Tribute to Charles Douglas Morton Hyslop

19th October 1954 – 29th July 2023

It is with a heavy heart that National Trust of Zimbabwe (NTZ) announce the sudden passing of Charles Douglas Morton Hyslop, from a heart attack at his home with John, his brother by his side, on 29 July 2023.

Charles matriculated at Mount Pleasant High School and then went on for further studies in Accountancy.  In due course he finished his apprenticeship after completing his national service and call up and then left to enter commerce and industry where he held numerous positions before joining Puzey & Payne for 10 years and finally ended up at Farmquip with the Rorke family as Director and Company Secretary for the next 25 years.

He had a tremendous thirst for knowledge and so from his earliest years read voraciously and studied every subject extensively including military literacy and heritage and this led him to join the NTZ.

Charles served as a counsellor and the NTZs Secretary and Accountant for more than 20 years. He was a dedicated, dependable, long serving member of the Executive Council. He prepared al the NTZ financials and monthly reconciliations and annual returns. He also took and the minutes for also most every meeting that we held.   The NTZ salute him for his selfless contribution.

Apart from his work life he liked all things mechanical and so spent many hours in his workshop repairing and fixing almost anything. Charles was an active member of his local community and spent a lot of his time assisting them in various ways, from giving wise advice to giving practical hands on help such as doing the daily school run.

Charles was a humorous man and used to call almost everyone by a funny nickname, he would greet people in Shona and have a short conversation with them, they enjoyed and appreciated the gesture. Now he is at peace they will always have his past words of love, wisdom and advice to remember.

Charles will be greatly missed by all the NTZ family countrywide, his work colleagues, friends, neighbours and his community.

The NTZ members are thinking of John at this difficult time and wish him bravery and strength.

 

 

 

Tributes to the late Edone Ann Logan

Edone Ann, Chairman of the RHNE welcoming members of the Matimba Family

NTZ Executive Members Tributes to Edone Ann Logan

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Edone Ann Logan on 1st March 2023, born 8th September 1939.

Members from the Executive Council of The National Trust of Zimbabwe (NTZ) would like to extend their deepest sympathies to all of Edone’s family and friends.

Tributes from the Executive Council:

I would like to pay humble tribute to one of its most influential, passionate, knowledgeable and hardworking members of recent times, without whose involvement, NTZ and particularly the Rhodes Nyanga Historical Exhibition (RNHE), would not be anything like it stands today!

On 20 April 2011, in the presence of National Trust members, a meeting was held to establish a committee to represent the formation of the RNHE when Edone-Ann was elected to lead the team as Chairperson.  She heartily agreed, having been deeply involved with creating the Museum in the past as her late father, Dick Petheram, (who we believe) started the RNHE around 1974. Edone-Ann lost no time in arranging for the first formal Committee Meeting of the RNHE which was held on 30 May 2011.

From then onwards her incredible enthusiasm, vision, desires, dedication and drive to achieve her goal of a complete revival of the RNHE was exceptional.  Thus, with her very obliging and hardworking husband Aubrey and the rest of the team, her ambitions came to fruition although she always vowed there was still much more to do.

Edone-Ann was instrumental in bringing Women’s Institute memorabilia (where she had also been heavily involved) to RNHE and creating a number of other new additions to RNHE covering numerous Nyanga historical and local cultural exhibitions, an extensive timeline display covering the history of the country since the late 1800’s, an exhibition on the country’s medical history, another exhibition including the actual bed that Aubrey used as a youngster and persuading Aubrey to recondition and deliver antiquated farm machinery now on display at RNHE. Edone-Ann also supervised the creation of the reading library at RNHE which displays a lot of Don Grainger memorabilia and contains a wide range of historical literature. There were numerous other exhibitions, memorabilia and activities undertaken under Edone-Ann’s successful guidance that are too numerous to mention here, unfortunately.

These valuable contributions live on in memory of both Edone-Ann and Aubrey’s very significant contribution to Zimbabwe’s heritage exhibitions for the future visitors to the RNHE.

