Doornkop Newsletter June 2021

Winter has arrived at Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve, and with a breath of frost a wonderland, and every fly-fishing member’s paradise, has awakened. The crisp morning air sends twirls of heat from our coffee mugs into the sky, while the rhythmic swishing of a dry fly in motion cuts through the silence along the mirror-still dams. The reflection of the sunlight, dancing through the mist on the water’s edge, gives us pause to think of this same moment a year ago. As Chalet’s slowly begin to stir

and cast glows of light, signalling the occupants’ movements, we cannot help but be grateful for the recovery we have witnessed these past months. Our hearts are appreciative of the incredible support and faith you, our valued Shareholders, have maintained in your home-away-from-home, and now, moving into the second half of this year, we are able to grow in strength, with you by our side. We would like to take a moment now to share our journey thus far through 2021.

Sights and Sounds of Mpumalanga

Blue Wildebeest

Larger than his cousin, the Black Wildebeest, Blue Wildebeest are a prominent member of the bovine family. Male Wildebeest are territorial, but only defend their land from other alpha bulls; often, young bulls will be accepted into the herd, provided they display submissive behaviour by bowing their heads low. The success of a dominant bull is not marked by the size of his territory, but rather the prominence of water sources and suitable grazing, as this is what female herds actively seek out. The Doornkop Blue Wildebeest certainly must be top alphas!

Black-Backed Jackal

Known to be one of the oldest surviving canine species, the Jackal is an intelligent creature and has a very distinct call. Their whine, often heard at dusk, is usually used to signal to their mate. Black-Backed Jackals are monogamous and form strong family bonds. Their young will often spend an additional year or two, assisting in raising the new litter, before moving on to find their own life partner. It is believed that this act of help is what contributes to the Jackal pups' high survival rate.

Giraffe

Did you know? A study conducted in 2016 suggested that Giraffes are not a singular species, but are in fact made up of four! After deliberation of the issue, a comprehensive DNA sampling and analysing activity was completed and revealed that there are, in fact, four species and five subspecies of Giraffe. The Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List was updated to include the four species and three of the subspecies in 2018, with South African Giraffe populations still to be assessed. This reclassification has meant that many of the different species have been classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ or ‘Threatened’ and we await news on the status of our beloved Giraffes, who are thought to have healthy populations.

We hope you enjoy your next self-drive game-viewing experience at Doornkop! You can also get up-close with the wide range of wildlife on a guided horse-back riding experience. Book at Reception or via email: reception@doornkop.co.za

Tip-Top Shape

The Doornkop Team is continually hard-at-work to ensure that the Resort remains in the best possible condition. Each task, no matter how big or small, makes a difference in keeping your ‘hidden gem of Mpumalanga’ gleaming.

All benches have been repainted and varnished to match the pool area

Games Room received a new welcome sign

Newly painted pots were installed at the pool area

From the Desk of the Chairman

Feedback following on from the recent Annual General Meeting

At the start of the year the region experienced heavy rainfall, brought about as a result of Cyclone Eloise. The Resort experienced flooding which left the MTB cycle trails and picnic lookout points in need of TLC. These routes have been cleared and we hope all visitors will enjoy the cycle routes and picnic spots once more.

The game management programme has also successfully been completed. As an ongoing initiative, the Board is dedicated to maintaining a balanced eco-system to ensure sufficient resources for the wide range of wildlife at Doornkop. The numbers of Blesbok, in particular, have been reduced and the game count is now more appropriate for the grazing capacity of the Reserve.

Discussions have been successfully completed with the Developer of the Central Complex which led to the Offer to Purchase agreement being concluded in April of this year. The Transfer of the property, including the Common Property, is currently underway and the priorities for maintenance and improvements will be assessed once the Transfer has been concluded.

It was resolved at the AGM to convert the Company from a Public Company to a Private Company and, further to this, it was resolved to replace the existing Memorandum of Incorporation (MoI), including all annexures to the MoI of the Company, with the new MoI tabled at the meeting.

The Board of Directors remains dedicated to assisting our valued Shareholders, so that they may continue to enjoy vacations at their preferred holiday destination. As such the Board would like to reiterate to all Shareholders that options remain available to place their week on tender, or to rent out their respective weeks. Shareholders are also reminded of the decision to split syndication weeks into four single weeks, which has now been resolved and included in the updated Memorandum of Incorporation.

	Memorandum of Incorporation > Click to Download

	Property Admin> Email Property Admin

	Options > Go to the Options website

The Chairman of the Board, as well as Board Members, are elated to share this positive feedback, outlined above, which highlights the progress which has been made in terms of Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve operating with a shared vision between the Share Block and the Landowners.

