MCSA - Motorhomeclub of South-Africa.

FRISKI AND LEASURE (Pty) Ltd Company Reg No. 1999/15 Vat Reg No. 1528435

Mahlasela Pass Butha-­Buthe District Lesotho PO Box 1132 Menlyn Central 0077 PRETORIA South Africa Tel: +27 87 150 5356 Fax: +27 86 511-­5406 1 April 2012

DEAR FELLOW MOTORHOMERS,

I would like to invite you on behalf of Afriski to join in a trip to Afriski in Lesotho from 1 – 7 July 2012. This trip is organized by Wouter Erasmus, one of the authors for many of the outdoor magazines in South Africa. They will be taking the Fendt Caravan and Hymer Motorhome (both fully equipped to withstand the harsh winter conditions). This trip will be covered with the intention of a full spread in the September issue of Caravan and Outdoor Magazine or Caravan SA. Please note: This trip will be suitable only for some. Those who feel adventurous enough to weather the cold climate of the Maluti Mountains and if your motorhome is equipped to provide comfort in sub-­-zero conditions. It can get as cold as -­-11C at Afriski. The resort currently does not have a camping facility, and a special arrangement will be made for those who wishes to come along. The Maluti mountains road is being upgraded at the moment, however many potholes makes this drive an interesting, and long drive in mountainous country. Afriski is located at 3222m above sealevel and during the winter season of June to August, we provide snow fun for everyone. The natural snowfall in Lesotho provides the white cloth for the mountain (sometimes – this of course weather dependent), however Afriski guarentees snow on the ski-­-slope for the 3 months of season. Activities at Afriski includes Skiing, Snowboarding and Bum-­-boarding and lessons, equipment and anything else you may need is available on-­-site. There will be no charge for the “stands”, however should you wish to participate in the snowsports, fees will be applicable (see www.Afriski.net for more detail). You will need a passport to cross the border, however for South African citizens, no Visa is required. The resort is located 4.5hrs’ drive from Pretoria or Johannesburg towards Bethlehem and Clarens. (Clarens is also beautiful to visit). You may join in anytime during this week, however we would prefer if we can do a “together drive” there, to make sure that everyone happily navigates the mountain pass . For more information, you can contact me on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call me on 0825789648. We really look forward to this adventure as much to talk about over gluhwein at the Sky Restaurant at Afriski – the highest Restaurant in Africa! Regards Reuphillan Kasselman

OVISTON CONVERGENCE RALLY

21 – 24 MARCH, 2012

I need to point out that I have indicated the date for Oviston as from Tuesday, March 20.  A number of motorhomers will probably only arrive on the Wednesday, March 21 as this is the public holiday.  However, feel free to make your stay as long or as short as desired.

Bookings should be made with Elsa or Lappies Labuschagne on telephones  -  051 655 0124; 084 555 8871 or 084 464 4629.   Fax No. 051 655 0124.  Email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The cost of the site is R100.00 per night and they require a 50% deposit.  When paying please enter your SURNAME as the reference so that Elsa can identify the payee.

Banking details:

Bank: FNB Burgersdorp

Branch Code: 210320

Account Name: Lake Gariep Resort

Number: 62061581172

Directions:   From the R58 to Venterstad, then from Venterstad 12 km to Oviston and Lake !Gariep Resort.

From Bloemfontein on the N1 take the R701 to Bethulie – at this point either carry on to Bethulie and then the R390 (R405) over the longest road/rail bridge in SA, to Venterstad and then the R58 towards Colesburg and Oviston.

- or travel via Aventura Resort and the Dam Wall to a T-junction.  Turn left onto the R58 to Venterstad (right takes you to Colesburg).

Websites:  www.gariep-route.co.za and www.campsa.co.za

GPS co-ordinates:   S 30.692167    E  25.777028

Rally tokens will be issued to Northvaal members.

At this stage I am aware of two suggestions for travel.  Some of those attending the rally at Kareekloof (Suikderbosrand) will go direct, or over one or two days, via Aldam or  River of Joy Caravan Park outside Bloemfontein – contact telephone 083 462 7522 and email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; website: www.sa-venues.com/visit/riverofjoy

Johann Potgieter is arranging the following tour:

Planning to go from Kareekloof to Oviston via Harrismith with a overnight stop at the Witsieshoek mountain lodge on Monday the 19th. He has arranged that we use one of their rooms bathrooms and that the lodge supply us with power. This is the highest lodge in the Drakensberg range and you will find yourself just below the Centinel. Further to this he will also organize Dinner and Breakfast (cost to be confirmed).

From here we will depart the next day to Little Rock holiday resort in Ladybrand.  The route will take us via Golden Gate, Clarens, Ficksburg and Clocelaan.

On Wednesday morning we will depart for Oviston travelling via Rouxville, Aliwal North, Burgersdorp and onto Venterstad at Oviston.

All sightseeing and pitstops will be made up as we go along and he will throw in a few two way radios for good measure.

Please contact Johann on his cell 0824476153 or mail him for any further information or confirmation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

With kind regards

Brenda McSweeney

Tel:  011 915 2444 / 072 568 0858

Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rally Calendar -2012

Please confirm (preferably at least 1 week) in advance of attendance by contacting your respective rally convenor. Some resorts require attendance lists to be faxed to them beforehand for purposes of entrance control, and provision of a group discount. There may also be last-minute unpublished changes to venue or date, and you will need this information to avoid travel to a wrong destination. Northvaal members must bring cash for settlement of campsite fees.

