MOUNTAIN ECHO

Underberg - R 780 000
Reduced to Sell
3 Bedroom,
2 bath(mes),
2 lounges,
Swimming Pool
in pleasant
surrounds.
Contact Neil 0822134795 www.harcourts.co.za.
[email protected].
Experts in home finance.
privateproperty
.co.za
MOUNTAIN
ECHO
YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
SINCE 1984
DISTRIBUTED TO KZN MIDLANDS &
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
SPLASHY FEN FINAL MAIN STAGE LINE-UP
With just over a week to go until the Easter long-weekend kicks off in true Splashy Fen
style, event organisers Impi Concept Events confirm an exciting line-up at Splashy Fen
2016 with over 100 acts.
Over the four-day long iconic music festival held in the picturesque mountains of the
Southern Drakensberg, Splashy Fen fans can be sure of one thing: a line-up of both local
and international acts that will please all tastes.
Each stage and day of the festival has been carefully crafted to ensure a unique and diverse
musical offering to all fans; balancing both the known and unknown, remaining true to
Splashy’s true core values of supporting local and up-and-coming acts.
VOL:33 NO:3
MARCH/APRIL 2016
FREE NEWSPAPER
MAIN STAGE
On Thursday the 24th of March, the Main
Stage will open with the winning band from
the Splashy Fen and Barnyard Theatres ‘Road
to Splashy’ competition at 14h30. Thereafter,
fans can look forward to the sounds of Boxer,
Lance Goldman, The Motherland, Jonathan
Peyper, Albert Frost, Edistontide, Forefront,
Arno Carstens and Gangs of Ballet who finish
off day one of the Splashy Fen Main Stage at
23h30.
Friday’s acts include Bad Peter, The
Kickstands, Dan Patlansky, BCUC, a
Creedance Clear Water Tribute, Civil Twilight,
Grassy Spark, Mango Groove and Goodluck.
Saturday will see the likes of Cherry Vinyl, Go
Barefoot, Josh Wantie and Lunatic Wolf hit
the stage; followed by the popular 80s Tribute
Hey Now, HEY NOW NOW. We are Charlie,
internationally
acclaimed Xavier
Rudd, Shortstraw,
Jeremy Loops and
Rubber DUC will
also be performing
on
Saturday
evening.
Sunday brings the
Rainbow Rhythm
Sunday
jazz
sessions to life with
Underberg’s
Umfulongashi,
reggae band The
Meditators, Unity
Band
featuring
bassist Ildo Nandja
and guitarist Seb
Goldswain, the
maskanda giants
Shabalala Rhythm
fronted
by
Sibongiseni
Shabalala,
continued
GoodLuck have taken their jazzy, fizzling sound to the dance floors of St Ives, FTV, Taboo, and Club INC, have jammed
alongside Paul Oakenfold, DJ Fresh, Just Jinger, Shaun Duvet, Euphonic and Cassette, and toured as the opening act for
on page 3
Photo: Henry Stock
the acclaimed outfit Goldfish
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
MAR 19 - 20 Men’s Big Fives BowlingTournament @ Underberg Bowling Club
MAR 19
Berg Saphire 100 MTB Race see www.berg100.co.za for more info
Sani Wildlife Bird Outing to Penny Park & Franklin Vlei meet Underberg Hotel 8am call Bill 033 7021269
MAR 19
Midlands Country Market 09h00 – 12h30 Peter’s Gate Herb Farm. Karen 076 412 1320 or Paola 076 872 7734
MAR 20
MAR 24- 27 Splashy Fen Music Festival for more info www.splashyfen.co.za
Art at The Himeville Museum by The Underberg Art Group from 9am see page 8
MAR 26
Fab Fair - Music, Food,Crafts and more @ Fab Alley opposite Himeville Museum 9am see page 8
MAR 26
MAR 26
Rosetta Country Market 08h00 – 12h00 Rosetta Dam, Kamberg Road Contact Dave Whitfield: 082 550 4656
Christopher Duigan Concert @ St. Michael’s, Himeville (mornings) 033 7021013 or 082 3596736.see pg 4
APR 1
The Southern Berg Fire Protection Association AGM Underberg Country Club 5:30 - 6pm.
APR 14
APR 16
Congregational Church Celebrates 120th Anniversary see page 6
APR 23 -24 Underberg Golf Club Autumn Classic contact 033 7011130
Mac Donalds Steel MOTHS Golf Day@ Underberg Country Club 6pm
APR 30
MAY 1
Kenmo Lake Autumn Picnic @ Museum fundraiser at Hazeldene farm
GWK Open Polo Tournament @ Underberg Polo grounds, Sani Pass road
MAY 6 - 8
MAY 10 -14 Sani2C MTB Races www.sani2c.co.za
MAY 14 -15 Acutts Winter Horse Trials @ Underberg Country Club 082 457 5535 - Sue Acutt
The Giant’s Cup Trail Run - for more information visit www.thegiantscup.co.za
MAY 20 -21
Tip Top Milk Drak 250 Off Road Race contact Trace Price Moor
JUNE 11
JUNE 12
Tip Top Milk Drak 250 Bikes and Quads Race contact Trace Price Moor
MOTHS Delville Wood Parade @ The Himeville Cenotaph
JULY 17
SEPT 17
The Giant’s Cup Uncut & Relay - for more information visit www.thegiantscupuncut.co.za
SEPT 30 - OCT 2 Underberg Farmers Association Show 033 - 7011007 [email protected]
SEPT 30 - OCT 1 Sani Dragon - for more information visit www.sanidragon.co.za
OCT 28 - 30
TIP TOP MILK Himeville Vets Tennis Tournament contact Marlene Wilton 033 - 7021810
NOV 4 - 6 Encounter EG Country and Garden Festival (Kokstad) . info www.encountereg.co.za or [email protected]
Gee Jays Show at the Potato Factory. For more info contact Trish 083 375 6264.
NOV 5.
DEC 17
Himeville Museum Christmas Market @ Himeville Museum 033 7021184
PAGE 2
082493 8700
[email protected]
All Shops Advertised
Below are at
The Trout Walk
Centre
on the road to
Himeville
ELECTR
O TECH
ELECTRO
Tel: 033 7011240
RADIO - TV - SATELLITE
SYSTEMS
SALES, REPAIRS &
INSTALLATIONS.
WE INSTALL EXPLORA
BRIAN MOLEFE 0768034580
www.mountainecho.co.za
MOUNT
AIN
MOUNTAIN
ECHO
Is Your newspaper. Your input is valued!
DEADLINE DATE APRIL 15
DISTRIBUTION DATE APRIL 22
to us all with Dad’s passing.
Mum has been overwhelmed with food, flowers, friends and support from so many peoDear Paul, Please allow us, through the me- ple over the last few weeks.
dium of your newspaper, to convey our She would love it if you could publish probthanks to everyone who has been so kind ably the last photograph taken of Mike
McBean as a tribute to his
wonderful friends who indulged him his great fishing
passion.
“God gives all men all earth to
love, but
since man’s heart is
COMBINED SERVICE - 8 JUNE
2014
small,
Ordains for each one spot
shall prove beloved over all.”
~ Rudyard Kipling
Dad’s “Beloved Spot” was
certainly wherever he was fishing.
We are grateful to you all for
sharing these moments with
him. With love and thanks
Jane, Pat and Ian McBean and
their families
Mike McBean
Mary Field celebrated her 70th
birthday on 5 March at the U.F.A
with friends.Pictured, Mpumulelo
Florence Kheswa and Mary Field,
Mrs.Kheswa has lived and worked
with Mary for 30 years and Mary
has spent half of her life here.
Mary started the Mountain Echo
. She also started a restaurant
named Buzzers with Paul Welch
who has been her friend since
1983
CHURCH NOTICES
CATHOLIC EASTER MASSES
Holy Mass for Palm Sunday 20th March 8am
Holy Mass for Holy Thursday 24th March
5.30pm
Good Friday 25th March service starts 2pm
Holy Mass and Vigil for Holy Saturday 26th
March 6pm
Holy Mass for Easter Sunday 27th March
8am . All Welcome Father Wanda.
Tenebrae Service Thursday: 24.March at
18:30
Good Friday Service: 25.March at 09:00
Easter Sunday Service: 27.March at 09:00
TWO WOLVES
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
Sani Spoors Mountain Bike Time Trail and
Trail Run on third Thursday of every month; Cost
members free, non-members R20. Venue Sani
Spoors at the Duck and Do-little, Drakensberg
Garden’s road; Refreshments available5:15pm
Drak MTB Club For information contact Eileen
Downing at [email protected] or see our
Facebook page for upcoming events.
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
Sue Little telephone 082 2909 770 by
wednesday noon prior to friday lunch meeting
*Garden Club: Third Wednesday of every
month - All welcome.
*Moth “Boot & Saddle Shellhole”: meet
at
“Banks Farm” 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 starting
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.
18h00-19h00. Contact Di Hallowes on 079 438
4642. For the date of the next meeting.
CONGREGATIONAL
CHURCH
EASTER SERVICES
Monday Night – Burger and
0337011571. Shop 20,Trout Walk Centre, 12 Sani Road
Be
ver
a g e Night R55!!
Bev
era
T hur
sda
y Night – Pizza And
hursda
sday
Pasta Special From17h00
CLUB & SOCIETY
NOTICES
time is 1.15pm. (13h15) All visiting bowlers
and new bowlers are welcome every Wednesday and Saturday
UNDERBERG CHIROPRACTIC
CENTRE
Dr. Barry Stranack
Shop 21, Trout Walk Centre, Underberg
Phone: 079 401 9143
MARCH / APRIL 2016
One evening an old Cherokee told his
grandson about a battle that goes on inside
people. He said, “My son, the battle is
between two wolves inside us all.
