Winter may be a garden's quiet season, but it's also one of the best times to grab the secateurs. With sap flow slowed and deciduous trees stripped bare, it's far easier to see plant structure and make confident cuts rather than guess. It also places less stress on plants and lowers the risk of disease entering fresh wounds.

Fathima Mathen, Marketing Manager for GARDENA, says the trick is knowing what needs attention now and what's better off waiting until the weather warms or flowering ends. "Winter pruning isn't about cutting everything back. It's about understanding what needs a hard prune, what only needs light shaping or selective cutting, and what should simply be left alone," she explains.

Mathen shares a simple guide to some common plants that benefit from a winter ‘haircut’ and those that don’t:

What to prune

Roses (hard prune)
Winter is rose-pruning season. Cut stems back to healthy outward-facing buds, remove dead or diseased wood, and dispose of infected material to help reduce disease risk.

Deciduous fruit trees (hard prune)
Apples, pears, peaches, nectarines and plums all benefit from winter pruning. Apricots should be treated more lightly. Focus on removing dead, damaged and overcrowded branches to improve airflow, light and future fruiting.

Grapevines (hard prune)
A thorough winter pruning keeps your vines productive and encourages strong, healthy new growth for the season ahead.

Summer-flowering shrubs (light to moderate prune)
Plumbago, buddleja and ribbon bush can be cut back now to encourage vigorous new growth and better flowering later in the season. Bougainvillea can also be lightly shaped in frost-free coastal areas, but in colder inland regions it’s best to wait until the risk of frost has passed. Honeysuckle can be trimmed back if overgrown, although it responds best to pruning after flowering. Think “tidying and light shaping,” for these two, not hard pruning.

Deciduous ornamental trees (selective prune)
Trees such as Japanese maples, plane trees and liquidambars are easier to shape in winter. Without leaves, it’s simpler to remove crossing or rubbing branches and improve structure without overcutting.

What to leave alone (because not everything enjoys a winter chop)

Spring-flowering shrubs
Azaleas, camellias and flowering quince already form their flower buds ahead of spring, so winter pruning would reduce their display. Wait until after flowering.

Spring-flowering trees
Magnolias and flowering cherries should only be pruned once they have finished blooming, if shaping is needed.

Hydrangeas
Most common hydrangeas flower on wood formed the previous season, so cutting them back in winter can reduce summer blooms. Only remove dead wood now and wait until after flowering to prune properly.

Frost-sensitive evergreens
Gardenia and murraya are best left unpruned in winter, as cold snaps can easily damage fresh growth.

Hold off on frost damage

Blackened or wilted foliage after a cold snap may look unsightly, but don’t be too quick to tidy it up. That damaged growth often helps protect the healthy plant underneath. It’s best to wait until the risk of frost has passed before cutting it back.

Tools and technique matter too

Mathen adds that winter pruning is as much about good technique as good timing. “Always use clean, sharp secateurs or loppers for precise cuts that heal quickly,” she says, noting that clean cuts close faster while torn or crushed stems can slow down recovery and leave plants more vulnerable to disease. “Remember to also disinfect your tools after pruning diseased plants to help prevent spreading problems through the garden,” she advises.

A little thoughtful pruning now: knowing what to cut, what to shape, and what to leave, will reward you with stronger growth, healthier plants and a garden that wakes up beautifully in spring

And whatever you're pruning, sharp tools make the job easier and the plant’s recovery faster, a reminder of why good-quality tools like GARDENA’s matter in the garden.

For more gardening inspiration, visit GARDENA SA at https://www.gardena.com/za

Panic Awareness Day - 10 July 2026 | Life After Your First Panic Attack

When we talk about Panic Attacks, the focus is often on what happens during those intense few minutes. Far less attention is given to what follows. The questions, the uncertainty, and the search for answers that can shape the days and weeks afterwards.

That's why this year's Panic Awareness Day theme, Life After Your First Panic, shifts the conversation beyond the Panic Attack itself. Understanding Panic is about more than recognising the symptoms. It's about knowing what to expect, learning practical ways to respond, and building confidence through knowledge.

