Cornelius Jacobus van Niekerk

Identity Number 73 0227 5171 083

SIR

The Protection and Sustainability of the Minerva Nature Reserve and

I have been the owner of mentioned property from 28th December 2010, done and
executed at the Office of the Registrar of Deeds at Pietermaritzburg in the Province of
Kwazulu-Natal dated 3 March 2011.
We purchased the property for the beautiful landscape, surrounded by forests
professionally ran and owned by the Mondi Group and The Minerva Private Nature reserve.
Unfortunately, one of the pillars of our community Mr Malcom Anderson is no longer with
us. The peaceful Byrne Valley settlement was rocked by the tragic murder of Mr Anderson
and suicide of his colleague. The well-known owner of the Minerva Museum and Nature
Reserve left a BIG gap in our community.
We enjoyed late afternoon sundowners on our porch while watching groups of 40 plus
Reedbuck as they descent down the mountain into the valley, haven’t seen one in the last 4
years. Other animals we have also encountered includes Bush Pig , Blue Duiker , Serval Cat ,
Leopard , Cape Clawless Otter , Spotted Genet , a Number of species of Bats, Hadeda ,
Egyptian Goose , Black-eyed Bulbul , Cape robin , Black flycatcher , Half -collared Kingfisher ,
Long Crested Eagle , African Crowned Eagle and African Goshawk, Mongoose , Silver Backed
Jackal , Vervet Monkeys and Baboons, Crowned Crane , Southern Ground Hornbill ,
Porcupine to name a few.
As a proud citizen of our beautiful South Africa, unfortunately not everything that glitters
are gold. The very real and sad truth is that Poaching is rife all around us. Community
members like myself are also livestock owners and had to put down stock because of
injuries caused by the hunting dog attacks, on this particular occasion organized by an
unemployed squatter named Eugene Higginson ( 084 021 8124 ) who has captured the farm
of my late neighbour from Belgium, Mr Michel Michelle whose farm has now become a
centre for invited criminal elements since his passing. Most of the farm has already been
stripped and looted with lawyers of the estate coming under fire and chased off the
property on one occasion I am aware of. Authorities have visited and found enough
evidence of dead wildlife on this property and to my knowledge huge fines was issued.
There is, to my understanding a foreign national who supposedly rents an area for planting
of vegetables. These hunts were led by a Mr John Tshabalala ( 072 027 1379 ) who has been
arrested twice by Bidvest Asset Protection Members who could shed more light on the case.
I have him on video stating that the Foreigner who is renting is the one who invited him to
rid the area of bush pig as it destroys his crops. Mr Tshabalala when confronted by myself
claimed to have a permit for this purpose but refused to show it to me and said he will only
show it to local SAPS Richmond. I wanted to make a citizen’s arrest but was confronted and
threatened with references to my mother and I will get to know them soon. With the
intervention of my farm manager bloodshed was avoided as most on this occasion was
armed and I have proof of this. I have it on hearsay that Mr Tshabalala has relatives
employed in the station. After 3 days Sergeant Mzolo ( 078 1669 022 ) visited my farm and I
wanted to open a case. He went there, came back saying that he has issued the gentleman
with a warning to leave the area and advised me to get a protection order against Mr
Tshabalala, which I didn’t. I’m amazed none of the 15 gentleman on the farm was arrested
as to my knowledge hunting with dogs in South Africa is illegal and find it laughable that KZN
Ezemvelo Wildlife or the Mondi Group would issue a permit for the so called culling of bush
pig to criminals who hunts everything that comes in their way , including farmers livestock.
Sergeant Mzolo assured me all is handled yet as he left the poachers continued for another
hour firing 3 gunshots and then left.
Another farm of the late Mr George and partner Wilma ( 083 537 1992 who wants nothing
to do with The Valley now ) from Amanzimtoti has also been captured by a Lesotho National
by the name of Thabo who forced Mr Michelle on his death bed to sign a sales agreement
for this farm , which isn’t legal in the first place as its not owned by Mr Michelle. These
papers are now being used in threats against us under the pretence of a Title deed
document, by a certain Mr Russell Galbraith ( 066 459 2347 – 082 777 6848 ) claiming to be
the new owner as the executor of the estate recently passed away in a vehicle accident. This
farm is also captured. He lives with Thabo ( 061 189 4563 ) and according to feedback an
alleged poacher and hunter himself , as well as growing the illegal drug referred to as Magic
Mushrooms. Howling and Barking Hunting dogs coupled with gunshots have become part of
our life. Our small holding is apparently the next target to be captured and I’m sure it’s not
necessary to remind anyone about the bloodshed in Richmond in the 90s As I took a stand I
am now fearing for my own life with a definite target on my back and those living in the
valley.
Having been threatened by these poachers, livestock thieves and timber thieves we as a
community are facing two realities here. We pack up and leave until the entire area is
decimated, or we unite and take a stand with the necessary respective authorities to rid the
area of all criminal elements. It is imperative that I make all parties aware that the two
captured farms do not have electricity and therefor fires are started on a daily basis. I would
hate to be the one to tell The Mondi Group I told you so after one of their beautiful
plantations have burned to the ground because of ignoring my early warning. If action isn’t
taken immediately disaster is bound to happen.
Almost everyone in KZN knows Byrne Valley and conversations ALWAYS include “most
