Category Archives: Latest News

Committee members of Rhodes Nyanga Historical Exhibition arrived at the Rhodes Museum for their usual bi-monthly meeting on 7 December 2017 and started work on setting up the new ‘Time Line Project’ and also co-opted member Ray Clutty, together with Marshall Nyanhanda, the task of fixing the newly painted signs outside the Museum and positioning them strategically.

This has proved to be very successful in drawing the public’s eye to the locality and entry point of the Museum.  Needless to say, the NTZ and Marshall, in his capacity of Curator since July 2014, are extremely chuffed with these new signs. Hopefully, they will attract more visitors to the Museum.

   Marshall Nyanhanda with the new sign

Mr Oliver Maurice, Director, INTO attended the recent conference of the parties (COP) COP 23  under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which aims to “prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system” held in Bonn, Germany. Mr Maurice presented the “Gianyar Declaration: Cultural Sustainability and Climate Change” that was ratified at the INTO ICNT conference held in Bali in September 2017.

Indeed Mr Maurice has attended most of the previous COP conferences  representing the concerns of the global INTO membership regarding the effects of climate change on their heritage sites.

As an INTO member the NTZ first participated, with the very kind assistance of Mr Maurice, in the COP 22 in Marrakech in 2016 when Mrs Sharon Waterworth, Chartered Environmental Scientist and Vice Chair of the NTZ produced a poster for display on climate change in Zimbabwe.  The important issues included: a) the education of NTZ members and visitors to our sites about the effects of climate change b) for the NTZ to share information about what action the NTZ is taking to protect heritage from climate change and c) to be able to get communities involved in protecting their local heritage sites. The NTZ was able to keep abreast of the conference by listening to regular blogs by Mr Maurice and a podcast series run by Mr Bill Turner entitled ‘INTO Conversations that Matter’.

For this years COP 23 conference Mrs Waterworth wrote a paper entitled: “Climate Change: Consequences for The National Trust of Zimbabwe” extracts of which were kindly displayed at the conference by Mr Maurice on the INTO stand.  The NTZ would like to extend its gratitude to Mr Maurice for attending the conference and working hard to highlight global heritage issues with respect to climate change.

Climate Change: Consequences for The National Trust of Zimbabwe

Globally, according to many scientific organisations, including NASA and the United Nations (UN), agreed that 2016 was the hottest year on record. The UN reported that, this was a new high for the third year in a row.  It means 16 of the 17 hottest years on record have been in this century.  2016 was the warmest year in the 136 years of modern data-keeping.  The scorching temperatures around the world, and the extreme weather they drive, mean the impacts of climate change on people are coming sooner and with more ferocity than expected.

Everyone on earth is and will be affected by climate change, but the countries that will experience the most severe impacts are in the developing world.  Africa (with the exception of South Africa and Nigeria) contributes to only 4.6% of total average global greenhouse gas emissions.  The IPCC predicts that average temperatures across most of Africa will increase more quickly than the global average.

Zimbabwe, situated in central southern Africa, is endowed with abundant human and natural resources, and these resources are interdependent. For example, since the economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and electricity, its strength and stability are linked to the climate and particularly the state of the country’s water resources.

Around 20% of its land area, including the Zambezi and Limpopo river valleys, lies below 900 m. The climate is strongly influenced by the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which develops as a result of the collision of warm moist air masses from the north and cool air masses from the south. Zimbabwe has one of the most variable rainfall patterns in the world in terms of distribution across time and space, although dry spells and droughts are part of a normal cycle.

The graph below shows the variability in average seasonal rainfall since records began in 1901. As can be seen by the strongly zigzagging line, Zimbabwe has experienced wide fluctuations in average seasonal rainfall over the last century. The red line on the graph indicates that average rainfall is declining. The decline is attributed to climate change. Zimbabwe’s continental interior location means that it warms somewhat more rapidly in the future than the global average.

