Bambazonke Nhasi

11/12/2024

Hi All

Farming, here in Zimbabwe, is generally labour intensive with eager workers requiring skilful management backed up with an organised administration setup.



Generally, when a farmer starts out, he just takes on a few locally based labourers to plough and plant the fields. He then sits down by his computer, at the end of the day, to set up a simple Excel spreadsheet with all his workers' details so that he can work out what he will have to pay them at the end of the month. If he is one of those organised guys that likes to do things “by the book” he soon realises that his employees should be paying NSSA Contributions. He will probably have taken on a few senior staff that have been in the game for a few years. The latter will have only signed on knowing they would be paid a reasonable salary which in turn means that the farmer must add in a PAYE calculation to his Excel spreadsheet.

Then the rains come, and the pressure is on for extra labour leaving little time for updating the computer. Net result is that the spreadsheet is either handed over to the farmer’s wife or to a competent bookkeeper who must fiddle around with his Excel file to ensure its reliable continuity…. And then RTGS changes to ZIG….



Sound familiar to anyone out there?



Softrite has been dealing with farmers for over 40 years and have, thus, been witness to numerous different wage payment scenarios. We pride ourselves on relaxed, friendly support staff having good working relationships with all our payroll customers. Our payroll software package, Adaski, is currently being used by a diverse range of farmers all around Zimbabwe and we have competent employees based in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare. Adaski was designed using the KISS principle (Keep it Simple Stupid!). We’ve written the programs so that new users only need an hour or two to learn enough basics to be able to run their payroll.



One of our strong points is the fact that you can pay all staff using different combinations of US$ and ZIG all in one payroll with Adaski working out the percentage of NSSA or PAYE to be paid in each currency



Why not contact our marketing lady, Stephanie in Harare, ([email protected] 0772-709-160) or Vicky in Bulawayo ([email protected] 0712-630-513) who will be only too please to assist you. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

10/12/2024

Hi All

I’ve just returned from competing in the annual Small Bridge Triathlon. Small Bridge is a large lake situated at the start of the Eastern Highlands some 40km north of Mutare. This short drive takes one along steep, winding roads with good tar to an elevation of 1551 m – 330m above that of Mutare. When the mists are down, the whole lake is often covered in clouds, reminding one of the Lake District in the UK. It is well known in local Angling circles for its rated fishing with all the facilities you need for either a family camping weekend or a Boys-only fishing trip.



This year the weekend was, once again, generously sponsored by KDV Bedding who added in a Double Tuscany Bed Set for a lucky draw.



Most of us Harare participants drove up on Friday morning setting up our tents overlooking the serene waterfront. Some of the Early birds were fortunate enough to rent one of the locally owned cottages. Hats off to all the Mutare folk who drove up on Saturday morning to join in the fun.



This weekend we had the complete suite of triathlon events from the full standard to the Tri-Sport introduced to cater for the littlies (7-12) – 50m swim and 2km ride finishing with a 1km run. Even though Small Bridge is currently at 33% capacity, it is such a large open water dam with plenty of space for swimming our 1500m. The 40 km cycle took us along good, meandering tar roads allowing us backmarker spectacular views of the pine forests.



The birdlife is always prolific in the Eastern Highlands with some of my favourites like the Pin Tailed and Broad Tailed Whydahs showing their acrobatic skills in the early morning.



The whole weekend was made complete with the inclusion of Shingi Pasawarayi’s (0772-254-927) travelling “The Draughtman” caravan set up with lots of Cold Draught beer plus Bacon and Egg rolls (et al) that were suitably appreciated by both athletes and spectators.



The Zimbabwe Triathlon committee lived up to their usual high standards with all the International Triathlon rules being adhered to a T. If any young adults would love an opportunity to combine their organising skills with a passion for sport, they would not have a better place to start than with Triathlon Zimbabwe. They are holding a Technical Officials Level one course over the weekend of 18th January 2025 (Contact Tammy 0772288030).



Even if you’re not an athlete you could have a great family weekend at Small Bridge just 4 hours away from Harare. Many kids brought up in this country have, for many years now, been introduced to camping at an early age. No wild animals to worry about – just need to take extra care with non-swimmers. Buy an affordable family tent that is easy to assemble from Big Sky in Pomona. Ciao Mike G.

