Team_vdlo

good news....enjoy and good luck!!

Firstly...Thanks to all the people currently involved in arranging this MEGA for us:rolleyes:.... I know it does take a lot of time and even a lot of your own money to arrange this event for us. For those that are concerned about the money...remember a separate legal entity (NPO) with it's own bank account has been created to facilitate this event. Any Geocacher is welcome to view the book of GoSA or to assist with the Mega..... Keep up the good work GoSA... Regards, Team_vdlo

Can we add the file to the www.geocachingsa.com website for every body to download???

Yes...will be there

WARTHOG...Welcome to the 1000 found club....hope you will not take another 10 year to find the next 1000...

Thanks JAajm..... Congrats on your 500 as well

JAajm and Team_vdlo started at 06:15 this morning and at 14:30 we have done more then 230 GPS caches for the day..... I believe it is possible to do all 600+ in 19 hours. Congrats to the GPS 23/7 team... wish we could have been part of it!! Team_vdlo

Most countries create some sort of legal entity, mainly associations (depends on the countries laws) not only to organize the MEGA but also to promote Geocaching in general, I have used many parts of other world wide Geocaching Constitutions as well as other VA's Constitutions in South Africa to create this Constitution of GoSA. P.S I am still looking for Lawyers to assist with the Legal side of things......

yes, The idea is to have one national committee/organization made up from all the provincial branches organizations. Each Provincial branch is also a organization (entity) in it own right but subscribe to the same objectives as the national organization. drop me a email to team_vdlo@hclunlimited.co.za and I will forward you a small presentation.

Hi all, South Africa is a large country and do not have many cachers...We are of the opinion that it would be much easier to promote and grow Geocaching at ground level instead of only one central national committee. Also Gauteng giving milestone coins for various milestones achieved. We are of the opinion that is could be much more affective if all branch members contribute and we buy coins from that fund...other branches might what to do other things.... Can I assume that all the other cachers are happy with the concept and that we can go ahead ??? Please post a yes or no reply....

