For years, the entrance to Hoedspruit via the R40 was an eyesore. The area near PME Supplies Hoedspruit (PME) had become a chaotic staging and storage space for thatch grass trucks, blocking the view of the intersection and creating a serious safety hazard. But overnight on December 28, 2023, Farmwatch, in collaboration with Maruleng Municipality, Limpopo Traffic, and SAPS, transformed the space by installing concrete barrier posts, preventing truck access, and mitigating the risk of accidents.
The next challenge was to repurpose the area. On December 29, 2023, Farmwatch posted a call to action on the Hoedspruit Town Facebook page, seeking volunteers to beautify the space. Without fully knowing what lay ahead, Arda van Dongen put up her hand and said: “I’ll do it!”… and so the project began.
Little did Arda know this would spark a heart-warming display of community spirit. On January 3rd 2024, a request was posted on Hoedspruit Town Facebook page, which resulted in a flood of positive responses. While a few naysayers appeared, the focus was on demonstrating the community’s power rather than engaging in online disputes. Businesses from Hoedspruit and surrounding areas, along with residents, rallied together, offering their time, materials, and money. It was a true cross-section of the community – locals, foreigners, long-term residents, newcomers, tourists, white, black, English, and Afrikaans – all coming together with a shared purpose. Even the displaced thatch truck operators supported the project, relocating their operations to a more suitable location across the road and next to the R40.
The initial task was clearing the site and bringing in dirt and rocks for landscaping. Designing and planting the garden followed, a herculean effort, made possible by Kobus and Dalien Muller from Appelblaar Nursery. Kobus initially promised 50 plants but ended up donating hundreds, along with the requisite labour for much of the work. Volunteers toiled in 40-degree heat, moving dirt, rocks, and planting trees – a testament to their dedication and affinity for our town.
Simultaneously, discussions were held to improve the PME wall. PME management generously allowed for the painting of the wall. Local artist and gallery owner, Warren Cary, stepped up to lead this portion of the project. Artists from Hoedspruit and surrounding areas were offered the opportunity to paint sections of the wall with pictures of animals that are representative of the Hoedspruit area. The results are just stunning. All paints and materials were supplied by Lizelle and Craig Bigalke from Paintsmiths.
New trash bins were installed at the garden and the R40/R527 intersection to keep the area clean, with Maruleng Local Municipality staff regularly emptying the bins and maintaining the area.
None of this would have been possible without the support of local businesses and residents. Volunteers were honoured with a stone bearing their name, arranged around one of the leadwood trees. Help came from many sources: Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate provided initial and ongoing watering; numerous individuals and families donated plants and trees (particularly the Craucamp family); water donations came from Mzansi Water, Pick & Pay, and Le Bamba; Keystone Café provided lunch; and Pala Pave created the pathways. The support from this wonderful town was overwhelming.
This is a good-news story that began with an idea, a call for help, and an outpouring of community support. A huge thank you to everyone involved – businesses, volunteers, painters, Maruleng Municipality, the Mayor’s office, SAPS, and Farmwatch. You all know who you are.
And so, after months of hard work, Hoedspruit now boasts a beautiful mural and garden welcoming all visitors. Well done Hoedspruit, and here’s to the next project!!
