First Mayor in South Africa to attend the very sought after training course offered by SAHost.

The hon. Councilor Jane Nkalane, mayor of Highlands Municipality and some of her councilors joined some business people to sit in on a two day training session led by the very able Adriaan Rall of SAHost. What does SAHost offer? SAHost builds personal, professional and community pride while inspiring a greater commitment to giving excellent customer service.

It is based on a internationally recognized award winning customer service training programme. Originally developed in British Columbia, Canada SAHost is .an exciting and dynamic community based programme that focuses on interpersonal communications, customer relations and service Tourists are more discerning, than ever, demanding high quality experiences that fulfil their desire to be educated, entertained and excited. The onus is on the Industry to create ways in which we can utilise our unique assets to meet and exceed the expectations of our visitors. South Africans need to realize that they are developing our tourism product for foreigners as well as nationals.

Staff members of Wickhams Retreat, The Dullstroom Inn, Dunkeld Country Estates Proudly Dullstroom, Midveld News and The Highlands Municipality attended the course.

They realize that in a highly competitive marketplace, the customer often has difficulty understanding the difference between many products and services. Lack of communication and positive interaction between businesses and their customers can often result in poor perceptions and a lack of understanding when it comes to the actual services and products on offer to the client.

Those who attended the two day course, were pleasantly surprised by the way Adriaan Rall of SAHost taught the finer points of success and preparing the mind for greater achievements, touching the soul with true stories success and also humility that eventually paved the way to great successes. A very proud and satisfied group of people said goodbye to one another with their badges already pinned on, showing that they have completed the course successfully.

They are now all full-fledged members of SAHost, who committed themselves to perform and make life better for all.
Congratulations to you all and a big thank you to Adriaan.

(DULLSTROOM)

Fanie Skhosana was born near Lydenburg, Mpumalanga in 1953 on the farm Vermont. After his father died (Fanie was then 4 years old) he went to stay with his older brother, Hendrik, in Dullstroom where he completed standard 6 in 1969 at the Mplonhle Primary School.

The Kuit family in Lydenburg then employed him. During that time he tried to join the SAP but was declined because of insufficient academic schooling. In 1988 Fanie met and married his wife, Carol.

Later he was employed at the Coromandel Cash Store where he started following a correspondence course in Business Management at the OMO Business College, which he successfully completed in 1992.

At the age of 40 in 1993 Fanie and Carol with their two children decided to start their own business. After thorough investigation, they opened a general dealer store in Sakhelwe, Dullstroom. It was a very small beginning but the Skhosana family had their trust in a superior source and their faith in their God supported them enormously. He also mentions the name of a certain Johan Minnaar who helped him to obtain certain goals.

Today, after 10 years of hard work, his business is operating as a shop with three different departments. He says that during the ten years he had only one burglary “because God had protected the shop”. Looking back Fanie remembers some awesome times from his childhood. After his father died, his mother had to rear a family of six children with as little as £3 per month.

He mentioned an incident which he will never forget. It so happened that one night the family sat around a fire in their hut with only a pot of water on it. They all wondered what mother was going to put into the put for supper. Suddenly mother burst into tears and told them they will have to go to bed tonight without anything to eat. The next morning when they woke up, mother already returned with wild potatoes and wild tea, which she gathered earlier. This taught him a lesson in survival. Fanie says that even today he could survive in the veld living from wild fruit, roots, grasshoppers, birds and mice.

Today he appreciates every thing he has after he gathered something from nothing. Today his philosophy is to “work with your heart, your love and not by watching the clock”. He is also involved to a large extend in upliftment of the community. His vision for the future is to assist his children, attending a private school in Lydenburg, to complete their studies.

The whole family is staying in Lydenburg at present from where Fanie commutes daily to Sakhelwe where he has his shop. When his children have completed their education Fanie hopes to buy a farm where he can retire.

Dullstroom Runners; 10/07/03

To Proudly Dullstroom,

We would like to express our greatest appreciation for your donation of money enabling us to arrive at the Comrades Marathon and participate. We were very pleased with our results gaining 1 silver medal, 3 half silver/bronze and 2 bronze medals. We enjoyed the trip to Natal and also the hospitality received there and were able to wear our orange Proudly Dullstroom peak caps with pride.