(Draft ) CONSTITUTION of the Geocachers of South Africa ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. NAME The name of the Association shall be the Geocachers of South Africa and the acronym shall be GoSA 2. DEFINITIONS i. Except where the contrary intention is clear, the meaning of any expression used in this Constitution shall be as defined by the Board. ii. "the Association" means the Geocachers of South Africa; iii. "the Board" means the management committee of the Association as appointed from time to time; iv. "Member" means a member of the Association as set out in Clause 9. v. "Voting Member" means a member of the Association age 16 year or older vi. “the Constitution” means this document as amended from time to time. 3. OBJECTIVES The Association is a non-profit organisation established to enhance caching and to progress it as an activity within South Africa by: i) Provide a forum for socialising by hosting and supporting geocaching related events and facilitating communication. ii) Facilitate the sharing of geocaching knowledge by organising workshops and skills sharing sessions, developing educational materials and mentoring geocachers. iii) Promote geocaching to groups such as educators, media, private and government groups and the wider community of the educational, environmental and recreational aspects of geocaching. iv) Co-operate with groups including landowners/managers, police and emergency services to establish good geocaching practices and provide a point of contact for issues relating to geocaching. v) Liaising with land owners, agreeing mutually beneficial guidelines so that caching on their land is approved and encouraged (for members and non-members alike) vi) Helping all cachers to enjoy the activity without falling foul of the civil and criminal laws of the land. vii) Establishing good caching practices by accepting advice from land, environmental, archaeological, historical and other relevant bodies. viii) Acting as intermediaries, and being the first point of call for all interested parties in South Africa ensuring that the positive educational, environmental and recreational aspects of caching are properly represented. ix) To keep membership of this Association free of charge. x) To keep the Association “non-commercial”. 4. LEGAL STATUS<br style="mso-special-character:line-break"> <br style="mso-special-character:line-break"> The Association shall: i. be a juristic person separate from its office-bearers members, ii. be capable of suing and being sued in its own name, iii. acquire rights and incur obligations, iv. have a perpetual life and succession v. The Association will continue to exist even if the members change. 5. INCOME AND PROPERTY OF THE ASSOCIATION i. Members and office-bearers have no rights in the property or other assets of the Association solely by virtue of their being members or office-bearers. ii. The income and property of the Association shall be used solely for the promotion of its stated objectives and shall not be paid or distributed directly or indirectly to any person, or to any member of the Association or office bearers, except as reasonable compensation for services actually rendered to the Association or reimbursement of actual costs or expenses reasonably incurred on behalf of the Association. 6. TAXATION OF ASSOCIATION The Association may apply to the Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service for approval as a Public Benefit Organisation in terms of section 30 of the Income Tax Act. Upon approval the provisions set out in Schedule B shall bind the Association. 7. POWERS OF ASSOCIATION The Association shall have the same powers as that of a company under the Companies Act, as amended. Such powers include but not limited to: i) To institute or defend any legal or other proceedings and to settle any claims, ii) To prudently invest funds of the Association, iii) To buy, attain, maintain, manage, lease, sell, or in any way deal with property and assets of the Association, iv) To donate and transfer the property and assets of the Association to public benefit organisations with similar objectives, v) To borrow and to use the property or assets of the Association as security for borrowing, vi) To execute any act or deed in any deeds registry, mining titles or other public office. vii) To exercise all the management and executive powers ordinarily vested in the Board of Directors of a Company, and viii) To carry out all the powers and authority of the Association in South Africa and in any other part of the world. 8. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Association has a two tier governance structure. The National Board of Directors is the most senior governance body, and is supported by Regional Executive Committees. Board The direction of the affairs of the Association shall be vested in a management committee which shall be termed “the Board, and its members shall be termed “Directors” elected at the Annual General Meeting. Director’s terms of office are one year, with the Chairman elected for a two year period. Directors may stand for re-election. The Board meets 4 – 6 times a year. Directors do not receive remuneration. The role of the Board is to provide direction and guidance on strategic, policy and advocacy matters affecting the Industry and Association. The activities of the Board are to determine the Association’s mission and purpose, provide proper financial oversight, ensure effective organisational planning, ensure legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability, enhance the organisation's public standing, and determine, monitor, and strengthen the organization's programmes and services. Regional Executive Committees Regional Executive Committees are elected each year at Regional AGM’s and are responsible for the implementation of Association strategy at regional level. This responsibility includes networking, membership and regional events. Regional Chairpersons are appointed to the Board of Directors. Number and Portfolios: The Board shall consist of not less than five [5] or more than fifteen [15] members of the Association Composition : The Board shall take cognisance of the different segments, regions and demographics of the membership of the Association such that, within reason, all members are appropriately represented. The Board of Directors shall comprise the following; The chairperson of each Regional Executive Committee elected at Regional Annual General Meetings; A maximum of three members elected at the National Annual General Meeting; Such other directors appointed by the Board to fulfil roles required to meet the strategic objectives of the association as determined from time to time. 1. The first meeting of the Board to be held after each Annual General Meeting shall be held within three months of the Annual General Meeting at which meeting shall be elected the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. The duties of the Office Bearers and Officials of the Association shall be but not limited to: 2. Chairperson The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings at which he is present, enforce observance of the Constitution, sign Minutes of Meetings and generally exercise supervision over the affairs of the Association and perform such other duties as by usage and custom pertain to the office. The Chairperson shall also act as Secretary and Public Officer of the Association 3. Vice-Chairman The Vice-Chairman shall exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Chairman in the absence of the latter. 