On the road again! The ever-popular Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge - dubbed as South Africa’s most beautiful race - is back in full swing as entries are now open for its 2023 edition on Sunday 25 June.

The SPAR Women’s Challenge is one of South Africa’s oldest and most-loved road races that continues to inspire and support women, old and young from all walks of life to achieve personal goals and live a healthy lifestyle. With a maximum of 10 000 entries available participants need to get their entries in soon.

The theme for this year is #ItsPersonal, a motivation for women to show their incredible determination to attain their goals, and just one way to demonstrate it’s a personal journey and that challenges can always be conquered, and goals achieved.

SPAR is also pleased to announce that four strong KZN female role models will be flying the flag as the race Ambassadors: SA Rugby player and firefighting hero, Zinhle Ndawonde, former Protea’s Netball star, Baby Proteas coach and teacher, Precious Mthembu, actress; and comedian, Lisa Bobbert and an Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist Dr Marise Subrayan.

Setting off first, the 10km race, incorporating the national SPAR Grand Prix Series, gets going at 08:00am, followed by the popular 5km Fun Run / Walk which begins at 9am. The route for both distances is a fast and flat one that showcases the spectacular Durban beachfront before finishing at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium outer fields.

Online entries are now open, and limited to the first 10 000 ladies at www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban. Bulk entries are now also available online. Entries close on Sunday 18 June or when the 10 000 cap has been reached.

Prize money for the winner is R30,000, second place is R25,000 and third is R20,000. Prize money of R10,000 has been introduced for the first South African runner, with a total prize pool of R185,000. The event is offering over R70,000 in Lucky Draw prizes and the opportunity to go into a final draw to win a brand new Proton X50 worth R449,900.

The entry fee for licensed runners for the 10km is R150 and R200 for non-licensed runners. The 5km Fun Run entry fee is R150. Participants will receive a beautiful race T-shirt and SPAR Goody Bag. On race day there will be route refreshment stations, live entertainment, and medals will be handed out on completion of the event. Participants in the 10km event should be 14 years and older, and participants for the 5km should be 9 years and older on the day of the event.

For all the relevant race information and to enter online go to www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban. For more information like the SPAR Women’s Race KZN Facebook page (SPARWomens10and5kmRace), or follow on Instagram (sparwomenskzn) or Twitter (sparladiesrace).

Above: All smiles. Training with good friends, getting ready for the return of the Durban’s SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that is taking place on Sunday 25 June finishing at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium. Pictured warming up are Durban Race Ambassadors, former Protea’s Netball star, Baby Proteas coach and teacher, Precious Mthembu; actress and comedian, Lisa Bobbert; Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist Dr Marise Subrayan and former SA Springbok, current KZN Rugby player and firefighting hero, Zinhle Ndawonde.

Below: Step by step. Getting into stride for the upcoming Durban’s SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge, the Durban Race Ambassadors former SA Springbok, current KZN Rugby player and firefighting hero, Zinhle Ndawonde; former Protea’s Netball star, Baby Proteas coach and teacher, Precious Mthembu; actress and comedian, Lisa Bobbert and Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist Dr Marise Subrayan enjoy their training. The return of the challenge takes place on Sunday 25 June, finishing at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium.

Photos by Val Adamson

Supplied.

Generally, there is a sense of satisfaction when a task or a job is completed. In one sense, Treverton College students finishing the Grand Traverse again this year is no different. Two female students (Karijn Kooy and Georgina Thompson), three male students (Alexander Giokos, Konstantino Giokos, and Daniel Jonck), our Headmaster (Kean Broom), and three other staff members (Derek Brown, Channelle Oosthuizen, and Shaun Robertson) completed the Traverse. As far as we know, these are the first two school girls to complete the 250km traverse of the Drakensberg as a part of a school team. In another, there is a profound sense of sadness. As a team, we have looked forward to it, planned for it, and trained our bodies toward it. On the trip, we were immersed in a world of big mountains, deep valleys, fresh crystal clear water, inclement weather, constant companionship, and the satisfaction of completing the day's walk before settling down into our tents for the night. Wide open spaces, physical effort, and the simplicity of living in this foreign environment have a magnetic effect on the hearts of those who choose to wander into them. When the experience is over, we want more. I speak for the whole team when I say that we all feel this way. The journey is more wonderful, more memorable, and more enthralling than simply completing the task or ticking the event off a bucket list. A piece of our affection remains embedded in that place, and it is in us.

