Emakhazeni Highlands Events Calendar 2012

Emakhazeni Highlands – The Heart of Mpumalanga

Emakhazeni Highlands Events Calendar 2012

Elands Valley/ Ngodwana

Saturday, 14 April 2012

Annual Event: Elands Valley Marathon

Date: 14 April 2012

Time: 06h00

Organisers: Ngodwana Marathon Club

Distance: 42.2; 21.1; 10; 5; 

Province: Mpumalanga

Start: Oosterlijn Primary School

Ngodwana Training Center

 

Entry Details:

Pre-entry Closing Date: 07 April 2012

* This is a pre-entry race only. All registrations must be sent to Elizabeth Mbense. All completed entry forms to be emailed to elizabeth.mbense@sappi.com or faxed to 013 734 6458. Numbers are limited to the first 750 for the Marathon and the first 250 for the Half Marathon. Numbers can be collected as follows: 42.2 km - Oosterlyn School in Waterval Boven from 16h00 to 21h00 on the Friday before the race and from 04h00 to 06h00 on race day. 21 km - Ngodwana from 16h00 to 21h00 on the Friday before the race and from 04h00 to 06h00 on race day.

 

Route Description:

Difficulty Rating: 2. Route Type: Point to point

Most great South African races have a water feature of sorts, even if it is just the watering stations. The Elands Valley Marathon offers what may be the most impressive of them all: the waterfall at Waterval Boven. This has long been a tourist attraction and many people return here for the sheer spectacle of it. The same can be said of this marathon.

The route is mostly a downhill canter and crosses the river close to one of the most splendid waterfalls in the country. The route winds down spectacular mountain passes, surrounded by forests and farm houses built many decades ago. The craftsmanship of the 19th century stone masons can be admired from the road as you pass the old ZASM train tunnel and the five-arch bridge where, long ago, rack-and-pinion locomotives hauled their loads up these steep inclines. The equally magnificent stone masonry of the three lime kilns at the finish date back to the days of the Barberton gold rush, when burnt lime from these kilns was a much needed commodity.

Many looking for either an easy Comrades qualifier or searching for an elusive PB come here. While the race is a marathon, and should never be underestimated because it is predominantly downhill, it is a favourite. The drop from the highest point to the lowest is more than 500 metres. All this adds up to real potential when battling the stopwatch.

The challenge of this, one of South Africa’s most beautiful marathons, ends opposite the Ngodwana railway station.

Enquiries: Contact Bonnifast @ 013-7346462, 082-4532669

Machadodorp

Friday to Sunday, 20 – 22 April 2012

Misty Valley Lodge Family Mountain Biking Weekend

It’s a fun family & friends weekend for mountain bikers, see details www.mistyvalleylodge.co.za or call Guy at 086 136 4789

Dullstroom

Saturday, 21 April 2012

Dullstroom Dog Walk

The "PS I love you" fund is having a dog walk for Dullstroom on Saturday 21st April. Anyone keen for a lovely stroll with or without their favorite pooch can head to Mrs Simpson's at 9.30. The walk will start at 10.00 and costs R25 per person and R5 per dog. The organizers ask that participants please bring a "kitchen theme" wrapped goodie to go into the raffle box. Woof, woof, woof.

Tjakasdad

Sunday, 06 May 2021

Umemmo ka Chief Malaza esgodlweni: Swazi Culture Festival

Umemmo an annual Thanks giving harvest event for the Tjakasdad community. They gather to dance, eat and be marry in celebration of their Swazi Culture. Market Stalls also available. For more info please contact Zodwa 082 053 1477

Belfast

Friday – Sunday 18 -20 May 2012

Annual Event: 10^th Annual Ladies Fly Fishing Competition

First 40 paid entrants will receive a goody bag and great prizes to be won. This event is proudly sponsored by BFFA and Landrover N4 Witbank. Come and join us at Dam 6, BFFA waters. Enter a team of 4 ladies and win extra prizes.

"THE WATERS, THE FISH, THE BEST"

For more info please call Janet on 083 654 4856 or Magda on 013 253 0748

Machadodorp/ Skurwerberg

Sartuday, 26 May 2012

Skurweberg MTB Challenge

Komati Gorge Lodge

On the banks of the Komati River, at the base of a miniature Grand Canyon, this small village of thatched dwellings provides affordable luxury in a most dramatic setting.

