Hoedspruit Explorer Issue 26 Nov 2020

Hoedspruit Explorer Issue 26 Nov 2020

Issue #26

Photo By: Rob Severin

LINDIWE SAFARI LODGE

Lindiwe is not a Lodge but a concept, and to understand this concept you must first be told a story, the De Biasi's family story.

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A fter 18 years spent on a French Paradisiacal Island called Reunion Island and after many trips abroad; this French Family decided to challenge their lives by opening a Lodge in the heart of Hoedspruit in a 680 hectare Estate offering the comfort of the nearby town and the beauty of the untouched Bush. This lodge had to be able to offer everything that makes a stay with family, couple or between friends unforgettable. It is from this starting point that it all began. The Lodge was built in 2018 and aims to promote simplicity, modernity, friendliness and glam authenticity. In order to meet these commitments, a choice ismade : 6 Family Suites are built that can accommodate families of 2 adults and 2 children (or even 3 children in 2 special suites), in the same space and oneHoneymoon Suite as well. The limited number of rooms allows us to know and share real moments with guests while keeping the necessary reserve for their own bubble of happiness. Luxury is for our guests to be known and recognized at all times and not to be a simple room number, this is one of our aims. The restaurant with African and French influences offers generous and tasty meals that delight our guests, young and old. The Bar corner is also very important! It allows sharing the experiences of the day while discovering astonishing cocktails and yummy aperitifs! Most often our guests are discovering the fabulous natural treasures that surround the Lodge,thiswhy it is important tomake themoments spent at the Lodge unique. For the children that means a Kids Corner with various games available. For the parents a pool, card games, dart and french pétanque are waiting for them ! The swimming pool alsomakes the daysmore beautiful and cooler, especially after an intense and hot day spent with the Big Five at Kruger Park. In the evening around the Boma once again it is possible for us to share our memorable moments while being astonished to see our neighbors fromthe Bush coming so close, so calm, such as the zebras, the bushbabies and other nocturnal visitors. After two years of operation and with the satisfaction of having been awarded "Traveller's Choice 2020" by Tripadvisor, we know that our Lodge no longer needs to prove its 4 stars. Our deep goal is to consolidate our conviction which is that Luxury is above all to remain accessible and close to the unknown which arrives and offers us its most beautiful confidence; that of making their trip one of pure happiness and fulfilment. So here is the story of a Lodge that will not win other stars but other friends certainly. Come as a guest and leave as a friend : Lindiwe Safari Lodge, the FrenchTouch andmore!

http://www.natureguidetraining.com [email protected] +27 73 468 9267

By Kersey Lawrence and Lee Gutteridge HOW DO I BECOME A TRACKER?

A tracker is not a thing of myth and legend. Many different species have tracks and signs that appear similar to the untrained observer, so it takes practice to tell themapart. Anyone can learn the foundations of tracking and even excel at it. It does NOT require a specific DNA history, or some kind of magical gift, as many people believe. It is an earned skill, through practice, and you'd be surprised at howeasy and rewarding some of it can be. We are all Trackers, all descended from Tracking cultures. Maybe it is many generations since anyone in our families tracked for their food, but at some point, somewhere down the line, we all tracked. In every community on earth to some extent in some way or the other, whether it was for food, or for the

A question we are often asked, as mentors in this exciting field of natural science, is how does one become a tracker? To us, this is an interesting question. Our initial time in this art and science is a little murky because it's something that we started many years ago, so we needed to think back to our beginnings. So, first, we need consider the question: “What is a Tracker?” A tracker is someone who studies tracks and signs. Tracks are also known as footprints, spoor, or pugmarks, depending on the region of the world you are in. Signs include, but are not limited to, feces (scats, pellets, or dung), urinations, visual marking and scent-marking, kill-sites and browse evidence, body parts and skeletal remains, feathers, eggs, nests, webs, beds, dens, burrows, gaits and track patterns (ways of moving), and even particular smells, vocalizations and alarm calls. We use tracks and signs to confirm species identification, to understand movement, to learn about the creature's secret activities and behaviours (many times without even seeing it); take note of its preferences of food, habitat and association; and of course, a tracker actively follows the more or less continuous evidence of these tracks and signs, or trails, to try to see the actual animal whomade them, without disturbing it. In summary, a Tracker “Identifies, Interprets, Follows and Finds,” and people who do all of these things with tracks, signs and trails are Trackers. Tracking tells you more about your environment than studying any one aspect of natural history, because it ties all of the isolated topics together – to identify, interpret, follow and find, you need to understand elements of geology, weather and climate, habitat, grasses, forbs, trees, seeds, fruits, animal behaviour, entomology, ornithology andmanymore scientific fields of study.

safety of ourselves and our families from dangerous animals. Ancient Europeans tracked their food. Ancient Africans too. In times gone by the native people of Asia, Australia and the Americas tracked. And, thankfully, this ski ll has survived. Not only is it surviving, but tracking is alive and well, and growing. It is fast becoming a hobby of a great number of people across the world. There are various websites, new publications, Facebook groups and other types of soc i a l medi a supporting trackers across the world, creating ever growing, wonderful networks. In fact, we are amazed we don' t yet have a Hoedspruit Tracking Club! Many people we know have learned to track for the sheer passion of being immersed in nature so maybe we should?