For our Panic Awareness Day campaign, we'll be sharing psychoeducational content, guided breathing technique videos, and many practical tips to help you better understand Panic. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions about Panic through our Online Facebook Live Ask the Expert session, where Mental Health professionals and people with lived panic experience will provide answers and practical insights to help you better understand Panic.

Follow us on social media:

▪ Facebook:@theSADAG
▪ Instagram: @sadag_official
▪ X: @TheSADAG
▪ TikTok: SADAG_Official

Free Online Ask The Expert Live on Facebook, Friday 10 July at 1pm - Don't Let Panic Make Your World Smaller

Join us this Friday, 10 July at 1pm for a free Ask the Expert session, "Don't Let Panic Make Your World Smaller." Our panel includes Dr Colinda Linde, SADAG Board Chairperson and Clinical Psychologist, Dr Seleme Melato, Clinical Psychologist, and Marsha, who will share her lived experience as a member of a Panic Support Group. Together, they will discuss Panic Attacks, explore how panic can begin to limit your daily life, and share practical strategies to help take back control.

Explore Our Panic Toolkit & Resources
A first Panic Attack can be frightening and leave you with many questions. This Panic Awareness Day toolkit, provides trusted information, practical resources, and reassurance that recovery is possible. Inside, you'll find information on Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder, Support Groups, our Panic webpage, a video library, and a downloadable brochure to help you better understand Panic.

Free Support Groups For Panic
Sometimes, hearing how someone else has coped can help you understand your own experience after your first Panic Attack or after being diagnosed with Panic Disorder.

SADAG's online and in person Panic Support Groups welcome people experiencing Panic, as well as Anxiety, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder. The Groups give members the chance to hear from others, ask questions, share practical coping tips, and learn different ways of managing their Mental Health. Everyone's experience is different, and you may find that someone else's perspective helps you make sense of your own.

Explore the Panic Brochure and learn how Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks differs from Anxiety. Recognise the common symptoms and causes of Panic Attacks, explore available treatment options, and discover practical ways to support someone experiencing panic. The brochure also includes the 5 Finger Breathing Technique, a simple grounding exercise that can help manage anxious thoughts and moments of Panic.

THE IMPI NEWS JUST GETS BETTER!

​We have just received some phenomenal follow-up news from last weekend's grueling 3-Day Impi Hard Enduro in the Drakensberg!

​We congratulate another incredibly talented Howick High learner, James Viljoen (Grade 12), who also conquered the world's largest hard enduro event. Not only did James complete the brutal Bronze Class, but he secured an amazing 4th-place finish out of 500 bikes!

​Finishing 4th in a field that massive, against some of the toughest terrain on the planet, is a world-class achievement. It takes immense skill, flawless strategy, and serious mental toughness to stay at the front of a pack that size for three straight days.​

Combined with Jesse Robinson's fantastic finish, Howick High was truly a force to be reckoned with in the mountains last weekend.

​We are incredibly proud of both of you for showing the world what Howick grit is all about. Age Quod Agisl, James!

An incredible achievement! Howick High congratulates Grade 9 learner, Jesse Robinson, who recently conquered the grueling 3-Day Impi Hard Enduro in the Central Drakensberg!

​The Impi Hard Enduro is officially the largest event of its type in the world, drawing riders from all over the globe to test their absolute limits against some of the most punishing, technical mountain terrain imaginable. It is a true test of physical endurance, mental toughness, and sheer mechanical skill.

​Jesse tackled the Bronze Class and successfully crossed the finish line of the 10th anniversary edition of the event which shattered records with more than 1200 riders entering.

​To put this into perspective, completing the Bronze level means surviving three days of unforgiving, rocky climbs, steep descents, and treacherous single-tracks that would push even seasoned riders to their breaking point. It requires hours of intense concentration and relentless physical output every single day. Just finishing this event is a massive badge of honor!

​We are proud of Jesse's grit, determination, and sportsmanship, a display of the school value of tenacity. Keep the Howick High spirit flying high!

