Their vision is simple – to see a town that is clean, well maintained, prosperous, stable and which provides an environment in which old and young alike can thrive.
WRRA’s mission is to involve as many of the Town’s residents and ratepayers in the development of the Town. To do this they need input on what the residents want, support for what they are doing, action on reporting service problems and participation in WRRA activities.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/white-river-ratepayers-association-wrra/
March 2017 brought autumn and a new shopping experience to White River – Simply Slowveld opened at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre to many exclamations over the elegant décor and sophisticated design. In the words of partner Kate Barnett, “Simply Slowveld is an authentic and stylish celebration of life at its best in the Lowveld.”
The idea for a retail outlet grew from the success of We Are White River’s range of Slowveld and White River tee-shirts which were sold mainly through the Bagdad Farmer’s Market. Demand came in from all corners and all days of the week and so a shop was born.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/simply-slowveld/
Stepping through the arched entrance doors into the cloistered, leafy courtyard; the serene trickle of water echoing from the pond slowly seeps into one’s consciousness. Belinda’s quirky décor skill includes adorning outside walls with rusty old workshop tools, which have never looked so desirable! Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/lyttle-irving-2/
October 18, 2016WR Travels
JANA SCHOEMAN: “OUR GUEST’S HOME AWAY FROM HOME.”
In 1995 Jack Brotherton opened the first Hollow Hotel on the banks of the Sabie River in Hazyview. Encouraged by the success of Hippo Hollow, Jack spread the Hollow Hotel wings and opened two Hollow Hotels in Cape Town and another one in Hazyview.
A collaboration between Jack, Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre owner Louis van der Merwe and Seasons in Africa led to the opening of Casterbridge Hollow hotel in 2009, Mpumalanga’s first ‘green’ hotel. The charming concept evolved using the simplest and most basic materials, achieving a rustic look reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside. Contemporary styling is enhanced with rich textures and designer fabrics featuring proteas and antelope proudly proclaim the hotel’s South African roots. Local artisans made the wire-work baskets, hand-crafted tiles and decorative light fittings and the look pulled together is natural sophistication.
Stepping into Nut Grove Manor is to step back in time, to a place where style, tranquility, elegance and tasteful luxury were the norm. Subtropical, lushly landscaped gardens entice guests to perambulate the extensive property, breathing in the rich scents and peaceful surrounds.
Tucked away behind walls redolent with history dating back to 1924, and overlooking a lush macadamia plantation, it’s easy to forget the hurly burly world without and impossible to tell that White River is just outside the manor boundaries. Guests are just minutes away from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, the bustling city of Mbombela (Nelspruit) and a short drive from the world famous Kruger National Park.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/nut-grove-manor/
In a town brimming with holiday rental accommodation, AirBnB hosts and private homes for casual lets, Alia Vita’s full concierge service is a brilliant concept. Visitors to White River and the Lowveld now have a one stop shop for their holiday needs while accommodation owners can relax back knowing their accommodation investment is well managed and providing them with a carefree income.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/alia-vita/
Rotary is a worldwide service organisation which has grown from simple beginnings in the early 1900’s to over 34 000 clubs in 200 countries and a global membership of about 1.2 million. The Club has a strong focus on serving the community, which means they are kept busy running various fundraisers to raise money to carry out their projects.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/rotary/
Body Stress Release (BSR) is a unique complementary health technique that was researched and developed in South Africa in the 1980’s. The technique brings effective relief from pain and discomfort from many different causes, including back pain, various types of stress and even sporting injuries. Body Stress Release uses information provided by the body to determine where stored tension may be undermining the efficiency of the nervous system, disturbing the body’s ability to co-ordinate its functions and perform at its full potential.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/body-stress-release-white-river/
Solomon Shabangu: “Education is the key to success.”
Principal of Bambanani Primary School in Phola, White River, Solomon fervently echoes the 39 year old school motto. He runs a tight ship and with 578 learners ranging in age from 5 to 17 and a teaching staff of 19, needs to be on his toes.
