Shave, Spray, Donate!

Join us at Piggly Wiggly on 14 March from 07:30 – 12:30 for the Shavathon! Shave, get sprayed, and donate to support a great cause.

Every little bit counts – come be part of the change!

Rabies case confirmed.

This is a White-tailed Mongoose which contracted rabies in the Underberg region. A special thanks to all involved in reporting this case, and to Wildlife ACT - Focused Conservation for assisting in catching and transporting the animal through to FreeMe Wildlife.

After placing the Mongoose in quarantine and under constant observation, the animal steadily deteriorated to the point where it was severely neurologically incapacitated. At this point we decided to humanely euthanize the animal, thank you Dr Dave Gibbs for assisting, and sent it through to Allerton Veterinary Laboratories for rabies testing, which came back positive.

Be careful when dealing with wildlife (or any animal), that behaves abnormally.

Interesting info...

Canine rabies (rabies in domestic dogs) in South Africa has a history tied to introductions from outside the country, rather than originating natively in wildlife.

The earliest confirmed outbreak of canine rabies in South Africa occurred in 1893 in the Port Elizabeth area (now the Eastern Cape). It stemmed from an infected dog imported from England in 1892 (a Terrier shipped to the Cape Province). This led to an outbreak that was eventually controlled, but it marked the first documented introduction of the disease in domestic dogs.

Phylogenic studies show that current dog, Jackal, and related rabies viruses in southern Africa derive from this introduced canine-origin virus.

So... canine rabies did not originate in South Africa but was introduced multiple times - first in the late 19th century from Europe (England), and more enduringly in the mid-20th century from neighboring northern regions (Mozambique and across the Zambezi). These introductions, amplified by ecological and human factors like colonization and dog movements, established the endemic canine rabies seen today in parts of South Africa. Control efforts focus on dog vaccination to break transmission.

So think again before we blame wildlife for spreading this disease.

After euthanizing the White-tailed Mongoose, an adult male in his prime and had good body condition, the carcass was sent off for rabies testing to Allerton Veterinary Laboratories. 

The result... positive. 

A sad end to a beautiful creature, but everyday, we work with highs and lows in all we do at FreeMe Wildlife with the focus on inspiring an engaging and educated empathy for our wildlife and the environment.

Howick Prep School is so privileged to have 2 HPS families that have been chosen as finalists in the 2026 Blackwood's Sunflower Superstars competition.

Congratulations goes to
Blake & Ella Muscat
Megan & Lucy Schmidt

As a School, let us vote for our children, they have worked so hard to grow their blooms and continue to fly our flag high.

___________________________________________________

As a community YOU can vote too!

Sunflower Superstar Finalists Announced!

What a season it’s been! After months of planting, growing and sharing sunflower journeys, we’re thrilled to announce our 7 Sunflower Superstar finalists.

Despite heavy rain, hail and plenty of insect visitors, these young growers (with help from their families) showed incredible dedication. Their sunflowers brightened homes, complexes, schools and classrooms, were shared as cut flowers and spread sunshine wherever they grew.

Now it’s your turn to get involved 

VOTING IS OPEN!

Take a look at our finalists and cast your vote for your favourite Sunflower Superstar via the link below.

The final winner will be contacted directly and announced on our social media platforms in the first week of March.

A huge thank you to every family who took part. Your photos, stories and sunny blooms truly made this competition special. And thanks to our amazing sponsors of Sunflower Seeds, Kirchhoff Seeds and Raw Living

Vote here: https://forms.gle/qvuJufeymKW7PdCp6

Hello Howick Community!

As many of you may know, Brett, our friendly carguard at the Fallsview Centre in Howick, has been a familiar face in our community. Unfortunately, he recently faced an unimaginable tragedy with the loss of his beloved wife, Rita, on 25 February 2026, after a brief illness.

Brett is now left to care for their young 8 year old son Nicolai, who's still in junior school. Relying on tips as a carguard, Brett is navigating this tough time without any funeral cover or policies to help ease the burden.