The AuthenticA Series Lab, a screenwriters programme from South Africa-based non-profit Realness Institute, is now open for applications for its 5th edition. This six-month programme is delivered in partnership with The StoryBoard Collective, a Swiss non-profit organisation dedicated to holding space for storytellers from underrepresented communities. Series Mania returns as the programme festival partner, where the writers will pitch their projects to industry decision-makers as part of the African Series Pitch in Lille, France, in March 2027. The Canada Media Fund also returns for a third year as a funding partner, supporting the participation of one African Canadian writer in the programme.

The programme has supported 15 African writers since its inception, with some writers currently in active co-production conversations with companies across the UK, France, Canada and the US. Now entering its milestone fifth year, the AuthenticA Series Lab comes at a time when the industry is particularly volatile and unstable, making this offering even more necessary.

The programme welcomes submissions of original series projects in any genre, from writers living in Africa or the African diaspora, provided the story concept is set in Africa. Four writers will be selected for the programme, which is conducted through a mixture of online and in-person sessions, taking place from September 2026 to April 2027. Selected writers will be mentored by Selina Ukwuoma, Story Consultant and Director of Writing Programmes, and Mehret Mandefro, Creative Producer and Managing Director of the Realness Institute.

Selina Ukwuoma says, “The lab offers writers a rare opportunity to take creative risks. It gives them the confidence to trust their most audacious ideas and shape them into series with real craft, rigour and clarity.”

“Giving writers the time and space to bring their boldest ideas at a time when the industry is so unstable is the best way we know how to meet this moment,” says Mehret Mandefro.

Experienced industry experts are invited to engage with the cohort as guest speakers, sharing their insights and professional journeys through case studies, offering a range of industry perspectives and practical guidance. Past guest speakers have included Anthony Q. Farrell (Writer/Director/Producer, Canfro Productions), Layla Swart (Producer/Co-Founder, Yellowbone Entertainment), Aoife Lennon-Ritchie (Managing Director of Torchwood Literary & Scouting), Sameer Gardezi (Founder, Break the Room Media) and Pauline Fischer (Founder & CEO, PMF Media Group, Inc.).

For our fifth year our programme opens with in-person sessions in Ethiopia, a first, and then moving through online sessions, which culminates in a two-month residency in Geneva, Switzerland, before the cohort pitches at Series Mania in Lille, France. The outcome of the programme is that each participant will deliver a pitch deck and a pilot script. The rights to the material developed through the programme will remain with each writer.

“This programme reflects what we believe in: backing bold storytelling from voices the industry hasn't made enough room for," says Laure de Peretti de la Rocca, Director of The StoryBoard Collective. "Partnering for this lab, and hosting the AuthenticA writers in Geneva at the StoryBoard House, is how we put that belief into action.”

Francesco Capurro, Series Mania Forum Director says “AuthenticA’s pitching sessions have become one of the Forum’s most anticipated highlights. International industry professionals continue to show a strong appetite for distinctive voices emerging from African content, and this is due to the outstanding preparation and mentoring work carried out by the teams at the Realness Institute and StoryBoard Collective. I am already looking forward to discovering the 2027 cohort.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to investing in Canadian African diaspora storytellers, the Canada Media Fund will sponsor the participation of one African-Canadian writer in the programme.

“The Canada Media Fund is proud to continue its partnership with the AuthenticA Series Lab and support the participation of an African-Canadian writer for a third consecutive year," said Jessica Lea Fleming, Director of Industry Development, CMF. "Programs like AuthenticA create meaningful opportunities for creators to develop bold, unique stories while building the international relationships that are increasingly essential in today's screen industry. We are pleased to support an initiative that strengthens creative and business connections between Canada and Africa, while helping elevate diverse voices whose stories will resonate with audiences at home and around the world.”

The call for applications is open from Monday, 06 July 2026, closing on Saturday, 1 August 2026.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit https://realnessinstitute.com/2026/07/04/authentica-african-series-lab-call-is-open/ or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In many cases, your vehicle insurance may still provide cover if someone else is driving your car with your permission. However, this can depend on the insurer, the policy terms, and the circumstances of the incident.

