Travel

Bushveld ARTSA 2023 – A Weekend of Camaraderie, Competition, and Celebration

May 16, 2023 by Gauteng PRO

Hark, fellow knights of the Round Table! Let me regale you with the tale of our recent adventure at Weesgerus in Modimolle for the annual ARTSA conference. From April 27 to April 30, 2023, Round Table Southern Africa assembled for this grand event, and the weather was on our side the entire weekend!

Upon arriving on Thursday, I received numerous pep talks and motivational speeches that fired me up with enthusiasm, and I got the tent setup. What a sight it was to behold! Round Table Gauteng Area camped at the bottom of the resort, forming a little make-shift village. Middelburg 126 also joined us for this splendid occasion.

That evening, we made our way to the hardcore hut for a wild gathering with other tablers. The “Boer and Hoer” party was in full swing, and we were having a blast. Hanno was doing body shots off a slightly large gentleman at the bar, and his outrageous antics had everyone within a 2 metre radius running for the hills. But no matter, as we continued to revel in the festivities!

Thursday evening was the opening of ARTSA 2023, hosted by Round Table Bushveld Area. Our president Werner Swanepoel took to the stage to welcome us to the greatest event of the year, and we danced and mingled with both new and old friends. As the night drew to a close, we retired to our campsite, eagerly anticipating the big day to come.

Friday morning came all too soon, but we were ready and raring to go. We headed to the forums for heavy discussions on the age rule, budgets, and new aims and objectives being added. We heard many tablers speak out against the age rule, but no one dared to advocate for it. Nevertheless, the discussions were lively and filled with valuable insights.

After a brief 30-minute break and a quick swim, we headed to the hardcore hut to set up for the Area Food Table Competition. Last year, Round Table Gauteng had performed poorly, so this year we were determined to make a comeback. We were organised and efficient, and all the gents and their partners from RTGA pitched in to do their part. We blew the judges away with our delicate starters, brutal mains, and soft, fluffy dessert.

As the evening wore on, we visited the other food tables, and the competition was fierce. We were left second-guessing our efforts, but we soldiered on. We returned to the hardcore hut for round 4, then hit the sack to prepare for the BIG day.

Saturday morning arrived, and it was time for the AGM. Dressed to the nines, we descended upon the conference hall, ready to vote. There were no more discussions to be had; it was time to make our voices heard. RTSA voted in spectacular fashion, and minds were blown. It was a close run, but the motion never passed. After casting our votes, we headed to the pools to relax and unwind.

That evening, we gathered one final time for the Presidential Gala dinner. The ladies looked stunning, and the gents didn’t look too shabby either. We celebrated our achievements over the past year and bid farewell to the outgoing and incoming chairman and councils. Round Table Gauteng won the food table trophy, breaking a curse that had lasted for over 11 years. The pride had been restored!

We thank Round Table Bushveld Area for being such amazing hosts, and we thank Round Table Southern Africa for arranging such a great weekend where we can connect, share ideas and catchup with old & new friends.

If you are a tabler, be proud and walk with your head held high. You are one in 700 out of 59 million people who gets the privilege to wear the Rondel.

Let your pride be infectious!

Yours in Table,

Wesley de Kock

Round Table Gauteng PRO

Middelburg 126 Raid

May 16, 2023March 11, 2023 by Gauteng PRO

Hi.

My name is Richardt Rautenbach, Round table Boksburg 17 guest.

On Thursday the 24th of November I was given the opportunity to join in on Round Table Middelburg’s Business Meeting.

Cuan Maizey, Wez De Kock and I took on the rather grueling 140km trip together.

I am happy to say that this was my 2nd official meeting in Total and I am pleased to say that the gents from Middleburg, chairman Gavin “Jaja” Geldenhuys and his fellow tablers, were hospitable and accommodating.

Upon arrival at the meeting I was welcomed in like an old friend. I was educated on the way the Men from Middelburg go about their meetings and proceedings. They politely reminded me of the dress code and my bedside manners. 😁

The evening was a perfect blend of orderly conduct and light-hearted banter. Well-orchestrated and handled by Gavin “JaJa” despite the 3 of us with our best efforts to delay and disrupt the nights schedule.

My regards go to the Sergeant for giving us our just deserts. Needless to say, Tuna, Tabasco and Zappa don’t pair well but it was most reasonable Mr. Sarge.

I wholeheartedly encourage all members of the RTSA & RTI who are considering making the rather lengthy trip to Middelburg to definitely pay a visit to the Middleburg Tablers and join one of their meetings.

A 10 out 10 experience that I fully encourage all young gentlemen to experience.

