Tribute to Meridy of the Mountains

One of the things I really appreciated about Meridy was how reluctant she was in taking credit for the works she had done. She truly worked selflessly towards conservation in the Drakensberg and involving the local communities. And she worked hard at it! If you had not heard much about her before, it was simply because she chose to avoid recognition. Now with her passing, it is only right that she be remembered for the enormous contribution she made. Even as she was battling the fatal disease that eventually led to her passing, her concern was that we continue to fight for the preservation of the Berg.

Bergwatch made a significant impact on me in the days that I first started exploring the Drakensberg. Undoubtedly it formed part of my convictions that led to the founding of VE. To work with Meridy in later years was a very big privilege.

In remembering her life and her work, let it be a challenge to all of us to take the baton that she handed over to us. Will you continue the work of preserving the Drakensberg?