Jarred van Alphen and Kai Broom completed the Drakensberg Grand Traverse in 2022, a hike of 250 km within 10 days. This was an incredible achievement, especially since the boys carried their packs each weighing 21kg.

The Drakensberg Grand Traverse is the highest, hardest, and longest hike in South Africa. It stretches 250km of the Drakensberg escarpment from the Sentinel Car Park in the North (near Harrismith) to Bushmans Nek in the South (near Underberg). Hikers climb over 11000 vertical meters, ascending as high as 3480m above sea level and sometimes descending below 3000m; the average altitude throughout the walk is 3000m/a/s/l. We will also summit the five highest peaks along the escarpment, namely: Mont-aux-Sources (3281m), Champagne Castle (3377m); Mafadi (3450m), Giants Castle (3319m); and Thabana Ntlenyana (3489m).

Since their achievement in 2022, Jarred and Kai have wanted to challenge themselves further. Initially, they wanted to run the whole DGT; however, they were advised not to as their bodies are too young. A decision was made to run just half of the Traverse, starting from the Northern Berg at the Sentinel Car Park and running through to the Central Berg at Monks Cowl.

Pierre Jordaan, a seasoned Traverse Trail Runner, accompanied the boys as a guide. Starting at 03h00 on Monday the 27th of March, the team ran 75 km. Overnighting in Didima Cave. The day was tough as this was the boys' longest hiking day ever, previously Jarred had only covered 40km in a day’s hike, and Kai had only covered 60km in a day’s hike.

The route contained many ascents and descents, which combined with the distance and time, took an effect on the team’s knees and legs. Tuesday the 28th of March, saw the boys starting at 06h00 and beginning the final 25km descent down Grays pass to Monks Cowl.

Overall the trip was incredible, covering 100km. Running a half Traverse is the most difficult challenge that Jarred and Kai have accomplished. The physicality of the run, combined with the time spent running on Day 1, which was 18 hours, made this a challenging yet rewarding expedition.

Supplied.

Many people are struggling with the costs of inflation and high unemployment. As a result, it is understandable that people are finding it difficult to take care of themselves, their families and their beloved pets.

This #WorldStrayDay, we want to remind the public that all unwanted and stray animals may be surrendered to any of the SPCA branches across the country, at no charge, if need be.

We implore all members of the public who are struggling to take care of their pets to surrender the animal/s to their local SPCA or animal welfare shelter rather than to let the animal suffer. It is up to you to be a responsible pet owner. This means you may have to acknowledge you no longer have the means to provide the necessary veterinary treatment or food and shelter for the animal, and surrender the animal to the SPCA. This does not mean that you don’t love or care for your pet, it simply means you love or care for your pet enough to ensure that his/her needs are met.

Being a responsible owner means that you will not sell your pet online or pass it on to friends/family or give the animal away to a ‘good home’ when you can no longer afford to keep him/her. There is no way to guarantee your beloved pet will be treated with kindness and compassion if the above route is taken.

There is also no excuse to dump or abandon animals because you cannot afford to keep them. The SPCA is willing to accept ALL unwanted animals of any size and species.

We wish to assure the public that they should not be afraid to surrender pets for whatever reason. The SPCA does not charge for animals to be surrendered, however, donations are welcome.

So much to catch up on!

Let’s start with Friday the 17th of March. We had a fantastic evening playing 4-3-2-1 for Friday Night Lights. Lots of laughter and joviality and we overcame the challenges of loadshedding. All the players enjoyed 2 sessions of 8 ends, followed by a burger for dinner. Well done to Kevin Palmer, who came third, Barbara Hook who came second and Pat Norris for her win on the evening.

