East Africa facing drought-induced starvation

URGENT - 11 million people are watching their cattle, donkeys and livestock starve to death and they're not far behind (read further). You can help by donating your time, money and/or resources to the World Food Program.

Stay of Execution for KNP Elephants

The decision to cull elephants in the Kruger National Park has been put on hold due to international pressure from animal welfare groups. A big thank-you to everyone who also sent their outcry to the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. "It is unclear how long the government’s postponement will hold, and that at least another three months of research needs to be done into the impact and necessity of culling." ~ Rudi van Aarde, ecologist at the University of Pretoria.

Sophiatown Resurrected After Apartheid

As apartheid bulldozers razed their homes on 9th of February 1955, residents of Sophiatown were 'dumped' into the Meadowlands, approximate 10 km's to the South in Soweto. The minority government renamed their seizure 'Triomf' (meaning truimph).

"Despite the poverty, Sophiatown had a special character; for Africans it was the Left Bank in Paris, Greenwich Village in New York, the home of writers, artists, doctors and lawyers. It was both bohemian and conventional, lively and sedate," former president Nelson Mandela recalled in his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom.

Tin shacks and red-roofed brick homes, Sophiatown was the vibrant birthplace of South African jazz. Internationally-acclaimed jazz greats, like trumpet maestro Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba and Abdullah Ibrahim made their name here. Archbishop Trevor Huddleston (and anti-apartheid veteran) gave Masekela his first trumpet here.

South Africans of all cultures celebrated this Saturday, "We are here today to rename Triomf to Sophiatown," said city mayor Amos Masondo as he unveiled a signboard bearing the original name in bold black letters."There is no need to say how deeply devisive the name Triomf has been to our nation," Masondo told a crowd of about 500 people including many who had lived in the suburb before 1955.

"I'm feeling ecstatic about it. When we were thrown out we lost hope that we would ever be able to come back," said jazz diva Abigail Kubeka, who started her singing career in Sophiatown's beerhalls.

Kruger's Elephant Hall Closed for Refurbishing

A lick of paint and general maintenance will give the Elephant Hall at Letaba Main Camp in the Kruger National Park a fresh new face. The Elephant Hall is home to the skulls and ivory of six of Kruger's legendary Magnificent Seven elephants and will soon include the tusks of Mandleve, Kruger's largest ivory-carrying elephant which died of natural causes in 1993.

It also includes historical displays of elephant evolution and will soon boast large murals especially prepared for the Hall. "We realise that many of our guests that visit Letaba during February will be disappointed not to see this facility, but would like to assure that the new-look Hall will be much better than the present one.” said Ben van Eeden, regional manager for the Northern Business Unit. The Hall should reopen in March 2006.

Wetlands, Water and Livelihoods

The global NGO Wetlands International will host an international workshop in South Africa on the role of wetland management in poverty reduction. The goal of the workshop is to bring the nature conservation and development aid sectors together to develop a common agenda for how wetlands protection and poverty reduction can complement one another.

"South Africa is a very interesting country to look at," says Trevor Wickham, the Project Manager of the Dutch-funded project, "with water shortage in many areas and numerous communities dependent on fresh water ecosystems, South Africa has needed to be innovative in finding solutions that work for nature and people. Their working-for-wetlands program, where the poor can earn a living and develop new skills through restoring wetlands is one such example.”

2010 Soccer World Cup - 10 Stadiums

South Africa has committed ZAR 242m for building / refurbishing 10 stadiums in South Africa for the 2010 Football World Cup. "These 10 stadiums will ensure that South Africa meets Fifa's expectations." ~ Gert Oosthuizen, Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation. The 10 stadiums are:

1. Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo;
2. One stadium in Mbombela in Mpumalanga;
3. One in the Nelson Mandela Metro in the Eastern Cape;
4. Kings Park Soccer stadium in Durban, Kwazulu Natal (going to be rebuilt to become a multi-purpose sports facility);
5. A new stadium will be built at the existing Green Point Track in Cape Town (a ‘dome’ roof will protect the players from the notorius Cape Doctor);
6. Soccer City in Gauteng;
7. Ellis Park in Gauteng;
8. Loftus Versveld in Gauteng;
9. Royal Bafokeng stadium in North West;
10. Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein in the Free State.