4. Treasurer The Treasurer shall be responsible to the members through the Board for ensuring the proper collection, administration and disbursement of the funds of the Association, and that all legal and fiscal requirements thereto are met. 5. Secretary [a] The Secretary shall receive requisitions for meetings; issue notices of meetings; conduct all correspondence of the Association, keeping originals of letters received and copies of those despatched, attend all meetings and record Minutes of the proceedings; keep a register of all members past and present, record therein every member’s name, address and date of enrolment and in the event of the cessation of membership the date thereof and the reason therefore; subscriptions and levies; bank all monies within seven days of receipt, submit reports in regard to the financial position of the Association to the Treasurer and to the Board whenever it meets and perform such other duties as the Board or a General Meeting may direct. The Secretary shall also take the necessary steps to ensure that the maintenance of a register of members, the keeping of proper books of account, or making available thereof to members are complied with. 6. Acting Chairman In the event of both the Chairman and Vice-Chairman being temporarily unable to perform their duties, the Board shall appoint a director to act as Chairman until the Chairman of Vice-Chairman is able to resume his duties, or in the event of the Chairman or Vice-Chairman being permanently unable to perform their duties until the next ensuing Board meeting when a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman shall be elected in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. 7. Auditor The auditor shall be appointed by members at the Annual General Meeting. Vacancies: The Board of Directors must, as soon as reasonable possible, appoint someone to fill any vacancy that reduced the number of board members to less than five. The next General Meeting must confirm the office of any board member appointed, otherwise it will lapse. Co-option: The Board of Directors may co-opt additional non-voting directors as it may consider appropriate. Resignation, Disqualification and Removal: A director may resign from office in writing. A director shall be disqualified from office upon termination of membership to the Association and becoming incapable by reason of mental illness. A director can be removed from office through a two-thirds resolution of the remaining directors, consisting of not less than four. Delegation of Powers: The Board of Directors may delegate any of its powers or functions to a committee or member(s) of the Association provided that: such delegation and conditions are reflected in the minutes for that meeting, at least one director serve on the committee, the Board in advance approves all expenditure incurred by the committee or member, and the Board of Directors may revoke the delegation or amend the conditions. Procedures at Meetings: The Board of Directors may regulate its meetings and proceedings as it finds fit, subject to the following: i. The Chairperson shall chair all meetings of the Board of Directors. ii. If the Chairperson is not present within fifteen minutes of the appointed time of the meeting, the Vice-Chairperson shall chair such meeting. In both their absence, the Board members present at the meeting shall elect a chairperson for that meeting. iii. The Chairperson shall convene a meeting of the Board of Directors at least quarterly and at the written request of any two members of the Board of Directors. iv. The quorum for a meeting of the Board of Directors shall be two-thirds of the serving Board of Directors members. v. If no quorum is present, the Board of Directors may make no decision, except to preserve the assets of the Association and to call a meeting of the general members. vi. Each Board of Directors member present or represented through written proxy shall have one (1) vote. vii. Questions arising shall be decided by a majority of votes. Should there be an equality of votes the Chairperson shall have a casting or second vote. viii. Proper minutes and attendance records must be kept of all meetings of the Board of Directors. The chairperson for the meeting shall sign the minutes which shall be available at all times for inspection or copying by any member of the Association on two days’ notice to the Secretary or the Vice-Secretary. ix. A resolution signed by all members of the Board of Directors shall be as valid as if passed at a duly convened meeting of the Board of Directors. x. The Board of Directors may appoint employees upon such lawful terms and conditions as it may deem necessary. xi. a Board of Directors meeting may be conducted entirely by electronic communication Conflicting Interests: Any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest on the part of any director of the Board of Directors, on a matter pertaining to the Association, must be disclosed in writing to the Board of Directors which shall record such conflict of interest in the minutes of the Board meeting. Such member may be requested by the Board of Directors to state his/her position in the matter or to respond to pertinent questions, but shall not vote or use his/her influence on the matter and shall not be counted for purposes of determining a quorum for the meeting where the voting takes place. Confidentiality: All matters pertaining to litigation, security measures, contractual negotiations, employment matters and any other matters deemed confidential by the Board of Directors , must be treated as confidential and only the actual decisions may be disclosed to the general public, 9. MEMBERSHIP First and Subsequent Members: The first members of the Association shall sign Schedule A of this Constitution. The Board of Directors may admit any natural person or legal persons as members to the Association. Conditions and Criteria: The Board of Directors may determine the conditions and criteria for membership. Applications for membership that do not comply with such conditions and criteria may be refused by the Board of Directors. Transfer of Membership: Membership is not transferrable. Register of Members: The Board of Directors must keep a register with the Names, contact details and addresses of all the members. Automatic Termination of Membership: Membership automatically terminates upon the receipt by the Association of a notification of the death of a natural member or dissolution of an organisational member, and written resignation. Termination by Board of Directors : Membership terminates if a member is removed by a resolution of the Board of Directors . Provided that the member has been given an opportunity to make written or verbal representations at a meeting of the Board of Directors pertaining to the proposed termination, and the Board’s decision to terminate membership was confirmed by resolution of two-thirds of the members present at the next General Meeting, otherwise it will lapse. 