On Tuesday, the 21st of March we must say a huge thank you to J Leslie Smith & Company Inc, as well as Oakleigh Funeral Home who sponsored our all-day competition on the public holiday. We had a great turnout with a field of fourteen teams playing 3 bowl trips and some really amazing bowls to watch. Thank you to all who supported and helped on the day and a big congratulations to the following:-

Vic Rowell, Terry Peate & Mike Fairhurst – First Place
Les Whiteman, Belinda Nobin & Twin Nobin – Second Place
James Evertse, Horse Beecham & John – Third Place
Steve Smith, Holly Nagel & Wendy Smith – Session Prize
Edwin Hohls, Patrick Carter-Brown & Ken Hooper - Session Prize
Mark Schraader, Rob Piggot & Henry Bro – Session Prize

On Sunday the 26th of March we had 8 bowlers enter the NIBA Mixed Pairs. Well done to Colin Burden & Mary Steytler, Neil Wright & Lisa Nagel, Steve Smith & Holly Nagel, and Kevin Palmer & Wendy Smith. Whilst none of our pairs made it through to the next round they all gave their absolute best and flew our flag high. A very special mention of Holly Nagel, who is our youngest bowler, and at the tender age of 12 took on the NIBA challenge!

On Friday the 31st of March we hosted our Dormehl Phalane Property Group 2 Bowl Trips; again we had a really great turnout with 22 teams on the green. As usual, the last Friday competition is always a fun one with so much laughter and a great soundtrack in the background. Thank you to Dormehl Phalane Property Group for their generous sponsorship and well done to all who entered. Congratulations to our winners:-

Bob Mitchell, Bruce Tucker & Barry Fairbrother – First Prize
Chantal D’Hotman, Melanie Ross & Mary Steytler – Second Prize
Shayne Knott, Julia Strachan & Rick Olivier – Third Prize
Balf Balfour, Peter Storm & Darlene Ferreira – Plate Prize

Lastly, on Saturday, the 1st of April we hosted our Greendale Spar Monthly Drawn Trips/Pairs competition. Thank you so much to Greendale for their sponsorship and well done to Neil Wright & Ann Cacho on second place, and to the winners Ed Speed, Sindi Hlongwane & Chantal D’Hotman.

As usual, we have a number of other activities taking place, one of which is a Whiskey Tasting Club. This will kick off on Thursday, the 13th of April at 5.30 for 6pm. For more information and to book your seat, please contact Dougal on 083 389 5241.

That’s all for this week… see you on the greens!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Friday, 7 April : Friday Night Lights. Tabs In 17h15
Wednesday, 12 April : Halfway Toyota Drawn Trips. Tabs In 17h15
Tuesday, 18 April : J Leslie Smith Nominated 2-4-2. Tabs In 08h15
Friday, 21 April : Friday Night Lights. Tabs In 17h15
Friday, 28 April : Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45

Regular tabs in times are:-
Tuesdays at 08h15
Wednesdays at 13h15
Saturdays at 13h15.

Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact Wendy on 071 353 2866

Coaching by registered coaches is available: Contact Colin or Bernice on 071 164 3162 for further information.

Pictured here: Dormehl Phalane Property Group 2 Bowl Trips Winners Barry Fairbrother, Bruce Tucker & Bob Mitchell with Shayne Knott

Congratulations to Maritzburg College on its 160th birthday!

Pictured below (from left to right) we proudly present our own Maritzburg Old Boys Junaid Bhayla (Professional Assistant), Marc Sharatt (Associate) and Warren Smith (Director).

Here's to the next 160 years of educational excellence.

More about J Leslie Smith & Co.

From the 27th of April 2023 to the 1st of May 2023, a group of "weekend warrior" mountain bike cyclists from Wesley Methodist Church will embark on a 5 day cycle tour in order to raise funds, and awareness, for the Benjamin Generation Childcare Centre. (https://benjamingeneration.org).

This organization looks after abused and abandoned babies, and young children. The Childcare Centre is situated out in the quiet little village of New Hanover in KwaZulu-Natal. They currently receive no government funding and rely solely on the generosity of people like you and me.