Thank u and Stay Strong.💪🏼

My Last Kids to the Sea

June 8, 2023March 11, 2023 by Gauteng PRO

As my table career gets to the end, it was the last project, I had to end my career. With a few already done, what an honor it has been. #proudtobeatabler

“Kids to the Sea” is a project that came about from the unfortunate reality that most of the things that our children take for granted, such as annual family vacations, are just a dream to many children.

The “Kids to the Sea” project are arranged and managed by Round Table Northridge 117 club and is executed in collaboration with five other Round Table clubs, all of whom share a passion for service to the community. These tables include Harrismith 140, Umhlanga 155, Durban 2, Margate 46 and Pietermaritzburg 12. Leave on a Saturday from St Laurence Children’s Haven in Discovery West Rand Johannesburg and sleep over at Harrismith 140. Leave the Sunday morning to go through to Margate 46, spend the week there. Leave Friday morning to Durban 2 and Umhlanga 155 to enjoy the day at Ushaka. Leave afternoon to sleep over at Pietermaritzburg 12. Saturday traveling back to Johannesburg.

Over the last few decades, this project has ensured that approximately 300 children have been taken on a life changing trip to the sea for over the last 31 years.

The project also contributes to fantastic fellowship across at least 6 tables and several ARTSA regions. It is driven by one of our aims and objectives, namely “To emphasize the fact that one’s calling offers an excellent medium of service to the community”.

As a dad and family man with a daughter of 9, it made me so proud to she how she understands to share her dad for a week with kids that does not have. All the smiles and thank you during the 8 days. People chatting to you on the beach or at water park, asking what table all is about. All the sponsorships via table`s, facebook. Kindness of the public to share with whatever they can. The world is still a good place to live in.

My wish for this project to is still live on for many years to come, I salute all my table brothers involved with this project, may table and you all be blessed.

Jaco Ludik Northridge 117

The Mystic Mountain – a True Sabie experience

May 16, 2023March 11, 2023 by Gauteng PRO

Once upon a time, there was a small town that was struggling to raise funds for a local charity. The town had tried everything from bake sales to car washes, but nothing seemed to work. That is until a group of young and adventurous locals came up with an idea – an epic round table tube race.

The spirit of Sabie can only be captured by walking the winding magical bamboo forest, climbing to the summit of the mystic mountain, wandering through the pine forests, and traversing the abandoned train tracks.

Once a year, the people of the nearby towns would gather at the base of the Mystic Mountain, for the annual Round Table Tube Race. This was a tradition that had been passed down for generations and held a deep significance for the community.

As the sun rose on the day of the festival, the townsfolk began their adventure which led to the foot of the mountain. The air was filled with excitement, as people chattered and laughed with one another, their voices echoing off the surrounding cliffs.

As the festival grew in popularity over the years, more and more people began to camp at the base of the Mystic Mountain. Tents dotted the landscape, and the sound of laughter and music filled the air.

As the cool Friday night fell, live bands took to the stage, their music echoing off the mountain walls. The people gathered around the tent, dancing and singing together, their voices blending into a joyful chorus.

The music was a mixture of upbeat tunes and modern rhythms, each band bringing their own unique style and energy to the festival. Some played haunting melodies, while others brought the crowd to their feet with lively, upbeat tunes.

The next morning it was time for the Tube Race – The race would take place on the town’s river, which was known for its wild rapids and swirling eddies. The goal was to have people compete against each other in a race down the river, while sitting on a round inflatable tube, like a giant doughnut.

As the race began, the teams quickly realized that the river was much more challenging than they had anticipated. The rapids were stronger, and the currents were more powerful. The teams had to work together to navigate the twists and turns, and some even had to use their hands to paddle.

On the warm Saturday evening, and the small town was bustling with excitement as people prepared for the music festival. The festival was held in a large Marquee tent, which had been amplified by a vibrant and colorful stage, surrounded by food trucks and vendors selling all kinds of treats.

As the sun began to set, the first band took to the stage, and the crowd erupted into cheers. The music was a mix of rock and folk, and it echoed through the mountains as people danced and sang along.

As the night went on, more bands took to the stage, and the music got louder and more energetic. The tent was now packed with people, and the smell of delicious food filled the air.

Children ran around, their faces painted with bright colors, while adults sat on blankets, enjoying the music and the warm summer breeze. Friends caught up with each other, sharing stories and laughter, and strangers bonded over their shared love of music.

As the final band began to play, the tent was alive with energy. The band was a proudly South African group that had been practicing for weeks, and they brought the crowd to their feet with their high-energy performance.

