UBUNTU in abundance

Hi there everyone,

Thank you so much for reading the blog. For being on this journey with me. For holding hands.

Here are links to some of the media attention our UBUNTU journey is generating:

An interview by Mongezi Mtati of Brand South Africa: http://www.brandsouthafricablog.com/2010/07/30/there-is-love-in-our-country/

A link to our blog on someone else's fascinating blog: http://www.forwardtherevolution.net/

And an article in El Pais (Spanish Leading Newsapaer) If you can read Spanish: http://www.elpais.com/articulo/portada/Ecoblogueros/ultima/palabra/elpepusoceps/20100815elpepspor_5/Tes

and if you can't read this for a HYSTERICALLY bad translation: http://translate.google.co.za/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.elpais.com/articulo/portada/Ecoblogueros/ultima/palabra/elpepusoceps/20100815elpepspor_5/Tes&ei=7SltTJeRAoH68Aazn4C1Cw&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CBwQ7gEwAQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dsonja%2Bkruse%2Bel%2Bpais%26hl%3Den%26prmd%3Do

LOVE IT!

Tue 10th Aug Day 284 : Soweto/Kyalami

 ACTIVITIES: Popping in to visit old friends; social media'ing (?); Having the privelage and honour of doing a talk about the UBUNTU journey in Soweto- together with the following awesome individuals:

Ray Chaplin - www.raychaplin.co.za ;

Telana Simpson - www.onematchstick.blogspot.com ;

Jolandi Rust - www.jolandie.co.za ;

George Scola - http://www.health24.com/news/Events/1-3949,46395.asp ; http://www.facebook.com/strokesurvivors

TRANSPORT: well, running around a car in bumper-to-bumper traffic to the amusement of Jhb commuters; waving cardboard signs saying: http://youmakejoburggreat.wordpress.com/ AND others saying: follow us to Soweto (not spilling the beans about how my cell number was also on there for that cute guy to call.................!) haha

FOOD: a 3course breakfast and lunch at telana's; chicken and chips at venue The Danish Lounge

ACCOMMODATION: With Ben and Genevieve Young in Kyalami

UBUNTU: With so many people met today, and so much UBUNTU around, we'll settle on George Scola. A stroke survivor and co-founder of the Stroke Survivors Foundation is walking from Beit Bridge to Cape Point (+- 2222km!) He plans to walk for three days, followed by a rest day that will be used for awareness activities aimed at communities, hospitals, clinics and other stroke survivors when he is at or close to outlying communities, towns and cities.

He will be supported throughout his journey by Ray Chaplin, an adventurer, campaigner and educator who made the same journey – in the reverse direction – earlier this year.

Charlene Murray who established the Foundation with George, and who suffered a stroke in 2006, will join in on the walk for parts of the journey and is the general co-ordinator of campaign activities.

Why? To raise awareness and funds http://www.health24.com/news/Events/1-3949,46395.asp

Wed 11th Aug Day 285 : Kyalami

ACTIVITIES: Reading, Philosophising; walking Genevieive's dogs; lots of laughter and tears; watching movie: As it is in heaven. Beautiful!

TRANSPORT: foot

FOOD: cereal; yummy YUMMY yummy salads

ACCOMMODATION: ditto

UBUNTU: Overhearing a phone conversation between Genevieve (whom I've known a few days) and her father (whom I've never met). Her father was checking to see whether I have somewhere to stay, whether I'm safe and where to from here. Also received several text messages from people who saw that the weather in Gauteng is rather chilly today ;-)

Thu 12th Aug Day 286 : Sunninghill

ACTIVITIES: walking; Attending George's Farewell (they're leaving on Saturday for Messina); Babysitting Dilyn (or was this young 12th year old actually looking after me??????)

TRANSPORT: walked +- 12km to Kyalami/Midrand to Sunninghill; drove Claire's car

FOOD: fruit; sandwiches and pizzzzzzaaaaaaaaaaaa!

ACCOMMODATION: Claire and Dilyn Bagnall

Fri 13th Aug Day 287 : Lonehill

ACTIVITIES: Writing; Doing a motivational talk at http://www.joepublic.co.za/ (ad agency in Fourways) as part of a 3-way trade with http://onematchstick.blogspot.com/. So, Telana shifts another T-Shirt, I become owner of said T-Shirt and Joe Public has to 'put' up with me for a few hours ;-)

TRANSPORT: lift with Claire; driving Gillian's Audi TT (very funny! As, once again, have no parking money!!! haha)

FOOD: cereal; take aways and greek meze

ACCOMMODATION: Gillian's in Lonehill

UBUNTU: Meeting Pepe Marais from Joe Public today. He'sa climbing Kilimanjaro in September (as mentioned in previous blog: www.innercoaching.co.za/docs/Rock4Aids-One-School.pdf .

Being offered help with the design of the book by individuals within and from http://www.joepublic.co.za/

Sat 14th Aug till Mon 16th Aug Day 288-290: Lonehill

ACTIVITIES: 'pet'sitting for friends with the help of friends

TRANSPORT: Gillian's Audi TT; foot; FIRST TRIP ON OUR GAUTRAIN!!!!!!!!!!Awesome!

FOOD: From full on English breakfast to Italian and Greek platters

ACCOMMODATION: Gillan

UBUNTU: Finding out about http://www.wcrc.co.za/home.htm : A rehabilitation centre for people with disabilities. They were brought under my attention via a VERY brave, corageous young lady, Ansa Theron. She is attempting Southern Storm 2010 (off-road endurance duathlon) www.southernstorm.co.za (Is it just me, or does this look like quite a challenge???????) And this is what Ansa says:

"My goal: to finish (dead or alive). Why? : i love the challenge, i love the sport. I also want to make a positive contribution while i am out there living my dream. My focus: to raise funds to buy wheelchairs for the guys at the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre (for Persons with Physical Disabilities). They are in dire need of chairs for sporting activities like basketball, tennis etc..........."

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=146516505367710&ref=mf

Mon 16th Aug till Fri 20th Aug Day 290 - 294 : Centurion

ACTIVITIES: writing, blogging and some PR work. Gauteng has been a fantastic place to make connections for when the journey on the road is over; For when the book journey begins

TRANSPORT: foot and being 'kidnapped' by Claire for a day out

FOOD: from toast to chicken curries, from homemade cookies to cup-of-soup (very well fed, as always)

ACCOMMODATION: with brother Eric and Jaque in Centurion, as Gauteng and I are parting company

UBUNTU: A comment I made on Facebook after an incident on Wednesday was a classic example of choice:

"Whilst driving with Claire in Pretoria, my window was down and I was busy on my cell phone. Someone snatched the phone from my hand and ran. (He was impressively quick and talented) My friend screamed and was outraged. For me, it was just something that happened (did I not wish last night to spend a little less time on my cell phone? And did I not have a gut feeling telling me to close the window?) Taking responsibility. Ok, if you don't agree with that thought process, how about this: At the very least we control our reaction. After this event, there were so many people to help, from policemen to strangers allowing me the use of their phones. I Even managed to make Romeo from Vodacom laugh (he was having a crappy day!) and even got a compliment from someone else (said that I'm sexy!). Finding the light. There must be at least a 1000 good things that happen, whilst we sometimes choose to hand over our power of creation. Today, I felt powerful and very creative ;-) "

Hope that you all have a sparkling weekend

Take care of yourselves and your thoughts

Much Love,

S

+27723088116

skruse@24.com

HAPPY WOMEN'S DAY! Happy day anyway!

My Women's Day is spent with Telana Simpson (www.onematchstick.co.za), so a blessed day indeed!

My time in Johannesburg has brought me to the cusp of an epiphany -[An illuminating realization or discovery, often resulting in a personal feeling of elation, awe or wonder].

Love is all around!

That's it! That's been the recurring theme for me since hitting Jozi ( on people's T-shirts; billboards; adverts; songs following me around.........................)

Duh, SONJA! Is this not what the journey is about? Hardly an epiphany, then........Well, one would think so. But I was not expecting to find love here. And I was not expecting to love Joburg.

It's easy to love that which loves us. The real challenge is to love that which doesn't.