Over the past two years the cycle tour has raised in excess of R200,000 which has been used to fund the completion of a Pre-School on the property. This has only been possible because of the generous donors who sponsored the cyclists.

In August 2022 they were finally able to open their doors to the community and this year they have an intake of over 50 children. They desperately need funding for their three Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers.

This Pre-School is the only one in the area and will serve their children, as well as those from the local, poverty stricken, community that is situated nearby.

The goal this year is to raise R180,000 to help them fund the salaries for these three teachers.

We all know how important the formative years are for children and so this Pre-School will give the children of the area a firm foundation for their future - one which they might never have had!

For further information on how to be part of this event or how to make a difference, please visit the tour website at: or contact Mark Duncan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Supplied.

Treverton Preparatory School announes girls selected for the uMgungundlovu U13 District Hockey Squad

Congratulations to Abigail Crawford and Robyn Purdon from Treverton Preparatory School who have both been selected for the uMgungundlovu U13 District Hockey Squad.

Supplied.

Thanks to our awesome sterilisation team, we were able to sterilise another 14 dogs yesterday. Thank you Dr Lee Pachonick from Midmar Vet Clinic and the awesome team of assistants, Diana Santoro , Debbie Cooke and the Funda Nenja team consisting of Nomonde, Bongani, Hlamulo, Jabulile and Sbusiso. Our driver, Aubrey, had a busy day driving all the kids and dogs home after the dogs had recovered from their surgery. We are blessed to have such and amazing team.

The Tortoise Project

And... the time had come for yet another release...

But first, we needed to have a vet clearance check done, so a special thanks to Dr Martin De Scally and his team at Hilton Vet Hospital, with their amazing new CT scanner!! This incredible piece of equipment does away with the old x-ray route and is just that much more effective in checking these Tortoises from the inside out. 

This time we were planning to release a Speke's Hinge Tortoise. Once cleared by the vet, we can plan the trip taking this Tortoise back into the wild where it belongs. 

Do you love what we do, and how we do it... 

If you would like to be a part of The Tortoise Project, please consider sponsoring a Tortoise to get back home in the wild where it belongs.

Banking details on our website: https://freemewildlife.org/support-us/donate

Reference: Tortoise

Treverton College team once again sets out to do the Drakensberg Grand Traverse with the first girls to partake

The Drakensberg Grand Traverse is the highest, hardest, and longest hike in South Africa. It stretches along 250km of the Drakensberg escarpment from the Sentinal Car Park in the North (near Harrismith) to Bushman’s Nek in the South (near Underberg). Hikers climb over 11,000 vertical meters, ascending as high as 3480 m above sea level and sometimes descending below 3000 m; the average altitude throughout the walk is 3000m/a/s/l. We will also summit the five highest peaks along the escarpment, namely: Mont-aux-Sources (3281 m), Champagne Castle (3377 m), Mafadi (3450 m), Giants Castle (3319m) and Thabana Ntlenyana (3489 m).

In 2022, Treverton College was the first school team to complete the Drakensberg Grand Traverse. Jarred van Alphen and Kai Broom managed to complete the traverse in 10 days. This year, the aim is to have the first school girls in a school team complete the traverse from the 25th of March 2023 to the 8th of April 2023. Karijn Kooy and Georgie Thompson are both Grade 12 girls with a number of years of experience walking in the Drakensberg. They will form part of a 10-person team made of three school boys (Alexander and Konstantino Giokos, Daniel Jonck), Mr Kean Broom (the school Headmaster), Mr Derek Brown, Miss Chanelle Oosthuizen, Mr Shaun Robertson and our cameraman Ethan Lundy. The goal is to complete the traverse over 15 days.

