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MABALINGWE COMMON
PROPERTY ASSOCIATION
(MCPA)
AUTUMN
NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2017
Introduction
·
From the MCPA Chairman
·
Getting to know Louis Roux
·
Security Update
·
Fire Prevention
·
The Elusive Aardvark
⋅⋅⋅⋅
Weather
⋅⋅⋅⋅
Conclusion
·
Important Contact
Numbers
·
Brainstrain Quiz
MABALINGWE NATURE
RESERVE
R516 Rooiberg / Thabazimbi Road Bela 0480
Tel: 014 736 3665 /
014 001 7240
www.mabalingwe.org.za
INTRODUCTION
The world turns, the seasons change, the cycle of life moves on. While we look around us and
celebrate the abundant new life springing from the good rains and the natural rhythm of our
planet, we also mark the passing of MCPA Director John Meyer, featured in our previous
newsletter and Bob and Susan Bronkhorst – friends to many owners in Mabalingwe. We extend
our heartfelt sympathies to their families and loved ones.
Those of you who may not have been able to visit Mabalingwe since the dry and dusty 2016
winter, will be delighted to know that the good rains this season have turned the veld to a
vibrant green – it’s lush and healthy again. The dams are looking amazing with all of them
having over-flowed at some stage.
These late summer and early autumn months are amongst the most pleasant of the year –
temperatures are slightly cooler, the game is looking healthy and spirited, birdlife is plentiful,
while their calls and the sound of the cicadas provide the soundtrack for the bush.
In this issue we look forward to projects and implementations that affect all owners – Ashley
Theron, our Chief Fire Officer has penned an interesting article on reducing the risk of fire at
your home - we have short memories and with the wet conditions we currently have, it’s easy
to forget that winter is around the corner, which means that Fire Season is too!
We introduce you to Louis Roux, employed as Security Manager in the latter half of 2016. Louis
and his team have taken huge strides in improving our safety and security on the farm – his
article covers one of newest security projects.
Enjoy!
Sandy Morton
FROM THE MCPA Chairman
A new year with new focus
The MCPA board met on 21 January this year with a number of Trustees and representatives
from the various Body Corporates as well as board members and senior staff of Shareblock.
We met to discuss the current position and challenges of Mabalingwe. It was also
contemplated where Mabalingwe as a Nature Reserve should be in 10 years’ time and how
to attain the ideals set. More on this later in this report.
First, we praise the life of John Meyer whom departed from life on earth – and Mabalingwe -
in February. His contributions towards Mabalingwe over a number of years have been
immeasurable and will be there for all to see and experience for many more years. The passing
of Bob and Susan Bronkhorst will also leave a hole in the lives of many at Mabalingwe. Our
thoughts are with the families of John and also the Bronkhorsts.
On a more positive note it is great to report that the security situation has stabilized with no
burglary incidents in January to March this year; and only a few reported over the holiday
season. In all instances reported the norm is that a specific investigation is undertaken and
supplementary investigations (including lie detection tests) are completed to stamp burglaries
out as far as possible, aiming for zero incidents. The security team lead by Louis Roux, the
security manager appointed in August 2016, along with his team has done a sterling job over
the past few months and are thanked for their dedication and more so, their success.
Following the MCPA workshop a special security workgroup has been established who will
continuously evaluate the process as well as the results. New technology will be considered in
making sure that Mabalingwe remains a safe haven to be enjoyed by all.
Much has been said of the welcome rainfall experienced since September 2016 with more
than 750mm reported by Enrico from the local weather station (read his special article with
more detail later in this newsletter). One can hardly imagine that a special feeding scheme
was required for the game at the end of winter, only six months ago. Nonetheless, the rains,
and with that the excellent growth of the grass, will bring its own challenges in winter this year
with the fire prevention teams already hard at work in preparing fire breaks and training
firefighting teams. The rains also caused damage to some roads due to the saturated
conditions and also scouring and erosion next to the road verges and in the veldt. The teams
are hard at work to rehabilitate, where required.
We are pleased to report that Frik Steyn, our reserve manager, is back at home and on duty
after many weeks spent in Intensive Care over the holiday season. He is pleased to be back
on the reserve. We wish him all the best in recovering his full strength.
