A peak into the MCSA JHB Community Programme, led by the inspiring Saray Khumalo and supported by dedicated members like Nicole and Chris Fuller, Aviva Marock, and Lynn Weitsz, as they bring the joy of nature to school children from diverse backgrounds.
Recently, 50 enthusiastic kids experienced a delightful day of hiking at Cradle Moon, culminating in a heartwarming poetry session about their adventures.
The few Parktown Girls that dare to wake so early and be at school at 5:30 got to experience breath taking views, banter with teenagers from expansive and diverse cultures and learn from knowledgeable guides and leaders in every walk of life.
Last Sunday was aimed at reflection and the beautiful lake of Cradle Moon definitely allowed for it. The 9km that we did was an easy hike that everyone enjoyed.
Every group submitted a poem or a song to preform infront of the rest of the groups as reflection of the day, the prize for the best performances were Tibetan prayer flags from Saray Khumalo's hike up everest.
A big thank you to the MCSA for sponsoring bags, bottles, buffs and food/snacks for the students that joined us.
Interested in the Community Development programme?
Now in its vibrant second year, the programme not only teaches hiking, conservation, and outdoor skills but also thrives on community support. With essentials funded by the government and nourishments provided by generous volunteers, even Old Mutual has stepped in to sponsor some of the gear this year.
Want to make a difference? Consider joining this wonderful initiative. For more details on how you can contribute, contact Dylan at the admin office (button below).
I was walking to a weeding meet with some new friends in 2017 and on the way we noticed someAloe peglerae. Some were grouped in a cluster and we wondered about this unusual growth habit.
These Aloes are endemic to the Magaliesberg, but because of their striking colours, they are poached for medicinal uses and sold in the horticultural trade. In some areas they have become extinct in the wild. On the South African Red List, they are classified as Critically Endangered for their exploitation.
At the time my friend commented that the club should know how many “Pegs” there are on our properties, so that we have this information documented and can compare their numbers in a few years to see if the population is stable, increasing or decreasing. It took 7 years to organise, but it happened! Baseline data collected by three groups that were spread out along a generally straight line each, to count every Aloe pegleraealong their stretch. I can attribute this success to relationships that have been forged with BotSoc and CREW (Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers). Many thanks to Arista Botha and Rueben Heydenrych who made this important Meet happen.
I do hope that today’s data collection will be useful for scientific analysis and will aid the protection of areas suited for their habitat. South Africa’s protected areas are meant to be growing in size, not shrinking. Efforts need to be made to re-zone pristine land to non-use and conservation. It should not be put to agriculture, grazing, mining, off-road biking or any other developments.
Nature cannot speak for or defend itself, someone needs to be its voice.
Please be on the lookout for more Meets in which we, as members of the MCSA, can contribute to the scientific body of knowledge and work on our indigenous plants and animals, (and at the same time hang out in the best places with very cool people!)
Join us for a passionate conservation meet this weekend (9-11 August) at Mhlabatini (Details below).
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.
It is not what the club can do for you, it is what YOU can do for the club.
