Melville Koppies remains in safe hands after AGM
Wendy Carstens thanked the plethora of volunteers who maintain and protect the nature reserve as Pieter-Dirk Uys entertained those in attendance.
The Melville Koppies Management Committee held their annual AGM with guest speaker Pieter-Dirk Uys who lived in Melville before he moved to Cape Town.
Fellow actor and regular donor Lynne Maree who lives alongside the Koppies chatted with Uys to an enthralled crowd as the two reminisced over their shared love for the area. They also laughed and enjoyed remembering shared adventures throughout their friendship. “Despite living nearby, this is my first visit to this amazing space where the community dedicate so much time and effort to looking after it,” said Uys.
He was particularly impressed with the heritage site where a 1 000-year-old iron-smelting furnace and tools are preserved.
The nature reserve was formally constituted in 1959 and continues to be a treasure in the bustling city for nature lovers and conservationists.
Chair, Wendy Carstens gave an overview of the history of the area while outlining recent improvements such as the new history board and memorial benches.
Conservation is never-ending when managing a living space, a task that absorbs most of the volunteer’s time and associated expenses. “Management of vegetation, weeding, plant care and infrastructure is vital,” said Carstens.
She said aside from those on the committee, there was a plethora of volunteers who got ‘stuck in to help with all sorts of jobs’. “You are the unsung heroes that we could not manage without.”
There is a full-time conservation team that tackles infestations, spot burning, pruning, general upkeep and litter collection.
This work, security and maintenance are largely funded by donations and guided tours of the Koppies by school children, families or students studying related degrees from nearby universities.
She also thanked Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo for their support and ad hoc assistance with patrols, horticulture work and infrastructure maintenance.
Carstens will continue in her role leading the committee and thanked them for their ‘tireless work over the last 12 months’.
“We need R22 000 per month for expenses which we have been struggling to afford. We ask everyone to please share the word about this green jewel in the city to encourage more visitors. To our donors, we truly cannot thank you enough for your support and assistance. Without you, we could not protect this special place.”
A special 8km, three-hour guided hike of the Koppies will be held on September 24 at 08:30. The cost of a ticket is R90 for adults and R50 for under 18s. “Come and enjoy the best the reserve has to offer, but you must be fit to really enjoy the walk,” concluded Carstens.
To learn more, visit www.mk.org.za or email wendavid@mweb.co.za
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