We have been advised that the liquidation process of Boschpoort Ondernemings is now in its
final stages. The A-shares of the Mabalingwe Shareblock have been sold to an associate of
the company managing the timeshare units and follows the transfer of the auctioned units at
Tlou lodge to their owners. As part of the process the MCPA took ownership and occupation
of the previous conference centre and will, as the new owners, utilise the building as its office
and storage accommodation; and utilize the living quarters in the building for MCPA staff.
At the MCPA workshop held end of January this year, the following was agreed as the reason
“why” the owners invested in Mabalingwe:
� To relax, as an investment or as a permanent residence in retirement
� It’s a large reserve – uninterrupted expanse of land – Pristine African bushveld
� Space between houses
� Variety of animal species – elephants, rhino and others
� Affordable – purchase price and monthly levies
� Services are in place(water, electricity, refuse, security)
� Well-managed
� Property rights
� May self-drive on the reserve
� May / can cycle and walk on the reserve
� Other amenities / facilities (shop, restaurant, etc.)
The group agreed to establish working groups which will lead to input and assistance from a
wider group of contributors than the MCPA board members. The work groups established
being:
� Finances
� Game & veldt management
� Security
� Communication, Aesthetics and Conduct Rules
� Water, Electricity and Refuse
Whilst Mabalingwe has seen many changes and challenges over the past few years, the
MCPA board looks forward to a year of growth at Mabalingwe and taking hands with the
wider group of contributors in making sure that Mabalingwe is managed to the benefit of the
owners (be it full ownership, partial ownership or time share ownership) on the reserve.
Regards,
Jan Zeederberg
GETTING TO KNOW
LOUIS ROUX
Louis Ernst Roux was born on 30 November 1961
at 2 Military hospital, Wynberg, Cape Town.
He completed his high school years in 1979 at
High School Eldoraigne, Centurion. After school
he joined the SANDF. He was stationed at 7
South African Infantry Battalion, Phalaborwa
until mid-1986, when he resigned with the rank
of Captain.
In 1986 he joined the Armscor affiliate Kentron,
where he was involved as the Project Security
Officer on the Rooivalk project and Head of
Security Training.
In 1990 he was transferred to the then Infoplan
as Security Manager, and in 1995 the new State Information Technology Agency was formed
with Infoplan as the main company and he became the Facility Support Manager, with
Security, Maintenance, Transport, and Catering part of his portfolio.
With the coming of the World Soccer 2010, he got involved with the company TSU, as VIP
Protector for some of the FIFA delegates and after that he was the Security Site Manager at
Macquarie South Africa Investment Bank Group until 2012.
In 2012 he did security contracting work and assisted with the establishment of a Task team on
the Harmony Gold mine in Welkom for the protection of copper cable. In 2013 he was
transferred as Security Manager to Harmony Kalgold Gold mine in Mafikeng where he worked
until he was offered the position of Security Manager at Mabalingwe Nature Reserve.
He has a diploma in Security Management, is registered with PSIRA as a Grade A, Security
Officer and has 36 years of experience in the security industry.
Louis and Adri his wife, have three children, Luan aged 28, Tiaan aged 26 and Elizmari aged
18. He is a keen Stormers supporter, loves reading autobiographical books and when he gets
time plays a round of golf.
Information of the MCPA Security
systems – Faster criminal checks
available on site
To enhance security at Mabalingwe, it is compulsory for all staff to be in possession of a South
African identity document (or valid work permit and corresponding foreign ID document) and
also to annually be checked against the SA Police criminal records. The requirement applies
to all staff working for the MCPA, Mabalingwe Shareblock as well as contractors and other
service providers wishing to obtain regular access permits to Mabalingwe.
Criminal Checks performed at Mabalingwe from 1 March 2017
In order to complete the check faster, the MCPA recently purchased the equipment and
software to link directly into the SA Police database, providing a quick and effective check.
As from the 1st of March, an Automated Electronic Criminal Record Checks system will be
deployed at the Mabalingwe Control Room and will link directly to the SA Police database.
This system provides unrivalled accuracy and speed over the current, traditional paper-based
system.
This system provides the following features:
- Faster results - results returned within 48 hours to accelerate employment decisions
- Secure - Encrypted links offer secure data transfer and privacy
- Reliable - Electronic capture of fingerprints enables faster results for organizations to confirm
integrity of individuals
What does this mean for Mabalingwe Nature Reserve?
- All employees working on the Reserve will be screened;
- All domestic workers at private houses will be screened;
- All contractors, before coming on-site, will be screened. Existing contractors will also be
screened;
- Records can be kept for reference purposes.
