DON'T MISS WEDNESDAY'S TALK! |
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Join this informative presentation on lightning, why we cannot harness it, and ways to protect and be safe from it at the Clubhouse ( 11 Oorbietjie Rd, Robin Hills, Randburg, 2194) on Wednesday 8 May at 7 pm. Arrive early, from 6:30 pm, to enjoy drinks from the cash bar. Ken is an Associate Professor in the School of Electrical and Information Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand. He is a Fellow of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) and a Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). His research interests and activities are quite broad, but, data and energy cut across the majority of his engagements and expertise. He is particularly passionate about lightning protection and safety, and serves on the board of directors of the African Centres for Lightning Education Network (ACLENet). Ken’s deep scientific knowledge of electricity can help us understand the electrical principles of untamed lightning; it holds so much mysticism and power - Zeus, Greek god of the sky, with his lightning bolt in his hand with an Eagle on his shoulder, comes into many of the fantasy stories written today. For us mere mortals, Ken will do a myth busters talk on lightning, why we cannot harness it, and ways to protect and be safe from it. |
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Catch this nerve-wracking thriller play, written by Peter Speed, long time member of Johannesburg section of the MCSA! Deadpoint is about three climbers who were victims of an attack on an exploratory bouldering trip where one friend was murdered in a violent run-in with a group of illegal miners. The trio reunite, seemingly by chance, in a remote, weather-beaten hut. Traumatised, they carry the emotional scars of the event. Survivor's guilt, betrayal and unresolved issues lie just below the surface. They meet at the point where the past catches up with them, the deadpoint. Paul Spence, a veteran of the Royal Shakespeare Company, will be directing and performing, alongside fellow actors, Axl Forder and Kath McClelland, in this tense drama where secrets and hidden motives are revealed. Peter and Paul have collaborated on several dramatic projects since they first met in the University of Natal’s drama department in the late ’70s. The play will premiere at CityROCK Johannesburg, and will be staged in the “round”, where the audience surrounds the stage. The play has two performances here in Johannesburg, on the 17th and 18th of May at 7pm. Tickets are available through Quicket. MCSA members get a 15% discount. |
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DIARISE THESE UPCOMING MEETS! |
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Our last tidbits of admin and member updates! |
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MEET REPORT: COMMUNITY HIKE WITH PARKTOWN GIRLS, DLALA NJE & LIV LANSERIA |
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The future of Joburg's outdoor enthusiasts is bright! The MCSA Johannesburg Section kicked off its epic 2024 community program, giving 45 incredible young people from Parktown Girls, Dlala Nje and LIV Lanseria the chance to explore the magic of our mountains! |
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Big thanks to our amazing sponsors! A huge shoutout to Hi-Tec South Africa for keeping their feet comfortable with top-notch footwear, and Old Mutual South Africa for keeping them sun-safe and hydrated with buffs, caps, and water bottles! This program isn't just about conquering peaks - it's about empowering the next generation of outdoor leaders. Our experienced MCSA members are sharing their mountain leadership skills, fostering a love for adventure, and building a strong community connection with the outdoors. Stay tuned for more updates as these inspiring young people embark on their mountain journeys! We can't wait to see where their adventures take them! |
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MEET REPORT: THE BIG CROFTON PROJECT |
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About 26 MCSA helpers got together on Sat 4 May at Trident, one of the beautiful kloofs in the Magaliesberg. Wits student Michael Esterhuizen’s Honours project is to measure the flow of a stream before and after weeding. After checking several kloofs for the project, Trident was chosen. It was the best suited kloof where measurements could easily be done with scientific equipment. The three Trident tributaries have not been ‘weeded’ before, so seemed ideal. Data was collected and sites marked two weeks before and will be sampled again two weeks afterwards. The stems were all flattened by every flood over the years, and some are more than 3m long, so it was quite difficult to get to the base of each plant, as they make new roots along the way. Massive root systems (with soil that had to be shaken off) were taken out and piled on a huge heap outside the stream. It was hard work, mostly in the sun; it took most of the morning and some final clearing after lunch, but we did it! 50 m of bare stream banks... It will be great to see how it turns out – and if more rain would affect the banks and measurements. Looking back at the area it was scary to see just how big and extensive an infestation can become, the cleared stream banks now totally bare; it had been a stand of only crofton! It gave one a sense of achievement when you compare this situation with our MCSA properties where, over the 30+ years, we have worked hard to keep our kloofs close to pristine. Look at the before and after images: BEFORE: |
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NATIONAL MEET - JULY CAMP |
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UIAA UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS |
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TOGETHER, WE CAN STRENGTHEN OUR CLUB'S FUTURE |
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Every donation to the club, big or small, makes a difference. Your support in this crucial time will help us pay off our debts promptly and maintain a strong financial foundation. You can donate by transferring money via EFT with your annual membership fees, or you can donate through our web portal. Please consider a recurring payment, which will make a big difference over time. |
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It is not what the club can do for you, it is what YOU can do for the club. |
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Explore. Discover. Connect. Protect. |
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