In our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of members and guests participating in MCSA events, five meet leaders recently underwent comprehensive adventure guide training in abseiling and climbing.
Conducted by the NQF accredited SA Outdoor Academy, this intensive course aimed to enhance our leaders' skills and knowledge in facilitating safe and enjoyable experiences. The training covered essential aspects of risk management, equipment, systems, safety and rescue procedures. Our meet leaders gained hands-on experience in guiding techniques, refining their expertise to assist groups on abseiling and climbing events.
This investment in our leaders' development demonstrates MCSA's dedication to providing a secure environment for members to explore and enjoy the outdoors. By upgrading our skills and expertise, we can confidently deliver high-quality events that meet the highest standards of safety and adventure.
MCSA pATROL gROUP
The MCSA welcomes the Patrolling Group!
The purpose of this group is to assist with the safety and security of our properties on a volunteer basis. Volunteers will patrol the Tonquani complex (Upper and Lower Tonquani, Boulderkloof, and Cederberg), as well as Mhlabatini and Paardekraal.
Patrollers will actively check hikers for membership cards and permits, while also keeping an eye out for and noting any suspicious persons or activities. The patrolling group also aims to increase feedback and communication with our members via the newsletter, updating them on the section's actions against crime and trespassers taking advantage of our properties.
The MCSA needs YOU! Join the MCSA Patrolling Group by completing the application using the link below:
The Journal of the MCSA is published annually and serves as a record of the mountaineering-related activities of the Club’s members. Its contents represent the fulfillment of many of the MCSA objectives and the articles, photographs and sketches in each Journal highlight the wide range of activities undertaken by members.
The Journal includes articles on the environment, the flora and fauna encountered in remote parts of South Africa, on search and rescue, and on the history, geology and archaeology of mountain areas. With this extensive range of content, the Journal is an interesting, informative, entertaining and inspiring work, reflecting the spirit of adventure of the mountaineers and explorers of South Africa.
Please visit the MCSA Johannesburg Admin office (during office hours) to collect a copy or email admin@jhb.mcsa.org.za to arrange a courier.
Write an article for the MCSA Journal
Member contributions are welcome! The MCSA Journal is published one year in arrears. Contributions for the 2024 Journal can be sent to the Editor jennyapaterson@gmail.com by 31 January 2024. Guidelines for journal submissions can be downloaded here.
DON'T MISS THIS MEMBER TALK
Kailen Padayachee, a passionate conservation biologist from the KaiNav Conservation Foundation, will take you through the world of snares—simple, deadly traps that are quietly devastating animal populations across Africa. Learn how poaching affects not just iconic species like rhinos and elephants, but also countless "common" animals, and discover some key drivers of this crisis.
When: Wednesday, 2 October 2024
Where: Robin Hills Scout Hall
Time: 19h00 - 20h00.
You’ll hear about the Foundation’s groundbreaking S.N.A.R.E. Initiative, which removes snares, raises awareness, and transforms these traps into art, providing hope and opportunity for struggling communities. Don’t miss this chance to see how we can make a difference together!
JOIN THESE UPCOMING MEETS!
MEET REPORTS
WOLKBERG HERITAGE WEEKEND
by Andreas Draxl
While in the area, we decided to gatecrash Brett’s meet. As we arrived accompanied by a cold front, it was a real pleasure to have solid shelter. The hut was amazing—not only did we have running water, but lights too! There was a large entertainment area, a spacious kitchen, upstairs and downstairs sleeping quarters. The cherry on top being the vital fireplace!
After arriving in the dark we awoke to the stunning sight of mountains, a stream, and a fairytale-like waterfall pond right at our doorstep. The mountains looked cold and misty so we opted for a walk through the indigenous forest (Cleopatra Falls will have to wait until next time). The walk was enchanting (14 km with some uphill sections that felt more like a hike to most). The lush vegetation, crystal-clear water, and abundant birdlife made it unforgettable.
Thanks, Brett, for your wonderful hospitality and for organising this memorable meet.
Images by Kat Draxl
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DOME POOLS CONSERVATION MEET
A big thank you to the dedicated weeders who attended this meet. We had a good turn out of old and new weeders to tackle the lower Dome stream.
Unfortunately, we hit the jackpot on this piece of river. An excellent training opportunity, with a large cross section of the invasive species from our new weeding book. Crofton, lantana, senna, castor oil, bug weed galore!
Due to the sheer number, size and variety of weeds on this stretch, we only managed to clear about 1/3 of the intended stretch. But every plant removed is thousands fewer seeds for the next round. Regular returns will win the battle in the long run.
All are welcome to join on the upcoming meets. Weeding is a fun and friendly way to get to know our properties while working to conserve our environment.
HOW TO VOLUNteer
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 Meets 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.
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.
It is not what the club can do for you, it is what YOU can do for the club.