MCPA Security will be rendering this service on site at a cost of R100 per person screened. All
the MCPA security personnel have already been screened, and cleared within 48 hours,
beating the previous 3 to 6 week waiting period.
An information letter will be distributed to all parties concerned as soon as the service is fully
up and running. All owners, staff, contractors and sub-contractors are asked to support the
implementation of the system.
Louis Roux
Fire prevention …
it’s everyone’s responsibility
Although the dams are full, the grass lush and green, preparations for the coming fire season
are already in full swing. It is however, important to think of fire prevention and protection as
a multi-layered system. While the MCPA undertakes the responsibility to manage fire
prevention holistically, each owner can assist by doing their part, in and around, their homes.
Home-owners can reduce the risk at their homes by looking at fuels around the house. Under
specific circumstances (for instances weather conditions) dry vegetation (fuels) can ignite or
allow fires to burn hotter and also allow a fire to last longer and spread faster. These fires
become difficult to monitor and control and can threaten houses.
“When considering improvements to reduce wildfire vulnerability, the key is to consider the
home in relation to its immediate surroundings”
• Owners and their staff must know the emergency numbers (see below)
• Have long grass cleared for between 20m - 50m around the house where possible.
• Remove any flammable materials from the house.
• Have personal firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and hose reels checked on
a regular basis.
• Have a clear pathway / driveway leading to the house for the Mabalingwe fire team to
reach your house in the quickest way.
• Where possible, provide for easy access of a fire vehicle around your home.
“Not all house fires are caused by runaway veldt fires, but can also be caused by nature or
human negligence and even faulty wiring”
• Make sure your lightning conductor meets the SABS standards and is regularly checked in
accordance with insurance requirements
• Have a certified technician check your electrical wiring on regular basis.
• When making a “bonfire” keep it small and never leave it unattended. Make sure that it’s
well extinguished afterwards. This applies for normal “braai fires” as well. Don’t throw hot
coals into the veld.
• Use LED emergency lights instead of candles / paraffin lamps during a power cut/load
shedding.
The following information will be of importance to the operator:
⋅ Where the fire is
⋅ Approximate size and
⋅ If it’s a veldt-fire or a structure fire
Ashley Theron
24/7 FIRE EMERGENCY NUMBERS
014 001 7240
083 272 4851
082 546 90252
THE ELUSIVE
AARDVARK
(Orycteropus afer) On the occasional early stroll along the gravel
road trans versing from Elandsfontein to Idwala
gate, one may find the unique spoor of an
aardvark which clearly shows the marks left by
three of the four front claws with three and
sometimes four of the hind claws, slightly
behind or sometimes overlapping the front
claw spoor marks.
Spoor of an Aardvark illustrating how close the front and hind spoor occur in relation to each other
Needless to mention, Aardvark are notoriously
shy and are only occasionally seen late in the
evening, after 21H00 until dawn. During this
time one could be fortunate to find one
walking casually past the front of the vehicle’s
head lights as they seem oblivious to the light
but will flee at the slightest sound or smell of an
intruder. An Aardvark walking hunched,
upright with the heavy tail lifted clear off the
ground is not a sight one will easily forget as
there is no animal in the wild with a similar
stance.
It does however remind one of an old person
with a serious condition of osteoporosis of
the vertebra, but this is where the
resemblance ends. So, when doing a game
drive during the crepuscular hours of the
day, have your camera ready. You may be
lucky!
A farmer friend from the Karoo can attest to
a full grown man being dragged at least 60
m through bush and scrub after trying to hold
down an Aardvark by its tail. In the end, after
suffering major grazing and damage to his
ego, he wisely let go. Aardvark are
notoriously powerful creatures and can dig
faster than a team of three men with picks
and shovels, mind you, that is if the members
of the team do not injure themselves while all
digging away at the same hole
simultaneously!
It is amazing that such a large creature, 50-
60kg, lives exclusively on termites and ants.
To achieve the latter it has an unusually
elongated pointed skull which houses a long
sticky tongue which is used to trap termites
and ants in their burrows, the latter being
skillfully opened by using their powerful front
claws.
The body of the Aardvark is covered in
sparse course hairs, which is appears similar
to that of a pig, hence the name “aardvark”
meaning earth pig in Afrikaans. It has an
elongated snout with remnants of molar
teeth which are underdeveloped and
basically useless as all food, including a large
quantity of soil, is directly swallowed during
feeding. The ears are long and tubular and
are folded back when digging.
