Get Inspired At Phiring

En route to the Panorama Route from Hoedspruit, plan in a visit to Phiring village.  This friendly community has developed cultural and nature-based activities in a spectacular setting.  Visitors can go hiking to the Tufa Waterfall called Sekweneng, which is a rock formation of dolomite and contains a high percentage of calcium and magnesium. This builds up over time and the water flow results in an active, green and growing Tufa Waterfall. Another highlight is the Sethunyeng Gun Rock, a trail within an evergreen riverine forest. At the end of this trail lies a boulder shaped like a machine gun, with pools formed by waterfalls cascading over the rocks.  There are also a number of cultural experiences which visitors driving through to the Panorama Route can enjoy - really getting under the skin of the Phiring community and this unique destination. 

Tourism in Phiring emerged from the government of Flanders project funding to show the benefits of a climate adaptive green economy.  The community also wanted to bring in a tourism element highlighting the beautiful natural sites in Phiring so the K2C team stepped in, enabling the community to become the active custodians of this eco-tourism destination for generations to come. 

For information about the Ba-Dinkwanyane Tourism Experiences at Phiring, contact +27 (0)60 701 9526 or visit www.dinkwanyanetourism.co.za.

Champions Of Conservation 

The Waste Reclaimers of London Landfill 

Dwarfed by the towering trolley filled with plastic bottles, cardboard, tins and glass, a man plays dodgems with the traffic racing relentlessly past him. ‘Waste-pickers’ have become part of the urban landscape and are met with a mixture of annoyance and admiration by the communities they operate within.  Whether they are working on the streets, dumpsters or landfill sites, the garbage reclaimers are ordinary people who are believed to have ‘saved the South African government up to R748 million in landfill space and put South Africa’s recycling economy on par with Europe.’

Within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region, Hoedspruit is known for its commitment to conservation and sustainability. Among the many green initiatives flourishing in this eco-conscious town, the efforts of the London Landfill rubbish reclaimers stand out, although they largely fly under the radar of local residents. 

Coordinated under the Gadifeli Trust, the ‘waste pickers’ from the neighboring villages play a crucial role in reducing landfill waste by actively recycling what we throw away. A significant boost has recently come through Capex funding from the TASC Foundation to establish a centre which will empower the reclaimers to buy recyclable materials, process them and prepare them for sale. 

Baling, the next step in the recycling process, enhances the value of these materials and makes it easier to sell them to the recycling companies who are involved in transforming plastics and other recyclables into new products which is essential to the recycling chain. By baling it themselves, the reclaimers can significantly increase their income, create jobs within their community, and support a circular economy which not only improves their lives but also contributes to a more effective waste management system.

As much as these unsung heroes make an invaluable contribution towards the beautiful landscapes we all enjoy, they also embody the spirit of conservation that defines Hoedspruit. By supporting their efforts, Responsible tourists and locals alike can play a crucial part in fostering a greener, more inclusive future. The London Landfill reclaimers are not just cleaning up waste; they are paving the way for a sustainable tomorrow, one recyclable at a time.