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New spiritual landmark on horizon for Kirkwood
Kirkwood in the Eastern Cape – known for its citrus exports, kudu, game
farming and the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees - is planting what is believed to be
the country’s first spekboom labyrinth.
A
massive 750 square metre labyrinth (or maze) will be planted on
previously barren land in the grounds of the new Kirkwood traffic department
driving licence testing centre.
“Creating a labyrinth here not only beautifies the area and creates
employment opportunities, it also raises the profile of the value of the
spekboom,” says Johan Swart, founder of the South African Spekboom
Foundation.
The
spekboom, which is indigenous to the Sunday’s River Valley, has been noted
worldwide for its enormous carbon storing abilities to offset global carbon
emissions.
Former Cape Town landscaper, Richard Morris, who now calls the serene
Sunday’s River Valley home, will design and implement the labyrinth.
“The
spekboom only flowers in arid areas, so visitors will have a unique and
beautiful experience of this amazing plant when it blooms,” says Morris.
The
labyrinth will include other water-wise plants and succulents, such as aloes
and pig’s ear.
The
labyrinth is one of six public labyrinths in the Eastern Cape, but will
possibly be the largest in the province, and the only one in the world
constructed of spekboom.
Labyrinths can be thought of as symbolic forms of pilgrimage as participants
walk the path towards a centre of salvation or enlightenment. For the
non-spiritual, labyrinths can also serve as pure entertainment or as a
calming exercise.
The
construction of the labyrinth began in March and will be open to the public
before the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees, which runs from July 1 to July 3 this
year.
It is
one of the top festivals in the country, attracting over 38 000 visitors
through its unique mix of stalls, activities and entertainment for the whole
family.
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WHEEL CHAIR HANDOVER ISIPHO AIDS PROJECT
PATERSON
LANGBOS COMMUNITY ADDO
Isipho Aids Trust
Founders of the Isipho Aids Trust, Sindiswa Bumana (left) and David Banesi
(right) with Kobus de Jager of the Land Bank. With them are Luphelo and
Akhona Smayilwe.
Aids Council
Pictured at the Absa Kirkwood Wildlife Festival annual meeting during which
R80 000 was contributed to charities in the Sundays River Valley are, from
the left, Nelly Ncoba from the Sundays River Municipality Aids Council, and
sponsor representatives Sheena Cassidy of Clover and Mandy Roets of South
African National Parks.
Valleihof
Margaret Walton of the Sundays River Valley Garden Club receives cheque on
behalf of the Valleihof Centre for the Aged from the Absa Kirkwood Wildlife
Festival. In 2007, the festival donated R80 000 to community projects in the
Sundays River Valley. With her are Willie Zastron (left) and Tienie
Schietekat of Absa.
Enqweba
The annual Absa Kirkwood Wildlife Festival is supporting the arts in the
Sundays River Valley through a R2 200 donation for the purchase of
traditional blankets for the Enqweba Xhosa men’s cultural group, which
represents the valley at many events. With the cheque are Patrick of
Enqweba and Willie Zastron (left) and Tienie Schietekat of Absa.
Libraries
At the hand-over of a cheque of R10 000 for Aged and partially sighted
members of Valencia and Moses Mabida Community by the Absa Kirkwood Wildlife
Festival. The money, which is part of an R80 000 donation to local community
organisations, will be used to purchase tapes and wheeled library units.
With the community members are Willie Zastron (left) and Tienie Schietekat
of Absa.
Sundays River
The Absa Kirkwood Wildlife Festival gave R20 000 to support projects by the
Sundays River Municipality. The funds will go towards bursaries for local
youngsters who will later work for the municipality, as well as the annual
World Aids Day activities by the council. In 2007, the festival committee
donated R80 000 to community projects in the Sundays River Valley.
Presenting a cheque to municipal representatives Kelelo Makgoka (inside
left) and Nelly Ncoba (inside right) are Willie Zastron (left) and Tienie
Schietekat of Absa.
Johan Swart
Absa Kirkwood Wildlife Festival committee chairperson Johan Swart speaking
at the annual public meeting of the organisation. |
