Friday 12 April 2024
I was fortunate on this trip to have a fuller team of people join me, as I’m usually one of a pair or alone, going to Zimbabwe on adventures. I was accompanied by Daniel (Tinus) Koekemoer’s’ brother, Neels. Neels has also after this trip availed himself to going on the trips more regularly. This will alleviate a great deal of pressure on our driver front. On the Bakkie we had Willem and Daleen Nel, our gracious host in Bulawayo’s (Willem and Caroline) parents. It was their first visit to Zimbabwe. Going on a holiday to see the grandkids and assist by getting wheels to Bulawayo for the deliveries. Thank you so much for the help.
Neels arrived in Malelane on Friday 12 April and spent the night with Linda and I in Malelane. Willem and Daleen joined us on Saturday morning when we packed the last odds and sods for the big adventure. We left Malelane at about 8 :00 and headed for Musina. We had an uneventful trip and made good time arriving in Musina just before dark. We had a good meal at the local Spur and spent the night at Baobab Cottages in Musina. The next morning, we were up early and after a quick stop at Aunty Hester’s we hit the border. Being Willem and Daleen’s first time at Beitbridge I assisted them on the SA side and Neels got the truck’s papers sorted. We were done in no time and headed for the Zim side where Robert, out faithful agent was waiting for the second phase of the border crossing. Robert got the bakkie done and I must commend the Officials on the Zimbabwe side of the border with their friendly faces which made the experience less stressful for our first timers. We then got the truck sorted and for the first time in a long time we were not x-rayed and got going on our way to Bulawayo.
The road to Bulawayo was mostly in good repair as one can see a lot of resurfacing had been completed. There was however some really bad patches. The first section when leaving Beit Bridge up to Mazunga was terrible, the stretch before, during and after Gwanda and the last 20 km before Bulawayo was not good either. We got to Bulawayo at about 16:00. We left Willem and Daleen ant the Nel residence and parked the truck for the evening where after we joined Willem and Cariline for dinner at their house. Neels and I spent the night at Coronation Cottages.
Monday 15 April 2024
Day one for us on the truck. We headed to the truck at 07:00 to load and depart on the trip. When we got to the warehouse there was an Interlink offloading and barring the entrance to the truck, so we had to wait for them to complete the offloading process before loading our own truck. Luckily, we had planned to append the night in Gweru, so there was no great rush. In Zimbabwe most of the loading happens by hand, so the crew offloading this link full of sugar took some time to offload. When they were done, the A-Team in the warehouse we loaded the truck, and we were on the way by 12:00. We left for Gweru and had a very peaceful trip, arriving early afternoon with Bruce, Aunty Babs and whole crowd of friendly faces. All very excited to see us. There was a lot of thanks and comments about the goods in the care parcels. Rickie from Huis Vergesig arrived and we off loaded the boxes for Huis in her Landie. The Boggies boxes were offloaded and distributed while we were talking. We then retired for the evening to the guest room, Neels and I had a small braai and a couple of beers. Bruce popped in to make sure we were settled and did not need anything. We were also reminded that there would only be water from 16:00 to 18:00 in the evening and from 07:00 to 09:00 in the morning.
Neels’s cousin and husband (Fred and Kotie Strauss) came to the flatlet to visit, and we had a good visit with Neels and the family reminiscing on old times and catching up on family gossip. A barrel of laughs and some insight for me. We were off to a warm comfortable bed by 21:00.
Tuesday 16 April 2024
Today we were headed to Chinhoyi and were to spend the night in Sunningdale with Johan Haasbroek. But before then, we had places to go and people to see. First stop was in Redcliff at Hurbert Lee. We arrived there a lot earlier than usual and were received by Carrol Ferreira, Shiela, Mr Wampach and whole crowd of others. The oldies jumped in and were assisting to offload the parcels. We received some “Love Letters” of thanks and good wishes. After a short visit we were off to Kwekwe to drop off at Lynbrook. Here we were met by Dee and Ken Connely. We offloaded and also met Mike Pearce, a donor visiting family in Kwekwe. Mike is from the UK. It was nice to meet a donor and being able for a donor to see how we operate. After the offloading we had some Mazoe and Brownies under the tree. Here we were thanked for the donations and goodies in the boxes. Even Aunty Cybil came out to see us. Always good to see her, she was telling us that she still drives herself and that wherever she goes there are people assisting her to get in and out of her vehicle. Amazing lady, still as independent as possible. I also got to see Roy, who has Cancer and I usually miss him as he must go for regular aggressive treatment in Harare. He looked good as what I had heard he was not doing well. He was around for a short while because he tires very quickly, Roy used to assist with the offloading and marking of the name lists.
