Circle: North West Cape

Branch: Upington

Portfolio: Agriculture and horticulture.

Convener: Eirene Spanellis Hoving

Reporter: Eirene Spanellis Hoving

Date: 11 April 2024

Upington learns about earthquakes

I just wanted to share our most recent VLV meeting that I presented at my house on the 11.04.2024 here in Upington. I am the convener for Agriculture and horticulture. I invited a geologist – Conrad Groenewald – as a guest speaker from the Council of Geo-science, to come give us a presentation on the earthquakes that occur here in the Augrabies area and some background about the rocks we find in our ground at home (ladies brought special rocks from their gardens with them to the meeting).

What is an earthquake?
Earthquakes occur along plate margins (where plates meet). When plates move past, towards or away from each other the movement is not smooth. Friction causes the plates to get stuck. This causes pressure to build up. Earthquakes occur when this build up of pressure is released.
The earthquakes’ magnitude may cause delays and disruptions in agricultural production as well as damage to productive resources and difficulty accessing them.

I made baklava, custard slices and a savory platter and Wilna Nel brought a delicious milktart as well, which was served with tea and coffee. It being autism awareness month, I greeted each member by the door with a puzzle cookie and autism ribbons (for each to take home).

Two of my friends were present at the meeting and presentation (one said she is thinking of joining the VLV – so I’m holding thumbs).

The ladies said they enjoyed the afternoon and learned so much in the process.

All in all. We learned a lot and it was such an eye opener.