Wednesday, November 19, 2008

St. Lucia Fishing 22 - 24 November 2008

St. Lucia Estuary Water Levels
With all the rain and the iMfolozi River flowing water levels in The Estuary is high. With more rain comming before the weekend and with last quarter of the moon fase over this weekend it just might be a nice fishing weekend.
 
Fish early in the morning at St. Lucia beaches or miday in front of the ski-boat club. Late Afternoons from the view point or new beach. Markers #4 and #6 will also be good spots.
 

Bait:
Sardine - Silver Bullet or Pencil Bait
Mole Crab - Fresh and secure with cotton
Prawn - On small #1 or 1/0 hook light tackle in foamy water (live bait)
Live Bait
Use Live Bait on slider and with grapnel sinker
 

Sunny Shores
310 McKenzi Street
St. Lucia
 
For the Hungry Angler we have 1/2 Bunny or Curry and Rice only R25.00
 
Freshly Baked Pies Daily

Saturday, November 15, 2008

New Things at For Africa

 Travel Destinations and Holiday Accommodation
Internet Services
 
The mother ship, For Africa has some adtional functions added. We now host a bigger better Fishing section.
 
Brag Bag
Anglers, their friends or families can add fishing stories with Photo's to the Site by filling this form. These  submissions are subject to moderation. Keep the submissions to the topic. Anything about Angling, Fishing or Boating and the relevant products or sales regarding these topics are acceptable.
 
Events
Any one can submit events related to Fishing, Boating or Fishing Retail outlets with this form. 
 

Thursday, July 10, 2008

 

July 11, 2008

Zululand
OBSERVER
 

 

A first for essential oils

uThungulu Mayor Stan Larkan turns the sod with uMlalazi Municipality Mayor MET Magwaza at the Essential Oils project, along with uMlalazi Deputy Municipal Manager Simon Mashabane, Cllr EM Ngema and Chief Whip Mrs QT Xulu

STRONG market demand for essential oils has led to an innovative project being launched at Zikotshi, spearheaded by the uThungulu District Municipality.
With the sod being turned on Saturday at the official opening, uThungulu District Mayor Stan Larkan confirmed that R100 000 had been ploughed into the project, which is the first of its kind in the community.
Larkan added that the initiative indicated the district's drive to improve the quality for life for the Zikotshi community, just outside uMlalazi Municipality.
The focus of the project is to boost economic development in the poverty-stricken region.
The start-up farmers involved in the new initiative will also be taken on a study tour of a similar project being run in Nkandla and the District's SMME and Tourism LED Facilitator, Gugu Sibisi confirmed that the new farmers would be trained as Co-operatives to help them manage their business.
Urging them to work as a team, Sibisi also explained to the community that while essential oils did not need a lot of water, the eradication of weeds should be regularly carried out to ensure that the plants grew well.



 

 

July 11, 2008

Zululand
OBSERVER
 

 

A first for essential oils

uThungulu Mayor Stan Larkan turns the sod with uMlalazi Municipality Mayor MET Magwaza at the Essential Oils project, along with uMlalazi Deputy Municipal Manager Simon Mashabane, Cllr EM Ngema and Chief Whip Mrs QT Xulu

STRONG market demand for essential oils has led to an innovative project being launched at Zikotshi, spearheaded by the uThungulu District Municipality.
With the sod being turned on Saturday at the official opening, uThungulu District Mayor Stan Larkan confirmed that R100 000 had been ploughed into the project, which is the first of its kind in the community.
Larkan added that the initiative indicated the district's drive to improve the quality for life for the Zikotshi community, just outside uMlalazi Municipality.
The focus of the project is to boost economic development in the poverty-stricken region.
The start-up farmers involved in the new initiative will also be taken on a study tour of a similar project being run in Nkandla and the District's SMME and Tourism LED Facilitator, Gugu Sibisi confirmed that the new farmers would be trained as Co-operatives to help them manage their business.
Urging them to work as a team, Sibisi also explained to the community that while essential oils did not need a lot of water, the eradication of weeds should be regularly carried out to ensure that the plants grew well.



