Current Edition >> Archive Section >> Special Features >> August 2004
The dynamic interaction in the international currencies market has become an exciting trade of its own. Although often even volatile, it offers ample scope for profitable trading, providing one knows what you are doing.
In this new regular column, professional currency trader Dennis du Plessis of Bloemfontein, will inform readers of the Free State Business Bulletin step by step of the elements and requirements in order to become a successful trader by applying sound principles of technical, fundamental and psychological analyses.
Lake !Gariep Tourism Route
This major initiative started with the need to develop the greater Gariep Dam area, resulting in the formation of a Tri-District Alliance between the district municipalities surrounding the dam. Evidently opportunities exist to unlock significant undeveloped potentials in amongst others, environmental conservation, tourism and agriculture existing in the region surrounding the Gariep Dam, the water of the Orange River and the Dam itself.
Consequently an implementation action plan was adopted and in that the idea was mooted that the dam be branded “Lake !Gariep” to achieve National Tourist Destination Status.
Lake !Gariep is located within the Karoo Heartland, close to the historical towns of Bethulie, Venterstad, Colesberg, Gariep Dam town, Oviston and Aliwal North, crossing the boundaries of the Free State, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape Provinces.
Lake !Gariep is surrounded by three provincial game reserves which include Oviston Nature Reserve, Tussen-die-Riviere Nature Reserve and the Gariep Nature Reserve. A Memorandum of Understanding has been drafted by the MEC's of the three provinces, which, when implemented, will effectively join the three reserves and create a conservation area in excess of 85 000 hectares.
The inclusion of Tussen-die-Riviere reserve within this new conservation initiative is particularly significant as the reserve is bounded by two major river systems the Caledon and Orange.
The protected areas and game reserves that surround Lake !Gariep give sanctuary to a wide diversity of wildlife species, which are endemic to the semi-desert areas of the central Karoo.
Ecotourism activities within the protected areas of Lake !Gariep include game viewing by private vehicle, walking trails under the supervision of professional guides, angling, ornithology and the simplistic and intrinsic value of exploring wild and unspoilt landscapes.
Lake !Gariep offers a tremendous diversity of adventure tourism activities, the majority of which are water related. The 360 km² lake surface offers superb opportunities for yachting, sunset cruises, power boating and skiing.
An unique house-boat operation, similar to those based on lake Kariba, is to be initiated during 2004 and based at the small town of Oviston. The shoreline provides the fisherman with a diversity of angling activities, including fly-fishing and bait fishing for yellowfish, tilapia and mudfish.
Downstream of Lake !Gariep, the perennial Orange River offers a variety of adventure tourism activities, including river rafting, kayaking, abseiling, horse trails, hiking and flyfishing.
In this special feature a bird's eye view is presented of the Lake !Gariep Tourism Route together with the stakeholders and product owners will actually make up this route.
Hierdie roete is 'n sirkelroete rondom die grootste dam in Suid-Afrika. Die vaal karoo landskap omvou die opgedamde bruin water van die Oranjerivier en vorm 'n mensgemaakte meer wat aan die toeris 'n ongekende verskeidenheid van aktiwiteite bied.
Ons reis begin op die dorp Gariep Dam sodra jy van die N1 afgedraai het. Hier kan jy jou staan en verwonder aan die siviele ingenieursprestasie van die Gariep Damwal, vir ure na die uitgestrekte wateroppervlakte kyk. Dis hier waar die mensgemaakte meer eindig. 'n Besoek aan die hidro-elektriese kragstasie laat 'n mens sprakeloos oor die krag van water.
'n Rit deur die Gariep natuurreservaat laat jou die vreugde van die skepping ervaar. 'n Besoek aan die Toerisme Sentrum bring perspektief oor die geskiedenis van die streek.
Daarna draai jy jou motor se neus ooswaarts en kies koers op die R58 langs die Oos-Kaap oewer van die meer na Venterstad. Die uitgestrektheid van die meer met die harde karoo landskap word vinnig afgewissel met die ryke dierelewe van die Oviston Natuurreservaat. 'n Besoek aan Oviston se inlaattoring vir die Oranje-Vistonnel is die moeite werd. Die pragtige uitsig op die inlaattoring vanaf die lowergroen tuine van Lake View Gastehuis is prentjiemooi en teen die ondergaande son roep dit beelde van 'n vêr-vêr land op.
Die volgende oggend is 'n besoek op Venterstad aan die Gereformeerde Kerk, wat in 1877 gebou is, 'n kultuurhistoriese ervaring. Die uiteensetting van die geboortegrond van President Paul Kruger by die kerk, is insiggewend. 'n Besoek aan die kultuursentrum op die plaas Kareefontein, Kuyasa Handwerksentrum en Masibambane Sentrum rond die besoek op die dorp af.
Vandaar draai 'n mens noord-oos op die R405 en ry op die oewer van die meer na die Hennie Steyn brug wat die beginpunt van die meer is. Ruwe koppies, wuiwende grasvelde en klein klofies skep hier 'n skilderagtige prentjie. Die Hennie Steyn brug is die langste van sy soort in die suidelike halfrond en is ook die begin van die meer deurdat die water van die Oranjerivier hier begin opdam.
