In June 2003 the Minister of local and provincial government announced that the Municipalities should be competing against each other for Performance of Excellence. He said that municipalities must be awarded for the implementation of the new systems and structures that are set by the Provincial Government and for their service delivery.

The Highlands Municipality was given instructions to amalgamate the four towns, Belfast, Dullstroom, Waterval Boven and Machadodorp into one Municipality. It was an extraordinary accomplishment and a job well done. For this accomplishment the Highlands Municipality was nominated as one of the top ten municipalities for the Mpumalanga Provincial Municipal Performance of Excellence, the Vuna Awards 2003.

Vuna means harvest, so what you as a municipality put into the community and the other way around, you will harvest at the end of the day. The design of the Vuna logo that proudly has its place at the top of the certificate consists of a sun, a crop and land, which depicts all the ingredients that the land needs for prosperity.

If this was not enough, the Highlands Municipality brought home a big shiny gold trophy for the most improved local authority of the year 2003, sponsored by Standard Bank for their quality and quantity housing projects, which includes RDP and PHP housing structures.

The Highlands Municipality delivered the most RDP houses for the period 2002/2003 in the Mpumalanga. 210 RDP houses of approximately 50 square meters each was delivered and is fully subsidized by the government. They also provided the most PHP houses in Mpumalanga. 300 PHP houses were delivered.

PHP houses work on a different scale and are more preferred and encouraged by the municipality. The Hon. Mayor said that it teaches the residents to contribute to their own homes and give them a sense of responsibility they can be proud of. With PHP houses, the government provides exactly the same subsidy as for RDP houses, but the homeowner contributes to his house in the form of supplying material, labour or a financial contribution. This criterion determines how much bigger your house will be depending on how much extra effort you put into the project yourself. Highlands’s municipality was the first municipality in Mpumalanga to build PHP houses and plan to be finished with more than 500 PHP houses by 31 June 2004.

The ceremony for the Vuna Awards 2003 was held at the Emnotweni arena in Nelspruit on the 17th of October 2003 and Hon. Mayor Jane Nkalane and municipal manager Oscar Nkosi was there to receive the award on behalf of the Highlands Municipality from Sydney Mufamadi.

Jane Nkalane, Mayor of Highlands Municipality, states that she is very proud of all the councillors, public officials, the executive committee members of the Emakhazeni Economic Forum and the community at large that helped to make this dream come true. She says that the council fight together for one cause, and that is serving the community and to improve the living conditions of the people. The municipality will always ensure that they make the right decisions so that it has a positive impact on the community.

She said that the Highlands Municipality realizes that there is room for improvement and development in all the areas of being a service provider, but they believe that through teamwork and community involvement, they can reach new heights. It is very important to work with the private sector to serve the community better. She states that the Emakhazeni Economic Forum supports the Highlands Municipality tremendously in most of her projects and decisions and that she is indeed very proud of them.

Oscar Nkosi said that the Vuna awards are not only about the accomplishments of municipality, but also with their involvement with the private sector. The municipality relates to the business sector through the Emakhazeni Economic Forum and he encourage the public to support and work with the forum to reach these heights and to improve it.

The symbolism depicted in the coat of arms:

Fish Eagle - represents service excellence that will fly higher and higher, it also depicts the bird species that we have in Highlands/Emakhazeni, the open wings shows the unity and especially how Highlands guards all its units

Clouds - Depicts the climate of Highlands/Emakhazeni, which is usually very cold and cloudy.

Trout - Highlands/Emakhazeni is a hub of South Africa; it generates most of its economic activities through trout fishing.

Aloe - is a flower that is common in Highlands/Emakhazeni.

Castle, Railway line - Waterval Boven and Machadodorp are historic railway towns.

Shield - Depicts the cultural varieties we have in Highlands/Emakhazeni.

Farming and Forestry - Highlands is a predominantly farming area and a number of people are employed by forestry industries in Highlands/Emakhazeni.

Kumnyama kubomvu siyonqoba - “When we join hands and work together we will concur.”

Hidden in the Mpumalanga Highlands, The Skurweberg is the jewel of the Drakensberg.

The Skurweberg, redolent with history and adventure, from the earliest days of the Koi and San to the modern day fisherman and hiker, all have been stunned and awed by the magnificence of this part of the African Escarpment.

