The beauty of Melville Koppies taken in at donated benches
A local family celebrates the legacy of their grandfather as they donate benches to one of his favourite places, the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve.
As a child, Riaan Janse van Rensburg experienced the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve through the eyes of his late grandfather, Helgard ‘Sporie’ Janse van Rensburg.
Sporie unwittingly instilled the appreciation he had of nature in his grandchildren through the many walks he would take them on at the heritage site. Now an adult, Riaan has made sure his grandfather’s love of nature can be experienced by many after he donated two park benches to the nature reserve.
It fills Riaan with great pride to be able to continue his grandfather’s legacy of loving nature, something he thinks Sporie would be proud of too. Riaan described how his grandfather’s home was located on Hill Street, which is not too far from the Melville Koppies entrance. “Every time I drive towards the koppies I pass the home whereas a little boy I would play at my grandparent’s house, and it is these fond memories that always lead me straight to the reserve.”
The idea to donate the benches came about after he had spoken to the chairperson of Friends of Melville Koppies, Wendy Carstens, and he thought two benches would be a great addition to the reserve.
Carstens then located two wonderful spots for the benches, which have memorial plaques in honour of Sporie. One overlooks a scenic Emmarentia. “This is a lovely spot for people who might just want to catch a breath or to just sit in reflection.”
The other is located where a furnace was excavated. In 1963, a 100-year-old furnace was uncovered, an event Sporie was there to see taking place.
Riaan hopes people show more support to places, much like the Koppies, as it has so much to offer, especially in current times where people spend a lot of time indoors. “As people are working hybrid and remotely, I think it is important to get out more and Melville Koppies is accessible with so much to offer.”
He thinks it to be important to get out – and the best part is that you do not have to drive for hours out of the city to get to something serene. It can be found on your doorstep.
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