Bethulie se ryke geskiedenis sluit in die konsentrasiekamp wat dateer vanaf die Anglo Boereoorlog, oorblyfsels van die Britse troepemagte wat daar gesetel was en oorblyfsels uit die vroeë geskiedenis. Die dorp het ook onlangs 'n toerisme kantoor gevestig wat talle interessante inligting oor die dorp en omliggende area het. As jy 'n dag langer kan bly, is 'n besoek aan die Tussen-die-Riviere Natuurreservaat die moeite werd.
Vandaar is dit terug na Gariep Dam met die R701. Met hierdie pad ry jy al langs die Vrystaat oewer van die meer wat van die mooiste uitsigte op die uitgestrekte waters van die meer het. Dit is veral hier waar jy groot gedeeltes van Rudi's Baai, Albatros Eiland, Aerodrome Bay en die bekende bakens van Christmas Eiland en Sonop Eiland sien. By van die uitkykpunte op die pad, sien jy ook die galoppende kuddes bergkwaggas in die Gariep Natuurreservaat.
Terug op die dorp Gariep Dam, is jy betyds genoeg om op 'n sonsondergangvaart op die meer te gaan en een van die eilande of baaie te besoek wat jou laat dink dat jy op besoek is aan 'n eksotiese wêrelddeel. En dit, terwyl jy nog steeds in die sentrale streek van Suid-Afrika is.
The name !Gariep is derived from the San explanation of “Red Waters”. The Orange River was called “Red Waters” by local inhabitants. Fossil collections in the greater Karoo basin indicated to paleo-anthropologists that the area had a rich prehistoric hominia era. Artefacts belonging to this era have been carbon-dated to a period in exess of 100 000 years BC.
Meaning of the logo
The Lake !Gariep Logo in its warm earthly colours were designed by Barris Buckley Advertising. Mr Buckley from the advertising agency said that the colours reflects the warm sun of the Karoo and the vibrant breathtaking sunsets over Lake !Gariep. The Blue Crane, the national bird of South Africa which occurs in substantial numbers during the warm summer months, was used as a central theme for the logo. Buckley said that the Blue Crane was used in a stylistic format to reflect on modern trends within the rustic area of Lake !Gariep. The dark brown line suggests the Orange river (“Red river”) and also the shore line of Lake !Gariep. The logo will be used for the following branding: generic tourism brochure, road signage, Lake !Gariep Tourism Association, product owners, route markings and commercial uses. The logo is copyrighted by Seaton Thomson Association designs, but they have concede full right to the tourism association.
With the development of the Lake !Gariep Tourism Route, various tourism related projects around the lake were identified to alleviate poverty and to create unique tourism products.
At Venterstad the Gariep Municipality received a sum of R2,8 million for the Lake !Gariep Tourism Project in Venterstad and Oviston. With this funding the following projects were funded:
• The upgrading of the caravan park at Oviston. The resort has been revamped and is now known as Lake !Gariep Resort.
• Fishing project: This project is co-ordinated by a group of 24 local fisherman. They have received training from Rhodes University of fishing with nets.
• House boat project: This project specialises in manufacturing in house boats. One house boat has been completed and will be launched during September.
• Cultural Centre: On the farm Kareefontein, where the town of Venterstad was established nearly a century and a half ago a Cultural Centre was built. This Centre is a place of heritage, art and beauty. Steeped in history, the Centre will attract visitors with its stories on the legends of the area.
• Kuyasa Arts and Craft Project: Kuyasa is a dual purpose Centre for the aged and children under 5 years. The people received training on arts and craft. The project is also currently running a daycare centre for over 30 children in the Oviston Clinic building.
At Bethulie, The house of Litema, is a group of women who produce unique and traditionally hand-manufactured items. They create unique beadwork which are sold at the tourism office. The tourism office is privately owned and is a good example of a private investor who reaches out to the community to create job opportunities and alleviate poverty.
At Gariep Dam, the Hydro Weavers group was established through funding by the LEDF programme. This project developed into a larger Craft Centre and through funding by the National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, a Tourism Centre was built in which handcrafts of local crafters are sold.
Die Toerisme Organisasie is gestig na aanleiding van die Lake !Gariep stigting wat fondse ontvang het vir die implimentering van verskeie toerisme projekte aan die Oos-Kaap kant van die meer. Die lede van die Toerisme Organisasie bestaan uit die 4 dorpe wat rondom die meer geleë is. My doel met hierdie organisasie is om die dorpe rondom die meer te laat saamwerk en gesamentlik die ontwikkeling van die gebied te bemark.
Dit is vir my belangrik om alle rolspelers op hoogte te hou en om die verskillende plaaslike munisipaliteite en distriksmunisipaliteite betrokke te hou. Die ontwikkeling van Lake !Gariep is iets wat ek glo baie potensiaal het - baie werksgeleenthede kan geskep word en 'n beter lewe vir ons mense deur die toerismepotensiaal van die gebied te ontgin. Die bekendstelling van die toerismeroete in Toerisme Maand lui 'n nuwe era vir ons streek in en sodra ons fondse bekom het om die roete by wyse van padtekens te merk, sal dit die bereiking van 'n langverwagte ideaal wees.
GARIEP DAM: KEY STATISTICS
|
Maximum height above foundation Crest lenght of dam Gross storage capacity Final area of lake formed Shoreline Construction started Construction completed Official opening (HF Verwoerd Dam) Renamed as Gariep Dam |
88 m 914 m 5,673.8 million cubic m 360 km² 435 km 18 November 1966 1971 4 March 1972 1 April 1995 |
STRENGTHS
• Location of Lake !Gariep in relation to the N1 and the N6 and high volume of tourism traffic on this route.
