Cape to Tankwa African Vision Foundation trip 26th April – 1st May 2012
Day 1
Our group, consisting of Chris, Gabi and J’aime Weeden, Paul Sandra, Kara & Mia Slabbert, Eddie Cassani and Angela, met in Ceres where we spent the night at Four Seasons Guest House and shared a supper of Spaghetti Bolognese cooked by Eddie.
Days 2 & 3
We departed after a night of heavy rain, the Weedens and the Slabberts making their way to the Africa Burn Festival whilst Eddie and Angela headed for the adjoining Tankwa Karoo National Park to do some work on behalf of the SANparks Honorary Rangers of which they are members. Eddie was immediately detailed to help Conrad Strauss, the Park Manager, who was busy pulling vehicles of the Tankwa River which was in flood. Angela assisted at reception which was very busy as the Park’s accommodation was fully booked for the weekend. Eddie was also asked to patrol the Park.
Day 4
We again joined forces for a visit to the Elandsvlei community: a small farming community in the Tankwa area. After fitting the elderly with reading glasses and handing out soccer balls we had a picnic lunch on the farm before heading back to Tankwa National Park for a night’s camping at Perdekloof.
Day 5
We departed from the Park, bound for Middelpos via the Ganaga Pass which traverses the Roggeveld, with spectacular views over the Tankwa Karoo. Halfway up this steep and narrow gravel pass Chris stopped for a photo opportunity, after which his Landrover refused to start and had to be towed up the remainder of the pass by Paul’s Toyota.
We eventually reached Middelpos, by which time Chris’ vehicle had started again. This turned out to be one of our most gratifying community visits. It had been facilitated by the local police and as we approached the community hall, two children rang the bell to announce our arrival and the people came, whilst the police vehicle went off to fetch a lady of 101 years. We were touched by the fact that everyone there, including the children, went and kissed her when she arrived: a sign of a functional community where age is respected. We were able to help her with reading glasses – definitely our oldest recipient so far! Altogether we dispensed over 65 pairs of reading glasses, gratefully received by people who get a visit from a mobile clinic only once a month and for whom the nearest hospital is 80km away in Calvinia.
After lunch, which had been laid on for us by a member of the community, in her home, we left for our camp site on the farm Skurweberg in the Sutherland district. By the time we reached the farm however the weather had changed for the worst: rain and freezing cold. We therefore opted for a night under roof in the self-catering house which was thankfully available.
Day 6
We started on our journey home via Sutherland and Matjiesfontein where we parted company after lunch.