Landroving 119

EDITION 119- SUMMER 2015
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE LAND ROVER

OWNERS
CLUB OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

1

2

Visit: www.lroc.org.za or Telephone: 0861 LROCSA

The official magazine of the Land Rover Owners Club of Southern Africa

IN THIS ISSUE: Page 4
Page 6
From the Editors Page 8
Chairman’s Desk Page 13
In the Beginning Page 21
River Run 2015 Page 25
LROC Ndumo Work Party Page 42
Tembe Work week and Fund raisers Page 53
Forty years on the wild side (The final part) Page 64
The story of the rear window stickers Page 66
The Chronicles of Granny Dragon: Granny Dragon visits the sea
Granny Dragon competition

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE LROC
Visit: www.lroc.org.za or call 0861 LROCSA (576272)

ADVERTISING IN LANDROVING R 2700-00
FULL COLOUR ADVERTS ONLY R 2150-00
Back Cover R 1800-00
Inside Cover R 1250-00
Inside Page - full R 700-00
Inside Page - half
Inside Page - quarter
Original artwork to be supplied in High resolution JPG format

CIRCULATION: 3000 COPIES
DISTRIBUTION: Posted to LROC members, supplied free of charge to Land Rover dealerships, Parts suppliers, Workshops and
Accessory Outlets.

COVER: Mike’s “Serious’” Land Rover

LEGAL SMALL PRINT: 3
The opinions expressed in LANDROVING do not necessarily reflect those of the Land Rover Owners Club of Southern Africa,
it’s Committee or members. No responsibility is accepted for any damages or injuries which may arise therefrom or from Advertisers
adverts

Chairman: Attie Smit ([email protected])
Vice Chairman: Bruce Richards ([email protected])
Secretary: Malcolm Timberlake ([email protected])
Treasurer: Alex van der Horst ([email protected])
Editor: Christo & Ansie Blignaut ([email protected])
Clerk of Events: Leon de Beer ([email protected])
Driver Trainer: Gerrie Myburgh ([email protected])
Trophy Secretary: Andre Toulson ([email protected])
Quartermaster: Jacqui Stroebel ([email protected])
Membership Secretary: Dirk Uys ([email protected])
Radio Officer: Pieter Erasmus ([email protected])
Club Administrator: Isla Blasa ([email protected])

FROM THE
EDITORS

The Blikkies:
Ansie & Christo BLignaut

We’re in the final stretch of 2015. reflect on 55 years of like-minded
For the Blignauts it was a year where people doing unbelievable things
more of our year’s resolutions came with amazing vehicles.
true than ever before. One of the Inside this edition you will find
biggest was to become more involved articles written by our people -
with the club - school and work had written out of love for their Landies,
taken up way too much time the last about the history of our club, work
few years! parties and trips undertaken by the
Thanks to everyone who welcomed club.
us back with open arms. The LROC Make a mental note of the adventures
is definitely a club where one can you are missing out on, and ensure
always be oneself, where cameradie that next time you are part of them.
and true friendship can be found. The Tembe and Ndumo work weeks
give one the opportunity to make a
2015 was packed with events. The difference - refer to the articles
55th celebrations ran like a golden written by Tony Pollastrini and Dick
thread throughout. Everyone could
4

de Bruyn. The river run is something through their stories around the
that must be done soon as other campfire, and one gets to share the
people have also discovered the fun most amazing sunrises and sunsets.
to be had - river bed driving might
in future go the same way as beach In conclusion we would like to give
driving. some advice to all who regularly have
We simply have to reflect on the to listen to boring jokes about our
value of the LROC. The club is THE vehicles (jealousy makes people real
forum for Land Rover owners to get nasty!). When faced with yet another
to really know their vehicles. joke, counter with the following:
This learning curve starts with the “Show me the photos of the trip
training and technical days. And no, done in your vehicle...”
it isn’t just for rookies, it is also for
seasoned drivers - the saying goes
“One is never too old to learn”.
The next must-do on the curve are
the trials. Here you have the
opportunity to face (or observe
others facing) obstacles one can
easily encounter in real life.
The last step, and our favourite, is
doing actual trips. It is during these
that one experiences the true heart
of the club. One gets to experience
the most awesome landscapes in the
company of like-minded people, one
gets to live members’ experiences

CODE OF CONDUCT

Abide by the rules, constitution, conservation code and code of conduct of the
LROC.

Be a considerate member.
Drive responsibly.

Assist fellow members.
Promote the safe and responsible use of Land Rovers.
Respect rules in all Parks, Conservation areas, Public and Private land.
Maintain your vehicle in a sound on and off-road condition.

Do not litter.

5

CHAIRMAN’S DESK

2015 is almost done. Unbelievable believe were successfully
but true. implemented. I beg the members to
Again this has been a busy year and give serious thought to the election
for me, the Koranna Getaway of a new chairman and to come
weekend stands out as a highlight forward with nominations long
of the year. It was great to be able to before the AGM.
have Land Rover owners from all I had the privilege, this past year,
over the country present and it was to spend a long weekend at Tembe
an occasion I will always remember. Elephant Park and was impressed
Hopefully it is something we will do with the input from our members,
again and not too far into the future. especially the working parties’
The new year will bring with it some contributions. I am also of the
changes and most important for me opinion that the LROC should focus
is the election of committee its energy in projects that give back
members. Unlike the last few years, to conservation and if there is one
we have to elect a new chairman at project I believe is worth our time
the 2016 AGM. It’s not that I intend and effort, it’s Tembe. I know some
to disappear but as has been said of us are passionate about Tembe and
before, we have to cut the old we can make a difference. For the
branches so that the tree can bear past 3 years or so, Dick de Bruyn has
healthy new fruit in abundance. In organized the work done there by the
my mind, two terms as chairman LROC and since March 2015, he has
is long enough. I stayed on for one become involved at park
more year in order to help with the management level. This will
55th celebrations and the rebirth of hopefully bring about more efficiency
the Lowveld Chapter, both of which I and a better working relationship
with the management resulting in
6

greater achievements to benefit the greater satisfaction as members of
park. I wish to thank the members the Club. Let’s work together to keep
who have already done duty at it the best 4x4 club.
Tembe, and invite others to join us Recently, at a gathering of Land
in the years to come. I can assure you Rover owners, I once again realized
that our concerns have been what it means to me personally to
forwarded to management and some belong to this organization and I still
are already being addressed. believe I would have been so much
Thank you to all who have supported poorer, had it not been for the club
the LROC in all its efforts to make and its members. Thank you for that
membership worth your while. I privilege.
want to invite those who are not yet On behalf of the committee, I wish
active, to engage committee you all a Merry Christmas and a
members in conversation to find Happy New Year.
common ground in order to make Hope to see you under the big tree
your experiences with the LROC soon.
enjoyable. Your input, comments Attie Smit
and even criticism all contribute to