• Diversity of accommodation facilities in Colesberg, Bethulie, Gariep Dam town and rural country house lodge operations.
• Diversity of adventure tourism activities which include a variety of water sports, wildlife and ecotourism.
• The provincial game reserves of Oviston, Tussen-die-Riviere and Gariep protect a diversity of unspoilt Karoo landscapes, four individual biomes and a variety of indigenous wildlife species.
WEAKNESSES
• There is a lack of cohesive marketing between the three affected provincial tourism boards, i.e Northern Cape, Free State and Eastern Cape.
• Lack of cohesive marketing between local council, district local council and provincial government.
• Splintered promotion and marketing activities are undertaken by various local councils, but there is no cohesion or communication between the implementing council and other affected councils.
• A single local municipality to promote the region as a leading destination in South Africa for domestic, regional and international tourism, and to fulfil the role of a pro-active facilitator for tourism development and conservation being the two key areas in the region, integrated with the vision of uplifting and involving previously disadvantaged communities.
• Lack of financial resources to implement marketing policies.
• Lack of professional tourism staff and tour guides to implement marketing policies.
• Lack of road signage.
OPPORTUNITIES
• The opportunities exists to effectively brand Lake !Gariep as the South African “Lake Kariba”, which would potentially attract both the South African domestic leisure and international tourism markets.
• The joining of the three provincial game reserves, Oviston, Tussen-die-Riviere and Gariep, into a single conservation area surrounding Lake !Gariep, will provide an exciting opportunity to develop and operate new lodges and resorts within the 90 000 hectare reserve.
• The establishment of a single cross-border local municipality for the four towns surrounding the lake. Such a municipality could focus on the marketing of the area, tourism and conservation.
THREATS
• The opportunity of structuring and operating a Lake !Gariep Tourism Association has been defined as a prerequisite for the further development of tourism in the region. Should this organisation not be constituted, or effectively managed by professional staff and supported by financial resources from local council, district municipality and provincial government levels, the re-branding and development of Lake !Gariep is destined to fail.
• The non-cohesive and political environment which exists between local council, district council and provincial government tourism bodies, poses a definite threat to the successful establishment of Lake !Gariep as a pre-eminent tourism destination.
The Karoo is one of the world's best areas in summer for long distance gliding, and from Gariep Dam world records still stand, with closed circuit courses of around 1400 km and average speeds over 160kph. These conditions draw top pilots and their slick carbon fibre machines from all over Europe and even Japan.
Two local gliding enthusiasts did some homework, formed a company and negotiated the purchase of the airfield. This was the first part of a project to bring new life to the Gariep Dam airfield, boost tourism to the area and to make the airfield the premier southern hemisphere destination for glider pilots.
Developments began with the building of shade parking for visiting aircraft, additional hangarage, shade parking and improvements to existing buildings and the beautification of the airfield with indigenous shade trees. Two planes, motor gliders and sailplanes were acquired for use by foreign pilots, and a flying club is being founded. At the same time, the airfield itself had to be upgraded to meet the latest requirements of the SA Civil Aviation Authority. This has made it an attractive destination for power pilots and their families wanting to get away for the major centres, but not have to worry about landing on an unimproved and unlicenced dirt strip on arrival. Gariep Dam Airfield now boasts the finest tarmac runway facilities within a radius of 200 km.
Receiving full support from the Kopanong Local Municipality and Free State Tourism, this is the first major investment into the region. Capital for the airfield improvements and operation has been raised in Europe. It is believed to be the first time that a major airfield had been transferred to a private organisation as part of a project to boost regional tourism. In the first three seasons, the project has already brought in over R10 million of tourism income to the area with additional spin off to South Africa at large.
The airfield is seen as a gateway to an area with great eco-tourism potential.
Bethulie het die potensiaal om die hoofsentrum te word in die streeksontwikkeling rondom Lake !Gariep. Van die vier dorpe rondom die meer is dié dorp die beste toegerus om die belangrike funksie te vervul. Daar is 'n permanente handelsbank, poskantoor en verskeie besighede wat meehelp om dit 'n besigheidsentrum te maak.
Die ontwikkeling van die Bethuliedam in 'n spogoord, behoort verder tot die belangrikheid van die dorp by te dra.
Alhoewel die dorp Gariep Dam, vanweë sy ligging langs die N1, tans die hoofkantoor van Lake !Gariep Toerisme huisves, word Bethulie as die aangewese dorp beskou om die besigheidsentrum van die streek te word.
The historic town of Colesberg is the gateway from the busy N1 to the Lake !Gariep Tourism Route via the R58.
Colesberg served as the southern front from November 1899 to March 1900. Over 11 000 Boer and British troops took part in the actions along a 60km front around Colesberg. Their graves, memorials, fortifications, camp and battlesites can still be seen on tours around the town and district. These include Plateau Camp, Grenadier Guard Rock, Suffolk Hill, Worcester Hill, New Zealand Hill, Australian Hill, and the gun sites on the top of Coleskop.
The Free State Legislature is facilitating various projects during 2004 as part of its Decade of Democracy Celebrations and one of these projects was a Women's Day Celebrations held on Saturday, 28 August 2004, at Koffiefontein.