Generally, the weather was good. There was a cold wind that prevailed from the interior of Lesotho for most of the trip. This helped to keep the escarpment edge clear of mist for the most part. We only had a mist problem on the day we submitted Giants Castle (Day 8) and yet, even here, the mist cleared as we reached the summit to reveal the most beautiful late afternoon views over the Midlands. We experienced an incredible storm that brought sleet and hail as we headed for Thabana Ntleyana. After the storm, the winds on the summit ridge were incredibly strong nearly knocking us off of our feet at times. While the experience left us cold and wet, it was exciting to experience such high winds and such an interesting mixture of sleet and hail. Unsurprisingly, we didn’t spend long on this summit and headed for cover from the wind soon afterward. A similar storm hit us during the night and the following day we walked to the Sani Pub on the frozen, hail-littered ground. Other than that, we had incredible views of the escarpment, the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, and the interior of Lesotho, a notable highlight for Georgina.

Each team member faced their own personal challenges, which were also a cause for concern to the group at various points. Daniel burnt his foot with hot water after knocking his coffee over while reaching for something in his tent. The second and third-degree burns on the top of his foot were an immediate threat to the progress of the group. However, the first aid kits supplied by Tecmed Pharma proved invaluable and Mr. Brown patched Daniel’s foot with a burn shield, gauze, and a bandage. Daniel was also able to work through the pain and constant friction of the shoe and sock on the wound. He earned the nickname “Dan the Man” for his strength and perseverance. He admits that he spent many long hours wondering if he could continue with his wound. Alexander battled with diarrhea for two nights, which left him feeling weak and uncertain. One of the enduring memories of the trip is Mr. Brown lighting a fire at the top of Leslie’s pass using a handful of dead twigs from a small ground-level protea bush at a tea break. The ash was then mixed with water to make a black carbon-rich ashen drink. The theory, according to Mr. Brown, is that the activated carbon binds with toxins in the gut and is an excellent antidiuretic. Whatever the theory, it worked and Alexander was soon fit and strong again. Karijn developed a respiratory tract infection and spent many hours coughing during the night. She never once complained or appeared to struggle. However, it caused me some concern as I lay awake wondering if she would be alright to continue. While these troubles may seem somewhat trivial in our modern world, small problems become big problems in the mountains very quickly if not dealt with. The students worked through their individual struggles bravely and finished well.

Ethan Lundy, a film graduate from Cape Town, came along to document the trip. Carrying hiking gear and food for a trip of two weeks is one challenge. Camera equipment is an added complication. A combination of a drone, DSLR camera, GoPro, and a tripod was used for the purpose. This was shared among the group so that no one person was overburdened by the weight. Getting used to the camera posed a challenge for some as people who love and enjoy the solitude of the mountains are not always the best in front of the camera. It took a while for all of us to warm up to the idea of having a camera in our faces from time to time. It was also a challenge for Ethan, who not only needed to walk with us but had the added job of filming along the way. He did his work well and we now look forward to the release of the documentary being put together by Barry Smit. The expected release date for this is the middle of May 2023.