Insects leave many signs in the field

A leopard spoor is a thing of beauty

Sound is very important to a tracker

Many of the trackers we know personally live in countries where big game is not present (or in big cities like Johannesburg). This makes no difference. These people, such as many of our friends in the UK, spend their time trailing deer, badger or fox and have to travel to trail bears and bigger animals in other parts of Europe, but you can also learn from domestic dogs, cats and pigeons. You can watch the natural systems in a park or patch of veld. You can track on the beach. You would be amazed. Trackers learn so much by spending time in the field with a curious eye, investigating all they see. Every turned leaf, every

Bird spoor can be very interesting

So, learning to read. Learning to read the signs is of course, like anything else, something which takes some time and effort. But we need to start somewhere. Oneway of doing it is to join a physical, in the bush, tracking course, such as the ones we offer in the Hoedspruit area. But this is not for everyone. Not everyone has time or the money to travel. Some of us have small childrenor a demanding job. Another way is to simply buy a tracking book. Then you head out into the field and bash around, trying to identify spoor on your own. This can be fun, and because if you are on your own you will always be right. There will be no one there to disagree or help you to improve! We decided to create something unique, and totally fresh, which we have been planning for years, but never had the time to complete, until this pandemic arrived to disrupt humanity in its throbbing flow. An idea of an online but interactive program, sowe could reach trackers everywhere. We took our old notes and course materials and literally rewrote the book. We built a series of thirty assignments, as well as ten daily routines which form the foundation of the good habits of a Tracker. Anyone; young or old, thin or plump, tall or short, and virtually of any age can participate. I think that at this stage our participants are between 7 (under the guidance of their Dad) and 77 years of age, and there's no reason why we couldn't expand that range. Our tracker community already consists of experts, who are ranked as Specialists in the CyberTracker System, (the world's gold standard for tracker certification), who are following the course and benefitting. We also have brand new beginners; people who have never noticed all the tracks and signs of the life around them before, and every gradient in between. Our course is called 'Introduction to Tracking in Southern Africa', and it is the first course under the banner of Tracker Mentoring. The name is a little bit misleading though, because the skills and routines taught are cosmopolitan and can be practiced anywhere in theworld. This is the ideal hobby for someone living in one of the game reserves around Hoedspruit, or one of the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal eco-estates, or someone who lives in the city but enjoys periodic forays into the wild places of South Africa, (or anywhere in the world for that matter). During this course amongst many other things you will have the chance to learn about spoor, scat, bird tracks, insect tracks, feathers, signs and sounds in the wild in a directed and structuredway. Our exercises are simple but often underrated aspects such as setting up ways to understand how the weather can affect a track with a daily footprint in a simply prepared track interpretation area, or learning about observation points and how they can be used to improve your knowledge and your relationship with nature. In each assignment there is something to do and a write up, with examples of how to actually do it before you start. Then, if you wish, you can share your work online with us in our private Facebook group, specifically for our online students, sharing what you are learning with us and the other participants, some from Hoedspruit and others from across the world. Importantly there is no time limit or specific speed you need to work at, which makes it easier for busy people with busy schedules. With forty different practical learning experiences this coursewill help you to start your journey as a tracker, or, if you are already a tracker it will add opportunities to grow your skills in a fun and interactive way, all at your own pace, and limited only by your imagination. Our process is simple, and fun, and very inexpensive. (We have opted to keep our prices very low to not exclude anyone fromanywalk of life).

footprint or dropping. It is hard for us to explain how much information one can gather from the landscape when you start to look at the tracks; and after a day tracking, you feel tired but invigorated and have a totally new array of fresh knowledge gleaned fromyour day in the field. It is incredibly rewarding. It is a recent history written in the sand for you to read. By comparison, to us, actual game viewing is only one part of the experience. It is only the now. If we go on a walk, we look at every detail and can often build a wonderful timeline of what has happened on our trail. For example, last night there was an African civet here on our driveway; a big one. Probably a male. We found large tracks which looked reasonably fresh. And he crossed the trail of some elephants, leaving his footprints on top of theirs. We heard them breaking the tree branches outside the camp gate at two-thirty in the morning, so he was here after them. But there was a small amount of drizzle at about four o'clock which we noticed because it pattered on our tent roof, waking us up, and the droplets are in his tracks…so he was here between 2:30 and around 4 in the morning. Now we have an approximate time. Further along the trail he has used his “civetry,” a small dungmiddenwhich he has used a couple of times during this week… it is filled with the berries of a buffalo thorn tree, so that must mark or indicate a preferred feeding location. It makes us wonder, where is the nearest fruiting buffalo thorn tree? This is one small example of one of the many stories in the sand.