The festival came to a close, and the crowd slowly dispersed, but the energy lingered in the air. People chatted and hugged, reluctant to let the night end. The festival had brought thousands together, and it was a night that no one would forget.

People started making their way home, the sound of the music still echoed in their ears, and the memories of the festival lingered in their hearts. It was a night of community, music, and celebration, and it had brought the people closer together. The next year’s festival was already being planned, and everyone was already looking forward to another night of music, food, and good times.

The round table tube race had become a huge success, and the town had raised more money than it ever had before. Everyone is already looking forward to next year’s race, and the local charity are thrilled with the support they will receive.

From that day on, the round table tube race became an annual tradition, and it brought the community together for a day of fun and fundraising. It was an epic event that no one would ever forget.

Round Table Gauteng attended the Tube race this year again not only to help, but support the project and partake in the festivities, here once a year we get to meet with old friends, celebrate and drive impactful change in the Sabie / White River Communities.

As the people dispersed, they knew that they had been changed by the festival, that they had been touched by the power and mystique of the mountain. And they knew that they would return the following year, to share more stories, to connect with each other, and to once again feel the magic of the Round Table Tube Race at the feet of the Mystic Mountain.

Through it all, the Round Table stood in the center of the festival, a silent witness to the magic of the night. As the music faded and the last embers of the hopeful souls died out, to return again next year.

Estonia Pre-Tour Fellowship and RTI Half Year Meeting

May 16, 2023March 11, 2023 by Gauteng PRO

The Nerves and excitement kicked in all at once as this would be my first ever trip abroad personally and in Round table. I did not know what to expect and over packing is an understatement to say the least. 5 x 23 kg bags including Swedish tartan Quilts, socks and scarfs as well as the Men’s mental health awareness.

The buildup on the pre-tour WhatsApp group fueled the excitement and the anticipation was not even close to how the actual experience was.

Prior to our flight out of South Africa I had pre-arranged with tablers whom I have never met to at our lay-over destinations to and from Estonia which was Frankfurt and Zurich. Our first Layover was in Frankfurt Mein where we were met by Christoph Dietz the area 7 chairman, Peter Kubera the IRO and David Klunspies the PRO of Round table 18 Wiesbaden with a little surprise Birthday party for my Fiancé, with Champaign, donuts and a cupcake with a candle.

Estonia Half Year Meeting Round Table International

This was my first experience of borderless tabling and meeting lifelong friends for the first time internationally.

When we landed In Tallinn we were excitedly welcomed by the Estonian tablers and immediately received some Coq. What a sight it was for them seeing me rock up with my boerboel short pants in the middle of the winter snow in Estonia.

Vardo Loks, Mart Meyel, Tarvo Tromp and Aleksander Ottokar were our designated drivers and pre-tour guides. We were the First to arrive at the pre-tour and half year world meeting unsuspecting of what an awesome time that was to come Benita and I strolled to the harbour and through the old town a bit before going to the hotel and rested a bit as the next day the pre tour would begin with the one and only fish days event. At 11pm that evening a message came through on the whatsapp group that welcome drinks are happening. We joined Marc Garmeshausen, The French swiss gentlemen who were only there for the weekend and some of the swiss gentlemen who were on the pre-tour with us namely Marc Fluhmann, Marcel Suter, Thomas Spicher and Yves. Needless to say we only got back at 4am the next morning after partying at a local club with the two French Swiss guys.

The following morning we got called from the reception desk by the pre-tour group saying they are waiting for us and we need to leave. Then we heard a knock on the door, it was Julle from the Netherlands and Aleksander our pre-tour guide who basically helped us out of bed, This was the start of a fantastic pre-tour which would prove to be a time I will cherish for the rest of my life.

On our first day we went to the fish days, which is an annual Estonia round table event that takes place. An event where the tablers from across the country get together to have fun and team building. With some winter sports, Fish dishes, a bucket full of caviar, Hot tub in the snow and sauna. The fish days after party was an American pop culture dress up party where people dressed up as characters from Donald trump to cowboys and Hulk Hogan to Hugh Heffner. Then the After After Party started and we went to a local club, I cannot recall what time we were back at the hotel.

Spa and Sauna is a thing in Estonia and we were booked at only best Spa resorts in Estonia. The next morning was my first proper Spa experience after which we took the Ferry across the Baltic see to Saarema where we had a fantastic lunch and dinner. Aleksander Ottokar gave some great speeches that evening about Round table and how awesome the organization is being able to do these kinds of things and how we are lucky to be a part such an amazing organization with a network that makes this possible. The next morning we had an awesome tour of the Kurresarre castle and learnt some if the History of Estonia.

Every day they mixed us up in the two busses to that we can all get to know each other, Julle had the great idea of playing “never have I ever” to spice things up a bit..

