Mahlometela Nature has its own re-set button!
‹‹ Ralf Kalwa is an Ecological Consultant at Malelane, a position he has held since December 2001. He established Rhengu Environmental Services in the Malelane area and is trails leader for the Lebombo Eco Trail. Prior to holding this position, Ralf was Manager: IEM: Kruger National Park from 2000-2001 and Senior Section Ranger for the Kruger National Park from 1994-2000. “Every ranger in Kruger gets a Shangaan name, given to him by his staff and fellow field rangers,” says Ralf. “Mine is Mahlometela … the man who sees everything.”
My diary as Section Ranger in Malelane recorded the events verbatim as follows:
Sunday 06/02/2000
3.8mm of rain fell last night. A report from Biyamiti Camp that they had mm or more necessitated a patrol to evaluate the roads in that area. Both the Mlambane and Lwakahle Streams were impassable to smaller vehicles and I closed off some of the roads.
Monday 07/02/2000
225.1mm of rain fell during the night. I have never experienced this much rain within 24 hours in my life. It has not stopped raining since yesterday and I issue a flood warning during the radio session. Head Quarters at Skukuza think I am overreacting. I patrol to Malelane Gate and decide to close the outside gate in anticipation of the Crocodile River overflowing the high-level bridge.