Very reluctantly, after ten years at the helm, it became necessary to hand over the ropes as they moved to Harare for medical reasons.  Needless to say, Edone was sorely missed by the RNHE Committee, her Nyanga friends and long-time workmates.

Edone-Ann’s record keeping and heritage knowledge was incredible. She continually produced documents from her “archives” at home to answer questions on many historical matters.

Edone-Ann stimulated a very successful fund raising appeal with the help of the Historical Society of Zimbabwe, during/the Covid Pandemic, during which time the RNHE would have ceased to exist, were it not for the funds raised as a result. Edone-Ann continued to have remote input into RNHE affairs from Harare and continued for some time thereafter, to sit on the NTZ Council. All the way to her recent passing, she contributed to all its affairs.

Edone-Ann’s legacy remains visible at the RNHE and within NTZ.

Edone-Ann was a legendary figure in the life of NTZ over a number of decades and she will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

Personally, over 11 years of my working with Edone-Ann and Aubrey, it was always an absolute pleasure and from which I learnt an amazing amount, both on heritage and cultural matters and on a personal level. We will always be grateful to Edone-Ann and Aubrey for their selfless dedication to Zimbabwe

David Scott

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Edone Anne. I had the real honour of meeting her through the NTZ and we soon went from work colleagues to being good friends. I respected her opinion and work ethic tremendously. I have many fond memories of Edone from teaching me flower arranging to baking tips to enjoying a drink by her fireplace along with her beloved Aubrey. She lit up the room whenever she entered it and took the time to be gracious to everyone. She had this incredible talent of making everyone feel special. She gave her energy, time and wisdom freely to everyone that she met.

It was Edone Ann’s vision and drive to fulfill her own father’s determination to see the long dreamed-of  RHNE through to the vibrant and lasting legacy that it is today: a special historical place for all to experience and enjoy.

She ran many successful projects and organised events at the RHNE and I was so pleased when she won the INTO Special Grants Programme project of the year for a cultural heritage project with local school children, she thoroughly deserved the award. I admired her greatly; she always went the extra mile and put all of heart into everything she did. She was always super positive. Even after she retired from the Council she was always available to share her knowledge, for sound advice and support.

Her life story is completely awe inspiring. She was such a dedicated and selfless lady who worked tirelessly for the NTZ, a strong and determined woman. Always smiling…

She is now reunited with her precious Aubrey.

Sharon Waterworth

A great loss for the museum. Will be sadly missed at the museum and the whole of Nyanga for that matter and many parts of Zimbabwe. A great lady has come and gone. Condolences to her family. She was also well known at INTO and the international community through her work.

John and Charles Hyslop

I was shocked to hear about Edone Ann passing. She always had such strength.

We will all miss her and I will especially as she was good friend and always me lots of good advice on the wide range of things that she knew about. I will also miss her guidance: this is a great loss for the NTZ.

                                                                                                                                                        Fira Bache

What an AMAZING tribute to Edone Ann at her Thanksgiving Service at Base Church, Harare – it was truly a grand reflection of her dedication and her life, personal and what she did for so many people, causes and commitments!

Edone, you were such a shining beam of light in all your work and dedication to the RNHE and the area.

Your unstinting interest and generosity of time and effort to the community are unrivaled.

You always had a smile, a laugh and such a cheerful approach; nothing was too much and you tackled everything with such grace and professionalism. You served so many with such loyal service to others.

We are all going to miss you and everything you represented in your work for the NTZ at the RNHE.

May you find the rest and peace you now so richly deserve, with your beloved Aubrey. A well-deserved rest now, from the fullest and most satisfying life!! Your family can be so proud.

Such sad news. What a great loss to her family and the community she served so well and tirelessly and successfully. She devoted her time and emotion to such a great and worthy cause (NTZ) we will miss her immensely.

                                                                                                                                                    Lin Goncalves

We applaud the incredible work and effort of Edone Ann at the RHNE and all the projects that she was involved in. Least not of all her enrichment of the local community who also loved her so much.

The sculptor family of the late Jonathan Matimba sends their very best wishes.

With love to the family and to an incredible woman.

