I t`s that time of the year again! The

CapeNature Staff Awards will be host-

ed on the 31st of July. The nomination

process ended on Friday the 6th of July and

the adjudication panel is currently sitting to

determine the finalists and winners.

Thank you to everyone who took some

time to nominate a colleague. Watch this

space...

T he Global Environmental

Teachings (GET), a program

of the Wisconsin Center for

Environmental Education in

the USA, aims to connect educators and

students worldwide through environ-

mental education. During June 2012,

CapeNature participated in the hosting

of the third GET programme to visit

South Africa. Other local partners

included WCED, SANPARKS, several

universities in the Western Cape, Two

Oceans Aquarium and Working for

Water.

Potberg, in De Hoop Nature Reserve,

provided the setting for a unique

teacher professional development

programme called Global Environ-

mental Teachings (GET). Teachers

from South Western Cape and Wiscon-

sin in the USA, gathered to share best

practices and perspectives about eco-

systems, environmental education and

social history.

TO PAGE 2

ARE YOU DOING

IT FOR MADIBA?

PAGE 3 & 4

2

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall ~ Nelson Mandela

O n the 22nd of June 2012 CapeNature,

Garden Route Conservation

Services, based in Riversdale, cele-

brated the first runner up award in the

National Working for Wetlands project

awards. They implemented a Working for

Wetlands project on the Duiwenhoks and

Goukou Rivers in the Heidelberg/ Rivers-

dale Palmiet wetlands.

The project involves the rehabilitation of

damaged wetland systems and involves al-

ien vegetation removal as well as the con-

struction of gabion structures in river-beds.

In 2010 the same team won Best Project in

South Africa and in 2011 they were the first

runner up.

S usan Schuller, Global Environmental Teachings Program

Coordinator, considers Potberg a very special place. “It

provides a relaxing atmosphere for teachers to get away

during their school breaks, discuss issues, gain more

knowledge of the natural world, bringing news information

and ideas back into the classroom.”

For the third time since 2006, GET partnered with the Western

Cape Education Department, who in turn has helped hugely in

fostering a partnership with CapeNature Youth Development

and Environmental Education Programme, Trevor Farr.

“We have gone out of our way to connect the programme with

various representatives in the Western Cape. These included

Tom Barry at Gamkaberg Nature Reserve and staff members

at Potberg Environmental Education Centre” says Trevor

The programme aims to promote the development of relation-

ships and the sharing of ‘best practices’ from all participating

educators.

Established in 2003, GET has already completed twelve inter-

national teacher exchanges in countries like China, Puerto

Rico, the United States and South Africa.

L ast week, another activity linked to

the GET programme was hosted at

Driftsands Nature Reserve, in part-

nership with the National Department of

Water Affairs.

Ben van Staden, Alien Vegetation Manager

Programme Manager at CapeNature said

the orientation session on invasive alien

plants was an eye-opener for most of the

team members, especially the devastating

effects of invasive species and the cost of

clearing it.

“The local contractor was very excited to

have the opportunity to showcase her abili-

ties to the visitors, while both he American

and local teachers participated by hacking

away at the invasive plants.” Ben said.

National Working for

Wetlands Project Awards

3

Man's goodness is a flame that can be hidden, but never extinguished ~ Nelson Mandela

W ith World Environ-

mental Day on their

minds, and inspired

by the Trapsuutjies anti-

littering campaign, several

enthusiastic grade nine learn-

ers at Oudtshoorn High School

recently decided to spruce up

several 44 gallon drums, used

as dirt-bins. “With this project

we would like to add our voice

to the campaign”, says life-

orientation teacher Esmaré

Strauss at the school.

“It is wonderful to see how

more and more organisations

buys into Trapsuutjies, which

aims to make Oudtshoorn

m o r e e n v i r o n m e n t a l l y -

responsible town” says Susan

Botha, Community Conserva-

tion Manager in the Area. The

Oudtshoorn Municipali ty

availed twenty drums, paint

and brushes to the grade 9`s.

“We are extremely excited

about ‘green projects’ and will

always support this kind of

initiative”, Robert den Drijver,

Parks and Recreations Manager

for the Municipality, added.

E nvironmental Day celebra-

tions and the involvement of

volunteers in a clean-up

operation, inspired to such an ex-

tent, that they now want to start an

Eco-committee for the area they

live in. Heading up the initiative is

Priscilla Fortuin, who joined Cape-

Nature as a volunteer earlier this

month.

“I am at my happiest when I can

help people make a positive differ-

ence. The tree planting event is just

the beginning of several projects

identified for the year ahead. We

are also planning a vegetable

garden and other projects to beau-

tify the area” says Priscilla” (far right on photo) “Without champions and committed individu-

als, no community project will ever be successful. We are extremely grateful for people that

does something without expecting anything in return. It`s good for CapeNature to be associat-

ed with communities like these.” adds Susan.

A nother event held at the Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve on 5

June 2012 was a resounding success with participation from

several primary farm schools in the area. The Working on

Fire Team based at Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve exhibited their

drilling skills and all the learners excitedly participated in all the

games. A presentation on fire Safety and Careers was presented

by Benjamin Fielies, a Working on Fire Crew Leader. Edward

Manganyi, Community Conservation Manager said changing the

negative attitudes towards environmental issues is important to

preserve our environment for future generations. “We would like

to thank the Cape Winelands District Municipality who provided

transport and catering for the event” he added.

