Klaserie Chronicle 06 05-2007

Klaserie Chronicle Klaserie Kroniek No: 06; May 2007

Have wheels will travel!

T

he eco-training initiative of the KPNR received a massive boost recently with the handover of a donated Mercedes Benz truck now transformed into a five-star gameviewing vehicle for use in the programme.

It was a joyful gathering at the official handing over of the keys to the vehicle in the boma at the KPNR AGM site. Trainers attending the ceremony acted out a short play on important environmental issues with children acting as props.

Rainer Jahn who, together with Christoph Koepke (Bateleur’s Nest), donated the altogether renewed 1981 MB 1013 to the programme said he could see the project needed assistance and decided to help in a special way.

Foto bo - van links, voor Jimmy and Edward Mathebula, Rainer Jahn, Zani Kunz, Deon Huysamer en KPNR hoofveldwagter Colin Rowles, by die oorhandiging van die voertuig wat deur Bateleur’s Nest geskenk is.

Foto’s, onder en regs, Mark Wilkes het ook ’n puik stukkie werk aan die voertuig verrig om dit in ’n wildsbesigtiging voertuig te omskep.

New logo set to identify CET

• Foto’s op hierdie bladsy deur Lynette Strauss van Hoedspruit Week en Mark Wilkes.

The logo (below right) was designed by Warren Howson in liaison with CET CEO, Zani Kunz. Says Zani: “I wanted a tree. I love trees and there is so much symbolism in a tree We added to this, a trainer and the kids seen at the base of the tree.”

Zani tells how Warren created the logo using mud and a stick as, “we wanted it to have a rough and textured look coupled with the feeling of it being children’s art.” Warren then photographed the creation and worked with it digitally.

Warren, artistic, creative and now also focusing on a career in film-making resides on Dover Farm. He can be contacted on 082 44 55 850.

Note from the publisher: Grateful thanks for the constant support the local media, Kruger 2 Canyon and Hoedspruit Week provide for the conservation initiatives of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve.

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Readers’ Forum - Briewebus

Die redakteur van die Klaserie Kroniek doen ’n beroep op alle lesers vir paslike items wat op hierdie bladsy gepubliseer kan word. Dankie, Redakteur

Baie dankie en geluk met die Kroniek! Dit sal lekker wees om nuus vanuit ons Wildreservaat te ontvang. Ek stuur graag my bydrae [hieronder] soos deur u kantoor versoek. Let asb daarop dat geen adres, kontaknommer of naam van die redakteur in u blad verskyn nie!

Groete.

Marthie van Wyk Beyers-kamp Seekoeigat

Ou Eentand Antagonis

Big Build up to Animal Olympics Day Hi!

Nêrens anders is dit so mooi as in die bos na die Dit was tydens ‘n April-vakansie wat hierdie ou reën nie. Dit is ‘n pure lente oggend op hierdie eentand-reus besluit het die Beyers-kamp aan die herfsdag. Nie net is die bos vol lewe nie, maar ook Olifantsrivier is sy arena. allerhande interessanthede en gebeure vind plaas in die Reservaat.

Hy het letterlik bo-oor staalkabeltoue sy pad oopgeveg om By popular demand we would like to publish more stoons tiener-maroela boompie plat te vee. ries and articles so please start writing about personal • hy het amok gesaai onder die Roodts se piesangboord.

• hy het self een nag ‘n geliefde skoonseun die harnas interactions or encounters with the bush and its inhabitingejaag deur sy slaapkamervenster hom af te loer. Eindelose ants. Anything is welcome; narrow escapes, interesting observations/behaviour, historical information, memorapret!

Tydens ‘n wildrit kom ons twee professionele jagters tee, ble characters, scientific information, poetry, sketches, met vier Amerikaners aan boord van ‘n Landrover, opsoek na to name but a few.

Olifante.

If we could not get hold of you in January we apologize.

Die Amerikaners is tot die tande toe gekamoefleer, hoede, We want to thank those members who sponsored a seat verkyker, sonbrille, kamaste en skoene, absoluut alles in on our new game drive vehicle. It is good to know we kamoeflering. have your support. As soon as our NPO account has been Ons vertel hulle van ou Eentand by ons kamp, maar hulle opened we will let you know as regards payment. moes hart en mond belowe dat hulle hom nie sal skiet nie.

