Hi again
Herewith, some snippets from various sources.
I appeal to you to send me items to distribute to our members for the Cleft Stick, the Game Ranger magazine and to be posted on the web site. These are 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.
More concerns over toll road
April 19, 2007 Edition 1 , Tony Carnie
NEARLY 1 000 letters from South Africa and countries across the world have been pouring in to voice concern about the latest round of the Wild Coast toll-road proposals.
They include a suggestion from the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry that an Australian mining company should be asked to pay a substantial share of the costs of building a new highway to service its proposed dune mining venture just south of the Wild Coast Sun Casino.
Mthatha academic, advocate Lwazi Kubukeli, suggested that previous attempts to inform rural communities in the former Transkei about the toll plan had been a sham and could not "by any stretch of the imagination" be classified as a meaningful attempt to consult the affected people.
There has also been a chorus of opposition from residents of the Amanzimtoti area and other Durban commuters, who complained about "highway robbery" and being milked by private toll companies to finance a new highway in the Eastern Cape that they would rarely use.
Klaus Topfer, the former German environment minister and head of the United Nations Environment Programme in Nairobi, is among several prominent international and local conservationists who have also voiced concern about the impacts of the proposed toll road and the Australian-backed dune-mining plans along the Wild Coast.
Altogether, 865 written submissions have been received so far by a new group of consultants employed by the SA National Roads Agency (Sanral) to conduct a fresh environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the controversial toll road.
Unwilling
The first application was rejected by Environment Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk in December 2004 because the original consultants were found to have close financial links to the private N2 Wild Coast Toll Consortium, which includes Stewart Scott International, Group Five, Grinaker-LTA, Intertoll and Rand Merchant Bank.
The new consultants released a final scoping report late last week, which suggests that Sanral is unwilling to consider a range of alternative routing proposals and would prefer to stick to its original route plan from Durban to East London.
The consultants also said Sanral was determined to ensure that the financial impacts of tolling on local communities should be considered at a later stage by the minister of transport, and not as part of the EIA process. However, dozens of letters from Durban commuters have emphasised their wish that the toll cost issue should not be ignored.
As an example, Amanzimtoti resident Ronnie Wobben calculated that if the proposed Isipingo plaza toll fee was R5, he would have to find an extra R5 000 over a year to commute to work in Springfield Park and for other trips.
Aldine Armstrong, an attorney representing SA Breweries, Toyota SA and SATI Container Services, emphasised that the entire EIA process had to be repeated afresh because the first assessment was legally tainted.
Armstrong said Sanral also need to demonstrate a clear need and desirability to toll the Isipingo to Park Rynie section of the N2 freeway and to conduct an independent socio-economic impact study of tolling in the greater Durban area.
Robin Boustred, Chairman of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry infrastructure committee, said it was essential to conduct an economic impact assessment as many of the chamber's 3 400 members could be affected financially by the plan.
Boustred said he was not in a position to comment on the Wild Coast dune-mining proposals by Australian-based Mineral Resource Commodities group, but he suggested this company should be asked to make a "substantial contribution" to the costs of new roads along the Wild Coast.
In his submission to the consultants, chamber official Colin Butler said the full cost implications of the plan for business, ratepayers, eThekwini Metro Council and harbour community had to be calculated in direct and indirect costs.
Barrier
Members of the South Operational Entity Development Committee said they were concerned that the Isipingo toll plaza would act as a barrier to economic growth and that revenue from Isipingo would be used to cross-subsidise toll fees further along the route to East London.
Lwazi Kubukeli, an Mthatha-based researcher, said she had spent three weeks interviewing councillors, traditional leaders, health workers and village residents during the first EIA process, and it was clear to her that some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Pondoland had not been properly consulted.
In the village of Ntafufu, for example, the community had never been formally notified that the local junior secondary school would have to be relocated, and it seemed there had been "a callous disregard" for the well-being and the future of some of these communities.
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SA eco-activist faces R40m suit
I think this deserves inclusion in the GRAA newsletter. Ms Duigan is standing by her guns despite being slapped with a R40 million lawsuit. This takes nerves.
The interview on Radio 702 interview went well. Apparently Wraypex said they would "reply" after the court case. Suits me.