“One is Evil: - It is anger, envy, jealousy,
sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity,
guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride,
superiority, and ego.
“The other is Good: - It is joy, peace, love,
hope, serenity, humility, kindness,
benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth,
compassion and faith.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute
and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf
wins?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one
you feed.......”
Monthly Meditation
Afternoons starting
20 March 2016.
Join us on the 3rd Sunday of every month
beginning on March 20th at 14h00. A 20minute introductory talk will be followed by
a half hour of meditation, followed by a half
hour of Q&A/discussion, and finishing with
a cup of tea afterwards. All welcome. For
more information contact Chandasara on 076595-9267.
Parish of Drakensberg (Anglican)
Tel:033 7021013 - Rosanne Clark (office)
1 st
Sunday
of
the
month:
St.Michael’s,Himeville 7:30am Said Eucharist
9:00am Family Eucharist. Yellowwood
Church, Bulwer 9am Eucharist. 3rd Sunday
of the Month 7.30 am Eucharist. 9am Family
Eucharist Remainder of the month: St.
Michael’s 9am Eucharist & Young Children’s
church.Priest –in-Charge Rev. Merryl James
081 2711760
Catholic Church Mass – 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 Strauss
Cell No: 072 629 9371
Email: [email protected]
Underberg Congregational Church
Rev. Edward Pietersen 033-7011394 / 0828896362 Secretary 082-4038864 Email:
[email protected]
Sunday Services: 9am Communion Service:
1st Sunday of the month Weekly Prayer
Meeting: Tuesdays at 6pm There is a big
screen TV monitor in the parents lounge for
those parents with children who would like
to watch the service in a comfortable
enviroment.
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
MARCH/ APRIL 2016
082493 8700
[email protected]
www.mountainecho.co.za
SPLASHY FEN LINE UP
Zimbabwean legend Oliver Mtukudzi and closing will be Louis Mhlanga and his quintet.
MILK STOUT ACOUSTIC SHABEEN
Operating from 12h00 on Thursday 24th March
until 21h00 on Sunday the 27th of March, the
chilled out vibes of the Splashy Fen Milk Stout
Acoustic Shabeen Stage includes a wide selection of artists: Roland Albertsons, Adelle Nqeto,
Kyle Meenehan, Mark Maurel, The Subway
Run, Danielle Zinn, Gavin Ferguson, Southern
Heights, Arno Els, Campbell Colledge, Kabaal
Klankbaan, Chico Muyo, Josh Roxton, Julian
Redpath, Helen Belien, ZENN, Luke Wyngaard,
Ruby Gill, Matt Vend and Alimho and Storm.
RIVER STAGE
From Friday the 25th of March, Splashy Fenners
can chill out down by the river to the sounds of
Manny Walters, Seb Goldswain, The Sextons
and The Meditators. Saturday’s line-up includes Jerry and the Bandits, Sean Koch, The
Stonejets and The Gus Brown Band.
Australian music sensation Xavier Rudd will
bring an international flavour to Splashy Fen
ELECTRIC BOMA
Located some distance away from the general camping site will be the Electric Boma;
showcasing some of South Africa’s top
EDM artists over 3 days! Layered, Harvey
Dent, Asante VS Knott, Versatile & Ty Stoltz,
Yeti, ALXR, MISSU, G Major, Easy Freak,
Hendrik Joerges, Mull3r FT Tim Lewis, Iam
Rogue, Veranda Panda, Pop Art LIVE, Ivan
Turanjanin, Royal K, Bomb Squad, Disco
Dragon, Mad Love, Funky G, Jay Jabs,
Maramza, Half N Half, Night Vision,
Grimehouse, Haezer, Niskerone, Geroge Daniel & Kallisto.
SPLASHY FEN APP
Fans can now stay up to date with their
favourite bands via the exciting New
Splashy Fen APP, available for FREE on
both Apple and Android devices. The APP
is a one-stop pocket tool of helpful Splashy
Fen information including directions, links
Owners: Clive and Photo:
Trish Crawley
P. 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
to the Splashy Fen social media pages, contact details, a site map, stage line-ups, artist
information and more. Fans can also purchase discounted tickets of R650 on the
APP – this special closes on Friday the 18th
March..By Kendall Snyman
RAINBOW
RHYTHM SUNDAY AT SPLASHY FEN
Underberg - Splashy Fenners can look forward to a dedicated Jazz
line-up in the Rainbow Rhythm Sunday set in conjunction with
Rainbow Restaurant at Splashy Fen this year; highlighting a significant development in the rebirth of the Splashy Fen Music Festival.
The Rainbow Restaurant, opened in 1981, has been staging music
events since 1983. Seven years later, the first Splashy Fen came
about as a platform for artists to share their melodic sounds with
music-loving fans.
”This Easter, two legends of KZN music meet as the Rainbow is
finally welcomed to Splashy Fen. Longevity and culture deep, the
proverbial pot of gold. Halala!” comments Huck Auben, de facto
mayor of Underberg.
”This collaboration was long overdue,” says Neil Comfort, music
programmer at the Rainbow for the past fifteen years. “And with the
appointment of Impi Concept Events as event managers of Splashy
Fen 2016, the Rainbow has been welcomed with open arms.”
Historically, due to its client profile and geographic location in the
Pinetown taxi rank, the Rainbow has always staged its high profile
shows on a Sunday afternoon.
Fitting into the natural ebb and flow of a multi-day event such as
Splashy, it is almost a perfect fit to have the Rainbow Rhythms
Sunday session added to this years’ event. The showcase, starting
at 12pm is opened by maskanda act, Umfulongashi from the
Underberg area.
They are followed by reggae band, The Meditators who have performed at the Rainbow on a number of occasions.
We then get into the Rainbow showcase proper, curated by Comfort, to give festival goers a taste of the rhythms that have sustained the people of the Rainbow for thirty-five years.
At 2pm are the young guns, the Unity Band featuring bassist Ildo
Nandja and guitarist Seb Goldswain, products of the excellent music program at the University of Kwazulu-Natal who epitomise the
future promise of great music coming out of KZN.
Then it is the turn of maskanda giants, Shabalala Rhythm, fronted
by Sibongiseni Shabalala, who keeps this project going despite
now also taking the lead role in Ladysmith Black Mambazo since the
retirement of his father, Dr. Joseph Shabalala. Joining Shabalala
Rhythm for one song will be Zimbabwean legend, Oliver Mtukudzi
whose self-styled brand of Tuku Music takes him on regular international tours.
We then segue into a solo set from the legend himself, Mtukudzi, to
give you a chance to catch your breath after the high energy dance
moves of Shabalala Rhythm. before the infectious guitar riffs of
PAGE 3
Sereni-T
Sceletium Capsules
and Tea
in STOCK
WE CARE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH
The line-up for the Rainbow
Rhythm Sunday will include
the internationally
acclaimed Tuku music of
Zimbabwean legend Oliver
Mtukudzi
Louis Mhlanga and his quintet close it all down from 5:30pm.
Comfort explains that getting a bunch of artists of this quality together has the potential to create something special at the festival.
”There were a couple of things that directed me to put together the
program like this.
”For Africa Day in 2014 we hosted a line-up that featured Ethiopique
band Akale Wube from France, Mtukudzi and Shabalala Rhythm. The
energy, passion and joy that afternoon, was almost a tangible thing
that you could touch and it whipped things into such a frenzy that
the afternoon closed with all three acts on stage in an impromptu jam.
”With Mhlanga having worked with Mtukudzi’s on many occasions
over the years and Mtukudzi being a regular collaborator with
Shabalala, I am hoping that a bit of that Rainbow magic finds its way
to Splashy, to give Fenners something special, something different,”
added Comfort.
Fans can purchase tickets online at www.splashyfen.co.za for R750
per person for the full 4-day festival. There is also a day pass option
for Sunday 27 March at R200
PAGE 4
www.mountainecho.co.za
[email protected]
082 4938700
MARCH / APRIL 2016
UNDERBERG HISTORY
of MOTORING
The roads to and around Underberg were very poor, rutted
Sani Curios
@Clocktower Centre
(Alex
0828317346)
Block Printed
hangings,Kikois,
African
beadwork,
& tablecloths
Kikois & Basotho Blankets
tracks full of potholes in dry weather and a series of mud holes in the
wet. Their condition was not helped by the ox drawn wagon traffic
that was the order of the day and what was not chopped up by the
oxen’s hooves was cut up by the narrow steel bands of the wagon
tyres so the advent of the motor car to Underberg was long delayed
and the horse and the ox reigned supreme until one intrepid resident
took the bull by the horns and imported one of the new fangled devices
from far off Pietermaritzburg. This development required an improvement
in the road system because the motor car was unable to drag itself up
some of the inclines that the poor old ox had been expected to negotiate
for so many years. In many cases it had meant the doubling up of the
teams in order to negotiate some of the hills and as the demand for
goods had increased the grazing along all the major routes was being
cleaned out by the draught oxen that had to rest and graze every day
along the trail.
Willy Stone is reputed to have brought the first motor car to
Underberg, a Ford model T with a bright shiny brass radiator soon to
be followed by Henry Gold who could not bear to be up staged by his
neighbour and brother in law. He proudly collected his motor car from
the dealer and loaded up so many of his relatives and their baggage
that he found it would not climb the hills until most of them got out and
gave it a shove
. On a steep hill the old Model T often had to be
driven up in reverse not only because the reverse gear was the lowest
gear but also because the petrol was fed to the engine by gravity and
if the tank was not full the petrol would not flow because it was below
the level of the carburetor. Primitive as the cars were they had to be
maintained and mechanics were few and far between, the nearest source
of maintenance for Underberg was Ixopo and a mechanic would have
to travel up, usually by train to carry out repairs. Henry had a problem
with his steering and the mechanic arrived in due course to repair it
because Henry was determined to make a grand entrance to the
Underberg Show. However when the job was done Henry discovered
to his wrath that the mechanic had installed the steering box up side
down!