Back on the ferry to our next stop Haapsalu where we were met with some more Estonian tablers and went to the local billiards club to play some 9 Ball. Back at the hotel I learnt a new board game from the Netherlands. Julle, Mart and Myself played until the early morning hours, this is where some deep conversations were held and where I realized that no matter where you are from we go through the same kind of phases in life. Round table is truly a platform where all sorts of people from different walks of life can share their challenges, inspire each other and lift each other up to a higher level of excellence.

We had a Tour of another castle in Haapsalu and then went back to Tallin as the next day the Half year world meeting began. The sight-seeing on the Pre-tour was out of this world and Estonia is a beautiful country with beautiful people. A destination I will encourage anyone to go and visit.

When we arrived there were already many tablers who have arrived for the conference and the snow had almost completely melted away. We found the other South African Tablers, Gerhard “Ginger Ninja” and his wife Sulette, Paul Hoeksema, Skaap and Graham and then we brought the table gees as South African Tablers do.

The day activities included a tour of the old Town, Ice water swimming where my testicals went missing, Craft beer tasting, a lot of pin swopping and coin dropping with plenty of fellowship and camaraderie with a whole lot of new Friends.

The gathering of people from all different countries and walks of life is a spectacular event with so many different views and ideas shared it is one of the best learning platforms where we can broaden our perspectives and grow immensely.

On the Thursday day I went with Mart to his local Jiu Jitsu club to train a bit and he took us on some sight-seeing through town.

Equipped with our South African gear at the nations evening on the Friday night we did a proper South African braai in the snow and our table proved to be a hit. Braaivleis, Amarula, “melk tertjies”, Zoerdoef and the one and only Snuff machine the South African table was a stop nobody wanted to miss.

Throughout this entire journey made sure to leave the Round table Boksburg 17 mark and had placed stickers all across the country, especially in old town Tallin nearly every gutter and light post received a sticker.

On the last night we went to prooto Venue for the final Gathering where all the acknowledgement and thanks were given and well received, Last goodbyes were said which were not goodbyes but see you soon’s as the next morning we had an early flight to catch.

Our last stop was an 11 hour layover in Zurich Switzerland, where the tablers from Winterthur Kai and Simon who I had arranged with prior to our trip to show us around and have some tabling. Yet another perfect example of borderless Friendship and meeting lifelong friend for the first time, this was also their first time hosting and showing internationals around. We went to a local restaurant for some traditional food, went to a church with the most beautiful stained glass windows and took the train to the highest point in Zurich in the Beginning of the Swiss Alps. This was an awesome sight although we couldn’t see the snowing peaks of the Swiss Alps due to mist.

Our 12 hour flight back to South Africa was at 10:40 during which the reality started kicking back in that this awesome time has come to past.

I now have a deeper understanding of international tabling and building friendship and I am excited for what’s in store for the coming World meeting in Cape Town where we will get to see some of our new friends again.

The organizers of the Half year world meeting did one hell of a job and I would like to say thank you to Tonis and his team for making it exceptional for everybody with attention to the fine detail and to make every tabler feel welcome.

Thank you to Jayant and his team on the international board and to Marc Germishauzen for his incoming year as well as a Special good luck to Julle Gosschalk for his Vice chairman campaign for Round table international.

To every new friend I made you are awesome.

Yours in Table

Cuan Maizey

Round table Boksburg 17

BMG Experience for Pipeliner

May 16, 2023December 20, 2022 by Gauteng PRO

Round Table Northridge 117

BMG 2022 took place at an amazing Holiday resort in Nylstroom by the name of “Weesgerus”, what an amazing venue and time this turned out to be…

Northridge 117 including myself the new Pipeliner at NRT 117 attended this amazing event. People came from all over, some if not most did not really know each other at all at first but what was very clear is that everyone was immediately friends here. It was the strangest thing, people who never even met were immediately as close as brothers and would help each other with probably anything by looks of things.

The feeling in the air was like something we never feel anymore, the feeling of calm and bliss, the feeling and sense of “belong”. It was mostly strangers all over the place for me still being a Pipeliner but yet I felt like I’ve known most of these folks for years and like I could work and get along with any single one of them at any point.

I got to know and became friends with more folks from Round Table than I can count at BMG which led me to grave for even more… I couldn’t help but find myself wondering “If BMG is this great, what must ARTSA be like?”. I for one will never miss a BMG event with my fellow brothers going forward and I’ll be sure to attend ARTSA if BMG was this amazing.