Points Ms Duigan made:
"In the past two years there have been 10 development applications in and adjoining the Rhenosterspruit Nature Conservancy, which is a 10 000 ha conservancy straddled by three rivers and which falls in Tshwane Municipality’s Natural Area – a Green Zone.
In every instance the conservancy has monitored the development process to make sure that all legal requirements are adhered to. They all followed the legal process, except Wraypex, developers of Blair Atholl, which sued us when we twice reported their construction irregularities to the Gauteng Dept of Conservation.
This is a typical SLAPP suit – Strategic Litigation against Public Participants – which aims to intimidate the public and objectors. Wraypex first sued Arthur Barnes for R40m and then - which is significant - four more of us for an additional R170 million – totalling R210m – AFTER they had been given all the approvals by the Dept of Conservation & Envt. This is proof that this action was purely to threaten and intimidate us.
We have serious questions re compliance with the ROD - 250 houses? 6 000 jobs? Water licences from the Jukskei and Crocodile??? Etc."
In case you did not see the M&G article - herewith below.
Helen Duigan
SA eco-activist faces R40m suit, Yolandi Groenewald 21 April 2007
A landmark case, in which a developer is suing an environmental activist for R40-million in damages for defamation, begins in the Pretoria High Court next week.
The suit against Arthur Barnes, a former secretary of the Rhenosterspruit Conservancy near Lanseria in Gauteng, has been brought by developer Wraypex. It arises from the conservancy’s opposition to a 330-house luxury estate, golf course and hotel development, Blair Atholl, north-west of Johannesburg.
The development borders on both the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and the conservancy. This is the first of five multimillion-rand defamation cases that Wraypex plans to bring against members of the conservancy, claiming a total of R210-million in damages. The case is expected to clarify the rights of lobbyists and interested parties who challenge developers in an attempt to protect the environment.
Among Wraypex’s claims in court papers is that Barnes maliciously spread rumours that the company had not submitted a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, and that Blair Atholl was illegally pumping water out of the Crocodile River. Wraypex also claims that Barnes accused the company of bribing government officials in order to get the go-ahead for the development.
Helen Duigan, chairperson of the conservancy, said the conservancy originally challenged the Wraypex development on the grounds that it created a precedent for township and residential development in a greenbelt area.
Duigan, who faces a suit of R45-million herself, said the conservancy told conservation authorities in August 2004 that the developer had started work on the site without the necessary reports and approvals.
The Gauteng conservation authorities acted on their complaint and stopped Wraypex from working without the necessary reports and public participation meetings, Duigan said. Summonses from Wraypex against members of the conservancy followed in late 2004.
The Gauteng department of agriculture, conservation and the environment gave the go-ahead for the project, saying the socio-economic benefits the estate would bring to the poverty-stricken local community would offset the many negative environmental impacts.
Duigan questioned whether Wraypex had stuck to the conditions imposed by the department. “Two years on, these socio-economic benefits remain questionable.
“For instance, Wraypex was required to build 250 houses for previously disadvantaged families, many of whom had lived on the property,” she said. “Not only has this not yet happened, but 21 families staying on the Blair Atholl property were evicted in February.”
In the United States, the kind of action in which corporations sue environmental lobbyists has been labelled “strategic litigation against public participants”, or Slapp.
Last year, developer Petro Props brought an interdict against Boksburg environmental campaigner Nicole Barlow to stop her publicity campaign against its construction of a petrol station in a wetland in Libradene, Gauteng. The developer also claimed R6-million in damages for “unlawful harassment”.
Barlow defended the case successfully early last year. High Court Judge Karel Tip ruled that the property rights of developers cannot outweigh other constitutionally guaranteed rights like freedom of expression.
He also rejected Petro Props’s argument that the right to freedom of expression can be circumscribed by administrative time-frames set out in laws that are promulgated to protect environmental rights.
Wraypex’s lawyer, Connie Myburgh, said the company declined to comment. He threatened to subpoena the Mail & Guardian to testify in the company’s case against Barnes next week “if you write anything” and to sue the M&G.