10. MEETINGS OF MEMBERSHIP Annual General Meetings: i. All Annual General Meetings (AGMs) must be held within Six months of the Association’s financial year-end. ii. A Annual General Meeting (AGM) may be conducted entirely by electronic communication iii. English shall be the only language for official correspondence. iv. At least twenty-one days’ written notice must be given to all members stating the date, time, place and business of the AGM, which business must include: a. The presentation of the Association’s Annual Financial Statements, b. The election of Board of Directors, c. The appointment of Auditor/s, and d. Other appropriate matters. Special General Meetings: i. The Board of Directors or not less than one-third of the voting members may call a Special General Meeting of the Association. ii. At least fourteen (14) days’ written notice must be given to all voting members stating the date, time, place and business of the Special General Meeting. iii. If the Board fails to give notice within seven days of the request of one-quarter of the voting members, such voting members shall be entitled themselves to give notice of and to convene the meeting. iv. A Special General Meeting (AGM) may be conducted entirely by electronic communication Powers of the General Meetings: i. The voting members in a properly convened General Meeting of the Association is the highest decision-making structure of the Association as set out in this Constitution. ii. The voting members in General Meeting may review, approve or amend any decision taken by the Board of Directors but no such resolution of the Association shall nullify any earlier iii. resolution taken by the Board of Directors in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. Procedures at General Meetings: The Board of Directors may regulate its meetings and proceedings as it finds fit, subject to the following: i. The Chairperson shall chair all General Meetings. ii. If the Chairperson is not present within fifteen minutes of the appointed time of the meeting, the Vice-Chairperson shall chair such meeting. In both their absence, the members present at the General Meeting shall elect a chairperson for that meeting. iii. The quorum for General Meetings of the Association shall be one quarter of the members of the Association. iv. If a quorum is not present within fifteen minutes of the appointed time of the meeting, the meeting must be adjourned to another date, within fourteen days thereafter. Notice, as provided for under the constitution, must be given to all members of the Association of such adjournment. v. If no quorum is present at the reconvened meeting within fifteen minutes of the appointed time, the members present, or represented by proxy, shall deem to constitute a quorum for that meeting. vi. A resolution put to the vote shall be decided by means of a show of hands or by ballot. A vote by ballot can be demanded by not less than one third the voting members present, or represented by proxy. vii. Each voting member present or represented by proxy shall be entitled to one (1) vote. viii. Except where this constitution requires a higher threshold, questions arising shall be decided by a majority of votes. Should there be an equality of votes the Chairperson shall have a casting or second vote. ix. Proper minutes and attendance records must be kept of all General Meetings. The chairperson must sign the minutes which shall be available at all times for inspection or copying by any member of the Association on two days’ notice to the Secretary or the Vice-Secretary. 11. NOTICES OF MEETINGS All notices terms of this constitution must be given to voting members in writing (personally, post or electronic communication) to the address provided by the members. The accidental omission to address notices to any member shall not nullify the proceedings of any meeting. A voting member present in person at any meeting shall be deemed to have received notice of such meeting. If posted, notices shall be deemed to have been received seven days after posting. 12. FINANCES AND REPORTS Bank Account: The Board of Directors must open a bank account in the name of the Association with a registered Bank. Signing: Cheques and other documents requiring signature on behalf of the Association shall be signed by at least two persons authorised by the Board of Directors . Financial year-end: The financial year end of the Association shall be: 30 June Financial Report: The Board of Directors must ensure that proper records and books of account which fairly reflect the affairs of the Association are kept, and within six months of its financial year a report is compiled by an independent practicing auditor registered in terms of the Auditing Profession Act stating whether or not the financial statements of the Association are consistent with its accounting records, the accounting policies are appropriate and have been appropriately applied with in preparing the financial statements and the Association has complied with the financial provisions of this constitution. 13. AMENDMENTS AND DISSOLUTION: This Constitution may be amended, the name of the Association may be changed and the Association may be dissolved by resolution of two-thirds of the members present at a General Meeting. At least twenty-one days’ notice of the Meeting stating the nature of the resolution to be proposed must be given to all the members of the Association. Upon the dissolution of the Association, after all debts and commitments have been paid, any remaining assets shall not be paid to or distributed amongst members, but shall be transferred by donation to some other nonprofit organisation which the Board of Directors (and failing which the members in General Meeting) considers appropriate and which has objectives the same or similar to the objectives of the Association, and should the Association be exempt from the payment of any taxes and duties; Any similar public benefit organization which has been approved in terms of section 30 of the Income Tax Act, Any institution, board or body which is exempt from tax under the provisions of section 10 (1)(cA)(i) of the Income Tax Act, which has its sole or principal object the carrying on of any public benefit activity, Any department of state or administration in the national or provincial or local sphere of government of the Republic. 