Zimbabwe average seasonal rainfall (mm) 1901/02 to 2009/10

Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s National Climate Change Response Strategy states that “Climate change is the biggest threat to humanity today”.  There is evidence from records since 1900 that average annual surface temperature has increased by 0.4°C. There are now, more hot days and fewer cold days than in the past. Climate change is expected to bring an increase in average temperatures across the country of between 1°C and 3°C before the end of this century. Temperature extremes cause ground frost during the cold season and heat waves during the hot season. Annual rainfall could decline by between 5% and 18%, especially in the south. Rainfall will become more variable. There will be an increase in droughts, floods and storms.

A small increase in winter temperatures could have a disproportionate large effect on human health and deaths as it will increase the distribution of the preferred habitats of insects that carry disease including mosquitoes, tsetse flies and ticks. In Africa in 2015, the region was home to 90% of malaria cases and 92% of malaria deaths.

Between 1990 and 2015 Zimbabwe lost 36% of its forest cover at a rate of 9% per decade. Deforestation has become a major problem in recent years as forests have been cleared in preparation for agriculture, for fencing and for use as firewood mainly for tobacco curing and brick making. Natural resources and ecosystem services have been degraded over the years through various human activities. Climate change will accelerate the degradation and its impacts will be felt more strongly. Soils, for example, have been increasingly eroded through annual ploughing, burning for land clearing, building on wetlands, deforestation and poor grazing management.   The lack of controlled water run-off from slopes and uncontrolled open-cast mining areas has added to the degradation.

The country’s economy is heavily dependent on water availability and its gross domestic product (GDP) has been strongly affected by rainfall fluctuations in the past. During years where rains have been good, GDP has increased and decreased in drought years GDP. Climate change will exacerbate hardship and poverty among the people of Zimbabwe, those living in rural areas, will be the worst affected.

Photograph courtesy of David Brazier, 2015

The impacts of climate change in Zimbabwe, particularly the increase in rainfall variability, make it difficult for organizations operating in the tourism and heritage protection sector such as the National Trust (NTZ), who now have to cope with seasonal shifts, wildfires, threats to soil fertility and an accelerated expansion of deserts. In addition extreme weather conditions such as droughts and heat waves, storms and intense rain affect visitor numbers and a lack of water resources at some of the properties is fragile.  The Worlds View property relies on water pumped from a local dam that is dependent on rain water. La Rochelle County House is reliant solely on borehole water to supply the hotel and a holding dam for the up-keep of the gardens.  The water for the Rhodes Nyanga Historical Exhibition is supplied from the adjacent hotel that is provided via a water canal that is owned by the Water Board.  These three sites receive the highest numbers of visitors who require access to water. The Mabukuwene property which also receives visitors: only has access to municipal water which is rarely distributed. Whilst some of the other more remote sites do not have a water supply at all:  Fort Gomo, Sebakwe Poort and Murahwa’s Hill.

It is not only humans that require water to live and together with the destruction of natural habitats, pressure from human settlements and poaching, wildlife populations have been decimated, particularly those of endangered species.  In November 2016 Mr David Dell, Chair of The Friends of Hwange ( one of the oldest and largest National Parks in Africa) announced that there was certainly an increase in the heat levels in the Park and 2016 was  particularly hot as has the last few years. Elephants not only need water to drink but also to keep their bodies cool. Their skin has many small cracks into which moisture is trapped by mud and as it dries the latent heat of evaporation helps to cool them down. It is hard enough providing water to drink let alone enough to keep them cool. We are seeing a number of elephant deaths in the Park. Buffaloes are also succumbing to the extreme heat.   Apart from these two species suffering other animals are also having a hard time as they cannot get to the water as the troughs are dominated by elephant.

Scientists worldwide agree that global warming is happening, and that human activity causes it. We now need to implement adaptation and mitigations strategies to combat the terrible effects of climate change and to prepare for the future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Primarily, we must protect the natural resources on which our lives and livelihoods depend by introducing better land management practices

Adaptation strategies are actions to counteract the adverse consequences of climate and landscape change. Natural resource managers can use both strategies to reduce adverse ecosystem effects of climate and landscape change. These strategies can increase ecological resilience to climate and landscape change.