Hope there is love in your world

;-)

 Fri 30^th July Day 273: Bryanston

ACTIVITIES: Meeting up with friend Ditshane; coffee at Fourways Crossing (to catch up with Lost- my favourite waiter); spending time (once again!) with the amazing Telana Simpson (www.onematchstick.co.za )

TRANSPORT: lift to Fourways with Claire; on foot to Bryanston (someone stopped and offered me a lift on a busy road in Fourways)

FOOD: cereal; steak, potato and veg

ACCOMMODATION: with Telana Simpson

UBUNTU: learning about: www.youmakejoburggreat.wordpress.com , very apt for me to learn about this in view of my current love-affair with this incredible city and it’s inhabitants.

Sat 31^st July Day 274: Craigavon

ACTIVITIES: Spent a decadent morning with Telana and mom Adele- Breakfast at Eastgate; Bryanston Organic Market; meeting new friends. Meeting Didi from www.ididit.co.za ,

TRANSPORT: with Telana and Elize Botha

FOOD: Was instructed by Adele to order the BIGGGGGGGEST breakfast on the menu; a delectable masala dosa from Chai's Place at Bryanston Organic Market

ACCOMMODATION: Elize Botha, my friend. We have a chick-flick-pizza-red-wine-chocolate-and-tissue evening! Food for the soul!

UBUNTU:

• For me the market today was very special. Not only did I learn about Stones and Crystals, but also was given a beautiful Jasper necklace by Monique van Ooosterhout and. And a token from Ninito to keep me safe and focused on this journey:: Chenrezig is chen (eye), re (continuity) and zig (to look). This gives the meaning of one who always looks upon all beings (with the eye of compassion). A great reminder!
• Meeting a young lady, Liza who has been supporting a charity for a while. She recently gave up her job and taking some time out. So, she does not have the means to support the charity at the moment. But, if one really wants to do something, one finds a way. So, when Liza had her birthday recently, she asked her friends to buy blankets, instead of buying her a gift. And collectively they donated over 100 blankets to the charity. This started a domino effect. When friends went to Lesotho on holiday, they took blankets with to hand out. So, thanks Liza! Now we can’t use lack of money as an excuse not to give ;-)

Sun 1^st Aug till Tue 3^rd Aug Day 275-Day 277: Palm Springs (NOT USA, but nr Orange Farm)

ACTIVITIES: off to Soweto, meet Vumelani, talented, aspiring, Inspiring artist!; watching the artist in action; visiting Gogo Delisc’s Orphanage. www.mazet.mosaicglobe.com

TRANSPORT: Elize arranged & paid a cab to Soweto (and met driver, Thando); Foot; taxis to Palm Springs with Vemelani and friend

FOOD: From croissants to breakfast for lunch to Beef stew; to chicken stew; sandwiches. Vumelani also buys me snacks and instructs me to help myself.

ACCOMMODATION: with Vumelani Sibeko (Buthelezi) and family in Palm Springs

UBUNTU: Talk about not forgetting one’s roots! Vumelani Sibeko-(Watch this space!) is an artist originally from Soweto, now Palm Springs. He loves using recycled rubbish; he’s passionate about his community; he teaches art to the children in his community as a way of giving back; he supports a local orphanage; and he is getting others involved as well. (all this whilst also working full time for Europ Assistance, whom is assisting him in helping others)

and www.senseonline.co.za/index.php/Archives/Environmental-Art-From-Recycled-Rubbish.html

Tue 3^rd Aug Day 277: Call Centre Florida

ACTIVITIES: catching up on some writing; off to spend a night in a call centre (that could be badly misunderstood! Haha) to get the full picture of who Vumelani is

TRANSPORT: lift with Vumelani’s colleague, Mpho

FOOD: mabela pap, sandwiches and Take aways

ACCOMMODATION: on a couch in the call centre

UBUNTU: www.europassistance.co.za/article.php?id=86 

Wed 4^th Aug til Fri 6^th Aug Day 278- Day 280: Sundowner

ACTIVITIES: Random moment experienced whilst waking up in a call centre! Being kidnapped by Kim, marketing manager at Europ Assistance- ‘thiefing’ me from Vumelani!; an outing to Rustenburg and meeting a cool couple from Soweto, who’ve invited me to stay with them ;-)

TRANSPORT: with Kim

FOOD: toasted sandwiches; muffins; ostrich steak with salad; anchovy pasta and fish. Wow, with a Frenchman in the house, the standard for food is set!

ACCOMMODATION: With Franco, Kim Foresta and 4 of their beautiful 5 teenagers!

UBUNTU: Is it just me or are there some pretty awesome, special children in this country. The way Franco and Kim’s kids embrace one another, their parents and myself, a stranger, is best described as love. We can learn so much from children!

Fri 6^th Aug Day 280: Sunninghill

ACTIVITIES: coffee with Darren from the Joburg Photowalkers; off to join friends Claire and Dilyn Bagnall

TRANSPORT: foot; taxisx2 (know how to signal 4ways!!!); foot; Claire

FOOD: Foresto muffins for breakfast and Wimpy for lunch; soup for dinner

ACCOMMODATION: Claire and Dilyn Bagnall (think they might be my 14^th culture! Haha)

UBUNTU: Learning about:

www.facebook.com/pages/Joburg-Photowalkers/106599396036982?ref=ts

Sat 7^th Aug till Tues 10^th Aug Day 281-Day 284: Bryanston

ACTIVITIES: spend the day with Max and friends; off to Telana’s again for a charity evening:- Rock4Aids; the Matrix Trilogy discussion evening; blogging; writing; laughing; rolling (with laughter!)

TRANSPORT: Claire, Max and Telana

FOOD: from Pizzas-and-beers with the boys to red wine at Rocket Rivonia; to chicken salads and CHOCOLATES!!!

ACCOMMODATION: With the onematchstick girl

UBUNTU: Rock4Aids- Pepe from Joe Public: www.joepublic.co.za is climbing Kilimanjaro to raise funds. Specifically for a library in a school in Soweto. Please take a moment to download and open this pdf (goosebump stuff!) about what Pepe is doing:  http://www.innercoaching.co.za/docs/Rock4Aids-One-school.pdf

Thank you, take care,

Love

Sonja

Mon 19th July till Fri 30 July Day 262 - Day 272:

Gauteng is blowing my mind away. I was under the impression that this is an aweful, rushed, cynical, hard, money-driven society, without a soul. And I lived here for 6 years (haha). And now I see a different Jozi. A city with big personalities and a city with a big heart. They do say that the world around us change, when we change. Today is 3weeks in Gauteng and, basically, I've covered 3 suburbs. haha! Have not even entered Soweto yet, have not even experienced the Gautrain yet and I'm already this happy!

Have been ACCOMMODATED by friends and family only so far:
Eric and Jaque Kruse; Claire and Dilyn Bagnall; Elize and Darren Botha; Gillian Clarke; Ditshane

Some of the PEOPLE I've had the pleasure of meeting:

Max
Telana Simpson (http://onematchstick.blogspot.com/)
Mongezi Mtati ( http://www.mongezimtati.co.za/) (http://www.brandsouthafricablog.com/)
Shingai Ngara
Anthony Spanjaard

FOOD:
Well, I've put on 2kg in the last 3 weeks (lots of eating + very little walking = logic!)

Some ACTIVITIES:

•  Walking in Emmerentia
• Laughing hysterically at the fact that I'm the only unemployed, professional hitchhiker driving around in an Audi TT in Sandton. It is rather funny! hahahaha If Gilly didn't give me 'pocket money', I would also be the only person driving a TT without parking money (or would I???? ;-)
• Talking at Jipari School to the pupils about following one's dreams
• Cuppiccino in almost all the coffee houses in the northern suburbs (thanks Claire!)
• 'Exporting' our UBUNTU story to Spanish newspaper, El Pais
• Movies
• Telling anyone interested the UBUNTU story - spreading the wonderful adventures and people

LEARNING about the following:

• City of Johannesburg's Anti-xenophobia and common citizenship project
  The City takes pride in being a melting pot of multiculturalism. In positioning itself as a world-class city, it is committed to building prospects for social inclusion. It has embarked on social cohesion programmes to enhance community development and social mobility, as well as address social exclusion and xenophobia.The human development directorate, in partnership with the departments of arts, culture and heritage; health; sports and recreation; City Power; NGOs; and other stakeholders has focused on the following key programmes and initiatives:

Establish an annual calendar on campaigns in partnership with partner organisations focusing on churches, social groups and businesses, linked to 2010 Anti-Racism Campaign
Educational workshops
Kiddies Olympics
Indigenous games
Employee games
Counter xenophobia awareness campaign, seminars and dialogues
Establishment of Migrant Advisory Committee
Training of frontline staff and middle management

Read more: http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/3093/49/1/3/#ixzz0v9WFzCaZ

• http://www.noahorphans.org.za/
• http://www.heartsofhope.org.za/

TO NAME BUT A FEW,

Gauteng, on a personal level, is a great lesson how letting go of control breaks down pre-conceived ideas. Or better put, with an open heart and mind, possibilities open, conceiving a better idea (wow, that took a while!!!)
Thank you so much for reading this blog. Please feel free to add to it

Love

Sonja
072 308 8116

Sat 10^th July till Mon 19^th July Day 253 – Day 262:

Spending time with family and friends in Gauteng and my hometown of Eshowe: With some time for reflection.