7

IN THE BEGINNING

by Mike Ilsley, Chairman LROC SA (1998-2012)

I am sure we have all considered on one of the grand Union Castle
starting a club, a business or some Liners. So I would imagine that one
or other enterprise. Some of us have Mr Bill Siebert of Johannesburg had
tried it and failed, others have been made this trip to the UK, and was
successful. But when one looks back enjoying some leisure time there.
55 years, and sees the number of lives While on this trip, he became a
that have been affected, the member of the LROC and with their
friendships made, adventures support, he and the other founder
experienced, kids - and adults for members, were inspired to start the
that matter - introduced to the Land LROC (SA).
Rover family and lifestyle. Wow!
What a vision those founder In 1960, the Land-Rover Owners’
members had; and how proud they Club Limited (Scottish, Northern,
would be that the club is doing well Midland and Southern) of Meteor
all these years later. Works, Solihull, Warwickshire, was
so important to the then Rover Co.
I would have loved to have been part Ltd, that the public relations officer,
of that first hype, the enthusiasm and John Tracey, mentions in his letter
excitement that must have prevailed of 25th of May 1960, that they had
then, but 1960 was not only a appointed Tim Harding as the full
milestone year for the club, but also time secretary to the UK club. More
the year I was born, so I was a little importantly, John, in his letter to
young to attend the first event - 7 Bill Siebert, mentions the formation
months old to be accurate. In order of the LROC SA which would take
to give context to the beginnings of place on 20 July 1960, a Wednesday.
the club, I have had to rely on stories, This is the only mention I can find of
newspaper articles, letters and club the formation of the club. It is
documents that have survived. So in interesting to note that all the
writing the article, I have made some stationery and badges were to be
assumptions, please accept my supplied from the UK, and it was
apologies if they are not 100% suggested that at least the badges be
accurate. sourced locally to reduce costs.
In 1959/1960, one could not just It would seem that there was also a
jump on an airliner to the UK; it was lot of support for the LROC SA from
a 12 to 14 day one-way trip, probably John Watson of Rover South Africa
8

(Pty) Ltd. John Tracey mentions that Fernandez, Dandridge, Daw and
Club application forms, and Miss Siebert attended with apologies
membership cards had been sent to from Mr Coles. They planned the
John Watson and were to be first event and Mr Fernandez was
forwarded to the club. John Tracey appointed to assemble a floating
recommended forming a trophy. Rules and Regulations were
committee of four to six owners to drawn up for the event, stopwatches
share the “burden of work” and to acquired and India Tyre and BP were
organize the first event, “a simple to be approached for sponsorship.
kind of meeting with some Coca-Cola and Walls were to be
elementary driving tests” and so approached to sell cold drinks and
the first rally (now called trial) was ice-creams at the event. The First Aid
organized. Clubs would be approached to
alternate at events.
From our records, only the following Most importantly, a bank account
three committee members are listed was to be opened with the Chairman
for 1960: and Secretary as signatories.
Chairman Bill Siebert Pamphlets were to be printed to place
Secretary Mada Siebert on Land Rover windscreens, inviting
Organising Secretary Frank the owners to join the club.
Fernandez The first “driving” event, according
The other members for that year are to the Rand Daily Mail, was held on
listed as: Saturday 17th, 1960.
Geoff Coles, Frank Dandridge and
Roy Daw FIRST RALLY

In 1961, the committee looked as At the start of the first rally. Reg Whitley and
follows: Frank Fernandez on the line.
President H.C.Leon
Chairman Bill Siebert 9
Vice-chairman John Watson
Secretary Maureen Clarkson
Treasurer Tom Clarkson
Organising Secretary John Ward
With members:
Geoff Coles, Frank Dandridge, Herb
Ririe, Dave Stirling and Reg Whitley

The first committee meeting was held
on 26 July 1960. Messer’s Siebert,

It was held on the mine dumps in Jeff Coles negotiates one of the dunes on
Kensington, Johannesburg, and the course. This soft sand provided a real
“attracted a crowd of hundreds who test for the Land-Rovers but in spite of this,
enjoyed an amazing demonstration surprisingly few points were lost.
of the vehicles’ potential as
competitors went over a course There are a few facts that contradict
laid over mine dump and through each other. According to the RDM
swamp”. article, the first rally was won by Bill
The article continues ,“Some of the Siebert, with Reg (called Red in the
climbs and steep descents into mine article) Whitley one point behind.
sand were breathtaking”. But from our records, Reg only
Taken in the context of the early joined the club officially in 1961. It is
1960’s, where a family was extremely interesting to note that Reg
privileged to have any motor vehicle remained an active member for over
at all, and the concept of 47 years right up to his passing in
“recreational vehicles” with the 2007/2008 season of the club’s
capabilities not available on most existence. Reg was well known to
of the cars of that time, the Land- many of us, highly respected, a true
Rovers must have been a revelation gentleman and an avid story teller.
to many. Seeing them in action must It is amazing that the Brown Series
have opened the minds of many II Landy that he bought in 1960 was
future adventurers to the benefits of still in his possession 47 years later,
Land Rover ownership. albeit well “gadgeterised” and
meticulously maintained by Reg
A taste of the conditions liable to be met himself.
in the Kalahari. Reg Whitley grinds uphill
through the trap to second place. He was
only one point behind the winner.

