Thursday 27 April 2017

Hi Makanyanes!
 
As you can see there haven't been any posts for a while, which is a real pity since Wally and Vicki did such a fantastic job setting it up! As always the group is ever changing with people moving away and moving on and new people joining us and either deciding its not for them or (as we hope) coming back to work with us again. Then there are new members who are born into Makanyanes - like Charlee-Rose, Wally and Vicki's adorable little angel who is not afraid to get dirty
 
There is always a lot of work needed in the park and we try to keep up as well as we are able, some jobs are ongoing such as maintenance in the Boma and others we do manage to wrap up!  There is no feeling like being able to FINISH a project. It is wonderful to be back in the Boma again since October 2016, we are happy that the poaching survivor, Ike, has moved to Hoedspruit where he has been introduced to other dehorned rhinos and even has a lady friend, we wish him the best with his new family
 
 
So far in 2017 one of the big projects we had was replacing the fence at Fela Garona which was removed by an elephant on two sides. The team put new droppers in and threaded a 12 strand electric fence all the way around which is working very well and the HO's can stay safely there again. We had an extra work party in January to get the job done.

The boys being supportive

January special work party at Fela Garona



 
The ladies took some time out to work on blankets for the Blankets for Baby Rhinos group on Facebook.  The blankets go to rhino orphanages to keep the babies warm, since their moms aren't around due to poaching.
 
 
The MV ladies have been working with Perry Dell and the Pilanesberg Wildlife Trust (PWT) over the last year selling merchandise and  "Shots for Rhinos" at Pilanesberg Centre. Among other things the PWT has bought a Bathawk, a two seater light aircraft, along with Copenhagen Zoo, to fly patrols over the park. The Makanyanes have helped raise over R68 000 so far in 2017 and we are always happy when Perry or her very able assistant, Cathy, join us on a Saturday morning for sales and a "melktertjie"!
 
Another project that we have been tackling is erecting a carport at Steve and Perry Dell's house for the rhino trailer which is used to transport rhino orphans to The Rhino Orphanage. Initial preparation was started in December but a team went in again this month to try and get the job done! They did great work and managed to get most of the work done over two days, including innovative methods of concrete mixing. Well done, guys, the roof can be done next month!
Patrick & Johnny - master mixers
               

Anita helping with shot sales after a morning of work in the Boma

Anita and her friend Trevor the lawnmower getting a good workout


Helmut & Buks clearing the Boma fence

 
 
 
Keep well, everyone.  Hope to see you soon!





Sunday 5 May 2013

Weather guide for Pilanesburg - http://www.vitalweather.co.za/preview.php

 April 2013 Work Party!

“You know you are truly alive when you’re living among lions.”
― Karen Blixen, Out of Africa 



This weekend we had a large workparty which is good as we had some hectic tasks ahead of us!! 

Friday night we all sat around the fire wrapped up in our jumpers and jackets and braced ourselves for a chilly night - winter is not far away now!!

Saturday morning we all woke up bright and early with steaming hot coffee in our hands a chill in the air and a big birthday wish to Margaret we all headed off to the boma. We split up into groups Nando's team attacked the weeds around the fence with style, Pat and Mona had a group of us helping them whilst they created master pieces with brick work wahooo it was awesome although Jax did introduce me to utilising cement as a homemade facial!! lol!! Graham and Wally headed off to work on the fence itself, Kori and Freddy made it their mission to break through a concrete man hole - dedication i tell you and Ed, Brian and crew worked on the fence gate. All in all it kept us all busy busy busy and time flew by!

That night we all sat around the potjie pot filled fire and went through our highs and lows. Scrummy cake was supplied by Margaret and Diane and as per normal lots giggles and laughs were had! 

Ahhh another fantastic Makanyane weekend thank you so much everyone.
See you next month!! Don't forget to pack those extra woollies!!
xx



Early morning drive to the Boma
Sara-Jane in the drivers seat!
Mr G acting cool!

Getting ready to work!
Ed chatting to Nando's good ear!
The Birthday Girl! Happy Bday Margaret!



Working with a smile!
Pink socks hey!
Diane n Jax xx
Gary working on the fence

Mike on the other side of the fence!

Dedication!


Hard work!!




Tom and Jax working on the weed eaters
 
Mixing it up!
Wow backbreaking work!


Jax doing a little happy dance!
Vicki testing those muscles!
Gotcha!

Team Work!
Looking good guys!!
Pat & Mona hey who's that peeking hehe!



Seriously time consuming!


Tom our friendly weed eater mechanic!!
Wally catching a quick lift and having a breather!
Brian working on the gate!
Time for a break!




Margaret telling us all to stop singing!


Ed teaching Wendy how to light a fire
Fire!

Ahhhhh Wally n Graham


Go Go Go!!
On your marks, get set.........
Ground Beetle
 


Potjies Unite!!!

 A huge big thank you to Tom and Margaret for the photos xx