This untouched expanse of 2500ha with its thorn bushveld and highveld grassland offers an unparalleled experience to nature lovers and this amazing backdrop will be the starting venue for the Skurweberg MTB Challenge.

GPS Coordinates:

South 25.89602

East 30.28385

Routes / Distances

74km MTB Marathon

42km MTB Half Marathon

20km MTB Fun Ride

5km MTB Kids Ride

Start Times

74km MTB Marathon – 08:30

42km MTB Half Marathon – 08:45

20km MTB Fun Ride – 09:00

5km MTB Kids Ride – 09:15

Water and Refreshments

Water and Refreshment stations will be available on the route.

Entries and Registration

74km MTB Marathon – R160

42km MTB Half Marathon – R130

20km MTB Fun Ride – R90

5km MTB Kids Ride – FREE

Pre-entries close on the 23rd of May 2012 at 17:00.

Registration on race day from 05:30 at the Race Venue or at ...... Cycles on Thursday 24 May 2012.

Entries are transferable, free of charge.

Cyclists who booked accommodation for the weekend at Komati Gorge will participate free of charge.

Medals and Results

Medals to all pre-entered finishers only, for both events. Results will be made available on http://www.verticalhorison.co.za/  after the event.

Enquiries: Kris Jooste - 083 653 4367, Francois Jooste-0845844663, info@verticalhorison.co.za

Machadodorp

Saturday, 9 June 2012, Bermanzi Trails

WOMENS WATERFALL CHARITY WALK

Trails: You have a choice of 3 trails to do:

1.     Easy Walk (3km): Walk along the lip of the Bankspruit Gorge enjoying the open grasslands and stunning views that stretch across the Komati Gorge. Suitable for people with young children.

2.     Short Waterfall Walk (5km): This walk has steep up hill and down hill climb into the Bankspruit Gorge to the base of the Uitkomst Falls.

3.     Long Waterfall Walk (8km): A challenging route into and out of the Bankspruit Gorge to the base of the Uitkomst Falls.

When: 9 June 2012. Arrive between 8am – 11am.

Where: Bermanzi Camp. Take the Bloemfontein turn off on the R541. At the t-junction turn right. After about 3 kms take the Bermanzi turn left and then left again. Follow this road for 3kms. There are two farm gates.

GPS: 25° 49’ 35” S //  30° 20’ 35” E

Cost: R50 per adult, R20 for children under 12 years old

Bring: Your own lunch, snacks and drinks. Wear proper hiking shoes and socks.

Charity: 1 in 4 South African women are survivors of domestic violence. 25% of entry fees will go to the Badplaas Women’s Shelter. Please also bring an item to donate – clothes, tinned food, blankets, books etc.

To Book: Email info@thenum-numtrail.co.za for  EFT details or call 072 889 9284

Dullstroom

Friday to Sunday, 06-08 July 2012

Annual Event: Dullstroom Winter Festival

http://www.dullstroomwinterfestival.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dullstroom-Winter-Festival/186211311430418

Machadodorp

Saturday, 7 July 2012, Pongola Express Camp

THE NUM-NUM TRAIL CHALLENGE

We are thrilled to be hosting the second trail race of The Num-Num Trail on 7 July 2012. One of the toughest and most scenic trail races on the Mpumalanga / Gauteng regions.
Cost: R650 per person (race, goodie bag, water tables and prize giving braai)
Categories: The 36.5km Challenge and The 15km Rough It
Date: 7 July 2012
Bookings: FULLY BOOKED. Email info@thenum-numtrail.co.za to get on the waiting list

Thank you to Sportsmans Warehouse, Pure Nutrition Technology, Misty Valley, Jacklin Organics and WildTrails SA who are all sponsoring the race. 

Dullstroom

Friday to Sunday, 07 – 09 September 2012

Annual Event: Dullstroom Ladies Flyfishing Festival 7 - 9 September 2012. Contact Stephen de Meyer on ‎082 899 0248

 Or Debbie Vink on 083 408-5952 for further info. Entry limited to 30 ladies so get yours in FAST

Machadodorp

Saturday, 29 September 2012

Annual event: Misty Valley Lodge MTB Challenge Powered by Powerade

Description of event:  Set in the beautiful  game & trout estate of the  Misty Valley resort and sponsored by the Powerade, the event kicks off with registration on the Friday 30th afternoon/evening and early Saturday morning. At 08h30 there is the start of the 70km race followed by the 40km & 20km race & a special 1 km race for the kids. There are loads of prizes and every rider gets a jam packed goody bag. Prize giving will be at 14h00. Check out the race on www.mistyvalleylodge.co.za, 086 136 4789 Guy Cluer.    