                                 Clare Peech

Edone-Ann Logan. What a loss to her family and Nyanga! Indefatigable and ever charming, innovative lady whose work will remain etched in the minds of those of us that worked with her at RNHE, NTZ and in the Nyanga Community. She was such a wonderful and extraordinary person.

Go well tireless Edone as you join Aubrey in the safe hands of the Lord.

                                                                                                                                               Willy Dhlandhlara

Condolences on the loss of Edone and our prayers with her family. May she rest in peace.

                                                                                                                                                   Busani Bafana

My sincere condolences may she rest in eternal peace. She will be greatly missed by the NTZ.

                                                                                                                                            Jackson Njunga

Tributes from two colleagues and friends

So sad to say goodbye today to a great friend, Edone-Ann Logan. A wonderful caring lady. Edone-Ann was a leading personality in the Women’s Institute and the NTZ, most especially the RNHE where she worked hard at broadening its content to include all communities, thereby ensuring a broad interest in our collective Zimbabwean heritage. Her sound advice, made with no interest in ego, personal positions and remuneration, will be missed.

I was privileged to work with Edone-Ann on a short heritage booklet on Nyanga. We see here our exploring the old settler cemetery at Nyanga village, the stone being that of Lord Baden-Powell’s infant granddaughter who died there in 1939.

We already miss you Edone-Ann. At rest after a life’s dedicated work for others.

                                                                                                                                                        Rob Burrett

So sad to learn the news about Edone Ann. One friend more left us, I am really sad.

My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

                                                                                                                                                   Innes Grainger

The Trust at the Stables Market

The Trust at the Stables Market

On Sunday the 9th of October 2022 The National Trust of Zimbabwe happily hosted a stand at the very popular Old Stables weekly open air market at the Borrowdale Race Course in Harare.

M Managing the table was Executive Councillor Fira Bache (on the right) kindly assisted by Life  Trust Member Beverley Nesbit (on the left).  It was a beautiful morning with stands spread out under huge jacaranda trees with their glorious purple blossoms.

As seen from our picture we had our banner on display as well as hard copies of the recently published historical book entitled ‘La Rochelle Visitors Book’  for $20.00:

At La Rochelle (Penhalonga) the Courtaulds hosted an extraordinary range of visitors from all over the world and from many walks of life. Visitors were invited to sign their names with a diamond stylus on several glass window panels, and the hundreds of inscribed signatures have intrigued more recent visitors to La Rochelle.  The book is a fascinating glimpse of signatories ranging from African nationalist activists, political figures from various parties, prominent musicians, dancers, actors and artists, historians, British aristocracy, local residents and more.”

In addition to the book we were selling crisp white summer National Trust Tee-shirts for $15.00  and cream coloured caps  for $8.00.

The stand raised awareness of the Trust and we were happy to welcome 8 new members to the Trust family.

The benefits of joining the Trust are many: including receiving quarterly E-newsletter, free entry to National Galleries in and NTZ properties in Zimbabwe and discounts in various outlets. Internationally, the card grants you free access to National Trusts with whom we have reciprocity (see INTO PLACES scheme www.into.org/places/).  All these benefits for only USD20.

Across from our stand was the stand for Bird Life Zimbabwe (BLZ) with whom the National Trust enjoys a working relationship. Julia Pierini from BLZ was of great support on the day, many thanks Julia.

It is hoped that the Trust will have a stand again in November and December.  Future dates will be posted on our Facebook and Website pages.

Please come and pay us a visit

 

 

 

 

Organic Celebration

The National Trust of Zimbabwe (NTZ) would like to congratulate the Organic Farming Academy (organicfarmacademy.com) for hosting such a successful event: celebrating organic farming on EU Organic Day (23 September 2022).  Europe is working towards realising its target of seeing 25% of farming land being used for organic farming by 2030 whilst looking at trends in consumer demand. The EU Organic Day also serves to raise awareness of the wide range of benefits of organic food:  not only does it have health benefits for our planet (the produce is farmed in a more sustainable manner) it also has health benefits for humans as is it rich in nutrients (vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus) and grown with less exposure to nitrates and pesticide residue. On a community level it supports local farmers as well.

