Pretoria's Capital Craft was filled with joy and camaraderie as Mensa members gathered to celebrate the induction of new members during a special evening event. The gathering, which took place one week after the candidates successfully passed the eligibility test, provided an opportunity for both seasoned members and fresh faces to come together and enjoy a variety of beers, fostering an atmosphere of intellectual stimulation and friendship. As the evening progressed, the attendees reveled in each other's company, engaging in conversations that transcended conventional boundaries and reflecting the diverse range of intellectual interests that Mensa embodies.

        However, amidst the jubilant atmosphere, the gathering took a poignant turn when one of Mensa's esteemed members, Pieter van der Vyver, a long-standing and loyal member, shared that his father had passed away earlier in the month. Pieter's father, Johan David van der Vyver, was an iconic figure in the realm of human rights and a renowned anti-apartheid activist. He held the esteemed position of I.T. Cohen Professor of International Human Rights at Emory University School of Law. Even at the age of 89, he continued to dedicate himself fully to academia, remaining an active scholar and teacher throughout the spring of 2023. Every law student knows his name, since he is the author of South Africa's Family Law.

        Pieter's father was undeniably a giant in the legal academy. He leaves us with a lasting legacy of unwavering commitment to justice and equality. As the evening unfolded, Pieter shared a touching anecdote of his daughter receiving a birthday card and flowers from an American President at her birth, who happened to be a dear friend of the little girl's grandfather. The heartfelt story served as a reminder of the profound impact that Johan David van der Vyver had on both individuals and institutions, transcending borders, and forging meaningful connections. 

In the face of this loss, the Mensa community offers its unwavering strength and support to his son Pieter. On this particular occasion, the Mensa New Member's Evening was more than just a celebration of intelligence; it was a reminder that Mensa fosters a community of individuals who are there for one another, supporting each other through life's triumphs and tribulations.

In the spirit of inclusivity and intellectual growth, Mensa continues to provide a platform for exceptional minds to connect, inspire, and support each other. In the world of Mensa, brilliance goes beyond IQ scores and academic achievements. It lies in the ability to create a community where intelligence and compassion coexist harmoniously, where new members are welcomed with open arms, and where existing members stand by each other as a family.

 

The Pretoria chapter of Mensa International recently hosted a highly-anticipated chess tournament at the prestigious Pretoria High School Old Boys Club. The tournament featured ten exceptionally talented contestants, each of whom played nine thrilling games over the course of the event.

As the contestants strategized and made their moves, onlookers watched on in amazement, keeping track of the wins and losses over a glass of wine. The level of skill on display was truly remarkable, and it was clear that each contestant had countless hours of practice under the belt.

After nine rounds of intense competition, Kolver emerged as the winner of the tournament, having displayed a remarkable level of strategic thinking and tactical skill throughout. Kolver's victories were hard-fought, however, with several of his matches going down to the wire and requiring him to make some bold and decisive moves to come out on top.

One of the most interesting moments of the tournament came when Mike, who had arrived late after competing in another chess tournament, agreed to challenge Kolver for the title. Despite the intense pressure and the high stakes involved, Kolver maintained his composure and ultimately came out on top, cementing his status as the reigning champion of the Pretoria Mensa International Chess Tournament.

Overall, the tournament was a great success, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of some of the best chess players in the area. The event was a testament to the enduring appeal and popularity of this timeless game, and it was clear that all those involved had a great time testing their skills against one another. We can only hope that future tournaments will be just as thrilling and exciting as this one was.

 The Mensa Easter Banquet: A Formal Discussion on the Resurrection

On a recent evening at the Pretoria Boys High School Old Boys club, a group of 22 individuals gathered for the Mensa Easter Banquet. The event was a formal discussion on the topic of the resurrection and all the theories surrounding it. As guests enjoyed chicken schnitzel for supper and Italian kisses for dessert, they engaged in a lively and intellectual discussion on the topic at hand.

Before sitting down for the formal discussion, attendees participated in a pre-social that was described as "a great deal of fun." To break the ice, guests followed a Greek tradition and battled with boiled eggs that had been brightly colored by various dyes. This set the tone for an evening of lively discussion and intellectual engagement.