Our next stop was in Kadoma at Westview. When we arrived, Chinky, Danie, Del and others were waiting for us. We offloaded and had a quick visit, all disappointed that we were not spending the night. Trying to alter out itinerary to sleep over. There were many thanks and gratefulness for the parcels. Many kind words for the donors and for what they receive. Their garden is coming on and all the seedlings have been planted, soon they will be able to rotate crops and have home grown fresh vegies. This should keep them busy enough to keep the mischief at bay.
From here we went to see Kendal in Chegutu and drop off at Greenway Trust. Kendal and the staff were eagerly awaiting on our arrival. None of the recipients came out as there was a big racket on the go, they were busy drilling a new borehole, their third and hopefully this one will have enough water as the others are basically dry. Kendal, being a farm girl predicted a very dry season as they did not receive much rain during the rainy season. We have noted on the trip there that the usual cash crops sold next to the road were less than what one usually sees. I hope it is not as bad and gloomy as predicted. This is the last thing needed in Zimbabwe at this stage.
The next stop was to be in Chinhoyi where we would spend the night. Johan and Heather were waiting for our arrival. We unpacked the boxes, lined them up and shortly after the people started to arrive, many thanks and hallo’s later, the boxes were leaving to be distributed. People here arrive to pick up parcels and drop off to those who cannot. The sense of community and caring for each other if still strong. We were then off to Johan’s house where we had a couple of cold ones and a braai in Slopey Ridge, where the slopeys live. The residents decided to name their “areas” in the home and apparently this is where the slopeys live, well we fit right in. Johan had arranged a spread of note for us and we ate like kings, properly spoilt. Thanks to all the ladies that supplied the side dishes. It is much appreciated; we all know Johan cannot cook. We sat on the veranda at Johan’s listening and watching the birds in the trees trying to identify them, was it not for the trucks constantly passing on the route to Harare or Kariba, it would have been so much quieter. The next morning, we were spoilt to a breakfast and hot coffee. “Dankie Johan vir die gasvryheid”. (Thank you, Johan for your hospitality in Slopey)
Wednesday 17 April 2024
With Neels at the wheel we headed for Harare. The road was busy, and one saw many trucks on this route towards Harare probably via Mutare to Mozambique. It seems that this is the preferred road for imports and exports from North via Kariba to Mozambique. John and Leonie had arranged for James and the crew to assist in the offload in Harare. This went as smooth as always and after we were off to Vit at Concrete Structures for a diesel donation. Without this constant donation, the fuel cost on this adventure would have been much higher as the price of diesel in Zim at this stage averaged at USD 1.60. Thank you for your generosity and kindness. We ran out of airtime and with no coms, we had to make a plan and get a top up. Caroline sent us some money via her bank, there was an issue and the only amount she was able so send was 5 ZIG. Not knowing what that meant I tried to convert it into data. This amounted to 80 mb, not even enough to send a message on Whatsapp. We then found a hawker on the side of the road selling airtime and did a proper data top up that could see us through to Bulawayo. It seemed that the data was either more expensive or it was running out faster than I remembered. After a top up we were off to drop in Marondera. Here we met Shiela Gibson, who took the boxes for delivery. she was telling us how grateful she was for the boxes and the contents. We could see that she still missed Mike who passed a year ago, Hannes’s old-time friend and family friend. Hereafter it was off to Rusape and Resthaven where we would spend the night. On arrival, all the oldies were waiting in the library with tea, coffee and snacks. Tony did the paperwork, Staff offloading, Roy supervising and the ladies arranging the tea. Roy was one ahead and had some beers in the fridge, so we cancelled the coffee and settled for a chibuli. Everyone was so glad to see us, and we visited for some time before parking the truck and settling into a cottage arranged by Shiela Foulis. Thanks, Shiela, for the efforts, its much appreciated. We then had a small braai at Roy Hoges place with his grandson who was visiting for the school holiday. We caught up with all the gossip in the home and had a very good meal. Thanks, Roy, for your hospitality and jokes as always. We then retired to the cottage where we found all the hot water worked off a gas heating system, and for the life of us we could not get this going, so we managed without the hot water spoils. We had a good sleep and were very comfortable.
