Berg Alert 2008
25 Mar 2008 08:20 #73
by intrepid
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Replied by intrepid on topic Berg Alert 2008
Hi Emile,
I'm totally distraught to hear this!
Really sorry you guys had to go through that, especially after you've been so careful and so aware of the security issues. I totally understand that it puts you off the Berg.
Where exactly were you camping? Was it along the the river that starts at Ifidi Pass and eventually joins the Khubedu? I know that there are kraals where these smaller valleys join the main valley. If you could post a GPS co-ordinate it would be very helpful and I'll update some of the info on this site.
The shepherds in that area have become experts and are very aware of where stuff is stored in tents and how to get it out quickly and quietly. The Easter weekend is a weekend that they capitalise on every time. And the weather doesn't stop them - even in snow!
They must have spotted you during the day after the first night whilst shepherding, as it's unlikely that they would routinely be prowling around in that area at night as they do along the Tugela. It's a pity you had to stop, as it might not have happened if you had moved on (not that there was anything wrong with the decision to let the group recover and get dry).
You did the right thing by posting guard duty! It's a total drag doing it, I know (done it several times).
I'm saddened that it's becoming so bad, and that even after taking all precautions one is still not immune. The Khubedu valley area is seriously bad and it's spilling over into Ifidi and Icidi.
I hope that you can find it within yourself not to give up on the Berg!
I'm totally distraught to hear this!
Really sorry you guys had to go through that, especially after you've been so careful and so aware of the security issues. I totally understand that it puts you off the Berg.
Where exactly were you camping? Was it along the the river that starts at Ifidi Pass and eventually joins the Khubedu? I know that there are kraals where these smaller valleys join the main valley. If you could post a GPS co-ordinate it would be very helpful and I'll update some of the info on this site.
The shepherds in that area have become experts and are very aware of where stuff is stored in tents and how to get it out quickly and quietly. The Easter weekend is a weekend that they capitalise on every time. And the weather doesn't stop them - even in snow!
They must have spotted you during the day after the first night whilst shepherding, as it's unlikely that they would routinely be prowling around in that area at night as they do along the Tugela. It's a pity you had to stop, as it might not have happened if you had moved on (not that there was anything wrong with the decision to let the group recover and get dry).
You did the right thing by posting guard duty! It's a total drag doing it, I know (done it several times).
I'm saddened that it's becoming so bad, and that even after taking all precautions one is still not immune. The Khubedu valley area is seriously bad and it's spilling over into Ifidi and Icidi.
I hope that you can find it within yourself not to give up on the Berg!
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
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16 Apr 2008 11:12 #80
by intrepid
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
Replied by intrepid on topic Berg Alert 2008
I should perhaps say that we did have problems on that road 2 weeks back: we came very close to hitting a cop car that was on our side of the road as we came around a corner! Also some potholes are becoming rather evil, either almost taking up the width of the road or waiting in ambush when you come around a corner.
I dont imagine that this is the end of the trouble though it has now been mediated by government officials even, see this statement . I know that extra policemen have been staying in Winterton for some time and my understanding is that they are there because of the problems.
Some other info I've read on the net is that this conflict started in 1989 already! It's between the Magangangozi and Mhlwazini communities. My guess it that it's in the general area of the store at Brotherton, where the Mhlwazini river joins the Mlambonja. The Magangangozi clan have apparently been building houses on land belonging to the Mhlwazini clan.
Five people have been killed since January and more violence erupted just before Easter resulting in 20 houses being burned down, people were injured and an employee working at Didima lost his life.
I'm confident that they mean no harm to the tourists as far as this conflict is concerned. The Cathedral Peak Hotel did not close over this period. One can never be assured of safety though should there be violence along the road, so best to be cautious.
I'm sure though that members of these communities are working with the Basutho dagga smugglers and have also been responsible for the long-standing theft problems at the Cathedral Peak campsite. Both activities take place in this area.
I dont imagine that this is the end of the trouble though it has now been mediated by government officials even, see this statement . I know that extra policemen have been staying in Winterton for some time and my understanding is that they are there because of the problems.
Some other info I've read on the net is that this conflict started in 1989 already! It's between the Magangangozi and Mhlwazini communities. My guess it that it's in the general area of the store at Brotherton, where the Mhlwazini river joins the Mlambonja. The Magangangozi clan have apparently been building houses on land belonging to the Mhlwazini clan.
Five people have been killed since January and more violence erupted just before Easter resulting in 20 houses being burned down, people were injured and an employee working at Didima lost his life.
I'm confident that they mean no harm to the tourists as far as this conflict is concerned. The Cathedral Peak Hotel did not close over this period. One can never be assured of safety though should there be violence along the road, so best to be cautious.
I'm sure though that members of these communities are working with the Basutho dagga smugglers and have also been responsible for the long-standing theft problems at the Cathedral Peak campsite. Both activities take place in this area.
Take nothing but litter, leave nothing but a cleaner Drakensberg.
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24 Sep 2008 16:59 #170
by domsmooth
Replied by domsmooth on topic Berg Alert 2008
While the most recent update was that the issues had been resolved, I had news today that the situation had flared up again, with helicopters deployed to the road leading to Cathedral Peak Hotel, and the police patrolling again.
While I have searched the news channels for information updates, I have yet to find news confirmation of the phone call. However, just for those planning to go to the Cathedral area this weekend, to be aware of the situation, and keep eyes open. I have also contacted the Didima camp and no issues had been reported
, but caution should prevail!
Previous reports had indicated that the feuding land claimants had no issues with the tourists passing to Didima and Cathedral Peak Hotel, some caution might be advisable while passing along the road.
For further info, the Didima camp can be contacted on: (036) 4888000
While I have searched the news channels for information updates, I have yet to find news confirmation of the phone call. However, just for those planning to go to the Cathedral area this weekend, to be aware of the situation, and keep eyes open. I have also contacted the Didima camp and no issues had been reported
, but caution should prevail!Previous reports had indicated that the feuding land claimants had no issues with the tourists passing to Didima and Cathedral Peak Hotel, some caution might be advisable while passing along the road.
For further info, the Didima camp can be contacted on: (036) 4888000
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