The occasion witnessed the official launch of the Organic Farming Academy (OFA) at the premises of Organic Africa (www.organicafrica.biz) in Vainona, Harare.  The German Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation through sequa gGmbH is funding a project appropriately called Organic4Zim in support of OFA with the goal of improving living conditions for people in developing countries and emerging economies.   The project is implemented by the AFOS Foundation Germany. The AFOS Country representative and project Manager for Zimbabwe, Friederike Pommerehne organised the event so wonderfully.

The proceedings began under a clear blue sky when everyone gathered under shady trees by the main office to listen to Mr Barry Manandi the MC, who extended an official warm welcome to everyone. The gathering was then treated to 2 powerful songs performed beautifully by 16 members of the Zimspiration Choir, supported by their band and expertly led by Mrs Kundisai Mtero. The choir assembled and proudly sang in complete harmony, songs about how organic farming is the best way to go for the health of the planet and humans alike.

 

 

 

The MC invited the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Udo Völz on stage. The Ambassador spoke passionately about the benefits of organic farming and shared a story about his childhood when he lived on a farm and how he and his siblings watched their father move away from traditional farming to that of organic. It was the way of the future then as it still is today.

 

 

 

Mrs. Kundai Makoko, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate and Rural Development was then invited to address the audience. The Director spoke about how the Ministry is promoting and sustaining a viable, appropriately mechanised agriculture sector in a changing climate.

She outlined how the Ministry formulates, reviews and implements viable agricultural policies and develops strategies to ensure food self-sufficiency and security as well as for export and helps to Identify and develop effective markets and marketing systems for agricultural products. She added that the Ministry works together with  SADC and other regional and international organisations in the development and implementation of resources management frameworks and the coordination and mainstream implementation of regional and International treaties, protocols, agreements and standards into Zimbabwean  national laws.

The Ministry facilitates and coordinates capacity development in the areas of water, climate and weather. In order to facilitate and coordinate climate change resilience, the Ministry is supporting small scale farmers by providing them with trees and various seedlings to plant and grow.

She acknowledged the importance of organic farming and said that the Ministry is actively working towards facilitating, promoting and expanding it in Zimbabwe.

The penultimate speaker Mrs. Fortunate Nyakanda, Director ZOPPA, Chairperson IFOAM Southern Africa and a Member of IFOAM World Board spoke about both organizations and explained that ZOPPA is a national movement that brings together organic producers, promoters and processors for the development of organic Agriculture sector in Zimbabwe. They acknowledge the contribution that organic agriculture can make to the world, and their vision is to improve all agriculture in a global context.

She said that organic agriculture can be a pathway to addressing not only hunger and malnutrition but also other challenges including poverty, water use, climate change, and unsustainable production and consumption. IFOAM works with the 4 main principles of Health, Ecology, Fairness and care as the roots from which organic agriculture grows and develops. She congratulated OA for establishing the Organic Academy. Both organisations are involved in the ISO certification process and pointed out that certification is important for the export of high quality organic products.

 

Mr. Dominikus Collenberg, CEO Organic Africa, Member Advisory Committee Organic Farming Academy then gave his speech in which he explained that he has seen that Worldwide, the demand for certified organic products is increasing. He spoke of his school days where his classmates thought he was just a dreamer. But, now his dream has materialized and he is very happy to say, that the future of farming has arrived. He proudly explained that OA is focusing on expanding collaboration between agricultural business enterprises and certification institutions to help improve the growth of the organic market in Zimbabwe and the region.

Following the official speeches and another heartfelt song by the Zimspiration Choir the audience was invited to look around the exhibition stands. Several organizations working in the organic sector were show casing their products and services including Fairtrade Support Network Zimbabwe. They know that the crop yields are greatly improved by using organic methods and financially rewarding thanks to premium market opportunities for organic and fair trade quality products.

They are a member organization representing Fairtrade certified producers in Africa and the Middle East.  Fairtrade is the world’s largest and most recognized ethical certification system and having a Fairtrade certificate has many advantages:  enables farmers and workers in developing countries to be empowered to access markets, achieve better prices and working conditions, while also contributing to sustainability of the environment. Shoppers can recognize products that meet the Fairtrade Standards by the FAIRTRADE Mark.