10

11

According to the article, the UK club with an amazing affinity to the odd
was already 700 members strong shaped tractor with a roof…
when the SA club was established. It is probably fitting to say that in
Bill Siebert, who is on record as this, the 55th year of the Club, came
member #1, applied for his the announcement from Land Rover
membership on 10 September 1960 that the 2 millionth vehicle had been
and this was approved on 3 October built, a Defender 90. Sadly, also the
1960. The form is marked “Paid”, announcement of the end of
so I guess he had to cough up a few Defender broke this year and the last
pounds (we were still part of the of the icon was built recently. This is
Union then; only on 31 May 1961 did reputed to be the Defender 130 that
the nation become a republic) for the Kingsley Holgate is using to locate
privilege of being the first member… the geographic centre of Africa, a
The following year 1961, The Star fitting tribute to an amazing vehicle.
reported that on Saturday 25 In conclusion, the LROC SA
November another rally would take Constitution states the following:
place at the “Rietfontein Mine, past “The Club is formed for the purpose
Bedfordview”. The event had of:
originally been planned for the • Bringing together the Owners of
previous Saturday, but “the mud was
tough going even for a Land Rover” Land Rovers
and the rain made matters worse, • Organising functions for Members
“soggy conditions posed serious • Encouraging Members in the
problems for these serious maids-of-
all-work but none that could not be proper use and maintenance of
overcome” forcing a postponement. their Land Rovers”
According to the articles, the I think that the club has, through
members enjoyed safaris, hunting thick and thin, stayed true to the
trips, caravanning and adventuring. constitution for all these years and I
Little has changed. They also spent a hope sincerely that this will always
lot of time maintaining their vehicles remain the case.
with some stories like the one of a
broken piston being removed Sincerely
alongside the road, necessitating
driving home on three cylinders. Mike
From the very beginnings of the Club
1it2was all about the people, people

RIVER RUN 2015

by Attie Smit

Start of the run - The Kruger Park’s fence can be seen in the background

Klein Letaba River is a tributary of evening in the dark. A true test of
the Letaba River, situated in one’s navigation skills is finding one’s
Limpopo, South Africa. From its way along a trail in the dark. All
confluence with the Groot Letaba arrived safely, set up camp and
River on the western boundary of the enjoyed each other’s company
Kruger National Park, it becomes the around the fire. This is life at its best!
Letaba River which flows through the The next morning, it took some time
park. for the members to come to grips
The Soeketse and Koedoes Rivers, with driving in the dry river bed.
tributaries of the Klein Letaba are Usually we do this in convoy, but
wide, dry, sandy river beds during here everyone is free to make his/her
most of the year, making them ideal own tracks however. For the usually
4x4 routes. disciplined members of the LROC,
this was something new. However,
We met at the gates of the Eiland enjoying the relaxation of the rules,
Resort some 40 kilometres from the everyone took off in his/her own
first campsite of the trip. John and direction, played in the sand (some
Cornel Grobler acted as our guides called it testing their vehicles),
and they met up with us to set up attacked the dunes and wherever
camp for the night. Some of us water could be found, drove through
couldn’t make it in time to join the it. Those vehicles which were heavily13
convoy and arrived later that

loaded had to take this factor into driftwood for the campfire, which
account and adjust their driving was considerably smaller than last
skills accordingly. year.
Soon all settled down and we On the second night we camped at
continued enjoying the drive and the same spot as last year and again
the landscape. Huge trees border the driftwood was collected for the
river and in the shade, along the way campfire. We set up camp in a laager
vehicles pulled off for refreshment formation - or at least we tried! Let’s
stops, everyone progressing at their just say that John wasn’t impressed
own pace. with our interpretation of a laager.

Breakfast at Klein Letaba Cobus Gouws and Johan Struwig
collecting driftwood Landy style

Johan Struwig guides Jesse Rowe building a river campfire
Cobus Gouws in his 90

When we arrived at our campsite in
the late afternoon, we collected
14

15

Sundowners
16 The best way to end a day

The second day started off with Johan We came across two other 4x4
Stroebel’s 110 Tdi appearing not to parties driving in the opposite
be in the mood for driving. With direction which gives an indication
two vehicles attached in tandem, she that the river run has become
was still only puffing heavy clouds popular and it may also mean that
of diesel smoke. Then someone had one runs the likely risk of being
a bright idea, connected two sets of stopped by the authorities.
battery cables and with John’s
Discovery 4 V8’s engine running at
high revolutions, the Tdi burst into
life.

Peter Levey tackles a dune - he made it!

Nothing left but ashes and we are 90s’ Brigade
almost ready to go

As the terrain changed we
encountered some rocky areas and
the vehicles stayed closer together.

17

Rocky formation The terrain of the River Run gives
one freedom to enjoy one’s vehicle
with minimal, if any damage, to the
environment. We took out what we
took in but sad to say, it was clear
that not everyone shares our code
of conduct. We came across too
much evidence of others having been
there before us in the way of plastic,
bottles, and other litter and that is
another reason why we may not be
allowed to enjoy the dry river beds
into the future.

The donkey is indigenous to the area Werner van Zyl making his way slowly
We had an early start on the third around the rocks
day. Near Giyani we got out of the
Klein Letaba river bed and drove to
the Molototsi River. Not only was the
sand here very different from
the Klein Letaba, there were also
more obstacles to overcome.

Peter Levey negotiating his way Ready to take on the Molototsi River
through the rocks Except for John’s Discovery 4 V8, the
rest of the group drove Defenders.
18 There were seven 110 SW’s, one 110
Double Cab, one 130, and seven 90
SW’s. A real tribute to the Defender.

19

Defenders on the rocks and in the sand
On the last night we set up
camp at the confluence of the
Letaba and Molototsi Rivers
where huge fig trees grow on the
bank. That night we had
two campfires: the ‘upper class’
was up on the embankment
under the fig trees and the other
lesser mortals on the riverbed
below.

Where the Letaba and Molototsi Rivers meet

Sunset on the
Letaba

A great time was had by all.
20

LROC NDUMO WORK PARTY
by Tony Pollastrini
WeSudnnde2sa0dy1a57yJ1u0nJeutnoe

By Sunday evening of the 7th June, and welcomed all to the start of a
10 club members and one KZN great experience: assisting in the
Honorary Ranger and his wife had much-needed repair and
set up camp at the Ndumo camp site maintenance at Ndumo. A banner
and were ready to tackle the was erected at the Ndumo camp
maintenance and repairs required. entrance and a group photo taken.
The average age of the LROC “fixer It intrigues me that like our Land
uppers” was in the range of 60-70! Rovers which we treasure so dearly,
Amazing! Like old Series Land we are all in sync with helping to
Rovers, Land Rover owners and further the sustainability of the
nature lovers never give up and are natural environment. These nature
always willing to tackle anything reserves require a great deal of
requiring determination, involvement from the public, as there
enthusiasm and above all - love being are just not enough funds to carry
in the wild with fellow, like-minded out maintenance, repairs and
club members. enhancements. Not to mention
Dick de Bruyn, the LROC co- advice from volunteers such as were
coordinator for LROC volunteers, assembled from LROC at Ndumo at
arrived from Tembe on Sunday this time.
afternoon and handed out T-shirts At the old ‘Croc farm’ there was a