There was no time to remedy the situation and Henry made the mechanic
drive it to the Show because if he turned the wheel to the right the car
went left.
The English cars were not designed for African conditions and
boiled furiously every time the sun came out but they did have certain
advantages. Their small narrow tyres penetrated the muddy conditions
and one could get through where the bigger American cars would
become stuck.
Lundies Hill in the Umkomaas valley was a good example of the
early engineering skills. The original route had dropped into the valley
from Boston somewhat along the route that the railway was to take a
little later on. It emerged at the bottom of the hill at Riverside where
they had built a wooden bridge in place of the pont that had carried
people across when the water level was too
high, there was also a hotel to accommodate
travelers who were benighted or whose
transport was stuck fast in the mud which was a
fairly regular occurrence. It wasn’t long before
everyone was demanding a better road and one
was laid out a few miles further up the valley
which was a vast improvement but was still
quite an obstacle as the gradient was very steep.
This road may still be seen as you approach the
hill, climbing up the face of the hill at what
appears to be a 45 degree gradient with a nasty
little kink in it about half way down. Charlie
Hall and his wife Cora were descending this hill
in their car laden with all the shopping they had
done in Maritzburg one day when Charlie
missed the opportunity to change into his lowest
gear near the top and the car began to accelerate
alarmingly. As it gathered speed he said to Cora,
“you had better jump “, “What’s that?” she
asked. He repeated it much louder, “Why would
I do that ?” she asked again. “I’ve got no
brakes” he yelled in desperation. “Don’t be silly,
we’ll be all right,” she said. Her faith in her
husband was absolute under any circumstance.
Charlie had a death like hold on the steering
wheel and the hand brake and his leg was aching
from its continued pressure on the useless brake
pedal that was now down to the floor as the
brake shoes had melted in the heat.
Somehow he managed to keep the car on
the road and negotiate the nasty little kink
that lay about half way down. Finally they
reached the bottom and the car rolled across
the bridge on the Umkomaas river and
stopped where the road began to climb again.
Charlie was able to release his grip on the
wheel and flex his aching fingers. What was
left of the brake shoes sizzled and smoked
and Cora said, “Why are we stopping here”?
“There’s a nasty smell ?” Charlie was lauded
for his achievement in surviving the affair
but Cora’s reaction provoked a great deal of
amusement amongst her friends and
acquaintances.
This road was eventually replaced by
another alignment a little further up the valley
which was much better but was still blessed
with a steep gradient that was slippery in
wet weather and equally slippery in winter
when the road lay in the shadow of trees
and was icy until the sun managed to raise
the temperature a bit. This alignment is
followed by the present tar road but turned
down the hill about a third of the way down.
There was a layby or picnic spot in a bend
where a stream crossed the road and many
motorists would stop there to allow the car
to cool down while they had a cup of coffee
from the inevitable thermos flask and a
smoke. Unfortunately this spot is now so
overgrown one is unable to see it any longer.
The Railway bus that serviced Underberg
and all the stops along the way every day
would struggle on the slippery bits and often
begin to slide off the road until ‘Blakie’ Swart
the driver would be forced to stop and ask
the passengers in 3 rd class to get out and
help by pushing. ( Yes it had three classes
of passengers and towed a big trailer loaded
with every imaginable sort of goods.) On
one occasion the passengers rebelled and
refused to push so Blakie turned off the
engine and stretched out on top of the engine
casing with a newspaper. It wasn’t long
before a deputation came to ask what was
going on ? He informed them that since they
would not help he would have to wait for a
grader to pull them out and that might only
happen tomorrow ! In no time they put
their shoulders to the bus and got it back
onto the road and on its way. The bus was
based in Himeville where Mrs Swart looked
after all the goods that had to be picked up
later. She had had 9 children and still looked
about 25 years old. They were both great
characters and Blakie was most helpful if
something was needed urgently and would
even park the bus and go into the various
stores to find parcels that had been ‘lost’ by
the staff.
Another hazard of the road was mud
which usually meant that you had to fit tyre
chains to the rear wheels, a messy and
muddy job that was even worse when the
road improved and they had to be removed
again. Until the late 1940’s there was a Tea
Room and a workshop just on the Underberg
side of the Impendle turn off where many
motorists used to stop for refreshment and
to have their cars repaired, new springs fitted
etc. The old Tea Room building is still there
but the workshop no longer exists. Today
when we complain about the state of the
road we forget just how lucky we are that
we don’t have to travel on the roads of
yesteryear ! M Clark.
Christopher Duig
an Concer
Duigan
Concertt
1 April
St. Michael’s Church Himeville
St. Michael’s is once again hosting Christopher
Duigan(solo) in a Music Revival Concert on
Friday 1st April, 2016. He will be performing Chopin
and then Scott Joplin, South American tango and
contemporary film music The evening will start
with light finger supper at 6pm and there will be
refreshments at the interval. The tickets cost R120
and include the supper. Liquid refreshments will
be available on a cash basis. For inquiries and
tickets contact Rosanne in the office (mornings)
033 7021013 or 082 3596736.
MARCH / APRIL 2016
082493 8700
[email protected]
www.mountainecho.co.za
Malachite
Manor
&
Orchid
Thai
Restaurant
Birding
in
Southern
Kzn
Drakens
- berg
catering & cookingclasses
DOMESTIC COOKING CLASS
• Healthy Natural Eating or ‘Paleo” Cooking Course 22nd March
• Cakes, Biscuits, Baked Desserts-12^19^ & 26th April
• Low Fat Cooking Course 24th, 31st May & 7th June
Where: Spitskop Cottage
Cost:
R620 per person for 3 day course
Time: 8.30am - 12.30pm
Jude 0607219633 or [email protected]
PICKUP & RETURN TO SPAR IF NEEDED
Birds & Beyond
Bird Tours & San Rock
Art Walks
Come celebrate your special occasion at the Orchid
The Gem in the
www.birdsand
Restaurant or in our tranquil courtyard.
Southern
beyond.co.za
Booking essential 16 seater restaurant
Drakensberg
Tel: 033 7021761.
Luxurious ensuite rooms
Cell: 082 742 6981
083-645-2026 [email protected] www.malachitemanor.co.za
Stuart Mc Lean
Out of range birds are still showing up in Berruti and myself. This pair of birds appear to have settled down for
the district. The latest being that of a Red a good stay there. Crosley Black reported a Klaas’ Cuckoo on 25 Feb,
Phalarope found on the dam in front of not a scarce bird, but there have only been a handful of these birds
Ottermere on the D8 road. This is the third around. They were a very common species in the district in the past.
sighting of this species in the area over the Pat Jardine and Lauren Canham saw an immature Fish Eagle on the
last 15 years. The previous sightings were Sani pass, higher than you would expect a Fish Eagle. Immature colours
of a single and two birds at different times may confuse one and many are reported as Osprey. Pat and Lauren
on Dieu Donne dam. At least 8 birders from also saw a Namaqua Dove at Scotston, this is the second bird seen
Pietermaritzburg and elsewhere came up to this season. Aldo and Sharron Berruti saw a White-winged Tern in
see this bird, this shows the scarcity of it in amongst Whiskered Terns at Ottermere as well as the elusive
the province.
Orange-breasted Waxbill. This has become a really tough bird to
Kevin Fraser saw a Woolly-necked Stork find in the district.
on Dartford Farm on 26 Feb in the same area Doug and Tina Bell saw an interesting interaction between three Cape
that the Abdim’s Stork was seen. On 27 Feb Crows and a Serval. Typical, the crows were aggressively trying to
Helga and I saw, no doubt, the same Woolly- move the cat away and apparently even the egrets got in on the
necked Stork, on Callaway Farm, on the first action. Many folk reported that the Cape Eagle Owls are actively
Coleford road.
calling now - Alan Payn, Trish Strachan, Pat Jardine and Bill and Alta
Bart Fokkens saw an immature Montagues Small. The birds outside Himeville are also active while the Spotted
Harrier at the glider club airstrip on 27 Feb. Eagle Owls have been calling in the village for a week or so. Alan also
Athol McLean photographed a Forest reported a Barn already sitting on eggs. Michael and Margie Schleyer’s
Buzzard on Borreray Farm at Loteni on 18 owl box has only attracted a pair of Speckled Pigeons, better than
Feb. The Black Harrier on Koti se Phola in nothing like many other boxes.
Lesotho continues to be reported by Aldo
The property market in the Underberg/Himeville
area is still a good option.
Angie Shackleford, has recently joined Pam
Golding Properties in Underberg.
“I have always joined companies when
consumer confidence is low, as it is during
such times that new blood generates
enthusiasm from the market by offering a
fresh approach and innovative ideas”.
Cash is still King and it is a good time for
investors as property prices offer extremely
good value for money plus there is a demand
for rentals which realizes an immediate
monthly return. The economy has dictated
that many home owners are having to
consider downgrading as either homes are
becoming a costly burden or retirement is
imminent. The current generation of those
anticipating retirement are familiar with
active lifestyles and are not ready to move
to assisted living. As a result, properties in
this area are attracting interest from both
local and national buyers.
PAGE 5
However, sellers can expect to have less feet through their doors
because most enquiries come from quality buyers which allows more
time to be discerning and to carefully match buyers to potential homes.
It is more about the quality of the buyer than the quantity of people
viewing homes.
The budget speech specified that transfer duty in respect of
transactions with a property value under R10 million has not been
affected and there are still no transfer duties on properties up to R750
000. People will always need somewhere to live irrespective of the
economy and political instability. Many would rather live in relative
luxury in our area than other less desirable options elsewhere.