Culling-conservationists need paradigm shift

Dear Editor,

I am of the opinion that in an island reserve such as Pilansberg or Madikwe, if you cannot translocate the excess elephant, there is no other alternative but to cull in order to maintain the ecological integrity of the reserve. However, this is not the case with the Kruger National Park.

I, after spending many years living in Timbavati side by side with elephants and interacting with them on a daily basis, have formed a different view. National parks and reserves should be audited to ascertain whether the reserve in question could sustain an elephant population crash and if so elephant populations should be allowed to climb and crash as the natural cycles dictate.

The Kruger National Park has recently become a Transfrontier Park. An additional million hectares has now been fenced in with the KNP, which is now three million hectare in extent. This reserve could possibly sustain elephant populations indefinitely as occurs with wildebeest populations in the Serengeti.

There needs to be a paradigm shift in the thinking of conservationists who support culling and consider it the only the alternative.

Nature has looked after itself for millions of years; conservation is a new science and has only been practiced as "educated guesses" for about 80 years or so. We need to comprehend that culling is only one option of many and each situation is unique. To cull at this time while the park is expanding is premature. The elephants and other wildlife are stimulus-response organisms and will respond to any stimulus in their environment.

Culling will lead to more prolific breeding. Overpopulation will lead to some elephants moving into new areas without having to be forced. Allow them to do their thing and I am sure we will learn a thing or two and be pleasantly surprised. My vote goes to applying a flexible, accountable approach to the situation.

Marco Schiess
Umlani Bushcamp
Timbavati

Elephant Science Round Table meet in Cape Town

An international group of 10 scientists (a.k.a. the Elephant Science Round Table) are meeting in Cape Town today [19-01-'06] to discuss the report by SANparks that highlights the problem of elephant herd overpopulation in the Kruger National Park. The concern is what damage can be caused to the biodiversity. At the moment, population control options include contraception, translocation, increasing the range (making the park area larger) and culling.

"Culling should not be considered as an option, as it's cruel and unethical." ~ Animal Welfare Groups like IFAW.

Update 23-01-'06 : The Round Table has advised Marthinus van Schalkwyk (Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism) that there isn't enough evidence to warrant a large scale reduction of the elephant population in the Kruger National Park. Even though there is a lot of information, the Round Table scientists believe that more research needs to be done before a definite decision can be made.

“The Round Table essentially confirmed the diversity of views on this emotive issue, but also that role players are at the end committed to the same objective, which is to assert South Africa’s internationally recognised skill of conservation management,” said J P Louw, DEAT spokesperson.

Cape Flats to get a ZAR 8,4m boost

The City of Cape Town has allocated ZAR 8,4 m to reviving parts of the Cape Flats i.e. Khayelitsha and Mitchell's Plain. Khayelitsha will be seeing road upgrades and the installation of street / security lights (ZAR 4,6m), while Mitchell's Plain will see an upgrade of its beaches on False Bay coast and its sports fields (ZAR 3,7m).

Tourists can visit the local folk at the Cape Flats on an exciting cultural day-excursion, such as the Cape Care Cultural Route, Cape Cultural Township Tour or Cape Town City and Cultural Township Tour. See info on Cape Town & Western Cape.

Book Kruger National Park Day Trips in Advance

The festive season is silly season when it comes to 'arriving unannounced' at the Kruger National Park in South Africa - you're bound to be disappointed. Kruger manages the volume of day visitors according to the park's infrastructure available (e.g. parking and other public facilities). Day visitors should book the specific day that they'd like to visit, at a specific Kruger Park gate, via SANparks (reservations@sanparks.org).

Cage Diving with Crocodiles Anyone?