The aim of women members of the Free State Legislature as well as staff of the Public Participation Unit was to interact with rural women in an endeavour to foster good relations and empower them through social, cultural and educational activities.
Thus members and invited guests celebrated the Day at Koffiefontein with our Beautiful Women, Pillars of Strength and a Pride of Africa. The format of the event was informative presentations, exhibitions of products from community development projects in the Xhariep district and an award giving ceremony at a gala dinner. Members and councillors also took time off for an underground site visit at the Koffiefontein Diamond Mine.
The air was abuzz with excitement from synergy generated at the event and it turned out to be a highly constructive and empowering occasion.
The Free State Legislature congratulates all these achievers and encourage them and so many others to rise above whatever their circumstances might be and to taste the success of self-realisation.
As announced at the gala dinner on 28 August 2004 at Koffiefontein, the following were the award winners in the various categories :
Arts and Crafts
1st prize - Kgaladi Crafts - Koffiefontein
2nd prize - Sheet Metal Workshop - Petrusburg
3rd prize - Ditema - Zastron
Irrigation
1st prize - Itumenelang Vegetables - Petrusburg
2nd prize - Ebenaezar - Koffiefontein
Sewing
1st prize - Itumeleng - Jagersfontein
2nd prize - Tusetsang - Fauresmith
3rd prize - Phela O Phedise - Koffiefontein
Stock Farming
1st prize - Dankbaar Meat - Koffiefontein
2nd prize - Itsokolele Poultry - Koffiefontein
As a leading fully-fledged BEE company in the Free State, Interstate Bus Lines (IBL) confirmed a huge vote of confidence in the Free State economy and in the local public transport system by adding 32 new mega buses at a total cost of R53 million to its existing fleet.
Bought from a leading European manufacturer, BMC, these vehicles are all bus trains, 22 meters long, with a carrying capacity of 99 seated passengers and 22 standees - a configuration adopted by bus companies throughout the world and recently observed also operating in London. The vehicles include the BMC 1100FE chassis from Turkey, designed to Interstates specifications with the new series HI-Rise Panorama 900 Stateline Body built by Busaf of Gauteng.
Rated at 260HP or 191KW, the engine is fully electronic with special features such as electronic fuel injection, electronically controlled road speed settings, diagnostic testing and computerized adjustment, making it one of the most advanced bus engines in South Africa.
Says Abel Erasmus, MD of IBL: “The R53 million is a major investment and a vote of confidence in the Free State economy and will definitely improve road safety and customer service, with the Euro 2 standard reducing emissions into the atmosphere.”
To this, the Chairman of IBL, Quinten Eister, adds the following summarizing perspective: “As a service organization we trade on nothing else but our reputation and this new fleet will certainly enhance our reputation as providers of a safe, reliable, on time quality and competitive people-moving service.”
As a pioneer in the SA bus industry since 1975, IBL was first to utilize fully electronic Euro 2 technology, with all buses fully equipped with radios and heaters to ensure optimum customer comfort and also equipped with electronic ticket machines maximizing efficiency and client satisfaction.
IBL transports 15 500 commuters daily during peak, 5 000 during off peak and 5 500 scholars daily, totalling 11 million people per annum. IBL buses travel 1 200 000 kilometers per month, doing over 14 000 trips per month, achieving an on-time figure of 99,67%. To handle this, the current staff complement is 508, of which 90% are pdi's.
With this latest investment Interstate Bus Lines does it's vision proud of being an African company playing a key role in improving the mobility, economic growth and social prosperity of the Free State Province and its people.
In all instances of modern life, including in the business and governmental sectors, effective communication is considered to be of key importance. Effective communication can unlock, or the lack of it could leave a door unlocked and closed.
Therefore in this regular column hence Wesley Sotsaka, communications professional of AdnMove, Bloemfontein, will deal with various aspects of effective communication.
How we get to know the unknown
• Wesley Sotsaka
In our daily existence we are faced with new products and services including endless innovations from retail to technology. The demand for consumers attention is incredibly on the increase as these products and services compete for the market . Unfortunately not all these products and services will survive in the market place - only those that build themselves into sustainable brands with relevance to their target markets will succeed .
When we look around at most retail stores, we come across many brands that are not familiar to us and most often we don't buy them. The likelihood is that the quality of the familiar brand is equally the same as the less familiar one or even better. However, the familiar one has more brand value than the other. Thus the difference between the two brands lies in the manner in which they are communicated to the market .
When most of us think of going to Kwazulu-Natal, the thought of their traffic law officers send shivers down our spine. The Kwazulu-Natal scenario is brought about by the fact that we heard their adverts of zero tolerance on the radio , seen television news on the arrests of offenders and also read newspapers in this respect. The integrated marketing communication approach of the KZN government creates a perception of a province of hard working officers who do not leave anything to chance. After passing through Harrismith one is greeted by advertising boards showing that you are now in the zero tolerance zone and the drive through the province is graced by traffic officers with the speed cameras.
The difference between the Free State and Kwazulu-Natal in my view is communication. We can now refer back to the submission of the two brands mentioned earlier that the one had value and the other didn't. In this case Kwazulu-Natal has more brand value than the Free State.