Bambanani is a ‘No Fee’ school in an area with a high percentage of child-headed households and children living with pensioner grannies. When basic survival is at stake, learning the three ‘R’s’ tends to slide down the priority scale and if you are reading this, then chances are you went to school because your parents gave you no alternative so off you toddled every day with your breakfast-filled tummy. After school, you tackled the grind of homework completed at the table under electric light and with mum and dad’s assistance, followed by a warm supper, bath and bed.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/bambanani-primary-school-2017/
The school is dual medium facility with classes offered in both Afrikaans and English. Healthy, active bodies are important foundations for inquisitive adolescent minds and to that end Rob Ferreira has 14 different sporting codes, so every one of the almost 800 student will find an activity to his or her liking. Read more here http://wearewhiteriver.com/hoerskool-rob-ferreira/
Background Information
Masoyi is a rural community twenty kilometres north east of White River in the province of Mpumalanga. It comprises four villages totaling approximately 20 000 inhabitants.
When Lucy Ngobeni was employed by the Provincial Government as a “Health Promoter”, tasked with educating rural people on basic health matters, in the course of her work she became aware of the desperate circumstances of people in the community suffering at home with AIDS, Cancer, TB and various other debilitating illnesses. In addition, a spiralling number of AIDS orphans was identified. On a purely voluntary basis Lucy formed an organisation named “Masoyi Home Based Care”.
Dana Agency has been a landmark at Nelspruit Crossings Centre for as long as we can remember, so it’s with great excitement that we welcome their new pop up office in White River. As Paula Peters Dana Agency’s new Business Manager says, “We know you don’t like to travel to Nelspruit so we come to you!”
Read our full article here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/dana-agency/
Specialising in security estates sales in White River, principally White River Country Estate, Kim says that her passion is to match the right buyer with the right seller to make both parties happy. As a multiple award winner for service excellence, she strives to give each buyer or seller an unparalleled property buying or selling experience. After sales service is very important to her and as a result much of her business is by referral, both buyers and sellers using her services again in the future.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/remax-lifestyle-estates-kim-pascoe/
The lush and verdant landscape enveloping White River hides many precious gems, and Hands at Work is a jewel of note.
George and Carolyn Snyman reached a tipping point in their suburban Pretoria lives, packed up their family and the few possessions they needed and, leaving their comfortable lives behind, set out to immerse themselves in Christian community work. Living and working in the poorest communities around White River, in Kwa Zulu Natal and travelling throughout the countries of southern Africa, George and Carolyn have learned two lessons – following Christ means being a servant, and that a relationship is the foundation on which to build the Kingdom of God. These lessons are part of the core values of Hands at Work.
Read more on Hands at Work here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/hands-at-work-white-river/
Pilates@Casterbridge offers broad based Pilates, ranging from rehabilitation to advanced athletic conditioning. They have the full spectrum of Pilates equipment, specially designed for rehabilitation after spinal surgery, knee replacements, hip replacements and other orthopaedic surgeries from shoulder to foot.
In addition to both private, semi-private and group classes on the mats, using the ballet barre, balls and discs of all sizes, barrels, the dreaded foam rollers and the springs, Pilates @ Casterbridge have a range of equipment for private sessions – the cadillac, two reformers, a stability chair and a ladder barrel. There is plenty here to stretch, tone and build strength!
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/pilatesatcasterbridge/
Books in Homes is a non – profit organisation whose vision is a literate South Africa. Their mission is to produce affordable books and classroom aids which will help to make this vision a reality.
Please read the article here: Books in Homes
“An established school with new ideas”
A first-time visitor to the Uplands Campus is sure to be impressed by the peaceful country setting and beautiful surroundings, and a walk around the campus will give you a sense of the rich history of Uplands, with the Prep opening in 1928 and the establishment of the College in 1997.
Situated on a picturesque, peaceful 110-hectare country estate in White River, Uplands is an independent co-educational school catering for pupils from Grade 000 through to Matric, with boarding from Grade 5 to 12. The school offers exceptional academic, sport, cultural facilities and results, equestrian centre and a caring boarding environment.
Daleen Mulder: “For me, the business isn’t about us, it’s about the customer. We really try hard to be much more than average and find the balance between offering a decent product at a decent price with good service.”
Bedmat was founded by Daleen’s father, Eddie Papendorf, in 1961 and the original factory, along with the family homestead, is still in the original Plaston premises next to Curlews station. Back in the day, Bedmat had its own private stop on the railway line. History buffs will be interested to know that the site was originally home to an old pack house built in 1899 to which fresh produce was delivered by oxwagon and then railed to Johannesburg and Lourenço Marques.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/bedmat-2/
Laetitia Bull: “Petra is a movement that brings about hope and renewal. It’s an organisation that is touching lives across the world.”
