As the year slowly draws to a close, we take this time to reflect on our accomplishments, challenges and observations over the preceding 12 months.
In John’s absence I will take this opportunity to thank the directors on behalf of the management and staff for their guidance, support and time given unselfishly for the betterment of Ingwelala for all, I would also like to thank the members for their unwavering support for our efforts during this past year.
The topic of Covid and its associated variants were again at the forefront of all activities both globally and locally as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc around the world. Ingwelala was no exception to the challenges that were thrust upon us, however, I believe our continual efforts to negate this have gone a long way to keeping Ingwelala free of the worst of the consequences. We remain realistic, vigilant, and committed to keeping it so.
Of the successes achieved in 2021, the most notable operationally was the construction and commissioning of the new electrified elephant deterrent fence around the camp perimeter, although in its infancy, the signs are all positive that we may have found a permanent solution to this historical issue, our appreciation is directed to the elephant task team headed by Deborah o’ Connor for adopting our recommendations, and to the Ingwelala Board of directors for making this project possible.
The additional bigger projects and infrastructure improvements in this year are listed below:
- Ingwelala lawns re-established, including a new jungle gym and completion of additional paving to the pool surrounds.
- Member’s ablutions refurbishment
- Bomas and hides refurbishment (ongoing)
- Tennis court fencing replaced
- New staff housing at Vuka Ingwe
- Repairs to Sekgobela river crossing in Camp and clean ups (ongoing)
- Generator room and dampening of noise
New jungle gym, re-established lawns and pool paving surrounds:
New staff accommodation block recently completed:
Improvements to the Goedehoop treehouse:
Improvements to the Platform:
Improvements to Beacon Boma:
Within any annual reporting timeframe, we need to give thanks and acknowledge those staff members that have moved on from Ingwelala. Early in 2021, Robere and Judy reached normal retirement age and left for their new positions in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. Their loyalty and impact on operations over the previous years can in no way be underestimated, we thank them sincerely and wish them well in their new endeavours in the Klaserie.
Alfret Namane had also reached retirement age in late October, many of you would remember Alfred as our designated tractor driver responsible for the bulk of the road maintenance, He was a true master at his work and his skills and experience are sorely missed. We thank him for his valuable contributions to the Ingwelala we enjoy today.
Information topics covered a broad range of subjects during the various reserve reports during 2021, these included:
- Sneezewood
- Mating behaviour
- Lapwings & Plovers
- Tawny Eagle
- Saddle bill stork
- Grey Heron
- African spoonbill
- Waterbuck
- Matambu
by Chris Mayes
Cover Photo: Courtesy Charlie Lynam