Studying scat is also known as coprology

Understanding how animals move is important

Imagine walking out of your door in the morning and knowing the details of what has transpired while you were sleeping? Being able to learn about behaviours of our wild neighbours, those often-silent visitors, without even seeing them walk by. Understanding more about how the weather and wind affect the animals and their behaviour. And knowing the small details of their lives in an unobtrusive and caringway. Getting to knowyour yard intimately.

To learn more about us and our courses please ema i l us on [email protected] simply visit www.trackermentoring.com.

Learning what animals eat can be helpful to a tracker

Shop 20 & 21 Kamogelo Tourism Centre Main Road (R527), Hoedspruit

Wildlife

Mike Dodds 082 906 7004 | WEB REF: 1399277

Jason Jones 083 267 4794 | WEB REF: 1381315

R 3 800 000

Elegant bushveld living - Ndlovumzi

Safari lodge - Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate R 7 250 000 This operating lodge is privately located on the greenbelt and is sold furnished and equipped. The main lodge consists of a large open plan lounge, dining room and open plan kitchen with separate scullery, laundry and guest loo. There are three luxury guest suites all with their own bathrooms and outdoor showers. The outdoor entertainment area incorporates a covered patio and an open-deck dining area next to the sparkling pool fromwhere guests canwatch thewildlife passing by.

This magnificent bush home truly does capture the essence of what living in theAfrican bush is all about. The property features six thatch roof residential units, two are en-suite and the remaining four have shared bathroom facilities. There is a spacious outdoor covered kitchen, inviting formal living and dining room and adjacent to this is the extraordinary entertainment area, consisting of comfortable lounge area with built in bar. All of this opens out to the outside decking and swimming pool area.

Delaine Muller 072 117 1133 | WEB REF: 1400356

Michelle Severin 083 469 3821 | WEB REF: 1318678

Stand in Escarpia, Kampersrus R 305 000 Stunning bush standwith big trees and beautiful views is in a quiet area of the estate. Escarpia, an extension of Kampersrus, consists of 69 stands situated on 23 ha and located next to the famous Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre. Each stand has a surface area of approximately 2500 square meters. Stands are not allowed to be fenced, which makes it possible for wildlife to move freely between the stands and the natural central park, which is co-owned by all stand owners.

River front stand with traverse right R 990 000 This well priced, elevated 1-ha stand, is located on the dry riverbed in Raptors View. Stunning views of the riverbed can be experienced where game sightings are plentiful. The stand is located in a quiet area with large trees and views onto the riverbed and neighbouring estate. Both neighbours have built their homes already. Plans for a 3-bedroom house are also included in the price. The stand includes a traverse right onto the neighbouring, 1200-ha, BigGame Estate.

Rob Severin 083 469 3820 | WEB REF: 1400589

Yvette Thompson 083 655 7176 | WEB REF: 1316750

Go to: www.century21wildlife.co.za E&OE Each Century 21 office is independently owned & operated 4-bedroom house in Greater Kruger This neat farmhouse style bush home with excellent views is situated in Grietjie, a 2800 ha game reserve within Balule, Greater Kruger region where Big 5 roam free. This home is 287sqmwith 4 bedrooms, of which 3 have en-suite bathrooms with a separate guest bathroom. There is a large open plan lounge and dining roomarea. The architectural style brings out the character of natural materials and farmhouse feel, but with a modern look. Property is held in a VAT registered company. R 4 200 000

River front house - Greater Kruger R 7 700 000 This spectacular home is situated overlooking the seasonal N’tsiri riverbed, in the prestigious N’tsiri Private Nature Reserve. Homes like this seldom come on the market. Secure your dream position in the heart of Big 5 territory with 2,500 ha of pristine traverse. Membership at N’tsiri is limited to 65 homes, to ensure that N’tsiri remains a truly exclusive and tranquil bushveld escape. This house offers 3 bedroom, 3 bathrooms, an open-plan lounge and dining room, and a kitchenwith breakfast nook.