Once seated, the discussion began in earnest. Attendees brought a wide range of perspectives and ideas to the table, leading to a thought-provoking and insightful conversation. The topic of the resurrection has been debated for centuries, and this event provided an opportunity for attendees to engage in a rigorous and respectful exploration of the various theories surrounding it.

As the evening drew to a close, guests left feeling intellectually stimulated and energized by the evening's discussion. The Mensa Easter Banquet provided a unique opportunity for individuals to engage with a complex and important topic in a formal and intellectual setting.

Overall, the event was a great success. Attendees enjoyed not only the intellectual stimulation but also the delicious food and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. The Mensa Easter Banquet is an excellent example of the kind of intellectual engagement and community-building that can occur when individuals come together to discuss complex ideas in a respectful and engaging manner.

 Mensa Ladies Lunch (with some men in attendance)

In November 2022, Mensa hosted an inspiring and engaging Ladies Lunch Event for Mensa members at The Blue Crane, located in the Austin Robert's Bird Park. The topic of discussion for the day was Bowen's Family Systems Theory, specifically the concept of differentiation. The attendees were given A2 size papers filled with quotes and notes from academic papers, which they discussed in detail.

The event was attended by both male and female members who were keen to explore and understand the topic at hand. The lively discussions were insightful and thought-provoking, with attendees sharing their personal experiences and insights about the theory.

The Ladies Lunch Event was a great opportunity for Mensa members to network and engage with like-minded individuals while also learning about an interesting topic. The event was not only intellectually stimulating but also a lot of fun, as participants were able to bond over shared interests and passions.

At the end of the lunch, the ladies were asked to share their experience of Mensa and suggest ways that the organization could better meet their needs. Many attendees expressed their desire for more light socials that cover topics on personal growth, similar to the one presented at the Ladies Lunch event. The event had been successful in bringing together individuals with similar interests and passions, and the attendees were eager for more opportunities to connect and engage with each other.

The Ladies Lunch Event at The Blue Crane was a great success, providing Mensa members with an opportunity to learn, network and have fun.

 Mensa Members Gather For T-Shirt Printing Event and Summer Fun

The Pretoria Old Boys Club was buzzing with creativity and excitement as Mensa members gathered for a social event where they got to print their own designs on t-shirts. This event showcased the unique and imaginative minds of the members. As they gathered around the printing station, they eagerly discussed their design ideas and shared tips and tricks with each other. Some designs were funny, some inspirational, and some just plain quirky, but they all showcased the diverse and imaginative minds of the group. The printing process was a collaborative effort, with members helping each other with each step of the process. From choosing the perfect font and color to placing the design just right on the shirt, the Mensans worked together to create unique and eye-catching t-shirts.

The event was not just about printing t-shirts, though. It was also a chance for Mensans to socialize and connect with each other. They exchanged stories and ideas, discussing everything from the latest scientific discoveries to the latest books they had read. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, with a sense of camaraderie and shared interests permeating the room. The Pretoria Old Boys Club provided the perfect setting for the event, with its spacious and well-lit room and comfortable seating. Food and drinks were available on order from the club's friendly and accommodating staff. After the t-shirts were designed and printed, the Mensans proudly showed off their creations to each other. The colorful and creative designs displayed a range of interests and personalities, highlighting the individuality of each member.

The event was so popular and so many people wanted to print t-shirts that some of the committee members who held back and let others print first, were unable to print their designs on the day of the event, so they planned a second printing event. A month or so later, some of the committee members gathered for a Mongolian Braai filled with laughter, creativity, and summertime joy at Marina Van Tonder’s home, who was the master mind behind this event. They fired up the grill to prepare the traditional Mongolian Braai and prepared to flex their creative muscles and enjoy the company of their like-minded peers.

While the adults were busy with their t-shirt designs, the children took advantage of the great Pretoria weather by jumping into the pool and splashing around. It was a perfect day for both children and adults alike to enjoy some summer fun in the sun. The Mongolian braai was a lot of fun, and each person cooked their selection to perfection, while discussing their t-shirt designs, each one more unique and creative than the last.

