Weeding with love at Melville Koppies
The Koppies needs R22 000 a month to pay the conservation team.
The rainy season brings joyous flowers, lush green grass and new growth.
But it also makes invasive weeds, like blackjacks, khakibos and myriads of others flourish.
Right now, they’re multiplying right across Melville Koppies and threatening to throttle the indigenous plants.
If it wasn’t for a team of dedicated conservation workers Clement Ndlovu, Best Ndlovu and Lucky Mdluli, who work every day, five days a week, and Joseph Kasonga who works one day a week, Melville Koppies wouldn’t be the indigenous gem that it is.
Managed by Friends of Melville Koppies chair Wendy Carstens (who can also be seen weeding every morning on Melville Koppies East), they struggle to keep the weeds at bay in summer.
“Such is their focus on weeds that Clement says he now battles to walk on any pavement without wanting to pull out weeds,” said Wendy.
“Every time you come and hike on Melville Koppies Central on a Sunday, your R80 (R40 for children) not only allows you to enjoy the beauty of the Koppies, but it also supports the families of Clement, Best, Lucky and Joseph.
“We need to raise R22 000 per month to pay their wages, so keep on coming and tell your friends about us.”
Visit Melville Koppies Central (Nature Reserve and Heritage Site) every Sunday from 08:00 to 11:30.
No need to pre-book. Adults R80, children R40; season ticket for a year per adult is R500 (not transferable).
Security on the Koppies is provided. Park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park in Judith Road, Emmarentia.
Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za to find out more. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see.
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