Best regards.

The managing members of Rock-on-Climbing cc. and Roc and Rope Adventures cc; have decided to revive the rock-climbing scene and once again host a "Rock Rally" event in Waterval Boven. The Elandskrans Mountain Resort also co-hosts the event in the form of organising and providing the facilities.

The concept of this competition-based event is to use this endurance-style race in order to draw more climbers together. Our objective is to bring the pros and beginners together to socialise and compete and have fun together. Bring your dog, bring your girlfriend, and bring your mother!

As in a golf match, every climber will be given a handicap based upon his climbing performance over the last year and other previous personal best performances.
Climbers will be given a time frame (about 11 hours, spaced over 2 days) in which they must complete as many routes as possible. There are over 350 routes to choose from in 30 different locations (crags), within reasonable walking distance away - never further than 5km! This makes the venue ideal for hosting the competition. Climbs further away from the race starting point (Elandskrans), will score more points, and closer climbs will carry a lesser value on a point scoring structure. Other technicalities will be put in place to level the playing fields and give weaker climbers the chance to score big as well. Good planning may lead to winning results even if your performance on the day is lacking…

Although a certain level of seriousness is always kept when one calls it a competition, an element of fun and the social aspect of this event will be promoted to draw old timers, young guns and weekenders together to a weekend with a difference at Elandskrans.
Craig Kluckow from Rock-on-Climbing in Nelspruit and Gustav Janse van Rensburg from Roc 'n Rope Adventures have taken on the responsibilities of the registrations and actual race management.

Provisional Program
Friday 26 September
Arrival 17h00 Hall - Live music, dinner & drinks (possible climbing photo exhibit/official guide book launch)

Saturday 27 September
Breakfast/Brunch - Whistle & Trout
Registration 08h00-11h00 - NO REGISTRATIONS AFTER 11h00!
12h00 Race Starts - hall
17h30 Back in hall

Evening
Pasta extravaganza/beer tent by the hall - food provided by the Whistle & Trout
Slide show/videos/Gear Exhibitions

Sunday 28 September
07h30 Gather at hall
08h00 2nd leg starts
13h30 Back in hall
Process results - prize giving (14h00)
Chill out at the pool, braai & informal slack line walking or do more climbing!

Call us for more info
Gustav 082 7533 695 Roc 'n Rope Adventures - Waterval Boven
Craig 083 452 0242 Roc-on-Climbing - Nelspruit

(Dullstroom)

The SA Federation of Sled Dog Sport held a sledding event and a fun run for sled dogs at Dullstroom during the weekend of 19 and 20 July.

Seven teams of the SAFSS participated.

The two imported Alaskan Huskies, Turbi and Hera owned by Christo Smit from Howling Dogs Kennels, Alberton, broke the SA record for running the 1,6km in 2 minutes 42 seconds.

Turbi also won the overall first prize of the best sled dog in the show.

This was the first show in SA to combine mixed breeds with pedigree dogs under the banner of sled dogs.

South Africa Crane Working Group, a working group of the Endangered Wildlife Trust

We as South African’s need to take pride in our natural heritage and accept the value and economic benefit that our exceptional biodiversity affords us, in terms of ecotourism and maintaining the natural life-support systems. However, in spite of past conservation activities, many of South Africa's larger bird species, including the cranes, are threatened in one way or another.

Few of these birds can be effectively protected within the boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries, as they are prone to flying large distances to forage or to maintain contact with other members of the species. For this reason, cranes throughout South Africa find themselves inhabiting the important privately-owned agricultural regions of the country. It is for this reason that today's conservationists and custodians of the natural environment are without a doubt our farmers and private landowners. They are the key to the survival of these species, as they own the land and often hold the fate of these species, including cranes, in their farming practices and management. The crane family exemplifies many of the challenges and opportunities of modern biodiversity conservation – the maintenance of viable populations of the species in the wild in natural habitats in areas dominated by human activity and land use.

