MCSA members are not the only ones who frequent our properties; and not all do so with permission. There are permit holders, contracted security, traditional herbalists, poachers setting snares, thieves, trespassers taking chances, neighbours that have access and the Eco Rangers. When observed from afar, it’s not immediately obvious which individuals have permission to be on MCSA properties. This is why we encourage you to greet and interact with those that you meet on, and off our hiking trails. 

 

The poachers that are setting snares are a serious problem that we have been addressing quite heavily over the past two months. Castle Gorge, Grootkloof and Hamerkop seem to be main target areas. 

The Eco Rangers were trained in 2020 to help the Magaliesberg Biosphere manage the impacts of unemployment from Covid on UNESCO Protected Areas. They learnt how to sniff out snares, clear invasive alien plants, manage and build hiking paths, work with veld fires, and escort and monitor harvesters of traditional medical plants. 

 

The Eco Rangers continue to work on our and neighbouring properties, keeping them in the pristine shape that you find them in. Four of these Eco Rangers call Majakaneng home. They have recently recruited a fifth ranger to their ranks and are also training up youth in their community to bolster their numbers. This group of rangers started managing their own hiking trail and initiated programmes to teach school children about the environment and conservation principles to protect the environment.

 

Meet the Rangers: Buti Mokwena, Kebareng Victor Maluleka, Hendrick Baloi, Samuel Makulu, and Hanny Maluleka.

Over the past two months, these five rangers removed a total of 223 snares from Castle Gorge, Grootkloof and Hamerkop. This task of removing snares has saved quite a few animals that will hopefully still be seen by us hikers. Unfortunately, we know that a Gemsbok and a Nyala fell victim to these snares, having been discovered with their remains still in the snares. Some of these non-endemic animals originated from neighbouring stocked game farms whose fences were cut to free the animals only to be captured in this way. 

The intervarsity competitions began as a collaborative event between the University of Pretoria’s climbing club (Explo Ratio) and the University of Witwatersrand’s climbing club (Wits University Mountain Club).

 

Over the last few decades, competition climbing has steadily grown in popularity, evolving as a sport that challenges athletes in a controlled, competitive environment by blending physical strength, agility and mental focus. Rock climbing, however, is more than just a physical challenge; it’s a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
 

Through these varsity competitions, we have fostered a strong sense of community among climbers of varying strengths and experiences. Our goal moving forward is to continue encouraging this community to grow with the support of active members in the student climbing community, including CityROCK Pretoria, Friends and Allies, Lizzard Fingers and the MCSA.

 

 

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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.

Explore. Discover. Connect. Protect.

Office Number:  061 461 8259 
Office Hours: Mon 12:00 - 20:00, Thurs 12:00 - 18:00
Email: admin@jhb.mcsa.org.za
Website: www.mcsajohannesburg.org