 

Leopard jeopardy

 

July 11, 2008

Zululand
OBSERVER
 

 

Leopard jeopardy

Ronelle Ramsamy

RESIDENTS of the Mvutshini area near Hluhluwe have been warned to remain cautious and refrain from hunting down a prowling leopard that reportedly killed livestock over the weekend.
While no human fatalities have been reported, several people allegedly spotted the leopard attacking a herd of grazing goats on Friday.
Owner of the livestock, Mr Shoyiza, told the Zululand Observer that leopard attacks on their livestock in Mvutshini were now becoming a common occurrence.
'My sister saw the leopard crawling slowly and saw the high grass move. She then ran into the room to call us. By the time, we got out, the leopard had attacked the goats, killing four and injuring several others.
'Leopards often attack our livestock, but we cannot do anything because we are afraid to chase the animal. We have no other place for the animals to graze,' said Shoyiza.
It is unknown whether the animal escaped from the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park as leopards breed inside and out of the park's jurisdiction.

Capture
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife spokesperson Maureen Zimu confirmed that section rangers had already combed the area and had set traps with bait in an attempt to capture the animal.
'We never introduced leopards to the area because they live within and on the outskirts of the park's parameters. Leopards are often sighted in the Mvutshini area and many awareness campaigns have been done to educate residents and Inkosi on how to react when spotting the animal.
'Traps have been permanently set up from previous incidents in the area, so this is not a new occurance,' Zimu said.
She warned residents, however, to avoid hunting the predator.
'Leopards are shy animals and wait for their victims. But if a group of people confront the animal with knobkieries and spears, the leopard is likely to become more aggressive and attack humans.
'So, we urge residents to leave it to the experts who are trying to capture the leopard responsible for these attacks. In 2006 a woman was attacked by the river in the same vicinity.'
Owners of livestock have also been cautioned to let their livestock graze on vacant plots of land, where they are clearly visible.



 

HORROR BEACH SLAYING

 

July 11, 2008

Zululand
OBSERVER
 

 

 

HORROR BEACH SLAYING

Clive Hunter

Following the Alkantstrand beach tragedy, Clive Hunter's brother Deon with Clinton Woodley, Chairman of the Zululand Shore Angling Association, want more safety for Zululanders on our beaches

Tanya Waterworth

THE brutal and senseless murder of one of Zululand's top anglers, Clive Hunter (35) on Alkantstrand Beach in Richards Bay on Tuesday afternoon has sent shock waves throughout the Zululand community.
It was a perfect winter's afternoon and with the shad running, Clive and his wife Zelda joined a number of fishermen on the main beach and were fishing towards the left bank near the dredger pipe.
According to the victim's brother Deon, four black males approached the couple.
'Zelda said the group asked them what the fishing was like and if they had caught anything.
'The next thing, Clive told her to run into the sea, as we believe he spotted a knife being held by one of the attackers.
'As Zelda escaped into the water, a scuffle ensued between Clive and the four men and he was shot in the side.
'As the killers fled with Clive's fishing bag, one of the children on the beach ran up to him and held Clive's hand as he died,' said Deon.
One of the witnesses said Zelda ran up the beach shouting for help as the gun was fired and horrified fishermen nearby immediately ran to assist.
'It was not even dark and we were all enjoying the evening with our families on the beach. There were children running around.
'This is shocking beyond words that gunmen can just walk onto our main beach and shoot someone dead,' said the witness.
The SAPS Flying Squad immediately responded to the scene and a search was launched for the fleeing killers.

