Hi again,
Herewith, some snippets from various sources.
I appeal to you to send me items to distribute to our members for both the
Cleft Stick and to be posted on the web site. It is your magazine and
website, so ensure it gets the news that you would like to see in it.
Please let me have any changes to your physical address, phone no. or e-mail
address to keep the database up to date.
Thanks to all of you who have made the effort. Please will any of you who
know of members who do not get this “electric” Cleft~Stick, & have access to
e-mail, pass their address along to me.
Don Yunnie
7 Chalet Drive, Hilton, 3245, South Africa Local Tel & Fax (033) 343 1534 Int. Tel & Fax (+2733) 343 1534 cell 082 377 7562 E-mail dyunnie@xsinet.co.za.
If you do not wish to receive this e-mail newsletter please send a blank e-mail to me at the above address with the word “unsubscribe C~S ” as the message heading.
DOUW SWANEPOEL TRUST FUND
Dear Colleagues,
Sometimes, against your nature, one has to be bold and dig into his fellow human’s emotions albeit with good reason and for hopeful effect. I am doing it by forwarding you this email. Please bear with my dwindling memory if I perhaps misunderstood but you all know and remember Douw Swanepoel one way or another.
Meanwhile, some of you might already have responded to my SMS plea earlier for which the fund is most grateful. I mentioned that more explanatory detail will follow. This is it.
I have to repeat that Swannie’s medical expenses are already enormous and am guaranteed to rise much higher soon. I promise that your contributions will be well and correctly used.
Thank you all most kindly.
Louis Olivier ,Regional Ranger: Northern Region: Phalaborwa, Kruger National Park
Private Bag X 1021, Phalaborwa 1390, Tel: 013 735 6500, Fax: 013 735 6517
Cell: 084 700 1478, Email: louiso@sanparks.org
---
From: Dynamic Pocket Solutions [mailto:wynand@pocketsolutions.co.za]
Sent: 23 January 2006 09:45 AM
To: Dynamic Pocket Solutions
Subject: DOUW SWANEPOEL TRUST FUND
Dear Friends
Swannie is a close friend and colleague. Last year he was diagnosed with stomach cancer, which turned out to be very aggressive. He went in for surgery and due to follow-up operations and complications spent almost 6 weeks in hospital, 5 weeks in the intensive care unit.
Although the medical aid pays for the bulk of the medical expenses, it is at best a “relief fund”. Swannie’s personal medical expenses are rising at an alarming rate with no end in sight.
I opened the Douw Swanepoel Fund – a brilliant idea I cannot take credit for. The person who planted the seed though also told me (roughly translated): “…I wish we could do more than just send best wishes, but we do not have the ability at this time.”
The idea behind this mail is not to let anyone to feel guilty. I urge you to please embrace reality and help with any amount possible.
Account details:
Account name: D.G.J. Swanepoel
Bank: ABSA Bank South Africa
Type of account: Flexi-Save
Account number: 9156 56 2783
Branch: Phalaborwa 334-352 (electronic transfers: 632005)
DOUW SWANEPOEL
Douw Swanepoel, better known as Swannie to most, joined the KNP in 1982. His tracking skills and other expertise which he had acquainted in the SADF before, made him an ideal candidate for the newly announced Anti Poaching Unit at the time. For the next four years he was closely involved in the training of all new and existing Field Rangers whenever the need arose.
He became a Wilderness Trails Ranger early in 1983. In December of the same year, he got promoted to Section Ranger at Mooiplaas. In 1987 he was transferred to Kingfisherspruit. In 1994 he was sent to Olifants where his career in SANParks ended in 2001 when he was declared redundant as result of Operation Prevail. He is a fitness fanatic and was one of the first KNP Rangers ever to run the Comrades Marathon and ran the Skukuza half-marathon five times.
During his time in Kruger, he successfully completed the National Diploma in Nature Conservation in 1986 via correspondence course. In 1995 he completed the Higher Diploma. He received his MSc in 1999 from the University of Natal. His thesis was: The Ecology of the Nile crocodile in the Olifants River, KNP.