06/12/2024

🎅Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit this December with the Ndeipi Weekender, which is packed with thrilling events to ignite your Christmas cheer. Discover the perfect gift for your loved ones at the enchanting Farm Christmas Night Market at Farm at Art or explore the vibrant Avondale Flea Market and Christmas Carnival. This December, the Ndeipi Weekender has curated a delightful array of festivities, ensuring there's something special for everyone to enjoy!🎅

04/12/2024

Hi All

Early yesterday morning I drove down to a National Tree Planting demonstration alongside the Pomona Art Wall with some of my staff from Softrite and Bambazonke Nhasi. Clean and Green celebrated a monumental milestone with a very successful Tree Planting of 14 Acacia Sieberiana trees, along Pomona Art Wall on Borrowdale Road. Visit Miracle Missions Trust to read more. We set up our Softrite Gazebo and helped clean up and arrange various things for the presentation. The Mayoress, Liz Mapfume, was the guest speaker and she spoke about her passion for trees; and how we need to look after trees so that we continue to be woken up by the melodious chirping of our beautiful birdlife.



Vivian Prince from Trees for Harare also spoke as well as guys from the Forestry Commission and a few others. It had been recommended that the Nyanga Umbrella Flat Top Acacia be planted so the teams had arranged for a whole lot of these to be donated for the cause.



We were reminded of why the original Pine Trees, growing in that location, had been chopped down a few years ago. The bottom line is that they did not provide adequate shade; they were not indigenous; and, more importantly, they were being used for outdoor toilet purposes by travellers waiting for their Kombis. Birdlife living in the higher trees were also dying for some unknown reason. Acacias are fast growing so we should have a more scenic tree line there in a few short years.



The next part of the plan is to have suitable tiling donated by community-minded businesses so that a 200-metre cycle track can be constructed between the wall and the trees. This will, with time, proceed all alongside the Borrowdale Road to Hatcliffe. It would be so good if we could eventually revive cycling to work as a way of life as happens in places like the Netherlands.



I recommend that you put aside just 20 minutes of your time to stop by the new trees and be inspired to start doing your own little bit for the community. Think Trees this week. Contact Sharon (0772-240-442) or Viv (0772907758) if you would like to be involved in future Tree Planting exercises. Ciao Mike G.

29/11/2024

Hi All

Please bring your Company Gazebo along with a community-inspiring mindset to Pomona Art Wall next Tuesday at 9 am. A sponsor for drinking water and Pizza Snacks would be appreciated. Contact Sharon at +263 772 240 442. Set up before 8 am.



We are very fortunate to have people in our community who go out of their way to make good things happen. Sharon Hook is one such lady! About 15 years ago she decided to start organising clean-ups of shopping centres in Harare. Working with shop owners and regular visitors to each centre Sharon has, over the years arranged for Saturday morning cleanups in just about every mall in Harare.

Sharon also holds a monthly waste management meeting on the first Tuesday morning of every month at the Highlands Presbyterian Church. With the National Tree Planting Day coming up next week, Sharon has, this month, chosen to hold her event alongside the Pomona Art wall opposite the bus stop on Borrowdale Road by Sam Levy’s Village.



In Addition, Sharon, under "Miracle Missions Clean & Green – Communities making a Difference and in Partnership with the City of Harare", embarked on an Anti-Littering Illegal Campaign – with three main solutions: Clean Up, Placing Dustbins and adopting city land to beautify and maintain. 14 years from Oct 2010, Sharon asked for an inspection of the trees by the Forestry Commission and City Parks to safely relocate the birds.

Just over a year ago, Sharon arranged for the disposal of all of the unsightly Pine Trees opposite the bus stop. They were being used for all sorts of unsavoury purposes. This Tuesday will mark the start of a long-term project to set up a cycle path along the side of Borrowdale Road with Indigenous trees that will surely reintroduce the first truly “Leafy Suburb” in Harare. Clever barriers will be installed (See Photo) to prevent Kombis from using these cycle paths.



City Parks will be giving a practical demonstration on how to Plant, Nurture and Protect Trees in your community. Energetic participants are welcome to pick up a shovel and help plant trees in specifically prepared holes at the sight. All day yesterday you might have noticed the bobcat clearing space there for the trees. It's really going to be a fun event – make sure your company is there. Ciao Mike G.