 

 

Dariboard  Zimbabwe were promoting their new drink that has just been launched for the summer  months called  ‘Cascade dairy’, a fruit mix made with baobab pulp obtained from the seeds which dry naturally on the tree.

 

Baobab is rich in dietary fibre and good for the immune system.

 

The SAP Rural Sourcing Management solution was presented at their stand.  Their digital traceability system manages sustainability data better through digitally recorded information on producers, their farms, and their communities and ensures compliance with food safety requirements for the export market at every level of the value chain.  It provides full transparency into the source of raw materials.

The digital solution

Here the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Udo Völz is standing with the Vice Chair of the NTZ Mrs S Waterworth next to the Organic4Zim banner. The aim of Organics4Zim is to support smallholder farmers and wild plant collectors in Zimbabwe by offering practice-oriented qualification programmes leading to external certification of organic products for the export market. The academy offers certification trainings that enable participants from marginalized population groups to achieve sustainable income generation while at the same time using natural resources sustainably.

 

A lovely  display of Baobab fruit, termed ‘The African super fruit’ that has earnt its place in the super food category, were on display at the B’Ayoba ((www.bayoba.biz) stand.

B’Ayoba is a leading producer of baobab products, ethically and sustainably harvested in the wild under strictly monitored conditions. From seedlings in the soil to powder in a packet, their supply chain is fully traceable. Their products include health beneficial baobab powder which can be used in smoothies, beverages, chocolates, breakfast cereals, ice creams and health bars and red baobab tea with its high anti-oxidant properties and a distinctive light tangy citrus flavour.  It is made from the internal funicles (fibres) of the baobab fruit and has a golden red colour when infused in hot water.

KaZa (kazanaturaloils.com) a leading specialist producer of selected natural African plant products were showcasing their products. KaZa ensure sustainability and fairness in practices along their value chain. Founded in 2016, the brand boasts many successes in its young life. They work with rural producer communities throughout Southern Africa to supply high-quality organic oils, extracts and plant products to the global cosmetics and ingredients market.

 

 

Adjacent to the Kaza stand was the La Rochelle Country House and Spa stand (www.larochellecentre.com ) a National Trust property (www.ntoz.org)  comprising of 226 acres, the French style tower and house, with Welsh slate roof tiles, was built by Sir Stephen and Lady Virginia Courtauld in 1951 as a retirement home, and donated to the National Trust in 1972. Their foresight enables visitors to stay in a boutique hotel, within the Courtauld’s home, walk the pathways designed and created by Sir Stephen and his team of gardeners, and relax for a while in a haven of peace and beauty. La Rochelle has long been recognised as one of the most celebrated botanical gardens in Zimbabwe as well as an icon of the Art Deco movement.  There are also 12 acres of experimental herbs being grown by OA who also train small scale famers (mainly women) in organic farming. Together, with out-growers, they export a range of herbal teas such as Calendula, Melissa, Peppermint and Stinging Nettle for export to Europe.

Vice Chair NTZ, Angela Hama reservations and Kevin Martin,   Operations Manager of La Rochelle Hotel and Spa

National Foods Zimbabwe displayed their range of products, among those porridge enriched with baobab and they even prepared food for people to taste!

National Foods currently develops a range of healthy food for the local market as demand has increased throughout the past years.

The event was a big success and a real life celebration of organic products. The NTZ wishes the new academy every success and is working to promoting the many global benefits of organic farming and products.

The President of Botswana, His Excellency President Masisi and his wife, the First Lady visit Worlds View

It is with a great sense of pride and with immense gratitude to the NTZ team at Worlds View, Nyanga that we can announce a VIP visit which took place on Saturday 3rd September 2022- when the NTZ team and local officials welcomed the visiting President of Botswana, His Excellency President Masisi and his wife, the First Lady.