beautiful”. We see no reason why us as a community together with partners like Ezemvelo
Wildlife, WWF , Forestry South Africa and Mondi Group , Bidvest Asset Protection , Local
Police and other like minded individuals can not only secure the entire area , but also bring
investment for all. Secured communities that offers a sustainable Tourism sector and the
possible re-introduction of decimated wildlife will most definitely contribute to the local
community and towards the fiscus in general. I have personally to date removed more then
160 traps poachers has set on my property and have seen plenty in the reserve. Locally born
Eric Ngcobo ( 067 775 5481 ) has been employed by some community members to assist at
night with security but is only one man , very sufficient but outgunned . Myself and fiancé
Philippa Brink , Julius Ndlovu and spouse , Elka Westbrook and husband Wayne , TC and Mr
Mtetwa as direct neighbours and residing members of Byrne Valley are all like minded
individuals who are willing to form a community trust whereby with our skills , possible
tourism attractions , our own funding to date and network of partners could contribute to
not only a workable enablement plan for the Valley but also a sustainable community driven
safe investment area that could become another beautiful jewel in the crown of the most
beautiful province that is Kwazulu-Natal. This could include the historic Oaks Hotel also.
Suggestion:
I have been referred to a lady by the name of Ilse Dippenaar. I believe that she is involved in
the security industry that trains Rangers and Security Guards. The current proposal on the
table for discussion is for a shooting range (soundproof) training and housing facilities for
the guards. The unused Mondi Group property that borders my neighbour Elke Westbrook
and who has access to her property via a road on this Mondi property has been proposed by
myself for usage of such a facility but not discussed.
I want to hereby state and make it absolutely clear that this is a community idea and
proposal and there is NO , I say again , NO intention of being in competition with Bidvest nor
to have a negative effect on their client The Mondi Group. We have an inclusive, friendly
and sincere approach and would love to assist as a collective in protecting Byrne Valley , its
residents and companies assets , like the Mondi Group , owned in and around the valley and
who also borders with the Nature Reserve by extending a hand of friendship. We have
always been Mondi’s eyes and ears as well as trying our best to do the same for Terry
Tedder , RFPA/FPO and KZNFPA Opsco Chair ( 082 551 2878 ) . Again, this put targets on our
backs and so as mentioned we can push back or go farm in Australia.
I loved the idea that was introduced to myself and community members have confirmed
that they all agree to this concept and will most definitely agree to such. The Mondi Group
and Bidvest are offered a friendly hand extended to them to be part of this community
project, that we plan to open a trust for. Half of the very same property is swamp land ,
therefor not viable for forestry , but with the Mondi Group’s permission and support its very
possible to start a fishing project that could uplift the poor in our local area , schools and the
general community as a whole.
In closing. I have tried to no avail to get into contact with the correct authorities at The
Mondi Group (not of Mondi’s doing but rather Municipality) to enquire if it would be
possible for them to sell or lease the land to me. I have thus also decided to add that I
respect each person or company that contributes to our beautiful valley. We could possibly
add value to The Mondi Group as well as Bidvest just with our visible presence as we want
to unite instead of each running his own race.
I am South Africa’s Biggest Breeder of Rottweilers www.hausedersterne.com and would be
willing to contribute dogs for handlers to do sniffer , tracking , protection and disaster
management assistance to name a few qualities the breed consists of. As a suggestion ,
should The Mondi Group with Bidvest decide they don’t want recognition and are not
interested in this community led project as a supportive partner , which is absolutely their
right and respected as such , I told Ilse Dippenaar that I will be willing to make available a
piece of my land for this project and all community members and owners that reside in the
valley has agreed that they would be willing to do the same for the protection of our
Wildlife , The Mondi Group and Bidvest and sustain a workable plan to attract tourists as
well as investment to our area. This could be a feather in the cap for local institutions as well
as our local Municipality to be a pilot project that could be implemented for secure ,
sustainability and investment and upliftment across the Agricultural sector , historical
heritage and farm land in general as well as Big Business like the Mondi Group and Bidvest.
Thank you for allowing me to present this proposal on behalf of our community and we are
looking forward to partner, assist and or work with members interested in the concept. This
is a matter of urgency with lives at risk and we therefor wish to have a meeting with any and
all stakeholders that has an interest in our area and have the willingness and vision to meet
and exceed above mentioned expectations.
Jaco van Niekerk [email protected] 0764545398
Philippa Brink 0823251235 [email protected]
Sidwell Thembinkosi Shezi (Our Farm Manager) 073 103 5604 [email protected]
Julius Ndlovu 0824842702 (Farm owner and Entrepreneur)
Elka Westbrook 0847836397 (Who are experts in Bees and harvesting of honey as well as
the training of horses)
Mr Mtetwa 082 577 5350 / 071 728 0276 Respected and known in the area
TC 0842197889 previous neighbour / New owner Nick von Bargen 081 829 7559