A WORLDWIDE LEADER IN REAL ESTATE Call us on: +27 15 793 1534

@andreasandhanno

@andreasandhanno

Leadwood is an exclusive, low density Big Game Estate, which offers the convenience of being a mere 15 minutes from the popular tourist town of Hoedspruit. It offers superb bushveld living and game viewing, whilst being conveniently close to town. Leadwood is the ideal Estate whether it is for a holiday home in the bush, permanent living or simply investment purposes, you cannot get better than Leadwood! The Estate offers a total of 94, full-title ownership stands, each being 1ha in size. These stands are all privately located on 984 ha of prime lowveld bush. The estate forms part of a 5 500ha conservancy, which is home to big game and various plains game animal species. The birdlife around the riverine and ancient figtree groves is phenomenal and regular sightings of trumpeter hornbills, bushveld louries, green pigeons and grey headed parrots are only but a fewof the feathered inhabitants in LeadwoodBigGame Estate. LEADWOOD BIG GAME ESTATE Hoedspruit Limpopo

View location on map

to the excitement of living here. Spotted hyenas are regularly seen, as well as special sightings of the elusive brown hyena. You will never tire of the beautiful scenery, with the spectacular Northern Drakensburg forming the backdrop to every sunset! Electricity is supplied via Eskom and water is supplied via boreholes that are managed by the estate and supplied to each home. There are home owners' rules in place to ensure the effective functioning of the estate and architectural guidelines governing building activities. A pet policy has been established which covers cats and dogs under strict conditions. Living in a big game area, it is always advisable to keep domestic pets to aminimum. Leadwood Big Game Estate is a popular option for many, so far 21 houses have been built, 8 houses are currently under construction and only 17 developer stands are still available for sale. For further information regarding houses for sale, plot and plan options or vacant stands, please contact YVETTE THOMPSON ON 0836557176 OR EMAIL: [email protected]

Regular sightings of predators like Lion, Leopard, Cheetah andWild dogs, add

@andreasandhanno

@andreasandhanno

@andreasandhanno

@andreasandhanno

Leadwood Big Game Estate

Wildlife

Spacious decks and flowing living areasmake this the ideal Wildlife destination. This 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom house has quality finishes and fits perfectly into the surrounding bushveld. Enjoy your sun-downers on the deck whilst Leopard, Lion and other big game pass in front of you. This brand-new home is just waiting for its newowners tomove in! A sweeping living area and dining room opens onto an outside patio with a sparkling rim flow pool. The gourmet open plan kitchen, with separate scullery and walk-in pantry, also opens directly onto the patio, making entertaining a breeze. Stunning master suite, along with another guest suite and 2 additional bedrooms sharing the third bathroom makes this the perfect home for family and friends. A study, double garage, store room and staff toilet, completes this spacious property.

Spectacular bushveld home

R 8 950 000

Yvette Thompson 083 655 7176 | WEB REF: 1299821

Yvette Thompson 083 655 7176 | WEB REF: 1314383

Yvette Thompson 083 655 7176 | WEB REF: 1303099

This is it!!What more could you want? Sweeping views across the African bushveld as towering trees rustle in the breeze. This stand includes traverse rights on the bordering farms of Bloubank (Rietspruit Game Reserve) and Welverdiend (Khaya Ndlovu Conservancy). Your 1 ha property will be one of a total of 94 stands on this 980 ha development. The site is well-positioned in terms of privacy, so you can thoroughly enjoy your sanctuary in theAfrican Bushveld. Perfectly positioned stand in prime location R 1 750 000

Brand new house with endless views R 5 150 000 Perfectly positioned to showcase amazing views of the pristine surrounding Savanna and the Drakensberg mountains. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house has quality finishes throughout and gives a feeling of clean lines and open spaces. Spacious decks and flowing living areas, make this the ideal wildlife destination. A sweeping living area opens onto an outside patio with a pool. The house comes with kitchen appliances and a solar-backup system.

Yvette Thompson 083 655 7176 | WEB REF: 1300458

Michelle Severin 083 469 3821 | WEB REF: 1327619

New luxury home on the seasonal river R 13 995 000 This 650m² home is nestled in-betweenmajestic trees on the banks of the seasonal Rietspruit river. There are 4 spacious bedrooms, each with their own full en-suite bathroom and private patio. The open plan kitchen and lounge lead onto a covered patio and undercover dining area with built-in braai. The kitchen has a separate scullery. There is an open sun-deck with an infinity swimming pool. This is an entertainer’s paradisewith sweeping decks and iconic riverbed views.