Daar is groot navraag en ‘n behoefte aan Volwasse Gelukkig was hy weens sy gebrek aan een tand nie ‘n trofee onderrig (Adult Training) in KPNR, veral geletterdheid en nie.

Die pro’s wil dan kwansuis net die aspirant-jagters ‘n olifant rekenaar-vaardighede. Dit word nog ondersoek en enige van naby wys, met die regte voorligting om die ware Jakob bydrae in hierdie verband sal waardeer word. Indien iemand weet van instansies wat dit reeds doen, laat weet aan te vat.

Ons is in ‘n stoet kamp toe, en waarlik, net buite die kamp, ons asb. daar staan ou Antagonis. Gelukkig is van ons familie met die Ons volgende tema vir Children’s Eco Training is “Anikleiner kinders terug kamp toe, maar ‘n paar van ons mal Olympics”. Dit beloof om nie net leersaam te wees avontuurligtiges besluit om die twee skerpskutters te volg, nie maar ook groot pret. Hiermee word beplan om te kyk net om te hoor waar presies skiet jy ‘n Grootvoet vanaf watter watter diere die vinnigste, sterkste swaarste en nog baie distansie.

Nogal ‘n amusante kordon. Vooraan die twee manne wat ander “…ste” is. Alles sal baie fisies wees.

We trust that the Animal Olympics day will be a day of weet, die tweede linie vier Amerikaners wat seker is hul is so fun and filled with loads of animal facts. Would you not gekamoefleer dat geen olifant hul sal raaksien nie, twee van die Yankies is ouer as tagtig, die ander twee ook maar ver be interested to not only know these facts, but also to test verby middeljarig en daaragter ons klomp wat darem weet om yourself to find out which animal you equal? Please come stof op te gooi om die wind te lees. and try! We would like to build the obstacle course close Ons staan in ‘n redelike intieme groupie om te kan hoor wat to HQ premises to be accessible during holidays. Again die manne sê, skoonseun bly maar stof opskop. Grootvoet we are dependent on donations from you, please. draai sy kop...

As u graag ‘n bydrae wil lewer is hierdie die perfekte Voordat skoonseun kan sê: “O, O… die wind het gedraai,” geleentheid. Ons benodig asseblief boumateriaal (sien ... storm die olifant! bladsy 9 onderaan).

Dertig meter voor ‘n aanstormende olifant is nie vir sissies Die CET program brei uit en daar is reeds navrae van nie.

Die weghollende helde is toe in ‘n ander formasie. Heel voor ander reservate. Op die stadium sal ons dit waardeer as die jagters. Die tante van 80+ tweede, maar sonder haar u ‘n werker, manlik of vroulik, wil aanbied om te help met $1 000-bril. Ons moes haar dringend by die toilet kry! die opleidings.

Thank you each and everyone for supSkoonseun wat total vergeet van skoonma, en ‘n goeie vriend wat darem getrou die agterhoede dek, maar skree: port and we really appreciate your popping “Aanstoot ou Mart!” in while busy with training. You are welDie uwe was nog nooit ‘n sprinter nie! come at any time.

Aan die einde van dieselfde vakansie het hierdie meneer ‘n vrou doodgetrap, wat nie ver van bogemoemde plek mopaniewurms ge-oes het nie.

Olifante is nie vir sissies nie!

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Greetings, Zani (CEO CET)

[Soos Zani dit tongin-kies stel: “Ek is die CEO en die enigste ou!”]

“Everyone has the right ... to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations through measures that ... prevent pollution and ecological degradation ... secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources ...” Bill of Rights paragraph XXIV.

Ice-cream, you scream, we all scream for Baltimore Ice-cream All over the world children enjoy ice-cream and the children of the Klaserie are no different as the photographs on this page show! Through the kind offices of Suzie van der Walt of Baltimore Ice-cream in Pretoria West the CET programme received no less than 20, five-litre tubs of the good stuff. Thank-you Baltimore!

EXCO decisions achieve concrete results A decision by EXCO earlier this year to add new buildings to HQ village and to convert some buildings to accommodate the CET and other social events happening in the Reserve is well on track and rapidly achieving its purpose.

The guest house was converted into two separate units. One unit serves as the office and residence of the CEO of the CET, Zani Kunz.