Because of this unique study and subsequent knowledge of crocodiles, Swannie was invited to address the International Crocodile Specialist Group in Australia during 1996. In 1997 he was invited to join the IUCN Species Survival Group on Crocodiles. He also appeared in four TV documentaries based on the Nile crocodile, the most recent of which were his appearances on 50/50, a television programme that is broadcasted on SABC2, Sunday afternoons.
Swannie was by far the most knowledgeable Ranger in the use of computers. When the Honorary Rangers kindly donated a PC to each KNP Ranger in 2000, Swannie presented a basic introductory course in PC skills to all the Rangers at that time.
However, the biggest legacy which he had left KNP Conservation Services was Cyber Tracker. He recognised the value of this mobile computers way ahead of anybody else in the organisation at the time. He strongly motivated for them, acquired the hardware and subsequently trained the Rangers in the use of the system. His worthwhile effort has put and kept the KNP way ahead of any similar organisation worldwide.
After leaving SANParks, Swannie had to become self sufficient. He was instrumental in the translocation of the first elephants into Limpopo National Park. The successful occasion was attended by dignitaries such as former State President Nelson Mandela and the late Mr. Anton Rupert and others.
At a gala function towards the end of 2005, he received the Phalaborwa Chamber of Commerce’s Award as Newsmaker of the Year. A week later he entered Polokwane Private Hospital for major surgery from which he is currently still recovering. In this medical state, he can of course not generate any income until hopefully, towards the end of 2006, he will be operational again.
Swannie has been loyally supported by Louisa ever since they married on 3 October 1981. They have two children, Jireh-Marì and Wessel.
Medical
In middle October 2005, Swannie was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus and stomach. It was decided to remove as much of the infected tissue as possible, and access the situation regarding further treatment.
On 17 November the first operation took place. What was initially a relatively simple procedure soon took 'n turn for the worse when one of his lungs collapsed. The other lung was not strong enough to sustain him, and the result was a further 3 emergency operations and nearly 4 week on a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit. It was also found that the cancer has spread more aggressively than expected and during the follow-up surgery the complete stomach and esophagus were removed. All in all he spent almost 6 weeks in hospital.
During this process Swannie lost nearly 25 kg body mass. He was released from hospital on 31 December 2005, and that was followed by a slow recovery period at home. The next month (January) saw him regularly being rushed to Polokwane for either another operation or changes to the feeding tubes. The last operation in January was to replace a faulty feeding tube.
Having lost his complete stomach and esophagus, Swannie cannot swallow or eat and is fed via a feeding tube. Feeding is with syringes every hour for 14 hours per day and restricted to liquids only. Intravenous drips are used to supplement liquid requirements. As soon as he has recovered and gained sufficient reserves, another major operation is needed to reconstruct an esophagus and stomach. This operation will be done in Pretoria as it is a highly specialized procedure. As soon as possible after the reconstruction, Swannie has to start with chemotherapy which will be done in Polokwane.
Chemo entails one treatment per month for 6 – 8 months, pending on progress and results.
Fund Auditors
Middel & Partners, Chartered Accountants (SA) have agreed to audit the account at no cost. Please contact Mr. de Wit de Villiers at their Phalaborwa office, tel no (015) 781 0560 for any enquiries in this regards. Letter of confirmation attached.
Funds generated with this account and initiative will be used for his personal medical expenses as well as supplement his income to cover essential living costs. Due to his current condition, upcoming operation and treatment, it is foreseen that he will only make a full recovery and be fit to resume his normal duties during the latter part of 2006.
Thank you. Please forward this mail to any and all that fits the profile.
In anticipation
Wynand Nel, Tel: +27 (0) 15 781 2123,
Fax: +27 (0) 15 781 2123, Cell: +27 (0) 72 771 9045.
Newsletter: January, 2006, Mhlopeni Nature Reserve, Box 386 Greytown, 3250, RSA TEL; 033 – 4961722, E mail: mhlop@telkomsa.net
Dear Shareholder and Friends of Mhlopeni,
Without any doubt, 2005 was the toughest year of our lives and we were very glad when it finally shuffled off stage. The brightest bits were the love and concern shown by those who have shared our problems and done their best to ease them: for that, many thanks.