The falling rand has meant that many can no longer afford to re-locate
internationally. Property in the Cape coupled with a high cost of
living now makes this previously sought after area also unaffordable
for many buyers. Underberg and Himeville with a highly attractive
lifestyle and good value properties is offering a viable alternative for
both those wanting to sell or buy homes.
Angie can be contacted on 082 306 0000.
I signed up for an exercise class and was told to wear loose fitting
clothing. If I HAD any loose fitting clothing, I wouldn’t need the
freakin’ class!
Animal Farm & Playground. Open 9am - 4pm
CELL 074 1413153.
CLOSED TUESDAYS during term time
PAGE 6
www.mountainecho.co.za
082493 8700
[email protected]
MARCH/ APRIL 2016
HOLY MOSES! - ANOTHER STRUGGLE CELEBRATION! 120 Years and STILL going strong.
APRIL 16 Congregational Church Underberg Celebrates 120th Anniversary
Reunions, anniversaries, weddings, rallies and funerals. These get
people together. But on the 16th of April 2016 a whole crowd of
people will gather to celebrate THE STRUGGLE with an evening
of dining and reminiscing!
However, THIS struggle wasn’t about politics. This one was the
determination of a group of early Underberg settlers and how their
faith and perseverance resulted in the formation of the district’s first
church in 1896.
Those tough old-timers used to gather at farmsteads such as Scotston,
Highlands, XL, Castledene, Dartford and Watermead, and the even
tougher padre, The Rev Andrew Christie, would ride his horse or
trap through all sorts of weather – snowstorms included – to bring
the word to the faithful!
Weddings were held at these remote “chapels” and yarns abound
about them. In 1926 Mabel Crocker married Bill Taylor at Highlands.
The heavy snowfall had prevented the bride’s family from coming
up the valley from their farm Cottesmere near Coleford, but the
groom borrowed a Model T Ford to ensure the parson, Rev Tyndall,
was there to perform the ceremony. The organist couldn’t get through
the snow so J.B. (Jack) Nicholson played one of the few tunes he
could. The bride walked down the aisle to the fox-hunting tune “Do
ye ken John Peel!”
Eventually enough faith – and cash – was collected to construct a
26 YEARS EXPERIENCE
[email protected]
permanent manse for the minister and later the church building itself.
Descendants of those families involved in the early efforts can still be
seen in the community today; hitting golf-balls, mustering cattle at
stock sales, driving rusty Land-Cruisers down the D1 or appraising the
weather outside the Spar or butchery.
Nicholsons, Palframans, Taylors and Phipsons, Littles and Stones,
Houstons, Hulleys, Corfes and Comries; these are among the names
that crop up when one peruses the early history of the Underberg
Congregational Church. In fact the prime organiser of the celebratory
evening, Trish Collins, is a Phipson.
The landmark building, the Congregational Church with its tall white
steeple, above Underberg Primary School was built after World War II,
although the manse was then over 30 years old. The land was donated
by a descendant of another celebrated pioneering family, Randall
Wilson. Although a Congregational church, ministers from various
denominations did, over the years, lead the services, and today interdenominational worship is still a feature of the district.
The festivities on 16th April will be held in the Underberg School dining
room and a tasty 3-course meal will be served. During the evening
various speakers will no doubt recollect how ministers like Victor Shaw
would insist on an afternoon of trout fishing after church services, or
how Arch-deacon Pennington reacted when he was presented with a
fine collection of local birds’ eggs by the Nicholson kids.
The church’s stained glass windows should receive a mention; not only
are our Lord’s Apostles depicted, but flowers growing in the district
have been cleverly portrayed! Aloes, dieramas, proteas, agapanthus,
MAUNDY THURSDAY TENEBRAE
24 March at Congregational Church
“Love one another as I have loved you.”
On the evening of this day our Lord met with his disciples in the Upper
Room, and instituted the blessed sacrament of His body and blood. The
observance of this sacrament on the evening of Maundy Thursday is one
of the most ancient customs of the Church. The word “Maundy” is derived
from the Latin “mandatum” or “commandment” and has reference to the
incident in the Upper Room when Jesus gave the “new commandment”.
The service is an adaptation of an early fourth century office called
“Tenebrae” meaning “darkness”. The lighted candles are used as symbols.
As the Minister reads a passage of New Testament scripture recording the
events of the last evening of our Lord with his disciples, he will extinguish
one of the candles. The gradual extinguishing of the candles is symbolic
of the flight of the disciples, the approach of the dark hate of Jesus’ enemies
and the passion of our Lord. This service has great devotional significance.
It seeks to interpret the brief hour of fellowship in the Upper Room, leading
to the loneliness in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the gathering darkness
of hate so soon to enwrap Jesus. After a brief period of total darkness,
which recalls the time when He was in the tomb, the relighting of the
central candle is prophecy of the coming Easter dawn. Let the rule of
silent meditation be observed by all. May the peace of Christ be with you
all.
arums and so on. The various plaques on
the pews and walls will probably receive
mention, the joys and tragedies they
commemorate. Maybe somebody will tell
the tale of how the Packard organ (cost
price 20 pounds) was transported from
PMB to Highlands near Bushmansnek by
Thomas Palframan’s ox wagon in 1901.
And he only asked seven shillings (70
cents without inflation!)
Anybody with a penchant for our
community’s history, and an intrigue of
what makes the community tick, and why,
is – as Des Nicholson, church secretary
for over 46 years would have said – “most
heartily welcome” to come to the struggle
celebration for a mere R120.00.
Enquiries: Trish Collins (0828967524),
Dave Berry at the Clocktower Centre,
Keith Barrow (0828964509), Cary Craig
(0822133379)
or the Church
secretary (0824038864) By Tod Collins
Under The Tin Hat
Here we are in March already as the year
starts slipping away from us. It won’t be
too long before we have fires and resort
to Winter woollies!
Those of you that live in Himeville may
have seen activity at the Cenotaph. The
MOTHs are doing refurbishment of the
cannon, the gates and the Cenotaph itself.
The Historical Society have undertaken
to look after the grounds and roses. We
are hoping that between us we can keep
the area looking great. A big Thank You
to Underberg Forge for their help and
guidance during this project.
The Boot and Saddle Shellhole inducted
a new member this month. All the best to
Robbie Greyling who joins our motley
crew. Welcome Robbie, here’s wishing
you all the best.
A reminder that the MOTH Golf Day
Fundraiser will be held on Saturday 30
April. Please see our advert in the
Mountain Echo to contact us about
sponsorship or to book your team to play
on the day.
That’s all for now, till next time
YUTTH The Scribe
MOTHS GOLF DAY 30 APRIL
Kee
p Cool this Summer
eep
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]
Boot and Saddle Shellhole Sponsored by Macdonald Steel
Host the 7th Annual M.O.T.H. Golf Day Fundraiser
Date: 30 April 2016 Venue:Underberg Country Club
Cost : R 250-00 (Cost include: Free Mulligans / Boerewors Roll
and Beer/Cold Drink / Dinner for Two / Goodies Bag)
All Players receive a Prize Plus A Raffle and Auctions
Contacts: Bruce 072 376 9537 / Mouldy 072 405 8854 /
Pete 082 441 1310
All the learners at Camanga school decorated bags
with potato cut prints . Craft classes at the school MACDONALD STEEL Contact us on (033) 397 8500 for all
your Steel and Roof Sheet requirements.
is a confidence and skill building activity. L -R
Andile phungula, Tukuluho Molefe, Sphumelele
Mndali, Mohamed MchunuThis printing was done
during Craft classes run by Maureen Hobbs at
Camanga School
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]
MARCH / APRIL 2016
www.mountainecho.co.za
LANDSCAPING TALK
20 APRIL
The next Himeville/ Underberg Garden Club
meeting will be on WEDNESDAY 20 APRIL at
KENMO LAKE on Hazeldene Farm owned by
Jack and Di Lund .
The topic will be basic garden design and layout and how to plan a well balanced design
that suits both the style of the home and the
environment . The speaker will be Devon
Rawlings from FRESH LANDSCAPING. Fresh
Landscaping was founded in 2004 by Brian
Martens and Sean Platt who both bring tertiary qualifications in horticulture and business
to the company that is now a well established
Kwa Zulu based organisation specialising in
negotiating and customising professional landscape installation,maintenance and rehabilitation contracts which leave their customers with
a fresh ,clean landscape.Their projects includelandscape designs,installations.maintainence
and rehabilitation for private gardens,housing
and estatedevelopments,hotels,shopping
centers,commercial property and conservation
areas. Please come along and join us at this
stunning venue. This promises to be a very
interesting and rewarding morning. Bring your
hats and chairs. The meeting starts promptly
at 10 am. All are welcome. There is a visitors
fee of R20. The Committee looks forward to
you joining us for our April meeting. Flowers
always make people better,happier and more
helpful. They are sunshine,food and medicine
for the soul.
MAKE SURE YOU
ARE REGISTERED
TO VOTE
Voters may still register at the IEC office at
the Kwa Sani Municipality, between 08h00
and 16h00 Mon-Fri up to 8 APRIL 2016. The
second Voter Registration dates are 9 and 10
APRIL 2016. Please remember to have your
ID document with you. (No other form of identification will be accepted)
Ensure that your residential address is
physically corrected and confirmed on their
system in order to comply with boundary and
Ward zone changes that will be made due to
our Municipality merger with Ingwe.
[email protected]
@ UNDERBERG VILLAGE MALL
on the Sani Road to Himeville
Contact 033 7010026 OR 082 377 3914
0824938700
PAGE 7
Branded Corporate Clothing.
All Outdoor Gear.
Sports Gear.
Camping Gear.
Cycling Gear.
Fishing Tackle.
Workwear.
Gifts.
Sani SPCA
A huge thank you to the following people for their generousity and
support of our local SPCA:
To Jo at Drak Gardens Hotel who designs the posters from photos
given to her of animals needing homes and to Anne at the Computer
Workshop who prints the posters for us.