14. INDEMNITY Subject to the provisions of any relevant law, members, office-bearers or appointed delegates of the Association shall be indemnified by the Association for all acts done by them in good faith on its behalf. Subject to the provisions of any relevant law, no member of the Association or appointed delegates shall be liable for the acts, receipts, neglects or defaults of any other member or office bearer, or for any loss, damage or expense suffered by the Association, which occurs in the execution of the duties of his or her office, unless it arises as a result of his or her dishonesty, or failure to exercise the degree of care, diligence and skill required by law. 15. REGIONAL BRANCHES A regional branch of the Association may be established: in any province in the Republic of South Africa, or in any area or country outside of the Republic of South Africa where there are at least ten (10) voting members; by, or on application by such members to, the Board of Directors which shall, appoint a Convener of such branch who shall act as such until the election of Chairperson of that branch. The functions of a branch shall be to promote the objects of the Association by arranging social educational functions and activities for, its members, either alone or in conjunction with other branches. All branches shall be assisted in carrying out their functions by the Board of Directors. The affairs of the branch shall be managed by a Regional Executive Committees consisting of a Chairperson, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and two additional members who shall all be elected at the first meeting of the branch in each calendar year, and who will continue to act as such until the next such meeting. Any member of the branch committee shall not be eligible for re-election after having served as such for five (5) consecutive years, unless specially requested by the majority of members of the branch to stand for re-election, save that no member shall serve for more than two consecutive terms of five years each. The Regional Executive Committees shall call at least two meetings of members of the branch in each calendar year; meetings may be combined with any social / educational function the committee may arrange. A Annual General Meeting (AGM) may be conducted entirely by electronic communication The Regional Executive Committees shall: i. Keep minutes of all its meetings and of meetings of members; ii. Be empowered to collect subscriptions from members of the branch, the amount of which shall be determined by branch committee; iii. Be empowered to open and operate a bank or savings account in respect of which at least two members of the branch committee shall have signing powers; iv. Keep records of all financial transactions; v. Report annually to the Chairperson of the Board of the Association on its activities during the past year, which report shall include a full audited financial statement. Such report shall be furnished to the Chairperson vi. A BRANCH MEMBER shall pay a membership fee of an amount as determined by the Regional Executive Committees. vii. not less than twenty-one (21) days before the date fixed for the Annual General Meeting of the Association; viii. Be empowered, having regard to the special requirements or circumstances of the branch, to frame and promulgate rules for its members for the efficient running of the branch. The annual report of the branch shall include a copy of such rules as amended; ix. Report to the Chairperson of the Association the views of the branch members, whenever requested by them to do so. x. Each branch shall be constituted as a Voluntary Association in terms of a constitution to be approved by the Board of the Association, which shall make provision for such branch to have separate legal personality from its members, and to be responsible for its own debts and liabilities apart from either its members, or this Association itself. xi. Any branch may be suspended or dissolved by the Board of the Association or be dissolved by a two-thirds majority of members of that branch at Special Meeting convened for that purpose. xii. Should a branch be dissolved the balances of the funds held by it shall be paid to another branch or the National Association. SCHEDULE A SCHEDULE OF FIRST MEMBERS Nr. Name Address Date Signature 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. SCHEDULE B REQUIREMENTS FOR APPROVAL AS PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATIONS As provided for in Clause 5.3 of this Constitution, The Association intends to apply to the Commissioner for SARS for approval as a Public Benefit Organisation in terms of Section 30 of the Income Tax Act. Upon approval the Association shall: 1. Be required to have at least three persons, who are not connected persons in relation to each other, to accept the fiduciary responsibility of the organisation. 2. Is prohibited from distributing any of its funds to any person (otherwise than in the course of undertaking any public benefit activity) and is required to utilise its funds solely for the object for which it has been established. 3. Be prohibited from accepting any donation which is revocable at the instance of the donor for reasons other than a material failure to conform to the designated purposes and conditions of such donation, including any misrepresentation with regard to the tax deductibility thereof in terms of section 18A; provided that a donor may not impose conditions which could enable such donor or any connected person in relation to such donor to derive some direct or indirect benefit from the application of such donation. 4. Ensure that it is not knowingly a party to, and does not knowingly permit itself to be used as part of any transaction, operation or scheme of which the sole or main purpose is or was the reduction, postponement or avoidance of liability for any tax, duty or levy, which, but for such transaction, operation or scheme, would have been or would have become payable by any person under the Act or any other Act administered by the Commissioner. 5. Submit to the Commissioner a copy of any amendment to this constitution. 6. Not pay any remuneration to any employee, office bearer, member or other person, which is excessive, having regard to what is generally considered reasonable in the sector and in relation to the service rendered. 7. Comply with such reporting requirements as may be determined by the Commissioner. 8. Take reasonable steps to ensure that the funds which it may provide to any association of persons as contemplated in section 30((iii) of the Act are utilised for the purpose for which they are provided. 9. Ensure that any books of account, records or other documents relating to its affairs are: 9.1 where kept in book form, retained and carefully preserved by any person in control of the organisation, for a period of at least four years after the date of the last entry in any such book; or 9.2 where not kept in book form, are retained and carefully preserved by any person in control of the organisation, for a period of four years after the completion of the transaction, act or operation to which they relate.