Situated just 2 hours from Johannesburg, and halfway to the world famous Kruger National Game Reserve, the Skurweberg and its environment is poised to become the playground for the international tourist and Gauteng.

Since the Skurweberg Pass was first opened between Machadodorp and the goldfields of Barberton, the weary traveller has found a place of peace and refuge to rest by the cool mountain streams that flow into the Komati.

Skurweberg, so named for the ancient sandstone outcroppings that are a rare example of an ancient seabed from the Godwana period, protect a wonderland of stunted yellowwood trees and aloes, It is the highest point of this stunningly beautiful area that stretches down the Hell's Kloof Pass into the magnificent gorges and canyons cut by the Bankspruit, Elands and Komati rivers.

This is the very lip of the African escarpment that falls to the steaming Monomatapa flats creating secret places with thundering waterfalls and still pools where the yellow fish and trout lurk, to challenge the skills of the angler and enchant the mind.

The Skurweberg Tourist Association, a collaboration between all the Tourist destinations between Machadodorp and Badplaas, compromises 16 establishments offering the discerning visitor a unique and varied African mountain experience.

The association is committed to ensuring that all our guests will receive a warm welcome, excellent fishing, hiking and horse trails, 4x4 drives, cycling rides and all the other country pursuits in a safe and secure environment, with top class accommodation.

For more Information contact:
Mac MacDonald
Tel: (017) 844-1252
Fax: (017) 844-1252
Cell: 083 276 7687
E-mail: skurweberg@telkomsa.net
Web site: www.theskurweberg.co.za

(Daan du Plessis)

On 15 October Belfast Academy’s Awards Evening proved to be the highlight of the year for its many dedicated learners. 144 learners were awarded for their hard work during the year, 53 trophies, 6 medals, 6 book prizes and 182 certificates were handed out.

12 learners received colours and one full colour for academy. The top achievers were: Top Student of the Year – Ansia Booyse (grade 12); Dux-learner – Nelisiwe Shabangu (grade 12); Good Fellowship trophy - Betty Nkosi (grade 12); Sports Woman of the Year – Samantha Farmer (grade 11) and Sports Man of the Year – Evert Walraven (grade 10).

Medals for outstanding academic results were rewarded to 6 learners and 32 learners received Gold Scrolls. The public supported this special evening by donating an incredible R13 300 which was utilized as awards. Sponsors: ABSA, ATKV Platorand branch, Petrie Badenhorst, Belfast Toyota, Dawie Broers, André Botha, Eunice-Ann Cilliers, Melanie Coetzer, Deon en Teresa Conradie, Wouter Dercksen, Dunkeld Country Estate, First National Bank, Eloff Wood Decorators, Hein Engelbrecht, Pam Golding Properties Dullstroom, Gr 10 parent, Highlands Spar, Kosmos Bookstore, Louise Kritzinger, Moira Lemmer, Sampie Lundell, Marlin Granite, Ingrid Scheepers, TVLU, Danie van Rensburg, Jandré Venter.

However, there is more to the festival than just a celebration of the flower itself. As the Local Tourism Organisation, our organisation (or GRPA) has identified it as a powerful marketing tool with which we introduce tourists to this unique area. The festival's success, as with the flower itself, still stands on a delicate foundation and we need all the assistance we can muster to realise its full potential. Starting off only as a Boeremark in 1998, it has however developed to become a mayor tourist attraction in the area. With the gradually increasing number of people becoming dependant on the income generated from tourists, we need to consolidate our community and focus all our attention on this coming festival.

Amongst other aims in our Strategic Tourism Plan for the future, we would like to economically empower the previously disadvantaged individuals in our community to develop their entrepreneurial skills by marketing their arts and crafts at strategically located road stalls and at the local Mapoch Caves, a venue which is currently being developed through overseas funding to become another anchor tourism attraction to Roossenekal.

The items that will be presented on the Festival Program will focus on relaxation and fun - a golf tournament, boeresport (the "Geelvarkoor Survivor's Challenge"), entertainment by local artists as well as by bands from Pretoria, donkey cart rides and other fête items. Local crafters will sell their wares and dozens of potted Yellow Arum Lilies in flower will be on sale from registered vendors. Trips will be undertaken by tour operators to sites abundant with Yellow Arums and a dance will conclude the festivities. Prominent media representatives have expressed their keen interest in the Festival and their accommodation will even be sponsored by guest houses in the area.

