From my chair:
33° 49’ S, 23° 10’ E
Dear all
From Pietersrivier:
For those of you who didn’t attend this year’s AGM, I’m delighted to tell you that eight members of the Section rose to the challenge of ascending 20 Peaks during the Section’s 20th anniversary year. Andre B’s submission was the most comprehensive (he even developed a custom set of rules!); Stewart and Christine’s achievements were perhaps the most prolific, not merely for the number of peaks but for the number of folk they’ve shepherded up peaks during the year; Bruce and Gillian’s lists were probably the fastest ascents; Janet’s and Jude’s should get the ‘Smile’ awards for the happy faces in each photograph submitted as evidence; and Ed’s was certainly the most international (I sense a presentation coming). Fine efforts by all!
It’s always good to see members getting out in the hills, whether it’s having to apologise for missing the forthcoming talk on the Canyon Trail because they’re hiking it, multiple ascents of Cradock Peak as a training exercise, or first in age group on the Ultra Trail Sleeping Beauty. You will have already seen Johan’s fine report on his Seweweekspoort excursion. The social side is also booming, with a record number of attendees at this month’s event to hear and see Chris’s presentation on Namibia.
On the Club’s international side, the UIAA has accepted the Climate Action Plan that Johan Pauw has developed for the MCSA. You can find a copy of this on our website. You can read the two latest UIAA newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/theuiaa/uiaa-newsletter-march2026?e=b6388d25b0 (I did enjoy the story about socks in hats); and https://mailchi.mp/theuiaa/uiaa-global-newsletter-8-april2026?e=b6388d25b0 (the MCSA cracks a mention for the UIAA’s Mountain Protection Award.
‘til another time
Gary Cundill
chair@scp.mcsa.org.za