Both printing events were not only fun and relaxing for the members, but they also showcased the creativity of the Mensans and brought them closer together as a community. It's a reminder that even the brightest minds need a break from the demands of everyday life and can enjoy some fun in the sun with their friends and family. The memories of these special events, filled with laughter, creativity, and summer fun, will last a lifetime.

 High IQ Christian SIG

Are you a Christian looking for a group of like-minded individuals who share your passion for learning and growing in God's Word? Look no further than the Mensa Special Interest WhatsApp Group, called High IQ Christians.

Run by a Mensa member, Tersia Voskuil, who is studying a Doctor of Ministry in Christ-Centered Counseling, this group is focused on exploring and discussing theological concepts in depth. The group admin mostly shares summaries of theological books, allowing members to learn and engage with new ideas even if they don't have the time to read full-length books.

Chapter summaries of six books on the topic of Soteriology and Election were shared in August and September 2022. The six books were: God’s Provision For All, by Leighton Flowers; Salvation By Allegiance Alone, by Matthew Bates; The Chosen People, by A. Chadwick Thornhill; Perspectives on Election, Five Views, edited by Chad Owen Brand; The Nature of Atonement, Four Views, edited by Beilby and Eddy; Chosen to Serve, by Shawn Lazar.

Chapter summaries of four books on the topic of Counseling Adolescents were shared in September and October 2022. The four books were: Real Teens, by George Barna; Helping the Struggling Adolescent, by Dr Les Parrott III; Age of Opportunity, by Paul Tripp; When Good Kids Make Bad Choices by Fitzpatrick, Newheiser, and Dr. Laura Hendrickson.

The group also spent a few weeks looking at Bates’ ten steps of the gospel. Recently, the group worked through an 8-part series by Andy Stanley called Christian. They investigated the difference between the concept of Christian, which is not defined in the Bible, versus the concept of disciple, which is clearly defined in the Bible. This kind of in-depth exploration of theological concepts is typical of the information shared in the High IQ Christians group.

Currently, the group is working through chapters from Joe Dallas' book, Christians in a Cancel Culture. They are focusing on topics such as Abortion, Critical Race Theory, Homosexuality, Transgender, and Progressive Christianity. We are also going through Irreversible Damage, by Abigail Shrier, who is not a Christian, to broaden our discussion of the topic. These are all topics that can be difficult to navigate in today's society, and the group provides a safe and supportive environment for Christians to explore these issues and deepen their understanding of the Bible's teachings.

Tersia started a blog for the group this month, called Theology Stuff. The intention of the blog is to provide a space for members to share their own thoughts and insights on theological topics, further fostering a sense of community and also to provide a place that members can come back to. The WhatsApp thread tends to disappear into oblivion, and it is difficult to go back to interesting topics. The blog overcomes that limitation.

 Mensa Christmas Banquet 2022

The Mensa Christmas Banquet held in December 2022 at the Pretoria Old Boys Club was a night to remember. The banquet hall was decorated magnificently, and the banquet-style table looked amazing. The festive atmosphere was heightened with great Christmas music playing in the background, adding to the joviality of the evening.

The Mensa members who attended the banquet were all dressed to impress. They were asked to wear interesting headgear, and this added an element of fun and laughter to the event, with some attendees donning Santa hats while others wore reindeer antlers. It was a unique and exciting way to celebrate the Christmas season.

Apart from the stunning décor and the fun headgear, there were also brain teaser puzzles that were passed around to challenge the members. These puzzles were a great way to keep the conversation flowing and to test the mental acuity of the attendees. It was a great opportunity for the Mensans to showcase their intelligence and problem-solving skills.

The Christmas banquet was not only a fun and festive occasion but also provided an opportunity for members to network and socialize with like-minded individuals. The evening was filled with great conversations and engaging discussions, making it a memorable experience for all who attended.

Overall, the Mensa Christmas Banquet at the Pretoria Old Boys Club organized by Tersia Voskuil was a resounding success. It was a night of fun, laughter, and mental stimulation, all in one. The event showcased the brilliance of the members and provided an opportunity for them to connect and engage with each other. The success of this event is proof that Mensa is more than just a high-IQ society; it is a community of individuals who enjoy learning, socializing, and having fun together.

