Skip to Content

16 January 2007

Getting to know Tsendze

by Raymond Travers

At around the time of the opening of Kruger”s newest camp, Tsendze Rustic Campsite, a rather unusual challenge was encountered.SABC Afrikaans radio station RSG approached KNP Public Relations Department with an idea of broadcasting its current affairs programme – Monitor – live from Tsendze and what did we think of that?

Of course, the exposure of such a broadcast was very attractive and all efforts were maximized to try and convert this idea into a reality.

Standing in the way was probably the very reason why Tsendze is such a special place – the simple fact that there are no telephone lines, electricity plugs or any of the mod-cons of modern living.

Alternatives were investigated, and the various ideas were discussed with Foeta Krige, the radio programme”s executive producer. After discussions, the plan was decided on: Mooiplaas Section Ranger Johann Oelofse would host the RSG team at Tsendze the previous night (to give them a Tsendze experience) and the actual live broadcast would take place at Mooiplaas Ranger”s Post the next morning (Thursday November 30, 2006).

Johann”s office was converted into a mini-studio and the team, which also included Monitor presenter Cobus Bester and KNP Media Relations Practitioner Raymond Travers, waited anxiously for the studio at Auckland Park to switch over to Mooiplaas.

The time came and the interview began with a basic rundown of Kruger”s expected holiday season and various other Kruger matters.

And then it was Johann”s turn to put on the headphones and be interviewed. As the manager of the environmental process that led to Tsendze being established, there are few people in the organisation that can talk about Kruger”s newest camp with the conviction and passion as he can.

Other subjects were also discussed, including the rare antelope breeding programme and the general state of Kruger from the eyes of one of its most experienced rangers.

The interviews closed and Monitor reverted to the studio at Auckland Park, the team of four, two from SABC and two from KNP, breathed a sigh of relief and walked to Mooiplaas lapa for a well-deserved cup of coffee.
Total air time of the project – 23 minutes, approximate value of publicity (based on rates supplied by RSG), R262 200.