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The historical Stonehenge property came under the hammer last Wednesday.

Millions to go towards animal welfare

 

Animal welfare organisations are to receive a welcome boost of close to R30 million, following the death of a local animal lover at the end of last year.

The legendary Miss Betty Noakes died in November at the age of 98. Most of her estate was left to various animal welfare as well as charity organisations.

The Stonehenge property, overlooking the Soutpansberg Golf Club in Louis Trichardt, came under the hammer last Wednesday. This picturesque landmark is also a National Heritage Site. The auction, handled by Jack Klaff Auctioneers, drew a large number of bidders and close to 250 people turned up at the historical house.

The auction of the property was the highlight of the day and the bidding only stopped at R3,55 million. The highest bidder was Mr Eddie da Silva from Louis Trichardt. There will now be a 14-day period during which other potential buyers can submit offers and Mr Da Silva will have the opportunity to match these offers.

Mr Jack Klaff, the auctioneer, was very satisfied with the outcome of the auction. The furniture and other valuables were sold for around R160 000 to various bidders.

The executor of the estate, Dr Suwil Rudolph, said that some of the assets, such as the late Miss Noakes's extensive book collection, were not on auction, as they believed that these collector's pieces would reach better prices at a national auction. The collection will, in all probability, be sent off to a national auction company specialising in collectibles.

Dr Rudolph said that almost 95% of the estate had been left to organisations such as the SPCA, the Red Cross, the SA Guide Dog Society, Henley-on-Klip Animal Rescue and the Animal Anti-Cruelty League. Médicins Sans Frontieres and the Salvation Army also count among the beneficiaries.

Probably the biggest part of the estate will go towards the Veterinary Faculty at the University of Pretoria. This money is specifically earmarked for the promotion of animal welfare.

Ms Bea Reimer from the local branch of the SPCA was very grateful for the money that was left to them. The local SPCA branch is to receive R1 million, which is to be put in trust. The interest of this money will assist the local branch to meet some of their monthly obligations in their quest to look after the region’s abandoned animals.

News - Date: 14 March 2012

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Anton van Zyl

Anton van Zyl has been with the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror since 1990. He graduated from the Rand Afrikaans University (now University of Johannesburg) and obtained a BA Communications degree. He is a founder member of the Association of Independent Publishers.

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