From start till the end it was all good and fun. I decided go camping at Weesgerus instead of booking a chalet and very quickly realized that I didn’t even have to lock anything, I could just leave my stuff wide open which was a very weird and new experience. The food was absolutely divine, the stuff I can only imagine kings would normally be eating. I also didn’t even have to worry about my wife or my kids, there was something to do for everyone.

The venue has so much to offer, me and my loved ones always had something to do. During social gatherings at night is when things especially got fun, there was no need for me to even to watch my kids. The whole environment and place were completely safe with fellow tablers all over the place keeping an eye on the kids. They could all play and enjoy themselves safely and all the adults could relax and socialize without having to worry about a thing…. Sounds like the stuff we can only imagine and yet it was all real.

Joining Table and Joining the Wolfpack at Northridge 177 was probably one of the best things I did which I can only wish I did sooner in life…

#Howling

Wynand Warren

Northridge 177 Pipeliner

Cannonball Run aint no joke

May 16, 2023December 20, 2022 by Gauteng PRO

Round Table Sandown 150

To work at Cannonball Run for a first project, I don’t know what I was supposed to expect, but it was none of it, all of it and more.

You could be forgiven for thinking a project going for 19 events over 20 years would be a well oiled money raising machine! Well at least half of that is true. Coordinating 16 activities and 24 events over 3 days with 32 staff is no joke. The problems you have to deal with on the day,

during an event where participants paid good money and are fuelled with red mist (turning off all the traction controls) while charged with adrenaline is not for the easily rattled. You are forced to take lead, you are forced to think quickly, you are forced to make a plan RIGHT NOW, and you BETTER NOT CALL ROSS or risk the fury of a thousand suns.

That said, Ross Chriton is the “idea guy”, and he has a magic ability for making things happen, coordinating that many events and all the staff is impossible, well not without pressure levels equalling the centre of a sun (hence the nickname Raging Ross).

So he intentionally decided that he won’t do that this year, which in itself is actually a great leadership philosophy (delegate authority not responsibility) and gives the staff ample opportunities to develop their own leadership skills, albeit daunting.

I’m not going to lie I was a tiny bit disappointed I didn’t get to see that (the exploding Ross), so obviously the delegation strategy worked.

Could things have been better planned? Sure, and they will be next year as we are now forced to adopt, adapt and improve. But can you really argue with raising R453,966.73?

To attempt to summarise the feelings throughout the event, think: adrenaline, sleep deprivation, intense teamwork, ad-hoc replanning, a kak ton of driving, sun tan (burn) and of course supercars.

By the end of it all the crew couldn’t wait to unleash a massive jol, blowing out until 4am the next morning like mad scientists released from prison.

For a first project this ignited a table fire in me that I didn’t know I had, and next year will be even bigger.

Thank you to Jaco Fourie for being the gateway to Polokwane, last minute support from Pretoria 137 and Bosveld area chair Antonie Smit, the 32 staff, all the contestants and of course Ross Chriton who could make an event like this possible.

P.s. Bosveld, no take backs, we will gladly have your support next year!

Tablers recognised by a community

May 16, 2023September 16, 2022 by Gauteng PRO

I was fortunate enough to be awarded tabler of the year for Gauteng area, and with that got to take the prize
of a trip to attend the Seychelles AGM in June 2022. Well, what a learning curve it was, and I am certain it has
already improved the way I table.

SO what can 7 tablers, one club and one association achieve? Well, a hell of a lot! When it comes to a
reputation whereby the rondel may be proud, these guys take that to a new level. A legacy has been created
whereby anywhere you go in the country, if you are wearing a rondel, the entire country knows who you are
and what you about. Talk about Impactful change.

They welcomed me into their AGM weekend with open arms, and it was great getting to build relationships
(albeit in very casual attire), and build friendships that will last a lifetime. To see how these guys table, the
distance they drive to attend meetings, and the impact they have on their communities, all while having fun
and making a difference. It is probably the only association I have heard of where the president (of the
country) wants to know the president of the association. That is when you know you have made a difference.

Although they are not the same size they used to be, it was amazing to see what goes into their projects
through the year, and then finally, their Regatta. When there is talk of over 100 000 raffle tickets sold, and an
attendance on a weekend of over 50 000 people, on a group of islands with just over 94 000 people, it makes
for great memories, and a lot of newly found excitement to join them for Regatta 2023 – this will be the first
one held since lockdown.

So just remember, it is not always about having a lot of members, it is about coming together as a team and
making an impact that an entire country can look up to.

Hope to see you at Regatta 2023

Yit

Chris Oldacre
Northridge 117 Chairman
Seychelles Regatta International Pre-tour Co-convener 2023

We tri’d – A Gauteng area adventure

May 16, 2023August 9, 2022 by Gauteng PRO

It was a warm and sunny Friday morning when we decided to head off to the KZN Tri-Area Conference hosted by Ncandu86 in the bustling town of Newcastle KZN.