Having enough food for 15 days is a challenge and necessitates two ‘food drops’. The first will be hiked up the Organ Pipes Pass by a separate team of Treverton College hikers on Day 5. To reduce the weight of this food drop for those bringing it up to us, we have chosen to go with dehydrated food provided by the Trail Food Company. The second will be driven up to Sani Pass Pub on Day 12 where we look forward to having a hot meal. You can follow their progress on the link: https://maps.findmespot.com/s/GM5H

Matric boys attempt 100km unassisted run over the Traverse

Although Jarred van Alphen and Kai Broom are not part of the Drakensberg Grand Traverse trip this year, they are partaking in a 100 km run from the Northern Traverse accompanied by experienced trail runner Pierre Jordaan. Carrying their supplies, they hope to achieve the 100 km run along the escarpment within 30 hours, starting at 5am on the 27th of March. The group will be unsupported; however, using a tracking device, they can be followed. The link for this is here: https://maps.findmespot.com/s/842Y

Altogether this trip promises to be a physical and mental challenge. We will need to rely on each other in order to navigate the many challenges that we are likely to face. One of the main factors will be the mountain weather, which is often temperamental and adds to the adventure and difficulty. To help us navigate the many challenges and make our experience that much more enjoyable, the following companies have partnered with us and helped to sponsor kit and transport; Skull Candy; Cold Storage Management Solutions; Performance Brands (First Ascent and SCS worldwide logistics who donated Cape Storm bags); Berkshire Meats; Halfway Toyota; Tecmed Pharma; The Trail Food Company; and Van Buul International (VBI); Angel Fish Public Relations and Events. We are incredibly grateful for the assistance.

Article by Shaun Robertson, Treverton College teacher.

Pictured Above

Seated: Kai Broom, Jarred van Alphen
Front Row: Karijn Kooy, Georgie Thompson
Back Row; Alex Giokis, Konstantino Giokis, Mr Shaun Robertson, Daniel Jonck

Pictured Below

Front Row; Karijn Kooy, Georgie Thompson
Back Row; Alex Giokis, Konstantino Giokis, Daniel Jonck

Supplied.

Since 2004 Qsolutions has been the Solution to all Solar, Security Services, IT Services, Networking, CCTV and Wireless Internet. We have many satisfied clients all around the KZN area which is testimony to our superior service. We don't just build PV systems for our clients – we build relationships.

Call us now to get the best service.

Nightingales Home Based Care Services invite applications for a SANC registered Nurse to join our team in a Supervisor/Client Liaison role.

Attributes required; a caring nature, a genuine love for the elderly, compassion, professionalism and excellent communication skills.

Candidates must have their own car and valid driving license to fulfil this flexi-time weekday role with rotational weekend call duty.

Email a 1 page CV and references to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 22 April 2023.

If you receive no communication by 30 April please consider your application successful,

More about Nightingales Home Based Caring Services.

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), which turned up the heat in 2022 to squarely confirm its position as the leading domestic tourism destination of South Africa, according to SA Tourism, is looking forward to welcoming thousands of holiday makers for the Easter break. And indications are that it will be another bumper period for the province.

“The domestic tourism sector is a major economic driver, and holiday periods such as Easter are vital for the provincial economy. Looking at the projected numbers, we are happy that holidaymakers continue to choose KZN as their favourite holiday destination. It is our loyal holidaymakers keep the tourism sector alive.

“By working closely with our tourism trade partners, and encouraging them to offer value for money packages, we have ensured that KZN remains a firm favourite for both domestic and international travellers,” said Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Siboniso Duma.

Research insights conducted by Tourism KZN, based on preliminary hotel and non-hotel booking percentages and historical data, show that some 512 000 local visitors and some 49 000 international visitors are expected to visit the province for the Easter weekend. The anticipated spend is in the region of R724 million for domestic tourists, who spent a lot last year, and R380 million for internationals tourists.

According to FEDHASA Eastern Region Chairman Brett Tungay, hotel bookings are between 65% and 70% and hoteliers are expecting that this will improve closer to the Easter weekend.

Anew Hotels Operations Director Kevin Burley says they are looking at strong booking figures averaging between 70% - 75% occupancy for the period across the province. Advance bookings show that people are heading north for beach and safari holidays.