To reach the stage at which Kwazulu-Natal currently finds itself, one needs to embark on a brand-building exercise which should be carefully implemented. Firstly, one should start by creating a brand identity which is a cornerstone of every brand. Brand identity is the personality of the brand - for instance the brand identity of Kwazulu-Natal was that of a no-nonsense approach in my view. The brand identity covers the aspects of positioning, verbal, visual and experiential as well as the various forms of communication. Positioning refers to the anchor or tactical blueprint of the organisation. In our example of Kwazulu-Natal it will refer to enforcement and compliance.
Positioning clearly communicates to the target market what the service or organisation is about. Verbal refers to the language used (zero tolerance) which in this case reflects a tough stance, visual reflects on the visual representation of our message - in this case strong colours were used which reflected boldness, with red as the predominant colour.
Experiential refers to the experience that we as the target audience have with the brand. In this instance, when we drive to Kwazulu-Natal, we do experience the message delivered in the adverts and what we heard on the news. It is at this stage where the brand is most often lost. When the identity is established, we then engage in a brand-building exercise through public relations, promotions and advertising.
In our example, public relations will be when the media reports about the arrests made, promotions will be when we exhibit our department at exhibitions and road shows and advertising will be when the zero tolerance adverts are placed on radio and newspapers. This integrated approach gives the communication of the brand the effect required to effectively reach the intended target market.
That is how I got to know the unknown.
The Free State business community was shocked by the sudden death of Mr. Rumi Lebusho, well-known businessman and entrepreneur of Bloemfontein. He was attending an evening function at the City Hall when he suffered a fatal heart attack.
The Free State Business Bulletin personally mourns the loss of this enterprising and visionary person and a great character. He was amongst others known for encouraging black entrepreneurs to help themselves by pulling themselves up on their own boot strings. He was also this year a nominee for Bloemfonteiner of the Year.
Vanaf 15 - 17 Oktober 2004 word die eerste Koepel Avontuurfees / Dome Adventure Festival op Parys en in die omgewing aangebied. Vir so 'n geleentheid leen die dorp en omgewing sigself uitstekend.
Die water- en boomryke karakter van Parys en die besondere ekologiese eienskappe van die sg. Vredefort Koepelgebied bied unieke geleenthede vir allerlei toerismeprodukte, buitelug avontuuraktiwiteite en konferensie- en spanboufasiliteite. Die idee van 'n Avontuurfees pas dus uitstekend in.
Die voorsitter van die Reëlingskomitee van die Fees, mnr. Mark Pieterse, het aan die Vrystaat Sake Bulletin gesê die belangstelling in die Fees oortref alle verwagtinge en die aanduidings is dat die Fees gekom het om te bly.
Die hoofsentrum van die Fees is die Parys Skougronde met 'n onderdak-arena van sowat 4 500m². Op die terrein sal talle stalletjies en uitstallings aangebied word. Items in die volgende sport- en avontuursoorte word tydens die fees aangebied : Lugballonvaart, sweefvlieg, kanovaart, 'n tweedaagse golftoernooi, muurbal, 4 x 4 oorland en klim- en klouter, padwedloop, witwater vlotvaart, ("white water rafting"), bergfietsry, perdry, avontuurritte, gemotoriseerde vlieg, ens.
Vir stalletjies by die Avontuurfees kan Hendrik Swanepoel geskakel word by (056) 817 7886 of 083 417 8415. Verdere navrae aan Mark Pieterse by (056) 811 5573 of 082 494 7092.
In hierdie oorsig 'n blik op die vol pakket wat die Koepel Avontuurfees en sy omgewing bied.
Vanaf 15 - 17 Oktober 2004 word die eerste Koepel Avontuurfees / Dome Adventure Festival op Parys en in die omgewing aangebied. Vir so 'n geleentheid leen die dorp en omgewing sigself uitstekend.
Die water- en boomryke karakter van Parys en die besondere ekologiese eienskappe van die sg. Vredefort Koepelgebied bied unieke geleenthede vir allerlei toerismeprodukte, buitelug avontuuraktiwiteite en konferensie- en spanboufasiliteite. Die idee van 'n Avontuurfees pas dus uitstekend in.
Die voorsitter van die Reëlingskomitee van die Fees, mnr. Mark Pieterse, het aan die Vrystaat Sake Bulletin gesê die belangstelling in die Fees oortref alle verwagtinge en die aanduidings is dat die Fees gekom het om te bly.
Die hoofsentrum van die Fees is die Parys Skougronde met 'n onderdak-arena van sowat 4 500m². Op die terrein sal talle stalletjies en uitstallings aangebied word. Items in die volgende sport- en avontuursoorte word tydens die fees aangebied : Lugballonvaart, sweefvlieg, kanovaart, 'n tweedaagse golftoernooi, muurbal, 4 x 4 oorland en klim- en klouter, padwedloop, witwater vlotvaart, ("white water rafting"), bergfietsry, perdry, avontuurritte, gemotoriseerde vlieg, ens.
Vir stalletjies by die Avontuurfees kan Hendrik Swanepoel geskakel word by (056) 817 7886 of 083 417 8415. Verdere navrae aan Mark Pieterse by (056) 811 5573 of 082 494 7092.
In hierdie oorsig 'n blik op die vol pakket wat die Koepel Avontuurfees en sy omgewing bied.
The Americans call it “moonshine”, the Capetonians “witblits” or “white dog”, the Transvalers call it “fire water”, or “donkey dop”. Call it what you may. Fact of the matter is that this kettle liquid remains a fond custom of South Africa. The distilling of liquor has been a tradition in South Africa since 1659.