Mitigation strategies are actions to prevent, reduce, or slow climate and/or landscape change such as increasing the use of solar and wind energy and reduce ecosystem vulnerability, conserve biodiversity and restore degraded ecosystems.  Communities, too, can adapt for example by switching to more drought tolerant agricultural crops, increase the use of irrigation in crop production in areas expected to become more arid, maintain landscape connectivity to aid vegetation and wildlife migration.

At the recent International Conference of National Trusts held in Bali,  the NTZ, as a member organization, pledged to implement (wherever possible) the Gianyar Declaration for Cultural Sustainability and Climate Change that was ratified at the conference by undertaking the following actions:

• Reduce our carbon footprint and
• Encourage our visitors to reduce their carbon footprint
• Undertake water conservation practices
• Mainstream climate change by including the subject in all of our agendas, meetings, decisions and management methods
• The NTZ will be hosting the inaugural Africa Region conference in Zimbabwe in 2018 and we will focus on organising a ‘green’ conference by implementing measures such as: reducing our carbon footprint, limiting the use of one time plastic, produce the minimum amount of solid waste, undertake tree planting and so on
• Conserve intangible cultural heritage associated with our properties
• Any new buildings that may be built on any of our properties will be designed as environmentally friendly as possible. The NTZ will work closely with planners, architects and engineers to achieve this
• Environmental Management and Monitoring Plans will be compiled both for the construction and operational phases of any new developments
• Sustainable urban and rural landscape, garden and estate management practices will be adopted on our properties
• Reduce, reuse and recycle solid waste
• Conserve biodiversity at our properties and
• Promote creative industries based on the conservation of nature and culture

The NTZ is dedicated and actively working to reduce the impact of climate change that is threatening each and every one of us.

Reference:

The NTZ kindly acknowledges Anna Brazier, 2015, Climate Change in Zimbabwe: Facts for Planners and Decision Makers, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung

In 1964 Sir Stephen and Lady Virginia Courtauld funded an agricultural training school named ‘Kukwanisa’ in the Tsonzo area of Nyanga which was established for small holder farmers in the area. Initially it was an outstandingly successful venture but it was sadly destroyed during the war years. It has been the wish of the NTZ to re-establish the training school.

In 2016 Mr Dominik Collenberg of Organic Africa, in a Joint Venture with Acumen (who undertook the major refurbishment of La Rochelle and now manages the boutique country house), approached the NTZ with a view to enter into a long term successful partnership establishing an agricultural training centre of excellence at La Rochelle.  The centre will offer courses in sustainable organic farming for small scale farmers in southern Africa. Needless to say this is an exciting opportunity for all the organisations involved and for Zimbabwe. So the NTZ was proud to invite Mr Dominik Collenberg to speak at its 44th AGM held on the 29th July 2017. Dominik holds a Masters in Organic Farming and Masters in Economic of Development which means that he has the expertise to implement the proposed project and in addition he has gained many years of experience in his professional field.

 Dominik addressing the meeting

Dominik outlined the proposed project and explained his vision is in alignment with the NTZ one: that an agricultural training centre would be built at La Rochelle and the existing county house would be expanded as per the wishes of Sir Stephen and Lady Virginia. The centre would also establish trial plots whereby student would have hands on teaching experience as well. He said that he already had secured an export market for the crops grown by the small scale farmers from a company, who are the world leading herbal tea producer based in Germany. They are a family run business with expertise in mixing premium quality herbal teas, using various extracts such as aniseed and horehound, lemon balm, mint, cinnamon and lemongrass. The extracts are mixed with a selection of botanicals (over 200) to produce herbal and fruit infusions, medicinal teas, flavoured black and green teas, herbal powders, botanicals, herbal, fruit and tea extracts, decaffeinated teas, tea flavours, active phytopharmaceutical ingredients and nutritional supplements. Their end product is sold to tea manufactures such as Lipton.

Only quality products produced by certified production methods and sustainably produced botanicals are needed. The herbal raw materials are grown, harvested and collected in a way that conserves Nature so that the diversity of resources will continue be available to future generations. Of great importance to them is responsible economic activity and they nurture long-term, fair relationships with business partners, insist on controlled, integrated cultivation and promote social and cultural projects.