The Gauteng environmental department is monitoring the case, spokesperson Sizwe Matshikiza said, adding that his department encourages members of the public to report environmental transgressions and has set up a hotline to encourage people to be more vigilant.
“We also are monitoring developments at Blair Atholl for the purposes of ensuring compliance with the developer’s conditions,” he said. “Where such conditions have been breached, appropriate measures will be followed.”
Barnes says he is hopeful of victory, but “you know anything can happen. One bad judgement and I lose my home, everything. They want an apology and for us to go away. I can’t apologise if I have done nothing wrong.”
Talks on loss of biological diversity and climate change
Last month, Ministers of Environment of the G8, with their partners from five mega-diverse countries (Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa) met in Potsdam, Germany, from 15 to 17 March 2007, to discuss the converging crises of loss of biological diversity and of climate change.
In their conclusions, the G8+5 ministers supported a plan – the Potsdam Initiative – Biological Diversity 2010 – that revolves around ten concrete activities to help achieve by 2010 a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss.
Below I am pasting the biodiversity part of the overall conclusions and the 10 concrete activities.
Further details of the meeting and conclusions can be downloaded from the EC Biodiversity CHM: http://biodiversity-chm.eea.europa.eu/convention/F1125911898/2007-03-18-potsdamer-erklaerung.pdf/download
Best wishes
David Duthie, UNEP-GEF Biosafety Unit, Geneva, Email: david.duthie @ unep.ch
Chair’s conclusions
The Environment Ministers of the G8 countries as well as of Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa, the European Commissioner responsible for the environment and senior officials from the United Nations and the IUCN (The World Conservation Union) met from 15th to 17th March 2007 in Potsdam.
We discussed two serious global challenges: climate change and the loss of biodiversity. The most important goal was an open discussion about our interests in order to be able to identify common and to reconcile differing views. We also benefited from a discussion with stakeholders.
We saw the need to broaden our perspectives for making the urgently required progress in international negotiations on environmental issues.
Economic development, the fight against poverty, global security, access to affordable energy and investment in education have to be integrated into the international environmental process.
The Chair summarised the discussions as follows and will forward his conclusions to the summit chair.
1.) Biodiversity
We underlined that biological diversity constitutes the indispensable foundation of our lives and of global economic development. We highlighted that an estimated 40% of world trade is based on biological products or processes such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries and plant-derived pharmaceutical and that biodiversity comprises an invaluable pool for innovations. We stressed that biodiversity has to be at the top of the political agenda and must be an integral part of global economic policies. We expressed a strong interest in a study on the economics of biodiversity.
We recognized with deep concern the ongoing dramatic loss of biodiversity and the serious degradation of vital ecological services such as natural hydrological cycles, fertile soils and a balanced climate provided by intact ecosystems.
We stressed the fundamental importance of biodiversity for human livelihoods and the crucial role of biodiversity in poverty eradication and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
We agreed on the need to better acknowledge and understand biodiversity conservation activities already undertaken in particular by developing countries.
We discussed that the serious consequences of biodiversity loss and its crucial economic value are not well understood by the broader public and political decision makers. We therefore acknowledged the need for improved communication.
We underlined that benefits and costs of the conservation and use of biodiversity as well as its loss are often unevenly distributed between different sectors, social groups, countries or regions and that the issue of equity has to be taken into consideration categorically. We reaffirmed the concept of common but differentiated responsibilities.
We stressed that comprehensive and integrated policy approaches are indispensable and that a mix of policies is needed which includes a set of regulatory measures, economic incentives and voluntary measures integrating governments, private sector, stakeholders and consumers. We agreed that besides the crucial role of direct conservation policies e.g. protected area systems and sustainable production methods, mainstreaming biodiversity into all relevant sectors such as trade, development, financing and transport is a prerequisite if the natural basis of our economy is to be safeguarded.
We recognized that a re-linking of biodiversity, climate change, economics and poverty eradication is necessary to adequately address these global challenges.
Reflecting on the commitments of Rio and Johannesburg we discussed the issue of additional financial resources for biodiversity conservation.
The following mechanisms were explored in this context: increase in ODA and integration in national development strategies; market mechanisms and trade such as certificates, public procurement and carbon markets; compensation mechanisms; benefit sharing and public-private partnerships as well as the improved management of resources. We agreed to especially explore possible mechanisms for compensating reduced emissions from deforestation.