Fundamental to any conservation programme is reliable census data, allowing a better understanding of the population structure on which to base management strategies. For this reason the South African Crane Working Group initiated the National Crane Census, which allows us to gain relevant information in order to make management decisions based on sound data. The SACWG would like to urge all landowners and land managers throughout the country to participate in the National Crane Census. By landowners becoming involved in this National Crane Census, they can take the first step to participating in active crane conservation and taking responsibility for their cranes. In this way we can co-exist without the cranes losing their opportunity to grace our skies.

Our ultimate aim is to remove our three crane species from any threatened species listing. As you are aware, our national bird, the Blue Crane, as well as Africa’s most common crane, the Grey Crowned Crane are both listed as “VULNERABLE” in South Africa, while Africa’s largest and rarest crane, the Wattled Crane, is listed as “CRITICALLY ENDANGERED” in the Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. We need your help to do this.

THE 2003 NATIONAL CRANE CENSUS

The National Crane Census will be held over a 48 hour period on the 25 / 26 July 2003, starting at 6am on the Friday 25 July and finishing at 6pm on the evening of Saturday 26 July. The idea behind the count is for the landowner, or any other individual to count the number of cranes on his / her property anytime during that period. This information can then be returned to the coordinator for your region on the standardized datasheets (please see contact details below for where to get access to the information and datasheets).

YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO CONSERVING OUR NATURAL HERITAGE – TAKE PART IN THE NATIONAL CRANE CENSUS. Please help us census our crane populations and realize the benefits of having these magnificent birds on your property.

For more information or access to datasheets, please contact:

Kevin McCann
South African Crane Working Group
Tel. / fax (033) 263 2750
Email : mccrane@iafrica.com

In the Mpumalanga Highlands Area please contact:

Leon-Jacques Theron
Highlands Crane Group
Tel: (013) 254 0191
E-mail: theronlj@lantic.net

We would like to take the opportunity to thank Eskom and the Mazda Wildlife Fund for their generous sponsorship of this valuable crane conservation project.

Tel : (011) 486 1102, Fax : (011) 486 1506; e-mail: crane@ewt.org.za; Private Bag X11, Parkview, 2122, South Africa

Mid-morning on the 24th of June 2003, three African weasels were spotted just to the right of the Longmeadow Lodge building. Two of the weasels were battling it out in juvenile raucousness, a flurry of black and white accompanied by toned down growls and screams. Mr Johannes Morodi, a Longmeadow Home Farms staff member spotted them first. Rarely seen, it was like a shot in the arm for Mr. Johannes Morodi, and Mr. Paul Clarke, Longmeadow Home Farms farm manager, to come across such an interesting find.

As they approached the two playful juveniles, what appeared to be the female scampered off down to the cover of the undergrowth along the banks of the Crocodile River below the property. By this time the juveniles had holed up beneath a clump of reeds along the neighbours fence. Welding gloves and a cardboard box were summoned and used to capture the ferocious little buggers. With weasels hanging on welding gloved fingertips they were dropped, smelling, into the box and whisked away for a photo session and an introduction to Mrs. Edda Polandt, the local veterinarian, and Mr And Mrs Nigel Briggs, owners of The Dullstroom Inn.

Mr. Frans Krige, representative of Mpumalanga Parks stated that very little is known about these animals. In fact, these are the first live specimens to be recorded in the Dullstroom vicinity. The previous specimens were found dead. One such specimen’s skeletal remains have been preserved and are presently residing in the pub of the Dullstroom Inn. The weasels were returned to where they were found. It was only after some encouragement, shaking them out the box, that they put on a brilliant live display for local cinematographers, Lauren and Phillipa Briggs, after which they disappeared into the undergrowth.

Extract from: The Complete Book of Southern African Mammals, Gus Mills and Lex Hes, 1997, Struik Winchester, page 203 – Contributor: Dave Rowe-Rowe.

Listed as rare and endangered, the African Weasel, together with the Dwarf Mongoose is Africa’s smallest carnivore. Apparently it mates for periods of 60 – 80 minutes, the longest duration among African mammals. It has a 32-day gestation period, the shortest recorded in any carnivore. Being a member of the Polecat and Skunk family, it ejects a foul-smelling fluid when harassed. It is a specialist hunter of rodents up to its own size. Its natural habitat is moist grasslands or woodlands and is under threat from human expansion. There is a high demand for parts of the Weasel in traditional medicine where it is used to bring good luck or protect from physical harm. The animal is also used as a love charm. Its use in traditional medicine is also a threat to their numbers.