If you’ve travelled the R538 Numbi road you may have seen the sign snuggled on the skirts of Legogote and wondered what the Petra Institute for Children’s Ministry was all about. A Christian school camp, perhaps? You’d be wrong, because from this beautifully situated base in White River the Institute sends their trainers to church groups and organisations across South Africa and many African countries, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and the Far East.
What do they do? Petra recognises that children, whether from poor or affluent societies, are often the most neglected population group in the world. At the same time, what children learn and experience in their early years influences their thinking and decision making for life.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/petra-institute-childrens-ministry/
Since their 2010 founding in White River, Pest Control Service have built a loyal customer base because of their willingness to learn, adapt and share their in-depth knowledge with their clients. Hennjean is a proponent of quality over quantity, and solving people’s pest problems.
What exactly is pest control about, you ask? It’s the regulation or management of a species defined as a pest (usually something perceived to be detrimental to human health, the ecology or the economy). Pest Control Service will identify the problematic pest and formulate a treatment procedure, which could be baiting, residual spraying, fumigation, thermal fogging or a heavy hitting combination of the options for really pesky critters.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/pest-control-service/
“We are a voluntary organization with the specific aim to provide love, support and emotional care to the aged in our community. We endeavor to make them feel loved, secure and valued.”
Care Buddies is a non-profit organization committed to giving loving care and support to the community’s aged residents. It was founded in 2003 after a series of visits to Rustig Old Age Home opened the eyes of three ladies to the loneliness experienced by many of the residents. Birthdays, Christmas and long weekends were particularly bad times for them.
Read more on Care Buddies here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/care-buddies/
“An established school with new ideas”
A first-time visitor to the Uplands Campus is sure to be impressed by the peaceful country setting and beautiful surroundings, and a walk around the campus will give you a sense of the rich history of Uplands, with the Prep opening in 1928 and the establishment of the College in 1997.
Situated on a picturesque, peaceful 110-hectare country estate in White River, Uplands is an independent co-educational school catering for pupils from Grade 000 through to Matric, with boarding from Grade 5 to 12. The school offers exceptional academic, sport, cultural facilities and results, equestrian centre and a caring boarding environment.
Eighty seven tastefully decorated rooms, extensive grounds framed by magnificent trees and a terrace with a breathtaking view, Premier Hotel The Winkler provides a peaceful base from which to explore White River and its beautiful surroundings. The four star hotel is perfectly located just 20 minutes from the world famous Kruger National Park and has easy access to the wonderful Lowveld attractions which draw visitors from across South Africa and further afield – Pilgrim’s Rest, the Blyde River Canyon, the trail of waterfalls around Sabie and the Panorama Route.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/premier-hotel-winkler/
Dr Karen Kromhout: “We offer dental services in a more relaxing environment.”
My Smile at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre is for clients who value their teeth. Drs Auke van der Meulen and Karen Kromhout try to book longer appointments for each patient, ensuring there is plenty of time for an unhurried, complete check-up where the emphasis is on quality of service and care.
The couple spent some time practising in the UK before returning to Dr van der Meulen’s home ground – the Lowveld. His family are Graskop pioneers and you know what they say – once a Lowvelder, always a Lowvelder.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/my-smile/
Rob Gibbs: “Mopani has four pillars – pharmacy, family, health, beauty.”
Mopani staff and customers will, however, gladly add Rob Gibbs as the fifth pillar because his enormous heart for the community is legendary.
White River is mad about mountain biking; Mopani’s sponsorship of the Mopani MTB Series has positioned them top of the pops for peddlers! Recently, they extended this support further afield with the Zwelisha Cycling Challenge. This challenge draws cyclists from the traditional plantation routes to new trails developed in and around the Zwelisha settlement to create an opportunity for all of White River to mingle and enjoy their common sport.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/mopani-pharmacy2017/
Sabie Valley Coffee offers four different roasts of their variety of Malawian beans from subtle to lively and robust. Pick your passion for a flavoursome sip to an energy kick!
Kim makes a wickedly decadent chocolate cake which is served in the shop; a delightful counterpoint to a cup of coffee. Do try their cold brew coffee – perfect for a scorching Lowveld day.
