'HOCKEY ACHIEVEMENTS
We congratulate the following girls who have been selected to represent KZN Inland hockey teams:
U13A - Aphelele Zondi
U14B - Emma Rawson
U14B - Paige Kotze
U18B - Thingo Ntombela
U18C - Kayte'lee Biggar
U18 non-travelling reserve - Isabella Hutton' report from Howick High School.
Julia Reynolds, a Grade 9 Treverton College student, is part of the KZN WESTERN RIDING Club which kicked off with their first show for 2025, The "Giants Classic."
Julia rode her horse Bronco Fare Chic Olena with the following results:
Ranch Trail - 1st (in all age groups)
Ranch Reining - 2nd in youth and 4th overall (in all age groups)
Ranch Cow - 2nd youth & 3rd overall (in all age groups)
Combined Reining Cow Horse - 3rd overall
Congratulations Julia!
Education truly is an adventure.
For further information please visit www.treverton.co.za
Our Heritage House Preschool children thoroughly enjoyed learning all about pets last week. They visited the Pet Shop, where they had the opportunity to hold and touch the baby bunnies, the little chicks and Becky the bird got to sit on some of the children's shoulders. They even took turns pretending they were dogs, while sitting in the dog kennels. To end a fun-filled week, the children kindly brought dog and cat food to school to donate to the pets at the Howick SPCA. who are waiting for their forever homes.
More about Heritage House Preschool
Our monthly JLS 2-4-2 competition took place on Tuesday with a fun and colorful theme - Mad Hats In May. Bowlers arrived in a fantastic array of wild and wonderful hats, setting a festive and light hearted tone for the day.
Joint sponsors for the day were Oakleigh Funeral Homes (Adam Radnitz and Jacques Pentz) and Wakefields Midlands (Mareka Patrick and Jaydin Williams). Oakleigh sponsored the Maddest hats and Wakefields sponsored the Plate prizes.
The first and second prizes were sponsored by J Leslie Smith & Company.
The winners were:
First prize: Wendy Smith & Kevin Palmer
Second prize: Stephanie Crouse & Olwyn Gibbs
Plate prize: Barry Fairbrother & Neill Birdsey
Maddest hats: Mareka Patrick & Jaydin Williams
Thank you to all who joined in the fun.
STILL TO COME IN MAY...
Friday, 30 May: Bosch Autoworx Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. O8h45 for 09h00
REGULAR BOWLS DAYS unless otherwise stated.
Times / Dress code:
Tuesday 08h45 for play at 09h00 / Casual
Wednesday 13h15 for play at 13h30 / Casual
Saturday 13h15 for play at 13h30 / Club Colours or whites
All registered bowlers are welcome to join us on these days. Visitors are always welcome.
Coaching by registered coaches is available.
All enquiries referring to club matters may be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
'This week, we had the joy of handing over our very first batch of skipping ropes, lovingly made by our Sunfield Howick Residents and a little doll made for Singakwenza, to the incredible team at Singakwenza.
A special thank you to Joseph from Singakwenza, who spent the afternoon with us sharing his knowledge and passion. He showed us how to make a ball using off-cut pieces of plastic and veggie mesh bags, and of course, we couldn’t resist testing it out ourselves!
This is just the beginning of an ongoing partnership rooted in purpose, community, and creativity. We’re so excited for what lies ahead.' update from Sunfield Home Howick, KZN.
Cats living in townships generally don't have easy lives as they often fall prey to dogs, eat poisoned rats, get run over by vehicles or are persecuted by superstitious people. So it was especially heartwarming to get a report from our outreach staff about the special friendship shared by two Funda Nenja dogs, Queen and Angel, and their feline companions, Kitty and Phusi.
All four are completely at ease with each other and are well cared for by their guardians. Our wish for this four legged family is a long and happy life together.
More and more publications are adding the “not generated by AI” disclaimer to their content contributor requests. The Harvard Business Review content submission form includes a standard question on whether generative AI was used; not only in the creation of the content submitted, but also in completing the submission questions!
On top of increasing revenue and views, newsrooms have the added pressure of distinguishing between genuine subject matter expertise and content compiled by generative AI. While it is still relatively easy for a trained eye to spot content written – or just “compiled”, as some would argue – by generative AI, it is an unnecessary burden on journalists and editors.
Subject matter experts and communication professionals alike need to carefully consider whether their reputations are worth the perceived cost and effort savings of using an AI tool rather than an experienced human writer.