The other unit is for the Ground Hornbill researcher and other guests. The guests have their own bedroom and bathroom and share the kitchen with the researcher.

A kitchen was added on to the Museum. This kitchen will be used for CET Training and KPNR functions and meetings. Two toilets were also added onto the Museum.

Erik Manyike’s house (in final stages in photo on the right) was completed and he and his family have moved in already.

All the building work was executed by Dukes Construction.

“Now the Unknown has become a steed that I can mount in order to reach the Unknown; and the plain has turned into a ladder on whose steps I climb to the summit.”

My Soul Preached to Me, Kahlil Gibran.

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HIV-AIDS Alert coincides with 16-day activism against women, child violence

by Janice Rowles with extracts from Hoedspruit Week and photographs by Gustav Roux In response to requests from Klaserie and camp staff, another HIV AIDS Awareness Day was held on Thursday 30th of November 2006. The event was held at the headquarters of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve and coincided with the 16 days of activism against violence against women and children.

Ivy Morema and Jamela Tshuketsane from the SAP Crime Prevention Unit in Hoedspruit addresses the audience on abuse of women and HIV AIDS.

•••

Some 200 staff members from all camps in the Reserve converged on the venue where the event kicked off with an informative DVD on HIV and Aids. Preschool children from Bavaria and Mariepskop then treated the staff to a charming performance. They performed the national anthem in four languages; they also sang songs in Sotho and English. Tribal dancers from Richmond Estates performed for the audience with several of the spectators enthusiastically joining in.

The dancing was followed by dramas presented by the Lehlabile Youth Project from The Willows and The Oaks. The dramas depicted real-life situations involving crime, abuse, and disrespect for fellow citizens and solutions to these problems.

Jamela Tshuketsane and Ivy Morema from the SAP Crime Prevention Unit in Hoedspruit addressed the audience on abuse and HIV AIDS; Jamela made an appeal to men not to abuse women at any time and invited women who experience domestic violence to speak out. Ivy spoke about HIV AIDS and warned those attending that there are many rumours concerning HIV AIDS that are not true and need to be dispelled. She emphasized that each and everyone was

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responsible for taking care of his or her own health, as no one else can be held responsible.

Christine du Preez carried out testing at the Reserve’s Clinic for those who wanted to find out their status.

The staff received a tasty lunch after the event and took their leave to make their way back to all the various camps in the Reserve.

Women from the Reserve said they would stand together against crimes against women and were grateful for the information they received on the day.

The staff will be looking forward to another Awareness Day to be held in the first half of 2007. If a reader is able to assist personnel or neighbouring camp staff with transport to the awareness days, please call Janice or Eric on 015 793 3051 to enable proper planning of the transport itinerary.

“... Each and everyone is responsible for taking care of his or her own health, no one else can be held responsible ...”.

Sizzy Mathebula and Lunghi Mathebula spare a moment for the cameraman at the all-important HIV-AIDS Awareness Day.

“Global warming will get worse before it gets better, and for now we need to adapt to survive.

Floodplains and coastal cities are especially vulnerable ... Some low-lying areas may have to be abandoned altogether” - Time Magazine, April 9, 2007

Fifty nest sites now in Ground Hornbill research

by Douglas Schaefer and Mike Finnie with photographs by Colin Rowles The Ground Hornbill Project has been researching the ecology and breeding habits of one of Africa’s most engaging birds for several years now in the APNR. With origins in the start-up work of Yuval Erlich and spanning through several local field assistants, the Project has grown to include more than 50 nest sites which are monitored each breeding season. We now estimate that 28 groups (2-7 birds per group), totalling over 100 birds including around 20 sub-adults use the APNR. These birds might wander 5-10kms in a day of foraging through the grass and bush.

Many of you are familiar with the Project and have been helpful to us in many ways, chief among them has been sharing your sighting information as well as financial and other logistical assistance.

A typical day for the intrepid hornbill researcher starts by driving sometimes an hour or more to be in the bush an hour before sunrise to listen for calling activity of the target group. If we don’t hear spontaneous

Just making sure everything is under control on the Ground Hornbill Research Programme is Edward Mathebula.