Sabie Valley Coffee is open from 08h00 – 17h00 Monday to Saturday, closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Tours of the facilities are offered on Wednesdays by appointment only, and the venue can be booked for private functions.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/sabie-valley-coffee/
Whether you are seeking clarity for the next step ahead or are at a crossroads in your journey, needing to take a step back from the busyness of life, transformational coach and Reiki Master teacher Di Atherton will
support you through emailed
life guidance readings, mentoring, healing energy sessions and personalized 1-day or stay-over Retreats at her beautiful home in the Peebles Valley 15km from White River.
Reconnect to the Power within and create the life you want.
Website http://www.diatherton.co.za
“WESSA is a South African environmental organisation which aims to initiate and support high impact environmental and conservation projects to promote public participation in caring for the Earth. For almost 90 years WESSA has proactively engaged with the challenges and opportunities presented by South Africa’s unique natural heritage and the social and economic systems that depend on it.”
Originally the Wildlife Society of SA, WESSA registered as an Incorporated Association not for gain. WESSA is regionally represented by WESSA Lowveld and chaired by Ricky Pott. The branch is particularly active due to its proximity to the Kruger National Park and the many private game farms surrounding this global treasure. WESSA Lowveld organises many regular events – speakers, documentaries and an annual auction – which are enthusiastically attended by local residents.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/wessa/
Firstly, they are part of the Pumas’ scouting system, and are scouting the country for young talent and bringing these youngsters to White River. Grooming the players at Club rugby level, the Club helps them to help themselves enrich their lives. Playing Club rugby is key to entering the big unions and the White River Club can be a springboard to their higher aspirations.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/7278-2/
Rhythm Image Dance Studio was started in 2001 under the Mark Dooley Solo Danca Latin Association. Initially they taught Cha Cha, Samba, Paso Doble and Jive with no partner required. Logical, really, as so few men like to twirl on the dancefloor. But since then the association has extended to over 26 styles of dance in both Couples and Solo curriculums. Rhythm Image aims to train the dancers in all styles so if their students want to be a professional stage dancer or to enter So You Think You Can Dance, they’ll be equipped to dance every style thrown at them.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/rhythm-image-dance-studio/
The firm’s emphasis is on providing clients with a more personal, value added service. The motto of Brosens Cochrane Inc is to be an accessible community involved and based firm adding true value to every transaction or matter they are involved in. Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/brosens-cochrane-inc
Michelle Martinusen: ”There is a desperate and growing need for remedial therapy. Teachers just don’t have the time to spend with children needing extra attention, and as a teacher I became desperate because there are so few places to refer them to.”
White River born and raised, Michelle has recently returned after spending four years in Tzaneen. She finds remedial teaching very rewarding but says that children need to get through the system and our schools are getting steadily busier and busier. Both teachers and kids have long, full days then face hours of homework in the evening.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/smart-junction-2/
Freerange Education Learning Centre was opened in January 2016, founded by Sanna Atherton. She desired a learning environment, where her children could range free and do what children do naturally – explore their world, be adventurous, learn as they go along, make a mess and play. Sanna has gathered a like-minded team around her and the learning centre is going great guns, fuelled by passion, enthusiasm and fun.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/freerange-education-learning-centre/
Since their 2010 founding in White River, Pest Control Service have built a loyal customer base because of their willingness to learn, adapt and share their in-depth knowledge with their clients. Hennjean is a proponent of quality over quantity, and solving people’s pest problems.
What exactly is pest control about, you ask? It’s the regulation or management of a species defined as a pest (usually something perceived to be detrimental to human health, the ecology or the economy). Pest Control Service will identify the problematic pest and formulate a treatment procedure, which could be baiting, residual spraying, fumigation, thermal fogging or a heavy hitting combination of the options for really pesky critters.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/pest-control-service/
White River Garden Pavilion is a lush corner of colour and tranquillity; the perfect place to escape for a cup of tea or a light lunch and to meander along the verdant arrangements of plants. Dally a while sniffing fragrant herbs and flowers and reclaim a little bit of your soul back from the general daily rush.
Garden Pavilion is so much more than a nursery. The garden centre offers the largest range of plants at the most competitive prices in the Lowveld. They stock fertilisers, insecticides, fungicides, pots, water features, pumps, stepping stones, bird feeders, bird baths, wooden trellises, wooden edging – if you need anything for your garden, you’ll find it here.
Read more here: http://wearewhiteriver.com/white-river-garden-pavilion/
