BRITSTOWN PRIMARY GOES GREEN

Britstown’s really no different from any other small Karoo town. It has only a few thousand inhabitants, the socio-economic environment is challenging, business opportunities are limited, and unemployment is high. But the primary school has put it on the map. In 2008 Van Rensburg Primary decided to raise environmental awareness in the village and registered for the WESSA/WWF National Eco-Schools Programme. Now, it is the only school the Northern Cape Karoo area with an Eco-Schools Green Flag. This was awarded in recognition of exceptional efforts in environmental education. The school, founded in 1884, today has 838 pupils and 25 teachers. Its first commitment to green issues was the establishment of a vegetable garden, which won first prize in the Department of Education’s School Nutrition Programme, in 2007. Encouraged by this success Van Rensburg Primary entered the Eco-Schools programme and made a sincere commitment to protect the Karoo’s natural resources and cultural heritage. Expressing his delight at the award of the Green Flag, Principal Bezuidenhout, said “Our school has an eco-code and constantly strives towards environmentally friendly, sustainable development and management of natural resources. Our programme links education to the environment and provides learners with the ability to make informed decisions about lifestyles, livelihoods and relationships within their environment. This includes not only nature but people and other living elements.” The Green Programme, supported by Nedbank, and the Riverine Rabbit Working Group, encourages schools to include environmental issues in lesson plans and activities and to develop projects that address conservational issues.

CHILDREN ARE THE KEY

School children play a major role in conservation in the Karoo. “The input of farm children in particular is invaluable,” says Dr Vicky Alhmann, who heads the Riverine Rabbit Working Group. “They assist us in finding new areas where this tiny, critically-endangered, nocturnal, terrestrial mammal occurs. They help raise awareness of the importance of conserving the riverine rabbit by telling their parents, friends, members of their extended families, others farm workers and the community in general of this flagship species which is threatened with extinction. The children constantly share their understanding, information and appreciation of the Karoo and explain the need for conservation of the environment and threatened species. This is an invaluable way of spreading important ecological and conservation messages throughout any area,” said Vicky.

INTERESTED IN THE KAROO?

Interested in the Karoo? Then, you may like to check out what was said about the area, its potential for development and plans for implementing key aspects, at the Karoo Development Conference and Expo held in Graaff-Reinet earlier this year.

THE SWEETER SIDE OF THE KAROO

Karoo Gold is a pure, unheated, organic honey that comes from Peter Lawson’s hives at Leeu Gamka. Peter, who has been an apiculturist for over 58 years, says: “We produce 6 to 8 different, but delicious honey each season. Each is made from the nectar of indigenous Karoo flora. Since becoming available in food stores throughout the country Karoo Gold has become immensely popular. Some of our most sought-after varieties are Ambrosia, Karoo Rose, Star Flower and Acacia Karoo.” Karoo Gold honey is sold in 500gm glass or plastic squeeze jars and can be ordered by the case. Peter also sells Karoo Cream, a delicious semi-solid spread and packs of Karoo comb honey. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of Cape flora and extensive experience in knowing which nectars will produce the most delicate and delicious honey.

A BOWL OF CROW SOUP FOR THE PAIN?

A severe bout of rheumatic fever put Frans Davel in bed for four months in 1887. He made a total recovery, but his brother was not so lucky. His bout lasted for two and a half years. “Eventually he was so wasted, that I could easily carry him on one arm,” said Frans. Later Frans’s wife also contracted the disease and her heart, as well as her nerves, was badly affected. Frans was at his wit’s end. While rushing from pillar to post trying to seek help, he heard of Jors de Beer, “the miracle doctor of Pearston”. People said Jors’s father Zagrys was a sorcerer and performer of miracles and they firmly believed the De Beers could cure any illness, says Graaff-Reinet historian, Hermi Baartman. Frans’s wife and brother ordered him to fetch Jors immediately so that he could cure them, so, Frans set off on a four-day journey on horseback to get the miracle doctor. Jors peered into Mrs Davel’s eyes, then those of her brother-in-law. After staring at them for quite a long time he, without further ado, gave his prescription. “For my brother, he recommended a black crow, skin, feathers and all – as it was on the wing – boiled with six bottles of water until it reduced to three bottles. My brother was advised to take three tablespoonfuls of this mixture every day until he was cured, which Jors said would be very soon. For my wife, he prescribed the brains of a black crow. This he said should be tied into a piece of cheese cloth and immerse in a bottle of brandy. She was advised to take three tablespoonfuls of this mixture every day until her health improved. Jors stressed that I did not return home with a parson crow. Only a pitch-black one, he said, would do the trick and, to make matters worse my wife and brother could not share the same crow. I would have to shoot two crows – an immense problem for me because crows were very scarce, and I was a poor marksman.”