If you are able and willing to help, please consider making a donation to the Back-a-Buddy campaign that has been set up to support Brett and his family. Your generosity can make a meaningful difference during this difficult time.

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/brett-family

Thank you for your kindness, and let's come together to support one of our own!

Luna Paige: Die Reisigers - The Knoll, Hilton
(Afrikaans Musical Theatre)

Beste Musiekproduksie / Best Musical Production: Momentum Aardklop 2025

80-minute show (with 20-minute break) | Doors / Deure: 18:00 | Show / Vertoning: 19:00 | Early Bird Tickets: R160 | Door tickets / Kaartjies by die deur: R175| Whatsapp Charles: 082 331 7271 | Bookings strongly advised / Besprekings sterk aanbeveel | The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

Luna Paige sing oor die “groot reis” en die immer ontwykende eindbestemming. Sy verken ruimtes waar beweging, stilte van gees, selfliefde en aanvaarding harmonie bring. Sy stel gehore bekend aan die musiek wat sy tydens haar Suid-Afrikaanse én Europese reise, onder meer die Spaanse Camino, geskryf en by die huis getoonset het. As anonieme voyeur het sy soms wel in gesprek getree en saam gewonder oor die groot verskille, maar, belangriker, oor die groot ooreenkomste wat alle reisigers op hierdie wonderbaarlike planeet aan mekaar bind. Aangebied deur Charles Webster Music.

Luna Paige sings about life's great journey and the ever-elusive final destination. She explores spaces where movement, silence of the mind, self-love, and acceptance bring harmony. She introduces audiences to the music she composed and arranged during her South African and European travels, including the Spanish Camino. As an anonymous observer, she occasionally engaged in conversation and reflected on the great differences, but more importantly, on the significant similarities that connect all travellers on this wondrous planet.

Presented by Charles Webster Music.

Yesterday we did our monthly steri clinic in Mpophomeni for FundaNenja, where we sterilised 14 dogs. Dr Lee also treated a dog that had been in a fight and the owner brought him to the clinic because he couldn't put his very swollen leg down.

The dogs here are usually in pretty good condition and are easy to handle, thanks to the dog school and on going education from Funda Nenja. We had two young dogs from the same household who were covered in ticks, when Vuyo spoke to the owners, they had come from out of the area. They were educated on parasite control, so hopefully once they recover from their surgery, they will be treated for ticks and will feel so much better.

The Trends Shaping Weddings in 2026

Most women have been planning their wedding for years. Long before the man. Long before the ring. Long before the venue. Colours chosen, décor imagined, favours decided. It all felt certain then. But time changes things. Styles evolve. Tastes mature. And what felt right a decade ago doesn’t always reflect who you are now. Add to that how quickly weddings shift year on year, and it’s easy to feel caught between staying true to your original vision and wondering if you’re missing something new.

“That’s where trends earn their place,” says Onwaba Gonyora, Director at Brahman Hills and wedding expert (Pictured here RHS). “Not as rules to follow, but as inspiration. Fresh ideas you may never have considered, until you hear them and think, ‘that’s it!”

She adds that in 2026, weddings aren’t about ticking trend boxes or replicating Pinterest boards. “It’s about taking what still feels timeless, and elevating it in ways that feel intentional, personal and unmistakably yours.”

These shifts are being shaped in part by a new generation of wedding couples. Those marrying in 2026 sit at an interesting intersection – many fall between late Millennials and early Gen Z – a space where rituals still endure, but modern expectations have changed.

“The new generation of wedding couples is demanding more: deeper meaning, sharper creativity, and every detail is intentional,” says Gonyora.

She unpacks some of the key trends defining weddings this year:

Statement Lighting: Lighting has become a central design feature. It is often one of the most cost-effective ways (depending, of course, on what and how you choose to do it) to create ambience with significant impact relative to the investment. From statement chandeliers that add instant elegance and neon signs with personal sayings, to lantern installations, an abundance of fairy lighting (more than ever before) and even dramatic projections, lighting has the power to completely transform a venue.