21

fairly well-built house that sadly had “blokkies” by the team).
not been maintained over the years. Adele had started earlier on sanding
The geyser was leaking and the “blokkies” and it soon became
inoperable and required replacement. obvious that this job would take
The parquet flooring had patches of forever unless it was streamlined. A
missing blocks and these were piled table was modified to hold a number
up for cleaning and refitting. Holes in of “blokkies” and rapid cleaning with
the walls and ceilings required an angle grinder saved fingers and
patching and repainting. The fly helped complete the task in no time.
screens that are essential in a climate Meanwhile, after the geyser had been
like northern Natal required removed, the need for plumbing bits
extensive repair. In the camp there and pieces and other essential
was another house also requiring a hardware required Richard to drive
new geyser. to the local Cash Build. This was a
Some tree trimming was required trip Richard was to make many times
and a trench was needed in front to over the next 3 days.
divert the rain water away from the LROC volunteer “union rules”
house as the reason for the parquet demand regular tea and lunch breaks
floor in the house lifting, was water which offered welcome relief from
coming in under the front door and painting, sanding, assembling,
flooding the interior of the house. replacing, cleaning, patching,
Monday morning at 8:00 sharp the carrying, fitting and the rest of the
motley crew of volunteers seemingly endless list of activities.
assembled at the
house and started
on the tasks at hand.
Furious work
commenced
removing the old
geyser while the
female LROC
contingent started
on the preparation
of the walls, fly
screens and cleaning
of the parquet floor
tiles (referred to as

22

23

All for the cause of conservation of the evenings to visit water holes and
the precious wild environment, that taking in the wildlife of Ndumo.
must not be allowed to disappear due There is no doubt that the Ndumo
to lack of funds or volunteers. LROC volunteers of 2015 have grown
The evenings were spent around the from the experience and appreciated
“Kalahari” TV discussing Land the camaraderie that resulted from
Rovers, the needs of Ndumo, past the mutual cooperation in
camping experiences, recalling the making a difference to Ndumo.
day’s work and achievement, as well Thanks to Dick, Richard and all the
as solving the challenges facing our LROC crew. See you at future
country. We also had some time in projects!

State of the art
high tech
grinding

Tannie Blokkies
24

TEMBE WORK WEEK AND FUND RAISERS

By Dick de Bruyn

Since buying my first Landy and Since I took over as the organiser for
getting off the tar,  the term “over this annual event the one thing that
landing” became part of my has left a lasting impression is the
vocabulary, but going to a specific cooperation, helpfulness and
place, like Tembe, on an annual basis, camaraderie amongst the LROC
does not always fall into this category members that I have experienced
and does not necessarily provide the over the years since 2012.
most entertaining writing material as
it is much of the same every time.
What keeps amazing me though, is
the annual “pilgrimage” of LROC
members to the far north of KwaZulu
Natal! Many have become regulars,
so there must be something that
attracts our members to go on this
trip on a regular base. In fact there is
a waiting list just about every year!

25

Prior to doing my first trip I had a honorary ranger’s side, I have only
long chat to Dave Morgan about the received the warmest help,
upcoming event, as I had done many understanding and cooperation
trips as a member, but never as the when the “thunder clouds” appeared
organiser and I was not altogether on the horizon! Having members
sure what to expect! come to you during crunch time and
Dave’s answer to this question was lending support wherever they can
rather plain and simple, namely, “You has always been very comforting.
will never be able to satisfy every- So what am
body and you will pick up grumpy I going to
members along the way who find write in this
fault with whatever you do, no matter article then,
how hard you try while others will as most of
just love it. So you are in for a fifty- it has now
fifty call! But don’t take it too been covered
seriously, just “rock and roll”! in previous
trip reports?
Fortunately I can state here that Well I have
it was, and still is only a pleasure decided to
organising these trips and that from
both the LROC side, and the

26

write about my experiences over might be an inspiration to pack your
the years: the people I have met and Landy next year!
some of the incidents that have made
this venture so great, or as today’s
kids would say, amazing!

In this article I am therefore going to On one of the first trips we had quite
concentrate more on the human side a few children in the group and the
of these trips and not so much on the older  members were complaining
animals and bush as is usually the about the kids being up too early
case. in the morning, and yes you have
guessed it, the children/parents were
In some cases I will make use of the complaining about the “oldies”
actual names of some members who making too much noise around the
were part and parcel of these camp fire at night! From past
incidents and omit others  for the experiences outside LROC I do 27
sake of sparing them embarrassment
(and litigation on my part!), but
nothing is meant to be offensive as it
is only meant to highlight the
interaction that we have had at
Tembe and I trust that if your name
is mentioned, or the shoe fits, that
you will accept it in the spirit in
which it was written. Some will even
find their photographs here!
For the “regulars” it will recall some
fond memories, and for those who
have not visited Tembe yet that it

know, however that this is quite a Come to think of it. I am still not
common scenario in most camping sure whether I was supposed to drink
situations. The“oldies” claimed they the stuff or bash it against the Landy
were awake that late to listen to the when christening her like they do
night sounds before dozing off! with ships!
Yes Dave, I could not keep them Anyway the inscription on bottle #1,
all happy, but then again I should which is green in colour resembling
also hold myself to ransom with the cream soda reads as follows:
introduction of one special night cap SLINGERSOUS
called “slinger sous”! 70% STERK (or as the manufacturer
likes to say: “iets wat jou piets”!)
Although not in favour of too much For those who do not understand,
of the liquid stuff, we must agree that come to Tembe and I will translate
it sometimes facilitates some good for you personally. However, after
laughter! you have had some, you will
This so-called “slinger sous”, definitely understand - Afrikaans or
incidentally, was given to me as a not!. All bottles have stern warnings
present when I bought my very first on them that both the content and
Landy at Northern Auto in Tzaneen. labels are covered by worldwide copy
At that stage they were the main rights. Every effort was thus made
Ford/Mazda dealers in town. Yes, to contact the bottler and copyright
Landy and Ford were in bed together holder for approval to use the
at one stage - unbelievable! (I do wording of his labels for the purpose
believe that the latest range of Ford of this article.
engines is based on the 2.2 This was unfortunately unsuccessful,
Freelander 2 and old TD5 engines. but there is a very good reason for
Whether this is fact or not, I am not this. In recognition of the producer
100% sure, but it’s good enough to of “Slingersous”, namely Paul von
pester Ford Ranger owners with!) Blixem, here is the inscription as it
28 originally appeared on the bottle;