On the whole, the group moved incredibly well. It was expected that the trip would take 15 days. However, we managed to complete the trip in 13 days thanks to putting in a few extra kilometers at the end of each day. The hardest day was probably the day from Bannerman’s pass to Giant’s Castle. It involved an ascent of both Mount Durnford and Giants Castle and our total ascent for the day was 1400m. Whilst this wasn’t the day with the most climbing, it just worked out to be a difficult walk and we only made camp after sunset. Konstantinou felt that this was a hard day, but still finished with a smile on his face.

On the whole, the trip was a great success. But this would not be the case if it wasn’t for the perseverance and determination of the students and staff on the trip and I am so pleased with the character that they displayed throughout. I am also so thankful to those who helped and supported us. The resupply teams who brought food up to us at the top of Organ Pipes Pass (Day 5) and at Sani Pass (Day 11) have my sincere gratitude. I am also grateful to the parents and our Headmaster for believing in this trip and allowing their children to participate in it. Various companies and individuals came on board and gave us various necessary items of clothing, first aid kits, and camera equipment and for that I am grateful (see the list below). I am also grateful to Derek Brown and Chanelle Oosthuizen for their work during their time off. Annie Hodes has given us excellent media exposure for which I am humbled and so thankful. Putting a trip like this together takes a team effort and I am grateful to so many people for their help in various ways.

My thanks go to the following companies and people:
1. Berkshire Meats
2. Performance Brands and First Ascent
3. SCS Worldwide Logistics
4. The Trail Food Company
5. Skull Candy
6. Tecmed Pharmaceuticals
7. Cold Storage Solutions
8. Halfway Toyota
9. Alexander Giokos at Van Buul International

Author credit: Shaun Robertson

LEAGUE HAS BEGUN!
We started our season this past Saturday with both our men’s and ladies teams playing at home. The men went up against Howick Bowling Club with one team finishing 11 - 26 down and the other finishing 19 - 10 up, resulting in 4.5 points overall. Our ladies took on Hilton Bowling Club with one team finishing 22 – 15 down and the other 28 – 20 up to finish on 7 points overall. It was fantastic to see some of our newer players experience league games for the first time and we’re very proud off all our players efforts.

This coming Saturday the men will be playing against Wartburg on their home turf, whilst the ladies will be taking on Maritzburg West on our home greens; definitely some great games to watch!

Last week also saw our monthly Halfway Toyota competition being played on Wednesday afternoon. We had a nice turnout for the competition and congratulations go to Alan Willey, Kevin Palmer and Julia Strachan who came first, followed by Malcolm Tait and Londiwe Mvelase. Well done to all who participated, and thank you to our sponsors!

Aside from bowls, we also hosted our first Whiskey Tasting on Thursday evening. What a fun and interesting evening and we’re certainly looking forward to next month! Whiskey Club will be held on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 for 6.30pm. For more information and to book your seat, please contact Dougal on 083 389 5241.

Wednesday evenings are always filled with many activities! Tabs in is played from1.15pm, followed by our Midlands Hillbillies who are our social bowlers. We also host the Midlands Darts league who start playing at 6.30pm. For more information on darts, please contact Amar on 082 970 4949.

Coming up this week we have Friday night bowls starting at 5.15pm. There are cash prizes totaling R500 up for grabs, and the entry fee of R70 includes a chicken or beef burger. Space is limited to 24 players so for more information or to enter, please contact Wendy on 071 353 2866.

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

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
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 below: Some interesting measuring going on during league.

'We congratulate the following Howick High School boys who have been selected for Midlands Rugby teams and will be attending the Northern KZN Rugby Trials next week:

U18: Jaydon Kruger, Sanele Nkuna, Callum Moran, Samuel Hopkins, Jayden Trusler

U16: Logan Reece'

More from Howick High School

On day one of the Keith Fairweather Hockey Tournament at Michaelhouse, our girls' team drew 0-0 to Trio High School. On day two the team faced Felixton College and Hoerskool Pioneer beating both teams 1-0.The girls won their match against Hoerskool Ferrum 3-0 and their game against Grantleigh 2-0 on day three. 

