Our Team members gathered for our first weekend orientation outside the town of Bela Bela. This bushveld haven lies 100km north of Pretoria and is well known for its natural springs, numerous game farms and other attractions. It is a popular getaway destination for weekenders from the metropoles to the south.
Rotary District 9250 is a bit unique in that it straddles four countries: Botswana to the west; Swaziland and Mozambique to the east; with the northern provinces of South Africa sandwiched in the middle. Given the vast distances between our home towns we needed to choose a convenient rendezvoux somewhere in the middle..
Forgive me for the digresion that follows... If you imagine a generously curved upside-down ‘T’ with Pretoria in the centre, we had Ishoo off to the far left travelling from Gaborone, Murray and JL came from Rustenburg, via Pretoria, Andre from Middleburg on the right, Shaakira from Mogopane situated along the upright axis, and Sean even further above the same line, travelled down from Polokwane.
Needless to say we arrived in Bela Bela over Friday night and Saturday morning. JL had arranged accommodation in a stunning house on a Game Farm called Marulani, 7km north of Bela-Bela. The natural stone facades and symmetry of several thatch roves cut through the bushveld treetops, and pointed northwards over a shallow valley in front of us. On arrival we were greeted by a lone Nyala bull moving calmly towards the house. This seems to be a weekend habit amidst handfuls of food and admiring banter from the houseguests. Perched on the ‘stoep’ (veranda) the previous night, some of the Team were entertained by an impressive display of lightning on the horizon. During the day, from the same vantage point, but much closer and less intimidating, we saw a couple of ‘warthogs’ (bush pigs) drinking and sunning themselves a few meters from the house. South Africa is indeed a special place, particularly when a healthy dose of bushveld appreciation allows us to reconnect with nature.
The weekend was far from idle. Andre Redman led us through a short number of team building exercises. The last time we met Andre was at our Middleburg Interview Weekend, and together with Chris Botha these two gentlemen had set us a number of interesting challenges. Who will forget the 'mampoer' (moonshine?) toast or the water bomb juggling contest? Our blindfolded blue rope activity left us knotted, in more ways than one. So when Andre rigged up a web of rope between two trees, dangled a number of oversized ‘gogas’ (insects) between them, and told us to “Get your Team through”, we needed to lift our game once more.
The richness of the debrief discussions were once again where the real value of these antics lay; and for Andre’s insights and advice we are all very grateful.
After a hearty brunch, we sat down for the rest of the day to work through a range of practical and administrative matters. Application forms have been signed and sent to Rotary International. Once the invitation letters have been received, Team members will begin their visa application process via the US consulate in Johannesburg. Arrival and departure dates need to be finalised as Team members prefer, adding a few days either side for other business or private travel. Thanks to SABs (South African Breweries) genererous sponsorships of branded clothing, our Team wardrobe will soon be buttoned up. Gifts for our hosts, a well crafted multi-media presentation with information alligned to profesional interests, and our song/dance finale to say "Thank you", were discussed at some length and first steps are underway.
One of our key hopes is that we, the Team, get to know each other well before our departure. Part of this involves learning to handle one another's quirks, but more importantly to appreciate the many experiences, interests, ideas and life stories that make us unique. Who could forget the richness of our 'Potjiekpos' (stew made in caste iron pots) conversations?
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