There is a GREAT VISION for this City Space in 2025

Bus Stop, Bicycle/Foot Path, waterwise landscaping, artistic seating, recycled sculptures, painted dustbins, solar-powered pedestrian robot, complete remaining Art Panels with environmental awareness, dangers of burning plastic, drug addiction and SAFE ROADS FOR ALL.

For further information please contact Sharon Hook at +263 772 240 442.

26/11/2024

Hi All

Kellys Kuttings Restaurant

Having overdone my cycling on Saturday, I decided, on Sunday, to listen to the words of one Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: “Wisdom is knowing when to have a rest, when to have activity, and how much of each to have” Nothing quite beats meeting up with a few friends for an early Sunday breakfast. Kelly’s Kuttings is a well-appointed countryside restaurant overlooking a spectacular flower farm just 3km past the entrance to Borrowdale Brooke.

Not only does it offer some fine dining for Breakfast or Lunch in a very chilled atmosphere, but it also allows you to pay a little extra to indulge in some relaxed flower picking. A very different feature to the setting was the sight of three Indian Running Ducks waddling past in full view of the verandah.

Walking in Mukuvisi

With the first summer rains and early sunrises, 5 am in November is a special time to be up and about here in Harare. I generally wake up to the melodious chorus of the white-browed Robin (Heuglin Robin). So, one morning last week I decided to walk my German Shepherd, Zelda, around the Mukuvisi Woodlands. Eerily quiet at that time of the day, with very hardly another soul in sight, Zelda and I wandered along well-defined paths in the Miombo forests. As we came around one corner, we stumbled across a fully-grown Giraffe standing proudly in the middle of the path. Zelda didn’t bat an eyelid but, with a quick detour through the bush, we proceeded on our way. The special bird calls ringing out throughout the walk reminds one of yet another reason for living in Africa.

We returned over an hour later witnessing a herd (Tower) or 7 or 8 giraffe loping across the large open space in front of the viewing platform. Good to see so many Eland grazing alongside. Promise to self to make a habit of this!

22/11/2024

Embark on a thrilling adventure this weekend, packed with an array of exhilarating events to enjoy. Whether you're meeting with friends for a delightful Sketch and Sip at Coco Mia or sharing a magical evening at the ballet recital at Reps Theatre with your family, there's something for everyone. Seize the chance to make unforgettable memories this weekend and be sure to save the dates for the exciting future events curated just for you by the Ndeipi Weekender.🤗

19/11/2024

Hi All

Last Saturday evening I, along with about 100 others, was invited to a well-organised book launch at The Beach House in Harare. Well-known wildlife enthusiast, Jan Teede, had arranged for three very different books to be published by his printers in Cape Town. The three authors, Jan Teede, Kirsty Jean and Natalie de Chassant were all in attendance autographing newly printed copies of each book for those attendees that purchased originals.



We, at Bindu Books, have accepted numerous copies of these “Must Read” books and will be selling them now for anyone interested in giving a Christmas present to someone who appreciates good literature.

Each book is selling for US$20 or buy all 3 of these titles for just US$55.



Bo and the Whale Shark: Not long ago, one of Author Kirsty Jean’s young sons expressed a keen interest in Sharks asking Mom all sorts of questions that she had little knowledge of. The net result is a beautifully animated “Children’s” book that cleverly showcases the life of sharks today with detailed paintings of about 30 different species. It illustrates how Bo spends much of his time diving in the seas befriending a Whale Shark. The storyline progresses to how netting and plastic bottles are having a major effect on the future of sharks worldwide giving a few simple ideas that all kids could benefit from long-term. Bo & the Whale Shark makes for a good quick read for teenagers and adults alike.

…………….

Mana Pools National Park – A Field Guide: Jan and Fiona Teede have, arguably, spent more time wandering around Mana Pools than any other city folks. They have compiled several publications highlighting a wide variety of subject matter from this magnificent National Park bordering the Southern part of the Zambezi River.



Jan Teede has now assembled a very detailed Field Guide for Mana Pools that will surely be a mandatory addition to the literature carried around the parks by both field guides and regular visitors. It’s one of those books that any school library must have available for their pupils to gain knowledge of our wildlife heritage.



The first 75 pages of the Introduction give a concise, but very detailed, summary of the dos and don’ts on subjects like “Staying Safe”; Camping; and Parks Regulations. This is followed by 500 pages on all the Mana Pools species of Wildlife, Birdlife, Reptiles and Trees / Botany finishing off with all the Anthropods (Spiders et al)

………………..