With the world cup behind us, where shall our pride come from?

Pride. Not as in: having a too high opinion of oneself; arrogant, supercilious; not as in one of the seven deadly sins.

But pride. As in: gratified; feeling honoured; feeling satisfied or happy about a fact or event…………………………

For me, pride in South Africa and being proudly South African can be defined as:

Embracing our diversity, a step up from overcoming our diversity

So many people have assisted me with this embracing process, on this journey so far. Have inspired me, by simply existing. No one is more special than the next. Today two of these people spring to mind:

 * Simon, the simple preacher from Leseding. He went to the States recently. As he stood in central New York, it occurred to him how lucky we are to be South-Africans. That he did not feel misplaced amongst a backdrop of people of all colour and creed. He imagined being from a country with less diversity and how isolated and daunted he might have felt. It was a big-impact-moment for his soul………

 * And then there is Portia Mahange, whom I met whilst staying in a Knysna township. We were both there on a township tour: me from everywhere, and Portia from Soweto. Whilst explaining to Portia what this journey is all about, I casually (and in what I thought as a politically correct statement!?!?!?!?) mentioned that there are places in South Africa I won’t go to, like Orania ………Portia looked at me and equally casually mentions to me that I’m wrong. (A real jaw drop moment!!!!!!!) Then I ask her why? (I mean shouldn’t she be anti-Orania?). Portia explains that:

           “……. Well. you’ve decided to go on this journey of UBUNTU, so you have to keep an open  mind.   People of Orania are people of our country. Plus you’ll find lots of UBUNTU there, as they will have a strong sense of community……”

 Thank you Portia for reminding me to keep an open mind.

So, when you’re ‘not feeling it..............’, look around and ask someone for inspiration. Here are a few examples:

http://fredhatman.co.za/?p=3502

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shari-cohen/south-africa-rolls-out-th_b_611802.html

http://www.witnessthis.co.za/2009/02/18/proudly-south-african-video/

http://www.adin.co.za/

http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/

also see facebook groups:

• Sharing Our Ubuntu Legacy (SOUL)\
• #smashnegativityfriday
• The South Africa you don’t see
• Random Acts of Kindness

 Hope we all have a blessed and happy week filled with love

Sonja

Helllllllllllllllllo everybody,

Thank you for the continued support.

My thought for the day:

The first 6months of this UBUNTU journey, was an absolute breeze, with challenges, real challenges being few and far between. From then till about 2 weeks ago, there has been a slight shift in my perceptions of this journey.. Simply put: I was losing my MOJO periodically and was experiencing frustrations going along with that. Very frustrating in light of the amazing people met during this time. Real inspiring people and events. So, who am I to be losing sight of the vision???? ‘Well, cut yourself some slack: WELCOME……………you’re human, Sonja’ ……….haha.(yeah, on the road one talks to self a lot)

So, I’ve learnt to humble myself, to ask for food, to ask for somewhere to sleep……..BUT can I ask for emotional, spiritual guidance??? So, begins another part of the personal growth of this journey. And in the last 2 weeks I’ve come to understand, accept and appreciate just HOW connected we all are to one another. To accept that when one cannot give of oneself at a particular point in time, ask for help.

One ‘little’ person I had the pleasure to meet during my ‘dip’ in faith:

Her name is Whoo. She is 10years old. She’s beautiful. She’s bountiful. She’s healthy-looking. She’s HIV positive. She cooks (and told her mom to concern herself with the garden). She bakes. She cleans. She sews. She’s in charge of her own medication. Oh, and she’s a motivator. She’s been motivating other HIV positive children since she was 5 years old. Telling them, and showing by example, that being HIV does not have to be a death sentence. Her capacity to love and give far exceeds that of most adults. And she’s lovely. And she’s brave. The school she attends is: http://www.mortlock.info/vhutshilo/vhutshilo-mountain-school.htm

Mon 28^th June till Wed 30^th June Day 241- Day 243: Phiphidi

ACTIVITIES: trying to learn some Venda; trying to learn to make pap in a Tshitanga- a traditional kitchen room with a fire; laughing

TRANSPORT: foot; Nkumi pays my bus fares and what a jolly bunch to be commuting with

FOOD: pap and gravy; and a braai in honour of having me as a guest- DELISCIOUS; padkos for the road

ACCOMMODATION: with Nkumi Tshivhase (related to King Tshivhase) and her family, the Dama Family in their home at Phiphidi (nr Sibasa)

UBUNTU: when an elder of the village, Alpheus, comes to introduce himself to me: welcoming me to the village, informing me that I will be well taken care of and that my safety is assured. In my mind, the villagers view me as an extension of themselves. Lovely to be here

Wed 30^th June till Fri 2^nd July Day 243 - Day 245: Mbokota

ACTIVITIES: donning a Xibelani skirt (designed to make one’s bum look bigger- YES, does my bum look big in this??????????) and trying to shake my to bum for a Xibelani dance http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xibelani_dance; playing soccer with 50-70 year old ladies in dresses!!!

TRANSPORT: bus; foot; 2 x lifts; foot………walked +-20km to get to Mbokota

FOOD: pap and sour pap; chicken; excellent bean salads; homegrown and roasted peanuts; magwenya (vetkoek!!);

ACCOMMODATION: with Fambisa Maluleke and Family in Mbokota village. (between Elim and Giyani) My first stay with a Shangaan (Tsonga) family and loving it!!!

UBUNTU:

• A womans’ empowerment project started by women of the village in 1983! Beautiful textiles, beadwork and embroidery http://www.openafrica.org/participant/twananani-textile
• The Mbokota Pure Holy Boys Choir’s song protesting against abuse towards women and children. http://www.zoutnet.co.za/details.asp?StoNum=780
• Then the pleasure of seeing ‘mature’ (aged from 50’s well into 70’s!) ladies playing soccer to lower high blood pressure and reduce occurrence of diabetes in their community. Inspiring the young ones to come and join them every morning at 7am

Fri 2^nd July till Tues 6^th July Day 245 - Day 249: Tzaneen

ACTIVITIES: sightseeing with the Bothas to all the natural and manmade wonders of the area; being spoilt with time out and relaxing; interview with the Bulletin newspaper; admiring Marnel’s art works!

TRANSPORT: The ladies at Twananani not only donated money for taxi fare, but also ‘ordered’ a young spaza shop owner to flag a taxi down for me (and to issue instructions as to my destination- all of this in the rain, with me undewr cover of his shop!); Marnel driving me everywhere my heart desires

FOOD: from pap dish to braai to sandwiches to free reign (range) of kitchen to scones on a tea plantation; lamb shanks etc

ACCOMMODATION: with the Botha family (Antoon&Marnel, Chris, Xander and Jessica) at Merensky High School

UBUNTU: Awesome to be reminded that as humans, we have the privelage and responsibilty to be the miders of all creautures: http://www.vervet.za.org/

Tues 6^th July till Sat 10^th July Day 249 – Day 253: Haenertsburg

ACTIVITIES: besides drinking coffee and meeting people, …………………..drinking coffee and meeting people! And drinking sherry and red wine. Haha and climbing a wall, and attending my first ever Rotary Club meeting; and being invited to a local tourism meeting; reading a book (in bed with the mists ‘on the mountain’ everywhere!!!!!!!!!going up mu nose- a local expression) and almost becoming a member of the library; oh, and meeting Charlie..........the dog. (see photo)

TRANSPORT: with Marnel to Haenertsburg; various locals picking me up and hosts Stewart and Linda

FOOD: ranging from avocado sandwiches, bacon butties, tongue and prawn curry. All very scrumptious! Oh, and Applegrange cheesestraws

ACCOMMODATION: with Stewart and Linda Miller on their tranquil farm, Applegrange Farm with fireplace, red wine and ALL their pets………x

UBUNTU:

• http://www.mountain-getaways.co.za/applegrange.html
• Oh, and falling in love with this village- the best kept secret in South-Africa!
• Development organisation: http://www.katleho.org/thusanang-trust/
• The Katleho Network, connecting passionate young adults in the United States with opportunities at established development organizations working in rural South Africa. http://www.katleho.org/

Next??? Gauteng……….till next update.