We invite people to come to Roossenekal for the week-end - some 250 beds are a available at holiday farms, guest houses, a hotel, a school hostel, camps and at private homes. Prices are still reasonable in this area and you will experience true platteland hospitality. Our scenic countryside will entice you in this region which is also free from malaria.

DON’T MISS THE FESTIVAL!

For more information regarding the Festival - i.e. Tickets for the Dance and availability of stalls, please contact Irene du Preez at 013 273 7025 / 083 655 3295 or Marietjie Niebuhr at 013 273 7074 or at grpainfo@telkomsa.net

(Hennie Venter)

With the launch of Ford’s new bakkie range at Dunkeld Country Estate, just outside Dullstroom, it became evident that the new Ford Ranger could bite deep into the Bakkie Market. Smart new styling, improved suspension, a new super cab option and a variety of engines offered, which includes the hot four-litre V6, makes this bakkie a sure winner.

At the launch, the big news was the arrival of the new Super Cab. With a cab, a little smaller than the that of the Double cab, the Super Cab offers large storage space behind the front seats without sacrificing as much bin space as does the Double-Cab. Large lockable stowage boxes can be clipped in and out as required. Because there are no rear seats, the bakkie qualifies for a VAT discount as a commercial vehicle. With enough space you can fit in a couple of passengers into the luggage area as well.

At the Dunkeld Country Estate launch, the bakkies showed their steel. 4 x 2 and 4 x 4 Ranger Double Cab and Super cab bakkies, all powered by Ford’s refined 2.5 litre turbodiesel engines. Although 80 kW does not sound so impressive, but the 257 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm manage to get the job well done on the road. Covering 300km on a tar road, 60km on gravel roads and a couple of kilos on 4X4 dirt- tracking , the bakkies but only impressed driver and onlookers. The comments were that the bakkies were absolutely rattle-free, comfort levels were high and performance and handling were great.

Apart from excellent performance the entire range model lineup has been face lifted. You will find a new High-tensile steel chassis which replaces the mild-steel one that was used in the 26 000 Rangers sold since the launch three years ago. The front end has been completely redesigned to give a steeper and deeper look. A fair amount of interior changes will also please the user. A choice of petrol engines range from 1,8, 2,2, to 4,0-litre displacement. Diesel fans can choose between naturally aspired or turbo-charged 2.5.litre units.

To become a proud owner of one of these outstanding vehicles you may want to buy the 1800 Single Cab long wheelbase workhorse for R124 060 or perhaps the 2500 TD double Cab XLT 4 X4 diesel at R297 495. The price for the 4-litre is not yet available.

(Daan du Plessis)

Tuesday evening, 21 October was marked as Hobo Night at well-known restaurant The Poacher in Dullstroom. The locals were invited to dress up as hoboes and together enjoy an evening of fun. Many hoboes pitched up for this special event and were welcomed and waited upon by the staff dressed as members of the Salvation Army movement. Suitable decor was applied for special effects and every body present seemed to enjoy their humbled role.

The name "Hobo" first started appearing in the early 1800's. Before the Civil War in America many hoboes had taken to the rails as a way of life. Around the time of the Civil War, railroads were being built at an astonishing rate and in the early 1870's there were between 50,000 and 60,000 miles of track interwoven throughout the United States. During the early days late 1880's a depressed economy was certainly prevalent, times were hard and hoboes took to the rails in great numbers, hitchhikers were also increasing, nobody had any money to go anywhere and pay the ticket to get there. By the 1930's this had grown to about 241,000 miles of track and the trains were running to all the bustling markets, Chicago, Michigan and from all points south to move raw goods to the industrial northern areas, hauling cattle grain and everything else imaginable. Some during the early days would say that the hobo was one into doing a lot of bad things, stealing and you name it., that they would derail trains and take over the entire train. But in the rural communities people would help them and give them jobs during the harvest time.

Every hobo had a thing that he did really well, repair shoes, make wire fruit bowls and he sure could hoe a garden for a little something to eat. Many could play good music with a guitar or harmonica, or some other musical instruments. It was not uncommon to see a hobo standing in the rear of a house drinking a cup of coffee and eating a sandwich, standing up, then doing a little chore for the donor of the coffee and food. In around the time that World War 1 was raging and we were yet to join in the war, hoboes were running rampant, trying to get into a stable work force and maybe settle down and some did, but the number continued to grow.