Mensa Special Interest WhatsApp Group Shares Love for Creepy Crawlies

If you're someone who's fascinated by the world of tiny creatures, then you might want to check out the Mensa Special Interest WhatsApp Group called the Creepy Crawly SIG. This group is made up of Mensa members who share a passion for all things creepy, crawly, and tiny.

The members of this group love to share photos of the creatures they come across, and they help each other identify them. This is a great opportunity for anyone who's interested in learning more about the fascinating world of insects and other small creatures.

But the group's interests go beyond just sharing pictures of these little critters. The members were recently encouraged to participate in the iNaturalist project, which is a global project between a university in California and National Geographic. This project encourages people to share observations of the natural world, including plants, animals, and insects.

For the members of the Creepy Crawly SIG, this is a great opportunity to put their passion for photography to good use. By participating in this project, they can contribute to a global database of observations that will help scientists better understand the natural world.

In addition to their involvement in the iNaturalist project, some members of the group also recently attended the Arachnid and Reptile Expo held at the Monty Casino. Some members even purchased their own creepy crawly to take home! One member even bought a Curly Hair tarantula, which is sure to be a conversation starter at the next group meeting.

If you're interested in joining the Creepy Crawly SIG, you'll need to be a member of Mensa first. But for those who are already members, this is a great opportunity to connect with others who share your passion for the tiny creatures that inhabit our world. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply someone who finds these little critters fascinating, you're sure to find a welcoming community in the Creepy Crawly SIG.

 

What wonderful experiences we shared with old and new friends at the 2021 NAG ! 

From game drives to skits 

from karaoke to bird watching 

from drumming to meeting celebrities 

from talking politics to board games 

from early till la...early-the-next-day and the next..and the next!! 

Feast your eyes on these photo's and video's that bears testimony to the fun!! it truly was 

Africa's Greatest Showman !!

click there ^^^

 

 

Jacqui Uys - Spheres of Government and Citizen Involvement 

Jacqui is a member of Mensa and involved in local politics, she sparked our thought processes by talking about democracy in South Africa and the structures surrounding it.

Being the November speaker evening only two days after the NAG - a lot of tales were shared !!

 

 

Grant du Plessis - Randomness

 

In October Grant showed us how the rules of probability and randomness dictate our lives without us even realizing it.

He also explained us why the human mind can never fully understand randomness, and what makes this so interesting.

Grant is one of our own, he studies Applied Mathematics at the University of Pretoria and is the Youth Advisor for Mensa Pretoria.

 

Cornia Hugo - Cycads

 

In September Cornia presented a talk on the history, status, legislation and even smuggling of cycads before introducing us to her excellent book: Identification of Indigenous cycads.Wow I learned a lot, Cornia sure  knows cycads !

Cornia Hugo works for the Department Agriculture and Rural Development. She has 28 years’ experience of cycad inspection and court cases. She is currently the Deputy Director of General Investigations North; the unit is responsible for all the permit inspections related to plant and animals.

Cornia has published two books: Identification of Indigenous cycads of SA and Using cones to Identify Indigenous cycads of SA.

She was also involved in the development of SA first cycad stamps which were printed in France during 2019, a total of only 1200 stamps were printed.

 

 

David Toma - Aircraft Design

 

 

For the month of August we took to the skies, or at least went through the rigorous mental process of planning the design of a special 1/1 aircraft! 

 

 

 

David Toma obtained his BEng Mechanical at the University of Pretoria and majored in aeronautics. He holds a Commercial Pilot License and a Multi-Engine Instructor’s Rating with +2550 flight hours and more than forty aircraft types on his license.

He is a Project certification engineer on Falcon 400 series aircraft and he indulges in aircraft flight testing and design in his own time.

 

 

Cassie Nienaber - Internal Ballistics

We just can not get enough of things going BOOM!! In July we were treated to a talk by Cassie who explained that Internal ballistics refers to the process happening inside a barrel during the firing of a weapon, from the time the propellant is ignited until the subsequent gas pressure sends the projectile out the muzzle.