Hanzet Distillery at Skandinawië Drift 20 km north of Parys in North West, offers witblits, liqueur and sours of outstanding quality as several awards and medals have been received for this sought-after delicacy. Their products have been distilled to traditional strength and as such deserve respect, taken with a suitable mixer or with a cup of strong coffee as in the days of old.
At the same time Elzette de Klerk of Hanzet offers just the right venue for the getting together for a hearty meal and a relaxed evening at Hanzet Plaaskombuis, believing that the Boere inheritance should be maintained and lived. Some of her traditional dishes : “Skilpadjies, skaappeertjies en skaapafval”. Expect country hospitality, informal African bushveld style and good food at reasonable pricing. Only group bookings however.
Phone (018) 291 1545 / 082 630 1028 or visit www.hanzet.co.za.
PSG Konsult het 'n kantoor in Parys geopen, met Muller Terre'Blanche aan die stuur van sake. Die amptelike loodsing van die kantoor is gedoen met 'n aanbieding oor beleggingsopsies gehou op 17 Augustus 2004 te Rocky Ridge naby Parys. Teenwoordig was van links, Johan Borcherds (Direkteur PSG Konsult), Gerhard Naudé (PSG Portefeulje Bestuurder), Deon Engelbrecht (PSG Potch), Muller Terre'Blanche (PSG Parys) en Riana Botha (PSG Parys Korttermyn).
At a launch presentation held on 26 August 2004 at Parys plans were confirmed for the opening of a permanent expo centre, En Style Showrooms, on 1 December 2004 in Parys, providing exhibiting space for suppliers of interior and exterior décor, landscaping and artworks.
An existing business complex at the bend of Breë Street in central Parys is to be completely revamped shortly with a view to the official opening of En Style Showrooms on 1 December 2004. At the launch, the entrepreneur with the original idea and managing director of En Style Showrooms, Ms. Letitia Hattingh of Parys, said that En Style Showrooms is to be a permanent exhibition centre offering exclusive stands to manufacturers, designers, craftsmen, artists and other similar suppliers to showcase their high quality and exclusive products to an affluent market.
According to Hattingh the demand for exhibition stands in the expo centre is excellent and only a limited number is still available. She says people generally realize that Parys is one of the dynamic economic growth points not only in the Free State, but also in South Africa. The past 24 months at least R450 million of new investments in the form of housing, small businesses and the hospitality industry have been made in Parys. Moreover, before the end of this year, two separate exclusive golf estates offering a total of more than 800 upmarket stands are to be launched at Parys on the scenic banks of the Vaal River.
Parys is also highly strategically situated vis-á-vis the Vaal Triangle, Gauteng, North West Province and other regions in the country, resulting inter alia in 9 000-12 000 vehicles passing through Breë Street in town on a daily basis.
En Style will contain an upmarket coffee shop and an exhibition hall to be used for product launches and events such as art exhibitions and workshops. Ample safe parking wll be available.
Prospective exhibitors at En Style Showrooms or persons requiring more info, can contact Hattingh at 082 498 9912 or (056) 817 6085. Interior designers and decorators interested to get involved in the roll-out of the project, are also welcome to contact Hattingh.
For the Free State province to position itself in the tourism industry, it is necessary to look at the national picture.
In analyzing South Africa's performance in 2003, SA Tourism measures it against the six key objectives of the national Tourism Growth Strategy. Against these objectives:
· Foreign arrivals grew by 1,2% in 2003.
· Foreign direct spend grew from R48,8 billion in 2002 to R53,9 billion in 2003 (up 10,5%).
· The average length of stay in 2003 was 10 nights unchanged from 2002 despite the trend of global trends of tourists taking shorter trips and brings South Africa in line with the global average.
· The most visited provinces remained Gauteng and the Western Cape, Kwazulu-Natal was the third most visited province in 2003 and Mpumalanga (which was third in 2002) was fourth in 2003.
· Seasonality is now measured and described using a quantities index. According to this index seasonality improved across the European, American and Africa/ME portfolios. The Asian portfolio's seasonality worsened slightly from 15,9% to 17,6%; driven by the spike in Indian arrivals associated with the Cricket World Cup.
· A balanced scorecard was developed to measure transformation in the sector.
Furthermore in developing indicators of tourism's performance within the development of a Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) for South Africa :
· There were an estimated 512,000 direct jobs in 2003 as opposed to 492,654 in 2002
· Tourism contributed more than a R100 billion of foreign direct spend to the economy.
The Free State at present has a share of about 5% of the total overseas tourist visiting SA and also about a 5% share of the domestic market. South Africa has 1% of the world tourism market, while the Free State has 5% of the SA tourism market. The declared objective for the Free State is to attain eventually 10% of the annual total.
• Lourien Fourie
The tourism industry in North West looks set to pick up further momentum as strategies are being put into place to involve communities to an increasing extent in projects.
Statistics provided by the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWTPB) show that 12% of international visitors to South Africa visited the North West in 2003, generating R4,9 billion and creating 259 809 job opportunities. According to Professor Melville Saayman, Director of Tourism and Leisure Studies at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North West University, this is a definite improvement on previous years' figures. “The main goal for tourism in the North West is for the province to be one of the top four tourist generations in the country. We plan to achieve this by 2007”, Saayman says. The province is currently in sixth position.