A new trend is about to explode at the Cango Wildlife Ranch in South Africa (http://www.cango.co.za). Similar to cage diving with Great White Sharks, visitors will be able to view these magnificent living relics from the safety of a cage, in lovely clear water, using snorkelling gear i.e. one does not need to be scuba-qualified!

The Cango Wildlife Ranch is situated in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape and is home to one of the most successful cheetah / endangered species breeding centres. Apart from the furry felines and risky reptiles, it is also home to leguaans, suricates, pygmy hippos, snakes, black eared foxes and more. Check out the park layout at : http://www.cango.co.za/parkmap.htm.

City Year South Africa Service Leaders

City Year was founded on the belief that a healthy and vibrant democracy depends on active, engaged citizens who commit their time, skills, and resources to address pressing problems in our communities. City Year believes in the power and idealism of young people as a means to achieving this goal by uniting a diverse corps of 18 – 25 year old South Africans from all races and backgrounds for an intensive year of full-time community service, leadership training and personal development. United in their desire to serve, these young Service Leaders invest their talents and energy working directly on critical issues that face children and communities in South Africa, while developing their own talents and potential for enhanced learning and employment opportunities upon graduation from the programme.

Service Leaders are selected from a diverse cross-section of youth, representing all racial, socio-economic, educational, religious and language groups. Service Leaders work in teams of 10 to 12 members, each team a true reflection of City Year’s diversity, relying on each others skills and experiences to serve the communities in which they work. Teams are supported by a full-time Team Leader as well as a strong network of staff, trainings, referral systems. City Year is registered with the National Youth Service Unit, overseen by the Presidency, and aims to support South Africa’s efforts to grow national youth service in the coming years.

City Year works in partnership with a range of government and private sector partners. The service and learning programme has been developed in close partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education, the City of Johannesburg, the Department of Labour, and the National Youth Service Unit in the Office of the Presidency. City Year is strongly supported by African Rainbow Minerals, Anglo American, Claude Leon Foundation, Edcon, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, JP Morgan, Standard Bank, The Timberland Company, Xstrata, and a growing number of South African private, public, and corporate partners. Learn more about what City Year Service Leaders do...

ABN AMRO ONE win first leg of Volvo Ocean Race in Cape Town

ABM AMRO ONE have won the first leg of the prestigious Volvo Ocean Race (www.volvooceanrace.org) from Vigo in Spain to the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The next planned sailing event is the In Port race in Table Bay on the 26th December (see race schedule), but there are many VOR festivities planned.

If you're visiting Cape Town during this exciting time, feel free to check out our exciting one-day excursions - but do hurry, there may not be much space left ...

World AIDS Day - new online resource in SA

01 December is World AIDS day, and to help with this international disease, IOL (South African online newspaper) has recently launched an online resource on HIV/AIDS in South Africa. It contains information about treatment and therapy, vaccines and science, living with HIV/AIDS, statistics, workplace policy and law, and lots more. You can read more at http://www.iolhivaids.co.za/.

How do I become a game ranger / conservation guide?

As with most jobs, skills are required and one should successfully complete the necessary theoretical and practical training. Most game ranger jobs require experience, so you may need to volunteer your services at first. Our training partner in South Africa offers a four week practical training course in Limpopo, which also has access to online theoretical training. Another option is a one-year course that includes both theoretical and practical training, throughout South Africa. Two-year (or more) diplomas / degrees in Game Ranger and Lodge Management are available from various South African universities.

Our training partner in South Africa adds, "We are in constant communication with several lodges and employment agencies that often contact us in connection with vacancies they may have and we in turn then submit any CV's we have on file. Once you have completed the course it is advisable for you to e-mail your CV to keep on file."

Also for your interest, we've included some online job centres in South Africa. The links have been provided below to assist you, but have nothing to do with Marvic Tours and Tales, you make use of them entirely at your own risk.
Best Jobs South Africa http://www.bestjobs.co.za/bt-jobs.htm
Job Mail South Africa http://www.jobmail.co.za/pub/jobseeker/browse/?_SECTION=9&_CATEGORY=73
Job Index South Africa http://www.thejobindex.co.za/main.php?doc=content.php&modMnu=0

South Africa enters High Season (and High Temperatures)

Incredible to think through our snowy and blustery weather, that South Africa is entering the festive season in 30 degrees Celcius! We've had word from our backpacker's bus operator that things are getting really busy and guests are recommended to book their seats at least three days in advance to avoid disappointment.