Dominik then went on to talk about his company called Organic Africa who focus on organic production and said that they are the only company certified in organic fair trade products in Zimbabwe. They are also the only company in southern Africa whereby its small scale farmers have their land certified and so are able to produce high quality herbs for export. Which as you can imagine, is no mean feat!  The certification means that their farmers produce high value crop (low volume) and so they are paid at a premium higher price. He added that most of the farmers are women.

In the past Organic Africa has carried out training of famers under the shelter of a tree, looking to the future they want to build the agricultural training centre will really give them a chance to understand and have hands on practice experience which will lead to more small scale farmers being trained at a high level. The training will show how the farmers can grow crops without using any chemicals or fertilisers and how to make compost according to strict global regulations. They work extensively with all their producers to help them attain Ethical Biotrade, Organic and Fair Trade certification.

Organic Africa invests a lot of time and money in undertaking research into identifying and developing potential commercial applications for indigenous under-utilised species. There are a large number of locally-available plant species that could be used by small-scale farmers, especially in the drier parts of Zimbabwe. They work in collaboration with a wide range of different actors, including private companies, other research organisations, governmental, non-governmental and international organisations, and individual researchers and entrepreneurs. They are also a socially responsible entrepreneurship aiming at producing and marketing high value certified products together with their partner farmers in an ethical and sustainable manner. Organic Africa has tapped into the enormous potential of small-scale organic production, processing and marketing of high value essential oils, herbs, spices, and medicinal plants. Some of the plants have not been grown in Zimbabwe before such as Lemon balm (a member of the mint family).

Dominik mentioned that B’Ayobe, an affiliated company has, in the last year, bought over a 1,000 tons of Baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit produced by local communities and the money therefore goes into the local communities. This has been of great benefit to producers living in Chimanimani and Chipinge where a) there is not a lot of income and b) especially in the dry season (June and July). Organic Africa understands that the best way to ensure continual economic growth is to enhance lasting social structures within the farming communities, so they engage in many community activities to promote this idea. They have also worked developing Devils claw (Harpagophytum zeyheri/procumbens) in the Hwange area, Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa) in Binga and also Myrothamnus flabellifolia , the resurrection bush so called for the speed with which apparently dead leaves revive when the rains come. They ensure that all crops are sustainably harvested without having any negative ecological impact

To date, various field test cultivation plots and trials have been conducted at La Rochelle farm including the following:

Calendula has good antibacterial and               Caraway is hardy herb with and       Chamomile, grows well in winter

anti inflammatory properties                              grows well in the the rainy season

Lemon balm, grows well in the rainy                Safflower almost ready to harvest               Stinging nettle, grows well in sunshine  season

Other crops being trialed include two varieties of ginger and three varieties of turmeric anise.

It is clear that the project is in synergy with the vision of the NTZ and Organic Africa and their business partners have a very good reputation for looking after the environment and being socially responsible in their business operations.  Needless to say, Organic Africa presents an exciting opportunity for ensuring the economic viability of La Rochelle, training and supporting small scale farmers, caring for the environment and raising the profile of the NTZ regionally. The NTZ is very privileged to be involved in the proposed project.

 91 years – what a fine innings!

A Memorial Exhibition of the lifelong work of Mr Darrel Charles Herbert Plowes organized by National Museums and Monuments Zimbabwe (NMMZ) in association with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Mutare, Zimbabwe, was opened on 19th October 2017, it will run until Christmas.

The exhibition showcases and celebrates Darrel as a person and as a plant collector, orchid specialist, author, scientific researcher, photographer, ornithologist and butterfly collector. The display covers his public and community service work as a Museum Society member, a NMMZ Board member, Cactus and Succulent Society member and long serving, very active and dedicated member of the National Trust of Zimbabwe. Some of his personal items are on display such as his cameras and natural collections.