Thank you very much for following, for leading. For learning, for inspiring,

Sonja

skruse@24.com

072 308 8116

Hi everyone,

Hope you week is filled with laughter and fun

Fri 11^th June Day 224: Vaalwater Town

ACTIVITIES: drinking coffee with Peggy; blogging; getting to know Aaron and Jerusha; Braai and World Cup match!!!!!!!!!!!!

TRANSPORT: Peggy and foot

FOOD: Healthy muesli breakfast; milktart and yummy braai with pudding

ACCOMMODATION: with Aaron and Jerusha, the ‘young American couple, as introduced to me n\by Peggy

UBUNTU: well, have been meeting such incredible people in Vaalwater. One of them today was: Xan Labuschagne, founder of Xtreme Football Club http://www.xtremefc.org.za/ , where all members of the team (aged between 14and 21)are disadvantaged boys from the local township, Leseding, living in RDP houses or in shacks. These boys have grown from strength to strength, inspiring people around them. They are currently doing soccer workshops with younger boys in the Leseding Township. Sacrificing their own holiday in order to give back. Ahhhhhhhhh ;-)

Sat 12^th till Mon 14^th June Day 225- Day 227: Vaalwater- Leseding

ACTIVITIES: include learning more about the Pedi culture; going to Simon’s church;

TRANSPORT: on foot

FOOD: lunch of Cappuccino and a Garlic Roll!?!?!?!?!?! (thx to Chris Camera!) pap and chicken being staple foods in Simon’s household

ACCOMMODATION: with Simon and his family in Leseding Township. Simon is a very interesting young man with a bright future- studying Community Development through UNISA whilst actively involved in community upliftment. He’s also a preacher.

UBUNTU: Aaron and Jerusha, (with whom I stayed last night) are a couple from the greater Chicago/Milwaukee area that embarked on a journey to Lesideng, South Africa in conjunction with the Lesideng Soup Kitchen and their church, The Fringe Network. This is what they do: http://www.feedlesideng.com/

Mon 14^th June Day 227: Lephalale- Marapong

ACTIVITIES: hitching to Lephalale; meeting up with contacts I made through Peggy (Living Letters Church); catching up on writing;

TRANSPORT: hitched a lift with Alan whom needed a soundboard as much as I needed a lift! Wonderful to make connections with people, transferring a bit of whom we are over to one another. Also, taxi to Marapong paid for by Letta.

FOOD: Susanna of Living Letters Ministries shares her fruit salad with me; coffee and rusks; Pap and Wors with the most divine tomato relish- thanks Letta

ACCOMMODATION: in Marapong with Annetjie and sister Letta (Nthabiseng) and their father (whom is 92! And remembers when Ellisras consisted of just 2 families! The Ellises and the Erasmuses – hence Ellisras

UBUNTU: When my host family. Letta, husband, son and father’s house is too full to take me in, they don’t show me the door, instead, she finds me a room in her sister, Annetjie’s home! We are all connected!

Tue 15^th June till Thu 17^th June Day 228 – Day 230: Lephalale- Onverwacht

ACTIVITIES: Getting to know the Mabotja Family, new hosts, better; Youth Day Talent Show at the Living Letters Ministry

TRANSPORT: taxi with Letta (paid by her); Ivy Mabotja

FOOD: Food like fully cooked breakfasts; snackwiches; pap, Oxtail liver in Thai sauce, veggies etc

ACCOMMODATION: with the Mabotja Family: Ivy (one of the most lovable people I’ve encountered); Frans; Maureen; Katlego and several friends and family members. This is a household filled with love

UBUNTU: Ivy has a laundry cleaning Services Company and has helped many people who are desperate with employment and accommodating staff at their home.

Thu 17^th June Day 230: Lephalale -Farm

ACTIVITIES: writing; playing with goats, geese and calves on the farm

TRANSPORT: with Susanna and foot

FOOD: sandwiches, smoothies and ‘boerekos’- chicken curry with ‘boereboontjies’, carrots and salad…YUM

ACCOMMODATION: with Susanna Eckard and mom on farm outside Lephalale

UBUNTU: Susanna is working at Living Letters Ministries for no pay. She is doing this because this is what her heart is telling her to do. God has layed it on her heart to be of service in this manner

Fri 18^th June Day 231: Marken

ACTIVITIES: making my way to Marken today with our UBUNTU story! Various lifts and +- 15m walking (feel the need to walk! There are fewer things as blissful to my soul as this simple act of putting one foot in front of the other!); braai

TRANSPORT: lift with Susanna’s aunt, Ria; walk; lift with Barrie and Louise; lift with 3 guys- all named Rudy!

FOOD: breakfast include scones, braaipap; lunch of packed fruit; dinner of braai shared with me by staff of Shelanti (divine Cabbage salad recipe I must get my hands on!)

ACCOMMODATION: at Shelanti Lodge, with the staff in their accommodation. http://www.shelanti.co.za/. Barries Louise, Lizandri, Kelvin; Alex and staff looked after me, fed me

UBUNTU: when people make u-turns to see if they can help someone they don’t even know. It still takes my breath away every time

Sat 19^th June Day 232: Baltimore

ACTIVITIES: walk and walk and walk some more +- 15km

TRANSPORT: foot and 2 lifts

FOOD: breakfast of cereal and fruit for the road

ACCOMMODATION: took the night off

UBUNTU: Meals was supplied to me by Elna of Bosveld Skerm

Sun 20^th June Day 233: Tolwe

ACTIVITIES: walking in the direction of Tolwe

TRANSPORT: walked for +-25km today in some beautiful Bosveld landscape

FOOD: breakfast at Bosveld Skerm; some packed fruit; and full use of kitchen at Africa Sport Hunting Safaris

ACCOMMODATION: when I reached a point today where I felt: can I walk further? , I found a group of ladies sitting outside the gates of Africa Sport Hunting Safaris. I heard a small voice call out to me: ‘What’s wrong?’ Do I really look that tired? So, I asked why. And the response was: ‘You don’t look happy!’. Yip, I must really be looking tired. When the ladies heard that I was heading for Tolwe, they said that it is still 10km away, and they said I should take a taxi. ‘I can’t pay………….! I’m traveling with no money’. They offer to pay for my taxi. I tell them my story and explain that I also have nowhere to sleep tonight. Easy, they work at the lodge and they’re sure Chris will take me in. If not, I can stay with them in their quarters.   http://www.africasporthuntingsafaris.com/

UBUNTU: on the walk today I was feeling rather, and uncharacteristically, edgy and a little fatigued. But I managed to greet a man cycling (on his squeaky bicycle) in the opposite direction in a friendly and courteous manner. Smiling, even. About a km on, I hear a whistling, calling, a hello. Too tired to turn around, I obstinately continue on my path. Eventually I hear the squeaking bicycle. Turning around, I see the man holding up a colorful item in his hand. I recognize it. It’s the beanie I walked past earlier, lying at the side of the road, lost and forgotten. I remember thinking that it could be quite useful to take and use it. But then, it would be a)another thing to carry along b) another thing to clean and c) someone else could need it more. So I left it there. Now, I’m faced with it again. Reaching out to me in the hands of a stranger. You dropped this! Thank you but it is not mine. Thank you for this random act of kindness; For adding 2km to your journey in the heat of the day- embarrassing me because of my obstinacy. Humbling

Mon 21^st June Day 234: Berggerecht Village- Pedi Trust Land

ACTIVITIES: walking; staying in a rural Pedi village

TRANSPORT: dropped off in Eldorado (Pedi Trust land); walking +-15km; lift to Berggerecht with the Matlou Family