Modern 4-bedroom home R 8 500 000 This beautiful, modern property is the ideal, large family home set in a beautiful location with big trees and stunning bushveld surrounds. The property is off the grid with a solar system for power and gas for appliances. The living area is open plan and comprises lounge, dining area and stunning, modern kitchen. The area is light and bright with sliding doors leading to the patio and pool. Two of the property’s four en-suite bedrooms are situated separate fromthemain house. For more information about Leadwood Big Game Estate or properties there, please contact:

Yvette Thompson 083 655 7176 [email protected]

When enquiring with us or the developer, please mention code CEN21HE

Drakensig

Wildlife

Shop 20 & 21 Kamogelo Tourism Centre Main Road (R527), Hoedspruit

Wildlife

Michelle Severin 083 469 3821 | WEB REF: 1276566 Mike Dodds 082 906 7004 | WEB REF: 807 34

Michelle Severin 083 469 3821 | WEB REF: 1403693

Stunning location in Raptors View R 3 750 000 The 3-bedroom property is ideally situated with stunning views of the mountain, less than 4 years old and in excellent condition. The entrance leads into the light and airy, open plan living area, comprising, lounge, dining area, kitchen and separate scullery/ laundry. The patio is a large covered space with a pool and boma area. The view is stunning and the location is private. The house is west facing which provides for stunning sunsets.

Perfect position 27km from Orpen Gate R 7 895 000 Commercial opportunity like never before. This property is a rare find and surrounded byWits Rural. The potential here is enormous and crying out for a creative buyer with available cash to finish an existing 2000 m² 11-bedroom structure (80% complete) and turn it into a “bush boutique lodge”. In addition, the property houses a rustic fully functional 20 bed bush camp plus a site for a Tented Camp. The Cherry on the Top - 1km of seasonal river frontage. Property is open to a 380-hectare conservancy.

Delaine Muller 072 117 1133 | WEB REF: 1120954

Jason Jones 083 267 4794 | WEB REF: 1292575

Full title, 21 ha in Liverpool, Hoedspruit R 1 300 000 The property currently has a farmhouse cottage comprising of two bedrooms, open plan kitchen, living room, bathroomand a covered stoep. Electric-fencing surrounds the residence and it is gated. There is a lot of potential to increase the current residential footprint; build your idyllic bush home or perhaps even consider a commercial setup. The property has wonderful Lowveld bush, views of the Drakensberg Mountain range and incredible indigenous trees. Get up closewith nature.

Bird lovers dream in Escarpia, Kampersrus R 1 740 000 This property comprises of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, the perfect family home. It has a spacious lounge and fairly sized kitchen with a separate scullery, all leading out to the massive veranda that is built to entertain. The property has a jacuzzi pool and lovely view over the estate. The spacious main bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with a private patio looking onto the beautiful mountain views and estate. A double garagewith one door high enough for a caravan completes the property.

Jason Jones 083 267 4794 | WEB REF: 1080914 Yvette Th mp on 083 655 7176 | WEB REF: 1328092

Rob Severin 083 469 3820 | WEB REF: 1033343

Modern 3-bedroom home in Zandspruit R 4 950 000 Set on the banks of the seasonal Sandspruit river this beautiful home offers 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms. The well-appointed, open plan kitchen has superior finishes with granite surfaces and classic white solidwood cupboards. The house has air-conditioning and ceiling fans throughout, add to this a double garage and you have the perfect home in the perfect location. This home is situated on a river stand with a sundowner deckwith beautiful views of the riverbed below.

Go to: www.century21wildlife.co.za E&OE Each Century 21 office is independently owned & operated R 16 000 000 Situated in superior Big 5 territory with unequalled traverse. This home with expansive decks and rim flow pool is built on the bank of the Kuvenyami river. With 6 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms this lodge has ample space for entertaining your family and friends. By purchasing this home on its 1 ha freehold stand you also become a shareholder in Mafunyane which is 1670 ha in extent and has unlimited traverse over 9000hawith 420kmof game drive roads. Stunning private lodge in Karongwe

A WORLDWIDE LEADER IN REAL ESTATE Call us on: +27 15 793 1534

Southern Cross Schools

SOUTHERN CROSS COLLEGE 2021: Trailblazing a new direction in education!

Most importantly, it will allow for an intensified focus on skills such as complex problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, people management and emotional intelligence, some of the most important skills required in the workplace and throughout adult life. Southern Cross College learners will finish Grade 12 with more than just a certificate. They finish with the skills to contribute to an ever-changing society with confidence and competence. Other than the newmeans of academic instruction, the known and familiar aspects of Southern Cross College will continue. Sport and culture are still on offer. Arranged trips will enhance the education of the learners. A massive shift back to the roots of the school's existence will teach sustainability and environmental consciousness, allowing College learners tomake a difference to theworld inwhich they live. Matric farewells, Grade 8 orientation, leadership structures and programmes, Eisteddfods, Olympiads, chess clubs, and long distance swimming will still have a permanent place on the Southern Cross College calendar. Along with the established extra-curricular activities, there will be many new opportunities (we are thinking scuba diving in Mozambique, cultural trips to shows and galleries, Junior FGASA qualifications and manymore!) We have a strong, dynamic and capable team who are ready to achieve great things at the College in 2021. They are all currently teachers at the College and collectively havemore than 29 years' experience at Southern Cross Schools. Their primary role will be to serve as mentors, supporting and guiding our learners through the usual day-to-day challenges, academic and otherwise. Above all else, they are there to listen to, engage with and encourage the learners. The role of a mentor takes on the responsibility of academic, sport and cultural support and organisation. We are extremely fortunate to have motivated, multi-skilled and passionate staff whowill always have our learners' best interests at heart!