To family of Simon Hoek for their thoughtful and generous donation to the SPCA from Simon’s Estate after he very sadly passed
away.
To Louise, who though support from her customers, being members
of our community, and sale of her stylish range of AZIZI clothing at
her recent fashion show on Saturday 5th March, donated R6,000 to
the SPCA, and to Carrin, also an avid SPCA supporter, for the use of
her stunning venue Malachite Manor and Orchid Restaurant for
hosting Louise’s fashion show. A huge thank you to you both!
Firewood will be on sale during the Splashy Fen Festival weekend
at a cost of R35 per bag. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of
this wood will be kindly donated to the SPCA by Mike and Jenny
Cope. Thank you both for this kind gesture.
The SPCA would once again like to appeal to people and local businesses who are in a position to please consider sponsoring a kennel
at Sani SPCA on a monthly basis. These funds will be utilised to
assist in providing food for the rescue animals, maintaining our
kennels, fencing, grounds and outbuildings where necessary as
well as maintenance of our vehicle, without which we would not be
able to venture out to areas which require our assistance, or transport for animals in distress. Your name/company name will be placed
on a plaque above a kennel to advertise your support thereof. Please
contact Garth Nortje on 078 063 7699 to partake in this worthy
sponsorship.
Rabies shots are still available. Please contact Garth on 078 063
7699.
Cost:: any monetary donation will be appreciated.
Once again the SPCA would like to thank everybody who supports
the SPCA for their continuous and generous
aid, without which we would not be able to
provide rescue to animals in distress or help
with finding their happily forever after home.
What is Happening at The Underberg Golf Club
Footwear & Bric A Brac.
083 788 7702
@ CLOCKTOWER CENTRE
UNDERBERG
50% OFF
Hi all, It has been a long time since my last contribution in the Mountain Echo and I do
apologize for my lack of effort so let’s start again this year.
The golf course is looking good thanks to a lot of rain over the last month. Just before the rain
came our bottom dam reached the stage where we were unable to pump water to irrigate the ON SELECTED ITEMS
greens but as luck would have it a week later the heavens started to open up and fill our dams.
We had a very successful captain’s dinner on Thursday 25th February attended by 35 golfers
and their wives/ girlfriends with Tod Collins as our guest speaker and what a good talk it was.
Also thanks to Malcolm and Lisa for producing a wonderful diner.
We held our Mug Of Mug’s competition on the 6th February which is played for by all the
monthly mug winner through the year and this year was won by Brian Brandis (no surprise)
The monthly meat day for March sponsored by Renzo & Avril Manfron and attracted 24
players was won by Brian Brandis, Ossie Marx And Rory Hardy well done and thanks to Renzo
& Avril for the sponsorship. Our next Meat day is on 6th Aril and will be sponsor by Mark Scott
of Voermol.
The monthly mug individual medal competition was held on the 5th March which attracted a
field of 19 players . Division winners were A- Ossie Marks net 67, B- Robert Ndluvo net 69 &
C- Clint Fraser net 85 and the overall winner was Ossie Marx. Well done.
Up-coming events are: 30 April Moths Golf Day , 2nd & 3rd April Club Championships &
Monthly Mug, Wednesday 6th April Meat day
sponsored by Mark
Scott Of Voermol, 23/24
April McCarthy Toyota
Autumn Classic and the
Friday 22nd Toyota are
having a new vehicle
show day where you will
be able to drive there
We manufacture a wide range of Chairs,
new Fortuner’s and
Recliners, Couches and Lounge Suites
Hilux’s, 28/29 th April
in a Fabric or Leather of your choice.
Southern Natal Nomads
golf day Nomads vs
Underberg 16th July Cancer Day Individual
Stableford A,B,& C Division’s.
Let’s see a good attendance for all these events.
From your Captain
“here’s seeing you on
the golf course” Andre
Daryn & Tamara Hiltunen
Cronje Club Captain
1 Campbell Road, Howick (Elaine’s Fabrics)
$¶/$&$57(
EASTER
BARGAIN
HUNT
NEW WINTER STOCK
033 330 4803/ 0846177507 / 084 4044683
RESTAURANT
for Breakfast & Lunch daily
Tel 0848045458 / 0762379112 ww.umzimkuluriverlodge.com
River Walks
Tubing
Fly Fishing
Birding
Pub
Mini Golf
Playground
Splash pool
Accommodation
Function Venue
PAGE 8
www.mountainecho.co.za
[email protected]
SANI HIKING
CLUB
CLASSIFIEDS
CARAVAN PARK &
COUNTRY ESTATE
Bushmansnek, Silverstreams. 30 stands and 7 chalets
to
rent
contact
0828598619
[email protected] www. silverstreams.co.za
MAKOTI SUPERIOR
GOOSE DOWN
Duvets and Down Products
available at 97A Main Street Howick.
Phone Corrie on 0842951770 or
0333302551
EMPLOYMENT
FREE EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT
SERVICES. Employers, please contact us for
all your employment requirements. .033
7011777 0833053009 Lorna and Peta
COMPETANT CARPENTER Wiseman
0847502099 kitchen cupboard carpenter,
wardrobes, partitions etc references available.
FARM SITTER
Need a break? Need a farm sitter? Contact
Dave Willment on 073 618 8451
HOUSE SITTER
Contact Rob Wood 078 647 4468
PERSONAL COMPUTER TRAINING
HELPING YOU MAKE THE VERY BEST
USE OFYOUR PC. LAPTOP OR TABLET
• I’ll help keep your computer protected and
secure against the many truly horrible
viruses and other infections that many
innocent users are recently falling victim to.
I’ll keep your computer up to date and
secure by downloading and installing the
latest important security and system
updates for your computer. • Let me set up
your new computer correctly and securely
and train you how to use it. • Let me train
you how to use your computer for internet
banking, internet shopping, internet radio.
Internet TV (IMetflix), internet phone calls,
etc. etc I offer training and help in the use of
all popular computer programmes. • Let me
upgrade your computer to Windows 10 and
train you on this latest and smartest version
of Windows. • Looking for a fast and bestvalue internet connection ? I offer ADSL if
you live in town and a reliable Mobile
internet connection if you live out of town.
One-on-one personal computer training at
R150.00 per hour.
Call Anthony Bannister - 082 55 44 666
BEAUTY’S CLOTHING CLOSET
We buy and sell good quality second hand
ladies clothing. Please contact Gloria on
0725438511
“
GROOMERS ”
PET SAL
ON
SALON
For your pet grooming needs
CLIPPING. DIPPING. NAIL
TRIMMING. BATH & BRUSH.
Contact Leanne 0828906156
25 years experience
Dogs & Cats
welcome at
BRAMBLY HEDGE
SANI ROAD
HIMEVILLE
MR HANDYMAN
Tiling, Laminate flooring, minor alterations,
carpentary etc. 0836808494 Syd Millington
Junior.
20 MARCH 16km moderate hike Red
Hartebees Cave at Bushmansnek meet at
NUD Sports 8h00 . Contact Ian Davies 033
7012768.
1 - 3 APRIL Hike On Eustace’s Farm Moyeni
and overnight contact Contact Ian Davies
033 7012768 for more details.
17 APRIL 18km moderate hike to Pinnacle
Rock and around Ndlovini at Cobham. Meet
Himeville Arms 8am contact Rob
Leenhouwers
For information on hiking call NUD Sports
Tel 033 7011096
Underberg/Himeville
Trout Fishing Club
Stats for February 2016
Stillwaters had 17 rods produce 3 fish very
high land and water temps.
River Beats showed 16 rods with no returns.
Water quality good and rivers running full.
Taking a bit of time to settle.
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
Rod and Kathy
Abbett are thrilled to
announce the
marriage of their
eldest daughter
Bronwyn
to Jeremy Olynik in
the Cayman Islands
on the 13th March
2016.
We wish them a
lifetime of happiness.
MARCH / APRIL 2016
PETS LOOKING FOR A GOOD HOME
Ten Guinea pigs and 4 Daschund/ jack
Russel to be donated to good homes,
contact Lorraine-0835096350.
SANI P
ASS CARRIERS
PASS
Twice daily to P M B
local - national international
Agents for DHL TNT
TIMEFREIGHT &
EXPRESS DELIVERIES
TEL: 033 7011017 or
FAX 033 7011030
ROD’S
ENGINEERING
3 Sangwana Crescent
W AYNE’S CYLINDER HEADS
& ENGINEERING
Head Overhauls
Broken Bolts
082 493 8700
HAPPY
18th
BIRTHDAY
Head Skimming
Thread Repairs
Kathy Houlston
celebrated her 18th
Birthday on 29 February
2016 in Himeville, she
was born in 1946.
Behind her is husband
Joseph doing an Al
Johnson impersonation.
The Houlston’s are one
of the many “Swallows”
that live here in the
summer and go back to
the U.K. for our winter.
OPEN 8am - 4.30pm
076 933 7406
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
PERSONAL TRAINING GYM
TRAINING FOR:WEIGHT LOSS
STRENGTH
CROSS FIT
INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS
TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS
Ex Sharks Academy Player & Major
Brand Gym Manager
Gerrit Fourie 083 486 4445
DISCLAIMER
082 518 1550
033 701 2088
[email protected]
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
MARCH / APRIL 2016
www.mountainecho.co.za
082 4938700
[email protected]
PAGE 9
FAB FOOD
FAIR
26 MARCH
Sydney Fani Dlamini cooks pizzas in his home made pizza oven at Fab Fair
Fab Fair will be held on Saturday 26 March 2016 and the focus will be on FOOD. We have two
exciting stallholders for the day – Sydney Fani Dlamini with his wood fired pizzas, and The
Great Railroad Brewing Company with their craft beer.