Morné du Plessis gestures while explaining

an important point about the Ground Hornbill Research Programme. Edward Mathebula listens intently all the while ensuring the Ground Hornbill under discussion is a happy chappy. calling after a short period, we can play re- peared. Usually only 30% of fledged chicks corded calls from our bakkie stereo. If the make it to adulthood with most dying in group is within hearing distance, it might (or their first year. The hornbills of the APNR might not, these birds have individual per- are a hardy bunch indeed! sonalities) come and check out the alien birds Cruel but successful in their territory.

Of course for all our successful young We record information about group composition and any details noticed in behaviour. birds there are those that didn’t make it.

A few birds carry radio transmitters so that Most ground hornbill nests include two we can find the group by following a beep- eggs. If both eggs hatch, one chick always ing tone picked up by a special antenna. Most dies of food deprivation as ground hornbills often we don’t see the birds, but the trans- simply cannot find enough food to feed mitter signal can be detected from 3-7km themselves and two growing chicks. Usually the smaller one doesn’t last one week. away, depending on the topography.

During the nesting season, we check nests It’s a cruel, but successful system. At least regularly to find which ones the Ground the smaller chick isn’t killed by its bigger Hornbills have lined with leaves, then we sibling as in some birds. watch those carefully until eggs are laid. Because each “We in the Ground Hornbill Project are lucky to visit by a person to a nest of any bird increases the chance get to watch so intimately this unfolding of life that a predator may find the in the APNR bush. We hope the information we nest and eat it, we now limit are gathering about their breeding biology and our visits to nests once eggs ecology will help us humans to live in their are laid. In prior years, we space more graciously.” have had from 4-11 nests, as As the one chick grows from naked little not all groups make a nesting attempt every year. This year has been amazing, as 13 ac- pink blob to a chicken-sized pin-cushion tive nests appeared in our nest array. Eleven to a blue-eyed ball of fluff then at last a of these produced fledged chicks. A year of fully-feathered, adult-sized nest denizen in less than three months, we see Nature’s unprecedented success. charming ways. We in the Ground Hornbills, a hardy bunch indeed more Hornbill Project are lucky to get to watch Chicks from previous years are also doing so intimately this unfolding of life in the surprisingly well. Last year’s four fledglings APNR bush. We hope the information we are all still alive today. In the last month we are gathering about their breeding biology have even had a bird ‘come back from the and ecology will help us humans to live in dead’ – It hadn’t been seen with its group their space more graciously. since it fledged in 2005 but has now reap-

“Atmospheric levels of Carbon Dioxide were 379 parts per million in 2005, higher than at any time in the past 650 000 years. Of the 12 warmest years on record, 11 occurred between 1995 and 2006” Time Magazine, April 9, 2007

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••• An unforgettable trip to the Kruge In December 2006 the winners in the eco-training programme ages eight to 16 years (see table on Page 5), the trainers and assistant trainers, Sandy and Zani left for a two-night complimentary stay at Mopani Camp in the Kruger National Park.

Three Kombi’s, hired at a discounted rate from Budget, and an additional vehicle for the food and drinks were filled with very excited people. We entered the Park at Phalaborwa gate and the game viewing started.

At Mopani Camp we were given six chalets and one family chalet. The excitement of the kids spending two nights in the beautiful chalets was tangible. Each child had his/her own bed and shared a room with a friend. Cool!

Several game drives were taken over the three days and a variety of game was spotted. “We even crossed the Tropic of Capricorn.” Lots of swimming was enjoyed and this was one of the definite highlight of the trip.

Another highlight Breakfasts and suppers were cooked and prepared by the group while lunches comprised hamburgers and drinks at the various camp restaurants.

Another highlight was a visit to The Elephant Hall at Letaba Rest Camp. The magnificent seven great tuskers were on display. After the visit, all were treated to ice-cream.

The party was treated to a night drive

organised by Mopani Camp in their open game drive vehicle. This was a real treat.

Interesting sightings included Ground Hornbills in a tree ready to sleep and a Leopard sighted just before entering the camp.

Last activity of the stay The trainers received their end of the year presents – a photo collage of the year’s training activities.

The last activity of the stay was a walk on the boundary inside the camp. It is surely a beautiful camp with the dam and all the life it attracts.

Kruger National Park excursion: list of grateful thanks ...