Mpumalanga Region
(Daleen, 082 572 6962; 011 391 6265 orTienie 083 550 1408)

11 - 13 Mei 2012 Blydepoort, Graskop.
20 - 22 Julie 2012 Serengeti, Marble Hall.
17 - 19 Augustus 2012 Dube, Brits. (With North Vaal)
07 - 15 September 2012 Kruger toer.
24 - 26 November 2012 De Voetpadkloof, Middelburg.

 Northvaal Region
Brenda, 072 568 0858; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Members to please remember to bring cash to settle resort site fees

13-15 April - Eastco, Parys
18-20 May - Manyane Camp, Pilanesberg (deposit required)
08-10 June - To be confirmed
21-23 July - Serengeti, Groblersdal (deposit required)
17-19 August - Dube Private Game Reserve, Brits
14-16 September -To be confirmed (Northvaal AGM)
19-21 October - Koppisol, Vereeniging (National AGM)
16-18 November - To be confirmed Christmas Rally)
07-09 December - Klipdraai, Meyerton

 Garden Route Region

(Beryl Healy, 041 468 0103)

No new info abailable !

Western Cape
(Wilhelm Linde, 022 772 1995; 083 800 6500)

13 - 15 Apr Vloedbos, Caledon.
11 - 13 May Palmiet, Kleinmond.
08 - 10 Jun Strandskloof Park, Gansbaai.
20 - 22 Jul Silwerstrand, Robertson.
17 - 19 Aug Rondeberg, Clanwilliam.
14 - 16 Sep Montagu Park, Montagu. (AGM).
12 - 14 Oct Jongensfontein. (Near Stilbaai).
02 - 04 Nov Imhoff Park, Kommetjie.
30 Nov - 2 Des Kam'Bati, Swellendam. (Xmas Rally).

KZN-Natal

(Allan Hatch, 079 738 5927, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. )

Normally I am the only one who is graced with watching the sun set on Friday evenings, enroute to the next camping venue, however this Friday I was graced with the presence of he who rules the roost. We took the old Hennops pride road with a huge bump, and approximately 1 hour later we joined our companions at Eastco Magalies.

'n Groepie "old timers" of sommer "ooms en tannies" was besig om lekker te klets, daar was 'n gelag, hoes en proes (gelukkig nie iets anders nie) terwyl almal die heerlikke buitelig waardeer het. Dit is 'n genade dat al die kinders in die kamp al reeds teen daardie tyd in die bed was, anders het hulle 'n ding of twee geleer by die groep. Hulle ore sou dit natuurlik nie gehou het nie.

The next morning was a fresh new day, and most campers were lazing about in bed for a slow start to the day, with one or two watching others head out for a shower in their PJ's, and He who rules the roost and I were off to town for a wimpy breakfast. (What is the fun of going somewhere and not going to see the sights).

The day was generally slow with little groups sitting around outside, or lazily or even thankfully depending on how you see it, having an afternoon snooze. Later in the afternoon there was huge preparation for the glorious evening around the fire.

Die braai vure is gepak en bymekaar gemaak sodat daar teen 17h00 Saturdag aand aangesteek kon word , and some of the group were graced with the presence of a lady with a make believe "bread" in the oven . Niemand het dit goed gedunk om 'n foto te neem nie, en dus moet ons almal met die gedagte in ons bewussyn rond loop dat dit kan lol op daardie ouderdom.

Hansie set up the social fire after all were refreshed and had their fill, however he seemed to have lost his touch , and it eventually took some help from Miles, Big John's endless "fire lighting fluid" and Annetjies" tea bags" soaked with juice, to start the fire.

The home fire was roaring, and a lot of fun, laughter and jokes was had by all present, He who rules the roost, offered Iloma R200.00 to go and get in oupas bed (or as another one of the highlights of the weekend, oupas squirrel ) while he was in the shower.

" Eish maar die fire is hot"

Needless to say we did not know if his heart would make it, even though he is a sport oupas is at the ripe old age of 92 almost 93. (what a truly great blessing to reach this age).

Look ma the squirrel has even got me a fan..........

The message on Sunday was taken from Psalm 34 v 19. Pastor spoke about the fact that we are all soldiers and we all live in this universe. The example he used to illustrate this was if the sun was a soccer ball and the mustard seeds were us, how small we actually are (while God holds the universe in his hand).

During the meeting in the hall, the stand-in chairman wished those who celebrated their birthdays for the month, happy birthday, and the group fell into song, when they omitted to wish me happy birthday (thanks guys - that was truly great although I cannot promise to let the SABC know about you).

The magic box was presented by Nakki to Dulcie Burrows and the wooden spoon was presented to the pastor and his wife(obviously for doing what most of us have either done before or done a long time ago).

Snacks and coffee was served by the ladies while Hansie graciously provided the coffee, tea, milk and water. Look what happened to the fire.....

Shambles needless to say made sure she got a bite too. (she is one of the family you know).

Most of the men present were talking about the rugby, and this set the subject for the rest of the day - and when the springboks won you could hear the whole camp (tented or otherwise) yell like one (I wonder if they did a Mexican wave as well).

Party van ons was gelukkig genoeg om daar te kan oornag - "oom Giffie" jy moet lekker uitspan terwyl van ons moet werk.

Thought for the day:

"Love means understanding and accepting facets of another person's life you have never experienced." Author unknown.

What a joy to also see these reindeer as well.

Tot weersiens all ons geliefde broers en susters van die klub.

Johan en Giffie