In Limpopo at Swadini, A Forever Resort an undocumented Dragonfly has been found and celebrated. This is the first time that this Dragonfly has formally been documented in the country; needless to say, it is also good news for the Limpopo ecosystem.  

Earlier this year Swadini started a project with the aim of understanding the ecosystem in and around the Resort ultimately exposing guests and students to a wealth of knowledge. The project was started in partnership with Neels Snyman, Flip du Plessis as well as Dries de Vries, guests staying on the Resort documenting and monitoring this new species. The Dragonfly named Eastern Scissortail was found and photographed by Antoinette Snyman on the 20th of May 2019.    

“Dragonflies and Damselflies play a key role in both the terrestrial and aquatic habitats. They are predators as both nymphs and adults feed on a variety of prey including nuisance species such as mosquitos, ants and biting flies. Dragonflies are also able to consume their own body weight in as little as half an hour. Dragonflies’ are nature’s way of pest control – natural alternative”, said Nols van der Berg, General Manager at Swadini. van der Berg added some fun facts about these interesting little creatures:

• Dragonflies were some of the first winged insects to evolve, some 300 million years ago.
• There are more than 5,000 known species of dragonflies
• In their larval stage, which can last up to two years, dragonflies are aquatic and eat just about anything—tadpoles, mosquitoes, fish, other insect larvae and even each other. Dragonflies are expert fliers. They can fly straight up and down, hover like a helicopter and even mate mid-air. If they can’t fly, they’ll starve because they only eat prey they catch while flying.
• Dragonflies, which eat insects as adults, are a great control on the mosquito population. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
• Some adult dragonflies live for only a few weeks while others live up to a year. 

The Resort is not only home to the newly documented Eastern Scissortail Dragonfly, but also home to other unique Dragonflies such as Painted Sprite, Great Sprite, Lined Claspertail and Spined Fairytail. 

Unique trees located at Swadini include Lebombo clusterleaf, Carrot-tree, Mitzeeri, Forest fever tree and Matumi. Unique birds can also be found in Swadini and include Crowned Eagle, African Black Duck, African Finfoot, Half-collared Kingfisher as well as the Trumpeter Hornbill.  Wild animals that can be found in, and around the Resort include Leopard, Kudu, Hippo, Crocodiles, Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Meerkat, Duiker, Mongoose and Impala.

 “Overall, our vision is to leave behind a wealth of knowledge, understanding and awareness for the unique Fauna and Flora in and around Swadini and the Blyde River Nature Reserve for future generations”, van der Berg concluded.

Habitat for Humanity welcomed its International Board of Directors, comprising delegates from over 70 countries, to Cape Town, their chosen venue for the 2015 Annual General Meeting.  

The AGM coincided with Habitat for Humanity’s Desmond Tutu International Build in Pelican Park in Zeekoevlei. Through partnership with The Power Group, the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government, Habitat drew teams both locally and from the USA to help build homes and the community of Pelican Park.  

On Wednesday 4 March, the Directors enjoyed a full day out in Pelican Park, guided by John Bailey, chairman of the Pelican Park Owners Association, itself borne out of the support of Habitat and its partners. Specific challenges highlighted on the day included the urgent need for more schooling, the integration of individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds into a cohesive community, and the eradication of crime and drug abuse.  

The Directors met with local families and community leaders. They were able to witness, visit and learn first-hand about some of the solutions and projects Habitat for Humanity in partnership with the community and other stakeholder partners  are rolling out around Pelican Park, such as:  

1. The “Garden of Eden”, a hydroponic food garden project allowing community members to grow fresh vegetables within a minimal space.
2. The Nedbank Foundation EduTainer, a well-stocked ‘instant classroom’ for use as a daycare for 27 children, which came about after Nedbank representatives saw the need for such a facility while participating in a Habitat Team Build, pulled the necessary resources together and made it a reality The collaboration between Habitat for Humanity, the City of Cape Town, and the Pelican Park Owners Association around making the Zeekoevlei Wetlands Nature Reserve into a conservation and recreation destination for local families.
3. The Pelican Park Neighbourhood Watch’s work in reducing crime and assisting addicts enter rehabilitation programmes.
4. A series of workshops operated through Habitat for Humanity’s Social Facilitation Programme, to assist new home owners moving into the area to integrate into the community.  
5. This Social Facilitation Programme allows Habitat to bring about sustainable change in the lives of the new homeowners, instilling a sense of ownership to establishing a cohesive and vibrant new community.  

John Bailey told the group, “Habitat for Humanity is not just a shoulder for us to lean on, but a brother and sister to partner with. We are so grateful for their dedication and input into the community.”   For more information about Habitat for Humanity, or to get involved, please contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 021-657-5640.

Ends.  

Issued on behalf of Habitat for Humanity Contact: Adrienne Burke

Tel: +27.21.657.5640
Cell: +27.79.155.8404
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Minister of Public Works, Mr T. W. Nxesi, has formally endorsed the 2nd Annual Project and Construction Management Professions Conference and will once again be an integral part of the programme including the pre and post conference deliberations.

In his endorsement statement, The Minister said:"The theme of the conference addresses the government priorities in relation to infrastructure roll out as a tool to leverage regional economic integration and development – and to drive job creation, skills development and empowerment. It will provide an important opportunity for engagement and to forge synergies between government plans and private sector service providers with contributions and consultation with civil society and academia. 

This conference should bring tangibles on job creation, enterprise development to allow new entrants from historically disadvantaged communities and mentorships using public private partnerships in government’s infrastructure roll-out."

For early bird registration discounts and more information about the conference, visit www.sacpcmp.org.za.

VenueDate: 20 October 2014 to 22 October 2014Time: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PMLocation: Gallagher Estate Convention Centre,

Visit www.sacpcmp.org.za

Contact:

Lynn McLeod
Company: SACPCMP
Tel: +27 11 318 3402
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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