Author Archives: Sharon Waterworth

In Loving Memory of Mr John Graeme De Barsy Hyslop (20th January 1953-12th July 2025)

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It is with our deepest sorrow that we sadly announce the loss of Mr John Graeme De Barsy Hyslop, aged 72, whom passed away peacefully on 12th July 2025.

Johns life was celebrated at the ‘Our Lady of the Wayside Church‘ on 18th July 2025 at 11:00am with hymns, readings and tributes. The service was attended by many of Johns friends, work colleagues and Members of The National Trust of Zimbabwe Executive Committee.

The following readings and Eulogies were shared.

A reading from the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 25, verses 7 to 9.

By Mr Ben Gilpen, family friend

A reading from a letter from Saint Paul to the Romans: Chapter 8, verses 31 to 39.

By Mr Jean Goncalves

Honorary Consul of Belgium and family friend

Good Morning everyone, thank you for being here to celebrate the life of John Hyslop, a dear soul who gave his everything for The National Trust of Zimbabwe over many years. I wish to say just a few words about John’s incredible contribution to the Trust.

When I joined the Trust Council approximately 14 years ago, the Hyslop family were a very important and integral part of the DNA of the Trust. John was the Honorary Treasurer, Charles the Secretary and Helen was a very active Council member. All of the Hyslop family gave total commitment to the Trust and were always willing and available to help on Trust matters.

A further indication of their commitment, was the fact that for many years, the registered address of the Trust was the Hyslop family home, which exists to this very day.

The Trust would have battled to operate without the Hyslops’ almost daily input to affairs over many decades. This Hyslop “Dynasty” played a major role and made a significant contribution to our wonderful country’s historical and environmental heritage.

John was an integral part of the Trusts operations, managing finances through a very difficult environment, with limited financial resources. John was always available to help on affairs and gave of himself before thinking of himself. It was a pleasure to work with John over the last 14 years who always gave me the support I needed as Chairman. I shall miss him terribly, but the memories will be fondly remembered and his legacy exists within the Trust.

The whole Hyslop family will be missed by all the stakeholders at Trust.

I wish to sincerely thank John and his family for all they gave to Trust over many decades.

There is another person I wish to thank. That is Mhondo who has been a friend, supporter and confidante of John’s for over 50 years. In particular, Mhondo was with John throughout the recent years when John was not very well. Well done Mhondo, you are a very special friend.

By Mr David Scott

Chair of the National Trust of Zimbabwe

Good morning all

How lovely to be among all John’s special friends today.  I’m sure he is smiling down, amazed in his unassuming modesty at how much we thought of him, and delighting in all our collective memories.

My friendship with John, brother Charles and Mum, Helen, spanned many happy years.  More recently my friendship expanded to include Mhonda, Moses and Peter, his most loyal and trusted servants. Thank you guys for your amazing kindnesses, patience and dedication over so many years!

When I look at my phone in the morning, there’s an enormous gap where John’s special messages used to be. The choice of what he sent me on WhatsApp reflected what kind of man he was and what interested him:

I got beautiful renditions of sacred, much loved hymns,

I got all sorts of amazing music – jazz, classical, pop and military bands.

We shared videos of visits to sumptuous stately homes and exotic countries.

We shared good old fashioned movies – the ones that featured swashbuckling good guys with stiff upper lips.

We laughed over shared comedies like Yes Prime Minister and The Two Ronnies.  John had a great sense of humour – he laughed at the world – and he laughed at himself!

And sometimes I got dizzying, wizzing videos – taken from his car window – as he sped along the road to Mazowe or pretty places like Ewanrigg Botanical Gardrens.

So even in from his armchair, John lived a rich and colourful life. And our emotions travelled back and forth in the form of every possible emoji. It was a lovely friendship where even a little question like RU OK? made my day.

But before his fragile armchair days, John and family travelled with curiosity and sensitivity and enjoyed the great outdoors both here and abroad. Their involvement with the National Trust was a reflection of how much they cared about our beautiful Zimbabwe and its natural resources.  And their lovely, gracious old home in Hawkshead Drive remained beautifully, unashamedly old fashioned and unspoilt by modernity. I loved visiting him there. I’m sure lots of you felt the same in his welcoming home with all its memories of a much loved Mum and brother.