Sydney Dlamini started his pizza business during load shedding, when out of necessity, he
built a pizza oven in order to cook food. He found items at the dump – an old skottel top, wire,
tin cans and designed an oven in which to cook. By using wet wattle branches, clay and the
stuff from the dump, he built an oven which makes the most amazing pizzas, bread, bunny
chow and more. Being environmentally aware, Sydney recycled things and made something
out of nothing. By being innovative, he built a business from scratch. His pizzas are awesome!!
Gary and Ursula Wilby went from Corporate to Craft Beer – they purchased The Great Railroad Brewing Company in 2015 and established themselves in Ballito on the North Coast.
‘We have always been keen home brewers and decided to take a risk and turn our passion
into a business. The name was inspired by the nostalgic romance of an old train.’ says Gary,
who is an analytical chemist. The micro-brewery has Ale, Pilsener, Lager and Weiss beer.
Their byline ….crafted with love….served chilled…… really says it all.
So come and enjoy food and drink, music and stalls at Fab Alley, Main street in Himeville on
Saturday 26 March from 9am until the beers and pizzas are finished. Anyone wishing to book
a stall, please contact Michele on 0724866895 or [email protected]
WWII ESCAPE & EVASION MAP
The escape map of Italy in the Himeville Museum (article in the Feb/Mar 2016 issue) belonged
to Lt. Llewellyn Evans, a navigator/bomber, in 24 Squadron of the South African Air Force.
The map was hidden in
his belt.
He was born in
Boksburg and served in
North Africa and Italy
during World War II.
On his death, in 2002,
my mother donated the
map, which is framed so
that it is visible from
both sides, to the
Himeville Museum.
He is pictured with his
crew – middle row left.
He is my father.
Gayle Ellison
Elizabeth Campbell’s painting of the quarry pool on the Drakensberg Gardens road
THE UNDERBERG ART GROUP EXHIBITION
AT HIMEVILLE MUSEUM 26 MARCH
Our local artists will be show casing their work at the Museum in Himeville on this Easter
Saturday, 26 March. The art on show is of a high standard including works in oil, acrylic,
water colour and pencil. In addition, photographic art will be on display. All the items of art
will be for sale. A painting by well known artist, Elizabeth Campbell has been donated for a
charity raffle and tickets will be on sale. All proceeds will go to Nursing Services. Viewing of
the art will commence at 9 am and the Art Group will be offering light refreshments for sale
throughout the morning ending with light luncheons and a complimentary glass of wine.
The courtyard garden of the Museum is a special place to visit and the artists extend and
invitation to all to join them to view the art, partake in the refreshments and relax under the
trees.
20 Timed Stations - Upper/Lower Body & Cardio Stations
Well illustrated
STUDIO - 18 Classes a week (all fitness levels welcome)
Tai Chi
Yoga
Pilates - Mat
Spinning - a.m. and p.m. classes
Youth Strength training
Yoga Cycle
REP 800 - 800 Reptitions using a barbell & Low Weights. Great Toner
& Metabolic Burner
PERSONAL TRAINING
Debbie Nelson
SPECIALIST IN SPORTS INJURIES
079 470 8234
TRX
17 Main Road Underberg
BOSU TRAINING
[email protected]
MYOFASCIALRELEASE
NEW STUDIO OPENING 4 APRIL at 17 Main Road Underberg
sign up for membership now
Himeville Museum
What an interesting past few weeks we have
had at the museum. We were able, with the
unexpected help of Mrs Ann Major, to make
contact with the previous Himeville Postmistress, Mrs Vivienne Pigg, and put her in touch
with an author from the UK who has used
some of her anecdotes in a book that is currently in the printing process. He will be visiting the Himeville area later in March and
has promised to pop in and visit the museum,
so we look forward to meeting him then.
We were also hosts to a visitor from the UK
who was thrilled to see his old army regiment
(the Royal Welsh Fusiliers) mentioned in an
article on Delville Wood that is on display in
our Military Room, and he was delighted to
take away a copy of the article for submitting
to the regiment for their records.
It is really rewarding to be able to assist people to connect with their past and create our
own bit of history in doing so.
The museum was visited a group of schoolchildren from Underberg Primary School and
we were so delighted to see the enthusiasm
that they all had for “their” past and heritage. We would like to encourage other
schools to arrange visits to the museum as
well. History and heritage are alive and well
in the area and we love sharing with others.
It might seem to be a little early in the year
but we are reminding our generous sponsors, stallholders and helpers that the museum will be holding the annual Christmas
Fair on 17 December and we hope that everyone will look into continuing their amazing support of this function again this year.
Contact will be made individually over the
next few weeks. Let’s all work to making
this year’s event the very best ever!
Remember that the museum will be open
for business over the Easter holiday period
and we look forward to having a huge
number of visitors through the doors.
The Board of Trustees and staff of the
Himeville Fort and Museum would like to
wish everyone a blessed and safe Easter
weekend.
UNDERBERG HIGH
GOAL POLO
TOURNAMENT
6 - 8 MAY
Underberg Polo Club would like to welcome
you all to our Annual High Goal Tournament
taking place from 6 – 8 May 2016, at the
Underberg Polo Grounds. It will consist of
some of the best polo players from around
the country competing in the high goal
section. On the Friday night (6 May) we will FUNKY JUNK & TRASHY
be having our fabulous Cocktail Party (R100
TREASURES
entrance fee) where there will be entertainment
Entrance on George street at Harcourts:
and snacks. Come and join us for a fun filled
Main road,
weekend of Polo. For further information
opposite Museum, Himeville.
please contact the Underberg Polo Secretary
Open Tuesday to Friday 9 - 4,
on 0795141322.
Saturday 10 – 2.
Short, Sweet &
Sometimes True!!!
I dialled a number and
got the following
recording:”I am not
available right now,
butthank you for caring enough to call. I
am making some
changes in my life.
Please leave a message after the Beep. If
I do not return your
call, You are one of the
changes.”
FILLET R138/KG
Tanya Ramella from
The Speckled Hen in
DRY WORS R158/KG
Underberg phoned
the Vodacom help line
BACK BACON R76/KG
and the call took 20
minutes because the
person
on
the
helpline was a stutOR WHILE STOCKS LAST
terer
UNTIL 26 APRIL
PAGE 10
www.mountainecho.co.za
[email protected]
082 4938700
over and autumn
C o t y l e d o nThe seasons start to change again – summer is almost
on the way. My wife
always greets the
Orbiculata
flowers of Leonotis
Leonorus with some
– Pig’s Ears
dismay despite their
GIANT’S CUP
CAFÉ & CRAFTS
Lovingly stocked with quality, fairly
priced novel crafts & gifts for whole
family. Honey, cheese , trout, our own
organic homemade fare - rich icecream, yoghurt, farm milk, jams,
Simone’s chocolate almond treats,
Fair Trade coffee,chocolate & tea. We
support small crafters. Breakfast,
light lunches, cakes. Nature trail.
Good cycle stop off. Cows handmilked at 3pm. Open 7.30am - 5pm
daily. SANI PASS ROAD 0337020330
INDIGENOUS
PLANT SALES
:Choose from a range of tree and
shrub species. Information provided
and orders taken. Russell Suchet
0839873071
profusion and beauty they signal the start of
the journey towards
winter and white,
crackly lawn!!
Nevertheless, it is the
LESOTHO VARIETY
very seasonality of
gardening which gives it its charm, and as Ecclesiastes says,
everything in its season! One plant which looks unchanging amongst
all this seasonal change is Cotyledon Orbiculata, Pig’s Ears. This a
succulent, generally quite low growing with large, grey round and
fleshy leaves. They have a pink edging. What makes them a good
garden plant is that they are extremely tough, happily surviving the
worst frosts winter can throw at them and the hottest driest days
spring can manage. Maybe this is because their natural habitat is
rocky outcrops high in the Berg where conditions are extreme!
They are a typical succulent, growing happily from pieces which
break off the main plant, and in a garden setting, if freed from
competition, they will spread and root over a substantial area over
time. They have beautiful flowers which make their appearance in
early spring in our area. Long flowering stalks poke up from the
leaves, and form drooping heads of pinkish-orange flowers which
hang down. Sunbirds love them!
An interesting variety, hardly looking like the same species, is found
in Lesotho, and while the leaves are grey and fleshy as in the common
MARCH / APRIL 2016
Cotyledon Orbiculata – Pig’s Ears
“Oblonga” variety, the Lesotho variety has long needle-like pointy
leaves.
Cotyledon Orbiculata and over 70 other species of indigenous trees
and shrubs are available from our greenhouse at Indigenous Plant
Sales at the Giants Cup Café, 10km on the Sani Pass road. Open
daily 7.30am to 5pm. Enjoy a coffee and delicious scones with
homemade jam and fresh farm cream while you read our information
booklet, browse our garden with labelled plants and decide which
plants your garden needs. Local art works and Bruce Dell Wood Art
are also on display. You can get a full plant list at
www.sanilodge.co.za and click on the “Indigenous Plants” link.