“Die inhoud van hierdie houer bring

na vore ‘n konsep van flinkdink,

raakvat, en vasstaan, tesame met ‘n

geinhibeerde loslating van opgekropte

frustasie, verveeldheid, onvermoëns,

beperking van moed, durf, geloof en

die vrye vloei van gedagtes, woorde,

STOCKIST OF QUALITY LAND ROVER REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR :

RANGE ROVER, ALL DISCOVERY, DEFENDER, A L L FREELANDER , SERIES MODELS 2 AND 3

Quality, Value and Performance Serious 4x4 Accesories

29 Middelburg Mpumalanga
Tel: 013 243 3211

[email protected]

w w w .t h e l a n d y s h o p .c o m

idees, skemas en talle ander normaal amount of
onderdrukte neigings. Met die “sous”
inspirasie van hierdie sous sien jy consumed
maklik die aap in skaap, die rommel that night
in drommel en die agting in he was still
verwagting!  able to show
us not only
WAARSKUWING: Daar is ‘n titseltjie one, but
van ‘n newe-effek: ontwikkeling van three
‘n lastige sy-stappie, tydelike gedrags- fishing owls the following day at
verandering, spraakverandering, roes Ndumo! Shows you how potent this
wat heelwat later plaasvind, soms self- stuff is!
bejammering, soms euforiese geluk, Joining us regularly was a lady who
dapperheid, grootpratery en was quite fond of ‘n braai and pink
ekshibisionisme.” And lastly: bikinis. She also enjoyed my “sous” at
a later stage in her life (although
“SLINGERSOUS WORD IN DIE OU initially indicating that the night
SUID AFRIKA VERVAARDIG sounds were more important than
SPESIAAL IN OPDRAG VAN the chatter and laughter around the
NORTHERN AUTO , VIR camp fire). This lady does a lot of
MENSE WAT KONFLIKTE WIL
HANTEER!!!”
Ok Dave, now you know why I
was happy and able to tackle all the
Tembe trips, I most definitely had
“special” backing!

But I want to come back to the
“older” couples mentioned earlier
who specifically wanted to listen to
the night sounds every night (owls
to be more specific), but the one,
no names mentioned this time, was
“partially” responsible for the bigger/
biggest consumption ever of much (a
coffee mug full) of my “slinger sous”!
In fact this is one of the reasons why
my stock is quite low at this stage
and you must rush if you want some,
but I must add that in spite of the
30

travelling and it’s something like Water generally is a scarce
“Radio sonder Grense”, but more like commodity in South Africa and this
“Landy(lady) sonder Grense”. was also the case during one of our
Then there was one trip where a visits to Tembe when the one and
member arrived in camp “very high” only river that traverses the reserve
on “sous”, but this time most was basically dry, and all the water
definitely not mine,  before he even holes had turned into mud holes.
had a chance to pitch his tent! The The effect of this was that many of
fortunate part was that we did not the smaller antelope, especially little
need an alarm clock in the morning, Nyalas, were trapped in the thick
in fact the clanging of his beer bottles mud making them easy prey for the
was heard earlier than the early birds, lions. One such water hole was just
and I am talking about the real next to the Ponweni camping site
feathered ones! He was, however, where we and the honorary rangers
politely asked to temper his thirst, or stay during these trips and which was
to “get the Landy started again”. mostly visited by the members as it
was so close by.

This situation caused a lot of anxiety
amongst members who insisted that
we and the honorary rangers should
attempt various methods of solving
the problem, which we obviously
could not do as this is left to the sole
discretion of the game park
management. However the various
suggestions that were put forward
Being in a game reserve obviously were amazing! These varied from
brings you much closer to nature, going into the mud on foot to extract
sometimes too close for comfort! all the stuck animals,

31

constructing artificial water holes, it upside down onto the muddy water
putting up fences around the water hole which prevented access.
holes, shooting all the lions and the For those of you wondering where
most interesting one being the animals got water, they do have
constructing a concrete canal right some artificial water holes where
through the park to eliminate any water is pumped on a regular base,
muddy patches or pools! but it means that the animals have to
[The water pump for the camp is walk further.
situated close to this same water hole On the subject of honorary rangers,
and the rangers have to walk there mention must just be made of the
each time it has to be started, armed fact that they all drive Toyotas, but
with dangerous weapons (a “moerse I am working on that! In fact one
paplepel en potdeksels”) to scare ranger actually bumped my Landy
away the lions. Luckily on the first and I am still not sure whether he did
night we are always treated to a game it on purpose, but fact is that he came
potjie at the camp prepared by the off second best and did quite a lot of
honorary rangers, hence the damage to his Cruiser!
availability of this “weapon”]

A solution was found for the water Elephants are very much part of
hole dilemma in the end, which was Tembe, and if you are scared of them,
to saw down a big thorn tree and pull either bring your Rescue Remedy to
32 counter your fear OR stay in camp!
There was one Irish lady, no names
mentioned once again, who is VERY
scared of ellies and is also VERY loud
around camp and especially the fire
at night. She and her hubby had a
very unfortunate experience of an
ellie putting his trunk on top of the
Defender’s bonnet and doing some