We discussed the importance of access to genetic resources and of a fair and equitable benefit-sharing. It was raised that currently there is no satisfactory international regime which meets the demands of the developing countries for a fair and equitable benefit-sharing and that the negotiation process does not yet provide a solid basis for scientific progress, innovations and the creation of new markets.
We agreed that biodiversity and climate are intertwined, and more efforts are needed to coherently address biodiversity and climate change issues together. In this context, reducing emissions from deforestation, sustainable production of biomass and linking adaptation with strategies for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity were seen as areas meriting particular attention.
Recognizing the imperative to significantly scale up our efforts to tackle the global challenges, the G8 and the five major newly industrialising countries generally supported the chair’s proposal for the “Potsdam Initiative – Biological Diversity 2010” and its ten activities (Annex below). In addition, a number of countries, in particular the five major newly industrialising countries, underlined the importance of and the clear need for further activities.
--- “Potsdam Initiative – Biological Diversity 2010”
1) The economic significance of the global loss of biological diversity In a global study we will initiate the process of analysing the global economic benefit of biological diversity, the costs of the loss of biodiversity and the failure to take protective measures versus the costs of effective conservation.
2) Science
We will strengthen the scientific basis for biodiversity and are committed to improving the science-policy interface. In this context we will support the ongoing consultative process on an international
mechanism for providing scientific advice (IMOSEB).
3) Communication, education and public awareness Building on existing endeavours we will explore the development of a “Global Species Information System” which aims at gathering and making available information on all known species on earth and which serves as a tool for information and awareness raising for the wider public as well as for enhanced scientific cooperation.
4) Production and consumption patterns
We will enhance the integration of policies which involve governments, industries, civil society and consumers and implement an effective mix of mechanisms including:
• Regulatory measures
• Market incentives and access
• Codes of conduct
• Certification
• Public procurement
• Environmental Impact Assessments
In this context we will implement concrete initiatives with a special focus on timber and biomass such as voluntary harmonisation of procurement practices and standards to facilitate trade in sustainable timber and, building on the 2005 Derbyshire initiative, to tackle illegal logging.
5) Illegal trade in wildlife
Recognizing the serious threats to biodiversity from the illegal trade in wildlife, we will strengthen our cooperation to combat illegal activities within the framework of CITES and through effective
partnerships between governments, international and non-governmental organizations, such as the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking.
6) Invasive alien species
In view of the increasing threat of invasive alien species to biodiversity and productive systems we will enhance our efforts in identifying, preventing and controlling invasive alien species and strengthen our international cooperation e.g. through the development of early warning systems, listing of species and information sharing. In this context we welcome and support the activities of the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP).
7) Global network of marine protected areas
We will intensify our research and enhance our cooperation regarding the high seas in order to identify those habitats that merit protection and to ensure their protection.
8) Biodiversity and climate change
We will aim for an improved linkage between climate and biodiversity policies. We will ensure that biodiversity aspects are equally considered in the mitigation of and the adaptation to climate change
(incl. biomass) and the reduction of emissions from deforestation. We will strive for the reduction of trade-offs and the implementation of win-win solutions.
9) Financing
In co-operation with our partners we will commit ourselves to stepping up and better integrating biodiversity issues into development co-operation. In this context we aim for integrated planning and the implementation of win-win strategies and projects.
We strive for a systematic integration of Environmental Impact Assessments according to national law.
We will approach the financial sector to effectively integrate biodiversity into its decision making and welcome the Equator Principles as an important benchmarking initiative. We will enhance financing from existing financing instruments and explore the need and the options of additional innovative mechanisms to finance the protection and sustainable use of biological diversity, together with the fight against poverty. In this context we will examine the concept and the viability of payments for ecosystem services.
10) Commitment to 2010 and beyond
Focussing all our efforts on the achievement of the 2010 target of significantly reducing the loss of biodiversity in the coming years, we acknowledge the urgent need to halt human-induced extinction of
biodiversity as soon as possible. In this context we welcome the Countdown 2010 Initiative and the
Alliance for Zero Extinction. We will develop and implement national targets and strategies in order to achieve the 2010 target and beyond.