• Dr Bandile Mkhize – CEO of the Kruger National Park for the kind donation of three nights at Mopani Camp and for the continuous support provided ... this was our second winners’ weekend sponsored by the KNP. • Mr. Ben van Eeden – Regional Manager of the Northern Region for his assistance, support and organizing the stay.

• Mopani Camp Management and Staff for their friendliness, efficiency and support for our programme.

“... Although my words may be the bleatings of an old goat lost upon the rocky mountainside, let God and the gods hear me as I plead once more: Let not my Country die!” Credo Mutwa.

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er National Park in December 2006 •••

Sponsored bicycles for these two ...

Photos above: Winners in the age group six and seven years, Nhlamulo Mhogwani (7) photo left - and Michelle Mathebula (6) - photo right - each received as a prize a bicycle sponsored by Sportsman’s Warehouse, Nelspruit. Trainer Edward Mathebula in the background and Leeann Khoza in the foreground. Project Co-ordinator, CET CEO Zani Kunz, in the background in the photo on the right.

Focus on the fun in the Park Photographs - clockwise, from the far left to centre top and down: The group on excursion to the KNP at the distinctive sign in Mopani Camp; the Kruger Park Excursion Group with the trainers holding the photo collages presented to them for their sterling work; the group preparing to leave the KPNR for Kruger; nothing like a swim back at the Mopani Camp, it’s great fun; The group ready to embark on a game drive in the KNP (photo directly above).

“In the glance of a speechless animal there is a discourse that only the soul of the wise can really understand,” An Indian Poet.

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Darting an elephant? Seen it on TV but here’s the real thing Article and photographs by Chris Kunz

S

een it so many times on televison ... darting an elephant and fitting a collar. Nothing spectacular, or so we thought until we were recently invited to join a research group and experience this amazing event.

Continued in Afrikaans on page 9; Vervolg op bladsy 9 ...

Die span in die Klaserie druk besig om die verdoofde olifant te ondersoek, monitor, meet (poot bo, slurp onder) en hom in te span vir die navorsings-projek. In die voorgrond van die foto links sien mens die onderkant van sy voorpote een waarvan heelbo vergroot is dat die leser kan sien wat die skrywer ervaar het toe hy praat van, “sy effens verslete ou pote, eintlik sy voetsole of sê mens pootsole ...” [Lees verder op bladsy 9].

Scientists, veterinary surgeons, visitors, journalists and KPNR officials scurry around the darted elephant, photographing, measuring, monitoring and making the most of participating in an exciting elephant research project.

Wish list for eco-training and the Animal Olympics It is in the very nature of the ‘animal’, all programmes such as those introduced in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve have needs.

There is a wish list for both the upcoming animal Olympics and the Children’s Eco Training. Here are the needs and any reader who sees a way to fulfil these needs please be in touch with the CEO of the CET, Zani Kunz at the KPNR HQ. Wish list for Children’s Eco Training

Hindernisbaan Pale (Om swaaie en jungle gyms te bou) Latte Spykers Sterk tou Sement Ou boorgat pype of soortgelyke pype Bande Olie dromme Planke Draad Skroewe en Boute

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Other items Computers for theAdult training centre

CET 2006 winners

Laptop Computers for mobile computer training Printers Binoculars for the trainers Reference books – Birds, trees, mammals, reptiles, butterflies, etc Cameras for the trainers at training Any waste material we could use for projects and games Notice board – outside SLR Camera for publicity and marketing purposes

Michelle Mathebula (6), Katzenelenbogen Nhlamulo Mhogwani (7), Ntoma Carol Nziyani (8), Camp George Amukelani Mgiba (9), Camp George California Makhubela (10), Nzumba / Nyeleti Olga Khosa (10), Braithwaite Cardney Ndlovo (11), KPNR HQ Ronny Mathonsi (12), Du Preez Candy Manzini (13), Nzumba / Nyeleti Keith Ndlovu (13), KPNR HQ Nkululeko Mathebula (14), Hartman Neo Chiloane (15), KPNR HQ Arnold Moropane (16), Dover

“... Life ought to be more than a grim battle for survival. Life must include the joyful pursuit of a fullness towards which all awakened people are compelled to reach,” Govan Mbeki.

‘n Dag saam op die Olifantnavorsingsprojek artikel en foto’s deur Chris Kunz Vervolg vanaf bladsy 8 ...