Love is like a fire… it can light up your life or burn down your heart…

Not even Solomon could explain the love between a man and a woman, what is essential, is that your fairy tale should start the way you always dreamed it would… at Dunkeld Country Estate (but first, a little bit more about my future man).

You found that man, the perfect man, not perfect in every sense of the word, but perfect in every sense of your word. He is your companion, your lover, your friend, he carried you through the good times and the bad, assisted you with your ambitions. But that soft kiss he wakes you with in the morning, makes you realize that you want to be treated, the way he treats you… for the rest of your life.

The one thing you will never forget was the first time he said he loved you, you with all your faults, you with your shortcomings, you and only you. He loves the way the wind blows through your hair, he loves the way you smile, he loves the way your curls gets in his face when he wants to kiss you, he loves the way your face lights up when he brings you flowers.

Now, after the butterflies turned into a legendary love song, he suddenly one day becomes secretive. He does this thing with his mouth when he lies and suddenly his lip is twitching every time you ask him where he was, you become nervous… until one day.

He was on his knees asking you to be his… for the rest of your life.

You want to celebrate your passion for each other with dancing, great music and fun. Your theme should be enhanced by the glow of candlelight, the shimmer of crystal and of course, traditional roses and your touch to the whole atmosphere.

Something old something new, something borrowed, something blue…

Marriage is all about new beginnings, together, so what better way to start of your new life as companions is to break away together.

It was the most precious moment in you’re life until the day you realized that you want the perfect venue to celebrate your perfect love.

Dunkeld Country Estate, the most luxurious setting available with a distinct charm of its own to light up your life and celebrate your perfect love. Couples are captivated by the breath taking scene alongside with the personalized service that makes you feel like the princess you are.

Dunkeld Country Estate offers the romantic at heart the perfect setting for the ultimate in fairy-tale weddings. The quaint chapel can accommodate up to 100 guests. They can accommodate 28 guests sharing in 14 luxury hotel rooms, and 50 guests sharing in 10 chalets. Our restaurant serves fine cuisine personally prepared by our acclaimed chef. Sit back and relax while qualified staff takes over all those stressful arrangements usually associated with preparing for the special day. From the minister right through to the catering, they will arrange it all for you. With modern equipment at your disposal you can rest assured that your wedding will be without a glitch.

I heard amazing things from Dunkeld Country Estate, but being the woman that I am (capable of anything but still emotional) I was captured by a letter written by a former lady in her the wedding shoes.)

" The blanket of mist that embraced the emerald green hills left me in awe as my husband and I drove through the thick forest that yields the entrance to the destination we chose for our honeymoon - Dunkeld Country Estate. Mesmerized by the uncompromising luxury of the Hotel reception, our excitement mounted as we were escorted to our Hotel room. Nothing could have prepared us for what we were about to experience. As the doors where opened gracefully the crackling of our fireplace was the only sound to be heard for miles. As I stepped into the room I sunk into the rich luxury of the off-white carpet.

My husband poured the champagne that awaited us .The king size bed took up half of the room and all finishing in dark mahogany enhanced the old English atmosphere. I strolled into the bathroom where again I was taken aback by the unbelievable high standards. The huge oval-shaped bath was inviting and I opted for a bubble bath before we set of for dinner. The smell of freshly baked bread was hypnotizing as we were directed to our table in the exquisitely elegant dining room.

Clearly great attention was giving to etiquette as everything was to the tee. The smoked trout in phyllo pastry we had for starters was divine and so was the roast leg of lamb in mint sauce I opted for as my main meal. My husband felt for something a little more exotic and had the quail stuffed with ham and black mushrooms in a garlic sauce. Needless to say it was delicious! Our crème bruleé added the finishing touch to the perfect meal. After enjoying the dusty undertones of ripe fruit of the bottle of cabernet sauvignon, it was time to trade in magic and romance for our king size bed.