There is a Land claim for the subs that make up the Natural Heritage Site area of Mhlopeni, gazetted without any prior warning on the 2nd of September. The claimant is one H.J. Myaka (an ANC candidate for the coming municipal elections) on behalf of the Azibuy’emasisweni Community, of whom we have absolutely no knowledge. This is despite the fact that we had written assurance from the Land Claims Commissioner, dated the 13th January, 1999 there were NO claims against any of the property. The cut off date for the lodging of claims was the 31st December, 1998. Land Affairs further undertook to inform us, by letter, should any unprocessed claim come to light – which they have not done, in terms of Section 11 (7) of the Restitution of Land rights Act (Act No. 22 of 1994). Almost 6 years later, this suddenly lands in our lap. It was only thanks to the vigilance of the UmVoti Land Claims Committee, which is acting for the many land owners similarly affected, that we were made aware of the Gazetted notice. They have engaged legal assistance to sort out a way forward, but are waiting for all the land claims in the district to be made known. We have undertaken to provide whatever historical information we have available and also to contribute towards the costs incurred.
Whatever: the expectations of some people have been heightened and with total disregard for OUR rights or respect for the land, we have been subjected to invasions by cattle, cutting of trees for building materials, poaching with packs of dogs, trumped up accusations of denying people access to water and electricity. The term “enemy of the people” was even used by one vociferous “comrade.” Ugly things happened on Lot A, Thornton. Komsielo Zakwe, a recent widow, was raped and then shot dead at her house, but the neighbours saw nothing and her murderers have never been apprehended. Mashu’s grand-daughter, just a child of 14, delivered a baby that lived only a few months: the old man himself passed away in August and was buried, according to Zulu tradition and at his insistence, in his cattle byre. Just before the “washing of hands” ceremony a month after his funeral, his youngest son, Reuben, was killed in a car crash.
To finish off the year, UmVumvu and UmShozi camps were burned to the ground a week before Christmas by some as yet unknown and malicious arsonist/s. The police arrived very promptly, opened a case and called in Forensic experts from Pietermaritzburg and Pretoria, who have confirmed that there were eight separate points of conflagration and that arson was the cause. We have had to cancel bookings until we can sort something out and will never, ever use thatch again. It is pretty and a good insulator, but just too vulnerable in turbulent times. Just over a month ago “Rocky Lodge” was burned down in Muden and the occupants escaped in their pajamas, losing all their possessions, vehicle included. Well, in our case, no lives were threatened, but all our years of work at the camps was destroyed within about 30 minutes. Perhaps a few good tents that can be pitched as required may be an answer, until we see how things go. The situation should calm down again after the Municipal elections in March, when the politicians can take a rest from stirring the masses and return to their feeding troughs. We have had to turn down several bookings and referred them to Ivala Lodge, an excellent B & B, close to Muden, from which they can still visit us on a “day trip” if they wish. One enquiry was for a film crew from Capetown for a full 6 week stay, so the loss in revenue is quite drastic for us.
I have been experimenting with recipes for preserving the lovely fruit and veggies produced by the local farmers: when prices are down it hardly pays them to deliver to the markets, especially with increased fuel prices. From nectarines, apricots, tomatoes, beetroots and green beans an amazing array of products can be made and we are now dabbling in home made wines, with some extraordinary results!
On the good side, we have had excellent rains. The stream is flowing and a pair of Bataleur eagles have moved into the valley, the first we have seen, outside of Zululand. Don Sutherland has asked that his shareblock be re-advertised. He is asking R 10,000 so please let me know if you are interested. New shareholders include Stephen Henley, who has been donated Tim Sharp’s shares and Nigel Brown of Durban, a frequent visitor to Mhlopeni over many years who decided to “buy in” and become part of ‘the Mhlopeni family’ Fortunately he quite enjoys UmPhafa camp (the only one still standing) until we make a new plan for reconstruction.
Thanks to those shareholders who have already paid forward for the 2006/2007 levies, your faith in us and the project is very humbling.
May 2006 be kinder to us all
Richard and Joy
+ All creatures, great and small @ Mhlopeni.