Our 1st Girls' Hockey team (Top left) achieved phenomenal results at, with a 0-0 draw against Falcon College in their final match.

Of the 6 games they played over 4 days, they won 4 and drew 2. We congratulate the team on being unbeaten, with zero goals scored against them.

On day one the boys' team lost 2-0 to Cornwall Hill College. Day two of the Keith Fairweather Tournament at Hilton College saw them play fixtures against Ligbron Academy and Hoerskool Nelspruit.On day three the boys achieved a 2-1 victory over Hoerskool Ermelo and won their fixture against Grantleigh with a 3-0 score.

Our 1st Boys' Hockey team had a successful end to the Keith Fairweather Hockey Tournament with a 2-0 win against Menlopark 2.

Mr Kwandokuhle Shange, College 1st Team Soccer Coach, and Zizile Ntuli, a grade 11 Treverton College student, have been at AFC Bournemouth in the UK this past week. Mr Shange has been one of the coaches coaching the Development team that is made up of various students from various nations. Zizile is part of this team. The purpose of this intensive training camp in the UK is to expose the students to the realm of professional football in the UK.

The team has been playing matches against a number of UK Academies including that of AFC Bournemouth.

What an incredible opportunity.

Supplied.

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

It’s hard to think of life without technology. From being able to stream movies on Netflix, asking Alexa to play our favourite songs or just being able to Google the weather, latest soccer scores or answers to life’s most puzzling questions – technology is playing a central role in the way we work, play, and do business.

What’s even harder to fathom though, is that most of these platforms only came into existence two decades ago. As Shanaaz Trethewey, chief operating officer for Comcorp South Africa explains, one of the main reasons for this rapid growth is our insatiable desire for instant gratification and feedback.

“Digital business is a very real part of our daily lives because we want to work faster, respond to problems faster and adapt to changes faster. The only way to achieve this is with technology, and it has become a non-negotiable that companies have the right people, processes, and culture to execute their digital strategies. Only then will they be able to continue to keep up with the rapid pace of today’s consumer,” she says.

As a reputable software innovator with over 25 years of financial industry expertise, Comcorp is determined to advance business efficiencies and increase productivity through digital processes, whilst minimising risks associated with not doing proper consumer due diligence.

Trethewey unpacks some of the top trends for consumer-facing businesses who are focused on improving their digital foundation and processes.

1. Responsiveness to Gen Z
This is core for any business regardless of whether it has a B2B or a direct-to-consumer offering. The population is rising, with millennials and Gen Z who grew up with mobile telephony and the internet of things, now maturing into primary income earners / customers.
Not being able to appeal to them and maintain relevancy in their lives is a major concern. Those businesses who don’t take radical steps risk not just losing significance, but at worst, becoming completely obsolete.
Technology is part of the fibre of businesses and the foundation of any business’s value proposition will, no doubt, be based on how technical solutions bring easier, more responsive, and greater value to the end consumer.

2. Balancing fast consumer onboarding with compliance
Today's consumers want to complete most of their business online. They dislike physically applying for services such as opening a new account, applying for credit, filing insurance claims, or signing up for medical care. Despite all the efforts to digitally transform customer experiences, one process remains a challenge – customer onboarding.

Businesses battle to satisfy customers with an easy, streamlined process while protecting themselves from fraud. Compliance is there for a very real and relevant reason. All business roads lead to the end customer, making it crucial that correct checks and balances are intact. It’s imperative that we ensure the end user is who they say they are, with valid credentials, to protect ourselves but also provide consumers the assurance that they aren’t subject to identity theft.

Most consumers want to do their part and authenticate themselves when applying for a loan, a car, or a phone. It’s more about “how” it’s done that makes all the difference to them. A seamless and embedded compliance procedure is the solution – reducing the friction in what can be a clumsy or cumbersome confirmation process.