Die dag het om 05:00 begin by die HK van die Klaserie Reservaat waar ons vir Colin Rowels, hoof veldwagter, ontmoet en vertrek het na die rendezvous by ‘n aanloopbaan tussen die Klaserie en Timbavati. Die res van die geselskap wat bestaan het uit drs.

For a moment the writer/photgrapher of this article, Chris Kunz relinquishes his camera to another and his presence on this occasion is recorded.

Michelle en Steve Henley hoof van die projek, dr. Cobus Raath, veearts van Nelspruit, twee buitelandse besoekers, ander belanghebbendes en joernaliste het mekaar hier ontmoet. Saam met die rooidag en voelgeluide het ons die wit en rooi liggies van die naderende helikopter ingewag. Na ‘n perfekte landing deur Ben Osmers in die oggendskemering, is die deure afgehaal, ekstra brandstof afgelaai en is daar voorligting aan die groep gegee deur Steve en Cobus rakende die omvang van die projek.

Sowat ‘n halfuur later het die tweerigting radio vanuit die helikopter aan Colin, wat vir die veiligheid en beweging verantwoordelik was, gerapporteer dat ‘n olifant verdoof is en dat ons kan naderkom.

Wat ons hierna ondervind het, sal lewenslank bybly.

die instrument ‘n magdom inligting deurgee vandat die eerste een aangesit is. Onder andere dat die hare aan sy stert, wat maklik veertig sentimeter lank is, alle veranderinge aan die chemiese samestelling van die dier in die tyd sal weergee. Tyd was ooglopend te kort vir hom om alles te vertel aan ons wat oopmond staan en luister.

Tydens die uiters interressante voorligting het dr.Cobus Raath, ooglopend ‘n man met baie kennis en ondervinding, aan ons verduidelik hoe die verdowing , maar ook hoe die middel wat die ou reus wakker maak werk.

Na toediening kom die dier by, maar baie rustiger as in die verlede omdat die nuwe middel hom vir ‘n hele tyd nog rustig hou, al is hy op sy voete. Colin, met sy .458, was gereed indien nodig, maar was dit total onnodig, danksy hierdie middel.

Die monitors, geborg deur verskeie individue, sal navorsers in staat stel om die bewegings van talle olifante te monitor en Forty-centimetre waardevolle inligting deur te gee. Die Henley’s kan gekontak word by ... : tail hairs important michelephant@worldonline.co.za en die for research. adres van die projek is: http://www.savetheelephants.org/regions.asp?linkID=10&contentID=30.

• It gives one such a special feeling to know that somewhere in Africa there roams one elephant that helps to carry the responsibility of the whole elephant population, and you were there when it happened. Everyone was so in awe after this that all the cooler boxes went home untouched!

“Tot ons sy pote sien ...!”

Kameras in die hand het ons grootoog nadergestaan. Waarvan neem mens nou foto’s, ‘n bondel mense om ‘n reuse dier, sy kop en nek waarom daar ‘n band gesit word, die veearts wat noukeurig die welstand van die dier monitor of die groep wat allerlei interessante afmetings van die olifantbul notuleer. Totdat ons sy voete of is dit sy pote gesien het. En sy stert en sy bek en sy neusgate aan sy slurp en die massiewe hoeveelheid lug wat in en uit daai slurp en longe beweeg, die hoogs interessante samestelling Suitably collared and now awakened gently the pachyvan sy vel, en, en, en. Maar sy effens verslete ou pote, eintlik sy voetsole of sê mens pootsole ... dit wat hom geruisloos deur die derm makes his way into the bush. bos laat beweeg en waarop almal staatmaak om hom oor drie jaar en moontlik baie langer, in staat sal stel om aan die mens, deur satelliet tegnologie te wys waar hy oral geloop het.

Dave and Sue Tindall - Computer stand donated to us.