Machadodorp

Saturday, 13 October, Pongola Express Camp

THE NUM-NUM FUN RUN FOR SCHOOLS

Where: Pongola Express Camp, R541 at the bottom of the Skurwerberg Pass.

GPS: 25° 47’ 49.3” S  //  30° 22’ 25.2” E

Trails: You have a choice of 2 trails to do

1.     Die Bosbok Roete (4km): An easy trail to run with the beautiful Bald Ibis Gorge

2.     Die Kokoboom Pad (8km): This trail is moderate to difficult. Some steep uphills, downhills, ladders and swing bridges. 

When: 13 October 2012. Arrive between 8am – 10am.

Cost: R75 per person. No children under 12 years old

Bring: Your own lunch, snacks and drinks.

Charity: 25% of the entry fees will go towards buying sports equipment for schools in Badplaas and Machadodorp. Donations of non-perishable foods (e.g. meilie-meal, tinned food, long-life milk, beef stock) are welcome towards school lunches.

Email: info@thenum-numtrail.co.za for EFT details or call 072 889 9284

Note: This is a fun run so it will not be timed, nor are there sponsors, prizes etc. Raw running!

Machadodorp

Saturday, 1 December, Aloe Kaya Camp

UNIFORMS FOR ORPHANS WALK

Where: Aloe Kaya camp, Five Assegais. Take the Bloemfontein turn off on the R541. At the t-junction turn left. Keep going straight.

GPS: 25° 49’ 04.1” S // 30° 22’ 44.5” E

Trails: You have a choice of 2 trails, both are rated as Green Flag moderate to difficult

1.     Hell’s Bell’s Trail (6km): A fairly tough trail into the beautiful Hell’s Gorge. Small waterfalls and beautiful forests. Dogs allowed on this route.

2.     The Escarpment Trail (13.5km):  A tough trail with stunning variety of landscapes. Enjoy the stunning Uitkomst Falls. No dogs on this trail because of ladders.

When: 13 October 2012. Arrive between 8am – 10am.

Cost: R50 per adult, R25 children under 12 years old

Bring: Your own lunch, snacks and drinks. Wear proper hiking shoes and socks. Hiking sticks recommended

Charity: 25% of the entry fees will go towards buying uniforms for orphans in Badplaas and Machadodorp. Mpumalanga has the second highest HIV/AIDS infection rate in South Africa. Please donate an item (e.g. school uniforms, meilie-meal, toys, books, hair bands, blankets etc)

TO BOOK: Email info@thenum-numtrail.co.za for EFT details or call 072 889 9284

African Teddy Bear

Emakhazeni Highlands African Teddy

Our story starts on a rainy October day in 2009, Middleburg, Mpumalanga.  A solitary figure, a wet 40ish African man stood at the road side hitching a lift.  Something moved Judy van Deventer to turn her car around and offer him a lift on her way to work in Witbank.  As they drove the story unfolded.  Pastor Edmond Thakoago was on his way to a job interview as a Tyre-fitter and assessment operator in Witbank.  Judy, who works in Corporate Social Investment at Xstrata Alloys (Carbon Division) and who has a great love of music, was keen to get more involved with local choirs. Numbers were exchanged, and 3 weeks later Judy went to meet Pastor Edmond’s Youth Choir in Mhluzi township, Middleburg.  The church is a rundown old green corrugated iron building and doubles as a day care centre for orphans during the week, by a volunteer from the local community.  Judy was moved by the poor conditions, and as the choir work progressed, an idea of an African Teddy started to form as a means to both create work for local people, and to raise money to improve conditions at the day care centre.  Through her CSI work Judy is also involved with the Ikonolethu Project in Wonderfontein, Emakhazeni Highlands.  “Ikonolethu” means “our talent”.  There the ladies, widows of farm workers, make and sell traditional Ndebele Beadwork.  They also work from a ramshackle building and run an ill equipped crèche for local toddlers.  Sales of the teddies will help the Wonderfontein community to improve their crèche facility and their standard of living.  During late 2009 to early 2010 the teddy was researched and designed, and is manufactured presently by Martha Mathupane and Mable Nkosi of Middleburg.  Beading is done at Wonderfontein by a team of 10 to 15 ladies including Sophie Masango, Maria Mkambule and Rose Mahlangu.