Sustainability: Sustainability isn’t just a trend anymore; it's expected. There’s been a conscious shift where beauty and responsibility sit side by side. Couples are choosing zero-waste décor such as potted orchids instead of cut flowers, repurposed vintage or rental pieces, and natural materials that can be reused or composted. Even floristry is evolving, with plastic oasis foam replaced by chicken wire, reusable pin holders, moss, branches, or biodegradable supports. The real impact, however, lies in the full life cycle; locally grown seasonal blooms, responsible water and energy use, minimal packaging and transport, and fully biodegradable materials all matter. Menus are also following the same path, prioritising sustainably-sourced ingredients, with venues like Brahman Hills growing organic produce on site and sourcing ethical, local, free-range meat.

Non-Traditional Entertainment: Entertainment has shifted noticeably in recent years, with couples moving beyond the traditional music-and-dancing format. Interactive performers such as magicians, fire dancers and surprise acts, along with silent discos and playful activities, are making celebrations feel more dynamic and personal. Even quieter moments are being reimagined. At Brahman Hills, for example, some couples have requested that guests take part in specifically curated, guided walks through the magnificent, award-winning gardens, transforming the interval during photo sessions into a meaningful part of the overall experience.

Timeless Whites, Bold Accents: Colour in 2026 weddings is a story of two directions. White (whether pure white, ivory, or cream) is still the core palette for many couples, both in dresses, flowers and décor. It’s timeless, elegant, and ties back to tradition even when other elements get bold. At the same time, muted neutrals and soft tones like ecru, champagne, and sage are popular complements. Alongside these classic combinations, bolder tones, from jewel shades like emerald, burgundy, and cobalt blue to brighter citrus hues, are trending, particularly for autumn weddings.

Nostalgia & Vintage Romance: Film photography, vintage décor and heirloom-inspired fashion are also on the rise, giving weddings a romantic, timeless feel. That sense of nostalgia is heightened by a touch of Bridgerton-inspired glamour, where Regency romance meets modern celebration. String quartets playing live classical music, pearls stitched into gloves, veils and corsets, ornate gold cutlery and candlelit tables all contribute to an atmosphere that feels both opulent and deeply romantic.

“As annual wedding trends continue to reflect the values of a new generation, we are still reminded that at the heart of every wedding is a timeless story of love; retold with fresh imagination but still rooted in tradition,” concludes Gonyora. “At Brahman Hills, each celebration is more than a single day. It is a moment that becomes a memory, a memory that forms part of a family’s legacy, and in its own quiet way, a moment that will shift lives for generations to come.”

To explore how Brahman Hills can bring your wedding story to life, visit www.brahmanhills.co.za

14 is about Valentine’s Day, romance, and getting to hear those “sweet nothings” being whispered in your ear… Take advantage of the Signia Silk’s tiny size, rechargeable capability and unique, virtually invisible instant-fit in-the-canal (CIC) design this February at Butlin Hearing!

Book your FREE hearing screening, or comprehensive hearing test with Claire or Mark, and ask about our 14% DISCOUNT on the Signia Silk! Contact Butlin Hearing in Howick on 033 330 3966 or in Pietermaritzburg on 033 342 2330 to book your appointment TODAY!

Butlin Hearing welcome to the world of sound!

Howick… is your TV giving drama instead of entertainment?

No signal? Frozen screen? Brand new home and nothing’s connected yet? Don’t stress it let the pros sort it.

At Giovision, our experienced DSTV team gets you connected properly the first time. Clean installs. Clear picture. Zero guesswork.

Because movie nights, sport weekends, and binge sessions deserve perfect signal not frustration

Visit at 38 Main Street, Howick | Call 061 521 6217

From the pavement to the poolside, we’ve got everything your feet need for comfort, safety, and endurance:
Running Shoes: For your best stride.
Walking Shoes: All-day support for every journey.
Sandals: Non-slip & great for hot days.
Practical Socks: Breathable & durable.