Hi All, As you might already know, we have started with the planning to host a Geocaching MEGA event in South Africa and it looks very very promising. Yes, we can get 500 people together in on place! One of the very next thinks that we need to do is to create a legal entity to drive this project without putting any member at risk (legally or financially). I had discussions with various fellow Geocachers and they agree that we must create and legal entity that can be used to also promote Geocaching in South Africa and not just a body to facilitate the MEGA. After a lot of research and consultation I’ve prepared a draft Constitution that outlay the proposed structure and objectives of the association. Note that you can still enjoy the game and attend all listed GC events without being a member of GoSA or one of its branches but it will just be more fun to be part of this big happy GoSA family. Please can you review and discuss the Constitution with as many fellow South African (and ex pats) Geocaches and provide us with feedback by no later than 17 June 2011 that you are in agreement with it. Please can I especialy ask all the Legal cachers to ensure that the attached Constitution is legaly sound. Remember...a Constitution is not for life and can be changed yearly during the AGM. If you have any question or queries you are welcome to contact myself on team_vdlo@hclunlimited.co.za. The current plan is to setup a meeting around 21 June 2011 to discuss and resolve any issues and hopefully finalise the Constitution to create the legal entity for GoSA (if we do not get any show stopper feedback in the next few days).

Hi all, We would like to reserve 20 August for the QS #8 - Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve event. Will chat to Wardhog closer to time to make sure all the caches are up and running.... Regards, Team_vdlo