FOOD: Cereal; the ladies at Africa Sport Hunting Safaris insisted on packing me a lunchbox (almost the size of my backpack itself!); Pap, marogo and Impala braaied meat and home grown watermelons

ACCOMMODATION: with the Matlou family in Berggerecht village with the Blouberg Mountian as view. We have interesting conversations about the differences in cultures and I’m asked a lot of questions about how white South-Africans live and what we eat. This is such a peaceful, loving villiage, where one of the elders come and welcomes me and assures me of my safety in their community. And should I need anything, I just need to ask the Matlou family, and my needs will be catered for

UBUNTU: 14-year old Sandra, visiting her granny working at Africa Sport Hunting Safaris, was the little voice concerned for this stranger looking bedraggled at the roadside yesterday. She has taken me under her wing and takes my phone number to keep track of me. She has such a beautiful, open, loving soul. Adults can learn much from the younger generations. She also gives me R10 (a HUGE deal for a 14-year old!) and I’m speechless and teary eyed when we part. (Phineus- a fully grown (large in body and presence) Venda man also has tears in his eyes. He also gives me money for a taxi. Did I mention that he speaks all of our 11 official languages???). also check out http://www.africasporthuntingsafaris.com/ASHS_Community.asp

Tue 22^nd till Thu 24^th June Day 235 – Day 237: Louis Trichard/ Makhado

ACTIVITIES: walking; writing; local radio interview and Zoutpansberger (local paper interview

TRANSPORT: walked +- 15km today; lift with a Belinda Raphalo and family, (upon hearing that I have no money pay for a taxi for me to Vivo) ; various lifts to Loius Trichard / Makhado

FOOD: breakfast; snacks

ACCOMMODATION: at Villa Grande who sponsored my stay http://www.stayinsa.co.za/8301.htm

UBUNTU: …………when complete strangers offers one food, lifts and taxi fare. Not because one’s writing a book, but because it’s intrinsic to their nature

Also see: http://www.zoutpansberger.co.za/details.asp?StoNum=8338

Thu 24^th till Mon 28^thJune Day 237 – Day 241: Thohoyandou/Sibasa

ACTIVITIES: walking; meeting all the staff and learning about the TVEP; learning more about the Venda culture

TRANSPORT: walk and hitching a lift with ZC Pretorius (who not only goes on a detour to get me to destination, but also gives me a free tour of the area!); Fiona and Felicity; and foot

FOOD: well, at TVEP, Mike shares his lunch with me and Fiona and Felicity give me FULL reign of their kitchen…………..for the duration of my stay!

ACCOMMODATION: with Fiona and Felicity. Fiona Nicholson is the founder and current Programme Director of the TVEP.

UBUNTU: Are you curious yet about what TVEP is all about??? Follow the link:

http://www.tvep.org.za/ . (I was also given a demonstration of how the female condom works. It is more popular with the younger generation)

Thank you for reading about the love in South-Africa

Have a great week

Sonja

This journey, with every passing day, takes my breath away. It is a true blessing to be living at the mercy of my fellow South-Africans. Thank you for all the support

Wed 26^th May till Sat 29^th May – Day 208-Day 211: Centurion

ACTIVITIES: After the 5-day hike it was hard to resist a chance of taking a few days off sitting on a couch doing NOTHING! Oh, bar watching an entire season (24 episodes) of Greys Anatomy and at least 6 dvds!

TRANSPORT: couch surfing............!haha

FOOD: not only did I NOT help around the house, but I also did NO cooking whatsoever. My brother Eric and girlfriend Jaque, took care of that after a full day's work.......NOT ubuntu NOT ayoba!

ACCOMMODATION: with Eric and Jaque in Centurion

UBUNTU: Well, self UBUNTU more like it

Sun 30^th May Day 212: Bela Bela

ACTIVITIES:hitting the road; walking +-20km; watching the African sunset in the bush! Oh, and a 'spot' of buffalo spotting

TRANSPORT: Eric and JQ dropped me off in Brits and walked 20km various lifts inbetween

FOOD: fruit and nuts; tripe 'potjie' prepared by Afrikaans and English couple, Zak and Louise (see, Afrikaans and English South-Africans can work together............HAHAHAHA!)

ACCOMMODATION: a beautiful chalet with Zak and Louise of Sahu Safaris http://www.sahusafaris.com/

UBUNTU: (well, besides the usual where people give me lifts, throw their homes open to me, feed me etc) Was given a lift by Jonas, who took pity on me whilst on his way to the supermarket. He jkust quickly popped out to buy some goodies to prepare dinner that evening. When he heard my story, he decided to rather spend his money (only enough for a few ingredients) on petrol, in order for me to be further on my road and at a better hiking spot. Whilst we were at the petrol station he left the car. As I was waiting for him, I registered that he had received an sms. He had left me, a complete stranger, in his car with his cell phone lying there and the car keys in the ignition...................

Mon 31^st May Dy 213: Bela Bela

ACTIVITIES: getting to know hosts Zak, Louise and Jacques better. Watching the spectacular sunrise from their viewing deck; Louise sets up an interview with 'The Post' in Bela Bela. Meeting some more locals and some hunters coming in today

TRANSPORT: Zipping around in farm vehicle

FOOD: Fry up; Wimpy lunch; Braai (LOVE this country)

ACCOMMODATION: ditto- did I mention the beautiful views???

UBUNTU: Zak and Louise makes donations of game meat to charity whenever they can and are able.

Tues 1^st June Day 214: Bela Bela

ACTIVITIES:Catching up on writing.............!

TRANSPORT: going nowhere slowly........

FOOD: cereals, sandwhiches; kfc

ACCOMMODATION: ditto

UBUNTU: http://www.safariclubfoundation.org/content/index.cfm?action=view&content_ID=360  

Wed 2^nd June Day 215: Noodhulp Bela Bela

ACTIVITIES: Louise takes me on a tour of Bela Bela and surroundings. WOW

TRANSPORT: Loise and voetstoots walk to Noodhulp area from town

FOOD: Peanut butter oats; sandwiches and pizza

ACCOMMODATION: with Danie and Ria Smit in Noodhulp area.

UBUNTU:Danie and Ria are missionaries involved with various projects in surrounding rural communities. Projects involoving creches, feeding, clothing. They have also done outreach to Zimbabwe

Thur 3^rd June till Mon 7^th June Day 216- Day 220 :Modimolle

Danie and Ria give me a lift to Modimolle(Nylstroom) to introduce me to Violet whom they know through their missionary work. Her and her family are from Zimbabwe. She has 1 son (26) and 3 daughters (24;22;17). She is in South-Africa legally. She is a vendor that has her stall outside a take-away in Modimolle and everyone, I'm sure, knows her! She lives in town with the assistance of a member of her church

ACTIVITIES: resting (Violet insists that I sleep late and relax. I'm a guest and she has 3 daughters who can take care of me and the house!); township tour; meeting Petro- who is such an inspiration. She has turned her disability into an 'ability' as she sells her goodies on her table next to Violet

TRANSPORT: foot round town; and a few taxi rides(the one taxi hs seat covers, covered with vuvuzelas and soccer balls!)

FOOD: well, pap, rice, mince, chicken (in the Shona culture you have to have chicken as a meal at least once when you have a guest) coffee coffee sandwiches; salads, in short: every meal is a feast

ACCOMMODATION: one of the sisters moves into another sisters bed, so I can have a room and bed of my own!)

UBUNTU: Violet had a vision that she should help street people by preparing meals for them. She was unsure at first, thinking people might think what is this Zimbabwean lady doing feeding people???? But she followed her heart. Every Tues and Thurs she prepares and serves meals. When the concept of: 'it starts with you' takes shape, it's amazing how many people are then willing to jump on board and help. In no time, Jorrie from Meatrite was donating meat and others followed suit. Also, to see the love and support that exists amongst the members of Violet's church

Mon 7^th June till Fri 11^th June Day 220- Day 224: Vaalwater (Bulge River)

Upon leaving Violet and Modimolle behind, I decidedly feel like the open road. There is a meditation that happens on me when it's the natural wonders of our country and myself. It is where the EGO girl in me makes space for the SPIRIT girl in me. Where I feel how small the human race really is. BUT, alas, Cilna has different ideas! She picks me up and lifts me to Vaalwater. Where I try walk in the direction of a dirt road. Picked up and eventually I end at 'The Fold'.  http://www.thefold-sa.org/contact1.html And just as well. It's an orphanage being set up. I meet Harry, Peggy, Paul and Mickey. And it feels like I step into the arms of love. They take me in and under their wing, especially Peggy who connects me with so many UBUNTU stories and people. As if their own is not spectacular enough.