PLUS: Replacement boot laces to keep your well-loved gear working and feeling like new.

(Prices range from R125 to R995, as at March 2026)

Visit 40 Main Street, Howick, for your new favorites.

Call on 033 330 4129

WhatsApp on 063 157 0190

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

View our website https://bigjohn.co.za/

Visit at 40 Main Street Howick

Do you know a talented young boy who could be a future Drakie?

Parents are invited to arrange an audition for their son to join the world-renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir School, a moment that could shape his future and change his life forever.

Audition Venue: St Anne’s Diocesan College, Hilton
Date: Saturday, 7 March

This is more than just an audition, it’s an opportunity to grow in confidence, develop exceptional musical skills, and become part of a proud South African musical legacy.

Let’s discover the next singing ambassador for South Africa!

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Call: 083 232 1229

Over time, the cost of repairs, replacements, and rebuilding increases. If your insurance cover is not updated regularly, you may find that your policy no longer reflects the true value of what you are protecting.

This can lead to shortfalls at claim stage, even when you thought you were fully covered. Keeping your cover aligned with current costs helps protect you from unnecessary financial stress.

A quick review can make a big difference. Speak to us if you would like help updating your cover.

HOWICK:
033 330 3601
101 Main Street, Howick
www.cookefuller.co.za

Cooke Fuller Group - covering our community since 1981.

The 2026 Dusi Canoe Marathon took place over our half term break. This year marked the 75th anniversary of canoeists taking on the challenging paddle from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

Warm weather and medium-to-full river levels made the course both challenging and exciting. Michaelhouse was well represented on the famed river by boys, parents, and Old Boys. Six Michaelhouse boys entered the event, and all made it safely to the finish with many wild stories to recount from the journey.

Congratulations to Robert Short, Ivan Nel, Jake McDonald, Duncan Roberts, Sam Hoy, and Jamie Grantham for successfully completing the 2026 Dusi. A special mention goes to OMs Alan (Tatham, 2015) and Andrew Houston (Tatham, 2011) for earning gold with a 6th-place overall finish, as well as to Ross Leslie (Founders, 2020) and Jack Edmonds (Tatham, 2021), who placed 13th overall.

2026 Michaelhouse Results:
• 23rd: Duncan Roberts and Mr Stuart Roberts
• 47th: Jamie Grantham and Mr Paul Snyman
• 90th: Robert Short and Ivan Nel
• 92nd: Sam Hoy and partner (Jack Sternberg – Kearsney College)
• 128th: Jake McDonald and partner (Mr Greg Bath)

There is a Summer Blouse Parade on the go in the Midlands!

Now in store, after almost 5 years of waiting for 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒆 100% 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂!

100% Cotton Voile Blouses with Collar, Sleeve Detail & Side Slit
Paisley in Blue & White | Seasons in Blue Green & Orange on White | Wildflower Garden Sprigs on White
R 398 each

WhatsApp Robyn on 𝟎𝟖𝟐 𝟖𝟓𝟖 𝟗𝟐𝟔𝟐

Calling All Local Makers & Producers! The Sunfield Country May Fair is happening on 1 May 2026 (09h00 – 15h00), and we are inviting stallholders to be part of this special day.

We are looking for:
- Handcrafted goods
- Homemade treats
- Locally produced items
- Country-style products that celebrate community and quality

If you create, grow, bake or produce locally, we would love to hear from you!

To book your stall: 079 063 5262/033 330 2094 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Come and be part of a wonderful day out in support of Sunfield.

Fire safety in the workplace is about more than compliance, it’s about protecting lives, property, and business continuity.

Active Fire Services - KZN is waiting for your call...

086 999 0843  l  084 588 1250

Trumpeter Publishers - Quality Learning Materials with a Systematic Approach Zulu Workbooks - R47 each

Find Nuts About Books & Toys at 60 Main Street in Howick.

The modern marketplace is louder than ever. Brands publish constantly, algorithms churn endlessly, and audiences are exposed to more messaging in a single day than previous generations encountered in a month. Yet despite this unprecedented volume, something essential is missing: emotional connection.