By the 1920' the unsettling image was making a change , there were some very notable people that had rode the rails, among them Jack London, and author Carl Sandburg, they made it big in their field so many people took this to mean that there were some that had it all together and could make a go of it , without living around a bunch of trains. A clown made up as a hobo caught a lot of attention , what they really did was depict a way of life in America, some people could relate to that. During the Great Depression over 8,000 women & over 200,000 children rode the rails as well.

In 1932 the Bonus marchers arrived to pressure Hoover for their long awaited bonuses, and they were not the same as the hobo who was resourceful in making his way and not starving, he made it on the ability to get by, they improvised when the chips were down. The center of the hobo life as the camp's or jungles, which were located wherever it was most convenient , preferably close to a railroad track. Generally on the sunny side of a hill near a source of water; and as close as possible to the tracks. No real names were given, you used a moniker like Luther the Jet, Hobo Joe and Greenie, Cinder Box Cindy, Oklahoma Slim, Guitar Whitey, Mister Bojangles, Midwest John, Boxcar Willie (see story below), Gats, New York Maggie, Photo Boll, Pig Train, North Bank Fred, New York Ron, Liz Lump, Senator John Mc Claughry, There were certain rules, pots were left clean, no fellow hobo was to rob another one. ( who came into camp ) Thievery was to be kept to a minimum, maybe a piece of food taken or vegetables taken from a garden or something off the clothesline. There was to be no breaking into any house or threatening people, these were serious offenses and could bring death by a fellow hobo.

Hobo's rode freight trains nearly always. Greenie told me that he always carried a railroad spike with a gold painted tip, so he could identify as his. He would use this to keep the railroad yardman from closing the door on him, which could result in him freezing to death or suffocating, as some freight cars were pushed into the rail yard and out of use for weeks at a time.

In the period leading up to World War 2 saw many hobos, going into the 3-c camps and then into the army and serving in World War 2, afterward some would take advantage of the GI Bill and enter college or other professions. After the war the numbers of hobo's declined rapidly. What used to be up to 500 on a freight train in the early 50's would only turn into around 10 hobo's on a fully loaded freight train. So the handwriting was on the wall, they were a group that would be almost extinct in the years to come, but a few still lead this life, but the number's remaining are limited. construction ongoing

Boxcar Willie: In Branson, MO., Well known Hobo and Country singer Boxcar Willie is back on track in his battle against leukemia. The 67-year-old entertainer returned home from the hospital Tuesday March 2, 1999, he had received chemotherapy. He had been hospitalized for two weeks after cancer treatments left him ill and weak. "He's doing a little better," said his daughter, Tammy La Core. Box Car Willie was diagnosed with leukemia in 1996. He was then declared cancer-free in 1997 and returned to performing. But the disease returned last April, forcing him to cancel his shows in Branson. Born Lecil Martin in Sterrett, Texas, in 1931, Box Car Willie was the son of a railroad man who used to play his fiddle on the porch while his son sat in on guitar. By his teens he had graduated to playing in jamborees all over the state, but he gave up show business to enlist in the Air Force. He spent 22 years there, logging some 10,000 hours as a flier, Boxcar Willie died 12 April 1999 at the age of 67. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sisters.

Lepêllê Lodge is situated in the heart of Mpumalanga near all the scenic places in the Lowveld escarp, like God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Pilgrim's Rest and The Kruger National Park. Lepelle Lodge and their all inclusive dinner, bed and breakfast tariffs are available on request.

At Lepêllê you can relax with the rhythm of the Spekboomriver in your ears and forget about all your troubles. Other activities include bird- watching, swimming in our magnificent swimming pool, flyfishing, hiking (with a Satour accredited tourist guide), scenic drives, and river rafting (with registered river guide). Game drives are also available. For a group of 6-10 people a short day tour can be arranged to some of the most beautiful places in Mpumalanga.

There are no television sets or radio's in the rooms, they want you to feel as close to nature as possible. The Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 10 guests at a time in our 5 en suite chalets. In the afternoon cocktails are served on the terrace and deck, overlooking the tranquil bush and the cascading river being guarded by gigantic cliffs, while you are enjoying the breathtaking sunset. You can spend the evenings around the fire in the lapa, after a delicious dinner in our restaurant. This an experience any guest will treasure for a long tim.