It is important to understand who is covered under your policy and whether any restrictions or conditions apply. Some policies may have specific requirements regarding additional drivers or regular users of the vehicle.

Before handing over your keys, it is worth checking exactly how your cover works. Understanding your policy now can help avoid confusion and unexpected surprises later.

HOWICK:
📞 033 330 3601
📍 101 Main Street, Howick

The second half of June remained extremely active for KSS Response Teams, who attended a wide range of incidents including residential and commercial break-ins, copper and cable theft, shoplifting, trespassing, stock theft, malicious damage, and violent crime.

During this reporting period, KSS Response Officers successfully apprehended multiple suspects in connection with theft-related incidents, recovering stolen property and working alongside SAPS to ensure offenders were taken into custody. These arrests are a direct result of vigilant patrols, rapid response times, valuable information received from the public, and the close working relationships KSS maintains with Local Law Enforcement.

We would once again like to remind our clients and the wider community of the importance of reporting all criminal activity and opening a case with SAPS. Every reported incident contributes to identifying crime trends, strengthens ongoing investigations, supports successful prosecutions, and assists in ensuring that adequate policing resources are allocated where they are needed most.

As always, we encourage residents and businesses to remain vigilant by securing vulnerable items, maintaining perimeter fencing, testing alarm systems regularly, ensuring outdoor lighting is operational, and reporting any suspicious persons or activity immediately. Working together as a community remains one of the most effective ways to reduce crime and keep our neighbourhoods safe.

Hot Items
Cellphones
Clothing & Personal Items
Copper Pipes & Plumbing
Electrical Cables
Electronic Equipment
Garden Equipment
Livestock
Power Tools
Taps & Plumbing Fittings

Incident Summary (Crime and Other)
Hilton 1
Howick 12
Howick West 2
Merrivale 8

KSS Incidents 17 – 30 June 2026
17 June 2026 – 19:07 Cargill Crescent (Merrivale)
The KSS Control Room received a call from the client reporting a break-in. KSS Response Teams and SAPS were dispatched. KSS Officers reported that suspects had gained access by climbing over a damaged concrete wall before entering the residence through an unsecured window. Several valuable electronic items were stolen. SAPS attended the scene. A case was opened.

18 June 2026 – 11:30 Main Street (Howick)
The KSS Control Room received a call from the client reporting the theft of a cellphone. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. KSS Officers reported that a suspect had posed as a patient before entering a doctor's office and stealing a Samsung Galaxy cellphone. The device was briefly tracked before losing signal. The client advised that a case would be opened with SAPS and KSS officers were requested to remain on the lookout for the suspect.

18 June 2026 – 12:44 Ogilvie Road (Merrivale)
The KSS Control Room received a call from the client reporting an attempted cable theft after CCTV footage showed a suspect attempting to remove electrical cable from an old power pole. No property was stolen. The client requested that additional patrols be conducted in the area during the night. KSS conducted extra patrols in the area.

18 June 2026 – 09:53 Northumberland (Howick)
The KSS Control Room received a call from the client reporting the theft of copper piping. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. KSS Officers reported that suspects had gained access by climbing over the perimeter fence before stealing approximately two metres of copper piping and a tap. KSS conducted extra patrols in the area.

19 June 2026 – 15:56 Power Lane (Howick)
The KSS Control Room received a report from the client advising that heavy-duty electrical cables had been stolen. Temporary repairs were arranged to restore power. KSS conducted extra patrols in the area.

20 June 2026 – 10:48 Mapholoba Street (Tumbleweed)
The KSS Control Room received a camera activation indicating a suspicious person on the premises. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. KSS Officers reported that a full inspection with the client was conducted. No theft or damage was discovered.