In addition, a number of countries, in particular the five major newly industrialising countries, underlined the importance of and the clear need for further activities:
1) Establishment of an international regime on access and benefit sharing by 2010
2) Provision of new and additional financial resources for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
3) Technology transfer
4) Participation in research and development
5) Capacity building
Nine poachers arrested on Robben Island
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Media Statement
For immediate release 24 April 2007
Contact: Blessing Manale 0836771630 / Carol Moses 0828293917
Authorities arrest nine poachers at Robben Island
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the South African Police Service's Special Task Team and Borderline Port of Entry Division have arrested 9 people last night during a joint night operation around Robben Island, an identified 'hot spot' poaching area.
A 9 metre semi-rigid inflatable boast was confiscated along with 289 units of abalone and 10 West Coast Rock Lobsters. All suspects reside in the Gansbaai and Houtbay area. They are expected to appear in the Cape Town magistrates court tomorrow, Wednesday 25 April 2007. Another rubber duck was also confiscated by authorities in the Robben Island area on Sunday 22 April 2007 for contravention of South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) regulations.
In a another incident yesterday (Monday 23 April 2007), authorities responded immediately to calls from members of the communities in the Hawston/Kleinmond area who reported two semi-rigid vessels were observed alleging planning to embark on west coast rock lobster poaching.
A joint SAPS and DEAT team was dispatched to the area and in a combined land-sea based operation, which involved the Ruth First environmental protection vessel, poaching was effectively prevented as the vessels immediately withdrew from the waters. The Ruth First and the rest of the environmental protection fleet continue to patrol the South African coastline as part of a preventative strategy.
"Collaborations and joint operations with other law enforcement agencies form an important aspect to our fight against poaching and crime - and our communities are more and more realizing that they too are the custodians in protecting our marine resources. Through effective partnership we can only but be successful in nailing these ruthless criminals who are plundering our natural resource base", said Blessing Manale, head of DEAT communications.
Issued by Blessing Manale, Chief Director: Communications
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Cell: 083 7661630 or 012 310 3862
Email: bmanale@deat.gov.za Visit our website: www.deat.gov.za
Greetings from Iraq
Hello Mr. Tim Snow.
Thank you so much for your response to my email sent to you on July 04, 2006.
Also, I appreciate your continued efforts put into the cause of GRAA.
Indeed, I'm doing whatever I possibly can to contribute towards nature and wildlife conservation.
Currently, I'm in Iraq working under the US Defense systems on a short contract.
However, in case the new chairman to whom you've forwarded my request to work with GRAA does consider the same, I am more than ready to begin the process as you may deem it suitable.
I'm the western region of the country, and I'll share with members of GRAA animal species around here.
Again I'm grateful to you for caring to keep in touch with your members within and outside the country.
I wish you a very nice night, and convey my warm regards to all members and well wishers of GRAA.
Yours faithfully
GATSIMBANYI JOHN BOSCO
Park Ranger-UGANDA
Invitation to our 3rd NPB Jamboree 2007
You are invite to attend our 3rd NPB gathering to meet old colleagues and friends, to put names to faces that were almost forgotten from the days of the old Natal Parks Board. Lords, ladies, princes, damsels, mistresses & game rangers Are all welcome.
Make a note of the date
SUNDAY 27th May 2007 at 11h30
The venue Arthur’s @ Camelot, Hillcrest in Natal
(Used to be called the Tudor Rose)
The menu will be a Full Roast buffet with a choice of 3 different meats, 2 hot vegs, roast potatoes, rice & gravy plus a salad, The pudding will be Caramel, Hot Mud & ice cream Cost R60.00 pp payable on arrival (same cost as last year), There will be a cash bar as usual
The response in 2005 & 2006 was outstanding & if you missed those then make sure you don’t miss this one.
Please use the grapevine method of letting as many people know as possible by contacting those in your circle & asking them to pass on the date & details of this occasion. We have had numerous people phoning us after the last gathering to say they did not know that it was on.
If you are attending please contact
Rodney or Barbara Henwood at 033-701-1236 or 083-675-7184
Or Email me on info@lakenaverone.co.za
To place your name on the list for catering purposes.