A luxury small bus is ready to fetch groups if it is necessary, prices can be given on request. The lodge offers package deals, consisting of 4 nights, for groups from 6 to 10 people. At Lepêllê Lodge every wish is their command and they guarantee personal service and attention. Senior citizens are exceptionally welcome; they cater for all your needs!

If Africa has a heart, you can hear it beating at Lepêllê Lodge.

(Anneke Marnewick)

Houston Travel Marketing Services (or HTMS as we are commonly called) was started by Derek Houston in March 1984, who had by then clocked up 19 years in the travel & tourism industry.

Houston Travel Marketing Services launched their SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICA workshops (road shows) in October 2000 in order to provide the African tourism industry with a cost effective and professionally organized forum to conduct business with the South African travel trade.

Using their up-to-date databases of travel agents, tour operators and corporate travelers they have been successful in ensuring excellent attendances of key buyers at these workshops at all times.

Derek’s first contract was to represent The GSA Magazine. He immediate started his travel trade mailing databases and he now reaches over 1050 agents in a few hours.
He believe that he have now developed a WINNING FORMULA for the workshops by:
Ensuring that they have an interesting mix of exhibitors from a range of different countries and an equal spread of representation by different types of tourism operations (i.e. hotels, tour operators, lodges, car hire, etc.)

Attracting the right mix of buyers to attend and they do not only concentrate on travel agents, but also invite tour operators, wholesalers, incentive travel companies, professional conference organisers and corporates (frequent flyers and travel planners) This ensures that the exhibitors meet the widest possible range of companies during their visit to South Africa.

Intensive promotion to create maximum awareness of the workshops is only one of the reasons why buyers are attending these workshops. Using trade advertising, fax mail, email broadcasts, telemarketing and direct mail they ensure that everyone in the travel industry is aware of the workshops.

Dunkeld Country Estate and Djuma Game Lodge were the only two venues from Mpumalanga that attended all five of the workshops, while the Mpumalanga Tourist Authority (MTA) and others attended the workshop in Durban.

(Daan du Plessis)

Access Africa Travel Market, a new travel centre, has been welcomed by Cape Town’s tourist beat. Situated a block away from Greenmarket Square in Adderley Street for everything on southern Africa under one roof, Access Africa Travel Market promises its clients a range of services including: countrywide bookings for accommodation using the TravelSA online booking system, car hire, tours, etc; adventure bookings; holiday and travel itineraries; art curios; maps and directories, and high-speed non-stop Internet access, among others.

Open from 08h00 to 18h00, with extended hours in season, the new travel centre presents visual displays of establishments and regions all over South Africa to assist visitors in their travels around the country.

Dunkeld Country Estate in Dullstroom, Umhloti Lodge in Nelspruit, Zorgvliet Wine Estate in Stellenbosch took up the opportunity with their joint venture Cape to Kruger tour, which will be launched on the World Travel Market during November held in London.

Lakenvlei Forest Lodge and Kloppenheim Country Estate form part of the exhibition under the brand of www.mpumalangatourism.info. Proudly Dullstroom/Midveld News will also now be distributed at Access Africa Travel Market in Cape Town.

Any venues that would like to form part of the Access Africa all year exhibition can contact Ignas Oberholzer at 083 958 7013.

(Miguel de Sousa)

A CROSS-border operation by a joint South African and Mozambican team of law enforcers have slammed down on a large group of rhino poachers over the last two weeks.

Six Mozambican men were arrested after the team, which included SANParks Corporate Investigation Services (CIS), Kruger National Park (KNP) rangers, South African Police Services, Mozambican Border Police and Mozambican Conservation officials, tracked the suspects 30km into Mozambique.

South Africa's minister for Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Valli Moosa applauded the actions of this cross-border operation. "It is this sort of operation that proves that the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park will become a sanctuary against poachers for Africa's precious wildlife," the minister said.

Evidence obtained from the scenes of two rhino poaching incidents over the last two months resulted in the spoor of the suspects being tracked over the border into Mozambique. These incidents occurred on September 7, 2003 when a heavily pregnant rhino female was found shot dead with her horn removed and on October 7, 2003 when a further two white rhino adult males were shot and their horns hacked off by the poachers.

Both incidents occurred in a remote wilderness area in the central region of the KNP, and CIS operators were able to obtain quality intelligence and evidence that led to the suspects across the border. Then the South Africans linked up with the Mozambicans and followed the spoor for about 20km to a temporary base in Mozambique where four rhino horns, three rifles, an axe, clothes and ammunition were confiscated by the Mozambican authorities.