The Conference was held at Majuba lodge in Newcastle, the venue was very well dressed with fire drums every few meters to keep the cold at bay, to top it off, DJ splashy had a great setup going with all his fancy disco lights.

Wes and his wife headed off first thing in the morning while Gerhard, Sulette, AJ, Kieran, Johnathan, Hanno and Almero followed later that evening, great thing we travelled separately because they ended up at a different location out of town with a very similar name. (AMAJUBA not MAJUBA)

By 9:30pm all the Gauteng troops had gathered at the bar, all except our fearless leader – he would join us the next morning.

I was standing at the bar ordering a cold beverage when in the corner of my eye I thought I saw the Tiger King, it was our RTSA President Mr. Werner Swanepoel – donning a mullet with a cap! #priceless

The opening night (Friday) we had a delicious chicken curry, followed by Jagermeister and whatever else 2 clicks could get you. Our RTSA branding manager Mr Cameron Day was the master of ceremonies as he welcomed all in attendance, this was followed by our RTSA President Mr Werner Swanepoel who officially opened the conference.

We all got down and shook some booty, next thing we knew, the birds were chirping and it had been an entire evening of meeting new people, sharing stories, sharing traditions and having fellowship to the next level. It was bedtime.

Alarms rang and it was time to freshen up, we put on our game faces and got dressed to attend the conference. Off to the party we went. It was breakfast time, We had 2 brekkie buns with scrambled eggs, bacon and cheese and A LOT of coffee. Hanno had the right idea, crème soda and vodka for breakfast.

In the nick of time Gauteng Area Chairman Mr. JC Duarte rocked up, Gauteng officially made Quorum for the conference, now it became a Raid.

Everyone gathered for Aims and Objectives followed by an earth-shattering speech by our RTSA VP Mr Louis Radley about previous Tri Areas. We greeted the ladies (See separate KZN Tri Area Ladies tour Article) and then it was conference time, everyone headed off to their respective conference rooms.

Round Table Gauteng came with 1 directive, we wanted to claim the Dragon Shield from Drak Area and the Surf’s up cup from KZN South Coast. Lead by our Fearless leader we started in Drak Area. Tradition is that if it’s your first Tri Area you need to take a fine from the Sergeant, this rule applies to all 3 conference rooms…. So Drak area had wasabi on weet bix and a chaser of Maas with vinegar, chilli and goodness knows that else…

I had the biscuit and I almost died, it was the most brutal fine I have ever experienced, “that was most reasonable, thank you”. Our Chairman almost lost his life, that is how serious it was, but never-the-less we had beverages and that kept us perky.

Our Chairman proceeded to claim the Dragonshield and it was time to stash it. We stashed the shield and Drak Area banner that we raided, it was time to head to South Coast.

We spent about 2 hours outside South Coast’s conference room pondering when we were going to make our entrance as the fine was a hefty one. A salty crack with a sliver of a raw chicken heart, masala powder and topped off with some toothpaste to ensure your breath is good thereafter. After spending all that time deliberating, we decided to enter the room, the sergeant did not even give us a fine! Whoa! Then the next minute my phone rings… $$#@$#$!!!

I told myself 3 chews max then swallow, I nailed it.

Unfortunately, the South Coast did not have the Surf’s up Cup there but they have promised to bring it to BMG. That is the tradition, every year Gauteng goes to KZN Tri-Area to raid these trophy’s then KZN comes to BMG to get them back. This nurtures fellowship between the regions and helps grow the spirit of Table.

We took their IOU and decided to head off when the sergeant was distracted. We ran straight for the beverage station.

It was lunch time, we had the most scrumptious burgers, exactly what we needed at that time. At this point Gauteng decided we were traumatised enough and it was time to get into our comfy clothes, it was beverage time.

We spent the afternoon sharing stories and making new friends, Gauteng was having fellowship with Bushveld while the rest were meeting.

The ladies returned from their exquisite afternoon of learning how to make Cocktails, it was time for them to show us what they learned. Everyone got done with their meetings and it was nap time, We hit a short recharge nap and then got back to it, it was theme party time. The Theme was Loadshedding V3.0, people were dressed in glow sticks, fairy lights, head lamps, boards, it was an absolute thrill.

We danced the night away with our new friends and made many new memories which will last a lifetime.