On the other hand, writers and communication professionals need to understand that their clients are searching for solutions that make the effort feel less and the expense worth more than the straight monetary value of it. Subject matter experts need writers and communication professionals to interpret what they’re trying to say, rather than merely regurgitating it.
While each party involved in this unpredictable rollercoaster of generative AI may feel like they have right on their side, they’re all indirectly for same thing: increasing knowledge. Subject matter experts may approach the issue with increased speed and decreased effort in mind, writers and communication professionals may consider quality and differentiation as top priorities, and newsrooms may hold the journalistic principles of truth, accuracy, independence and objectivity as the highest standard. In the end, increasing knowledge – not simply reiterating existing information – is the point.
Most generative AI tools use large language models (LLMs) based on existing knowledge to compile responses (answers) to prompts (questions). It is easy for users of these tools to think of the responses provided by the generative AI tools as new, simply because it is new to them, the users. Truly new knowledge however springs from critical thinking; a skill not yet mastered by most generative AI tools and not often requested by users.
When using generative AI to produce content that will be submitted to media for publication consideration, we have to be honest with ourselves when we consider whether we are asking AI to help with the pure “doing”, or whether we are inadvertently outsourcing our thinking to AI.
There is no easy solution to navigate these sticky situations. Having AI policies and rules for subject matter experts, writers, communication professionals and media in place is a good start. From there, the impact this phase will have on the future of information and media integrity is up to the moral compass of each individual who gets on board the generative AI rollercoaster.
NOTE: Not even one smidgen of AI was used during the creation of this piece. Not even for checking spelling or grammar.
Author: Juanita Vorster
"Our aim yesterday was to cover Piggly Wiggly in blankets and we certainly did that!
Final Tally - 459
Blankets - 213
Ponchos - 102
Beanies - 108
Scarves - 23
Bedsocks - 5
Baby cardigans - 8
Money from the raffles - R960.00
A special mention of thanks to; Moyra who works tirelessly every week sorting the squares into some semblance of order and for the help yesterday chatting to everyone about the project, Pevensey Place from Underberg who brought us beautiful blankets and joined us for the day, the ladies of Amberfield Frail Care who inspire us all, the many helpers who helped hang up, take down, count and pack all the blankets, and to all those anonymous folk out there who donate and support us. We thank you all.' said Gill Pryke at the end of a wonderful day.
Congratulations to Thalia (Top image) who won a blanket with her guess of how many beanies were bagged for distribution.
The needles and yarn never stop producing, behind the scenes supporters are already working toward the 2026 event. You are welcome to join in too, meet other woolly crafters every Wednesday at Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop between 10am and 2pm. For more information please WhatsApp Gill on 082 254 4798.
By teaching a child how to handle their dog correctly, a loving trusting bond is nurtured. For many of the children that participate in the Funda Nenja dog school programme, love is in short supply due to challenging and harsh home circumstances. The unconditional love that the child receives from the dog has a significant therapeutic impact and of course the dog benefits too. By changing children's emotional responses to their dogs, we are investing in the future and not just applying a band aid approach to animal welfare.
Funda Nenja believes in interactive action learning which fosters social change that benefits both people and animals.
More about Funda Nenja
Coming up on Saturday 31st May, from 9am to 12 noon - Buy a Bargain! We've selected a range of items to suit all types and tastes at bargain basement prices. Pop-in to our pop-up on the lawn at 39 Main Street, Howick.
Visit and view - SPCA Centre, 39 Main Street, Howick.
OPEN Monday to Friday 08h00 to 16h30 & Saturday 08h00 to 12h00
Call 033 330 6548.
An Evening of Elegance, Laughter and Celebration
Gather your colleagues, clients, and friends for a spectacular gala dinner in support of hospice care. Savor a delightful three-course meal. Enjoy an exclusive comedy performance by Conrad Koch. Dance the night away in style.This special event is the perfect way to come together, celebrate achievements, and make a meaningful impact—all while enjoying an evening of fine dining, entertainment, and great company.
Date: Saturday, November 8th
Venue: Haycroft Farm Country Wedding Venue and Accommodation
Tables and corporate bookings available! Reserve your place now and be part of a night to remember.
Contact us at 033 330 5257 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book your table.
"Groundcover has made a R10,000 donation to the Howick High School Astro fundraiser because, from all the Groundcover children that have been through the Howick schooling system, we know the impact that sport has on children’s lives.
We challenge all midlands businesses to make their donation to this worthy initiative – a hockey astro would transform the sport offering of Howick High. Let's get together to make it happen for Howick High School. "
Thank you Groundcover Leather Company for all that you do for our community and your commitment to the education and development of the youth in your care.", update from Howick High School.