From Dust: Modern Poetry: - Natalie de Chassant. Poetry has long been used to aptly describe scenarios in a precise format using powerful combinations of words that have a major effect on the reader. Natalie has put together an anthology of 36 thought-provoking poems along with very appropriate illustrations from leading Zimbabwean artists.



A single word has been used as the title for each poem: “Gratitude”; “Betrayal”; “Carefree”. This collection is a must for those who want to start the day with an inspiring, allusive message.



The summarised remarks on the back page read:



“ ’From Dust’ is a collection of poems, illustrations and art that tap into the wonder of human existence. The pages tell of beauty through pain, healing through heartbreak, and the fullness that comes with deeply experiencing our connection to ourselves, the Earth and Each Other.”

15/11/2024

🎉The Ndeipi Weekender brings you exciting weekend activities for you to choose from to make memorable memories with friends and family. As for this weekend, whether it's the Junior Schools Wildlife Quiz at Mukuvisi Woodlands for the kids or the exhilarating Cimas iGo Half Marathon at ZB Sports Club, there's something for everyone. Embrace the opportunity to create lasting memories this weekend, and don’t forget to mark your calendar for future events that the Ndeipi Weekender has planned just for you🎉

Check out our website for more weekend fun🎉

14/11/2024

World Diabetes Day: 14 November

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the body cannot effectively use its insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels.

World Diabetes Day, recognised globally on the 14 November, aims to raise awareness about diabetes, which comes in three main types: Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational diabetes. This day holds a special significance to me due to my family’s history with the disease. On my mother’s side, it's common for women to develop diabetes, putting me at a higher risk.

Growing up, I watched my mother, and aunts manage Type 1 diabetes daily, teaching me valuable lessons. Although there is no cure, a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise can prevent or manage diabetes.

Today I want to share more about Gestational Diabetes. I experienced this during my pregnancy in 2022-2023. Despite being aware of my family’s history, I was unprepared for this challenge. Gestational diabetes affects not only the mother but also the unborn child. When my diagnosis was confirmed, I felt scared and unprepared. The diagnosis meant immediate treatment. Despite my fear of needles, I had to learn to inject myself with insulin twice a day, alongside taking numerous meds/tablets that I had to stay on top of. Adjusting my diet and controlling my diet was tough, especially trying to follow my mum’s strict diet even during pregnancy. Driving past Classic Desserts became an extreme sport for me, given my doctor’s offices were right next door.

Support from my family and friends was crucial at this time and it got me through a lot of difficult moments. Monitoring my diabetes required constant monitoring of blood sugar levels, meal tracking and regular calls and texts with my doctors. Despite the challenges, my baby and I came through it without lasting diabetes. My experience taught me a lot. Although my sugar levels stabilized after birth, I remain at high risk due to my family’s history. Continuous monitoring and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are essential for me.

A healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding to***co can help prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. With proper diet, medication and regular screening, diabetes and its complications can be managed or delayed.

On this World Diabetes Day, I want to bring awareness to everyone living with diabetes. Stay strong and keep fighting!

Yours Truly, Nyasha N.

05/11/2024

Hi All

A good Zimbabwean friend of mine, Helen, who lives in Perth, came back to Zimbabwe a couple of years ago where we met up for coffee. Helen is one of those kind people who spend lots of time selflessly motivating their immediate communities.



She told me about a very successful project that works for all the older guys in Perth known as “The Men’s Shed.” Essentially this involves these chaps meeting in a small shed, or hall, regularly on a Saturday morning to work “Shoulder to Shoulder’ making things for their community. Generally, one of the guys donates a spare cottage, or container, somewhere that he no longer needs. Other old-timers bring along their old rigs, saws, or drilling kit from home whilst someone else drops off an old fridge, chairs, or a braai.



Research in Australia has proven that key factors in longevity involve older folk knowing that they have mates who are expecting to meet up with them at a regular time and place every day or week. Another factor is feeling wanted by their community. The bottom line on these days is a bunch of guys joking with each other and reminiscing about the Good Old Days.



Another mate of mine has just sold his home in Mount Pleasant and has a whole garage full of lathes and tools that would be a good starting point for setting up such an organisation here in Harare.



If anyone has any suggestions or would like to help me start up such a venture, please feel free to send me an email to [email protected].