Duidelik het Steve ‘n passie vir sy werk Steve, wat baie duidelik ‘n passie het vir sy werk as navorser, Joe and Bridgette Puck - Computer. kan nie uitgepraat raak oor die olifant en sy eienskappe nie. Die Steve and Kathy of Motswari Game Lodge - Educational equipment from vel stem baie ooreen met die binnekant van ‘n mens se maag, is their Bush Home School. baie sensitief en kan onder andere jodium opneem wanneer hy Klaserie Private Nature Reserve - Plastic cutlery and crockery. sand oor hom gooi. Die teer aan Eskom pale irriteer hom en Nashua - Photocopier. daarom skuur hy nie en bly die pale sodoende staan. Van naby Didi Skinner and Nacy Matloko of Sanparks and Amelia Maree from lyk die vel soos mini see- anemone en verstaan mens waarom dit DWAF - Water posters, games and lanyards for the training.

Dave Rushworth - Flash disk/USB stick. sensitief is.

Oor drie jaar, wanneer die volgende monitor aangesit word, sal

Thank-you to donors

“Man has flashed into a transient existence in a temporary condition of the universe, which started without him and apparently will end without him,” B.A. Howard, M.A. The Proper Study of Mankind.

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Intensiewe ‘water’-opleiding vir opvoeders

‘n Telling en opname van die ongewerweldes word gedoen om die status van die rivier te bepaal. Daar is bevind dat die Klaserie Rivier skoon en in ‘n goeie toestand is!

Dr Thomas Gyedu-Ababio, ‘Manager: Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation’ van die Nasionale Kruger Wildtuin bestudeer to “goggas” wat deur Reckson Moeng versamel is.

The trainers-in-training observe and note the life around the waterhole?

Opvoeder Colin Mhlongo wys sy vonds van die ongewerwelde diertjies.

Marula, a tree to be enjoyed by people and animals alike

by Judy Meeser What a bumper crop of marulas we have had!

The fragrance of the fruit is heavy in the air. The elephants are spoilt for choice and the monkeys only stop under the trees where the ground is lumpy with ripe and rotting yellow fruit.

We can only surmise as to what conditions bring about seasons as productive as this.

Usually only the female flowers develop fruit but sometimes by some chance a male can too. The male and female flowers are mostly born on different trees but again, not always. It is documented that the fruit is four times as rich in vitamin C as the ordinary orange.

It is the season of Marula beer. The whole fruits are collected Continued on Page 11 ...

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With due acknowledgement to Keith Coates Palgrave‘s Trees of Southern Africa, the Marula [Sclerocarya birrea]

“To call man a pebble on the beach of the universe is grossly to overrate him; he is more like a speck on one pebble on the beach - and there are other beaches! Looked at in space, man is negligible,” B.A. Howard, M.A. The Proper Study of Mankind.

Trampled and mangled by a buffalo, Resa fought back to a full life ...

by Leeann Khoza On a day in November 1999 Resa and her husband, Phineas, were in the river bed near ‘Water Board’ digging earthworms to catch fish.

While busy Phineas looked up to see a buffalo coming towards them.

He called out but it was already too late, the buffalo charged.

Bright as a button Caroline reaches for the stars Caroline Nziyane, photographed here on the left with her parents, Silias and Salvation Nziyane, is a bright nine-year-old from Camp George.

She has been with the CET from the first and has shown remarkable interest, understanding and an eagerness to learn. Cliff van Belkum and his family residing at Pumula Camp are to sponsor Caroline’s schooling.

She is now a Grade 1 pupil of Southern Cross Schools Nature Based Schooling Systems in Hoedspruit.

The Van Belkum family remain firm supporters of the CET donating R5000 a month through 2Help1 (Pty.) Ltd. and always willing to help when transport is needed. THANK-YOU.

They tried to run but Resa was in shock and could run no faster, besides her shoes were slippery with mud from the riverbed.

She crawled in under a bush but this did not stop the buffalo from attacking her. After a swipe at her head and then her legs the animal found it an easier task to trample her right arm. Phineas did all he could to chase the animal and finally it gave way.

Phineas put Resa - with compound fracture to the arm and bleeding profusely from wounds in her head, legs and arm - on his back and made for a place of safety at Van Der Schyff camp and went to call Resa's brother, Jophas, her brother and John at HQ. Jophas arrived first accompanied by Elvis, Resa’s son They met John from HQ on the road. By now Resa was losing a lot of blood and the race was on to get her to the ambulance waiting at HQ to take her to Tintswalo Hospital.