The next morning dawned bright and brisk and we jetted off to the restaurant to enjoy a full English breakfast before heading for the stables. We were heading out on safari. The two hour trail we chose took us to some of the amazing spots on this estate. Our first stop was at a waterfall situated on the east side of the farm. We must have been there for at least two hours taking in the luscious tranquility nature has to offer. Then we trotted towards the south of the Estate as we were on the lookout for the small game like Zebras and Oribi. We passed by some ruins that are grim reminders of the Anglo Boer War and got so swept up in a conversation about heritage that we did not notice crossing the edge of a hill and below us the glorious beauty of the outstretched valley - and behold a herd of Wildebeest. Having achieved our goal we decided to return to the hotel for lunch.

We had a light lunch and then headed for our first fly-fishing experience. We dressed up in traditional gear, took our rods and off we went with our instructor to uncover the gentle art of fly-fishing and to experience the thrill of coaxing a trout to rise to our selection and presentation of the fly. Well!! After two hours of intense fishing we decided that a couple of drinks would be in order and that we'll implement our now thoroughly practiced technique the next day".

Dullstroom enjoys the company of many local and international guests and is suited for the queen. Many brides made their dreams come true at one of the many exquisite venues situated in and around the heart of the Highlands Meander. I invite you… future bride, happily married, mother of the bride and all the mother in laws not to forget about the grooms too to write to us about your magic Dullstroom wedding.

A group of students from Pretoria spent a week in Sakhelwe reaching out to the local people. They are ordinary people from various backgrounds, giving a little bit of their hearts to show Gods love. All the students agree that Sakhelwe takes a special place in their hearts, so much that some have come here for the seventh time. Their mission is to humbly serve and evangelize to people, by doing a children’s and youth programme and spending time in the community, visiting people. In part of the youth programme important issues were discussed. They watched the video of Bruce Wilkinson – God’s answer to AIDS. There is a big need for AIDS education in the community. The long term goal of the outreach is to equip people with knowledge and skills and guide them to be leaders in the community and the local church. “It is a privilege for us to serve, because it is better to give than to receive”.

The first impression one gets when entering the Riverman Factory Workshop at Dullstroom is the rich smell of genuine leather. Six years ago Chris Roux, qualified saddle maker, started his industry in a small shed on Santa Estates and today he works from a fully equipped workshop in Dullstroom. Chris has been trained in Germany as a master saddle maker and his work is of international standard. He is also exporting his leather products to Europe.

Lately he specializes in manufacturing The Highlands Trail Saddle which has a unique design. How ever his main production line is his hand-made fishing rod leather cases which has become an excellent seller.

Other products also manufactured are hand-stitched belts, bags, handbags, hunting accessories or any special orders in leather goods.
For more information contact Chris at 013 254 0183 or 082 632 1508.

Northwest of Dullstroom is the charmingly pastoral area of Tonteldoos. In this quiet rural valley below the Steenkampsberg are peach, sheep and dairy farms. The Boer war has left its mark with wonderful stories of heroics, horse trading and swapped allegiances. The perennial Tonteldoos River which runs through Froggy Pond Farm was gently harnessed using furrows dating back a hundred years, some many miles long carried precious water to remote and lonely homesteads. These pioneers built modest stone dwellings, they planted oak trees and many orchards of fruit and nut bearing trees, still here today.

This is what enchanted and inspired Les and Patricia Wade to restore and revive their pretty farm. Beneath the majestic oaks and amongst the frail old almond, apple and apricot trees they planted lavender and built stone cottages, transforming a piece of neglected and unloved land into a little French flavoured heaven. Les and Patricia warmly welcome guests to their cottages and visitors to their lavender shop. Sophisticated and up-market products made from lavender by the talented staff as well as Provincial style linen armoires are sold. Linger a while and browse through Patricia’s authorities book on all aspects of lavender including a chapter on her life in France, whilst sipping freshly fragrant coffee served with Italian almond biscotti made from almonds grown on the farm.

The four stone cottages offer spacious stylish luxury with log fires, deep verandahs, cotton linen and Victorian bathrooms. Fishermen are well catered for with trophy trout to tantalize the experienced fly fisherman. Froggy Pond Farm is now recognized as an established place of absolute peace and tranquility. Their many regular guests have come to cherish this very special hide-way. Popular day courses on lavender growing and relative crafts are held regularly. Just call the farm on 013 254 0207.