I remember visiting John at Hawkshead drive for a memorable lunch. It was great to chat and to share his lovely home and delicious food.  When I got home, I WhatsApp another old friend and said that I’d had a lovely lunch with a lovely man. Back came her reply: “Libby, marry him immediately!” But John and I had a different kind of friendship: he was my little brother.

Occasionally John would open up about the bad old days – his wild days of drinking to excess.  If any of you have had any kind of addiction, you will know the superhuman effort it takes to kick the habit. John made that superhuman effort and for that he needs special praise and admiration. And within his increasingly fragile frame beat a courageous, loving, determined heart. He didn’t give up, he didn’t whinge and he got on with living – with all its frustrating Zimbabwean twists and turns – with all its demands on his patience and his purse.

John worked on people’s accounts and through his business connections seemed to know everybody that was interesting.  I was always amazed at the people who came and went in his life. Some of you are here today!  It was rich and varied and interesting.

About a year ago we started a church at Larmenier called Young Hearts. John came along most Sundays – all the way from Hawkshead Drive – with carer in tow and oxygen in the boot. He loved all the great sermons he heard and enjoyed chatting to people.  He was a devout and dedicated Christian who was so grateful to His God for giving him more than one chance at living his life. He came close to death a few years ago – but managed to give up smoking and keep on going.

And now my darling friend has gone. I have a feeling that if you look very carefully up at the sky tonight, you will see a HUGE smiley faced emoji. And with the smiley face a sacred message which will say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You made it home at last!”

Good bye dear friend and little brother! Thanks for seeing in the dark. For caring for so many, for going the extra mile.  For your exemplary gallantry, for making this life such fun. God bless, and may angels sing you to your rest.

From Mrs Libby Garnett, family friend

Good morning and thank you all for coming here to celebrate the life of John. I would also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has helped and offered love and support to John during his most difficult times. Special thanks to Doctor Tsikira, nurses and staff members at Trauma Centre Borrowdale, for managing his medical condition so well. Like John himself use to say and I quote “without my Doctor I could have died many years ago, he is a very good doctor”.

We are here to remember, acknowledge and honour the life of a remarkable person, friend, neighbour, mentor and colleague. Whilst we mourn his passing let’s celebrate his life and the joy it brought to us. May his memory be a blessing to us all.

John matriculated at Mt Pleasant High School and did further studies in Accountancy. Completed his national service and call up then went for further studies in Durban, South Africa. He later graduated at the University of South Africa with a Batchelor of Commerce degree. John joined the professional world of Accountancy with an office in town and later opted for an office at home. Besides doing professional accounting work for many companies in different industry sectors, John also believed in helping the less privileged. He helped Helen, his mother, form the Hatcliffe Women Cooperative Association to empower women and was its honorary accountant and Treasurer. John was also involved in the accounting work for Zimbabwe Association of University women for many years. An organisation that empowers women through higher education and equipping them for leadership roles. John was also a committee member, Honorary Accountant and Treasurer for Mother of Peace Community in Mtoko, a children’s home that looks after HIV infected children and orphans. Until his death he was an Executive Council member, honorary Treasurer and Accountant for the Trust an organisation that manages heritage sites in Zimbabwe.

In his prime age John loved Fishing trout at Mare Dam in Nyanga National Park. He also loved travelling to Nyanga and Vumba mountains about twice each year with his family. They would also visit Mazvikadei Dam and a visit oversees once in two years. The sport he loved and played was golf, he would travel with an old family friend around Harare to play. He was very passionate about accounting and had a large collection of accounting books.

I have had the privilege of knowing, living and working with him for 50 years and it’s very hard to imagine my life without him. He had a profound impact on me which inspired me to choose accounting as a career, a decision I don’t regret. John loved talking endlessly with anyone and making jokes. John was an amazing person, thoughtful, humble, generous, kind and never judged anyone. He believed that everyone is doing the best they could. John Leaves behind a legacy of love and wisdom.

John it’s very difficult to say goodbye but I feel privileged and grateful to the Lord for the life we shared. Thank you for everything you did to me, my family and everyone else you helped. On behalf of myself, my family and everyone here, I would like to say farewell we will all miss you dearly. You came into our lives and brightened our world, you befriended us and loved us and we love you. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal but your love has left memories no one can steal, The Hyslops’ song has ended but the melody lingers on. May your soul rest in eternal peace.

