Life In The Iconic Bush

The colours, textures of small enterprises in the Iconic Bush. No. 3 in the Series on Small Business

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Kgomotso Matthews

Mabharule Youth in Action is a dance troupe of some 54 members and is run as a small enterprise that offers a cultural dance service to the lodges in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The troupe also performs at weddings and cultural evets held in the villages. The group consists of both young and adult members who get together after work and school to practice and perfect their dance moves.

A 54-piece dance troupe in Mabarhule sings & dances in the lodges in the Sabi Sand. Watch the song “Banana-moto” https://t.co/7NoqcEO3ii

— Kgomotso Matthews (@Kgomkgom) November 4, 2016

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Through this business, the group members generate supplementary income and at the same time show case, preserve the dance and story telling culture of the Shangaan people. Another video can be viewed at this link Mabarhule Youth In Action

Beautiful Flowers in the Iconic Bush

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Kgomotso Matthews

The iconic bush is very dry at the moment. Yet despite that, are beautiful and resilient flowers that still manage to thrive in the harsh environment. These are the beautiful flowers captured at Timbavati Eco School during September 2016

“Just living is not enough… one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower” by Hans Christian Andersen

Climate change in the Iconic bush: Butternut and wild creatures

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Kgomotso Matthews

It is September, 2016 and normally rains would come in July so that farmers can plant butternut in the first week of September. So… the rains are late. Planting in a dry season is tough! The farmers have to rely on water tanks and pumps to irrigate their fields from a nearby river stream.

Butternut farmers

Preparing land for butternut farming

During my last visit to the iconic bush, the images below were a true testament of how the earth and the trees were truly dry. On arrival, we were greeted by this Zebra, from a nearby, man made water hole for the animals.

Zebra in the dry bushveld

We were stationed at Timbavati Eco School where all manner of creatures show themselves: The giraffe prance around looking to pick the juicy leaves on tree tops. An occasional kudu visits when they can.

Hungry giraffe chewing on the juicy leaves on the tree top

Baby and rhino mum protected by herd of buffalo.

Posted on August 31, 2016 by Kgomotso Matthews

We had an eventful afternoon at Manyeleti National Park today. We spotted, Impala, Inyala, Wildebeest, lion, and buffalo.

Meanwhile, ahead, a most rare experience was witnessed by us! A most spectacular sighting was unfolding. To my right , I spotted a herd of buffalo and lo! and behold! the herd was closely protecting a Rhino mom and child! The buffalo herd was bout 40 Buffaloes. It was truly awesome.

Please spot the baby rhino and mum. Nature protecting its own!