Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
Haven in the mountains
Dear Jonno,
I have a farm in the Wolkberg district and want to build a home for my son and his partner, who are returning from the US.
I will initially need a two-bedroom cottage, with an extension of three or more separate bedrooms to accommodate weekenders and fishermen. All bedrooms must be en suite, with showers and toilets only.
As far as possible, we’d like to build with locally available materials. These include rocks, timber from the nearby forests, and thatching, We’ll have our own water and lighting supply, and will use solar heating. Kind regards,
Rodger
I am a woman with a golden heart who has so much love to give to the right man. You should be older than 66 and have a very good heart. This has to be a permanent relationship that leads to marriage. It would be a bonus if you love travelling and I can have the chance to see more of the world. I am looking for someone who will give me his heart and love in every way, someone who is understanding and can take care of his woman financially as well. I may not be a beauty queen or have a great figure anymore, but my heart is loving and beautiful. I am not looking for a handsome, slim man. You can be just the average guy, and even if you have a weight problem, we can get healthy together. If you are disabled, that’s fine, too. Write soon and supply your phone number. No smokers, please. Soul Mate, 6065
Ek is ’n blanke, tweetalige dame woonagtig op die Oos-Rand. Ek lyk goed vir my jare en het my goed opgepas. Ek is nie ’n roker of ’n drinker nie. Ek huur in ’n aftree-oord en is eensaam, sonder kind of kraai om my. Ek verlang ’n opregte Christenman van tussen 70 en 77 jaar met goeie waardes wat ’n vrou kan waardeer.
Jesus Kind, 1619
I’m a 69-year-old widower, 1,75m tall, weighing 80kg, and I’m tired of being alone. I love nature and outdoor life and appreciate sincere friendship. I believe in honesty and integrity and am kind-hearted, with a good sense of humour. I’m looking for a lady friend who loves life, art and the small things in life. She will be loved, treasured, protected and cherished. Ladies between the ages of 65 and 70 are welcome to write to me. Photo and contact number with first letter would be appreciated. Country Life, 9922
I am a respectable, 73-yearold gentleman who enjoys conversation, correspondence and travelling. I would like to hear from a lady who enjoys similar interests. Aquarius Berea, 2198
I retired after serving as a game ranger in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) for 35 years. I like braaiing, swimming and walking, as well as watching sport and movies. I enjoy travelling, especially by road. KZN Wildlife gives me 10 nights of accommodation a year and my next trips will be to the Okavango in Namibia, Lake Kariba and Victoria Falls. My favourite places are the Drakensberg, the bush and the beach. I’m going through a divorce and am able to relocate. I have two children (one in Johannesburg and one in Howick), and own two beautiful border collies. I don’t drink or smoke.
Lone Ranger, 3291
These authors assure you after 10 days of planning and 90 days of “solid, frenzied” writing, you will not only have completed your first draft, but also written the pitch for prospective publishers and planned out how you are going to present your “author brand”.
This may sound like a big ask, but as long as you don’t have masses of research still to carry out, it could be feasible for a memoir, selfhelp book or long-fermented novel, for example.
Here is a workbook that you can dip into every day for direction throughout the process and for coaching motivation to keep you going. A brisk, energetic and empathetic book.
For the many parents out there struggling with their first experience of home schooling during the coronavirus disease lockdown, the Best Books series could be a real boon.
Also available in Afrikaans, these lively, curriculum-aligned workbooks cover reading, spelling and activities as well as mathematics from pre-school to Grade 2. The series also offers study guides for high school.
The range has recently been extended to include Grade 3 maths. It’s packed with puzzles, quizzes and games that should lighten the homeschooling load all round.
February, but on 15 March, in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that gatherings of 100 people or more were not allowed.
As the health of breeders and the public attending functions is the society’s first priority, Bonsmara SA cancelled its annual events.
working online
In an attempt to ensure that its breeders remain informed and involved, Bonsmara SA set up an electronic voting process that allowed breeders to approve
Agriculture in South Africa is not for cowards. The only thing we can be sure of is that more changes are coming. Since January 2019, I have said repeatedly that things in South Africa are going to get much worse before the turning point is reached, and I have been proved correct.
During the 2018/2019 land debates, we experienced terrifying radicalism, which can lead to a dangerous downward spiral to a place where we do not want to be.
Then followed the appalling drought across large parts of our country that tested not only our value systems, but also our idea of the universe. We have experienced how our rural infrastructure is falling apart and can only watch in disbelief. We have experienced how the country was stolen by a bunch of villains, and are amazed every day at the tentacles of corruption still unfolding.
We have become used to load-shedding; foot-and-mouth disease has hit our livestock industry; and we see our state entities and economy imploding.
And just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse, the coronavirus entered and today we are in lockdown in our homes.
But is it all negative? Aren’t there many positive things that can come from this mess? Didn’t all this happen to get us to a turning point?
Let us be positive and support President Cyril Ramaphosa, because something is happening here. Let’s talk about our blessings and everything we should be grateful for. What really matters is the future of our country and its people. There’s no room for negativity, egos, pettiness, jealousy and inferiority complexes. Successful countries are built through the sweat of people, through loyalty, focus, dedication, sacrifice, hope, honesty, ethical standards and values.
On behalf of all the council members, thank you for your trust. It is a great privilege to serve you all and the Bonsmara breed. Be safe and enjoy this time with your loved ones. I think we all need to spend some time at home with our families.
• Phone the Bonsmara Cattle Breeders’ Society of South
Africa on 051 448 6084.