Education is no longer only about acquiring vocational skills. It is about critical thinking, creativity, co-operation and what you do with what you know. It is about emotional intelligence and being confident to speak your mind.

Southern Cross College has been in the business of educating teenagers for more than 10 years. As a high school, we have produced excellent academic results and provided a safe environment for young adults to be themselves and grow into confident members of society who are not afraid to tackle life's challenges. The 2020 Covid-19 pandemic has given the world a shake-up and it has become apparent that there are many systems and structures that are no longer necessary. Multi-million dollar companies recognise that they can be just as productive with employees working remotely and on virtual platforms, as theywere in the office. The same can be said about the classroom, and education has been propelled into a new, exciting technological era. 2021 will be a dynamic year for Southern Cross College as the Board of Governors and school embrace the current times and changes in education by remodelling theCollege. From January 2021, Southern Cross College will be affiliated with an online teaching organisation called Brainline. Brainline, an IEB-accredited educational institution that has been in operation for 30 years, will be delivering the academic content to theCollege learners. Why? There are many advantages to Southern Cross College collaborating with Brainline: • Extensive subject choice offering a total of 20 subjects to choose from, • A substantial reduction in school fees, • Support and guidance of a dedicatedmentor in the classroomat SouthernCrossCollege, • Flexibility for learners towork at their own pace, • A structured school environment catering formore than just the academic needs of learners, • Exposure to skills and technology driving global development.

It is a bold move that will prepare our Southern Cross College learners to move with the times, to embark on new challenges, to create their own direction and to embrace their future with conviction and determination. Thismove is ground-breaking and exciting! Is it a BOLD move? ABSOLUTELY!

Landscaping viewed from a Covid-19 perspective by Admin Fieldworks

Piet Oudolf, a very well-known landscaper from the Netherlands, compares a garden to our own seasonality: We are conceived and then born – in most cases, the most beautiful baby in the world (the most incredible experience is to see how seeds are germinating). This is followed by the exuberance of the youth (that need to be trimmed once in a while, but gently). It is normally during this phase that procreation takes place. In adult life, we bask in our glory and think how much experience we have and knowledge we collected. It is a very fulfilling period of our lives. Old age is a time for contemplation and quite often, we are just a skeleton of our former selves (Dry plants that are only the skeleton of their previous beauty can be a tremendous feature in the garden). And then the final demise to make room for a new-born baby.

By this time, we are all painfully aware, (emotionally and financially), of the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. None of us really foresaw the consequences – initially I thought it was only another flu strain. But when it hit the world, including South Africa, it was painful and with long-term implicit consequences that we cannot even imagine at this stage. The world, (socially and economically), will never be the same again. We will have to rethink many aspects of our lives and our interactions with other people. The good news is that the threat will pass. Maybe in one year or maybe in three, but the severe threat will be contained. I hope the Covid-19 experience has taught us that life is not just about material success or climbing the corporate ladder. This type of “success” can vanish overnight. Why do I say there is a link between Covid-19 and landscaping/ gardening? Like Covid-19, the consequences of climate change are also a threat with far reaching consequences. We are constantly bombarded with warnings about climate change. I think many of us are by now immune to the message, as we have heard it so many times, it does not even register any more. Or even worse, we think it is “fake news” (to quote Donald Trump, the Honorable President of the USA). So, what is the link, (but also the big difference), between Covid-19 and climate change? Very simply put – TIME. The threat of climate change is just as real as Covid-19 but it is gradually edging us closer to catastrophic and permanent disaster. We already experience some changes but because it is gradual, it is easy to ignore. The big difference between the two is that the consequences of climate change are IRREVERSIBLE. I will not spell out the detail – either you know it by now or you live in a bubble of your own. From our perspective, climate change also implies changes in the landscape. We should therefore also change our perceptions of the created landscape. To add insult to injury, our government is speeding up the process of climate change at an alarming rate. Our ecosystems are collapsing (coal mining in wetlands); piped potable water is becoming a luxury (thousands of water tanks are being installed across the country); and nobody frowns at disastrously high levels of pollution (sewerage in the streets is now commonplace). If we are moved by the Covid-9 disaster and its consequences and are serious about the consequences of climate change, we should then adjust how we look at gardening and landscaping. I think the following factors should be important to every person:

Seed Germinating

In a natural garden, it is exactly the same. To quote Piet: “…they do it every year, year after year, which is perhaps less about perseverance and endurance, and more about acceptance, or appreciation—appreciating the present moment, whatever stage that happens to be” In spring, (in plant terms), new life sprouts. Plants are the most beautiful fresh colours and a feeling of rebirth is in the air. When the flowers start to appear in summer, we have entered the procreation phase (flowers, after all, are sexual organs). The plant reaches maturity and sheds its seeds. In autumn, the leaves start to discolour leading to very subdued colours that can be breathtakingly beautiful. In winter the plants loses all its leaves or go completely dormant. All that remain now are some skeletons, each with its own charm, colour and character. Unfortunately most of the time we forget that plants, like us, go through the same life cycles. We expect gardens and landscaping to be something that is in the procreation phase, twelve months of the year and the plants should be well behaved. Stay evergreen, don't drop too many leaves (and if they drop leaves remove the leaves as quickly as possible, we do not want to see the dead leaves) and PROCREATE!

1 2 3 4

1. Use local plants wherever possible. Local plants are already adapted to local conditions e.g. rainfall, temperature and soil. The local birds and bees are their pollinators.

2. Use plants that require very little additional watering (soon potable water for this purpose would simply not be available).

3. Use plants that contribute to the wellbeing of other visitors to the garden (let us call it a package deal).

4. Embrace the seasonality of our garden on the Highveld.

Garden in Spring

Is this not a rather silly perception of a landscape? The only way we can achieve this is by turning our plants into eunuchs. They can pretend to procreate twelve months of the year but in fact, they are useless to man and beast. The only happy person is the one who puts the money in his pocket. As the artificial, sterile procreation process is a never-ending activity whereby the plants are replaced and replaced and replaced every four to sixmonths. Instead, start to enjoy all four seasons that your local plants go through. No pressure is placed on stressed resources; we create a haven for wildlife; and contribute to carbon sequestration. But the biggest advantage is that we have created something sustainable with new surprises on a weekly basis. You will even enjoy thewinter skeletonof your plants. It need not emulate a particular veld type, but the plants (if not local) must be adapted to the local climate and be an advantage for the birds and bees. To quote Piet Oudolf again: “Plants are characters I compose with; then I put them on the stage and let them perform.” The performance covers four seasons. This stage is for you to enjoy and to marvel at the variability and beauty of plants. By following this approach you also demonstrate visibly your resistance to environmental destruction and people's total disregard for nature. For those who are new to this concept or want to expand the biodiversity in their gardens, we plan an 'open weekend' at the nursery as soon as lockdown will allow it.We can also assist with plant choices and quantities. Find us onGooglemaps under “wildflower wholesalenursery”. Any comments or suggestions can be sent to [email protected].

Permission given by Johan Wentzel PhD Garden in summer

Unexpected visitors

Shop 20 & 21 Kamogelo Tourism Centre Main Road (R527), Hoedspruit

Wildlife

Michelle Severin 083 469 3821 | WEB REF: 1276566 Mike Dodds 082 906 7004 | WEB REF: 1379072

Michelle Severin 083 469 3821 | WEB REF: 1405147

Affordable eco-friendly living R 2 106 350 This stunning, modern, off the grid home is now available to purchase as a build package in Elephant Rock Eco-Estate. The double storey home is spacious and light. Living areas are located downstairs, while the bedrooms are all upstairs. The living area comprises open plan lounge, kitchen with scullery; dining room, living room and guest bathroom. Upstairs you’ll find 3 en-suite bedrooms and a deck. There is also a greywater recycling system in place.

300ha Big 5 Property bordering Balule R 12 850 000 This 300ha is situated in a sought-after location. If you are serious about getting into the safari industry and looking to build your own bush camp or 5-star lodge, this is a must to see. Properties like these don’t often come onto the market. Genuine seller wanting to sell, fantastic water holes on the property, strong borehole, Eskom power can easily be installed. Property located within a Big 5 reserve and has amazing bushveld.

Delaine Muller 072 117 1133 | WEB REF: 1012922

Jason Jones 083 267 4794 | WEB REF: 1267034

Commercial tented camp, Hoedspruit R 3 295 000 Rare opportunity to own a commercial, luxury safari tented camp within a Private Nature Reserve. Currently two luxury tents are in operation and are already generating a good income. Both luxury tents are fully furnished and have been erected on stilted wooden decking overlooking the magnificent Olifants River. Included in the sale is an inviting farm- style home, comprising of 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, separate dining roomand a kitchenwhich is suitable as an owner’s ormanager’s house.

Stand available in Blyde Wildlife Estate R 440 000 This stand is 3384m² in size and located close to the gate, but still very private and secluded. There are lovely big trees like Marula and Knoppiesdoring. The property also has building plans available which have been approved by the home owners association. This pet friendly estate offers stunning mountain views. Blyde Wildlife Estate is a security controlled estate and situated 20 km outside of Hoedspruit. The estate has its own restaurant, gym, tennis courts and spa.