With evidence and intelligence provided by CIS, the Mozambicans have arrested the six suspects believed to be involved. Investigation into these, and other rhino poaching incidents in the same area over the past two years, is likely to lead towards more arrests.

The South African Government through its various departments and institutions is continuously implementing initiatives and programmes that are designed to improve the quality of life of all people. The competition has been developed to work towards a sustainable future, a healthy environment, a strong economy and a high quality of life for all citizens. It will contribute to building clean living spaces through, increased public awareness and education on waste management and issues related to pollution, motivation of communities to clean up their residential and working places, public recognition to those towns that are exceptionally clean, assistance in the promotion of waste management and encouragement of continual improvement.

The Mpumalanga provincial government certificate of participation was awarded to the Highlands Municipality for their participation in the “Cleanest Town” competition. There are currently 23 municipalities in Mpumalanga and in October 2003 the Highlands got their certificate at a function that was held at the Nelspruit Agricultural College.

The municipality is aware of the water crisis that occurred a while ago in Dullstroom, the crisis was not a result of drought, but it was a technical breakdown that created the water shortage problem in Dullstroom and especially in Sakhelwe. The municipality delivered water to these areas that experienced water problems at the time.

This is also a perfect example of PPP, public private partnership, when the community assisted the municipality to deliver water to Sakhelwe. Dunkeld Country Estate delivered 15 000 liters of water daily to help the residents of Sakhelwe in this regard for which the people of Sakhelwe and the Municipality are very grateful. We have to work together to achieve great results said Freddy Makunyane, ward councillor for Dullstroom.

The Hon. Mayor personally thank everybody who assisted the Municipality with the water crisis, it certainly shows a good attitude.

(Daan du Plessis)
Saturday, 18 October Walter Monare and his family celebrated their son, David’s, academic achievement at their home in Sakhelwe, Dullstroom. David has received a Diploma in Education from UNISA after completing the course successfully in 3 years.

SAKEMAN PLOEG TERUG IN KLANDISIE

(Daan du Plessis)
Saterdag, 18 Oktober. Ten spyte van ‘n nat reënerige dag het ‘n menigte kliënte by Fanie Skhosana se winkel, Tokozani General Dealer, in Sakhelwe, Dullstroom saamgedrom. Almal het die feestelike geleentheid bygewoon om die jaarlikse prysuitdeling wat Fanie aan sy kliënte bied te fier. M D Simelani van Ermelo en sy groep het gesorg vir die musiek.

Fanie Skhosana is ‘n suksesvolle sakeman wat sy kliënte jaarliks verbly deur pryse wat hy self borg aan te bied aan gelukkige wenners wat sy winkel deur die loop van die jaar getrou ondersteun het. ‘n Empisal naaimasjien ter waarde van R1400, geborg deur Tokozani General Dealer is deur Johannes Nkosi gewen. Johannes Mohlahlo het ‘n fiets (R800) geborg deur Blue Ribbon Bakkery ryker geword en Joseph Magoroshane het met ‘n TV-stel (R400) geborg deur Tokozani General Dealer weggestap.

The Highlands Municipality identified the issue of HIV/AIDS as a priority, being a huge challenge to our leaders and our communities. It has developed into a crisis of unimaginable proportions and as such it required a co-coordinated and dedicated effort from all of us.

Due to the statutory directive from the National Government, the formation of the Local AIDS Council was established. The H.L.A.C was launched in February 2002 and are committed, to reduce the rate of spread of the Epidemic (HIV/AIDS) as well as stigmatization within the Highlands Municipality. It will provide a timely response and a quality service to AIDS victims and orphans and will prevent, educate, create awareness, and will care for people living with AIDS.

A lot of achievements have been reached since the launch of the H.L.A.C and they are continuing to work towards their goals. Their future plans include a sports day that is being planned for the 22nd of November 2003 pending available funds and resources as an awareness and education initiative.

A joint programme is also being planned with the Working for Water Programme Group to be held on the 2nd of December 2003 to compliment WORLD AIDS DAY on the 1st of December.