33

rocking of I  must also include some bedtime
the cradle! stories and the first one that comes
No damage to mind is about a couple (who shall
was done to remain nameless) who have been to
the Landy, Tembe quite a few times during my
but I can only tenure. Most people enjoy a
imagine the “doppie” at night when they sit
tongue lashing around the camp fire (yes, and some
that ellie got! “slinger sous”). This couple joined
Remember, in, like everybody else, but “she” did
she was also known as the witch of not have a very strong bladder (or a
Tembe. big tank as it is sometimes referred
Having no food store close by, to), and “he” on the other hand could
especially during the early visits, handle greater volume - and till very
meant that one had to be completely late! In fact he looked like a deacon
self sufficient as far as eats and drinks in church serving holy communion
were concerned. Of late there is a the way he walked around with the
fairly well stocked Spar situated quite bottles! So
close by. (They even have proper once “her”
liqueur glasses in stock as I tank was
discovered when I forgot mine). nearing
The lack of amenities was a potential capacity, he
problem for anyone who had would very
difficulty counting to four! At Tembe sweetly and
we pay per person per weekend. gently help
Sometimes the weekends are three her to bed
nights and on other occasions they and then join the rest of us again, till
consist of four nights. It all depends late.  One year one of our members
on whether the fund raiser weekend brought some Jerepigo wine, which
can be combined with a long is a very sweet and tasty wine and
weekend. On one of the earlier trips very often used in the church for holy
one such couple brought food for communion!
only three days during a weekend “He” had apparently never tasted this
consisting of FOUR  nights. wine before and immediately took
Everybody in camp had more than a great liking to it, in a ‘one for you,
enough to share and even offered free two for me’ type of situation, if you
drinks, but they insisted on leaving understand what I am trying to say!
early after only three nights! Well he went about his “communion”
34

project with vigour and soon the needed guidance in the camp around
poor member who brought the stuff all the trees and obstacles, but even
had very little left for his own family, this led to some very funny incidents
BUT by this stage “his” tank was full from time to time.
and she very sweetly and gently put One specifically comes to mind
“him” to bed! during one of the years when we also
Also of note was 2010, the year of had quite a lot of kids around. Some
the soccer world cup and everybody of these kids were having a long and
was glued to their TV’s to watch all serious discussion with Elza about
the games, yes and we all had those “life” around the camp fire one night
little flags dangling on all corners of when one 11 year old asked her why
our cars and bakkies! You have to ask she “walked so funny” as she was
yourself what has happened to that often leaning or holding on to
camaraderie in our country since somebody else? His response when
2010? he realised what the real problem
was, was quite hilarious and typical
of the innocence of a child, “Oh we
thought you were always drunk”!

Anyway as there is very little cell
phone reception, let alone TV
reception, a plan had to be made to
get the latest score and it was quite
amazing how most of the old “omies”
were huddled around a little
transistor radio running all over the
camp trying to pick up a signal and
boy, did they take exception if asked
to do any chores in camp at that
stage!
As most members who have been to
Tembe also know by now, my wife
Elza, has very bad eye sight and often

35

One of the other advantages of Some of the research studies are
attending at Tembe is that you get to dubious. One professor gave a talk on
meet and know the people who run a environmental issues which related
game reserve. much to the current phenomenon
We had the pleasure of meeting of climate change. During the talk it
experts who were invited to give talks was mentioned that elephants
in their specialist fields of research in apparently eat too much and that
the park. Here  I can think of part of the problem was that they
rangers that gave talks on the lion need so much energy for cooling
and wild dog population of the park, them down. Now it is a well known
one ranger who spoke about elephant fact that elephants use their big
contraceptive methods which are flapping ears as a means to cool them
applied to keep the ellie population down. In order to minimise input/
in check as well as an ex-poacher optimise output of this cooling
who is now doing sterling work for process the professor is doing
the park in the tracking and capture research on “creating a dynamic
of the present day poachers. thermal model for alternative cooling
He also showed us most of the methods for elephants”! My sincere
methods applied for poaching from apology to the professor on this one,
the smallest bird to elephant and but when this was mentioned I
rhinos. immediately felt like phoning
Silverton Radiators to get in on the
36 act! So if you find an elephant with
radiators during forthcoming trips
to Tembe, you will understand the
reason for this!
In similar vein this professor was also
of the opinion that the world
consumption of meat is much too
high, as this demand for meat
increases the stock population which
leads to an over abundance of
methane gas in the atmosphere.
During the oil crisis in the seventies
people in the USA were urged to eat
more nuts as they needed the gas!
Which of these two theories apply?
Somehow I don’t see South Africans

37

easily cutting back on their meat the park, and no alternative
consumption! accommodation is available to them
All in all visiting Tembe has been, in the park.
and hopefully will continue to be, a
wonderful experience for many of us The idea for a “work week” was also
for many years to come and having born around the camp fire where a
our chairman  joining us for the first few of the regulars and I discussed
time in 2015 was quite an experience! the possibility of such a week with
In fact he is a full member of the the then honorary ranger, who I may
Tembe clan now having also had his add was not overly enthusiastic about
“slinger sous” without as much as a the whole idea, but, as happens so
hiccup! Even Helen handled her often in life when somebody departs,
initiation very well. This is most all changed when that specific ranger
probably why she didn’t get lost in resigned and was replaced by our
Tembe as she did in Korannaberg - current honorary ranger.
she was waiting around for more! He was very enthusiastic about the
As many members who have been to idea and immediately got the ball
Tembe might know by now, the trip rolling to get approval from all the
was originally intended for raising powers that be. As mentioned, the
funds for the honorary rangers who first work week took place in 2012
are involved with the general and was immediately recognised by
maintenance and improvements of the camp management as a success
Tembe. The reason being that Tembe and the way was cleared for this to
is not part of the official Kwa-Zulu become an annual event.
Natal parks board setup, but is only
managed by KZN and therefore no So what
major funding is forthcoming to the happens
park as such. during this
This is where the honorary rangers so-called
come in with their fund raisers of work week?
which there are only six long week- The tasks
ends per year. All the money that that are
they require (or part of it due to the performed 
costs involved) is obtained from the vary, being general maintenance in
accommodation costs of our visits and around the camp site and
there. Day and lodge visitors only buildings at the main entrance, fixing
have access to  the western section of of the quarantine boma, the
different hides and the reception
38 office. The latter led to another quite

memorable
moment when
poor old
Gerrit was
nearly fatally
wounded
while fixing
a toilet. One
just can’t
imagine how
seriously dangerous a toilet can be!

The camp site facilities were pepped The boma is quite an interesting
up by installing some sun panels for structure as this is where the animals
more hot water, as there is no are kept in quarantine once they
electricity in the camp and also enter the park, or before they are
modernising the very rustic outdoor transferred to other parks. These
toilets and showers.  animals also include lions and wild
dogs from time to time, but the lions
devised a way of getting out of the
boma by climbing over the original
device  created to feed them!
This old device
involved
lowering a
carcass of an
antelope into
the boma with
a rather
complicated
cable system.

