As we close the chapter on 2024, I am proud to reflect on a great year of achievements. I am inspired by our Club's progress, both in strengthening our community and advancing our mission to protect, explore, and connect with the mountains. This has been a year of growth, innovation, and new beginnings, setting a strong foundation for an exciting 2025.
One of the standout achievements of 2024 was the introduction of a new online events calendar. This innovation allowed us to organise and promote climbing, hiking, and conservation activities more effectively. As a result, we saw a noticeable increase in meets, providing our members with diverse opportunities to engage with the mountains.
We also saw an improvement in how the club committee operates by introducing 3 new subcommittees: Patrolling, Modernisation, and Bolting. The Patrolling Subcommittee is starting to play an essential role in enhancing safety on our properties by maintaining a visible presence to deter trespassers and illegal activities. It’s a simple way for members to get involved and actively contribute. Meanwhile, the Modernisation Subcommittee embarked on a digital transformation, developing a membership portal to simplify renewals, meet registrations, and merchandise purchases. These innovations will roll out in 2025, ensuring we remain relevant in an evolving world. The Bolting Subcommittee continues its work of maintaining sport climbing safety and standards.
Our social calendar blossomed in 2024, with Wednesday gatherings at the clubhouse becoming a highlight of club life. These events featured engaging talks on climbing adventures and conservation, and for the first time, we live-streamed them on our new YouTube channel. Members can now revisit these events leisurely, broadening participation and accessibility. In 2025, we plan to expand this program, offering even more inspiring content.
On the Conservation and Land Access front, we celebrated the acquisition of the Paardekraal property, a vital addition to our portfolio that strengthens our mission to protect the Magaliesberg. This aligns with our broader conservation efforts, including removing alien vegetation, clearing snares to combat poaching, and educating members about ecological risks. These initiatives highlight the importance of preserving the delicate balance of our natural environment. As we look to 2025, we call on all members to join these critical conservation activities.
Our Legal Subcommittee successfully tackled the illegal use of enduro motorbikes in protected areas, safeguarding the Magaliesberg from environmental degradation. Their work underscores our commitment to upholding the integrity of these pristine mountain areas.
The Hiking Portfolio continues to thrive as a key pillar of our club. In 2024, we expanded our offerings with adventurous hikes, kloofing, and abseiling activities that captivated members of all skill levels. Additionally, we secured access to highly sought-after commercial hiking destinations, making it easier for members to participate in these exclusive experiences. The newly formed Mountain Mutts group also gained momentum, organising dog-friendly hikes that have become a beloved addition to our hiking calendar.
Our Community Programs remain a source of pride and inspiration. In 2024, we successfully engaged underprivileged communities, providing opportunities for young participants to build confidence, acquire new skills, and connect with nature. Watching these individuals grow through their experiences in the mountains has been profoundly rewarding.
As we enter 2025, our focus remains clear: expand opportunities for members to engage in meets, conservation, and community projects, continue modernising our systems, and foster a culture of active participation. Our motto, Ask not what the club can do for you, but what you can do for the club, resonates deeply as we call on members to contribute their time, energy, and passion.
Here’s to another year of growth, exploration and camaraderie. Together, let’s reach for greater heights while preserving the beauty of the mountains that unite us!
~ Bennie de Wet
Chairperson, MCSA Johannesburg Section
MCSA on rsg
Tune into RSG 100-104fm on Thursday, 2nd January at 20h00 where host Kobus Rudolph will be speaking to key members of the Mountain Club of South Africa.
Guests will include:
Paul Carstensen – President of the Mountain Club of S.A.
Petrus Nel – 40 years long member, climber and mountaineer
Peet Badenhorst – 20 years member, Stellenbosch Section
Gavin Ehlers – Chairman Magaliesberg Section
Marié Badenhorst – Hiking Portfolio
Coenraad Rall – Community Training and Development
Sarel Peter – Experienced rock climber
Liam Haupt – Junior rock climber
Charnelle Stander – MSAR Coordinator
Franco Houy – Ice climber
"It is an honour to work with the knowledgeable people of MCSA who treat the outdoors, nature and our mountains with such respect and integrity."
FESTIVE PATROLLING
The Patrolling Subcommittee wrapped up December with dedicated patrols across Mhlabatini, Tonquani, Paardekraal and Castle Gorge (with kind permission from Johannesburg Hiking Club).
Patrollers, easily recognisable in their bibs, were warmly received by members and guests alike. Notably, during a patrol at Mhlabatini, the team successfully assisted a small group of lost trail runners, guiding them back to the correct route.
A heartfelt thank you to Lourens Janse Van Rensburg and Nicky Belseck for their unwavering volunteering throughout December. As we step into 2025, we’re excited to expand and enhance the Patrolling Subcommittee's efforts. Here's to another year of safe and enjoyable trails!
JOIN THESE
UPCOMING MEETS!
MEET REPORT
HIKING, SCRAMBLING & KLOOFING @ MANKELE
by Andreas Draxl
I joined the Magaliesberg Section for the December long weekend in this wild and beautiful spot. Yes, Joburgers are welcome at MAG meets! After a short but steep and warm hike, we cooled off in the infinity pool—an unforgettable experience, floating in the water while overlooking the valley below.
The campsite and company were fantastic, complete with fire-popped popcorn and ice-cold beers. A relaxed morning set the tone before heading into the kloof. Two of us opted for the easy route; an 11-pitch abseil down stunning waterfalls. The rest worked much harder, scrambling down the rugged terrain.
We camped overnight in the shady kloof (hammocks were a game-changer), enjoying the peace and beauty of the surroundings. The next day, we leisurely walked and swam through the lower kloof before returning to our cars.
Mankele Kloof is truly worth the drive!
HOW TO VOLUNteer
Fundraising: Experienced fundraisers needed for conservation and mountaineering projects, including land acquisition.
Marketing & PR: Educate and inform current and future members through social media, club gatherings and talks.
Meet Leaders: Give back by leading regular, varied meets for MCSA members and the public.
Mountain Search & Rescue: Train in a team ensuring knowledge transfer and rescue capability, or raise funds for callouts.
Patrolling:Assist in securing and protecting our beautiful properties, ensuring that we all stay safe.
Outreach: Join community projects that share the mountains with the next generation of mountaineers.
GET INVOLVED!
Together we can strengthen our Club's future!
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.
Click on the link below to make a donation to MCSA Johannesburg.