The Highlands Municipality is involved in several alleviation projects in the struggle against poverty, some of the projects that they are currently involved with are, a Multipurpose centre at Emthonjeni and Emgwenya township, Emgwenya Community garden, Dullstroom Corner shop, Cluster project at Sakhelwe, Brick plant at Sakhelwe, Machadodorp Flyfish Park, Machadodorp Informal Market, Waterval Boven Strawberry project and the latest is the upgrading of the Dullstroom Caravan Park and the completion of the “Green Elephant” community centre. The mayor would like to express her thanks on behalf of council to the Emakhazeni Economic Forum for their excellent support, service and efforts on these projects.

The chairperson of the Emakhazeni Economic Forum, Ignas Oberholzer, said that they are now busy with studies to re-launch the Maputo corridor five town concept in association with the Provincial Government.

(Miguel de Sousa)

THE National Airways Corporation (NAC) branch in Nelspruit is offering helicopter sightseeing flight packages over popular tourist spots in Mpumalanga.

There's a one-and-a-half-hour flight that takes tourists on a flip from Nelspruit over Graskop, Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls, the Blyde River Canyon and God's Window.

"This will allow the tourists to see Mpumalanga from all possible angles," said NAC regional manager, Cindy Erasmus. Just before returning to Nelspruit via the Mac-Mac Falls, the tourists will be treated to a breathtaking view as they enjoy a picnic on the Pinnacle.

NAC also offers a similar package in a fixed wing, four-seater plane. This package does not include the picnic stopover. The third package includes a flight over Kaapsehoop, followed by a one-and-a-half-hour horse ride. The helicopters can take four people at a time and all flights are available any time during the day. "People should just book two to three days in advance if they don't want to be disappointed," Erasmus said.

This is the second in a series of articles on the MICE (Meetings Incentives Conferences Exhibitions) industry. In the first article, we detailed what the MICE industry is as well as how it has developed – in particular over the past 150 years.

In order to get a grip on understanding a potential MICE client for your MICE venue and what makes them tick we need to make mention of the great MICE industry ‘revolution’ which started in the USA in the 1960’s.

It makes for interesting reading and food for thought in regard to the importance of viewing the MICE sector as a highly specialised aspect of the hospitality industry.

The American hotel industry found that numbers were down for the food and beverage as well as - in many instances - their accommodation-side. Suddenly the traditional group business market was not there – especially in the high capacity ballrooms. They did some research and it was discovered that the advent of dedicated convention centres which had been emerging – virtually on their doorstep – had taken this (much-neglected by the hotels) market away. Why was the cry?

It was simple really. These convention centres were dedicated in design, layout and requirement to the specific needs of the group business market. No longer was the group business client made to feel as make-do guests in banquet, function, and chandelier-hanging ballrooms. No longer was the MICE client subjected to service and catering as required by the overnighter/tourist or holidaymaker. Right on their door-step were focused facilities, services and catering which also allowed for a variety of accommodation options in the immediate area – rather than being coerced into booking group business space only on condition that loads of food, beverage and accommodation was included.

The revolution was therefore two-fold:
The hotel industry realised that the group business market was important to their bottom-line profits – despite hotel training which dictated that meeting space was ‘wasted’ space and only yielded profits if significant quantities of catering and accommodation prevailed. Therefore a shift from banqueting job descriptions to group business titles and specific training started developing;
The delegate or attendee was not a tourist, guest, overnighter or holidaymaker.

Specific requirements would be required by the traditional hotel industry of the time to meet the rising expectations, which were being offered by the dedicated convention centres in order to lure this lucrative market back to their hotels

So who are the Various MICE Clients?
There are two prime MICE markets: corporate and association. Their requirements differ dramatically. The corporate markets are the multi-national corporations, financial institutions in other words private sector companies.

The association market is the member organisations for various business disciplines such as
Institute of Personnel Management, South African Poultry Association – the amount of associations, institutes and societies is extensive worldwide. These associations may be regional, national and can be international in structure.

In the corporate market the attendance is compulsory with generally low numbers but more frequent in the amount of gatherings. One payment settles the total account.

While in the association market attendance is not compulsory, the number of attendees is significantly higher than in the corporate market and the amount of gatherings are far less than compared with the corporate market. One payment does not always settle the total account.

The MICE market within the hospitality industry can be a highly lucrative one. However it should be borne in mind that it is also a competitive one with over 2600 MICE venues (with/without accommodation) within South Africa.