Speak out against the mass killings of elephants now

(Source: IFAW http://www.ifaw.org)

Thousands of elephants in South Africa’s Kruger National Park need your help. The largest land mammal on earth, elephants are extremely intelligent, social and grieve tremendously for the loss of family members. Can you imagine these majestic creatures being herded into family groups by helicopters, and then shot in the head by marksmen?

This population control measure (cull) by lethal means is exactly what is being proposed by South Africa National Parks (SANParks) in order to protect the vegetation of the park from a perceived overpopulation of elephants. But culling is a cruel, unethical and scientifically unsound practice that does not consider the welfare implications to elephant society as a whole, which is why it has been banned in South Africa since an international outcry halted the practice in 1994.

The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism is due to make a final decision on elephant culling by the end of the year. That’s why we need you to send South Africa a message urging the government to reject culling elephants in Kruger National Park right now.

It is said that elephants never forget. Let’s make sure South Africa doesn’t forget why it banned the culling of elephants in the first place.

See our press release: "Elephant families in the Kruger National Park are facing the gallows as South Africa's Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism appeals for national and international support of the plan to cull thousands of elephants over the next five years."

Approaching Dangerous Wildlife

We have had the privilege of visiting Kruger [National Park] many times while we lived in South Africa, and nothing beats seeing wild animals like lion, buffalo, leopard and of course the magnificent elephant up-close and personal, from the safety of your vehicle or on a guided walk, and as with any dangerous situation, information is the key to a safe encounter.

Understanding the danger signs is paramount when looking at wildlife. For example, when an elephant starts flapping its ears more than the heat of the day requires ... just back away, especially if there are young elephants nearby. Many visitors also mistake a lion’s apparent docility under the mid-day sun to mean that they are tame and cuddly, don’t be fooled, they can attack in half a second.

You can learn more about wildlife in a 28-day practical game ranging training course. It covers exciting topics like animal tracks and tracking, approaching dangerous game, rifle handling, bush skills and survival, setting up a bush camp and much more. For more information, see http://www.marvic.biz/tours/ecotrain.htm.

Too many elephants in Kruger Park?

The Parks Board (SANPARK) has submitted an Elephant Management report to the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk, which includes the option of culling 1000's of elephants over a period of five years [numbers not confirmed]. From a census, it is estimated that close to 12 500 elelphants live in the Kruger National Park.

Culling was used to maintain the elephant population within the "carrying capacity" of the national park [approximately 7 500 elephants] until 1995, when it was stopped due to national and international opposition. “I would rather not do culling, and this is the view of the government as well. But there comes a time when not doing anything is not good enough,” said van Schalkwyk.

The report also says that culling is needed to conserve biological diversity in protected areas and to support sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of communities, such as processing carcasses, canning plants and butcheries, and in carving tusks and bones, elephant hair products and other by-products.

Michelle Henley from the Associated Private Nature Reserves recently told the international NGO called Save the Elephants, “While the concept of a static carrying capacity within a dynamic environment has no scientific basis, the idea that Kruger can only support a population of 7 000 elephants has nevertheless become deeply entrenched within the minds of the general public.”

Report to the Minister: Environmental Affairs and Tourism on developing Elephant Management Plans for National Parks with recommendations on the process to be followed. Download the report in MS Word or Adobe PDF format.

Mountains of Colour

Spring has sprung in South Africa! One of our valued subscribers sent us this beautiful picture (http://www.marvic.biz/images/Westcoast-Wildflowers-2005.jpg) of the West Coast Wild Flowers in Cape Town, South Africa. You can be there in person to witness next year's flower carpet, look at http://www.marvic.biz/tours/116-wildflowers.htm.