BLIKKIES & BLANKETS DRIVE

Let`s make a difference!

I n the spirit of Mandela Day observed throughout the

world on the 18th of July, Nolundi Puzi (Administration

Manager at Head Office) together with the Communications

Unit, has taken the initiative to do exactly that. “We have

identified a group a elderly people in Tambo Village near

Manenberg, who meets daily for various activities and a

warm meal. I would like to challenge everyone at Head

Office to assist in warming the hearts of these special

people ” says Nolundi.

Please donate any blankets (new or in good condition) as

well as tinned food and other non-perishable items like

flour, rice, maize meal etc. A special container will be set

up in the reception area for this purpose.

We would also like to challenge regional offices to

follow suit and make a difference in their commu-

nities this winter.

4

PLEASE E-MAIL ALL SUBMISSIONS AND PHOTOS TO

plategan@capenature.co.za BY NO LATER THAN 26 JULY `12

WHAT CAN YOU DO

ON MANDELA DAY?

M andela Day is held on July

18 each year.

The day not only cele-

brates Nelson Mandela’s life, but it is

also a global call to action for people

to recognise their ability to have a

positive effect on others around them.

Many people and organisations

around the world take part in an

array of activities including

volunteering, sport, art, education,

music and culture.

To help you decide, visit

www.mandeladay.com/

O n 15 June, the Garden

Route Community Con-

servation Unit hosted the

Phumelela Education and Envi-

ronmental Organisation at

Witfontein, Outeniqua NR. Many

of them, mainly from the George

area, have never been to the

reserve.

After a short introductory talk,

the group went for a short

guided walk on the reserve

followed by a braai celebrating

Youth Day!

GARDEN ROUTE YOUTH DAY CELEBRATION

T his year - to commemorate Mandela Day - CapeNature

will once again partner with NewKidz, an NGO

involved in doing make-overs at orphanages.

Together with the SABC`s youth TV programme Hectic Nine9,

a beach clean-up will be held on Saturday, 21 July between

Muizenberg and Strand. According to Liesl Brink, Public

Relations Officer at Head Office, they are expecting a big turn

- out of scholars and need your assistance to come chat to the

kids or help to pick up litter!

The event starts at 8:30 AM and end at

around 11:00 AM. You will be required to

be at your designated point at 8:00 AM.

Says Liesl “Please let me know

if you are willing and able to

give up 67 minutes of your

time in the spirit of

Madiba for our youth

and our environment!”

Please feel free to invite

colleagues who may

want to participate and bring along

family and friends.

1st Mr Henry Davids Mr Johannes Claassens 3rd Mr Norman Palmer 4th Mr Johnny Brander 5th Ms Nicole Breda 5th Ms Busisi Welinda 6th Ms Corlie Hugo 7th Ms Nonzalise Kophiri 8th Mr John Minnaar Mr Marius Poole Ms Hanli Hendricks Ms Nombuso Mbilase 9th Ms Natalie Baker Mr Adriaan Horn 10th Mr Malcolm Botha Mr Abraham Lottering Ms Marika Van Der Walt Mr Salmon Booysen 11th Mr Gideon Hewitt 12th Mr Petrus Swartz Mr Tommie Baadjies 13th Ms Elizabeth Keffers Mr Willem Goemas 14th Mr William Erasmus Ms Althea Bestha 15th Mr Simon Wildeman Mr Charles Davids Mr Koos Engelbrecht 16th Mr Samuel Ockhuis Mr Amukelani Nkuna Mr Darryn Field 17th Mr Charles Adams 18th Mr Paul Gildenhuys Mr Willem Wagenaar 19th Ms Soraya Majiet Mr Donavan Manuel 21st Ms Monica Carelse Ms Ntombomntu Ntsomi Ms Mandisa Sixabayi-Mdala 22nd Mr Rhett Hiseman Mr Jumat Delport Ms Felicia Petersen Ms Lesley Williams 23rd Mr Patrick Lane Mr Johan Burger Mr Derick Damon 24th Mr Nicholas Barry 25th Ms Jabulile Mpambane 26th Mr Mc Donald Jwambi Mr Harendeen Cupido 27th Mr Pieter Booysen Mr Tewbogo Kekana Ms Mdlangu Mdlangu 28th Mr Garth Roziers Ms Jamie Appollis 30th Mr Darryl Menigo

Programme sparks

innovation

A t the beginning of this year, Zibele Blekiwe, Nature Conservator at Kogelberg

Biosphere Reserve, was fortunate enough to be selected through the Youth Development Programme to be part of Activate Leadership Programme. The programme is aimed at social transformation of South Africans at large. “The group is made up of young professionals, the unem-ployed and the NGO’S sector, thus bringing people from all levels and spheres of society together to discuss matters pertaining to our country.” Zibele explained. The programme aims to activate young leaders and their abilities to address challenges facing their communities, spark innovation on a local and national level and grow a dynamic network of leaders and points of influence across South Africa. “I would like to thank Trevor Farr, Youth Development Programme Manager for the opportunity his programmed afforded us”, Zibele concluded.

G uess who`s doing

what, where and

why…

Communications

Manager, Marietjie

Engelbrecht, taking a

smoke-break en route

to Rocherpan Nature

Reserve earlier this

month.

Share your weird, wacky

& funny photos with

everyone and win some

gift vouchers. More de-

tails in the next edition of

This & That...