Fishing Season Is Set To Be Smashing

Winter has arrived and with it, a large number of trout as Doornkop restocked the 8 dams on the property during March, and again in May, of this year. Approximately 401 fish, each weighing 600 grams, as well as an additional 174 fish, each weighing 1kg, were introduced into the ecosystem, and already guests are making the most of our feisty new arrivals. A consistent re-stocking programme has been implemented and we look forward to introducing Brown Trout at the end of June 2021 as part of the next stocking phase.

The dams have also been refurbished and were made deeper to increase the water volume and improve on the habitat for the Trout. Guests may also notice some Yellow Fish while enjoying their fishing experience along the dams and rivers on the Reserve. While these fish were not stocked, it is believed that fingerlings made their way through the grid and have thus added to the thriving water populations.

Read more on Yellow Fish and the conservation of this species here.

Further to the Annual General Meeting held earlier this year, the Board has accepted that the existing fishing quota be discontinued. This is the result of recognising that most fisherfolk practice catch and release. A fishing quota also never reflected in the previous MOI, Articles of Association or the Use Agreement.

The Board wishes all fisherfolk a successful fishing season!

More Resort News

February Rains

During January of this year, Cylcone Eloise formed off the coast of Mozambique. The tropical storm was a cause for concern as it made landfall on the 19th of January, bringing with it heavy rains and pummelling winds. The torrential downpour affected a number of water systems, including the Komati River, which burst its banks and caused flooding right up to Doornkop’s Main Entrance. The 350mm of rain was a blessing-in-disguise for the region, as soon the rolling hills, tree lines and patio shrubs turned to brilliant hues of green.

Valentine’s Day At Doornkop

Families and friends felt the love this Valentine’s Day, as the Doornkop Team handed out bags of home-baked biscuits and small gifts as a token of our appreciation. Guests checking-in to the Resort also enjoyed tots of warming sherry, while the kids had the opportunity to decorate and colour-in their own Valentine’s Day cards. It was an absolute treat to spoil everyone!

Mother's Day Spoils

“There is no velvet so soft as a mother’s lap, no rose as lovely as her smile, no path so flowery as that imprinted with her footsteps.” – Archibald Thompson. It is always a treat to be able to welcome guests to the Resort at check-in with something special, and who deserves our thanks more than our dedicated mothers? A number of families joined us at Doornkop to share in a few days of bliss with mom. The Doornkop Team handed out pretty pocket tissues and delicious chocolate treats as a small token to thank them for all they do for our families.

Taking Your Feedback To Heart

Remember, remember our good times together! We would like to remind you to keep a lookout for your GuestRevu email link after check-out. We would love to hear your feedback once the holiday has been enjoyed and your memory bank is brimming with fun times. After your stay, you will receive a link to complete a quick survey regarding all aspects of the Resort and your holiday experience. The dedicated Team loves to hear your compliments, as well as concerns, so that Doornkop Management may consider additional ways to improve on your holiday experience. So don’t forget to click the link and share your fantastic times at Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve.

Have you visited the Bonnefoi Farm?

Located just off the R36, and within a 20 minute drive from Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve, lies the remains of an old trading station, dating back to 1872. The sandstone and slate building serviced the wagon route travelling to Lydenburg and was owned by Charles Everard and his wife, Bertha. While the building remains, amongst a thatching of wildflowers and tall grass, it is actually the family history of Bertha Bonnefoi which is most intriguing. Bertha, and a number of her female family members, were a group of internationally acclaimed artists. In the year 1910, her work was awarded by a Johannesburg-based gallery as the ‘Most Important Art’. The group, spanning four generations, also had their artwork displayed at a number of national exhibitions over the years. Each family member developed their own artistic style and yet they were all fond of depicting the beautiful African landscapes of the Mpumalanga countryside, which Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve now calls home. While her family’s paintings can now be found far and wide, across the globe, it is always great to know where the inspiration for their work transpired.

It’s all about the Everlasting Holiday Memories

It is always such a treat for the Doornkop Team to see just how much you and your family enjoyed your holiday at the Resort. It warms our hearts to be able to share in these ‘frozen-in-time moments’ with you and we hope you always look back on your photos and smile at the wonderful memories!

Karen Gräbe

Ashley Arjun

Suzanne Morshead

We cannot wait to hear from YOU!

Please take a moment to click here and submit your Doornkop photos and videos and we’ll feature you on our Facebook page and guest gallery. We would love to showcase the best of your home-away-from-home and what better way than through the eyes of our valued Shareholders.

Stay ‘on-the-line’ with Doornkop

Keep up-to-date with all things fly-fishing and wilderness-holidaying at your home-away-from-home!

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On the Fly

Reel in the latest news, interesting wildlife stories and fishing titbits from the Doornkop blog. Click on the links for more!