Join Louis and Riana for a wonderful time in the tranquility nature at Ratelspruit, situated near Dullstroom. An unforgettable experience with lots of fun and activities in breathtaking natural beauty, crispy clear mountain streams, waterfalls, ravines and cliffs, awaits the one who answers this call.

At Ratelspruit you can enjoy excellent accommodation, hike the Ratelspruit Hiking Trail, enjoy nature on horseback, outsmart wary and wily trout and tackle the 4x4 route.

Enjoy excellent accommodation in a fully equipped self-catering cottage, overlooking a truly magnificent vista of dam and river at your doorstep. Either treat yourself in a mountain hut with breathtaking views and the sound of waterfalls nearby. One can also camp with your own tent in pristine surroundings right next to the river.

Superb fly-fishing in clear mountain streams, where one can test his skills in the natural pools in search of wily brown and rainbow trout.

A scanned 13 km 4x4 trail through bush, water and hilly landscape towards the most picturesque view spots, caters for the less novice driver to try out his skills and enjoy nature by vehicle.

The Ratelspruit Hiking Trail consists out of 2 circular and 1 backpack route; with base camp and overnight facilities. A very interesting route up to magnificent waterfalls, indigenous forest and a refreshing swimming pool in the river. A wide variety of birds, small game and veld flowers to enjoy. Day hikes available to waterfalls.

BOOKINGS: Louis & Riana
Tel/fax: 013 254 0831
Cell: 083 731 3915
e-mail: ratelspruit@mweb

WEB: www.ratelspruit.co.za

Day visitors are welcome by prior arrangements.

Bospoort close to Belfast in Mpumalanga is the farm of Frik and Corrie du Toit. This farm is an excellent example of the diversity of farm and eco pleasure to tourists. The Du toit-family farms with “people”. Their farming is focused to give city people the opportunity to feel and experience the farm while sharing in the activities of farming. At Bospoort they only farm with indigenous breeds; Nguni cattle, Damara sheep, pigs and chickens. Guests enjoy it to test their skill at milking cows and riding a donkey bareback. You can even help separating cream from milk and see for yourself that milk does not originate from the super market down the street. Bospoort is indeed a very interesting destiny. Apart from the stately fully equipped mansion with its 14 beds and coal oven in the kitchen for cold winter months, groups of up to 50 people can be comfortably housed in self catering units.

This accommodation is very popular amongst church, school and other youth organizations who love to enjoy the hiking and horse riding trails. Facility equipment for team building can also be much fun to enjoy. The Bospoort hiking trails consist of 2 one-day circle routes with alternative easier choices for the less experienced in order that every hiker can enjoy nature with its water falls, indigenous trees, small game and rich bird life. Bospoort is situated in the Trout Triangle with its beautiful dams for fly fishermen in Belfast and surrounding farms. Tariffs are within every person’s reach – a mere R100 per adult and R50 for children under the age of 12 years in the main house and from R25 in the self catering units.

For more information on Bospoort and other Farmstay facilities visit www.farmstay.co.za or phone 012 807 2192 or 082 882 7475.

Experience fly-fishing at its best, 20 km north of Dullstroom on Houtenbek dating back to 1879. We have 10 dams and 4 km of river fishing high up on the Steenkampsberg 7000 ft. above sea level. Enjoy farm life and hospitality on a private nature reserve (since 1969) adjoining Verlorenvallei. Agric Tourism started 14 years ago on this historical family farm when problem animals and stock theft made sheep farming uneconomical in an area where private reserves emerged, attracting wild life nature lovers, tourists and fly fishermen.

Activities at O’Grady’s include: Fly fishing, herding and counting cattle on horseback ranch style, hiking, bird watching (200 species), clay pigeons, bird shooting, hunting (Blesbuck), dog handling, 4x4 drives among wild horses. For city slickers observing milking, calving, lambing (August to Oct) shearing, drying peaches and night drives can be arranged. Accommodation: We have 2 farmhouses and 3 cottages, which are self-catering, fully equipped for the avid fly fisherman and nature lover.

Contact Bobby at Dullstroom tel 0123 254 0079 or 083 456 7846

November 2002 Edition