Thursday 18 April 2024
We got up early, made a cup of coffee to go and were off to Mutare to drop off at Des and Sally Bekker’s warehouse. The drive there was very scenic as we got closer to Mutare and entered the Highlands, mountains and koppies with the trees growing into the balancing rocks, what a view. We arrived in Mutare with Simba and the team ready to offload, even on a public holiday, what a team. Here we have nothing to do, Des’s team gave us coffee and off loaded the parcels, reloaded the truck for the rest of the trip and loaded the empty boxes as always. A well-oiled machine. Thanks guys your commitment and work is much appreciated. Des and Sally were also here to greet, and it was so good to see you again. We will have to stay over next time for a proper catch-up. Then we were on the way again to Pioneer trust in Masvingo via the prestigious Birchenough Bridge that is breathtaking every time I pass there. To think, this was built in the 1930’s and the 3rd largest single arch bridge in the word at the time. We were received by Sister Connie and her team at Pioneer Trust. They offloaded and in no time, Mr. Jimmy Miller was also there to cart the boxes to the cottages. we were then ushered into the dining hall for dinner, which consisted of stuffed chicken breast, veggies and potato. After dinner we had the most divine creamy ice cream for dessert. The chef spoils us on every visit with her superb cooking. after our feast we went to town with Mr. Jimmy Miller to get some drinks for the evening. Connie put us up in the guest cottage where we had a hot shower and a good rest. As experience had taught me, we were prepared for the mosquito onslaught and sprayed to cottage with insect killer, that ensured a much quieter and restful evening than what we usually get in the summer months.
Friday 19 April 2024
As usual, Neels was up before me, and we got ready with a coffee to go in a flask and on the way to Zvishivane. We met Mike Timvios next to the road and dropped the four boxes for the oldies still there. From here we were off to Shurugwi via the Dyke and up the horrible road of the Boterekwa Wolfshall Pass. We were met by a congregation of happy faces, Martha Daily and the rest of the crew. Thanks for the warm welcome. We offloaded the boxes, reloaded the empties and went to see Granny Sugra who was watching prayers on TV in the lounge sitting in her wheelchair. She was in good spirits and still looks good for her age, we left her to her prayers. We had to get to Bullies while the sun was still shining and still needed to stop off at Boggies in Gweru for the empty boxes. Bruce was waiting and we loaded the empties and then headed to Bulawayo for some R&R before heading homeward. We got to Bulawayo and headed to Willem and Carolines for a hot shower and a Hearty meal, just to find out we were on the way to Hillside Bowls Club for a Bring and Braai. Neels. Willem, Oom Willie and I had some fun on the Greens playing some Old Mans Marbles. With some banter and good fun, and a couple of drinks, we had a wonderful evening with some of the local peeps and club members, thank all for a really good time. We were off to sleep early-ish and left the rest to their party. We retired to Coronation for the night.
Saturday 20 April 2024
We got together at Willem’s house to decide when we would return to Malelane and concluded that we would hit the road on Monday and take a day or two before the 2-day trip back South. I left Neels at Willems with the rest of the family and headed into Bullies to visit some of the oldies whom I was informed were very ill. First stop was at Norman and Bev Conway’s. Norman has suddenly lost some muscle use on the left. When I saw him, he was sitting in the lounge, walking stick, walker and wheelchair nearby, just in case Bev might need it. Norman showed me how he uses the good leg to assist the weaker one when needing to turn over in the bed. They are in relatively good spirits, but they are keeping their heads up and taking one day at a time. We had a little catch up on family stories and how getting old is not easy and you have to deal with life as it comes. Every day is a blessing.
Next stop was at Mpilo Central Hospital to see PJ Bakkes. He had some open wounds on his leg that would not heal due to long time Diabetes and the doctors decided to amputate the leg. PJ lost the other leg a few years back, this meant he would go into Edith Duly Fair Care facility as he will be needing special care. He has been staying in his own home until now. PJ was not feeling well and the change in his life would be huge to say the least. Up and until he was taken to hospital, he was driving himself around, now that was all in the past. At Edith Duly he will be well cared for and just hope he can adjust to the new environment. It was an emotionally taxing visit as PJ was at school with Hannes and is a part of our family. We had some laughs and some tears talking about the past, visiting hours had passed and I had overstayed my visit by about 30 minutes and when leaving, I got some death stares from the matron. I just hope PJ is mentally strong enough for the life changes to come.
