2018 Tembe Work Weekend & Fundraiser
20 April 2018 - Arina Jordaan
This year marked the 10th Anniversary for Dick's involvement with the Honorary Rangers to establish the Workweek for the Land Rover Owners Club. In recognition to his efforts and time committed to the project the participants of the Tembe Workweek contributed to a frame with some memories over the past few years, as well as a special "Boss man" T-shirt. This is no small feat and we do appreciate the privilege we have as LROC members to be able to experience nature and also giving some positive input to the sustainability of the reserve. Thank you, Dick for all your efforts, and to your wife, Elza, to support you with this project.
As per usual, the first evening is introduction of newbies, and overview of projects lying ahead. We were all split in groups and assigned to individual projects. The work included:
- Reinforcing Tiba Bridge
- Upgrade of the Manungu Ramp
- Build an off-loading ramp for zebra and wildebeest
- Refurbishment of shooting range
- Build a laundry soak pit
- Re-varnishing Tembe Main Gate sign
- Mahlasela Hide gate fixed
- Shutterboards on beds at Ponweni Camp
The teams positively tackled their projects with the best knowledge, skills and tools at hand. Many years of driving Land Rovers proved that a LROC member really knows how to swing a spanner! Or multiple uses for a high-lift jack, like Lex and Hennie proved with the tensioning of the Tiba Bridge cable.
We joined up with Dick's team to assist in the fixing of the Manungu Ramp, and as with all sports there is a little injury. Hennie got “branded” with a nice Adidas resembling logo by the drill bit operator. We will not mention names! Hennie, also known as "Fire master" got the task to collect fire wood… with a chain saw… if you know Hennie, you don’t do this. The man was inseparable with the chainsaw. I guess I know what will be the next birthday gift. We are proud to say he did stay within the rules and limits of the park, only cutting the trees allocated by the Honorary Rangers. So no harm done.
This year the humidity was exceptionally high and we struggled a bit with dehydration and energy. However, still managed to get the work all done in good time and within acceptance of the Honorary Rangers and teams involved.
The Fundraiser allowed for some "me time" and we all relaxed for the next few days. Beautiful views from the Mahlasela Hide which can be viewed worldwide through a webcam, as well as a quick G&T at the lodge was among some of our activities.
There is an ancient Chinese proverb that says "you will know a man by the company he keeps". When you join the Tembe Workweek and Fundraiser, you can be sure to make friends for life.
The people attending these events are absolute awesome, hard-working and reliable to support anyone with a problem. This is probably the best friends I have made within the LROC, and I look forward to each year for attending and giving back some time for a much needed and good cause.