It has been found that according to Smithers (1971), who was researching Aardvark in
Botswana, 17 species of mammal, one bird species and two reptile species were using
Aardvark burrows. The bird, the Ant Eating Chat (Myrmecocichla formicivora), builds a nest
tunnel in the roof of the entrance of Aardvark burrows and may be dependent on Aardvark
burrows for its breeding requirements.
Unfortunately Aardvark are prized for their soft delicate meat whilst their snout, including the
claws, are highly sought after by Sangomas in the muti-trade. Although Aardvark are not
endangered they should be protected as they play a major role in controlling termites which
become a pest during the dry season.
It does however remind one of an old person with a serious condition of osteoporosis of the
vertebra, but this is where the resemblance ends.
To our delight, Penni Warncke at no 22 Elandsfontein, captured a rare glimpse of an Aardvark
visiting their home one evening on her night cam.
So, when doing a game drive during the crepuscular hours of the day, have your camera ready. You
may be lucky!
Jan van Niekerk (BSc, Botany, Zoology and Wildlife Management, Stellenbosch)
2016 / 2017 Weather
Enrico Liebenberg
IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Security
Mabalingwe Control Room 24/7 security service, alarm monitoring
014 001 7240
083 272 4851
082 546 9052
Police SAPS Bela Bela 014 736 9700
Medical (Emergencies)
Ambulance Provincial ambulance Bela Bela 014 736 2121
Provincial Hospital Bela Bela Provincial Hospital 014 736 2121
St Vincent Private Hospital Private hospital in Bela Bela 014 736 2310
Trauma Private ambulance service 014 736 2831
Medical (General)
Medlin Pharmacy
Weekdays 08:30 – 18:00
Saturdays 08:30 – 13:30
Sundays and Holidays 10:30 – 12:00
014 736 2285
Van Heerden Pharmacy
Weekdays 08:00 – 19:00
Saturdays 08:00 – 12:00 & 17:00 – 19:00
Sundays and Holidays 10:00 – 12:00 & 17:00 –
19:00
014 736 2301
Drs Bergh & Coertze Local doctors based in Bela Bela 014 736 2290
Drs Emslie & De Jonge Local doctors based in Bela Bela 014 736 2032
Drs Grobler & De Villiers Local doctors based in Bela Bela 014 736 2220
Water and Electricity Problems
Control Room 24/7 Electrical or Water problems 014 001 7240
Resort Facilities
Game drives and activities Information and bookings at Mabalingwe 014 736 9022
Reception Office hours 07:00 – 22:00 014 001 7011
Restaurant
Breakfast: 07:00 – 11:00
Lunch: 11:00 – 15:30
Dinner: 18:30 – 21:30
014 001 7047
Farm Shop
Mondays to Thursdays 09:00 – 17:00
Fridays 09:00 – 19:00
Saturdays 09:00 – 17:00
Sundays 08:00 – 16:00
014 001 7047
Ladies Bar Mondays to Sundays 10:00 – 20:00 014 001 7047
1. How many toes do White Rhinos have?
2. What is the smallest antelope found in South Africa?
3. Are Tsessebe grazers, browsers or do they eat both grass and bushes?
4. Which has the more distinctive stripes – Bushbuck or Nyala?
5. What does a “gregarious animal” mean?
6. How many pairs of wings do dragonflies have?
7. Are frogs and toads the same?
8. How many chicken eggs are equal to one ostrich egg?
Brain Strain Quiz
1.Three. They are odd-toed ungulates, as are horses. Most terrestrial ungulates use the tips of their toes, usually hoofed, to
sustain their whole body weight while moving. The term means, roughly, "being hoofed" or "hoofed animal".
2.The Blue Duiker - The head-and-body length is typically between 55 and 90 centimeters. It reaches 32–41 centimeters at
the shoulder and weighs only 3.5–9 kilograms. This endangered duiker prefers forest-type habitats.
3.Exclusively grazers.
4.Nyala have numerous distinctive stripes
5.Social animals living in flocks or loosely organized communities such as buffalo, elephants and monkeys
6.Dragonflies have two pairs of large wings and long slender bodies.
7.Nope, they are very different. Just a few of the differences include that frogs have to live near water and have a “slimy”
looking moist skin. Toads have wide bodies and rough, dry skin; they don’t have to live near water.
8.24