Early non-hotel booking figures show that the uMkhanyakude District in northern KZN is the top spot for holiday makers, followed by Harry Gwala district in the southern Drakensberg and uThukela District in the northern Drakensberg. These are followed by uMgungundlovu in the Midlands, iLembe on the north coast and Ugu on the south coast.

“I want to also assure holidaymakers that KZN is a safe destination, and that we are working around the clock with law enforcement agencies to ensure of their safety, whilst they take their much-deserved holiday. As we prepare for out-of-province visitors, I would also like to encourage the citizens of KZN to also use this time to explore their own province and enjoy the plethora of tourism attractions that we have on offer,” said MEC Duma.

KZN has 600km of coastline with several Blue Flag beaches on which to soak up the sun and play in the waves. There are three on the north coast - Thompson’s Bay, Willard and Blythedale and six on the south coast - Marina Trafalgar, Southport, Umzumbe, Ramsgate and Hibberdene.

The province will echo with the sound of music this holiday and visitors will be spoilt for choice of activities during their holiday in KZN

• South Coast Tourism will be holding its free Easter Festival at their blue flag beaches and hinterland locations, from 24 March to 10 April, with great outdoor family fun for everyone. Many south coast tourism establishments are also holding several specials and holiday events throughout the Easter period.

• In Durban, the ICC is the venue for a 3-day run of the Joyous Celebration extravaganza Joyous Easter Megafest from 7-9 April.

• On the beachfront the Chariots of Fire festival returns with music, dance, drama, plenty of vegan food and family fun on 7 April.
• Ukhozi Magic Music Session on 8 April at the Moses Mabida Stadium features Dumi Mkokstad, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Thinah Zungu and Sbu Noah among other.
• The Southern Drakensberg is once again host to the annual Splashy Fen Music Festival which takes place in Himeville from 6-10 April.

For those living in Gauteng and planning their Winter holiday, Tourism KZN will be showcasing some of KZN’s tourism offerings at the Rand Easter Show at Nascrec from 06 to 09 April 2023.

Those who have not yet finalised their Easter travel plans can visit www.zulu.org.za  to take advantage of specials and packages that have been put together by TKZN’s tourism trade partners.

In 2023, the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Art’s JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience reaches its 25th anniversary year and as part of celebrating this longevity as South Africa’s longest-running dance festival has formed a partnership with the Market Theatre to collaborate in sharing, a smaller and carefully curated “JOMBA! @ THE MARKET” following the Durban festival which takes place from 29 August - 10 September 2023.

Selected local and international dance companies will travel onto Johannesburg and the Market Theatre and will feature in a week-long celebration of some of the world’s most profound and provoking dance makers and dance companies. Gauteng and Market Theatre audiences will have an opportunity to revel in the performance excellence of this carefully curated contemporary dance platform between 12 – 17 September 2023. The 2023 JOMBA! festival curatorial theme (or provocation) is “(in)tangible heritages” and of special interest will be new work by Mamela Nyamza, who has been named the JOMBA! 2023 Legacy Artist.

JOMBA! curator, Dr Lliane Loots says, “Nyamza’s cutting edge and deeply interrogated dance work spans over two decades of dance making in South Africa and internationally, and as JOMBA! hits its iconic 25th year, we can think of no better artist to celebrate as our JOMBA! Legacy Artist. We celebrate Mamela for her vision and practice, and for significantly contributing to our country's rich critical contemporary dance history and legacy”. 

Alongside a fascinating special bouquet of dance work on offer, “JOMBA! @ THE MARKET” will also be offering a series of workshops and masterclasses that will be offered to support dance skills development and training, and will include a special focus on workshops/masterclasses for lighting dance. 

For more information about JOMBA! go to https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/

Pictured here: Mamela Nyamza in GROUNDED (JOMBA! 2022).

Photo by Val Adamson

Supplied.