20 June 2026 – 19:51 Power Lane (Howick)
The KSS Control Room received a camera activation indicating suspicious activity. KSS Response Teams and SAPS were dispatched. KSS Officers reported that approximately 40 metres of electrical cable had been stolen after suspects removed sections of razor wire to gain access. KSS Officers recovered the stolen cable and successfully apprehended a suspect hiding nearby. SAPS attended the scene and the suspect was arrested. A case was opened

22 June 2026 – 13:01 Cedara Road (Hilton)
The KSS Control Room received a call from the client reporting the theft of copper piping. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. KSS Officers reported that copper piping had been stolen and a Wendy House had also been broken into. KSS conducted extra patrols in the area.

23 June 2026 – 08:39 Geekie Road (Merrivale)
The KSS Control Room received a call from the client reporting a break-in. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. KSS Officers reported that a large canvas awning had been stolen. KSS conducted extra patrols in the area.

23 June 2026 – 11:02 Miller Street (Howick)
The KSS Control Room received a call requesting immediate armed response following an assault in progress. KSS Response Teams and SAPS were dispatched. KSS Officers reported that a suspect had entered the property after jumping over the gate. A stabbing had occurred. KSS handed the matter over to SAPS.

23 June 2026 – 12:35 Midway Business Park (Howick)
The KSS Control Room received notification of a theft of a cellphone. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. As per the client no need for SAPS. KSS conducted extra patrols in the area.

24 June 2026 – 02:59 Birnamwood Road (Merrivale Heights)
The KSS Control Room received a panic activation. KSS Response Teams and SAPS were dispatched. KSS Officers reported that suspects had jumped the perimeter fence before forcing entry into a tack room. Various items had been stolen. A case was opened.

24 June 2026 – 08:13 Windermere Place (Howick)
The KSS Control Room received information linking recovered stolen copper piping. The client confirmed that copper piping had been stolen. KSS assisted the client and coordinated further investigations with SAPS. A case was opened.

25 June 2026 – 17:50 Bell Street (Howick)
The KSS Control Room received an alarm activation. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. KSS Officers reported that suspects had gained access through an existing hole in the perimeter fence before breaking a window. A tap, associated piping and a kettle were stolen. A case was opened.

26 June 2026 – 04:43 Rosedene Road (Howick West)
The KSS Control Room received information reporting a break-in. KSS Response Teams attended together with other Security Providers and SAPS. KSS Officers reported that suspects had stolen copper piping connected to the geyser before fleeing the scene. A case was opened.

26 June 2026 – 15:58 Cargill Crescent (Merrivale)
The KSS Control Room received a call from the client reporting a break-in. KSS Response Teams and SAPS were dispatched. KSS Officers reported that further investigations into the incident were being conducted on site. KSS handed the situation over to SAPS.

27 June 2026 – 18:18 Winterwood Lane (Merrivale Heights)
The KSS Control Room received a panic activation from the above-mentioned property. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. KSS Officers conducted a thorough search of the property and surrounding area; however, the suspect had fled before their arrival. Nothing was reported stolen. KSS conducted extra patrols in the area.

28 June 2026 – 01:41 Devonshire Road (Howick)
The KSS Control Room received a call from the client reporting suspicious noises on the roof of the property. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. KSS Officers reported that suspects had stolen copper piping from the front of the residence and the geyser before escaping over the perimeter fence. A case was opened. KSS conducted extra patrols in the area.

28 June 2026 – 12:55 Harvard Street (Howick)
The KSS Control Room received a request for assistance via the I-Talk radio from an on-site KSS Security Officer following the apprehension of a suspected shoplifter. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. KSS Officers confirmed that the suspect had attempted to steal a jacket valued at approximately R225. A pocket knife was also recovered. The store elected not to proceed with criminal charges and the suspect was issued with a warning before being escorted from the premises.

29 June 2026 – 07:40 Birnamwood Road (Merrivale Heights)
The KSS Control Room received information reporting a stock theft. The client confirmed that two horses had been stolen after suspects cut the perimeter fence in two locations. The client requested assistance should the horses be located.

30 June 2026 – 02:02 Shafton Road (Howick)
The KSS Control Room received a call from the client reporting a suspect actively stealing copper piping from the premises. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. KSS Officers successfully located and apprehended the suspect while attempting to flee. Copper piping and a knife were recovered and the suspect was handed over to SAPS. A case was opened.