 His Excellency The President of Botswana, President Masisi and First Lady, enjoying the views at World’s View, Nyanga

Left to right: Godfrey Koti – Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Gill Honeyman – Chair of the National Trust Nyanga, H.E. President Masisi, First Lady and Oppah Muchinguri – Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being introduced to the President on his arrival by Godfrey Koti. Ruth Tongogara, Winnie Muchanuka CEO of ZTA, and Gill Honeyman with the bouquet of local proteas about to be presented to the First Lady

The First Lady of Botswana receives a gift of a stone sculpture, from one of the World’s View sculptors, Livingstone

H.E Masisi said World’s View was the highlight of his Nyanga visit.

The NTZ is very proud indeed!!!! Gill Honeyman certainly does a stirling job up there for the NTZ! Well done Gill and to all your team in the hills and mountains. We are all so proud of you!

INTO Heritage policy: INTO member organisations and their responses to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals’ covering the period 2018-2022. 

In June 2022, NTZ was contact by Tamara Di Marco, an Oxford Intern working with the NT UK carrying out important research for the International National Trust Organisation (INTO). Tamara’s National Trust Partnership Curatorial research micro-internship project is entitled: ‘INTO Heritage policy: INTOs member organisations and their responses to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals’ covering the period 2018-2022’.

Tamara identified (from websites) 4 organisations for the study: FAI, Kulturerbe Bayern and NTZ and the NTZ was proud and excited to participate in the study.

I am super pleased to say that the report has been finalised and that the NTZs work was highly praised.

I quote:

In conclusion, NTZ is the foundation that has engaged with the most SDGs in their recent programes and out of the case studies in this report, having supported on created projects inked to 11 SDGs.

Well done everyone for all your hard work and progress towards implementing the very important SDGs.

Citizen Science

Citizen Science is a relatively exciting new field whereby members of the general public collect data relating to the natural world and share it with professional scientists as part of a collaborative project.

The Trust is proud to invite you to Citizen Science Training day at Mabukuwene Nature Reserve in Bulawayo which is being run by Dr.M.Fitzpatrick who is the Regional Director of the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe southern region:

Citizen Science is a form of simultaneous learning and knowledge making. It enables people to enhance their scientific literacy in fields that are truly relevant to them. By participating in Citizen Science projects, citizens can gain a greater say in and commitment to scientific and research matters.

If you are interested and unable to attend on the day you can still get involved by contacting  Dr. Fitzpatrick on the number above. other training days will be held around Zimbabwe.  

 

Spider Hunt at Mabukuwene Nature Reserve

 

The Spider Club of Zimbabwe meet up for an outing into Mabukuwene Nature Reserve on 12th February at 8am before the temperatures started to rise. It was a clear summers day and a small group of enthusiastic kids with their parents came along. One mother was totally terrified of the bush and anything with more than two legs but it was encouraging to see her overcome her fears so her child could join in. As with most spider and bug hunting walks you really don’t need to go far to find anything and after a two hour hunt we have only gone 50m.

The group broke for a tea break and were entertained by Martin Sanderson (Founder of Adventure into Learning) with his story that Mabukuwene as named by Mr Thomas Meikle because this was where he kept his Library (Mabookas)!! After which we went for a walk to the “library” and lookout point and continued the bug hunt.

Many thanks go to the staff of the Entomology and Arachnology department at the Natural history Museum for helping out and the National Trust for granting permission to use their Nature Reserve for this outing.

Spiders, insects, reptiles and other things that were photographed during the morning can be viewed at https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/mabukuwene-nature-reserve where there is project for these and any other records for the Nature reserve can be viewed on INaturalist.

Annotated Checklist Mabukuwene 12th February 2022

Spiders

Neoscona (Hairy filed spiders) make orb-webs at night which are removed early in the morning. These spiders are commonly found during summer in grassland and low vegetation. A number of species have been recovered from Zimbabwe.

Steatoda capensis (False button spiders) make three dimensional webs usually close to the substrate and are frequently found under stones.

Cheiracanthium species (Sac spiders) are notorious for their cytotoxic venom and small wounds that they can make. There are a number of species in Zimbabwe, those collected were all juveniles so cannot be identified. The females make a silk retreat amongst vegetation and then she encloses herself with the eggs and guards them. Unfortunately none were photographed and all specimens collected were juveniles.