Read below Helen’s comments from her email to me over the weekend:

Cheers Mike G.

……………………..

“Back in 2018 the one I visited most of the tools and machinery were donated.. e g retired gents no longer using them, wood offcuts and the like donated, likewise nuts, bolts, screws etc.



The above group started off in a small shed given to them to use by I think the Lions Ass. and eventually, with donations and help, built like a garage shed.



The guy's fixed tables and chairs for schools, clubs, groups, and charitable organisations, and the word spread for the benefit of both…



What I was told though…..the health and mental benefit for the men who joined was a real eye-opener in many respects and openly discussed between them as opposed to keeping silent…and the mutual support between them was invaluable.



A few of them played a musical instrument, formed a band, and often played at dances, local dinners, and fetes, for a small donation to build their own funds to cover some of the sheds own expenses and time out as a group for a meal, fishing , a social evening ….”

Men's sheds or community sheds are non-profit local organisations that provide a space for craftwork and social interaction. The movement originated in Australia around the 1980s as a way to improve the health and wellbeing of older men. However some have expanded their remit to anyone regardless of...

30/10/2024

Hi All

We have a very large Elephant population in Zimbabwe with some folks claiming there are too many. I’m told that there is something like 65,000 in Hwange National Park with Gonarezhou “housing” some 15,000 in their 5,000 square kilometres. Just 3 per square Kilometre is surely not a lot. Should we be concerned? I don’t know the answer. Then what about the destruction of trees and plants in times of need?



Over the years I’ve spoken to lots of people in wildlife management about this sensitive matter in the past and every one of them gave a different perspective on the matter



If you consider the facts like the number of mature, breeding females that only give birth once every 4 years, there are probably 1000 new Elephant born in Hwange every year. In years of extreme drought, many Elephant lose much of their strength and are either dropping down dead or becoming cheap pickings for their predators. During those periods we could lose several thousand Nzou. Even during the good times Elephant still fall prey to the likes of Crocodile, Lion and Hyena.



Many years ago, it was common practice for teams of marksmen to participate in a weeklong Elephant Cull. The overriding principle was that the whole herd was taken out in one fell swoop. This practice is, however, commonly thought of as cruel and unacceptable to wildlife enthusiasts. Even if you do take out a small family herd others in near proximity will sense their demise either through basic instinct or smell. That could make the remaining ones “very skitsy”.



I feel it is essential to have a community discussion on this topic so that informed decisions about our Ellies can be made by the right people. I look forward to reading constructive reader comments on the subject over the coming few days. Assuming I receive enough short, yet relevant comments, I will compile a selection of them to send out as “Readers' Comments”



Ciao Mike G.

23/10/2024

Hi All

This weekend I drove down to Chilo Lodge on the edge of Gonarezhou and spent 3 nights in their self-catering lodges. Our outward journey took us through Mutare returning via the alternate Gutu route. They have patched up all the potholes on the 260km stretch between Chiredzi and Chivhu, so the long return journey was a whole lot more enjoyable. I must rate the countryside views along the road near Zaka as some of the best in Zimbabwe right now with lots of high-standing granite kopjes littered with trees sporting beautiful, verdant green leaves. We also saw only one large truck on that long stretch. Imagine the difference if we had the same scenario on the Chirundu/Kariba roads.



On Sunday we were driven to the Chilojo Cliffs some 70km from the lodge – a full day’s trip but we had an excellent guide, Dumisani, who entertained us with some great sightings and interesting facts. As I’ve stated in the past, the best guides know when and where to comment or introduce some humour to your day. Impala are generally split into two distinct groups: one with a dominant Ram and multiple females; the other with just males known as a Bachelor Herd – Dumi’s tongue-in-cheek term was “A bunch of Losers!” Impala are known to most regulars in the bush as the McDonalds because of the similarity of their black rear-end markings.



My bucket list for the day included the Grysbok – a rare timid little antelope that Dumi found for us late in the afternoon. We also came across two pairings of Steenbok – something I had never seen before. Gonarezhou National Park is some 5,000 square kilometres with several different vegetation types each having its own range of wildlife. Over the course of the day, therefore, we were witness to all sorts of animals – Giraffe, Wildebeest, Eland, Jackal, Dwarf Mongoose and many more. Lots of Nyala around this park with the darker males seen more often.