Beach safety
While the Zululand Observer received dozens of calls on Wednesday morning from an outraged public, Deon Hunter told the Zululand Observer that the tragedy on Tuesday evening highlighted the desperate need to get crime under control in Zululand.
'As Zululanders, we should not have to live in fear and let these wanton criminals run around just shooting whoever they please.
'The men who shot my brother are callous killers and I would like to ask our mayor what the city is going to do about this incident.
'Can families no longer go to our city's main beach without being at risk of being murdered?'.
Chairman of the Zululand Shore Angling Association, Clinton Woodley paid tribute to Clive's outstanding reputation, among not only the fishing community, but also the business community.
'Clive was one of the most easy-going and friendly guys I have ever known.
'He was dedicated to his family and his work and his passing is a great loss to this community,' said Woodley, who also backed Deon Hunter's call for more safety measures on the beaches.
'This incident has already gone to the international media and it is time to take back our beaches,' he said.
SAPS Richards Bay confirmed that a murder investigation has been opened, but that no suspects have yet been arrested.
Hunter is survived by his wife Zelda and children, Brandon (12) and Megan (6).
A memorial service will be held on Sunday 13 July at 11.30am at Alkanstrand Beach.



 

Friday, June 20, 2008

AVG Free No More

Hi Julle/Dear All
 
 
Ek het weer AVG Gratis gekry ... http://free.grisoft.com/ww.download?prd=afe ... free AVG version
 
 
Groete
 
Petrus
 
PS. visit/besoek  www.elephantcoast.co.za

AVG Free No More

Hi Julle/Dear All
 
 
Ek het weer AVG Gratis gekry ... http://free.grisoft.com/ww.download?prd=afe ... free AVG version
 
 
Groete
 
Petrus
 
PS. visit/besoek  www.elephantcoast.co.za

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Saturday, May 24, 2008

SURVIVAL GUIDE

SURVIVAL GUIDE

South Africa has an excellent infrastructure and most first time visitors will find touring a surprisingly effortless and pleasurable experience in this African country. First rate safari lodges, hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs are plentiful and getting around is easy with exceptional air services and roads. For those on a more slender budget there are a rapidly escalating number of self catering options and backpacker hostels.

SafariNow Travel Guide Time Zones

South African local time (Bravo or GMT+2), not to be confused with Zulu time, is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), also Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or Zulu time (Z) and operates all year throughout the entire country.

Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia are in the same time zone although Namibia changes in winter to UTC+1 from 2am on the 1st Sunday of April until 2am on the 1st Sunday of September.

Friday, May 16, 2008

School book protest march

 

May 16 , 2008

Zululand
OBSERVER
 

 

 

School book protest march

Dave Savides

THE Inkhatha Freedom Party has planned a protest march for 10am today (Thursday) starting opposite the Zululand Observer offices in Empangeni. At issue is a Grade 12 history text book which allegedly 'tells blatant lies and deliberately distorts facts about the role of the IFP and the contribution made by its leader, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi'.
The book, 'In Search of History' has been roundly condemned by IFP voices as 'propaganda masquerading as history'. IFP National Organiser, Albert Mncwango, announced that the IFP will embark on a series of protest actions aimed at discontinuing use of the book at schools.
'This is nothing more than the sugar-coating of the ANC's history,' said Mncwango.
'We cannot allow our children to be poisoned with this tissue of abominable propaganda and the deliberate twisting of history to distort who did what, when and where.
'The IFP is not going to stand by idly to see its contribution being trampled and destroyed.
'We will certainly not allow the legacy of Prince Buthelezi to be so deliberately destroyed. We are going to ensure that this book is removed from schools and will use all legal forms of protest to ensure that this happens and that this attempt to indoctrinate our children is stopped.'
The Empangeni protesters will march to the Department of Education offices in the CBD, where they will deliver a memorandum addressed to National Education Minister, Naledi Pandor


 

 

Monday, May 12, 2008

Somkhanda is the first community-owned land

MEDIA STATEMENT
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM ON 1
November 2007.
ELEVEN (11) BLACK RHINOS RELEASED ONTO KZN COMMUNITY OWNED GAME
RESERVE TO BOOST COMMUNITY’S TOURISM ECONOMY