Not sure what your tyres are trying to tell you? A little wobble. A patch of wear. A small noise when you turn the wheel. These things often get brushed off — but they’re usually your tyres saying, “something’s not quite right.”
Visit us at Tyremart Howick — we’ll check it out and let you know what’s going on.
Just honest support to help you stay safe on the road.
To connect with the team that keeps us moving forward, the Tyremart way call us on 033 330 2151 / 3515, 082 575 3675, 087 004 4382 or simply drop in at 37 Main Road.
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"Our Dance Company joined nine fellow schools to present Funk '25 to the Midlands community at the St Anne's Theatre. Our dancers enjoyed performing in this vibrant showcase of local talent.
Their contribution to the show was a piece titled "Farewell', choreographed and directed by past pupil Wernich Fargher (Class of 2022).
DANCE THEME: "Leaving feels like standing at the edge of something vast - filled with echoes of laughter, familiar streets and the weight of memories. But beyond the horizon, there's a pull; a quiet voice urging us forward. It's not about forgetting where you come from, but honoring it by growing; by stepping into the unknown with hope. The past lingers like a song in the background, but the future is calling, and it's time to answer."
We congratulate our stunning dancers on their beautiful performance.', reported Howick High School.
Photo Credit: Paul Henman
Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge
Let us entertain you
Durban: Sunday 22 June
Don’t rush off after you complete this year’s Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge on Sunday 22 June, as two proudly Durban acts take to the stage in the finish area at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Rugby Stadium’s outer fields.
Veranda Panda and DJ Dlala Thukzin (Top image) are lined up to entertain participants and supporters on either side of the prize giving on race day. First up, Veranda Panda promises to enchant with their mash up, cross over of vibrant, high-energy “guaranteed to get you dancing” tunes. Sandwiched between prize giving and the lucky draws, Magic Handz, Thuthuka Zindlovu will spin the crowd right towards the big prize giveaways.
DJ Dlala Thukzin, started moulding his musical career when he realised his passion at a young age. Growing up in Lamontville, an incubator for surfers and local lifeguards, Magic Handz has an affinity with the Durban heartbeat and lifestyle, which can be felt in his tracks.
His smash hit, ‘iPlan’ featuring Zaba and Sykes is one of the most played and bestselling songs on our local airwaves, reaching the top on multiple radio stations and online platforms. Dlala Thukzin will dazzle the crowds right before race organisers dip in to reveal the winners of the Lucky Draw prizes valued of R70,000, and the gorgeous Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium MT to the value of R269 900.
The dynamite duo, husband and wife team Jane and Liam Magner will revitalise the crowds as they come through the finish line. Veranda Panda seeks to bring people together through shared musical experience, served up through their lively brand of electric violin, vocals and machines. They are a live electronic act, who produce, create and perform their own original music, with fifteen years of experience on hundreds of stages, their music articulates stories and feelings, and captures moments that speak to the heart of what it means to feel alive
Their music celebrates the melting pot of influences that have surrounded them in their beautiful home country. With echoes of Jane’s classical violin training, their shared Scottish and Irish heritage, and the rich tapestry of African rhythms, harmonies and grooves; Veranda Panda is a product of their vibrant and complex rainbow nation, expressed in the live electronic music space. They have playlisted and charted on many notable South African national radio stations, with their popular singles: Sugarbee, Chocolate Mermaid, Dopamine, Pineapple Sunday, Right Here Now and Carry Me.
The finish area will be buzzing with beats with two world class performances entertaining the crowds at this year’s Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge.
More info or if you would like to enter, visit www.spar.run.
Shweshwe Bags are purpose made to conveniently secure little items you cannot be without when you are around and about. How many do you want? They are available in the most joyful hues and fabolous prints, all handmade by Khetiwe Ndlovu in Lions River.
MUSHKA sells them at R135.00 each
Visit the shop at Piggly Wiggly - Midlands or find more MUSHKA magic online www.mushka.co.za
Have questions? WhatsApp Robyn on 082 858 9262.
Because hearing loss can develop slowly over time, it may be difficult for you to notice subtle changes.
Early intervention is essential to maintaining healthy hearing.
Regular hearing tests at Butlin Hearing will keep you on top of your hearing health so you can enjoy the sounds of your environment with ease.
Contact Claire in Howick on 033 330 3966 or Mark in Pietermaritzburg on 033 342 2330 for a FREE hearing screening, or a comprehensive hearing test, or new hearing device and let Butlin Hearing welcome you to the world of sound!
