With the huge number of South Africans heading off to the Antipodes and forming their own little SA clubs to ward off homesickness, it stands to reason that Ozzies and Kiwis who have made their homes on South African soil have also found the need to get together regularly to “chew the fat” over a bottle of lager or a glass of wine and, at the same time, help raise money for needy causes in their adopted country. GLENDA THOMPSON meets them
I popped down to the Lions Club in Ballito recently for an ANZA (Australian and New Zealand Association) get together around the Hangi. A Hangi, as Kiwi-South African Don Edwards, who is chief Hangi-sorter-outer explained, is a “large amount of meat wrapped up, traditionally in banana leaves, laid over hot rocks that have been placed in a pit, covered by a pile of sand and left to steam away merrily until tender and delicious!” Although the banana leaves and hot rocks were left out of the cooking process (replaced by bed sheets and old railway line) the meat, when it was finally unraveled, was extremely tasty and tender and got a firm nod of approval from the 60 or so Kiwi/Ozzie South Africans who had gathered together for the day.
How was ANZA founded? we wondered. Honorary secretary Gloria McLean-Anderson explained: “ANZA came into being in 1935 (next year they celebrate their 75th anniversary) and although other associations were set up in Jo’burg, PE and Cape Town, only the KZN association tis still in existence in South Africa.” She said ANZA brings together Australians and New Zealanders living in SA or people who have families resident in either of these countries. “We organise regular annual functions to raise funds for a local charity, and this year we’re helping the KwaZulu-Natal Quad Para Association.”
The KZN Quad Para Association has 360 registered patients (all quadriplegic) in KZN, but according to their regional directorCedric Hedgcock, who received a cheque from ANZA on behalf of the Association, there are more than 7 000 wheelchair users in KZN. Cedric is based at the Ashley Residential Centre in Pinetown where capacity building courses are held for patients living in rural areas. “The money ANZA raises will go towards helping to run these courses and enable them to start their own support groups,” he told us.
As well as the Hangi, ANZA also organises fun tennis days, potjiekos competitions, beer fests, and car rallies, and they have a big get together on Waitangi and Australia Day.
Gloria said ANZA also donates money annually towards a bursary for a deserving student at Durban’s George Campbell Technical High School. This is done in the name of the founder of ANZA and is known as the Roy Faulks Bursary. The student is nominated by the school, and is usually someone who has excelled in both academic work and promotes the “well being” of the school.
A newsletter is sent out on a regular basis to keep members informed of events. It is also a chance for members to share news, and for past members to stay in touch.
Useful info: If you’re interested in joining ANZA, phone Gloria McLean-Anderson at 082 684 3311