From Mr Martin Mhonda Bondo, family friend

Good afternoon everyone

I would like to thank all of you for being here to honor the life of John Hyslop, to say goodbye and to celebrate his life, with much gratitude, a life well lived for sure.

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of John. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, neighbors and work colleagues. Johns passing will be a great loss to us all.

I had the real honour of meeting John 16 years ago, back in 2009, through the NTZ and we went from work colleagues to being friends.

John was gracious to everyone and a super positive man and very humorous one too. He gave his time freely to everyone that he met in his life: to his friends, family, at work, in his community and of course in his charitable work.

John loved his country Zimbabwe and enjoyed visiting his most special place:  Nyanga. He would be excited to go on holiday there every year with the rest of his family. He loved the tranquilly of the spectacular scenery there and he had many memorable trips up there in the mountains and valleys. He is now the swift, uplifting rush of birds circling in flight.

John was a kind man who was fully immersed in the community where he lived, he provided a space for people to feel welcome and safe and a sense of belonging. He would drive the children to school on most days, even on the cold winter mornings. I know that Mhonda and all his family will miss John terribly.

John was a dependable and long serving member of the Trust. He was devoted to his role of Secretary and Treasurer, his precision was next to none, he had a keen eye for detail.

He would take the time to share his knowledge and patiently explain the nuances of running committee meetings. I respected his opinions during many, many meetings over the years. His dedication was absolute and I cannot recall a meeting where he was not present over the course of many, many years.

As it is said: As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.

John enriched so many people lives in countless ways and that is the legacy that he leaves behind.

John is now reunited with Helen and Charles I which I know that he will find solace in that. May he rest in eternal peace.

Sending everyone love, peace and strength to get through this very difficult time.

From Mrs Sharon Waterworth

Vice Chair of the National Trust of Zimbabwe

 

Tribute to Charles Douglas Morton Hyslop

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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

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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

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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

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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.

WORLD’S VIEW ANNUAL REPORT 2021 – 2022

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Connemara Lakes – taken facing east from the summit of Nyamutoro (World’s View Mountain), Mozambique can be seen in the far distance

Most annual reports these days start with the woes that Covid has brought. It may have brought a small down-turn in the number of visitors to World’s View but those that did make the journey up the winding road to the site were rewarded to find the property open, fully staffed and looking as glorious as ever.  We continue to open our gates at 8am and only close them when the sun has set, and the last visitors have packed their cooler boxes to start the decent.  Over the last number of years, the National Trust has made great improvements to the site, making it now one of the main tourist attractions in the district. Foreign dignitaries are often spotted (because of the bodyguards that accompany them!) We did manage to persuade the President of the Republic of Palau, Surgangel Whipps Jr., to sign our visitor’s book on a recent visit.

We had the pleasure of hosting the wedding of Tendai and Trishi Mutunduwe in October. The ceremony and cake cutting took place on one of our lawns and the reception party was held later in the afternoon at a private residence.  It was a beautiful day, the rain held off and the happy couple were radiant.  We wish them a long and happy married life together and look forward to the years ahead when they will return with their children and grandchildren to remember this very special occasion in the most beautiful setting in Zimbabwe.

The ceremony was held under a crisp white gazebo on one of the lower lawns

Tendai and Trishi on their wedding day at World’s View

The fabulous wedding cake with tree ferns silhouetted against the evening sky

 

 

 

 

 

 The View has also become a favourite place for musicians to come and record their latest songs using the amazing view and colourful gardens as a backdrop for their productions. If anyone knows who this handsome young man and his model are, please let us know – he may be famous one day!

Spectacular view from the Hide

The Hide, which was commissioned last year, has become a very popular spot for those wishing for privacy and shelter from the natural elements, enjoying spectacular scenery and the ever-present birds of prey

Garth and Lesanne Fowler, a young couple who have recently revived Froggy Farm and Kiosk in Juliasdale, delivered a converted and refurbished horse box – known as the Coffee Box – where visitors can enjoy a welcome hot beverage and a delicious snack.  We wish them well in their new ventures and hope that the logistics of keeping the Coffee Box well stocked does not deter them from continuing to serve our visitors and keep the World’s View Coffee Box open for all to enjoy.