Time for Bird Migration. New Wildlife in Our District
Another season has come and almost gone and our seasonal visitors
will soon be on their way again. We hope that the Amur Falcons have
had a good season and will all be well fattened up for the thousands of
miles they have to travel back to the Amur River area of Mongolia
where they will breed again. They have to run the gauntlet every year
not only of the weather and the food supply along the way but of the
Indians who slaughter them by the thousands as they fly past. The
worst aspect of this is the manner in which the Indians break their
wings so as to be able to keep them alive until they can be sold for
food. The Amurs don’t seem to have been as much in evidence this
year as in past years but that may well be due to the unknown reason
as to why they have left the area in the main street where they used to
roost every evening providing a most spectacular sight for watchers
as they arrived at dusk. They have moved to numerous other roosting
sites both in Himeville and outside
Ask almost anyone where the swallows go in winter and
they will say “England” but although the Barn Swallows do go there,
there are many others
who drop off in North
Africa like the White
throated Swallow and
the Greater Striped
who go to Africa north
of the equator during
our winter. I am told
that the swallows all
leave on 18 th March
each year but although
they do go about that
time I have never
checked up on it . The
TWK AGRICUL
TURE
GRICULTURE
LIMITED
Underberg - Swartberg Cedarville - Ixopo Kokstad - Howick
[email protected]
Tel: 033 7012229
ANIMAL FEED
SUPERMOL 50K
G
50KG
SUPER 18 40K
G
40KG
ANIMAL HEAL
TH
HEALTH
DECT
OMMEX 500ML
DECTOMMEX
DELETE ALL 20 LITRE
Cuckoos also head north and are known as the Intra-Africa species
who travel to just north of the equator. The Storks on the other
hand go much farther north and into Russia. Some years ago a dead
stork was found on Banavie by Horace Briscoe that had been ringed
in the Ural Mountains in Russia, the letter confirming this was
displayed in the Himeville Museum and should still be there. We,
at Hilltop, have not seen a great number of Storks this summer. In
March 1960 I recall seeing thousands of Storks flying over one
afternoon all heading north east, they looked almost like a locust
swarm with many on the ground as well. Again in 1976 I think it
was, I had to put a man on foot in front of the tractor when it was
plowing to chase the storks out of the way. We have always had
Storks over wintering and most have died of the cold and the lack
of food but I now believe that some are actually breeding in Africa
instead of heading home to Europe. This must be due to climate
change and our warmer conditions. The sunbirds like the Malachite
migrate but only down country to warmer parts while the little Black
Sunbird stays the winter through. An unusual sighting recently on
a dam in the district was the Red Phalarope a water bird found in
shallow waters where it has a habit of whirling round and round to
stir up the mud and expose any possible food. Not a very large or
flamboyant bird it was quite hard to pick out among other water
birds unless you knew it was there.
Talking of migrants we have always had the odd Vervet
monkeys but the numbers are increasing and they are to be found in
many new parts of the district. Last week I was confronted by one
as I took the corner at the crossroads by the Pholela bridge, it dived
into the ditch and presumably from there into the large pipe under
the road, we have never seen them in this part before. Worse still
Bush pigs are becoming a very real pest on many farms and I am
told the Drakensberg Garden valley is rife
with them at present and even Warthog have
UNDERBER
G VETERIN
AR
Y been seen as well
UNDERBERG
VETERINAR
ARY
I am particularly delighted to find that
SUR
GER
Y
SURGER
GERY
Sifiso Khosa has been appointed by the
Conservation Service to the post of District
Tel: 033-7011092 (all hours)
Community Officer and will be resident at
Stockists of a carefully selected the Nature Reserve in Himeville. Since
Richard Schutte left for the Tembe Elephant
range of
LIVESTOCK HEALTH PRODUCTS Park on the border of Mozambique the post
has been vacant or moribund as the position
Suited for local conditions
was separated from the staff at Cobham.
At excellent prices with
Now if you have a problem there will be
professional advice
somebody to call on for assistance. May he
have a long and successful stay in our
district. By M.Clark.
MARCH / APRIL 2016
www.mountainecho.co.za
COMMUNITY WATCH
Of extreme concern to everyone in the district
is the sharp increase in house breaking. It is
no longer only the vacant/absentee house
owners or residences without any form of
early warning alarms that are being targeted.
Occupied homes with alarms and with
owners or those leasing being present in
the house, are also being targeted. This is
of major concern. What can be done to stop
this? There are some people in the two
villages who are determined to form
something similar to a Neighbourhood
Watch. Community Watch supports this
initiative. Community Watch has for months
been asking people to keep eyes and ears
open and to report suspicious activity.
Many people have responded. We thank
you, but it does not seem to be enough. Berg
Protection Services have been extremely
helpful, especially when SAPS have not had
a vehicle immediately available to respond
to information received.
Several concerned citizens living in
Underberg and Himeville villages are in the
process of setting up an Underberg/Himeville
Neighbourhood Watch. In discussion with
these concerned citizens are Berg Protection
Services, Community Watch. SAPS must
also be approached for its blessing. A plan
of action is being prepared. Private vehicles
equipped with magnetic “slap on” signs,
personnel wearing reflective jackets and
carrying handheld radios whilst on patrol.
Suspicious activity to be reported
immediately. Concerned citizens of all ethnic
groups who would like to join or find out
more about the Neighbourhood Watch
should contact during office hours only,
either Viktor on 071 465 4957 or Peter on 033
7011784/076 035 4649.
[email protected]
By John Pearce
Information received from SAPS is that a
Community Survey will hit the streets of
South Africa from 7th March to 22nd April
2016.Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has
deployed fieldworkers around the country
who will visit sampled households . This
large-scale household sample will provide
official statistics at municipal level to enhance
planning, monitoring and evaluation at this
level of governance. Fieldworkers contracted
by Stats SA will carry official ID cards, which
include a hologram image to verify
authenticity. The ID card must be produced
when visiting sampled homes.
Farmers and rural community livestock
owners are warned that stock theft has
increased. Please ensure that livestock are
branded with a legally registered brand.
When selling or moving/transporting
livestock, make sure that the required
paperwork is correctly completed.
We are approaching the 2016 fire season.
Toward the end of March and by the
beginning of April, tracer lines should be
sprayed. The 2015 fire season went off
without any serious “wild fires” in our district.
Most fire breaks were burnt reasonably early.
Do not become complacent because the 2015
fire season went well. The Southern Berg
FPA Annual General Meeting will be held at
the Underberg Country Club on Thursday
14th April at 5.30 for 6pm.
The Working on Fire Underberg team will be
available to assist SBFPA members with tracer
line spraying, burning and burning fire breaks.
However “Request for Assistance/
Indemnity” forms must be completed should
anyone require these services. The forms
are available at or from Community Watch. A
reminder to everyone is that SBFPA members
082 4938700
receive preference over non- members.
Members only pay for transport costs
whereas non-members pay for everything,
which is very expensive. Working on Fire
have two “Strike” vehicles which I am sure
many people have already seen in the district.
These vehicles can easily be mistaken as Sappi
fire tenders, for they are the same yellow colour
and similar in design. A further reminder is
that Working on Fire will not take on work
(Burning) on properties which have been
badly neglected i.e. Are a very dangerous
fire hazard. We will however endeavour to
protect the neighbouring properties.
An update on the Kwa Sani/Community
Watch fiasco. Legal costs taxing for the High
Court case and Appeal should have been
completed by now, but the taxing officer we
are told is off sick! The Constitutional court
legal cost taxing is set down for the 6th April.
Apparently Arbitration will not be heard much
before the end of April. Again I ask, “Who
will be held accountable for this waste of
public money and who authorised it”? It is
alleged that Council were not approached and
therefore did not approve this case being
taken to the High Court let alone the Supreme
Court of Appeal and Constitutional Court.
Legal costs are continuing to escalate due to
Legal cost taxing and preparation for
Arbitration which will not we are told, take
place much before the end of April. To those
people who are not up to speed, Kwa Sani
took Community Watch to court. Community
Watch had no option other than to defend
the case. Kwa Sani lost all four with costs.
Community Watch 24hour Emergency
contact numbers:
033-7021114/7; 7021143. Fax: 0337021821; Email: [email protected]
Let us work together in fighting crime Masibuyisane Silwe Nobulelesi.
Chairman’s Report Points to Obstruction of Public
Participation in Kwa Sani Municipal Matters
With the local elections expected to be held sometime in August and
with the KSM/Ingwe merger scheduled to be in place by July 30 there
is much uncertainty regarding the short term Municipal structures
and how they affect ourselves as ratepayers.
At the outset it should be acknowledged that every municipality (and
that includes the KSM and the soon to be merged with Ingwe structure)
must strive, within its financial and administrative capacity, to achieve
the following objectives: · Provide democratic ,fair and transparent
services to all communities. · Ensure social and economic development.·
Promote a safe and healthy environment. · ENCOURAGE the
involvement of local communities in matters relating to local
government
With the new democratic approach to local municipal governance as
tabled in the Constitution and the MSA, all Councils must ensure that
the machinery at all spheres of local government are discharged
responsibly, effectively and transparently and above all that the
principals of Bathlo Pele are honoured - that is the People First.
Such communication is intended to build trust and confidence between
the Council and all stake holders within the community
Constitutionally, local municipal governments have a mandate to
operate independently, at least in the way they are structured. In
reality the town is run essentially as a political fiefdom, with officials
unaccountable, in practice, to constituents or ratepayers of the area.
As we have experienced, this in itself allows for political appointments
in key positions, their responsibilities being not to the electorate but
to their political party or their Caucases, the outcome of which is a
mismanaged council - the ramifications of which we are now
experiencing in the Underberg/ Himeville region.
What we have experienced in the district is a majority governing
party which does not see itself accountable to the ratepayers and
residents at large - hence the need for UHRPRA intervention.
In 2015 alone, 17 attempts in all were made via phone calls, email and
/ or personal engagement with officials. Only 2 were honoured and
then not addressing the agendas as submitted by the community. It
was drawn to the attention of the Mayor & the MM that they are not
adhering to the Council published memorandum on Public Participation
and engagement. This in itself is being totally ignored.
As recorded in UHRPRA minutes and memoranda, matters submitted
in the form of agendas to Council for engagement included:
· IDP submissions 2015/16 (Roads, Infruastructure & street lighting )
· Comment on the AG report.· Billing & Budgetary concerns. · Debtors
status ( Indicated at some R14m ). · Wasteful & unjustified expenditure.
· SDFP.· PMS. · Waste Management. · Water & sewage problems. ·
Traffic management.· Road conditions.· By-Laws.· Property Valuations,
Rates & Rebates.· Councillor & Ward Committee accountability.· The
Ingwe/KwaSani merger. · The naming of the above.· And, more
importantly concerning the above, the absence of Community
engagement & participation regarding the latter two.