The real challenge facing brands in 2026 is not visibility. It’s meaning.

Consumers are no longer moved by polished campaigns or clever slogans. They are looking for something deeper, a sense of alignment, recognition, and shared values. And that level of connection is impossible to achieve when strategy is built without purpose.

“Purpose is not a marketing device. It is the internal compass that shapes how a brand behaves, decides, and communicates,” says Nadia Hearn, PR and brand communications strategist, founder of Get Published and co-founder of Brand Growth Track. She shares why when purpose is absent, strategy becomes a performance. When purpose is present, strategy becomes a relationship.

Across Africa, this truth has long been understood. Communities here have always valued connection over consumption and contribution over competition. As global audiences shift toward values-driven decision-making, this perspective is becoming increasingly relevant and increasingly powerful.

Below Nadia Hearn shares three strategic shifts that will define the brands capable of building genuine emotional connection in 2026:

1. Move from “What We Do” to “Why It Matters”

Most brands still lead with offerings, features, and capabilities. But audiences don’t connect with what a brand does they connect with the meaning behind it. They want to understand the human problem being solved, not the list of services being provided.

This requires a shift from transactional communication to purpose-led storytelling.
It means articulating the deeper intention behind the work, the impact on people’s lives, and the values that guide decisions.

When purpose becomes the anchor, messaging gains clarity, consistency, and resonance. It stops trying to impress and starts trying to matter. Purpose gives strategy direction. Without it, brands drift. With it, they become intentional and intention builds trust.

2. Build Emotional Connection Through Behaviour, Not Words

Audiences today are highly attuned to authenticity. They no longer take brand statements at face value; they look for evidence.

Emotional connection is built through behaviour the lived expression of values not through messaging alone.

This shows up in:

How customers are treated

How decisions are made under pressure

How organisations show up in their communities

How transparently challenges are communicated

How consistently values are demonstrated

When behaviour aligns with purpose, credibility grows. When it doesn’t, trust erodes quickly. Emotional connection is created when what a brand says, does, and delivers are in harmony.

3. Integrate purpose into strategy, not as an accessory

Purpose cannot sit on a website page or in a brand book. It must inform the strategic engine of the organisation. The most effective brands in 2026 will integrate purpose into:

Product and service development

Customer experience design

Leadership and culture

Partnerships and collaborations

Communication and content

Social and environmental commitments

This integration creates coherence, quality audiences instinctively recognise. It also simplifies decision-making, because purpose becomes the filter through which opportunities, messages, and actions are evaluated.

African innovation offers a compelling example here. “We see that many local businesses are built on principles of community upliftment, shared value, and long-term contribution. These are not marketing narratives, they are strategic foundations. And they are increasingly aligned with what global audiences expect from the brands they support,” says Nadia Hearn.

Purpose-driven strategy builds credibility because it creates consistency. “Consistency builds trust,” she adds.

Aligning strategy with purpose, a practical approach

A useful starting point is to define purpose in one clear, human sentence. Then evaluate every strategic decision, message, and initiative against it.

The guiding questions are simple:

Does this reflect why the organisation exists?

Does this create meaningful value for the audience?

Does this strengthen the relationship the brand is trying to build?

If the answer is no, Nadia Hearn shares, “Then action is likely noise not strategy. Purpose-led alignment is not a campaign. It is more of a discipline. When it is applied consistently, it becomes a powerful differentiator in a crowded and increasingly discerning marketplace.”

The key takeaway

In 2026, the brands that succeed will not be the ones with the most content or the biggest budgets.

They will be the ones that create genuine emotional connection, the ones that behave with purpose, communicate with clarity, and show up with consistency.

Strategy with purpose becomes meaning and meaning is what audiences remember, trust, and choose. To receive a free brand purpose audit workbook email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more brand communications insights follow: Instagram: @getpublishedza, Facebook & LinkedIn: Get Published or Nadia Hearn.