The first customers – our two dedicated caretakers, Noel and Luke Kanera, about to enjoy some well-deserved toasted sandwiches

Even though we strictly maintain our firebreaks on an annual basis the wind on the plateau can be ‘gale force’ at times and unfortunately a fire that was sweeping across the western boundary of the adjacent Connemara Estate, jumped the road and caused some heartbreaking damage to the property.  Thick smoke and the high winds made it impossible to continue fighting the fire as it swept up the slopes of Nyamutoro and around the lower slopes to the Hide.  Hundreds of aloes that we planted and been nurturing for years and over 1km of wooden fencing were destroyed.

The Sculptors’ Gazebo was razed to the ground and a lot of their stone carvings were destroyed, but we were lucky to save the caretakers’ cottage and Coffee Box. The loss of the natural grasses and indigenous trees was quite a blow, but we are happy to report that after the rains and some replanting, the area appears to be recovering nicely.

  

The fire jumped the road and firebreaks, and raged through the thick bush surrounding the staff cottage and the sculpture garden

leaving behind a trail of destruction.

So sad to see the slopes of Nyamutoro on fire and hundreds of aloes burning to a cinder..

 

 

 

 

 

The first rains brought new life to the site and regrowth soon took place.  The Sculptor’s Gazebo has been rebuilt and, once again, fully operative.

A number of improvements have been made in addition to rebuilding the Sculptors’ Gazebo and erecting over 1km of new fence-lines after the fire. A turning circle for buses a few meters down the road from the main entrance has been cleared and levelled …… no more buses ‘taking out’ our stone gateposts which we have had to rebuild several times!

 

 

 

 

We acquired a set of ‘wagon wheels’ a few years ago and, at last, have found the perfect spot, thanks to the fire having cleared a good section of wilderness below the toposcope, and a new seating area on the bush path is now well into the making. Like most developments at the View, it’s a case of ‘design as you build’ and we are never quite sure how it’s going to end up ………….. watch this space!

We were delighted to see the return of Edone Anne Logan in November for the installation of a plaque on the bench that the Trust has built in memory of her late husband, Aubrey Logan. Both Aubrey and Edone played a significant role in keeping the National Trust on the go, in particular the Nyanga Museum, one of our sister sites, where Edone was Chairman for many years.

        Just a few of the many species of mushroom that grow on and around the World’s View site. A true mushroomer’s delight – but only a few are edible and its advisable to get your mushrooms from a reputable local who knows which are suitable for eating.

A local company, operating from a property ‘down the hill’ now have quad bikes for hire. Although initially this brought some adverse comments from local folk concerned about noise and dust, they were, however soon relieved to find just a happy bunch of city folk chugging along at 5mph with eyes like saucers and hands firmly gripping the controls … with the ever-present outrider leading the way. One of the stop-offs for the route is World’s View and we have benefited from the extra revenue that these visitors bring.

Every season has something special to offer and every day and night bring different skies for visitors to gaze upon in wonder.  Above is ‘moonrise’ (top left) and a fantastic electric storm raging over the eastern horizon

Come on up and pay World’s View a visit and see the amazing sights for yourself, there’s so many beautiful places to visit in Nyanga and World’s View is just one of them. We look forward to seeing you and sharing our beautiful Zimbabwe.

Travel safely.

Gill Honeyman

Chairman

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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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. 

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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.

News: Update on Rhodes Nyanga Hotel

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Dear Friends of Nyanga

Thank you for all the well wishes from many parts of the world.

This is let you know that the tenant of Rhodes Nyanga Hotel’s lease expired with National Parks as at 31st August 2022.  We wish them well and thank them for all the support that they have the given the NTZ over the years.

The Nyanga Museum secured all belongings to the Museum from the Hotel. All other belongings were owned by the tenant or on loan under their responsibility.

The Rhodes Nyanga Museum has shown intent and verbally agreed to renew lease for a further five years with National Parks and continue as normal. We are yet to know who National Parks will nominate to manage the Hotel going forward but will update in due course.

Thank you again for all your support and best wishes.

NTZ Zimbabwe