Darrel in the orchid house at La Rochelle

Invited guests were welcomed to the Mutare Museum by Dr. P. Mupira (below), the Regional Director for National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, Eastern Region. The National Trust of Zimbabwe (The Trust) was represented by The Council Chairman David Scott and his wife Shirley and Edone-Ann Logan, the Chairperson of the Rhodes Nyanga Historical Exhibition and her husband Aubrey and Mrs Nina Bauer, Membership Secretary.

Mr James Becker (ex-Trust Chair Mutare Committee below) delivered an excellent Homily in Honour of Darrel in which he mentioned that he had the good fortune to have worked closely with both Darrel and his companion Nina Bauer, on the Mutare Trust Committee, responsible for La Rochelle, Fort Gomo and Murahwa’s Hill. They were both honoured with Life Membership, for their amazing effort and contribution to the Trust. Mr Becker gave an interesting historical account of Darrel’s life.

In 1943–1945 Darrel saw active service in latter part of WWII, with the South African, 9th Division, in Italy. After the war, Prof John Phillips from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa canvased Darrel into joining the University on a special Agri-Science course and thus started his career in the Department of Agriculture. In 1949–56 he was posted as Research Officer to Matopos and Nyamandlovu. During the period 1956–82 he was posted to Manicaland, where he rose to the TOP post of Provincial Agricultural Officer. Then in 1982 – 1995 Darrel travelled extensively due to his, second wife’s postings in the USA foreign service, namely Botswana, Sudan, Washington DC, and Chad. Finally in 1995 – 2016 his love of Mutare drew him back here, where he lived to the end.

Darrel’s passion new no bounds, as he had such an amazing interest is so many areas from photography, to plants, insects, birds, minerals etc. Darrel won a photography award for his filming of the Black Eagle at Murahwa’s Hill. He also has the distinction of having many species named after him. His input to this fine museum was enormous, and leaves a fitting legacy to his incredible contribution.

Darrel’s sense of what is RIGHT, FAIR & JUST, coupled with his quiet determined manner, were attributes that were admired by many. He certainly earned their respect and was acknowledged as an authority in so many fields. He was considered a “FINE GENTLEMAN” in every sense of the word, by many who came to know him.

Mr John Meikle (above) then spoke about Darrel and his public service work. Darrel dedicated himself fully to causes he passionately believed in (mainly in the Environmental and Heritage arena)! Darrel was an authority in so many diverse subjects/areas, leaving his mark and name on so many species of fauna and flora etc. His interests were very varied which gave him an amazing knowledge in so many different areas.

Mrs Nina Bauer (above) then and spoke very emotionally about the time she spent with Darrel and shared  Darrel’s final request and word of advice to everyone surviving him:

“Plant Trees, plant more trees, plant more and more trees, just PLANT TREES”!!

Immediately after the tribute speeches a tree planting ceremony took place in the Museum garden, in honour of Darrel. Nina conducted the ceremony.

The exhibition, inside the Museum, was officially opened by Nina cutting the ribbon (above) and then declared open by Ms Muusha (who helped create the exhibition) and who gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the National Gallery. The guests then toured the very interesting tribute exhibition displaying Darrel’s first camera, personal life pictures and his work on fauna and flora, some with his handwritten notes.

Darrel was an invaluable friend of the Trust for a many, many years and a great source of information and of assistance through his long friendship with Sir Stephen and Lady Virginia Courtauld of La Rochelle when he worked with them on many projects in the early years of La Rochelle.  His knowledge of the property was a great help to the Trust during the recent refurbishment program and we will be eternally grateful for his precious input over the years. A granite plaque acknowledging Darrel’s contribution is being placed by the Trust at La Rochelle where Darrel had spent so much time and where he had been such an influence.

Darrel’s long career before retirement was in agriculture, natural resource management and extension where his contributions were substantial. His extensive interests covered an incredibly wide range of subjects in the fields of natural history, agronomy, entomology, botany and ornithology, to name just a few. The Trust was truly honoured and fortunate to have as an active member, one of the greatest all-round naturalists of Zimbabwe.