The Voice of Africa

As golden ribbons of sunlight emanate from the sunset and spill across the landscape, the ‘Voice of Africa’ sounds out. →

The Story of Millys

Just as trout and fishing are ingrained in the story of Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve, so too, is it ingrained in the story of Millys. →

Stargazing in Mpumalanga

The Mpumalanga countryside offers incredible stargazing conditions for those looking to draw inspiration from, or simply explore... →

Don't forget about Doornkop's competition!

Submit your photos, videos and favourite memories at Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve and stand a chance to win: one midweek stay in an eight-sleeper chalet!

All you need to do to be entered into the competition is submit your photos and videos to myholiday@doornkop.co.za. We cannot wait to share in your memories and invite the winner for a complimentary stay!

Expand your Holiday Horizons

Uni-Vate Properties, an affiliated partner of VRS-Managed Resorts, is offering our valued Shareholders the opportunity to expand their Holiday Portfolio with these incredible ownership options. Browse a wide range of holiday weeks available at these prestigious destinations:

Mount Amanzi

Situated in the heart of Hartbeespoort, Mount Amanzi is the ideal Resort for family and friends to make memories to last a lifetime. The Resort offers a relaxing holiday experience - quite literally on your doorstep, for those living in Gauteng. Experience the beauty and tranquillity that Mount Amanzi offers.

Learn More

Mabalingwe Nature Reserve

This pristine Reserve is situated near Bela-Bela in Limpopo. Mabalingwe is all about the distinct scent of the beautiful bushveld and lush grasslands that surround the Reserve, the smell of the fire and the aroma of your favourite braai items sizzling on the grid. It’s all about NATURE, FAMILY and FUN!

Learn More

Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve

The gem of Mpumalanga; where unspoilt countryside stretches and rolls in every direction and cosy chalets overlook the gleaming dams and waterways, is calling you home! The accommodation and activities at Doornkop Fish and Wildlife Reserve were designed with the family-and-friends-come-together experience in mind.

Learn More

The possibilities for more precious moments and memorial experiences with family and friends is only a click away.
We look forward to creating more everlasting holiday memories with you!

Visit the Uni-Vate Properties website for more options at other holiday Resorts!

AFRICAN BLESSINGS
Jochebed Children's Village is the heart of African Blessings and the vision upon which the charity organisation was founded. Jochebed comprises of 16 cottages (of which two are currently complete, furnished and occupied) set on the African Blessings Farm. Rather than operate in the mannerisms of the traditional orphanage, each child is placed with a loving family and will grow to reach their full potential within a functional household on the property. There is a well-known African proverb that says "It takes a village to raise a child". It certainly rings true and we believe that the entire African Blessings Farm community and all living here are responsible for shaping and positively influencing the lives of the children; educating and raising them to be leaders.
This is only the start of our vision – help us reach our dreams of offering this safe haven to more children in need.

DONATE TODAY

OPTIONS
Has your calendar schedule been flipped upside down?
Options is an independent exchange organisation that provides you, as a valued Shareholder, the opportunity to:

Deposit and Exchange your holiday from one screen.
The Resort, the Occupation date, and the size of the unit will determine the number of Tokens you receive when you Deposit your holiday.
These Tokens can be used to Exchange for another holiday destination, larger unit size or alternative dates at an Exchange Fee.

Select from a wide variety of availability from some of the largest Exchange Companies.

CLICK HERE to log in to OPTIONS

7ACROSS
With 7Across it is easy to go more places, see more faces and cover more bases. All with lower fees and less fine print. If that isn't a win-win-win, we don't know what is.
Join for free! www.7across.com/join-for-free

Find out More

ACT TRAVEL
Domestic & International Flights / Travel Insurance
Foreign Exchange Assistance / Airport Shuttles & Transfers
Packages at Mnarani Club in Kenya / And so much more!

For more information and assistance, please contact us on:
info@actravel.co.za | +27 (0) 12 941 8522

Important Notices

	2021 Timeshare Calendar > Download here

	2021 Instruction letter > Download here

	2021 Syndication Calendar > Download here

	VRS Website > Click here

	Other Documents > Click here

	COVID-19 Updates > Click here

We would like to remind our valued Shareholders to kindly check and sign off on inventories upon arrival at your home-away-from-home unit. An inventory list is available in your unit; any discrepancies must please be reported at Reception.

Keep in touch with us:

In Closing...

There are still another six incredible months of holiday bliss to be enjoyed ahead of us before we wrap up 2021. We look forward to experiencing the rest of this journey, and as we greet guests for their fly-fishing and family breakaways this winter season, we cannot help but think that, “A great attitude becomes a great day, which becomes a great year.” You, our valued Shareholders,

and all our guests, make every day brighter. As we listen to the laughter, echoing into the cool daylight and watch as another trout is hook-set and a fisherman’s morning is made, we smile to think of the bright days ahead and the many happy holidays you all will still experience in the months to come.
Until next time!

Warm Regards

VRS – Managing Director