Bushveld ARTSA 2023

Weekend of Camaraderie,Competition, and Celebration

Hark, fellow knights of the Round Table! Let me regale you with the tale of our recent adventure at Weesgerus in Modimolle for the annual ARTSA conference. From April 27 to April 30, 2023, Round Table Southern Africa assembled for this grand event, and the weather was on our side the entire weekend!

Upon arriving on Thursday, I received numerous pep talks and motivational speeches that fired me up with enthusiasm, and I got the tent setup. What a sight it was to behold! Round Table Gauteng Area camped at the bottom of the resort, forming a little make-shift village. Middelburg 126 also joined us for this splendid occasion.

That evening, we made our way to the hardcore hut for a wild gathering with other tablers. The “Boer and Hoer” party was in full swing, and we were having a blast. Hanno was doing body shots off a slightly large gentleman at the bar, and his outrageous antics had everyone within a 2 metre radius running for the hills. But no matter, as we continued to revel in the festivities!

Thursday evening was the opening of ARTSA 2023, hosted by Round Table Bushveld Area. Our president Werner Swanepoel took to the stage to welcome us to the greatest event of the year, and we danced and mingled with both new and old friends. As the night drew to a close, we retired to our campsite, eagerly anticipating the big day to come.

Friday morning came all too soon, but we were ready and raring to go. We headed to the forums for heavy discussions on the age rule, budgets, and new aims and objectives being added. We heard many tablers speak out against the age rule, but no one dared to advocate for it. Nevertheless, the discussions were lively and filled with valuable insights.

After a brief 30-minute break and a quick swim, we headed to the hardcore hut to set up for the Area Food Table Competition. Last year, Round Table Gauteng had performed poorly, so this year we were determined to make a comeback. We were organised and efficient, and all the gents and their partners from RTGA pitched in to do their part. We blew the judges away with our delicate starters, brutal mains, and soft, fluffy dessert.

As the evening wore on, we visited the other food tables, and the competition was fierce. We were left second-guessing our efforts, but we soldiered on. We returned to the hardcore hut for round 4, then hit the sack to prepare for the BIG day.

Saturday morning arrived, and it was time for the AGM. Dressed to the nines, we descended upon the conference hall, ready to vote. There were no more discussions