Management and staff held a braai recently to celebrate the completion of the perimeter fence—and to say goodbye to Johannes Masango.
By Mike Zingel
Friday the 6th of October was a clear and beautiful day at Verloren Valei, just right for this kind of event. The crisp breeze brought home to all who were there at we were privileged to be on the roof of the world.
It has taken 22 years to complete the fencing of the perimeter of the Reserve. It was a huge team effort in which the Friends of Verloren Valei FVV were intimately involved. Latterly, the project was coordinated by the Reserve’s new manager, Phumzile Khosa, and she must get the credit for finalising the closure of the last 4,5 km of the Reserve’s border in August 2018.
Johannes Masango played an important role too by leading a team of temporary labourers to complete the work and ensure that it was up to standard. This project is a very fitting end to his distinguished career at VVNR.
FVV sponsored the meat and cold drinks and were represented on the occasion by members of the executive committee and Frans Krige, former manager of the Reserve and very much a Friend of Verloren Valei in all senses. As a Dullstroom resident, Frans is always ready to assist the Reserve management when called upon and on occasions such as the celebratory braai to bring coherence and team spirit to bear.
We hope that the achievement with the fencing and the good team spirit that has developed will lead to successful collaboration with FVV in projects that will enhance the value of Verloren Valei, and ensure its future as a pristine nature reserve and Ramsar wetland.