In Attendance for the KZN Tri-Area was:

J.C Duarte – Gauteng Area Chairman

Gerhard Van Der Berg – Gauteng Area Constitutional Advisor

Johnathan Brest – Gauteng Area Treasurer

Wes de Kock – Gauteng Area IRO/PRO

There was so much more that happened over those amazing 52 hours we spent in Newcastle with the KZN Round Tablers that I cannot mention here, Thank you to KZN Drak Area, KZN NNCA and KZN NSCA for your amazing hospitality. We had the best experience; you are great hosts.

Salute to Gauteng Area Chairman JC Duarte for keeping traditions alive, this is a pinnacle part of Tabling and every area should keep the traditions alive. We will see you at BMG.

ARTSA 2022 JEFFREYS BAY – Boksburg 17

May 16, 2023July 27, 2022 by Gauteng PRO

And we were off, at long last, to the first physical ARTSA in 3 years, with great anticipation, excitement and… a mandate…

“Jeffrey’s bay here we come!” We could not wait to get there! My dogs; Jaco and Rudolf, my girlfriend (Benita) and I, as well as two of the Jukskei boys – Wez De Kock and his wife Vee, and – Claud Cornelissen filled the Venue. The Hyundai Venue! We marked our wheels in chalk with our initials and at each stop those whose initials were at the bottom had to take a shot.

With Wez at the wheel and Claud as the trusty navigator, DJ and bar tender, our first overnight destination was Bloemfontein. We reached our Airbnb called Bedrock and obviously we braai’d! What would a road trip be without a braai?

The alarm bell sounded, Ice cold morning air greeted us early on Wednesday morning and by 4am we were back on the road. Stopping at a few places including Gariep dam for a tequila sunrise, Colesburg for breakfast where we purchased some Northern Cape skaap choppies and skilpadjies for our braai to be that evening, after suffering a barrage of suicidal locusts we made our last stop before hitting Jeffrey’s – Middleton, a quaint little railway town to stretch our legs and wet our throats.

After a quick stop and walking the dogs we were on our way to Jeffrey’s Bay, with Jaco keeping an eye on the two front men we set off to our destination ARTSA. When we arrived in Jeffrey’s we made our stop at the first drinking hole. I noticed the Matlosana 219 Lads vehicle still dusty from their unofficial “hard way down”, I gave Hoppies a call, they were at the Dolphins pub and we waved at each other in excitement from a distance. It had started, the excitement, the fellowship, the buffalo greetings, pins and coins, seeing fellow tablers for the first time in years and catching up. It was bound to be a great conference!

Seafood at the sea was a must before going to our beach house. We unpacked, started the fire and relaxed… and what a braai we had that evening, Braai broodjies, Salad, Northern Cape Lamb chops and to top it off the best Skilpadjies I have ever tasted! Wez was shook at that moment for some reason, and after a long 2 days of traveling we rested.

Thursday, the first day and start of ARTSA, we had to take advantage of the sunrise over the beach. Dave and Dove were the first to greet us in the morning whilst Benita had some work to do and I had admin to do writing out raffle tickets for my hair shave project as the rest of the household started waking up.

And so it began ARTSA 2022. We set off to the hardcore hut to get our registrations done and get our regalia of which I took 1 of everything. The place was busy with familiar faces and very easy to get stuck there for a while just by greeting everyone. however we kept it swift and were in and out before we got caught up in that. Taking the afternoon easy and having some Mexican cuisine for lunch before headed off to the hippie beach party and the official opening of ARTSA.

From here on out it is difficult to describe in words, and also because of blurry memory, my experience, therefore I will mostly let the photos do the talking.

Friday morning we woke up later than usual, with our first hangover of the weekend and we unfortunately missed the forums. Cilliers pulled out some pipeliner skills and made us all an exquisite breakfast to start the day off with. Wez and I set off to fetch our esteemed area Chairman, Mr JC Duarte from the airport. The man in charge of our area food table, the man with the plan. Out of uncontrollable excitement for the day I hardly greeted JC when we picked him up and started enquiring about the plan for the food tables. Cool calm and collected he assured me everything is under control. It was so windy that some of the porta potties blew over with Wez commenting that he can hear someone screaming for help stuck in the fallen porta potty.

It was a great day for fellowship which became a late night as well, filled with cartwheel competitions, tattoos and a lot of alcohol as well as trying to sell raffle tickets in between which proved more difficult than I initially anticipated.

One of my favourite memories is meeting Sander van Eck, international guest and National treasurer for the Netherlands, who when we met in the loud crowd of the hard-core hut and I could not make out what his name was, he generously introduced himself as the AC/DC song “Na na na na nana na nana Sander!”