… BUT BEWARE THE SPELL

Frans found a friend willing to help him find and shoot two crows. They left at first light, accompanied by Jors. Seven hours ride from home, when they had almost given up, they spied a crow and Frans’s friend managed to shoot it. Jors had advised Frans not to remove the bird’s entrails, but to rush home as fast as he could before the crow spoiled in the terrible Karoo heat. Once home, of course, both patients demanded the crow. “I pleaded with De Beer to let them share the bird, but he was adamant: that would destroy the power of the muti.” So, because Frans’s brother had been ill for the longest time, it was decided he should start his treatment. The next week Frans got hold of another crow, sliced off its head, discarded the body and put the brains in brandy. Jors was enraged. The body would have been useful for something, he said. After three days Frans’s wife began her treatment. “And the results? Zero, zilch, absolutely nothing! My wife’s health did not improve. Also, after as few days of forcing the rotten crow soup down his gullet, my poor brother remained just as ill as he had been before. And, the price for this useless council? Jors demanded a beautiful young mare with a good saddle. I refused to pay. I had had enough! The saddle alone cost ₤5. Jors swore, cussed and made a dreadful scene. He threatened to cast a spell on me. I gave him my full permission to do so because I reasoned if his spell-casting was as poor as his healing, I had nothing to fear. So, he stomped out of our house and rode off in a fury. We never saw him again.

NOTE: This story comes from a book entitled Die Herinneringe Van Francois Retief Davel. Copies are available from the Graaff-Reinet Museum at a cost of R40 Graaff-Reinet historian, Hermi Baartman, who sent the story to Rose’s Round-up says: “Frans Davel lived on the farm Afrikanerkloof, now Ganora. He wrote his memoirs in longhand at the age of 83 and copied them out twice so that each of his three sons could have a copy. This book is a wonderful mirror on life in the late 1800’s.”

TEMPERANCE SOCIETY THANKS THE LORD FOR A STORM

An extraordinary storm hit Cradock on January 3, 1837. The newspaper reported: “A most dreadful hailstorm hit this area, last Friday. It lasted for nearly an hour and left orchards and vineyards in a deplorable state. You may imagine the size of the hailstones when I tell you that they were three to the pound. It fortunately the noise of the approaching storm drove every person into their houses, cottages and huts otherwise many broken heads would also have been the consequence of this severe and unexpected storm. The main street, which is very low and hollow in the centre, was entirely underwater. Floor planks, beams, and broken bits and pieces bobbed about while ducks, geese, and fowls swam between them in admired disorder. The Temperance Society rejoiced at the damage done by the hail. It has ruined the harvest and made it impossible for the brandy and winemakers to make their wares for this season. Many houses were damaged, and it will take quite a considerable time before our little village once again looks respectable.”

TENSE TIME FOR KAROO-BORN PILOT

Carnarvon-born Tienie Jacobs received the Air Force Cross for his role in a dramatic and dangerous sea rescue mission in 1991, but oddly enough he was not even supposed to be on duty that day. The drama started when the Air Force Base at Hoedspruit, received an emergency message from Phoenix Marine saying that the captain of the Arabian Sea, a 40,000-ton oil tanker heading to Maputo had had a heart attack and needed to be airlifted to hospital. This would normally have been a simple task for a helicopter crew, but the ship was out of Oryx Range and red tape almost cost the captain his life, writes Dick Lord in Fire, Flood and Ice. Firstly the S A Department of Foreign Affairs had to obtain permission from the Mozambican Government for S A helicopters to enter their airspace. This was not easy, because it was after hours on a Saturday. Re-fuelling spots had to be identified and a huge sum of money was drawn to pay cash for fuel. Frelimo and Renamo were also still at war – Frelimo had aircraft, Renamo did not, but they had anti-aircraft guns and were known to shoot at anything in the air. The Arabian Sea advised the captain would be ready for pick up in 16 hours – the time needed for her to steam into range, but when the helicopter and medical crews were called one of the pilots could not be reached. Tienie suddenly found himself “volunteering”.