My next visit was with Marie West. Marie had a stroke and now stays with her daughter. Marie used to be our contact person at Masonic Lodge in Bulawayo. Always with a smile and a joke, coming out of her flatlet with her walker to open the library for us to offload the boxes, writing in her notebook, what was dropped and marking it off very meticulously and keeping record. I called her Marie Ferrari. Now I see this mountainous spirited lady stuck in a bed. She took some time to realise who I was, we had a chat about Hannes and some odds and sods. Her daughter was sitting with us and as we talked, I thought she had fallen asleep, when Marie will suddenly giggle or make a comment, listening to every word we spoke, still sharp as a minora. I spent some time and had to move on, I gave her a BIG hug and kiss, wishing there was more I could do.
I headed to Caroline and Willems with a heavy heart, today was an emotional wreck for me and I needed to just be alone and still to reflect and find some sort of peace for myself before heading home. I spent the rest of Saturday and Sunday moping around with a heavy heart, we often hear of our oldies getting ill, injured and even passing away, being far makes it easier to deal with, but seeing the ones you have built a relationship learnt to love and see them go backwards and getting frailer with every visit, it becomes more real and weight heavy on me.
The rest of Saturday and Sunday we spent with Willem, Caroline and the kids just visiting and relaxing.
Monday 22 April 2024
We left Coronation Cottages at 05:30 and picked the truck up from the warehouse. We headed to Willem and Caroline’s where Oom Willem and Daleen were waiting. We loaded all our Katunda, said our thanks and goodbyes and left for the border at 06:00. Willem and Daleen had such a good time and vowed to do this more often, not so afraid of traveling to Bulawayo, its quite a lekker place to visit. At Gwanda I swopped places with Willem, and he got onto the truck with Neels while Daleen and I stopped at Makado ranch to drop the last parcel with Paxi Watson. Paxi will never change and tried with all her might to have us visit longer and even sleep over. We had the truck on the way and as always unsure on whet we would find at the border and thus in a bit of a hurry as the plan was to push through to Hoedspruit, if we could get there before dark. As we left to join the main road, we saw the truck coming down the road, great timing. We changed drivers again and Neels told me that we had lost the wind bubble on the top of the truck bin. It had a hole in it, and I think the wind must have got inside and it ripped off somewhere just after Gwanda. Not much we could have done to save it. we headed for the border and hoped for the best. The border crossing went smoother that we anticipated, and we were on the SA side and on the way by 12:00. We had a good trip and made very good time getting to Three Bridges Lodge on the Olifants Riverbanks just before Hoedspruit before dark. We spent a great night here; I would recommend staying here to anyone. We were warned of problems on the Bushbuck Ridge Road and had to plan around that, so the plan was to take the scenic route via Blyde River Canyon, Graskop, Sabie, White River and Malelane. We had a great dinner served at the restaurant on the premises and very spacious rondawel bedroom with a little kitchenette, spacious shower and shared open air dining room.
Tuesday 23 April 2024
We left for the home stretch at 07:00 and decided on the scenic route,as the reports on the situation in Bushbuck Ridge was the same, roads blocked by protesters. We had such a beautiful drive, and the scenery was spectacular. With an uneventful trip we reached Malelane at lunchtime and had a cold one at the office to celebrate another successful adventure, a little scarred, but satisfied with what was achieved. Neels spent the night with Linda and I and left for home the next morning.
Thanks, is such a small word for all the blessings we receive,
I cannot thank everyone involved enough for the bits and bobs they do, Neels, welcome to the team, I hope to see you very often, you are an awesome person and one of a very few drivers I have felt at ease with at the wheel. I am probably the worst passenger being used to driving myself. Neels has an easy way to connect with the recipients and having grown up in the old Rhodesia knows a lot of the recipients and like his bother Daniel (Tinus) still has family all over Zimbabwe, one can see his heart is in this. Thank you both for your involvement in this necessary and needed project.
The donors, ALL of you are fantastic and we appreciate all your help and continued support.
Administrators all over the world supplying tax certificates and spreading the word and keeping our donors up to date with all our shenanigans and adventures.
The team in SA and Zimbabwe, carting heavy boxes, packing, stocktaking and deliveries. The guys giving the drivers food and accommodation throughout Zimbabwe.
Our distributors who store the parcels and then deliver to the outlying recipients, you are awesome.
Johan Schultz and Neels Koekemoer.
Head office South Africa contact details:
Linda Schultz – linda@zpsf.co.za / zpsf@zpsf.onmicrosoft.com (C) 079 6082676
Johan Schultz – johan@zpsf.co.za – 082 4979328
Section 21 Co Reg. 2007/034036/08; NPO Number 096733; Section 18A PBO No 930031642