Resa Mathebula who has been eyeShe was later transferred to Nelspruit MediClinic where a Dr Goosen operated the ball to eyeball with an angry buffalo and same day on all her wounds saving her, it is lived to tell the tale. said, from being paralyzed.

Within about eight weeks Resa was out of hospital and convalescing at home. She returned to work and is still doing well.

The good thing is she not sitting in a wheelchair or walking with a stick, she’s walking all by herself. Thank God for saving her life!

The abundant Marula, enjoyed by all Continued from Page 10 ... and the tough skin is scored to allow the juice out. The fruits are then put in a container with water and simply left for 3 days or so. The fruit will ferment slowly sending bubbles to the top. On day three if the beer is pleasing to your taste you simply pour the liquid off, bottle it and discard the fruit. The beer has slight powdery sediment that collects in the bottom of the container so the idea is not to shake!

Years ago, certain tribes had a rule that when the marula tree is in fruit and it is the season of beer, no man may carry arms for fear of the violence he might do. Marula beer has probably been brewed for many centuries. The kernels of the fruit have been found by archaeologists on Mapungubwe, the ancient settlement on the banks of the Limpopo, inhabited by the Boskopoid people over 1000 years ago. The kernels they have found were unbroken, it is assumed that the flesh only was used no doubt for the making of beer.

The stone of the fruit has 2-3 cells each containing one seed.

The cells are closed with plugs that are forced out as the seed

grows in the moist earth allowing germination. The kernels of the stones are as valuable as the flesh for they are rich in oil and protein. The oil from the nut has preservative qualities, and the Vendas use this in preparing meat. The meat is steamed slightly while gradually dripping the oil over it. The meat is said to be good for up to a year!

At least eight species of butterfly breed on the foliage, including the magnificent green lunar moth. The larvae spin large silkwormlike cocoons and these are collected and filled with stones to be used as leg rattles for tribal dancing.

Symbolism of the Marula As most trees do the marula plays a part in magical practices of indigenous people. The bark of a Marula is said to control the sex of an unborn child, male bark administered for a son and female bark for a daughter. Many Shangaan diviners include a marula nut in the “bones” or “dice” they throw.

The marula symbolises fertility, tenderness and abundance. It certainly is a tree enjoyed by animals and people alike.

“He who passes not his days in the realm of dreams is the slave of the days,” Thoughts and Meditations, Kahlil Gibran.

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KPNR’s children’s Eco Training will also benefit from fund-raiser HOEDSPRUIT – The bush is abuzz with plans that are taking shape in the ‘Banquet’ world, reports Kruger 2 Canyon.

The Bush Banquet Committee is elated to announce that what was born as a fundraising concept at Southern Cross Schools in Hoedspruit has grown into a most respected culinary competition and marketing opportunity for lodges in the Lowveld. It has matured into a sub-continental gastronomic celebration.

African Banquets will host five events this year promoting the culinary skills of the hospitality industry in Southern Africa. The events will continue to fundraise for valuable outreach, environmental and health education.

The five events begin with the ‘Bush Banquet’ in Hoedspruit on 26 May. This will be followed by the ‘Batoka Banquet’ at Vic Falls on 23 June, the ‘Burgundy Banquet’ in Cape Town on 15 September and the ‘uBuntu Banquet’ in Gauteng on 13 October with the ‘African Dream’ grand finale on November 10 back at Southern Cross in Hoedspruit, right where the idea was initially thought of.

The appropriate theme for the 2007 Banquets is, ‘An African Dream’ – a bringing together of the subcontinent on many levels.

Amarula Cream, who has supported every Bush Banquet since its inception in 2002, has come on board as a major sponsor. Distell’s Cape Legends has also come to the party, so to speak. Cape Legends presents an impressive portfolio of superlative quality, award-winning wines from several estates dotted around the Cape. Caxton media have also joined the fiesta of opportunity as the African Banquets media sponsor. Black Khaki, a top South African advertising agency who have offered their services free of charge, Visit the African Banquets website: www.africanbanquet.co.za. For more, much more. [With due acknowledgement to Kruger 2 Canyon.]

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Proudly produced in support of the ideals of the KPNR by: Zani Kunz, PO Box 1227, Hoedspruit 1380; Cell nr: 082 462 8252; Fax nr: 086 628 8733; E-mail: zani@cet-kpnr.co.za - all correspondence welcome.