You are cordially invited to a Memorial Exhibition of the lifelong work of Mr Darrel Plowes being organized by National Museums and Monuments Zimbabwe (NMMZ) and the Mutare Art Gallery on 19^th October 2017.

The exhibition will showcase and celebrate Darrel as a person and as a plant collector, orchid specialist, author, scientific researcher, photographer, ornithologist and butterfly collector. The display will also cover his public and community service work as a Museum Society member, a NMMZ Board member, Cactus and Succulent Society member and long serving, very active and dedicated member of the National Trust of Zimbabwe. Some of his personal items will be on display.  Dr Mupira  Regional Director of the NMMZ will be one of the guest speakers along with Ms Nina Bauer and Mr Des Becker who are attending as on behalf of the National Trust and well as being close personal friends.

We look forward to seeing you there.

We would like to share a visitor comments and photographs on his recent stay at La Rochelle:

Hi All, I decided to make the most of it and stay at La Rochelle – an up market, rambling, country style homestead 5 minutes down the Penhalonga Road just on the outskirts of Mutare. My first visit and I have been impressed by how well it is being run; the excellent dinners; and the relaxed feel about the place.

The main house had lots of long passageways and a large lounge as was the architecture favoured some 50 plus years ago. Saturday night in the main living room had several families playing games like scrabble and dominoes with their kids –pleasant music playing quietly in the background. There are bookshelves all over the place with books dating back to the early 20th century – I browsed through a few: “A Great Book of Humour” (1935) with short stories from about 30 authors including Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy; and then there was “Echoes of Old Country Life” (1892). I did, of course, have to glance through a more modern “Remarkable Gardens of South Africa!” (2012) lying on the coffee table.

Lounge showing portrait of Sir Stephen and Lady Virginia hanging over the fireplace

When the work was done I took off on my Bike for a ride along the backroads – all uphill to my dismay – I ended up traversing what seemed like the Stairways to Heaven – one of those where every corner brings yet another steep rise – still people living way up there with local ladies ascending the hill seemingly unaffected by the heavy buckets on their heads.

One of the lovely aspects of staying at a place like this is that you have a chance to chat to all sorts of interesting people. I had a drink with guy from Sterling in Scotland who was travelling around the country with a couple of mates.

La Rochelle is ideal for either a stopover on the way to or from Mozambique or for a week ago away from the Madding crowd. It is a pleasant drive, just over 3 hours, from Harare. Take time out there soon.

A quote that caught my attention in the Humour Book “ Mrs Wright and Mr Bolt were sipping liqueurs and lingering over that inestimable stage of human companionship when acquaintance is drifting into something higher, wider, nobler, broader, deeper and fuller”! (F.E. Baily  in “Look this Way Babe”). A little more subtle than the likes of “50 shades of Grey”!

Mr Mike Garden, Softrite Accounting Systems

Here are some other recent visitors’ comments that were kindly provided by Mr Garden.

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La Rochelle – Have friends who stayed there recently with some Art ladies they really enjoyed the weekend and the lovely gardens.

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I used to go to La Rochelle when it was still in the Courtauld family and Lady Courtauld was still alive and we used to have tea on the verandah. The gardens were magnificent. I remember it as being so much bigger and so full of colour back then. I think the Manager is doing a remarkable job. It looks wonderful.

Regards Rose

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This was the home of Lord and Lady Courtauld. There should be a statue there to her pet Lima and the round turret was for her stone collection. They had interesting visitors who signed the lounge window. They had so many antiques that Mr Holland refused to value the contents so a valuer was sent out from the UK. They also planted all different trees. Glad to hear it is running well.

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Watch the 1957 Royal Tour of Rhodesia on YouTube the footage is around 12 minutes long and towards the end (11.5 minutes) there is some footage of the Courtualds and the Queen Mother taken at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. Very interesting.

It is linked to Memories of Rhodesia and produced by the African Film Productions, Johannesburg, SA.

https://www.google.co.zw/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiP3sm__5fVAhVCJcAKHZtvAtgQtwIIJDAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DqVl-G0eXuAA&usg=AFQjCNFDdHpkaQ85wy-0cEXqGb9Dzpo_Eg