22 NOVEMBER 2025
07:30.
And so we started the final trip for 2025, our annual Christmas run.
I was joined on this trip by old friend and fellow ex- Rhodie Neville Parkin.
Johan and Frans had left a few days earlier with the one truck and the bakkie to sort out some last-minute admin before the deliveries could get under way while we followed in the UD to be there in time to start our delivery run on Monday 24 November.
We had a good run to the border and stayed overnight in Messina at our usual lodgings. We were picked up that evening by Nevilles Cousin Neil Parkin and his good wife Annemarie who hosted us for the evening to watch the rugby and have some snacks. Thank you to them both for a lovely evening
23 November
We had an early start and arrived at the border around 07:25 and were cleared on the SA side by 07:35 but were in a queue of trucks that started on the SA side of the bridge, so we were in for a long day in 28 deg temperatures thank heavens for the air-con.
The admin on the Zim Side went fairly quickly and with our runner, Robert’s help we were cleared from the border 3hrs later due to the queues of trucks. From there it was a hassle-free run to Bulawayo apart from the road conditions which are steadily deteriorating and only being patched from time to time. We arrived in Bulawayo at 17:00 and were hosted as always by Willem and Caroline Nel. Thanks again to them.
24 November
We left the warehouse at 09:00 and headed for Kadoma where we spent the evening in the company of Nevilles sister Del Parkin. It had been many years since Del and Neville had seen each other and it was a very surprised Del that met us on our arrival. Del had prepared a delicious chicken stew which we enjoyed while chatting and having a few beers.
This trip would be shorter than previous trips as Johan and I had shared the loads between the two trucks. This was necessary due to the extra boxes we needed to deliver.
25 November
We were on the road early heading to Harare where, as always, we delivered a lot of boxes to be distributed by John and Leonie Herbst. They do us an enormous favour by doing this. Thank you both for your efforts.
We were unloaded and, on our way, to Concrete Structures by 11:30 am. Vic donates 200lt of diesel to us on every trip which saves the fund a substantial amount of money. Thank you very much for your support Vic it is always appreciated.
After refueling we headed to Marondera where we were met by all the folks and Nevilles niece who lives in the area. I was to find that Neville has an association with someone at every one of our stops except for Mutare.
We left for Rusape where we were to spend the night and arrived in good time and had offloaded before a very welcome downpour descended on us. We spent the evening in in the company of Lindsay and Nevin Lees-may along with Linda who is the chairman of Resthaven and her friend Nigel.
26 November
Left for Mutare at 06:00 and had an uneventful trip. This is our biggest drop of the trip and the distribution is taken care of by Des and Sally Beker thank you both for your efforts. The boxes were offloaded by the ever-energetic team under the watchful eye of Simba who is the team leader. We were quickly on our way again heading for Masvingo where we spent the night before heading back to Bulawayo. Arrived there in good time and were unloaded and ensconced in our lodging by 16:00. The kitchen staff were kind enough to bring our meal to the room for us. Chef always prepares us the most delightful meals. Thank you sir, the residents’ dietary needs are in good hands. Sister Connilla your are a gem thank you for always arranging to make our stay so comfy.
27 November
Left Masvingo at 06:00 for the final leg of our delivery run. After a quick drop in Shishavani we headed for Shurugwe on, arguably, the worst road of the trip.
Offloaded at Muus Lodge and, after a quick chat and a bit of friendly banter while taking pics we left for Bulawayo.
We arrived in Bulawayo at around 16:00 and parked the trucks at Colbro as access to the warehouse was not possible. The trucks would remain there until our departure on the homeward leg of the trip.
28 November
I enjoyed a rest day at the home of Willem and Caroline in the company of their son Juan while Neville went off with his cousin George for the day and the ever-energetic Johan and Frans took the empty boxes to the warehouse, thanks for affording me the break chaps.
29 November
We had a 05:30 start out of Bulawayo headed for the border. Frans went ahead of us with the bakkie accompanied by his cousin Candice they would make the trip back to Malelane in one day whilst we would follow with the trucks in convoy with an overnight stop in Lois Trichardt. We arrived there in time to catch the rugby and spent the evening in the company of Nevilles cousin and her sons who joined us at the Gateway Inn.
We retired early to rest up for the final run home only to be woken up in the early hours by a tremendous hailstorm.
30 November.
After sorting out the flat battery on my truck we were on our way at 07:00. Me, batteries, and Lois Trichardt do not go well together. At least the battery did not explode this time.
We had an uneventful trip home to Malelane arriving around 15:00.
In closing I would like to wish each and ever one involved with this very worthy cause a Peace filled Christmas and a fantastic 2026.
To all who donated through the year and huge thank you. It is your kindness that brings cheer to the oldies, especially at Christmas when they get a gift along with their regular box.
GOD BLESS EVERYONE
SEE YOU IN 2026
NEELS
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 – (C) 082 4979328
Section 21 Co Reg. 2007/034036/08; NPO Number 096733; Section 18A PBO No 930031642