AGM news
Peter Bridgeford reports that he had a call from Viktoria at NaDEET this morning. She says the gravel roads have been damaged by the recent rains and in places there are deep washaways. So please warn those coming from your side of the world. It will also take longer to reach their destination.
Peter
Bus trip
Herewith the final arrangements for the overlander to the Namibia AGM. Bookings are now open for all and any member. The overlander will stop at Johannesburg International Airport en-route to pick up passengers from "Da Beeeg City".
Please distribute far and wide!
MARIUS FULS, Chairperson, Game Rangers Association of Africa, Lowveld Region
(h+w) 015 - 769 6057, (f) 015 - 769 6169, (c) 083 - 305 3104
struwig@xpoint.co.za
All GRAA members:
OVERLANDER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS FOR 2006 AGM TO NAMIBIA
Herewith the arrangements for the Overlander Truck, partially sponsored by Drifters Adventours, to transport GRAA members to the AGM:
The program for the AGM is as follows:
Sunday 19 February: 06:00…….Departure Hoedspruit, Herne’s camp, Balule
11:00……..Arrive Johannesburg International Airport (Domestic Arrivals Terminal)
20:00……...Arrive Upington
Monday 20 February: 07:00...........Depart Upington
20:00………Arrival at AGM
Tuesday 21 February: ….............. Workshop
Wednesday 22 February: ………...... Day outing on NamibRand in 4x4 vehicles
Thursday 23 February: …….......... Annual General Meeting of GRAA
Friday 24 February 07:00..........Departure
20:00……...Arrive Upington
Saturday 25 February 06:00…… Depart Upington
15:00…….Arrive Johannesburg International Airport
21:00……..Arrive Hoedspruit
REMEMBER YOUR PASSPORTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On the nights of 19 February and 24 February we will camp at “Die Eiland” holiday resort in Upington. The cost will be R16-00 per person per night, which, together with all meals en-route to the AGM, will be for each member’s own account. A chalet can be booked from R126-00 pp single to R367-00 for a 5-bed chalet. Contact Marius Fuls for more info in this regard.
The overlander is fully equipped with tents, cooking and dining facilities, tables, chairs etc. These items will be available for our use, so we don’t have to take our own equipment with. This means that we don’t have to book any of the tents or other facilities available at the NamibRand NR. Please note however that a person causing any damage to any equipment will be liable for the repair or replacement of such equipment. PASSENGERS MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN SLEEPING BAGS AND PILLOWS!
I look forward to receiving your reservation soon. Hurry and join this party-truck, otherwise you might be left with digging deep into your wallet for alternative travel arrangements!
Best Regards
MARIUS FULS, Chairperson GRAA Lowveld.
Serious Alert!!!{01} - thanks Arrie
If you receive a phone call on your mobile from any person, saying that, he or she is a company engineer, or telling that they're checking your mobile line, and you have to press # 90 or #09 or any other number. End this call immediately without pressing any numbers. There is a fraud company using a device that once you press #90 or #09 they can access your "SIM" card and make calls at your expense. Forward this message to as many friends as you can, to stop it.
All mobile users pay attention if you receive a phone call and your mobile phone displays (XALAN) on the screen don't answer the call, END THE CALL IMMEDIATELY, if you answer the call, your phone will be infected by a virus..
This virus will erase all IMEI and IMSI information from both your phone and your SIM card, which will make your phone unable to connect with the telephone network. You will have to buy a new phone. This information has been confirmed by both Motorola and Nokia
PLEASE FORWARD THIS PIECE OF INFORMATION TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS HAVING A MOBILE.
Tailpiece-
Thanks Eric
Voted Best Joke of the Year in Australia
Kiwi walks into his bedroom with a sheep under his arm and says:
"Darling, this is the pig I have sex with when you have a headache."
His girlfriend is lying in bed and replies: "I think you'll find that's a sheep, you idiot."
The man says: " I think you'll find I wasn't talking to you.
Matter of Fact
This is an electronic newsletter of the Game Rangers' Association of Africa. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Association, nor of the Editor. This is intended to be an exchange of news snips, ideas and communication between members. Newsletter content may be copied and re-distributed without authorisation. Correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at dyunnie@xsinet.co.za