Traditional Swazi Cloth worn by Silvia Mahlangu was made by Ikhono Lethu

The Emakhazeni Highlands Tourism Association has adopted the African Teddies as their mascot for Upliftment Projects in the region with a view to increasing sales for project members.  Responsible Tourism involves creating and promoting work amongst the previously disadvantaged peoples, and with the Emakhazeni region being beautiful hiking, horse riding, fly fishing and rock climbing countryside, it means that we have a lot of rural people who have had little chance of education, and struggle to make ends meet.  We want visitors to our region to come enjoy our lovely outdoor activities, fill their lungs with the fresh cool air of Mpumalanga’s Emakhazeni Highlands, and take home an African Teddy. (“Emakhazeni’ means “the cold place”.  Our cool temperate climate and high altitude are ideal for outdoor pursuits and high altitude training.)

                               African Teddy        

                         

Emakhazeni Highlands region is a mere 2.5 hour drive from Gauteng, making it an excellent weekend break from Johannesburg and Pretoria, and we are en route to Kruger National Park, Swaziland and Mozambique, serviced by the excellent N4 highway.  There is a full range of accommodation, from 5 Star hotels and Spas, to self catering, back packers and camping in our villages of Dullstroom, Belfast, Machadodorp and Waterval Boven and on our scenic farms in the Skurweberg, Kwena Basin and Elands Valley.  For further information on our region’s attractions and on the African Teddies and our other Upliftment Projects please check our web site http://www.emakhazenitourism.com/, or contact Silvia Mahlangu, Emakhazeni Tourism Association on 076 809 2952.

9TH ANNUAL LADIES FLY FISHING COMPETITION 20-22 MAY 2011

BELFAST FLY FISHING ASSOCIATION

9^TH ANNUAL LADIES FLY FISHING COMPETITION 20-22 MAY 2011

Janet Hendrikz - Convener

Early registration and light refreshments were served on Friday evening giving the ladies and their partners an opportunity to meet and mix with other competitors and the organisers. As usual the ladies received their well stocked “goody bags”.

Unfortunately for us many of our usual entrants had been selected to go to Nationals on the same weekend and whilst we missed them it gave 20 ladies the opportunity to spread themselves around the dam. After several requests we decided to open up the days fishing to those gentlemen brave enough to cross dress. This was well received by the ladies who welcomed them with good spirit.  Saturday morning late registration took place from 6.00 am and at 6.45am when all competitors drew for positions and took to the waters for a very tough days fishing with only one fish being caught in the first morning session. The fish were there but only 6 trout were caught in the morning and 19 in the afternoon.

Brunch was served at 11.30, followed by a fly casting demonstration by Hendrika (one of the cross dressers) who also offered to help any of the ladies with casting problems.

The afternoon brought great excitement when Davinia (Dave Hepworth ) landed a 60cm trout weighing in at 3.3kg, a record for the day  but not for long for only half an hour late Angelique Bailey landed a 64cm trout. She had entered our competition for the first time this year, congratulations Angelique we are sure you will be back next year.

The prize giving dinner attended by competitors, partners, and officials followed a strenuous but fun days fishing..

Heather Harvey won the trophy for the longest bag for the 3 rd time previously having won this competition in 2005 and 2010. The total value of her prize was R7950, which included an accommodation voucher from one of our main sponsors valued at R5500. 2^nd prize, valued at R6860 went to Robyn van Leeuwen.  3^rd prize, valued at R5820 went to Justine Smit. The longest trout measuring 64cm was caught by Angelique Bailey and her prize was worth R4150.

There were also prizes for our cross dressers.

All competitors received Lucky Draw Bags at the end of the evening and competitors, officials and guest received thank you gifts of bulbs from Hadeco.