39

A new steel slider was built,
however, called a “chute”, in which
the carcass would then slide into the
boma from outside without the lions
having a chance to get out. 

Other tasks in the park have included park.
the upgrading of the electric Once again the
perimeter fence which didn’t have willingness of
the required effect  to keep animals LROC members
inside. This entailed upgrading the has been
earth wiring of all of 85 kilometres of evidenced
the perimeter fence line around the during these
40 work weeks,
members
doing whatever
came their way, although all of it is
not always conservation related. This
willingness to do whatever is put on

the table and usually accepted by all, Writing about the event has left a
except for one couple! further impression on me, since
writing has never ever been my great
Prior to one of the work weeks I sent love in life, but I accept that some
an e-mail to all members informing things have to be done whether you
them that all the internal roads of like it or not!
the park had to be upgraded after Writing this article has brought back
heavy rains during the rainy season, some wonderful memories of all
but all this work had to be done by the events and people we have met
hand and that everybody must bring over these last years,  and I for one
a shovel, pick, rake and wheelbarrow am a staunch believer in making
to do this work, as no machinery was memories as these are the things, like
allowed in the park! the photographs of your trips, that
Nobody objected, except this one nobody can take away from you!
lady (and her husband, that is), and Also to be mentioned is the fact that
she let me know in no uncertain my daughter has supplied us with
terms that she and her husband a sketch and theme on a T-shirt for
would do “anything” but they would most of the trips that we have had to
not push a wheelbarrow!  So LROC date. Thanks Ellie!
beware, exclude wheelbarrows from
your future projects! To each and every member who
visited Tembe, whether you were
mentioned or not,  I would just like
to thank you for helping us make
memories!
To those who have not been there
yet, if all goes according to plan, we
will have more of the same next year!

41

FORTY YEARS ON - ON THE WILD SIDE

(FINAL PART, CONTINUED FROM EDITION 118) by Terence Cotton

FOREWORD There were 7 assorted vehicles on the
This is the continuation of Terence’s trip, our son Alan driving one of
story, dedicated to the memory of Colin’s FWCs loaded with a boat,
Frank Dandridge, a founder member outboard motors and fuel.
of the Landrover Owners Club, and We collected another boat some-
Clive Crossman with both of whom where in the bush where Colin kept it
they had so many wonderful trips. hidden away. The second day saw us
negotiating many streams and doing
TRIPS FROM 1992 a fair bit of cross country travel.
Botswana
Our trips to Botswana were 1992 Water crossing, Okavango
becoming less frequent. In the late
1980’s the authorities incorporated 1992 Deep water crossing, Okavango
Chief ’s Island and the nearby We stopped several times to cool off
islands into Moremi and increased in small lagoons with sandy bottoms,
the park fees substantially. This did a precaution against attack from
not surprise us as South Africans crocodiles. It was at one of these
had discovered Botswana as a cheap
holiday destination. On our last
visit into Moremi with our boats we
were amazed (and disgusted) to see
hundreds of campers at Third Bridge
playing loud music, swimming in the
water, and with their washing spread
out over the bushes to dry.
We were thus more than pleased to
accept an invitation from Frank
Dandridge to join him and his son
Colin, together with the Becks,
Crossmans and Plunketts, on a
trip into a hunting concession area
north-west of Moremi in a section of
the Okavango Delta not open to the
public. Alan and Brian with a friend
Dave Cochrane made up our party.
42

43

stops that Dave said to Alan “Now I After tracking them for well over an
know why you drive a Land Rover.” hour through bush and across the
He has since become a keen Land veld we gave up.
Rover owner. We saw a lot of game on the trip
including a very large herd of
1992 Channel in swamp, Okavango wildebeest. Although the animals
That night we set up camp on a large were docile this herd was spooked by
open area with plenty of shady trees us and took off at a gallop across the
next to a large lagoon. We spent vast plain in a cloud of dust. Quite an
several days here including experience. This sadly was to be our
Christmas day which was celebrated last trip with Frank and Aileen.
in the evening with a combined On New Years Eve we left the
dinner with much wine. The next Dandridges and headed for Baine’s
morning an early riser woke Baobabs along a seldom used track
everyone with the news that a pride recommended by Colin.
of lions had been through the camp.
Some of us, some with lesser or 1992 Baine’s Baobabs, Nxai Pan
greater hangovers than others, lead We were just settling down for
by Colin, immediate followed their sundowners when a large party of
tracks in our vehicles. Dutch tourists in several vehicles
arrived. We were disgusted the next
1992 Tracking lions, Okavango morning to find they had left parcels
44 topped with toilet paper all down the
sides of the road. While Gita Beck
went to complain to them I asked
their black guide why he had not
taught them some bush craft. His
comment to me was”These people
are not like us Africans.”The Dutch

left before us and only covered some rebuilding had just started and had
of their deposits with sand. The had a swim, when the South
others we dealt with properly. African proprietor of the Ponta do
Ouro camp arrived with several
Mozambique armed men and told us we could not
The war in Mozambique persisted camp there. Although it was now
for a couple of years after the other mid afternoon and it had started
communist inspired conflicts had to drizzle he refused to let us stay
stopped. until the next day no doubt hoping
In 1993 we learnt from Ina’s mother we would go back to his camp. We
that a lot of people from the Lowveld found a place in some trees for the
(she still lived in her house on the night and were settling down when
Crocodile River) were venturing we were joined by a group of interns
forth into Mozambique. We from Empangeni who had been
obtained our visas, loaded up the SII kicked out of the broken down chalet
LWB (now called the “Green” after they had been staying in at Ponta
a rebuild in the late 1980’s) and after Malogane for a few days.
picking up Ina’s Mom, headed for
Ponta do Ouro. 1993 Out of Petrol, Ponta Malongane
The road gradually deteriorated The next day we headed for Xai Xai
with more and more landmine where we set up camp on the beach
craters. There were many vehicle under some trees as the campsite was
wrecks along the side of the road. too disgusting to stay in. Except for a
We were now overtaking vehicles bit of pilfering one night we had no
with big ski boats on tow who problems staying here for the rest of
earlier had forced us off the road. the week.
The going was very slow and we On the way home we decided to
were forced to overnight on a
farm run by a South African 45
under a long term concession. We
spent one night at the camp site
at Ponta do Ouro. As we were not
happy with the bright lights switched
on all night and loud music played
from the restaurant, we left the next
morning to look for a better place.
We had just pitched camp at Ponta
Malongane, up the coast, where