THANK GOODNESS THEIR AIM WAS OFF

Permission for the mission was granted at 06h45. The choppers took off at 07h37 and all seemed well till they got to Beira where no one was expecting them. It took great diplomacy to smooth this communications gaff. Then it was discovered that the chopper crews had no charts for the area north of Beira. The pilot’s heart sank. A quick scrounge around among other aircrews produced a very dilapidated chart, but it was good enough for the lead crew to use. The second chopper decided to use an atlas. That was not the end of their problems. Passport hassles developed and Beira International Airport had no food. All they could find was a packet of assorted biscuits. The men shared this and took off, but soon found they could not speak directly to the ship. Then, the lead helicopter’s Doppler unit packed up. To make matters worse severe thunderstorms were gathering. Visibility declined and turbulence increased. By the time they found the ship they were low on fuel and it was getting dark. There was no time for the medics to stabilise Captain Sirmoupoulos. With fuel warning lights blinking the choppers set off for Beira only to be advised that the airport would not accept their flight as “helicopters did not fly at night”. They flew in and landed anyway. The price of fuel was so exorbitant that they did not have enough money to pay landing fees. They ran for their choppers and took off. Suddenly anti-aircraft tracers whizzed by, but fortunately the gunner’s aim was poor. Despite all the drama the captain got to the hospital in time and survived.

NOT MUCH THEY DIDN’T SELL!

Hinterland general dealers generally sold virtually everything, and special items were brought in for “the season. In 1850 one Karoo dealer advertised teas, sonchi, ironskin, gunpowder, coffee, chocolate, loaf and moist sugar, rice, dates, sago, arrowroot, pearl barley, starch, blue, basket salt, cayenne and black pepper, mustard, curry powder, English vinegar, capers, stomachie bitters, barley sugar, treacle, liquorice, peppermint lozenges, eau de cologne, vermicelli, currants, stalk raisins, yellow, shaving and Windsor soap, pickles – onions, mushrooms, anchovies, Quins and other sauces, bottled gooseberries, violins, needles, pins, sewing cotton, knitting materials, magic lanterns, slates, Japan ink, quills, foolscap paper, wafers, bottle paste, blacking, marbles, sandpaper, doormats, allspice, cinnamon, nutmegs, ginger, caraway seed, Bengal and silk hats, lucifers, Prometheans, superior cigars, Maccaboy snuff, Brazil and Negrohead tobacco, German, china and clay pipes, wood, papier maché and metal snuff boxes, gentlemen’s dress Wellington boots, Blucher boots, shoes, pumps; walking and Oxford brogues, jackets, ties, skins, pitch, resin, boot polish, hats, top hats, hat boxes, boas, tippets, cuffs, fur trims, cloth cloaks, boan cloaks, twilled prints, permanent twills, plate prints, black and coloured gros de Naples, flannels, letter openers, penknives, garden rakes, brass cocks, chest handles, Wilson’s butcher’s knives, sockets, chisels, knives, forks, spoons, jacks, planes, iron chests, pad, till and mortise locks, linen chests, butt, hinges, sash and chalk lines, tailors’ thimbles, bone brace-moulds, iron and pewter spoons, adzes, axe heads, brass and copper kettles, tea pots, cups, plates and dishes, butchers’ steels, shot, rose nails, scupper, paint, rose bits, pallet knives, Jews’ harps, measuring tapes, hand, tenant and cross-cut saws, sash screws, blank keys, screws, hammer heads, frame pullies, spoke shares, augers, carpenters’ compasses, sash tools, sickles, drawing knives, bolts, masons’ hammers, sieves, thumb latches, sheep shears, anvils, spades and iron pots. Not much left out of that list!