History was made today when black rhinos were released onto Somkhanda Game Reserve in
northern KwaZulu-Natal. Somkhanda is the first community-owned land to become a partner in the WWF/ Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. A total of eleven (11) black rhinos will be released.
Somkhanda Game Reserve is owned by the Gumbi community which successfully claimed five
commercial game farms under the Land Restitution process. Rather than turn the whole area into settlement and farming, the community leaders decided to zone their land for economic
sustainability. The zones include areas for conservation, development and commercial cattle
farming.
"Empowering black communities to become stakeholders is a priority in conservation, and
Somkhanda is an example where it is really starting to happen", said WWF’s Dr Jacques Flamand, leader of the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project.
iNkosi Zebelon Gumbi, head of the Gumbi royal family, explains: "When the land was gone, there
were no opportunities. Now there are opportunities. There is work in security protecting animals
from poachers. And there is work at the lodges. We have set aside some land for farming and
settlement, and some for development projects which will boost the Gumbi economy. We are
asking our people to think like businesspeople. We are living in modern times. It is not just building a place and relying on cattle any more. Now we ask people to work and get money."
But conservation always involves the heart as well as the head. Nathi Gumbi, Director of
Somkhanda Game Reserve, says: "When the Gumbis were moved from their land, we had no
choice. But thank God the white people who took our land also loved it. So our land is still beautiful.
Now we have the land back and we shall also love it and look after it as our ancestors loved it."
The way the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project works is that the founder population of black
rhino - the 11 that are being released now - belong to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. When the population grows, then ownership of the offspring is shared 50/50 between the Gumbi community and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
"But the reality is that these animals belong to all of us - to KwaZulu-Natal, to South Africa, to
Africa, to our children and our children’s children," said Rejoice Mabudafhasi, Deputy Minister of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, who attended the release. "They are our
heritage, our responsibility, our privilege. The Gumbi leadership has shown the courage and
foresight to accept that opportunity and that responsibility and we salute you for that. It may not always be easy. There will be challenges and setbacks. It will be hard work. But it will be worth it.

As the first community to become partners in this important project, you are pioneering a way that we hope many others will follow", the Deputy Minister added.
The black rhino is still critically endangered, although numbers have increased to about 3700, from a low point of around 2500 in the 1990s. The Black Rhino Range Expansion Project supports ongoing protection of existing populations, but also aims to increase land available for black rhino conservation, thus reducing pressure on existing reserves and providing new territory in which the animals can rapidly increase in number. This is done by forming strategic partnerships with landowners within the historic range of the black rhino. The first three partner sites were Mun-ya- wana Game Reserve, Zululand Rhino Reserve and Pongola Game Reserve.
Partnerships, both with private and communal landowners, are essential for the future of
conservation, said Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife CEO Khulani Mkhize. "For conservation to grow and
thrive in our beautiful country, with all its opportunities and challenges, local communities must
become significant stakeholders with a real interest in ensuring the future of conservation. This is an example of that principle in action, and we are proud and excited to be part of it," he said.
The Black Rhino Range Expansion Project is a partnership between WWF and Ezemvelo KZN
Wildlife and is supported by the Mazda Wildlife Fund.
The media is invited to attend and interview the Deputy Minister. For more information, please
contact:
Moses Rannditsheni
Media Liaison Officer for the Deputy Minister
Dept of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Tel No. 012-310 3898/9
Mobile 082 448 2450
Email MRannditsheni@deat.gov.za
Website www.deat.gov.za
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM ON 1
November 2007.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Re: Fast Fotos Closed??? No!!!

 
Hi Guys,
 
Just to inform people about our comings and goings ....
 
Fast Foto's has temporary been relocated to Sunny Shores(Arries Supermarket)
 
Dolphin Centrum are being up graded and it is now Fast Foto's turn. Rest assure we are going no where and still stock all the major photography lines, we still offer great professional service.
 