Hi, QS #6 will take place 11 June 2011 at the Bokkie park in Boksburg.... Listing will be activated soon. See you soon Team_vdlo

QS4 will take place in Johannesburg CBD on the 9 April 2011. Listing will be created soon....

When I spoke to Rolf earlier in the week about the idea of a mega FTF run, I initially also thought it is a great idea and would be nice to add FTF badge to my profile..... However I now start wondering if we are not manipulating the game and take all the fun out of the game just to get badges instead of truly earning them..... If most of the active cachers in Johannesburg join the breakfast run and get there FTF badge, will we then still get teams that race all over town in the middle of the night to go for FTF's? On my Westcliff cache where were 5 teams that race from as far as Edenvale at 22:00 to trying for a FTF. I can not see this continue to happen if all has a FTF badge... In fact, I am of the opinion that we should change the rules that only one team, (the very first team that has the cache in hand) are allowed to claim a FTF to make it even more exclusive? Are we tomorrow going to plant a 5/5 cache that is only a truly a 3/3 rating to claim that badge as well? I know it is still each team personal choose to attend the run or not but is it truly in the spit of the game?? I still fully support the breakfast run and would prefer the 26 March ...Just questioning the Mega stage FTF part of it. (Hope I have not upset people with my personal view...Remember it is only a game) Team_vdlo

Hi all, I was very fortunate to meet Emeritus Professor Carl Anhaeusser from Wits School of Geology yesterday on home soul at the Robin's Koppie in Robindale, Randburg . He started to explain to me about the different layers of rock formation on the Robin’s Koppie and that we standing on some of the oldest rocks in Africa. He also told me that we standing between the Witwatersrand super group and Transvaal super group. (Have read about those before in some of the earth caches in JHB.....) He also told me about all the research that he has done in Johannesburg as well as Barberton surroundings and all the books he has been part of. He was already on this Koppie before I was born.. For someone like me that knows very little about Geology /Rocks it was just wow chatting to Prof Carl for a couple of minutes..... You now properly wonder why I started a forum on this....Well Prof Carl agree to meet us one Saturday and give us a full guide tour (explanation with demonstration) of the Koppie and surroundings (time permitted) I am planning to setup an event for one of the following dates 2, 9, 16 in April 2011 but would like to get a feel of how many people would be interested and which date you prefer? I will also try to book the Lapa at the school opposite the Koppie where we can Braai and chat. (Those that are not interested in the “tour” can start the fires...) I know it is still a couple of months away but please can you reply to this forum your interest as well as your preferred date ASAP as I would like to confirm/fix the date in the next two week.. Who knows, maybe we can setup an earth cache on the koppie as well... Greeting Team_vdlo P.S Below is a list of Selected References: Anhaeusser, C.R. (1984).Structural elements of Archaean granite-greenstone terranes as exemplified by the Barberton Mountain Land, southern Africa. In: Kroner,A. and Greiling,R. (Eds.), Precambrian Tectonics Illustrated, E.Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Stuttgart, 57-78. Anhaeusser, C.R. (1985). Archaean layered ultramafic complexes in the Barberton Mountain Land, South Africa. In: Ayres, L.D., Thurston, P.C., Card, K.D. and Weber, W. (Eds.), Evolution of Archaean Supracrustal Sequences. Geol. Assoc. Canada Spec. Paper 28,281-301 Anhaeusser, C.R. (1986). Archaean gold mineralization in the Barberton Mountain Land. In: Anhaeusser,C.R. and Maske,S.(Eds.),Mineral Deposits of Southern Africa, Vol. I. Geol. Soc.South Africa,113-154 Kisters, A.F.M., Charlesworth, E.G., Gibson, R.L. & Anhaeusser, C.R . (1995). Steep structure formation in the Okiep Copper District, South Africa: bulk inhomogeneous shortening of a high-grade metamorphic granite-gneiss sequence. J Struct Geol, 18(6), 735-751. Kisters, A.F.M., Charlesworth, E.G., Gibson, R.L. & Anhaeusser, C.R. (1995). The relationship between antiformal and monoclinal steep structures in the Okiep Copper District, Namaqualand: A case study. S Afr J Geol, 99 (2), 185-196. Kisters, A.F.M. & Anhaeusser, C.R. (1995). The structural significance of the Steynsdorp pluton and anticline wihtin the tectono-magmatic framework of the Barberton Mountainland. S Afr J Geol, 98 (1), 43-51. Kisters, A.F.M. & Anhaeusser, C.R. (1995). Emplacement features of Archaean TTG plutons along the southern margin of the Barberton greenstone belt, South Africa. Precam Res, 75, 1-15. Anhaeusser, C.R., Editor (1997). A Century of Geological Endeavour in Southern Africa 1895-1995. Geological Society of South Africa, 587 pp. Anhaeusser, C.R. & Walraven, F. (1998). Polyphase crustal evolution of the Archaean Kraaipan granite-greenstone terrane, Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa. J Afr Ear Sci, 28 (2), 289-309. Wilson, M.G.C. & Anhaeusser,C.R., Editors (1998). 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Hi, The coins look great....I think the gold coin fits well with the South Africa theme... Can't wait to buy one. Team_vdlo