ACTIVITIES: trip to Laphalale where I meet Pastor Will and members of their congregation; trip to Welgevonden where I meet Sibusiso Vilane, http://www.sibusisovilane.com/ The 1^st black African to climb Everest, amongst some of his achievements; meeting missioners, Aaron and Jerusha from America; meet headmaster Jumbo Williams; Dapne; Juliette and too many people to mention

TRANSPORT: Peggy not only sets up appointments for me but also drives me there. At her own cost and taking time out of her busy schedule

FOOD: 3 delicious, hearty meals a day with plenty fruit and snacks in between

ACCOMMODATION: The first person to be taken it at the orphanage      

UBUNTU: orphanage; Sibusiso Vilane-his giving back; the Vaalwater Academy of Kids for Kids project; all the missionary work in Leseding and skills developement projects. There are so many UBUNTU stories in this area, it might warrant a book of it's own!!!!

Thank you for reading. Hope this post finds everyone surrounded with love and joy

Love,

Sonja

Warm UBUNTU greetings. Welcome back!!! Hope you are all keeping in good spirit.

Apologies for the delay with this update. The intention was not to have you biting at the chomp. Sometimes it’s more about the experience than the recording thereof. So, here is a shortened recollection of the past 3 weeks.

Sun 2^nd till Tues 4^thMay Day 184-185: Lichtenburg

ACTIVITIES:  Had my first real breakdown of the trip during the past week: Mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically challenged. Think it had something to do with reaching the 6-month mark (in my mind the ½ way mark). So, taking a re-group time out

TRANSPORT: hiking to Lichtenburg

MEALS: courtesy Lakeside B&B www.lakesideguesthouse.co.za

 ACCOMMODATION: www.lakesideguesthouse.co.za

UBUNTU:  People in this country will open their homes and hearts to someone following their dream. 95% of people along the way want this book to succeed. Not only as co-authors, but as people who believe in this country, despite our negative media

Tue 4^th May Day 186: Ottoshoop

TRANSPORT: Was hiking towards Zeerust when picked up by Petrus Terblanche (No relation to ET! Haha) who suggests Ottoshoop because of the interesting people there

ACTIVITIES: A guided tour (thanks Petrus) of Molopo Eye, Ottoshoop.

MEALS: Breakfast and padkos from Lakeside B&B; Tannie Catey makes a DIVINE soup (oh, and I had a ‘Gat Special’ shooter at ‘Die Gat’ in Ottoshoop

ACCOMMODATION: Tannie Catey Ottoshoop

UBUNTU: the pride that we as South-Africans take in our country and the willingness to share this with others. Thank you Petrus (for sharing the beauty of your corner of our beautiful country)

Wed 5^th till Sat 8^th May Day 187-190: Lichtenburg

ACTIVITIES: radio interviews with Petrus and ‘Die Vonkel  Vrou’ Estelle- Licthenburg;  tours of: Bakerville, an old Mill, wondergat and many more sights. Thank you Petrus

TRANSPORT: Petrus

MEALS: Noelene is a fantastic chef. Can’t wait for her cook book! Yummy

ACCOMMODATION: With Petrus and Noeline Tereblanche (family 92!)

UBUNTU:  Watching the working relationship between Petrus and his staff. One day one of the guys got fed wup with

Sat 8^th May Day 190: Enzelsberg

TRANSPORT: lift to Enzelsberg with Pieter van Deventer

ACTIVITIES: Hearding cattle; firing my fist firearm (Glock 19); climbing a tower (not saying which tower or whether it was authorized!-not incriminating myself!)

MEALS: Breakfast; plenty of snacking and braai

ACCOMMODATION: with the Van Deventers on Mooisig Boerdery (family 93!)

Sun 9^th till Tue 11^th May Day 191-193: Potchefstroom

ACTIVITIES: Hiking on farm

TRANSPORT: Lift with Pieter van Deventer

MEALS: Big farm BRUNCH including braai leftovers; student grub

ACCOMMODATION: Rapie and Pieter- Potch students (number 94!)

UBUNTU: learning more about TICS in Potchefstroom. And their involvement in community work www.hispeople.co.za/hopeagain.html

Tues 11^th May Day 193: Lichtenburg

ACTIVITIES: Families 92/93 are friends and a package deal! (The Tereblances and van Deventers). They are reluctant to see me go. Have taken responsibility for me and will ensure my safe delivery to Groot-Marico (which they suggest is a better place for the UBUNTU journey)

TRANSPORT: Pieter

MEALS: student food (???) and curry with Family 92/93/94!!!! haha

ACCOMMODATION: back with Petrus and Noelene. I’m the luckiest girl in this country. Will have family all over RSA!

UBUNTU: South-Africans everywhere I’ve been have embraced me as a member of their families! An honored and valued member

Wed 12^th May Day 194: Enzelsberg

ACTIVITIES: inoculated cattle today. Anything is possible!

TRANSPORT: farm vehicle

MEALS: braai

ACCOMMODATION: Mooisig Boerdery

Thur 13^th till Wed 19^th May Day 195- 201: Groot-Marico

TRANSPORT: Lift to centre of Groot-Marico; foot and various pick-ups by locals during my week there

ACTIVITIES: canoeing on the Groot0Marico; Yoga; a Book Club meeting (where no books were discussed, yet whisky-pickled-home-grown grapes were consumed!!!); meeting a lady that lives in a barn; jamming in a drumming session; morning labyrinth meditation walk etc etc etc  etc etc etc HEY! PLEASE DON’T MINE THIS TOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MEALS:  spoilt rotten by ‘A Twist of Lime’ –officially my favorite restaurant! Thank you Loise, Jen, Sasha and Jessica! All hosts also spoilt me rotten. Even non-hosts: Kalahari and I ‘broke pap’ as opposed to breaking bread together. Jeannie offered me breakfast on the run (elaborate Turkish styled at that!) PLENTY PLENTY PLENTY of coffee everywhere! Thank you

ACCOMMODATION:  1)With Angela and Robbie in town; 2) with Jacques at River Still Farm www.riverstill.co.za 3)with Kidibone (Joyce) and family in township 4) with Louise Smith and family in town

UBUNTU: As an outsider it’s interesting to see how the community pulls together when life as they know it (and their water supply!) is threatened.  African Nickel Limited, an Exploration Company, met fierce opposition, in its bid to secure prospecting rights in the Marico District, North West Province. Over 200 farmers and concerned residents attended the meeting:  www.grootmarico.com/groot-marico-campaign.php

Wed 19^th May Day 201: Tlokweni

TRANSPORT:  hiked to Tlokweni (Silver Krantz)

ACTIVITIES: a send off brunch at ‘A twist of Lime’ where my heart sinks into my little toe at leaving these friends behind- can’t wait to see them all again)

MEALS: BEST strawberry scones ever; padkos of fruits and nuts; dinner served in my room at Lodge

ACCOMMODATION: Groot-Marico advises me to look for Father Noel in Tlokweni, as he is an angel and essential for me to meet. When I phone he is in JHB but arranges for me to be collected by his right hand man, Peter. It’s decided that I should stay at Rametsi Lodge at the expense of Father Noel himself! I have not even met this Roman Catholic Angel/Priest and already I’m thanking him

UBUNTU: The hospitality of South-Africans! One can become a local within 1week of visiting a community

Thu 20^th till Tues 25^th May Day 202-207: 5day hike Madikwe Game Reserve – Pilanesberg Game Reserve

ACTIVITIES: HIKE HIKE HIKE HIKE HIKE HIKE HIKE Father Noel is booked in on an organized

TRANSPORT: HIKE HIKE HIKE HIKE HIKE HIKE HIKE HIKE HIKE!!!!!!!!!!!! (after transporting to start with Father Noel)

MEALS: cereals; coffee; tea; sandwiches; boerewors rolls; wildebeest; pap. Wonderful bush cuisine

ACCOMMODATION: At short notice Father Noel has enlisted the help of Father Josef and wife Georgina. So, a tent, mattress, sleeping bag, blanket, water bottle and chair found its way to me!!!!!! But we decide to sleep under the stars and ON the tent instead haha