The day had arrived for our National Annual General Meeting – ARTSA, and D-day for my hair shave raffle. We put on our suits and we were ready for our meeting! There was a late motion which came from Pretoria 136 to increase the per kilometer traveling fee to R4.50 which passed along with the budget and cap fee increase. My only mandate was to vote in favor of the budget and cap fee increase.

Whilst the vote for the new national IRO was being tallied between Gerhard “Ginger Ninja” VD Berg and Louis Du Toit, I noticed that the draw for my raffle was not included under general and I approached the board. Our president Stefan Grobler had the honour of doing the draw. The winning ticket was the one and only Walter V Rooyen from Boksburg 17 who was not there and therefore forfeited to shave my hair, Second place was Hanno Redman from Sandown 150 who in turn took the right to shave my hair, and third place was Brad JvR from Sandton 121, each winning a bottle of Jameson whiskey

Right after our AGM, thirst got the best of me, maybe too many tequilas? All in our stride.

We went home played some table tennis, and fell asleep. Benita the wonderful partner that she is, struggled to, but just-just managed to pull me together, get me up, ready and presentable for the gala dinner.

Needless to say, I did not make dessert or witness the speeches. I was finished, K.O’d, Klaar.

And so came the end of our Jeffrey’s Bay ARTSA, and what a blast it was seeing everyone I have missed over the years as well as meeting new lifelong friends for the first time! We made our last trip to the beach on Sunday morning (PHOTOS 85 – 86), we had breakfast and said our goodbyes to all the Round table brothers making their way with heavy heads and hangovers before making our way back home to Pretoria.

Thank you Round Table Southern Africa for once again an Epic ARTSA, definitely one for the books!

Travel

August 9, 2022July 24, 2022 by wez

/ˈtrav(ə)l/

verb

Go from one place to another, typically over a distance of some length. – “the vessel had been travelling from Libya to Ireland”

(of an object or radiation) move, typically in a constant or predictable way. – “light travels faster than sound”

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The Nerves and excitement kicked in all at once as this would be my first ever trip abroad personally and in Round table. I did not know what to expect and over packing is an understatement to say the least. 5 x 23 kg bags including Swedish tartan Quilts, socks and scarfs as well as … Read more

The Mauritian Adventure

May 16, 2023July 24, 2022 by Gauteng PRO

A basket pre-tour as experienced by a pipeliner

In May 2022 I was privileged enough to be able to go to Mauritius for 2 weeks with my loving partner and most of my fellow tablers, and that’s about where the formalities stopped until AMI.

Juan Botha spared no effort in organising a series of adventures that the ladies spent their morning hangover hours curating into an Instagram feed that made pretty much everyone we know jealous. A few highlights include; sightseeing in the south of Mauritius, day trips to private islands eating lobsters, snorkelling, and catamaran trips with the Mauritian & Reunion Island tablers (which my wife-to-be loudly and repeatedly explained as “a day on the boat with a bunch of hot french guys”, thanks bae). The local food is delicious, on-time is usually at least an hour late, the local rum is more dangerous than Thabang Maahlo on the prowl, and against a backdrop of a violet, lilac, tangerine and teel sunset, the beer with friends wash away the sweat from the busy days.

A word of warning, after many repetitions of Juan Botha saying “what time is it?” and my fiancée responding with arms in the air and howl of “TEQUILA TIME!!!” we learned to look at the prices before ordering 40 shots of Jagermeister, 16 shots of Tequila, 15 beers, and an assortment of cocktails at a beach bar. That hurt more than the cumulative hangover of the corpses strewn over the apartment the next day.

On numerous days we had multiple drunkards acting as each other’s stabilisers in order to walk without bailing, to elaborate I had to dog-walk my fiancée by her jersey, I also made the unfortunate mistake of 2 accidental coin drops and then accidentally passing out on the way to retrieve my vape, which netted a strange vienna + tomato sauce Simba video of which I was the victim. Despite legally smuggling in more than 30litres of booze, we still had to buy more, thankfully we discovered Xquisto, a dodgy-looking blanco tequila that tastes like banana but goes down like water.

During the AMI AGM I had the privilege of meeting many influential tablers and getting an opportunity to hear their stories and challenges, which gave me an invaluable insight into the different value systems of the member nations.

Despite the sheer bragging rights of the activities, they paled compared to the open hearts the Mauritian tablers had in welcoming us into their circles, homes and lives—the depth of the conversations that I was able to have left me seriously heartsore on the plane back.

To end, we had such a good time surrounded by so much love and adventure that my fiancee and I nearly got married, and my only regret is not doing so while being surrounded by soo many people that have forever made an impact on our lives.

YIT

Rijnhard Hessel

Sandown 150 Pipeliner