Congrats The Amish with your 100 find...Hope there will be many more... Team_vdlo

Hi all, We have decide to move The Pilgrim's Progress series to a later date due to the wet weather currenly in JHB. 16 Dec = 60% rain. We are currenly looking at the 27 December as an alternitive date but will keep you posted...

Thanks for the feedback...That is why we need the old hand to teach us all these tricks... will work around the wording to combine the two but ensure the SOCIAL is the MAIN event...... 16 Decmber is still on but just as a cache outing....

Sorry you will not be able to host a event if it's for a arranged hunt of caches....please see a quote from the Guidelines... http://www.geocaching.com/about/guidelines.aspx#event "An event cache should not be set up for the sole purpose of drawing together cachers for an organized hunt of another cache or caches. Such group hunts are best organized using the forums or an email distribution list." Thanks for your feedback RedGlobe, but not sure if I explain myself fully..The main purpose/ idea behind the Buddy Caching days is to Assist/Mentor the newbies and not to just go out for a hunt together. It is more like a hands-on training session.... Do you still agree that the Buddy Caching Days do not qualify as an event or must we discuss it over a beer (or breakfast)? Team_vdlo

This weekend I again heard of a person that attempted their first cache hunt a couple of months ago and gave up Geocaching as they could not find their first cache.... For this reason we would like to start the "Buddy Caching Days" where the old hands and the newbies can go out and cache together ...Hopefully this way the old hand can tell great stories and give the newbies some valuable tips to ensure they also get hooked on this great game! We are looking for people that can assist getting this idea of the ground to grow Geocaching in South Africa (all provinces, cities & towns). The basic idea is to "advertise" the Buddy Caching Day in the local community newspapers/schools/Voortrekkers/Scouts groups....ect. and invite any newbies (and old hands) to accompany you on the day. It will be great if we can have a Buddy Caching Day in each province at lease every second month. Maybe the old hands can tell us if the "Buddy Caching Days" can qualify/be logged as an event?? If all goes according to plan, the first Buddy Caching Day will be held on 16 December 2010. We are planning to do the The Pilgrim's Progress series and other caches in the Roodepoort area. We would like to start at 07:00 and hopefully finish the walking part before it gets to hot. The idea is to take a real slow walk from cache to cache and just have a great time sharing stories and tips with your old and new Buddies... If you are interested to join in the project, have any ideas to improve this idea or just need more details, then please post a note or e-mail me at team_vdlo@hclunlimited.co.za We would love to heard your side of the story.... Team_vdlo

I suggest that all Local Cacher must also place at lease one cache in 2011 with this theme in mind....

Hi all, It is actual very simple....We need to grow the amount of Geacachers in South Africa. Each active Cacher must just introduce one or two new team to the game and we can easy get to 500. We also need to get the local community newspapers more involved in our events.... We can....