Of concern to the UHRPRA is that despite National Government
repeatedly directing municipalities to “GET BACK TO BASICS” KSM
has merely paid “lip service” to this and participation with the
PAGE 11
MARCH
2016 SHOW
STOCK SALE
STATS
QTY SUPPLIED
QTY SOLD
MAX PRICE
MIN PRICE
AVE PRICE
794
779
R13400.00
R2000.00
R5403.88
FOR SALE
Magnificent Horse “Eve”
Eve is a lovely gentle natured cross
thoroughbred horse (about 15.2 or .3 hands
tall) so perfect for a boy or girl who loves to
ride. Her sire is a thoroughbred called
AInwick. Her mother is called Bounty. Two of
the other offspring are called Merlin’s Magic
and Muesli;
it’s believed her name was changed to Fairfield
Honey. Both have done well competitively.
This includes 3 Provincial team horses and 1
Elementary. Her dad is a pre-St. George
dressage horse who also had Champion show
jumpers and was a provincial team horse.
Eve has been competed on. At the Royal
Show and at the Spring Extravaganza Show in
2013 Eve won overall for Showing. At the
KZN Showing Championships she came 1st
In-hand to make a show horse, 2nd Ridden
general breed show riding horse and 2nd in the
Hack class. She is a very good-looking horse!
In the dressage/ she got 65% for preliminary
dressage.
Eve’s breeder was Jill Fox in Nottingham Rd.
Eve was born in October 2010. With the
current owner Eve has had lots of really great
jumping lessons, schooling and dressage. Eve
is very well schooled and her jumping is a
delight to watch.
ratepayers, and this is evidenced in meetings being cancelled at the
11th hour or officials not being present.
During 2015 the Business Forum and the UHRPRA reviewed this sad
state of affairs, and concluded that we should no longer persist with
domestic issues but to address and move forward with the more
important issue of the merger of Ingwe/ KwaSani in July this year.
This engagement becomes vitally important, as many of the
Price: R 90/000.00
outstanding matters referred to will certainly be carried over to the
Contact: Lisa +27 83 703 2966
merged entity, e.g water, valuations rates and by laws.
A strong representative participation and engagement process for the
community must be put in place on matters which will affect all of the
community following changes, be it financially or administratively,
following the establishment new KSM/Ingwe Local Government
Council. Such changes will include: · Valuations of properties. · Rates
policies and rates formulae i.e. Charges against property values. · By
Laws. · IDP NB 2016/17 submissions have been submitted. · Basic
Services.· Waste management. · Administrative service centres and
charges.· Service budget allocation per geographic location. · Health
services. · Emergency services. As of now neither the community nor
the UHRPRA have been made aware of, nor have they been privy to
meetings undertaken both politically & administratively, in respect
the above. This is important as there is a need to ensure the members
of the community are not disadvantaged financially or administratively
by Council’s practices following this merger.
Fortunately some information has been given to the UHRPRA
informally by officials who have been in attendance at meetings to
date. Notwithstanding this vague status, the UHRPRA strategy
proposes (with regard to the merger) to engage
and participate with such committees as
permitted i.e. UFA, Business, Tourism and the
Workshop
community at large.
Mackenzie Street - Goxhill Road
Councillors need to, as elected office bearers,
be accountable to the residents and ratepayers
Himeville
in assisting Section 53 of the MSA 2000. The
MSA 1998 and chapter 7 of the MFA 2003 all
define the responsibility and accountability of
councillors to the community. Ward Councillors
through ward committees need to ensure that
D O N
B L A K E Y
council acts responsibly and attends to
033
7021110
or
7021835
or 0823421387
community issues
UHRPRA did not receive the responses hoped
SERVICING.
for.
Only through the UHRPRA and other local
DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER
organizations, business, UFA, tourism and the
ANALYSIS.
community acting in unity can the challenges
of 2016 assure that the municipal structures
which affect our daily lives do not disadvantage
FORKLIFT - Sales /
us any way. ( Shortened Chairman’s report of
Servicing
AGM Underberg/Hmeville Residents and
Hydraulic
pipes
Ratepayers Association) Chairman Don Forbes
DON’S REP
AIRS
REPAIRS
MAINTENANCE OF
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES
UNDERBERG
AUTO
CENTRE
0337011318
0827828408
24 hr CALLOUT
PAGE 12
www.mountainecho.co.za
082493 8700
[email protected]
MARCH / APRIL 2016
Underberg: 033 701 1563 /
Kokstad: 039 727 3311
GREAT POSITION! GREAT VIEWS! R1.9M
4 bedroom home with sparkling pool, level garden and stunning
mountain views.
Separate Modern1 bedroom cottage.
Outbuildings consist of servants quarters, double garage and
office.
CEDARVILLE 1220Ha maize farm with 480
Ha of maize, 200Ha of which is under
irrigation. Another 70 Ha available for hay. 3
dams as well as servitude to a forth. Amazing
infrastructure, 2 enormous homesteads with
many extras, PLUS a notable farm
infrastructure including many large sheds,
silo, small dairy and labour housing. R30m
Ref# 1UB1237564
Underberg / R765 000
Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 3 / Garages 2`
Set in a private cul- de-sac, ideal for the growing family - fully-fenced
garden with Mountain views. Within walking distance of all local
amenities.
FANTASTIC VIEWS. R1.84M
Low maintenance family home in good location. Beautiful garden
setting and stunning unobstructed mountain views. Perfect work
from home office or bachelor flat.
SMALLHOLDING IN THE BERG R1.4M
One owner for over a decade with many happy holiday memories.
With beautiful trees and scenic views .this 4ha property has a
spacious main house, separate cottage and staff accommodation.
Serious seller.
Ref: 1UB1093797
UNDERBERG from R 110 000
Bedrooms: 0 / bathrooms: 0 / Garages: 0
Get hold of one of the exquisite plots on The Meadows Estate!
Ref: 1UB1155451
UNDERBERG
R 750 000
Bedrooms:2 / Bathrooms:1 / Garages: 1
Neat comfortable cottage within walking distance from
Underberg village and views towards the Mountains.
MATATIELE 809Ha beef and maize /pasture
farm 182Ha arable homestead and usual
infrastructure R9m
FRANKLIN 400 Ha Beef farm, 60 HA arable,
Homestead and sheds R4m
UNDERBERG 800 ha beef farm with 56 Ha
arable R6,2m
Ref# 1UB1191273
Underberg / R1.395 million
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 1
Modern unit in the Meadows - spacious open-plan living/dining room,
fully-fitted kitchen. Large enclosed veranda with doors opening onto a
level garden - single lock-up garage.
Ref: 1UB1224599
UNDERBERG
R 1.295 million
Front row unit in Springside Park with great views from the
large veranda to the golf course and Drakensberg Mountains.
4 bed upmarket home, 4 bathrooms, spacious
4 roomed cottage and well equipped servant’s
flat, storeroom and remote controlled double
garage. Best position and views in NUD
overlooking sparkling pool set in landscaped
garden. R1,9m
ABSOLUTE BARGAIN! R700 000 TAKES THE LOT
9 vacant stands in upmarket Country Estate with dams, swimming
pool, tennis court, clubhouse and beautiful views.
.
Ref# 1UB1212530
Himeville / R1.6 million
Bedrooms 2 / Bathrooms 1.5 / Carports 2
From the elevated deck of this solid timber home on 8ha, enjoy the
spectacular outlook over your shared trout dam of the Southern
Drakensberg - developed garden and security fence.
Ref: 1UB1257284
HIMEVILLE
R 1.55 million
Bedrooms: 3 / bathrooms: 2 / Garages: 2
Facebrick family home with excellent views to the Berg and a
separate cottage.
PERFECT HOLIDAY HIDEAWAY R1.15M
Superbly finished modern home with many features ideal for holiday
lock up and go. Entertainment gazebo with uninterrupted Views of
the Mountains and Umzimkulu River.
OFFICE: 033 7011359
Sue Acutt 082 457 5535
Kathy Abbett 082 925 7983
John Nothard 082 491 4447
www.acutts.co.za
[email protected]
Double story unit in the beautiful Meadows
complex. 2 beds, 2 bathrooms downstairs plus
large main en suite upstairs with lovely
mountain views. Separate dining room, office,
double, tiled remotely controlled garage.
Well maintained tennis courts, swimming pool
and club house within the complex.R1,65m
For Innovative
Property Solutions
Tel: 033 - 7011777
Cell: 083 305 3009 - PETA
082 901 8363 NORMAN
076 9555 679 LORNA
www.ppproperties.co.za
e-mail: [email protected]
Ref# 1UB1011573
Underberg / R1.895 million
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 2
This is a perfect ‘lock-up-and-go’ unit to use as your holiday home,
and /or retirement spot, in The Meadows Country Estate.
Go mobile
Ref:
1UB1252281
with your
property
HIMEVILLE
REDUCED TO R 1.850 million
search!
Bedrooms:
/ bathrooms: 2 / Garages: 2
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Every
for you in this beautiful family home. Inc.
solar heating, back-up utilities, u/floor heating and a spectacular
outlook.
Office 033 7011563
Underberg: Angela Walker 082 772 8984 / Sue Preston 084 880
Agents
8704
Paula
Bullimore
4910101
Angie
Shackleford
082 306
Underberg:
Angela
Walker 079
082 772
8984 / /Sue
Preston
084 880 8704
/
0000
Kokstad:079
Peter
Desmond
456073
6761
/ Ed Jenkins 073
Kokstad:082
Ed Jenkins
41934205
Paula Bullimore
491 0101
Kokstad:
Peter Desmond 082 456 6761 / Sanele Madlavu 072 885 355
193
4205