The study of internal ballistics involves the properties of the weapon and components, the pressures created by the burning propellant, the influence of these on bullet acceleration and the resultant muzzle velocity of the projectile.

Cassie has a master’s diploma in Civil Engineering from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and worked at the CSIR, consulting engineers and in the construction industry until a few years ago. Shooting and hunting have been a part of his life since primary school.

He has published several articles in the SA Jagter/Hunter magazine.

The biggest part of his time is spent on developing custom reloaded ammunition, tailor-made for the client’s rifle and components. He also reloads ammunition for some.

 

Darren and Justin Oats - Alternative Fuels

Roll on June and we were introduced to Darren and Justin Oats, exploring a tried and tested greener internal combustion engine fuel option. The future seems green !

Darren and Justin Oates hold BEng degrees from the University of Pretoria. 

They specialised in Vehicle Dynamics and Vehicle Engineering and finished top of their class.

Justin has been involved in the motorsport industry in South Africa for more than 10 years, gaining valuable technical knowledge and experience and building valuable relationships. He has conducted numerous research studies and tests on motor vehicles, the majority being race cars, for both motorsport and general research and development purposes. Justin is also a member of Total Excellium Racing as a driver and director, where he is involved in the management and technical development of the vehicles.

Darren is a director and part of the management team at Total Excellium Racing, one of the largest motorsport teams in South Africa. The team has successfully competed in the Volkswagen Polo Cup and is currently building a Mercedes Benz GTC 1 car to compete in the most challenging Motorsport series in South Africa.

Darren has more than 10 years of experience and knowledge at the top level of the South African motorsport industry, which includes hands-on testing of road vehicles and race cars. This involvement has provided valuable relationships with key players in the industry.

 

 

Dr J David Reinecke - Ballistics

On May 5th we were (not literally) blown away by Dr. Reinecke's insight and ability to convey in laymen's terms the impact, forces and varied characteristics of all things going BOOM!  

We were treated to an introduction into traditional ballistics (internal / external / Terminal), map onto energetic material (explosive) "ballistics" of detonic, blast impact loading and structural response quantification.

Dr J David Reinecke has been involved in military domain his whole career, starting in aviation but spending the last seventeen years developing capabilities and executing blast impact research at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Dr Reinecke completed his graduate, honours and masters degrees in mechanical engineering and engineering management at the University of Pretoria and then went on to complete his PhD at Cranfield University (Defence) in the UK. Though his work Dr Reinecke has developed a number of blast impact technology demonstrators focussed on researching blast impact and structural response as well as related trauma biomechanics. In addition to collaborating extensively with local defence industry, local and international tertiary education institutes and defence research organizations, Dr Reinecke is privileged to serve on several international research task groups related to protection and mobility.

BRAAI !!

Yoh !! We had so much fun interacting at the Quiz Night we promptly arranged a social braai for the whole family on 12 April. 

Catered for by PHSOB in the open-air venue we were entertained by Grant and Theo performing original songs and a few of our favourite covers. 

Feasting with old friends and new - this braai was a absolute hit and definite future tradition!! 

Quiz Night

7 April launched our first quiz night for 2021, right into orbit and the participants felt an hour or two of weightlessness - high above the blue globe and its troubles.

Dr. Zané Lombard - Human Genetics

On March 3rd we had the distinct pleasure of listening to the insightful Dr. Lombard discuss population genetics and how we can use information contained in our DNA to learn more about population history and our health. (Webinar)

 

Zané Lombard obtained her PhD in Human Genetics and Bioinformatics in 2008. She is currently a Principal medical scientist and Associate professor in the Division of Human Genetics, where she oversees the Research laboratory and is a member of the Research & Development team in the Department. Before this she worked as a Senior Lecturer in Bioinformatics in the School of Molecular & Cell Biology, also at Wits. Her research interest areas are genomic medicine and rare diseases. Zané is passionate about promoting science in Africa, and therefore participates in several academic service domains at University, national and international level, like the SA Society for Human Genetics and the H3Africa Consortium.