BIRDS IN YOUR POCKET

Almost ten per cent of the world’s bird population – approximately 1,000 species – occurs in southern Africa. Small wonder then that so many people enjoy bird watching, especially in the Karoo where the weather lends itself to good sightings. However, all too often, an enthusiast spots a feathered friend they are not sure of and becomes frustrated by not being able to check it out. Struik Nature series has just published a pocket guide which will fill this gap and be of great assistance. It contains information on over 500 species and includes more than 580 full-colour pictures. Next to each is a detailed description of the bird, a tiny distribution information map as well as a calendar bar detailing when the birds can be seen, their breeding seasons and details of their sizes. Written by one of South Africa’s top bird authors, Ian Sinclair, this tiny pocket book is a guide no birding enthusiast should miss.

THE WINE WAS FINE AND THE BRANDY DANDY

In February 1853 Graaff-Reinet’s city fathers proudly announced that the town’s 3,617 inhabitants lived in 574 houses and had gardens covering 430 acres. “Our crops have done so well that last season 3,337 aums of wine and 891 half aums of brandy could be made from locally-grown fruit. Much of the wine is still on hand, but the brandy has completely sold out. This year’s vintage is uncommonly fine; but farmers will not be making wine, rather a considerable quantity of brandy will be produced.” At the time of this report, the town was in the grips of a severe influenza epidemic. The local newspaper reported that those who were ill were most uncomfortable because the weather had been exceedingly hot – 110 degrees in the shade – and unpleasant winds had blown non-stop, like blasts from a furnace, over the flats. “Fortunately, relief was felt on Monday when a steady soaking rain set in and cooled the air to such an extent that villagers could indulge in the luxury of a good cold shiver.”

DEAD? NOT QUITE YET

When a severe electrical storm hit Blue Krans farm, near Grahamstown on Thursday, October 9, 1845, Mr Birkenruth feared tragedy had struck. His assistant, a young man, named Philips, was sitting at the window when a bolt of lightning struck the ground right next to him. He fell from his stool. Birkenruth ran over and could feel no pulse. He was sure his assistant was dead. Others who examined the poor lad came to the same conclusion, so word was sent to town and a coffin was ordered. It had actually been sent out by the time the coffin-maker got word that the young man had “returned to life”. A report in the Grahamstown Journal states “We are happy to say, Philips recovered to such an extent that he was able to resume his ordinary avocations. He said he felt no pain. He recollected only a sudden flash of light – and from that instant on all sensation entirely ceased. He apparently sustained no injuries.”

SOUTH AFRICA – THE INSIDER’S GUIDE

This 208-page soft-bound book is a must-have companion for all travellers in this country. More than simply detailing where to go and what to see, it covers the country’s history, culture, politics, economics and people. Written by top guides, Ian Michler and Tessa van Schaik, it covers hot spots, routes, cities, country roads and world heritage sites. For the adventure enthusiast, there are details of safari packages, wildlife wonders and out-of-the-way places. One section details the happenings “From Apartheid to the Rainbow Nation” at a glance, in addition to a brief history. It also has a South African fact file. The book is beautifully illustrated with full-colour pictures and this makes it a useful visual souvenir as well as a functional tour guide.

A VARIETY OF WONDERS TO BEHOLD

Baviaanskloof’s Mega Reserve is a fascinating place. This 75km long valley between the Baviaanskloof and the Kouga Mountains is home to seven of South Africa’s eight biomes, 1 200 different types of plants, 33% of all South African bird species, 24 different kinds of reptiles and eight different types of amphibians. Two Karoo biomes – the Nama and Succulent Karoo are among seven that can be studied in this reserve. Others are Fynbos, Subtropical, Grassland, Savanna and Forest biomes. These have all been part of the reserve for centuries. The area, now a World Heritage Site, is highly regarded by ecologists because it includes rock art, artefacts, and shelters which prove that humans have been living here for 100,000 years

Chase after the truth like all hell and you’ll free yourself, even though you never touch its coattails. – Clarence Darrow