3. Permission-based data sharing
The financial sector in South Africa may be a bit far from the reality of open banking where consumer’s financial data is easily accessible. However, the growing trend of being able to access other forms of information, with consent, is one we cannot ignore.
Today’s consumer is used to having their data stored virtually, if on their phone, on an app or in the cloud. Businesses will need to adapt their processes and understanding of how data, financial or not, can be accessed so they can respond to their client’s needs seamlessly.

4. Biometric identification & increased regulatory vigilance
Biometric identification has been around for several years, with products like iris recognition at the forefront of the delivery of identity checks. Biometrics will become critical as widened anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism legislation comes into effect in Feb 2023.
Increased regulatory vigilance affecting a wider range of financial and non-financial companies means having to implement stricter consumer due diligence, including identification and verification. Biometrics will therefore become even more necessary.
Also, exploring its use in industries outside of traditional financial services, allows businesses to engage with potential customers and gain assurance that staff on the ground are working with whom they should be.

5. Responsible lending
Easily obtainable credit increases the risk of consumers over-extending themselves. Objectivity, consistency, and a quick response time is something all businesses need to consider, as failure to do so will cause a negative impact later on, as consumer’s affordability decreases.
Businesses have a duty to assess the consumer credit risk profile via direct-to- source information, both from an expense and from an income verification perspective. Responsible lending is a marriage between ensuring effective identity verification, and the complete/accurate affordability assessment. Having those seamless processes line up will allow some businesses to rise above the rest as we progress into the new year.
Trethewey concludes: Although cumbersome digital processes can limit the ability of businesses to grow – the solutions to solve these challenges are not so far from the doorstep of local businesses. A solid digital foundation, securing credible partnerships and implementing innovative software, is the way of sustaining growth plans.

For more information visit www.comcorp.co.za

Supplied.

We are getting ready for our Annual Golf Day, which includes a New Course and a New Fundraising Target.

We are very excited to welcome golfers and sponsors to join us for this event.

All proceeds raised will be used to fund our palliative care, as well as go towards a new project we are working on.

Your involvement would be greatly appreciated.

Contact Meghan 033 330 5257 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

DID YOU KNOW

Midlands Hospice now offers equipment hire.

Previously equipment was only available to our patients.

To generate much needed funding for Hospice we will be making this service available to non patients as well.

For rental rates get in touch on 033 330 5257.

'We got the last little kitten from the library! She has been sterilised and released back with her siblings and Mom.

This feisty little girl is pictured here above, and below are her siblings awaiting her return.' update from Midmar Vet Clinic.

Well done to Dr Pachonick and her team.

During the school holidays when the dog school is closed, we take the opportunity to develop our team of young community assistants in some way. We hold workshops and presentations on a variety of topics, including canine behaviour, dog training techniques, teaching skills, as well as topics which promote life skills and personal growth. This time around, our social worker covered the sensitive, but important, subject of HIV and Aids.

Zinhle sent us this report:

"We had a very interactive session with the instructors/community assistants discussing the HIV/Aids topic. We talked of the facts, prevention, protection, treatment and opportunistic diseases. The aim was to bring awareness of a healthy and safe lifestyle for both those who are infected and those uninfected. The team asked many questions in understanding the whole topic. We managed to invite Mama Winnie (our respected Community Assistant elder) to speak on the topic from a traditional perspective."

Thank you Zinhle and Winnie for sharing your knowledge and wisdom.

Remember to love where you live. Love local and tell your buddies about the small businesses in Howick that delight you. This newsletter highlights more ways you can do business in your neighbourhood with amazing locals.

'In a world where you can buy anything from anywhere, shop where you live, to improve lives in your neighbourhood'.

If you have some stories to share about the local businesses you rely on day after day, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Meanwhile please subscribe to grow this local loving tribe in our corner of uMngeni.

Read the newsletter online.

And BOOK your annual Howick Covered print advert for Edition 9, coming out mid-winter in 2023.

#LoveLocalRealHard

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.