The analog machines has been switched off about mid February due to load shedding. Digital Printing stocks are low but new stock is arriving soon... We have loads of Digital Camera equipment and batteries as well as memory cards.
 
Cell chargers is fully stocked.
 
We will be going onto extended hours soon ... we trading 9am to 9pm currently.
 
Sunny Shores
 
Convenient Shop with almost anything you need.
Fresh Eggs from Poultry Farm almost Daily ... R13.00 per dozen Jumbo Eggs
Fresh Milk from Dairy (Jersey Milk)               R16.50 for 2lt
 
Bread Daily From Sasko and Brooklyn Bakery
 
Smokes, Cigars and Tabaco....
 
Take Away's
Fish in Butter Deep Fried while u wait ... R12.50
Chips
Sandwiches   
My personal speciality ...
Curries
Curry & Rice R15.00
Bunny Chow  R25.00 1/2 bread loads of curry
 
Weekend Whole Chicken ... R40.00 Tandori spice to die for  ...
 
POP IN if you missed us along the rout... or call to order Petrus 083 584 7473
 
Regards
Petrus Retha and Family ....
 
                             

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

ELEPHANT LAKE HOTEL

Protea Hotel St Lucia (Elephant Lake Hotel) is situated on the Elephant Coast in the heart of the exquisite St Lucia World Heritage Site between Lake St Lucia and the Indian Ocean in South Africa. The hotel sits on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary and overlooks the lake.With its lakes, lagoons, freshwater swamps and grasslands, St. Lucia supports more species of animal than the better known Kruger National Park and Okavango Delta – although these areas are much larger. The Hotel has a three star grading and boast with 28 luxury, en-suite, air-conditioned rooms, all sharing a westerly view across the St Lucia Estuary. All rooms are equipped with DSTV, tea/coffee making facilities, hair dryer and full range of bathroom amenities. The Hotel has two levels. The ground level has 14 rooms, all with a private patio leading out to a sparkling pool, an upmarket restaurant, leading out to the pool patio, the Hotel lounge and Reception area.The Upper level has 14 rooms, all with private balcony, a spacious bar that lead out the Hotel’s Estuary Viewing Deck, which forms part of the restaurant and a very popular venue for guests to enjoy some excellent lunches, dinners or a refreshing sundowner.There is a crystal clear sparkling pool located in the hotel gardens for exclusive use by hotel guests. Our ladies bar & sundeck provide breathtaking views of the estuary & Afrcan sunsets. Our restaurant offers a full A la Carte menu & carvery meals can be arranged for larger groups.ActivitiesWith the ideal location of the Hotel, guests have a vast range of activities to choose from, all which could be booked and arranged by the Hotel.
1) BIG 5 Game Drives in Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve.
2) Game Drives in the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (On route to Cape Vidal)
3) Whale watching – Seasonal
4) Turtle Tours – Seasonal
5) Boat Cruise on the St Lucia Estuary, world renowned for the excellent Hippo, Crocodile and bird viewing.
6) Kayaking on the St Lucia Estuary
7) Guided walking trails
8) Self guided walking trails
9) Snorkelling at Cape Vidal
10) Deep Sea Fishing
11) Fly Fishing
12) Night Drives
13) Marine Mammal Experience
14) Community Operated Zulu Cultural Village
15) Birding
16) Crocodile centre
17) Arts and Crafts
18) GolfGuests can also enjoy a day on the unspoilt beaches, swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean or just simply stroll through town exploring all the interesting shops, restaurants arts and crafts on offer.

To Book

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Tragedy Strike Small Town


St. Lucia Estuary is normally a holiday destination with romance and rejuvenation in mind. This morning the town was buzzing with emergency services as ambulances rushed in and a helicopter landed in the middle of the main road. Apparently I man off middle thirties and a girl of about fifteen has attempted a suicide.

At the time they where attended to by the ambulance services they where critical but still alive. We pray for these people and their families during this time.