What’s on in and around Randfontein?

• Randfontein Bowling Club fun day
Randfontein Bowling Club will be hosting a Sunday fun day at its premises on February 4. The theme relates to Valentine’s Day and those interested are asked to dress to impress as Cupid might just reward them with a special prize. Braai packs will be available. The starting time is 10:30 for 11:00.

• Mellville Koppies is not just a ‘bit of grass’
‘I thought the Koppies was just a bit of grass’ said a recent visitor to Melville Koppies. Then she went on a guided tour. ‘Wow. I’ve learned so much. Melville Koppies is an amazing place with so many interesting stories about the plants, archaeology and history! I’ll be back with my friends.’ Book a guided tour on 079 532 0083, hike the 5km trail, or self-guide along the many trails. And maybe it will help you tick off one of those boxes for your New Year’s resolutions: Learn something new, get fit, get out into nature … open every Sunday morning, 08:00 to 11:30. Safe parking (opposite the Melville Koppies entrance) at Marks Park Sports Club, Judith Road, Emmarentia. Security on the Koppies provided. Adults R90, children under 18 R50. All funds are used to maintain the Koppies. More details: wendavid@mweb.co.za, www.mk.org.za, https://www.facebook.com/melvillekoppies.

• Calling all youngsters to a youth camp
The Myburgh Foundation is planning its annual youth camp and will be taking at least 20 young people from in and around Toekomsrus and Randfontein to Cape Town. This will be on June 13 this year and the foundation already kicked off its fundraising with hopes of attracting enough backing from locals, that will make the camp possible. The foundation, which is an NPO, is focused on rooting out social ills in the community, and the youth camp is also aimed at instilling good values and discipline among the youth. The organisation’s founder, Randy Christian, said he is confident that the camp will be a success. “We, therefore, encourage those parents who are interested to contact our youth co-ordinator, Cindy on 062 953 0232 for more details and bookings,” said Christian. He added that their mission is to encourage young people in their respective communities to become God-fearing and productive members of society.

• Get acquainted with your slithery neighbours
One of the most obvious positives of living within the West Rand is the abundance of nature close to residential neighbourhoods. Be that in the form of a green belt, a veld, or a community park. Not to mention the district also consists of smallholdings and new housing developments within agricultural holding areas. While the proximity to nature holds many lifestyle benefits for residents, it also puts you at a higher risk of crossing paths with the local wildlife. At this time of the year, snakes are quite active in the area. The warm weather results in increased prey like mice, rats, and frogs, while high rainfall forces fossorial species to the surface, resulting in more – and often catastrophic – contact with people. Common snake species range from the completely harmless Brown House Snake and Brown Water Snake to the mildly venomous Red-Lipped Herald. Also common are the highly venomous Puff Adder, Snouted Cobra, Night Adder, Rinkhals, and the Bibron’s Stiletto Snake. The African Snakebite Institute holds regular educational courses on common snakes, scorpions, and spider species at the Cradle Moon Lakeside Lodge in Muldersdrift. The next course on January 27 will cover snake, spider, and scorpion awareness, including basic biology, first aid for bites, as well as myths and superstitions regards these fascinating creatures. A light lunch is included in the course fees, and after lunch, the action kicks off. Those who fancy themselves brave enough will get the opportunity to handle some of the country’s most feared venomous snakes including a Puff Adder, a Snouted Cobra, and the notorious spitter, the Rinkhals. Course fees also include coffee, tea and refreshments.

Visit the ASI website, or email courses@asiorg.co.za for course fees and more information.