BALANCING ADVENTURE & PRESERVATION |
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Invasive plants are a silent threat to our beloved mountains. These non-native species rapidly spread, outcompeting our native flora and ultimately impacting the overall health of our mountains. Searching for invasive weeds is like playing detective. We scour mountain floors and riverbanks, our eyes scanning for the slightest anomaly. It’s an intimate encounter with nature, getting down and dirty with the earth. We become experts at recognizing leaf shapes, stem structures, and root systems. Our recent conservation trip to Mhlabatini was a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between adventure and preservation. Together, we rolled up our sleeves and invested time in restoring our kloof's health. It was a testament to the dedication and courage of our club members. To reach the perilous edges where these tenacious plants clung, our team rigged themselves to trees and dangled off slippery edges. Their unwavering commitment to preserving our mountain's delicate ecosystem is truly inspiring. |
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After a gruelling day of battling invasive weeds, the campsite transforms into a sanctuary of tranquility. As the sun begins its descent, casting long shadows across the mountainside, a sense of accomplishment washes over us. The once-overgrown areas now stand as testaments to our collective effort. It’s as if the mountain itself is breathing a sigh of relief. The air feels cleaner, the sounds of nature more pronounced. It’s a tangible reward for our hard work, a silent thank you from the earth we strive to protect. These moments remind us of the profound connection between humans and nature, and the importance of preserving these pristine environments for generations to come. |
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One of MCSA’s primary mandates is to protect the natural beauty and wilderness character of our mountains through various conservation initiatives. Interested in getting involved in Conservation at MCSA? Monthly conservation meets are open to all MCSA members. If you'd like to get involved, check out our Meets Calendar for details or contact the MCSA Admin office for more information. |
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KIDS CHALLENGE AT BOVEN ROCK RALLY |
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On Saturday, 27 July, nine local Emgwenya-Waterval Boven children, and two adults participated in the 2024 Boven Rock Rally. The challenge? To collect points by climbing as many routes as close to your handicap as possible. The weather was perfect, the vibe amazing and the locals did Emgwenya proud, with 7 podium finishes: Sprogs (under 12): First: Mlungisi Dobe (10 y/o), second: Alwande
Zitha (10 y/o), third: Sandile Kiti (10 y/o)
Youth (under 18): First: Lungani Dobe (15 y/o), second: Keketso
Mashego (14 y/o), third: Thabang Hlatshwayo (14 y/o)
Three teams also competed, with Lungani Dobe and Nkosinathi Hlophe from team Boven Rock podiuming third. Special thanks to Roc ‘n Rope for their ongoing support of the Emgwenya Mountain Club, City Rock for waiving the competition entrance fee and for giving each participant a beautiful 2024 Boven Rock Rally T-shirt and MCSA-Jhb for helping cover transport and food costs for the children. |
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We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our properties. Security: We employ armed patrollers to conduct regular patrols across our properties and in certain hotspot areas. These patrollers are specially trained to ensure the safety and security of our properties while also protecting the biosphere. Their presence is a strong deterrent against unauthorised access and activities. Safety: In addition to the patrollers, we aim to increase visibility across all our properties through regular patrols carried out by our members. These patrols are not about enforcement but about being visible and reporting any suspicious activity to the rangers for follow-up. This is where you can get involved. |
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GENERAL SAFETY TIPS While out enjoying our properties, always be vigilant for suspicious activities such as: cut grass, fires, snares, remnants of food preparation, other unauthorised items. Photograph what you find and record the location using GPS or a WhatsApp pin. Send the information and photos to JHB Admin. Your involvement matters - Securing the safety of our mountains is a joint effort, your vigilance and proactive reporting play a crucial role in maintaining the security and beauty of our properties. |
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MEET REPORT KRANSBERG TRAD CLIMBING |
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Great people, perfect rock, and stunning scenery combined with ideal weather made for an exceptional trad climbing weekend. No "epics" to report this time—just safe, solid fun. Kransberg is a gem we should revisit more often. |
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Fernkloof crag is the birthplace of sport climbing around Gauteng, with the first climbs appearing in the late 1980s to early 1990s. The kloof has one steep side and one slabby side and is really scenic with a crystal-clear stream, pools, big ferns and ancient trees. The walk-in is a pleasant, 15-minute flat walk on a good path - most of which is shady. There are a few paths going in the same direction, and it’s possible to take the wrong one, so make sure you're with somebody who knows the way. Traditionally the kloof was only for hard men with lots of very difficult climbs. However, things have changed, and we now have 20 new fully bolted sport climbs in the kloof of grade 19 and below. So, if you're tired of the same old climbs, make a plan to try somewhere different and come to Fern on the MCSA meet on the 8 September to try out these new climbs. Download guide update below. |
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JOIN THESE UPCOMING MEETS! |
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Fundraising: Experienced fundraisers needed for conservation and mountaineering projects, including land acquisition. Conservation: Learn how to protect our properties' endemic ecosystems on work meets, scheduled on the Calendar. Outreach: Join community projects that share the mountains with the next generation of mountaineers. Meet Leaders: Give back by leading regular and varied meets for MCSA members and the public. PR & Marketing: Educate and inform current and future members through social media, club gatherings and talks. Mountain Search & Rescue: Train in a team ensuring knowledge transfer and rescue capability, or raise funds for callouts. Click on the links below to contact the sub-committee directly. |
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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 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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MCSA Office, CityROCK Building, 173 Republic Road, Fontainebleau
Randburg, Gauteng 2032, South Africa |
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