Separate spacious granny flat and teenage pad. Pool and entertainment gazebo. Double garage.

BRIGHT & LIGHT FAMILY HOME R1.195M Immaculate 4 bedroom home in secure level garden with pool in desirable area close to the Himeville dam and Commonage. Large open plan living area and undercover patio, lovely kitchen and spacious games room or studio. Garage and tandem carport.

607 Ha MATATIELE EXCELLENT GRAZING elevated farm with notable rooi grass grazing. Basic house, sheds and handling facilities. 40 Ha eragrostis.R6m UNDERBERG BEEF FARM 800 ha , 50Ha enriched arable, good cattle water, handling facilities, close to village,R6,2m UNDERBERG GRAZING 91Ha mountain grazing on Hlogoma mountain.R1,5m UNDERBERG DEVELOPMENT SITE 40Ha 3 scenic dams, rose hedges and exquisite mountain views. Ideal for MEDIUM cost housing, R1,5m

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PRICE SLASHED TO SELL R595 000 Comfortable 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home with great mountain views, double garage, staff accommodation & outside office. Fully fenced & alarmed. A great buy at this price

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COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES ranging from R5m to R21,5m in Matatiele and Howick. Blue chip anchor tenants. Excellent returns. More viable than farming!

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HIMEVILLE SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME R 1 150 000 Warm 4-bed family home set in a large garden with beautiful old trees. Income-earning cottages with separate entrance, storeroom and staff accomm.

UNDERBERG THE MEADOWS R 1 595 000 This home set in a landscaped garden, has top quality finishes and direct views to the Drakensberg mountain range. Open plan lounge / dining room with gas fireplace. Covered veranda with built-in braai. Fitted gourmet kitchen. Angela Walker Sue Preston Paula Bullimore

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