The Bird Raptors are prolific – my favourite is the Martial Eagle with one of them giving us a magnificent flyover. As we came around one corner a tenacious Tawny Eagle swooped into the bush alongside us and used its very strong claws to whisk away a very unfortunate Mongoose.



The views from the deck at Chilo Lodge are a sight to behold with many crocs coasting the Save River below. With this being such a dry year, the Elephant must wade through the river every day looking for greener pickings on the other side. One of the resident crocs was spotted taking out a baby Elephant on Sunday afternoon from the midst of a breeding herd showing no fear of being taken out by the Matriarch. The law of the jungle makes its own rules.

Ciao Mike G..

17/10/2024

Hi All

It is debatable whether one should be buried or cremated when your earthly days are done and dusted. My late brother, Roy, chose cremation and it was his expressed desire to have his immediate family to have a memorial for him somewhere near the Hwange National Park. So, last weekend three of us went off to camp at Tuskers campsite (Ivory Lodge) located some 3km off the main Vic Falls Road just before the turnoff to Main Camp.



In my opinion, Tuskers ranks amongst the best campsites in Zimbabwe. We were welcomed by a charming, young camp manager, Tinashe, who went out of his way to help us set things up. The facilities are first class with showers and toilets set up in small, thatched rondavels. Solar power is used to bring in water to fill the water tanks and give enough power for ample lighting plus plug points to charge your phones.



A water hole has been set up in the Vlei that one overlooks with water being pumped in using the solar panels. We were witness to several herds of elephant ambling down to the water hole – such fun to see the babies sprint the last few metres excited about the impending chance to splash around in the mud and water. There is a resident group of three giraffes that slowly slipped out of the bush ever glancing around looking for any danger. These were followed by a few Side-Striped Jackal and Impala. Lots of Spring Hares bounding around in the evening with a few duiker eyes reflecting the light from our powerful torches in the evening.



Camping is, to me a far better way to enjoy our spectacular outdoors sleeping under the stars; breathing that fresh air; listening out for that recognisable mix between a roar and a growl of a lion somewhere out there in the dark of night. Places like Tuskers are ideal for introducing young children to the true outdoors – so much better than being cooped up in a fancy room with prepared meals and air conditioning. Nothing quite like sitting around a campfire in the early evening enjoying the sounds of silence



The National Park is just 25 km away, so we spent a day travelling slowly around the various pans – our best sightings were at the Dom and Makwa pans – both within 20km of the Main Camp entrance – Vultures galore, giraffe, Kudu, Zebra and a special sighting of seven Sable. I’m sure Roy would have appreciated our trip.

Ciao Mike G.

24/09/2024

Hi All

I’ve just returned from a 4-day trip to Gaborone where I joined 230 other guys from all over Southern Africa playing in the annual Nomads Botswana National golf tournament. This year we played at the city golf club. The dominant vegetation there is Savanna, interspersed with Shrubland, bordering on semi-desert – lots of dry bushveld dotted with Acacia and Mopane trees. Fever trees (acacia xanthophloea) abound many of the fairways.



With water being in short supply, the committee have used recycled water very cleverly resulting in verdant fairways and full coverage on the greens – the latter were fast but true according to your putting stroke. The trick on these types of courses is to stay on the fairway. If you hit a wayward shot, you mostly found very hard, sandy lies with the odd one being lucky enough to land on a small tuft of dry grass.



We played medal Stableford, as is the norm for Nomads, with a compulsory pickup if you hadn’t sunk the ball and were one over par for any given hole. Day one on Friday was a typically hot Botswana day with fierce Autumn windy conditions. No encouragement was required to drink copious quantities of cold, thirst-quenching water or alternatives being offered along the way. The winds did, however, bring about a complete weather change the following day with most of us sporting a warm top to beat the unusually cold conditions.



Even though most of the guys playing in these types of tournaments are very competitive it doesn’t take too long for them to accept that they will not be in the winner’s circle at the end of the weekend. It’s more about catching up with old friends from past nationals and meeting interesting new guys. I, personally, made two very useful contacts: - one from a business perspective whilst the other was a very astute guy whom I conversed with for a good couple of hours.



The Botswana Nomads had just completed the building of a well-thought-out, covered seating arrangement on every hole – each sponsored by local business for the forthcoming two years.



Always good to be back home though. Ciao Mike G.