Hangout Haenertsburg – Explore on your doorstep

Rescue effort gives endangered Cape Parrot a 2nd chance

The Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus), South Africa’s only indigenous parrot species, remains under threat due to the destruction and degradation of its natural forest habitat.

The Cape Parrot Project, established by Dr Steve Boyed in 2009, works to safeguard the species by partnering with communities to restore forest habitats critical to the birds’ survival.

Recently, the project responded to reports of an injured Cape Parrot in George’s Valley. The team travelled to the area, where they found an adult male bird hiding under a bus, unable to escape. He was rescued and transported to a rehabilitation facility, where they nnamed Scotini.
On arrival, Scotini was underweight and unable to fly. After several days of supportive care, including tube feeding, he began to regain weight. His inability to fly, however, persisted, prompting further examination. X-rays revealed a fractured wing.

Scotini tested negative for Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), a serious viral condition affecting parrots. He subsequently underwent surgery to repair the fracture, during which veterinarians inserted a pin to stabilise the bone.
The pin is expected to remain in place for approximately six weeks while the wing heals. In the meantime, Scotini is receiving physiotherapy to restore movement and rebuild strength.
Once he has fully recovered and is able to fly again, Scotini will be released back to the farm where he was found.

H’burg: Explore on your doorstep

Maretha Swanepoel

For a relatively small town, Haenertsburg has a lot to offer visitors.
Polokwane Observer compiled a list of things to do in Haenertsburg and Magoebaskloof.
• Enjoy the Haenertsburg Food and Wine Festival in April.
• Have a beer or gin and tonic at Zwakala Breweries.
• Book a picnic for you and a loved one at Sequoia Garden Retreat, Cheerio Gardens or Debengeni Falls.
• Go white-water tubing, Kloofing, abseiling or ziplining at the Canopy Tours at Magoebaskloof.
• Take a bike ride in the Misty Mountain Meanders or hike in various locations like the Louis Changuion Trail.
• Go birding or mountain bike riding in the Woodbush Forest Reserve, at the heart of Magoebaskloof Valley, where you can see the Cape Parrot.
• Relax with catch and release trout fishing.
• Have a tour at the Thomac Essential Oils distillery.
• Do some mushroom gathering at Otterholt Farm.
• Enjoy pottery classes at House of Art/Earth Creations Pottery.
• Visit the Long Tom Monument and the Haenertsburg Graveyard.
• Stroll through the arboretum and look at the various trees.
• Visit Wegraakbosch Organic Farm to learn more about cheese.
• Go blueberry picking at Blueberry Heights Farm (December – February).

Zwakala: Where friends and family gather

Maretha Swanepoel

Zwakala means come closer, and by offering a brewery where you can relax, a wedding venue and a river retreat, the owners manage to get people closer to each other.
The Zwakala River Retreat is located on the family farm, high up in the Magoebaskloof Mountains. This piece of paradise welcomes readers to gather together to celebrate the best things in life. The long tables, tilled with divine dishes, are surrounded by laughter, music and wine. With hugs and meaningful conversation, people connect to each other and form long-lasting friendships.

Mina’s Farm Venue is the perfect space for couples to have wedding celebrations by using the natural surroundings and the charming rustic venue as their canvas. At Mina’s, you can create your own unique wedding with a meaningful wedding weekend.

With over 15 years of experience, Mina’s wedding coordinator will guide you every step of the way, and the rest of the team is ready to assist you in the process. The in-house florist and stylist brings your vision to life with wild, seasonal blooms and thoughtful details.
Every corner at Mina’s holds character and charm, and every view begs to be remembered. Whether it’s your wedding, an intimate celebration with family and friends, Mina’s is about connection – to nature, to each other, and to the moment.
Zwakala Brewery is known for its delicious food and a variety of craft beer, gin and tonic on tap. Each batch of beer is handcrafted with no unnatural products in the brewing process.
With its enormous windows that overlook the mountains and lots of outdoor space with a magical playground for the children, you can come and relax with friends in a tranquil environment.
Apart from the playground for children, there is also a variety of outdoor games like the life-size Jenga, badminton and corn hole, fun for both adults and children.

EVENTS IN HAENERTSBURG

Haenertsbrug offers a variety of events to suit everyone’s taste.
A Sunday at Pot ‘n Plow offers live music, good food and great company.
Live performanaces are free but you need to book to avoid disappointment. To book, send a WhatsApp to 074 059 0560.

Upcoming live shows:
• March 29: Doulton Gill.
• April 5: Mario Solo.
• April 12: Just Helgard.
• April 19: Will Jordan.
• May 3: Danny Shade.
• May 10: Not so Fast, Mister.
• May 17: Will Jordan.
• May 24: Juanne Steenkamp.

Events:
• April 4: Good Vibes Long Weekend with Jahworx.
• April 18: Fire, Fiddles and Folk-Rock and Roll in the Kloof with RAAF.
• April 24: It’s in the Blood Live and Unplugged with Ferg ’n son.
• May 22: Winter Fireside Rock ’n Blues with Jan Blohm.

Tee off for a great cause!

The inaugural Haenertsburg Howzit Golf Classic takes place on May 1 at the Haenertsburg Village Green from 09:00 to 18:30. The course is a rustic nine-hole Par 3, and there will be fun activities for players and non-players. Entry is R100 per player, and all proceeds go to the Haenertsburg Old Age Cottages
For sponsorships and queries, send a WhatsApp to 083 409 6683.

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