One of the major opportunities for North West Tourism, according to a document provided by Jeff Mabunta, Research Official for NWTPB, is to support and facilitate community-based tourism (CBT) in the province. NWTPB plans to achieve this by promoting community ownership of tourism assets, senior employment and involvement in the management of the Province's tourism industry and by getting small businesses involved in tourism ventures.
This was confirmed by Saayman when he stated that projects are built around communities and that communities are involved in the decision-making process. “Before an event like Aardklop, the community is invited to give their input; this is what makes projects happen. “I think that Madikwe Game Reserve is also the first black-owned private lodge in the country.”
In the document provided by Mabunta, it is stated that the key focus of tourism development in the North West Province has been in and around protected areas, for example Pilanesberg National Park and Madikwe Game Reserve. Saayman agrees with this saying that one of the strategies for tourism is to expand the two reserves so that they will eventually form one large protected area. “This is happening at a rate of 10% annually.”
Other strategies that Saayman mentioned, are to launch new events and to improve current ones like Aardklop, Vodacom Soccer and golf tournaments. Apart from getting the community involved in tourism, there are also certain strengths that NWTB can capitalise on to achieve its goals. “Mining tourism is still largely undeveloped. Tourists can visit platinum mines and at the same time buy jewellery. The infrastructure already exists, it only needs to be packaged properly.”
Other strengths include the N12 route to Cape Town and, of course, Sun City, which Saayman calls an international product. “Big events like Miss South Africa and Miss World have been presented there.” The fact that the province is malaria-free is also a big advantage, while North West is close to Gauteng, which is the main market for tourism and thus the biggest supplier of visitors to North West.
“The problem isn't with the products of the province - the challenge for the future lies in managing the people and marketing the province to the rest of the world,” Saayman observes.
In an article published in Business Day during Tourism Indaba 2004, Mr. Crispian Olver, DG of the Dept. of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, gave the following overview of the current structure being put into place in the SA tourism industry:
"The fact that a total of 89 black-owned small and medium-sized enterprises exhibited at this year's Indaba, compared with 34 in 2000, is indicative of just how far we have come. Tourism is one of the key sectors creating job and business opportunities and bringing foreign exchange into South Africa, contributing more than 7% to the country's gross domestic product. Through the Tourism Enterprise Programme, for example, more than 600 black-owned tourism enterprises have been assisted and 10 000 jobs created."
“At the core of our success has been a solid public-private partnership in tourism, helped by the founding of the Tourism Business Council of SA in 1996 as 'one voice for the tourism industry'. In 1997 Satour was radically restructured into South African Tourism. Together with private sector contributions - which now make up 25% of its budget - the budget for our international marketing has grown from R60 million five years ago to R418 millon today. The Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Education and Training Authority was set up in 2000 to ensure skills planning, training and quality assurance, and in 2001 the Tourism Grading Council of SA was created to improve standards and client care in the industry.
"The tourism product has undergone radical changes and now capitalizes better on South Africa's unique selling proposition: our people, diversity, culture and natural heritage. Eco-tourism has been boosted by the listing of four world heritage sites, and the establishment of six transfrontier conservation areas to encourage regional tourism growth. A new movement relating to 'responsible tourism' and sustainable development is gaining ground.
“The International Marketing Council has put together a unified 'Brand SA' that sells SA as 'alive with possibility'. Public and private-sector marketing campaigns need to link with and reinforce this brand, rather than continue our fragmented selling work in global markets.
“The country also needed to keep on building the broader ownership South Africans feel regarding tourism. Visitors' experiences of South Africa, he said, were rooted "in how we treat them as a general public - a welcoming smile, a hand of friendship, an offer of assistance,” according to Olver.
Travelling south of Bloemfontein on the N6, the plains of the central Free State gradually give way to the beautiful hills of the southern part of the province. Once Reddersburg has been passed, it is another 74 kilometres to Smithfield - altogether only 130 kilometres from Bloemfontein. First there is the Smithfield dam, then the golf course and then one travels slowly through the poort and suddenly there lies the town.
Smithfield, is the third oldest town in the Free State, was named for Sir Harry Smith, the Governor of the Cape Colony at the time of its establishment in 1848.
Smithfield and the surrounding areas are steeped in history. The farm Leeuwkop, where General CR de Wet was born is in the area. The Smithfield Commando and the cannon, Ou Grietjie, which can be seen in the Caledon Museum, played a major role in the Basotho Wars.
Also in the surrounding area are two farms, Beersheba and Carmel, originally established as French mission stations. Both are now privately owned but their histories are fascinating. On the farm Traacha, just outside Smithfield on the way to Rouxville, are the remains of the once famous wool washery.
Farmers in the area mostly farm sheep and it has also lately been found that Nguni cattle prosper in the southern Free State. Smithfield also boasts the South African Farmer of the Year for 2004, Eddie Prinsloo of the farm Heuningkrans. Patria is a farm about 40 kilometres out of town where Elmarie van Aswegen has a herd of dairy sheep and manufactures sheep milk cheese.
As to any needs for items in the agricultural field, Suid-Vrystaat Produkte in town covers it.
This brings us to present-day Smithfield as a busy little platteland town. Five guesthouses - Artists' Colony, Bokmakierie, Pula House, Smithfield House and Trading Places - provide accommodation to travellers and visitors. Each guesthouse has its own unique character, but all provide excellent accommodation and hospitality.