UBUNTU: The Department of Agriculture Conservation Environment and Tourism, the North West Parks and Tourism Board, the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, the Central District Municipality, the Moses Kotane Local Municipality and the Zeerust Local Municipalities have committed to the project and have undertaken to jointly facilitate the development of the Heritage Park Project. The objective of this Heritage Park Expansion Plan (Plan) is to pro-actively facilitate the natural expansion of Madikwe Game Reserve (MGR) and Pilanesberg National Park (PNP) to the benefit of all stakeholders with the ultimate aim of becoming a meaningful Nature-based Tourism Anchor in a bigger wildlife area, eventually incorporating MGR and PNP with each other to form the conceived HP (Heritage Park) of some 250000 ha

As always, thank you very much for reading the UBUNTU blog; for being part of the journey; for loving and laughing; for believing

Hope you having an awesome weekend

Sonja

x

WELL, Fri the 30^th of April was the 6month mark and my cup overfloweth…….Thank you South-Africa for the open hearts, open minds and open homes. We are all connected

Sat 17^th Apr Day 169 till Mon 19^th Apr Day 172: Kroonstad

ACTIVITIES: Writing blogging and catching up on ADMIN; braai; walking; watching movies

TRANSPORT: foot

MEALS: looked after by all the staff at The Elizabeth. GOURMET GOURMET
ACCOMMODATION: Supplied by owner (and now friend- Janine) in order for the UBUNTU girl to catch up on paperwork; writing

UBUNTU: More self-UBUNTU than anything else; Being invited to Maria (a staff members’) birthday tea- including chocolate cake YUMMMMMMY; braai with guests and staff on my last night.

Tue 20^th Apr Day 172: Leeudoringstad

ACTIVITIES: On the road again; meeting locals and host family; church cell group meeting

TRANSPORT: hitch with truck to Bothaville; lift with Natasha in Landie (with her 2 dogs as well)

MEALS: Bacon ‘buttie’; lentil soup- Tannie Sankies and homemade bread; delicious home cooked dinner

ACCOMMODATION: With Dirk and Sankies Niesing. Own room

UBUNTU: Meeting Sankies friends at their cell meeting and seeing how they all scurry around to help a friend with a lift; praying for their friends, community and for our leaders

Wed 21^st Apr Day 173: Leeudoringstad

ACTIVITIES: Walking and exploring the area; taking some pics; being introduced to everyone by Tannie Sankies; off to library to meet a fellow KZN’er!; braai at church

TRANSPORT: Sankies is putting me to shame! She’s faster than The Road Runner!!! I seriously can’t keep up with this grandmother!

MEALS: homemade muesli and rusks; bean soup; braai at church
ACCOMMODATION: Ditto

UBUNTU: The church is actively involved in the community. They are considering approving a donation to one of the other churches, in order to assist in completing their building renovations

Thu 22^nd Apr Day 174: Leeudoringstad

ACTIVITIES: being ‘walked’ away by Tannie Sankies again!!!! Meeting new host family; visiting with their friends (20people arrived to meet the guest (ME!) to their area- VERY honoured

TRANSPORT: foot……….soon to be sore feet………HAHA

MEALS: cooked breakfast; sandwiched; mince, rice, veg & salad
ACCOMMODATION: with Maria, children Thandiwe, Ratabile and grandchild Umphile in township. Own room

UBUNTU: Rita, a friend of Tannie Sankies, and her cell group support 2 children in the township: two gorgeous boys whose parents passed away. They have a guardian who can take care of them, but no income. This cell group is assisting them to apply for grant money

Fri 23^rd Apr Day 175: Leeudoringstad

ACTIVITIES: meeting people and telling everyone my story (was so tired of hearing my own voice- was also exhausting! Haha need a PA!!! Anyone???)

TRANSPORT: lift to town from township; walk

MEALS: toasted polony; sandwiched; mince and pap YUMYUM
ACCOMMODATION: ditto

UBUNTU: watching how everyone in this community come together at the loss of a loved one. Everyone jumps in and helps with the preparations

Sat 24^th Apr Day 176: Wolmaranstad

ACTIVITIES: off to next town………; ‘kuier’ing with old friends! Well, ‘new’ ‘old’ friends met on this journey. I promised the Horn family of Wolmaranstad that I will return to their town, EVEN though, that was against the rules! But a promise is a promise and what a pleasure it was to return! Like coming home………..!; helping at wedding function

TRANSPORT: Rita from Leeukies insisted on giving me a lift even though she had family staying for the long weekend ;-)

MEALS: weet-bix; boerekos; wedding- picking on food
ACCOMMODATION: With Jaco, Ria and Rianhe (2) Horn in what is known as. ‘my’ room!

UBUNTU: FINALLY, I get a chance to say that I did some work for my food on this trip!!!!! Helped Ria with catering for a wedding (got some champagne out of the deal!)

Sun 25^th Apr Day 177: Wolmaranstad

ACTIVITIES: slept, couched, dvd’d ; relaxed..(has NOTHING to do with the champagne!)

TRANSPORT: Ria’s taxi!!! haha

MEALS: fried up breakfast; steak braai with Ria ‘s folks …………YUM

ACCOMMODATION: ‘my’ room

Mon 26^th Apr Day 178: Wolmaranstad

ACTIVITIES: Day outing to Potch

TRANSPORT: RIA!

MEALS: all meals

ACCOMMODATION: Ditto (was supposed to stay with one of Ria’s staff, but she said tomorrow!)

UBUNTU: sitting in a doctor’s waiting room watching people rally to accommodate parents arriving with twins

Tue 27^th Apr Day 179: Wolmaranstad

ACTIVITIES: Being driven around in one’s pajamas from one farm to the next, oh and getting out and joining people for breakfast!; coffee with Barry and Neels

TRANSPORT: RIA!

MEALS: Bacon and eggs; sandwiches; vetkoek

ACCOMMODATION: This time I got packed and we even drove there, just one more block to go………Jaco and Ria kidnaps me back home!

UBUNTU: The amount of people prepared to help with this journey and wanting to see it succeed!

Wed 28^th Apr Day 180: Klerksdorp

ACTIVITIES: sitting as a hair model for student, Hettie; my first movie on the big screen! on the trip (nogal an Afrikaans movie!!!!)

TRANSPORT: lift with Hettie

MEALS: 3 meals from sandwiches to woollies ready meal in the movies!

ACCOMMODATION: with Hettie in her student’s flat!

UBUNTU: Learning about: www.auruminstitute.org/about.php

Thu 29^th Apr Day 181: Klerksdorp

ACTIVITIES: meeting new host family; walking around meeting people

TRANSPORT: lift with Hettie; foot and taxi (happen to have R8 for the taxi fare!)

MEALS: from cereal to McDonalds, to pap and livers! (politely declined an offering of ‘runaways’- chicken legs roasted – I RAN AWAY from the ‘runaways’!!!)

ACCOMMODATION: with Maggie and her family in there shack in township, Jouberton Ext 10

UBUNTU: The essence of UBUNTU is: People are People through People. I met Maggie through her boss Georgia (of McDonalds- Klerksdorp). I knew ‘of’ Georgia through her sister, Antoinette Brand whom I met through Maree (whom I stayed with at Paradise beach on the West Coast!). We are all connected!

Fri 30^th Apr Day 182: Klerksdorp

ACTIVITIES: walking to town; interview with the local paper, The Rekord; ‘kuier’ing with Maggie’s friends

TRANSPORT: foot and taxi

MEALS: McDonalds and pap and Chicken Stew

ACCOMMODATION: ditto

UBUNTU: Klerksdorp Rekord journalist, Tanya Roos, paid for me to use internet; that led to Domino effect extra time sponsored by the internet café!

Sat 1^st may Day 183: Ventersdorp

ACTIVITIES: hitting the road again; meeting new people; walking all over Ventersdorp and township; attending a wedding (ad hoc style!)

TRANSPORT: foot; hitched with Oom Apie; foot foot foot foot foot fooot

MEALS: today was spent walking and exploring and very little eating (lots of tea!)