Jason Jones 083 267 4794 | WEB REF: 1080914 Yvette Th mp on 083 655 7176 | WEB REF: 1300567

Rob Severin 083 469 3820 | WEB REF: 1380896

Horse stable with guest accommodation This unique property is in a stunning location and well suited to continue as a stable, or to be used as a multipurpose property, such as a guest house potentially. It wouldbe suitable to a tourismventure, full time rental tenants, or small-scale agriculture. It is also ideal for animal lovers. The owner’s house can sleep 4 people, there are 16 guest beds, and it can sleep 8 staff. It is spacious and has newbuildings that arewell-maintained with panoramicmountain views and remarkably interesting terrain. R 9 995 000 Go to: www.century21wildlife.co.za E&OE Each Century 21 office is independently owned & operated

Olifants river and big 5 property R 6 600 000 This well-built 4-bedroom house on 8,5 hectares is situated on the northern bank of the Olifants river, in the heart of big 5 country. The lounge has sliding doors that open to a large, elevated covered patio with spectacular views over the river and a watering hole below. The main bedroom and guest room are both en-suite, while there is a shared bathroom for the other two bedrooms, plus a guest toilet. Three of the bedrooms open out to the patio&have breathtaking river views.

A WORLDWIDE LEADER IN REAL ESTATE Call us on: +27 15 793 1534

MOHOLOHOLO 2020

In late 2015 we were called about a brown hyena that was killing ostriches on a farm near Ohrigstad. The farmer had caught the hyena in a humane trap and asked if we could collect him. He was brought back to Moholoholo and placed in our quarantine section. Any 'problem animals' s u c h a s h y e n a a n d leopard are often housed

In Feb 2018 a Wahlberg's eagle was brought to us after being found in the middle of the road at Skuzuza, unable to fly. Luckily after examinations no broken bones or injuries were found on the bird. The best course of treatment was rest, ensuring hydration and good food. After about a week in the clinic the young female was moved to our outside flight cage to see whether she could nowfly. It took a fewdays for her to regain full flight. After about another week of her being outside, (this time was used to monitor her in case she lost flight again and also to make sure she had enough time to exercise before release), she was ready to be released. In conjunction with EWT she was fitted with the usual leg ring for identification but she was also fitted with a satellite harness. This would relay information on her movements after release. To this day, over 2 years later, she is doing so well! Each year shemigrates up to North Sudan before returning for our summer. On the map you can see her movements over the years. As she is a juvenile, she often returns to South Africa a little later than the mature adults as she is not yet ready to breed. On her way southwards she has travelled through 13 different countries over the 2 years! We are so happy to see that she is living a successful and wild life and can only hope this continues!

in our quarantine until release as there is a possibility that they could have a disease that would spread to our resident animals if kept close to them or if using the same cleaning equipment. Another important reason we house them there is because the building is very secluded, it is far away frompeople to minimise the stress on the animal. Once settled the animal will only see caretakers when it is time for feeding and necessary cleaning, making sure they don't get used to people and so keeping their natural wariness. After a few months in our quarantine (this extended period of time is necessary to break their homing instinct to ensure they do not return to where they were considered a problem), the brown hyena was fitted with a GPS collar. He was then transported to a suitable release site not far from Moholoholo. In some cases, it is difficult to break the homing instinct. For example, with this case, the hyena was tracked every day and it wasn't long before we realised, he was heading straight back to the area he was caught. He travelled nearly 90km in 7 days! We notified the farmer so that he could contact us in case the hyena returned to the ostrich farm. Luckily even though he returned to the area he did not cause any further problems.

In November 2018 a baby hooded vulture fell from the nest and was brought to us here at Moholoholo. Vultures are only fed by the parents on the nest itself, it was not an option to place baby back into the nest as it had been destroyed by storms. The young hooded, affectionately named Cheeky, was subsequently raised here at Moholoholo. Back in august Cheeky, who has now been confirmed to be a female through blood tests, was fitted with a satellite harness and released at our vulture restaurant. It is not hugely common knowledge, but most eagle and vulture species will stay close to the nest site for manymonths after fledging and still only be fed by the parents on the nest. As Cheeky is only about 1.5 years it means that she has been staying close by. The enclosure which she grew up in is considered her 'nest'. After her release we saw her almost every day, sometimes with a full crop meaning she had successfully found food somewhere, but sometimes not. We are treating this release as a 'soft release' due to her being a juvenile, meaning that we are supplement feeding her if she comes to her 'nest'. In the past few weeks, we

Over the past 20 years or so we have GPS collared and satellite harnessed numerous individuals. We treated a white stork that was found poisoned and released himwith a tracking device. >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20

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