Numerous Jumping spiders, Salticidae, were recorded, including Hyllus and Heliophanus species. These spiders are always fun to watch as they are diurnal with well developed vision, and have various threat displays which they will use when trying to photograph them!

Other plant dwelling diurnal active hunters are the Oxyopes (Lynx spiders) who will leap into the air to catch their prey. At night they usually rest hanging from dragline silk attached to the underside of a leaf.

Various crab spiders were recorded including Tmarus, Synema, Thomisus scrupeus, Misumenops rubrodecoratus, Diaea puncta, Stiphropus bisigillatus and Heriaeus. These are sit-and-wait ambush hunters , mainly active during the day and their gait is side-ways or crab-like hence their name. They have strong bodies and robust front legs enabling them to attack prey much bigger than themselves. They are usually cryptically coloured so they are concealed while they wait for their prey.

Ground dwelling spiders recorded include Zelotes brennanorum, wolf spiders including the fast moving Pardosa, and the wall spider Selenops. Palpimanus species are slow moving spiders found during the day in small sac-like retreats under stones. When walking the strong front legs are held up in the air which are full of receptors. They are spider hunters actively seeking their prey hiding in their retreats.

In the three hours in the Nature Reserve we managed to see a good number of spiders and insects and have a discussion about the importance of spiders in the environment and also a discussion about the various spiders seen and it proved an excellent opportunity for questions and education as there was also a learner guide present who was knowledgeable on reptiles. As the morning progressed the temperatures began to rise, and many invertebrates start finding cooler diurnal resting places and sighting become harder.

 

 

Exciting developments for Murahwa’s Hill

Murahwa’s Hill is a prominent landmark 3 km to the North West of Mutare and it has a unique combination of cultural heritage and indigenous flora and fauna. It was named after a local Headman Madekurahwa under Chief Mutasa who lived at the foot of the hill from around the second half of the 19th century before relocating further south in the Save Valley. Traditionally it was protected in the past as a place of spirits.

The Hill has an indication of early occupation by the indigenous peoples of Manicaland. Archaeological evidence is observable in a number of places.  As one ascends the hill from the south on the western side there are rock shelters with traces of rock paintings as well as potsherds on the shelter floors. A cave with well-preserved mud plastered lath granary is found on the slopes west of the summit.

Murawha’s Hill with the city of Mutare in the background

The site was acquired by the Trust in 1963 and the wire fencing and National Trust signage was destroyed and in recent years the site became a target for illegal wood cutting and settlement. The protection of its valuable resources has been of huge concern to the Trust. The development of the site has been hampered by a lack of funds and a local committee to drive the project.

The Trust is delighted to announce the formation of a new local committee, Chaired by Eng. Jackson Njunga, in October 2021 with whom we are very much looking forward to working with to achieve the Trusts aims which are: to have a presence at the site, to research into activities that will lead to the financial sustainability of the site and to see how the local community can be involved and supported.

After a record-breaking Christmas season Gill Honeyman, Chair of Worlds View site, said that they were in a good financial position to be able to assist some of the building works planned for the Hill. Her drive and energy kick started the project and work begun in earnest at the site. Following Gills initial donation Edone Ann Logan successfully managed to fundrise further funds from generous members of the History Society which the Trust is extremely grateful for.

The first works consist of a building a new driveway and a stone wall starting from the old gate stretching along to the corner boundary with the Mutare Show Grounds. The new committee agreed on the size/height of the wall and also the quality of design for the wall in order to attract visitors to the site.

               

Old entrance with no wall                          Wall building underway

  New section of stone wall sourced locally

Groundwork continues at the entrance where a lot of clearing and tidying up of the bank along the roadside has already taken place. Murahwa’s Hill frontage and access road

 

Eng Jackson Njunga

The second works will be to complete the whole frontage of the boundary line. The new wall will assist in both declaring and protecting the site.

Gill Honeyman very generously donated masses of brightly coloured Aloes that she had propagated to plant and grace the new entrance.  Aloes arriving from Worlds View

Needless to say Murahwah’s Hill, after a long time in hibernation, has awoken and it has a bright future.

This is an important place and is respected for the wealth of history it holds.  The Trust owes it to their memory to protect it and respect it as they would appreciate it.