Days at FreeMe Wildlife can start early...

This is especially the case when we need to transport animals for long distances. Cool temperatures are comfortable to work in, and are vital for the comfort of the animals in transport crates. 

At six months of age, these two Black-backed Jackal were ready to be taken to their soft-release enclosure at a site selected for their release. They will spend a further six months in a large soft-release boma which will allow them to acclimatize to their new surroundings, which includes the presence of large predators.

But first... there's work to be done.

Image on RHS: The ear is tagged, as well as rabies and distemper shots given, thank you Dr Jennifer Lawrence (Wild Vet Connect Services), for your assistance with this.

Image at Top: Then safely into a comfy transport crate.

Once we have tied down the crates and made sure air flow in optimal, checked we have the permits from our conservation authorities, we set off for Zululand.

We love what we do, and how we do it.

But we can't do it alone. Please visit our website for ideas on how you can help: www.freemewildlife.org/support-us

More about FreeMe Wildlife

'We are open and trading, we will need a few days to get restocked but the doors are open Yay!!! We are confident the shop will be even better when we are done. We are so grateful to Otto from O&S electrical and Noogs from warrior contracting for dropping absolutely everything and assisting us in getting the basics working . A heart felt thank you from all Hopewell staff to our friends , family, customers and suppliers for being so understanding and helpful. We have had countless messages , meals , phone calls and help from absolutely everyone we know. The community of Howick are second to None when it comes to support and love , and we are incredibly blessed to be a part of the amazing town . Once again we are so overwhelmingly grateful for everything. Much love . The Hopewell Team' shared this intrepid team.

Well done!

'To all our valued clients. Hopewell was ravaged by fire last night. All is not lost, but we are going to need some time to rebuild and get going again.

Please bear with us over this difficult time. Your support and understanding is greatly appreciated. Regards Howard and the Hopewell Team.' shared Hopewell Supplies on Monday morning, 27 March 2023.

The ever popular Hopewell Supplies is a general dealer located at 3 Harvard Street in Howick, uMngeni. This retailer provides a wide range of agricultural, home and garden supplies for the greater KZN Midlands community. Please be patient as they recover from this setback to reopen swiftly, stronger than ever.

'We know that the best line of defence against all online harms is active, involved, engaged, aware parents - so I’ve recorded an up-to-date parent talk of all the current issues. From screentime for little ones to parental control apps, sextortion, cyberbullying, privacy, defamation and sharenting, I cover it all!

Tickets to watch the recording are available for a week and can be purchased here - https://qkt.io/NkEeDq

Any teachers who want access, let us know and we’ll send you a free link x' shared social media law expert Emma Sadleir Berkowitz.

This beautiful citrus swallowtail butterfly has taken up residency in the lavender outside our Pietermaritzburg office. Working in our industry can be incredibly tough, and we always need to look for the joy around us, as recalled in this story from owner, Dallas Gilbert, about funeral directing being a calling:

“I have often heard people refer to certain professions as a calling, and I wholeheartedly believe that being a funeral director is one of them. When asked why I chose this career, my answer has always been simple: it chose me. Allow me to elaborate.

Growing up and starting out in life, I was completely unaware of what happened when someone passed away, let alone that there were people who made a profession out of helping and caring for those in grief. Initially, the thought of working in an environment that dealt with death and grief seemed completely abnormal and macabre to me. In fact, during my first week in the funeral home, I remember feeling that this was not the career path for me.

However, as I walked through the funeral home one day, I came across a beautiful spray of flowers resting on a coffin. The vibrant colours and fragrant aroma were a stark contrast to the somber surroundings. In that moment, I heard an inner voice that said "you can't, but I can." This experience steadied me and allowed me to see the beauty that can arise from ashes.

Given another chance at life and any occupation of my choosing, I would still choose to be a funeral director. It has been a privilege and a joy to serve and help those in need during some of life's most difficult moments.

With much love,
Dallas Gilbert”