ACCOMMODATION: with Johanna None

UBUNTU: A sense of approval and acceptance by all in the Ventersdorp Township; through all the extensions including Makwateng, Tshing, Losi and all the numbers. Being greeted with: “It’s nice to have a visitor like you in our home”

Hope you all have a fantastic week (apologies for any spellllllllling mistakes. The fact that the blog can be updated is entirely due to the generosity of people offering their computers, laptops and internet facilities to me. Time is valuable to them ;-) )

Thank you for reading

X

Sonja

Thu 1^st Apr till Mon 5^th Apr Day 146 till Day 157: Secunda

 The UBUNTU girl still on holiday! NO dedication under the unemployed!!!! Easter weekend with my oldest friend in the whole wide world, Shireen (we’ve been friends for 31 years!) and her friends and family

Tue 6^th Apr Day 158: Kestell

 ACTIVITIES: Hitting the road again today; meeting new host family

TRANSPORT: lift with friends to Harrismith; hitch with trucker to Kestell

MEALS: from breakfast in Secunda to lamb chops in Kestell

ACCOMMODATION: As I approach Kestell from the off ramp, I see a red car indicating to turn towards QwaQwa. The driver looks at me. I look at the driver. And our fates are thus sealed. Annette pulls over, hazards flashing, asking me whether my car has broken down; all the while looking at my backpack. I explain my mission and, needless to say, she offers me accommodation with her and family. Meet the ‘mad’ children: Carmen (13), Dominique (11) and Jacques (6) and husband Hennie

UBUNTU: Also meet Ching Ching, Hennie’s sister. She is here from Johannesburg managing a friend’s business whilst the friend is on holiday. Because ChingChing realizes that she might be in the same need as her frined one day. In essence, UBUNTU means that we are all connected!

Wed 7^th Apr Day 159: Kestell

 ACTIVITIES: Playing with the kids; eating easter eggs; a day trip to Bethlehem

TRANSPORT: foot and Annette

MEALS: 3 meals! Including a picnic on someone’s lawn

ACCOMMODATION: ditto

UBUNTU: Anette’s father-in-law gives me R5 to buy Zam-Buk! According to him I should not be attempting this journey without it- A true African cure for just about anything

Thu 8^th Apr Day 160: Kestell

 ACTIVITIES: fun in the sun with the kids; off to township and new family

TRANSPORT: foot and various locals, keen to have conversation

MEALS: from a cooked breakfast (fry up: bacon, eggs, fried tomato and banana) by 11yr old Dominique; to Phuleng’s special carrot and bean salad

ACCOMMODATION: With Phuleng Makoena and family in Tlholong Kestell – where Phuleng sleeps on cushions on the floor so I can sleep in her bed! The family include 22yr old Portia and her 2yr old cutie, Bonolo; Lehlonoholo (19) and Refilwe (10)

UBUNTU: My introduction to Phuleng was made by Tannie Lieze. Phuleng’s mother used to work with Lieze. And according to Lieze, Phuleng’s mom was a saviour to her during her difficult period of adjusting to small town life. Phuleng’s mom took care of Lieze, like she was her own child.

Fri 9^th Apr Day 161: Kestell

 ACTIVITIES: Meeting more locals; visiting library; visiting a rehab centre for furry creatures; having my washing done by Tannie Lieze

TRANSPORT: foot, locals and Tannie Lieze

MEALS: weetbix; sandwiches and yum yum chicken and pap!

ACCOMMODATION: ditto

UBUNTU: meeting a relative, Samuel, of the Makoenas, arriving in town for a funeral. We get chatting about Malema and Terre’Blanche, being the day of Terre’Blanche’s funeral. Samuel’s taxi broke down whilst driving here in the night. Whilst the taxi-driver was trying to establish what the problem is, Samuel engaged in conversation with a fellow passenger. The passenger was of the opinion that maybe all white people are like Terre’Blanche. Samuel disagreed, saying that people are not the same. Whilst they were chatting a vehicle stopped, offering to shine some light on the taxi, so the driver can see what’s cooking! When some traffic officers stop, the driver of the vehicle asks them to assist the taxi driver. They agree to help the taxi. Samuel turns to his fellow passenger and says: “Not all people are the same”. The driver of the vehicle was white

Sat 10^th Apr Day 162: Reitz

 ACTIVITIES: sad farewell and off to new town

TRANSPORT: hitched with 2 lifts to Reitz

MEALS: weetbix with the Makoenas; lunch and coffees compliments of LaventelHaan in Reitz (Dankie Elize); braai (including the best mussels I’ve ever had. Mussels in Reitz, Free-State???????????????????!!!!!!!!!) Thx Alberts

ACCOMMODATION: One of the lifts was with part-time farmer, full time system programmer, Dries Schulz. Invited to stay on farm with family. Meet wife, Tersia sn daughter, Carol-Mari

UBUNTU: Friends of the Shultz’s join us for braai. Linize teaches at a farm school. She tells of a young boy who grew up under difficult circumstances. There was not always food in the home, not always an adult to give the necessary care to him and siblings. At times he chewed bread and then fed it to his 1yr old brother. He has turned into a wonderful, successful young man.

Sun 11^th Apr Day 163: Lindley

 ACTIVITIES: morning coffee with Tannie Rina (also known as Tannie pophuis or Tannie Kaartjie- due to her hobbies); on the road again

TRANSPORT: walked; taxi ride to Lindley- paid for me by Thabo, young ANC member, when he heard about my story. He also advised me to contact Johan Colyn when I get to Lindley. UBUNTU- people are people through people

MEALS: breakfast and dinner with Johan and Joh-Mari

ACCOMMODATION: simply asked for directions to Johan Colyn’s house nd walked there. Walked into their yard and charmed the dog first! Ha-ha………! Johan and Joh-Mari invited me for a meal and offered me a bed

UBUNTU: Johan is actively involved in tourism in Lindley. Improving one’s environment to the benefit of all those around one, is not always recognized. My lesson from Johan is: Do it anyway, if you feel it is the right thing to do

Mon 12^th Apr Day 164: Lindley

ACTIVITIES: catching up on some writing; watching the world go by at the bakery; visiting Kestell High School where the fisrt (raised after the fisrt democratic elections) new South-African flag is housed

TRANSPORT: foot and lift from local farmer

MEALS: breakfast; lunch courtesy of Albert de Bakker (YUMMY food); Joh-Mari speciality- home-made pie and veg

ACCOMMODATION: ditto

UBUNTU: learn that one of the churches is running a job creation project in town

Tue 13^th Apr Day 165: Lindley

ACTIVITIES: off to townhip today; coffee at coffee shop in town on the house- THX!

TRANSPORT: picked up by Johannes, a friend of Joh-Mari, who has arranged for me to stay with the Tshabalala Family in the township

MEALS: coffee, fruit, cooked lunch and dinner (pap, chicken, veg and salad)

ACCOMMODATION: in my own room and bathroom with Simon & Malehlohonolo Tshabalala

UBUNTU: Johannes and Joh-Mari spent a lot on airtime to connect me with the Tshabalala family, for no personal gain

Wed 14^th Apr Day 166: Lindley

ACTIVITIES: cleaning; cooking; visit to local craft centre

TRANSPORT: foot foot foot (lekker!)

MEALS: cereal; baked fish, mash, veg and coleslaw- MADE BY ME!!!! For lunch and dinner

ACCOMMODATION: ditto

UBUNTU: the love and generosity showered on me during my visit to the craft centre. Local initiative to generate an income for these talented ladies

Thu 15^th Apr Day 167: Kroonstad

ACTIVITIES: on the road again………………!

TRANSPORT: lift to ‘hiking point’ by Simon. Hitch with Fanie to Kroonstad

MEALS: lunch at The Elizabeth

ACCOMMODATION: www.kroonstadaccommodation.co.za

UBUNTU: Realizing what a lucky girl I am! The families that I have sayed with (79, yes 79! at this stage!) are still in contact with me on a regular basis. One of them is Janine from Bloemfontein. She insisted that when I’m in Kroonstad, I must stay at her B&B at no cost to myself! She even wanted to fly me to Cape Town this weekend, seeing that she is there, and could not be joining me here!

Fri 16^th Apr Day 168: Kroonstad

ACTIVITIES: writing, blogging, admin’ing

TRANSPORT: foot

MEALS: the staff here are spoiling me rotten!

ACCOMMODATION: ditto

UBUNTU: Meeting Thembegile Dolo who is doing workshops for the Molteno Institute for Language and Literacy www.molteno.co.za