Directions to Camelot
From Durban: Take the N3 towards Pmb then fork onto the M13 at Pinetown just after the Pavillion & then up Fields Hill, take the off ramp, marked R103 Hillcrest Old Main Rd. Turn right over the highway & into Hillcrest.
** Turn right into Inanda Rd at the new Checkers Centre – drive about 1.5 kms then turn left into West Riding Rd. & immediately turn right into Wishart Rd. Drive straight down through the avenue of trees to the Camelot gate.
From Pmb. Take N3 towards Durban – Take the M13 Pinetown/ Hillcrest split just after the top of Key Ridge – take the 2nd off ramp to Hillcrest & turn left at the stop sign into Old Main Rd. Then follow directions from ** above.
Can anyone help Elize
I work at an Outdoor education centre, one of the things we teach the kids about, is the poaching that happens in our reserves and National parks, and the cruel methods that get used. I’m wondering if anyone could help me acquire some traps, or provide me with methods used, to make my own
We would also like to know if any one possibly has a Gin-trap or something of similar, that we could add to our display for the anti-poaching program?
I’d really appreciate if anyone could help. If you have any information. Please contact me (Elize) at 083 770 8547 or elizevh@yahoo.com
POSITION(s) WANTED
1)Warren Meredith, 076 443 7628. wgmeredith@yahoo.co.uk is currently doing his diploma in nature conservation and is looking for any work experience in the conservation field.
Please contact him if you have a need for a trainee.
--- 2)Hello Mr. Tim Snow.
Greetings from Uganda, and we are quite doing well in the field of Wildlife conservation, some thing I guess you would love to hear, sir.
To remind you, I am Called Gatsimbanyi John Bosco a long time member of GRAA, but for some official reasons, I have not been in touch with you. This followed my posting to a remote area in the country where internet services area unavailable.
On July 20, 2005, in response to my email I sent to your office, you asked me to furnish you with my full particulars and address for updating my membership to
GRAA.
However, due to the above reason of poor communication network, I was not in a position to do so.
I am now back to Entebbe town, and do hereby wish to actively participate in the cause of GRAA.
Currently, I am not permanently employed but doing some freelance Tour-guiding, upon completing the said assignments.
Therefore Mr. Tim Snow, my main purpose of writing to you today, is a humble request to be given a contract employment as a PARK RANGER Or any other in National
Parks management suiting my qualifications as stated below, in the spirit of EXCHANGE PROGRAMME for members to benefit from working in other member countries to
learn from others and share experience.
I would very much love to work for few months in South African National Parks, or else where, given your permission please.
Age 38years, Gender Male, Nationality Ugandan, Profession Park Ranger
Work Experience 13years, Address Circular Rd, P.O. Box 931, Entebbe- Uganda.
Tel: (mobile) 0782 023 242, Email bgatsimbanyi@yahoo.com
I will be most grateful to you to receive your response.
Thank you so much indeed, long live GRAA and we are ready to serve any where on the globe for the survival of Wildlife.
Your's truly
GATSIMBANYI J. BOSCO
PARK RANGER-UGANDA
Tailpiece-
Caught speeding?
A senior citizen drove his brand new BMW Z3 convertible out of the car salesroom. Taking off down the motorway, he floored it to 90mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what little hair he had left.
"Amazing!" he thought as he flew down the M40, enjoying pushing the pedal to the metal even more. Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a police car behind him, blue lights flashing and siren blaring.
"I can get away from him - no problem!" thought the elderly nut case as he floored it to 110mph, then 120, then 130mph. Suddenly, he thought, "What on earth am I doing? I'm too old for this nonsense!" So he pulled over to the side of the road and waited for the police car to catch up with him.
Pulling in behind him, the police officer walked up to the driver's side of the BMW, looked at his watch and said, "Sir, my shift ends in10 minutes. Today is Friday and I'm taking off for the weekend. If you can give me a reason why you were speeding that I've never heard before, I'll let you go."
The man looked very seriously at the policeman, and replied, "Years ago, my wife ran off with a policeman. I thought you were bringing her back."
"Have a good day, Sir," said the policeman
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