Guests will enjoy having a delicious lunch or dinner at the local restaurant, the Colony Room, where there are roaring fires in winter and in summer a cool grapevine to sit under. The restaurant also caters for special occasions, such as birthday parties, anniversaries and conferences, for up to about 30 people. During the day, the coffee shop, The Smilin' Hippo, provides delicious cakes and light meals.
Sports facilities include golf, bowls and tennis. The 18-hole golf course celebrated its 100th year in 2003 and has been featured in Pitch & Putter. Your current local golf captain is Marco Heymans, who can also advise professionally on insurance and investment.
Interesting items may be bought at the local pottery, which, with the Fab Deli delicatessen next door, is a community project. The delicatessen produces tasty bottled goods as well as light meals and coffee, tea, and cake. Here visitors may also hire bicycles or find a guide to take them on a walk up the mountain. The area surrounding Smithfield is a conservancy and the guides can impart their knowledge of the local fauna and flora.
There is a wealth of rock art in the area. Visitors need to make arrangements ahead of time to view these as they are mostly on privately owned land.
The gift shops in town - Biba's Gallery, the Golden Spiderweb and the Smilin' Hippo - provide interesting craft items, handmade clothing and household items such as embroidered cloths. Old fashioned general dealers, such as Dittmar's, are also a source of interest to city dwellers. Other shops such as Multi Safe Supermarket & Hardware, Factory Shop, Saamkom and Maxispar, sell groceries and other essentials. The Bakery in Smithfield is well-known for its cakes and takeaway meals and also provides the town with fresh milk, cream, yoghurt and cottage cheese.
On the farm Welgegund a two-day hiking trail has been laid out and where with Miemie Pretorius as hostess you can enjoy real farm life.
Letsatsi Game Lodge in the district is in its class a top of the range facility, offering also excellent conference and other reception services.
Oh yes, for the motorist, Monument Motors offers any related service around the clock.
Special activity weekends at Smithfield are arranged from time to time with interesting guides and speakers who may explain the geology of the area, take visitors on a field trip to look at fossil remains or describe the beautiful night skies.
Is your passion hunting or photographic safaris, then Jacques van den Berg of Nyati Safaris is on call, not only locally but also for elsewhere in southern Africa.
If all this activity is not your cup of tea, then just chill out in the peaceful surroundings of any of the local guesthouse gardens.
Om kortliks 'n idee te gee oor dit wat Smithfield so uniek maak, sou ek persoonlik sê dis sy historiese waarde, maar hoofsaaklik verkies mense om in Smithfield te kom bly, of om hier te vakansie hou, omdat dit hierdie outydse, rustige, gasvrye plaasdorpie is. As jy hier is, kry jy genesing vir jou siel, omdat dit voel asof jy algeheel in 'n ander wêreld of planeet leef. Dis absoluut fantasties! Eienaardig genoeg, verwag mens van so 'n rustige dorpie dat daar geen ontwikkeling plaasvind nie, of net mooi niks aan die gang is nie, maar dit is waar die verrassing inkom! Hier's mense wat besondere projekte loods, wat die dorpie verder opbou, maar tog ontneem dit die dorpie nie van sy outentieke karakter nie.
Kom ons begin by toerisme. Akkommodasie is daar baie - kyk maar net in hierdie spesiale oorsig. So ook wat betref dinge waarmee mense hulself kan vermaak. Smiffie Getaways is 'n projek waardeur ek en my vriendin, Sue Lichtman, mense neem op historiese, argeologiese, produksie- en kulturele toere. Hier is tans allerlei interessante en opheffende projekte in bedryf - dit word gedek onder ons produksietoere. Ander interessanthede wat verband hou met Smithfield :
• Besonderse veldblomme, wat elders skaars in die Vrystaat groei, maar hier nogal volop voorkom.
• Besonderse klipformasies, wel hier en daar ook elders in die land, maar nogal besonders volop hier.
• In sekere dele (veral op die Bethulie-grens) word fossiele volop aangetref.
• Boesmantekeninge is nogal heelwat te sien.
• Die hele Smithfield is as bewarea verklaar.
• Teen die berg staan 'n ou kruidhuisie, terwyl die museum vol is van die ou geskiedenis van die dorp.
• Die ou Anglikaanse kerk is destyds spesiaal gebou vir die biskop se setel.
• Die outentieke mark van jare toet staan nog, maar net baie verwaarloos.
• Die eerste huis wat gebou was, voor dit nog 'n dorp was.
• Die ou begraafplaas is baie interessant.
• Van die ou plaashuise is nog oorspronklik vanaf die Boere-oorlog en iets besonders om na te kyk. Hier en daar kry mens nog 'n beduidenis van kampe waar die Voortrekkers vir tye gebly het.
Ander interessanthede is ook reeds in hierdie oorsig genoem en herhaal ek dit nie weer hier nie.
Ek glo daar is nog baie geskiedenis in die omgewing waarvan ons nie eers weet nie, maar soos ons begin delf, sal dit wel na vore kom.
Back to Main || About Webmaster || Disclaimer || Back
This site is best viewed at 800x600 pixels. This site was optimized for IE 5.5 or higher.
Copyright © 2002 Web D-Zign Inc. All rights reserved.