avoid Maputo and most of the However on one occasion with the
terrible road to the border by going Becks we spent one or two nights
through Magude and Moamba. At camping in the dunes south of
one point we came across a young Inhambane.
man sitting on a chair in the middle
of the road. Our hearts dropped 1995 Dune camp, Mozambique
when we noted an AK 47 across his We decided for the rest of that
chest. However as we got closer he holiday to stay in the Coconut Bay
picked up his chair and moved to campsite, which in fact had no
the side of the road. We were quite facilities and consisted of broken
touched further on where a large down buildings. There was a toilet
group of women were working in a in one of the buildings but this had a
newly planted sugarcane land. When very large tree growing in the pan.
they saw us they downed tools and
with big smiles on their faces waved
excitedly at us. All along this road we
found destroyed buildings, wrecked
vehicles and other remnants of the
civil war. Fortunately no land mines.

1993 Remnants of war, Magude 1995 Coconut Bay resort
We have had many trips to Darryl Beck playing with his dinner
Mozambique since 1993. Many
changes took place over the years.
We camped on the beach at Barra
Falsa with our sons and their friends
one year. The authorities soon
banned this type of camping and we
were forced to use campsites.
46

47

We stayed at Ponta Malongane, now not too far from some huts. We soon
rebuilt on two occasions. The first had some very concerned visitors.
time we were able to travel up the They were worried that we were there
beach to Ponta Chemucane. Shortly to take their land away from them.
after this, driving on the beach was We explained why we were there
prohibited. and they left laughing at these crazy
Another trip we had to Mozambique whites who drive around and live in
was in 2002. A group of us who had tents for the fun of it.
been on the Land Rover 50th
Anniversary trip round South 50th Tour
Africa in 1998 and a subsequent trip No narrative of mine would be
to Botswana/Namibia decided to complete without a mention of the
travel from Mapai inland up to the Land Rover 50th Anniversary tour of
Save River and then across to the 1998.
coast. We entered Mozambique at The aim of the tour was to bring
Pafuri but found the Limpopo was together as many Land Rover
too high and had to make our way enthusiasts as possible. The tour,
down to Chokwe to get across. organised by Ina and Brian Hogg of
Attempts to find a route north the Cape Land Rover Club,
proved fruitless. We kept on covered 9500 km through South
bumping into the gas pipeline from Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho over
Inhabane to South Africa. We nine and a half weeks. Nine vehicles
eventually disregarded the notice in did the entire trip, most of us
Portuguese prohibiting driving along having recently retired, with another
the pipeline and found our way to the 140 spending more than 2 nights
coast. We had two amusing incidents on the tour. About 150 joined the
wandering around this area. We no party for a day. The tour was joined
sooner set up camp one evening by three Land Rover owners with
behind a mealie field when a bakkie their wives from America, Wales and
loaded with men pulled up and Holland, the former two with their
accosted us. We explained why we own vehicles. We did the entire tour
were there and eventually they left in our 1957 Series I 88” which I had
satisfied that we had not come to recently rebuilt.
steal their cattle.
A few evenings later having driven Botswana/Namibia
around an area for some time In 2000 we organized a trip through
seeking a route north we set up camp Botswana and Namibia. Several of
the people who had participated in
48 the 50th tour joined this tour

including Daniel and Julia from time started to enjoy their African
America and Pim Kielen and his experience with us. Daniel returned
Zulu wife from Holland. In addition after a few days to say they had
to their teenage daughters, Daniel decided to return to South Africa.
had brought his son, who had Down’s There was little sympathy for him.
syndrome, with him. We had warned him before he left the
The route took us via Maun and States that the trip would be tough
Shakawe into Namibia at Muhambo. and not as easy as the 50th tour.
We travelled on back roads to Opuwa
avoiding towns, except to get fuel.
The route took us along the Omatako
River bed in the north east and the
cut line along the top fence of Etosha.

2000 Cut line along north fence Road to nowhere, north fence Etosha
From Opuwa we went via Epembe to Leaving Etosha my back differential
the Cunene and travelled along the disintegrated when a broken bolt
difficult and stony but picturesque punctured the casing and all the oil
road to the Epupa Falls. We noticed ran out. In Outjo, the nearest town,
how the Himba had become less shy we located a Land Rover enthusiast
and the teenagers more demanding and were able to get a replacement
since our visit to the Kaokoveld differential for my Series ll vehicle.
11 years earlier. We returned to From Outjo via Khorixas, the Burnt
Opuwa to refuel before heading Mountain, Brandberg West and the
south to Etosha. Daniel was having Skeleton Coast, we went to
trouble with his son and had sought Swakopmund and Sossusvlei
medical assistance(!) in Opuwa. He travelling along tracks and river beds
eventually left the two girls with us where possible.
and he and Julia went to Windhoek
to find a doctor. The girls for the first 2000 Road to Kunene River
49

2000 Kunene river Road we passed another youngster who
We crossed back into Botswana at came out of a hut waving a book at
the Buitepos border post and turned us as we were passing. We gave him a
down the first road south which friendly wave and continued on our
would take us via Mabuashehube way. We were very disappointed with
Game Reserve to the border. Mabuashehube. There was virtually
no game. The ablution facilities at the
Lunch stop on way to Mabuashehube camp where we stayed were poorly
Along this road we were stopped by a maintained and there was no water.
youngster waving a book and Hardly worth the R250 per person
informed that as we were now that they charged. This was to be our
entering a community controlled last trip to Botswana.
area and there was a fee to be paid.
As it was impossible to get through Other Trips
this community area before sunset Our sons were joining us more often
we camped in the bush although in their vehicles. We had several
5th0is was not permitted. The next day trips to the Transkei normally to
Shixini near Willowvale.
A few years ago Brian was playing
with his two young sons against an
embankment on the beach when he
spotted a large white object what he
thought was an ostrich egg at least
a metre below the top of the
embankment. This turned out to be
the skull of a child.

Via the emergency cell number we
informed the police. When they
arrived they and several local
headmen present asked Brian to
excavate the rest of the skeleton. The
bones went into a small plastic bag
that one gets from a Total garage for
car rubbish. The police and headman
accepted that the skeleton was that
of a small boy who had drowned 6
months earlier. We did not agree as
all indications were that the child had