Congratulations to all the participants, especially the prize winners

LONGESTBAG                    Heather Harvey                                   LONGEST TROUT Angelique Bailey             

2^ND LONGEST BAG           Robyn van Leeuwen                          WINNING TEAM Chantie Minnaar, Natasha Bean,   3^RD LONGEST BAG                Justine Smit                                                                            Angelique Bailey and Christelle Price 4^TH LONGEST BAG       Thelani Scholtz

                                                               

Other prizes were awarded to Natasha Bean, Charmain Calcutt, Ina Meyer, Chantie Minnaar, Mariolette Nel, Franciska Pile, Thelani Scholtz and Justine Smit.

Franciska Pile, Justine Smit and Glynis Shoebotham were presented with their 5year awards for having fished 5 of the 9 competitions to date. They join 11 other ladies 2 of whom have fished all 9events. Thank you for your loyalty.

The Sunday competition for competitors, officials and their partners was held on Sunday morning and the weekend ended with lunch and another prize giving where a number of prizes were awarded and lucky draw prizes were distributed, all couples received a goody bag.

The Belfast Fly-Fishing Association raised sponsored prizes worth R104 000, making the annual event well-worth entering. Our 10^th Competition will be held from 18^th to 20^th May 2012, please diaries now to enter early and ensure your place. 

THANK YOU TO ALL THE SPONSORS WHO MADE THIS EVENT POSSIBLE.

 With out you there would be no competition.

 AJF Agencies, Almar Groentemark, Alsumic Trout, Anford House, Angling Africa, Belfast Fly Fishing, Cape Union Mart,  Classic Blue, Colin & Jean Turner, Distell, Dunkeld Serenty Spa, Earth Gear, Elands Kloof, Elgin Farm, Embroidery Basket, Fishing Pro Shop, Fitzgerald Mica Hardware, Forelwater, Gani’s Witbank, Glendower Whisky, Grip Hooks, Hadeco, Harmonette, Harry Dickinson, Highland Rose-Serenity Spa,  Highland Spar, Highland Springs Country Estate, Iain Stewart, Jandi Trading, Karel –Jan’s Country Cottage,  Kosmos, Machado Stud Lodge, Millys, Mrs Simpsons, OK Value, Orange River Cellars, Owl & Trout, Platanna Press, Perfume Direct, Peter Naylor, SA Philips, SDM Eyewear, Senqu, Stealth (Dave Lavene), Stuart Ormerod, Tabard, Tabrar & Earle, The Kingfisher Country Lodge, The Village Angler, Tops  Urban Fly Fishers, Valley of the Rainbow,  Verlorenkloof Estate, Wayne Plastics and Woody’s Place.

Emakhazeni Tourism Association Info Office

Here is Silvia at work at our new Emakhazeni Tourism Office. As we await a prominent office with plenty of tourist feet passing through, we keep our work going through an admin office. Now our office is tucked away in Siyathuthuka, Belfast. No more commuting to work; our office is operating from Silvia’s rather compact family home in Entokozweni Section, Siyathuthuka. Skype calls to Silvia are punctuated with cocks crowing and chickens clucking as they pass through the Mahlangu garden! Well this is one way to take the concept of tourism to township folk! Tourism is for all! I no longer want to hear young black people telling me that tourism is for “the rich white people.” We are looking for all the craft makers and dance and drama groups we can find, to add to our list of tourism attractions in our beautiful Emakhazeni Highlands of Mpumalanga.  We are looking for all the craft makers and dance and drama groups we can find, to add to our list of tourism attractions in our beautiful Emakhazeni Highlands of Mpumalanga. We are already known for our fly fishing, hiking trails, horse riding, beautiful country scenery, internationally renowned rock climbing, as well as ancient stone circles and SA War history. Now we are adding Ishumi Lasemzansi T shirt (and more) brand,( sold from a well known Internet Cafe/barber shop in Siyathuthuka),Winnie’s Wee Jazz Bar and Restaurant, Chicken Dust, Ikhono Lethu Beadwork of Wonderfontein and the Shisa Nyamas to our list of attractions. Through the work we are doing with Open Africa, we will soon get all our attractions on the map. See www.openafrica.org Contact Silvia on silvia@emakhazenitourism.com, 076 809 2952 and check out our web site www.emakhazenitourism.com ....and Facebook and Twitter pages,

http://twitter.com/#!/etahighlands

http://www.facebook.com/silvia.mahlangu
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Emakhazeni-Tourism-Association/100257690043080