With the amount of MICE venues in South Africa and indeed within specific regions - It means therefore that a MICE venue with or without accommodation should take time out to discover the different requirements of the various MICE client-types in order to turn booking enquiries into more confirmed bookings.

First prize will always go to those MICE venues and services that focus specifically on their requirements. With group dynamics being such a different type of ‘guest’ – it is the smart MICE venues that ensure the MICE market requirements are met…similar to what was discovered within the American hotel industry all those years ago.

The MICE Club has compiled this series of articles.
E-mail: miceclub@mweb.co.za

(Miguel de Sousa)

DJUMA Game Reserve's (situated in the Sabi Sand Reserve in Mpumalanga) new brochure, designed by TBWA Hunt Lascaris' Tequila Production House, has won the Silver Assegai Award 2003 in the Tourism and Leisure Category at the Assegai Awards (direct marketing award) ceremony held recently.

This was the highest accolade awarded in 2003 in this category. “We are extremely proud of our new brochure which is creative, innovative, interesting, descriptive and unique. This brochure is proving to be a most effective marketing tool and we are thrilled with the award,” said Djuma sales and marketing manager, Helen van Tonder.

(Miguel de Sousa)

LION Sands Private Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands, Mpumalanga is erecting another tree house to complement the existing tree house.

Says Robert More, marketing director of the family-owned reserve: "We are attracting more adventurous-oriented guests, particularly international visitors, and wish to remain proactive in providing them with the facilities to enjoy their time with us on every level. In view of our existing tree house facility being utilised most of the time, we decided to add another of these exclusive 'tree bedrooms' to cater to the demands of our valued guests.

The second tree house will be built on an open plain ensuring a 180 degree view of the horizon. One will also be able to use the moonlight to scan across the plain in search of nocturnal game which may wander across." Lion Sands Private Game Reserve is part of the African Pride Hotels group.

(African Eye News Service)

ADVENTURE tourists can now go on bicycle trails in the Kruger National Park. The trails are available at the Olifants Camp and were launched this month. "This is a way to get people much closer to wildlife with very little impact on the environment," said hospitality service manager at Olifants, Hein Grobler.

Up to six cyclists can be accommodated per trail and they're guaranteed to see a host of game, birds and plant life. Mountain bikes, backpacks, water bottles, helmets and snacks are provided, while two qualified field guides provide not only protection, but some bush interpretations.

There are trails of three to four hours that take place in the morning and afternoon, as well as full-day trail for more experienced cyclists. Guests can choose moderate terrain to very technical or strenuous terrain.

(Miguel de Sousa)

A 17-YEAR-old youth from Cork village near Mkhuhlu, was killed by a crocodile on Monday afternoon while fishing with his friends in the Sabie River inside the boundaries of the Kruger National Park near the Lisbon Estates pump station.

Together with at least five other men, the teenager was using nets to catch fish in the river, which is one of the major rivers that flows through the Kruger National Park when the crocodile attacked and killed him.

Kruger National Park rangers, together with members of the South African Police Service reacted to the call when the incident was reported, and were on the scene of the incident shortly afterwards. They searched well into the night in an attempt to recover the teenager’s body.

The actual crocodile was eventually sighted at about 19h30 with the teenager’s body still clutched between its jaws. Rangers fired several shots at the reptile, and the teenager’s body was released and recovered. The name of the boy will be withheld until such time that his next-of-kin have been informed.

In a statement, Kruger National Park management said it regretted the incident and would like to express condolences to the family. “Kruger National Park management would also like to warn members of the communities living adjacent to the park and, the public at large, that it is an offence to fish in any river in a national park and, if caught, they can be arrested and charged with contravening the National Parks Act,” said Kruger National Park spokesperson, Raymond Travers.

(African Eye News Service)

THE Kruger National Park is revamping an old army base into a tourist rest site that will form part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.

The Makhadzi tourism facility will be the first stop for visitors who enter the park from Mozambique, at the R6m Giriyondo border post, which is currently under construction.

"Makhadzi will have toilets, BBQ facilities and an information kiosk with displays on the whole transfrontier park initiative," said park spokesman, Raymond Travers.

There will also be a display of the Steinaecker's Horse Regiment that conducted operations in the area during the Boer War more than 100 years ago. The facility is expected to be opened to the public later this year. The park is also upgrading an old management road so that it can be used as a tourism road between Makhadzi and the Giriyondo Border Post. The border post and road are expected to be completed by early next year.

November 2002 Edition