30 June 2026 – 06:47 Holiday Road (Merrivale)
The KSS Control Room received a call from the client reporting the theft of copper piping. KSS Response Teams were dispatched. KSS Officers reported that the suspects had escaped by jumping over the perimeter fencing. Visible footprints were located on the property. KSS conducted extra patrols in the area.

Stay safe. Report crimes to SAPS. Check your alarms and fences. Set your alarms.

SUGGESTION – link your CCTV cameras to the KSS Control Room. Call 033 330 5911 to find out costs.

Remember – You are safer with us!

Kind regards
Gary and the dedicated KSS Team

Tayla Kavanagh continued to deliver in what has been a breakthrough season, extending her lead in the SPAR Grand Prix Series with a hard-fought victory at the Durban SPAR Women's 10/5km Challenge on Sunday 28 June.

Kavanagh, representing Hollywood Athletics Club, pushed the pace from the start of the women's 10km race, shaking off most of the field within the first few kilometres, with only Ethiopian athlete Selam Gebre (Nedbank Running Club) able to hang on.

Gebre lost touch with around 500 metres to go, approaching the finish at King's Park, and Kavanagh broke clear to win in 31:32, just six seconds outside her personal best.

"I had very strong competition from Selam today, and I think we really produced a good race out there. We challenged each other a lot and really kept each other going, and I enjoyed the competition," said Kavanagh, who also won the first leg of the SPAR Grand Prix Series in Cape Town in March.

"I put together a good race and I'm really happy with the consistency I've been able to produce over my last couple of 10km races, so I'm really looking forward to what lies ahead for the rest of the season, and I'm just very grateful to be feeling healthy and strong at the moment."

Despite fading in the closing stages after Kavanagh put in a big surge, Gebre held on to take the runner-up spot in 31:45.

After missing the opening race of the series in Cape Town, due to visa issues, Gebre picked up valuable points in the SPAR Grand Prix campaign.

"Tayla led for most of the race, and technically and physically I was not good today, but I admire how Tayla won the race. She deserved the win," Gebre said.

Lesotho national record holder Neheng Khatala (Hollywood) rounded off the podium by taking third place in 32:09, proving she had recovered well after taking eighth place at the Two Oceans ultra-marathon in Cape Town in April.

"Since I came back from the ultra-marathon my training has been going very well, and my plan was to run sub-33 today, so I think I did well," Khatala said.

Behind her, producing another impressive result after winning the SA half-marathon title in Gqeberha the day before, Cacisile Sosibo (Boxer Athletics Club) dug deep to finish fourth in 32:16.

Her Boxer teammate Karabo More, who earned the national mile title at the SA Road Running Championships in Gqeberha, ended fifth in 32:44.

There was a sellout entry of 13 355 athletes. Each entry contributed R5 to the race charity, iThemba Lethu from Manor Gardens. Ralph Rajagopaul, SPAR KZN’s Marketing Director, handed over a cheque to the value of R100,000 to Director, Melissa Leslie.

One lucky participant, Veloshni Naidoo of Phoenix was as the lucky winner of a brand-new Hyundai EXTER vehicle, valued at R269 900.00 following the race.

Image by Rogan Ward: Top 3 at the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Selam Gebre (Nedbank) 31:45 (second), Tayla Kavanagh (Hollywood) 31:32

Join in for 67 minutes on Mandela Day! Knit or crochet squares so we can make up blankets and donate them to underprivileged children in our area.

Bring your wool, needles and hooks for a fun and 'feel-good' time.

See you at The Pizza Place at Piggly Wiggly!

Beautiful spaces don’t have to come with a luxury price tag. At Everfair Living, we believe everyone deserves a home that feels warm, welcoming, and uniquely theirs.

From timeless décor to thoughtfully chosen pieces, we’re here to help you add those little touches that make a big difference.

Whether you're searching for a standout piece for your lounge, cosy kitchen décor, or something unique to complete your space, you'll always find something special in our store

Incorporating "That's so Thrifty".

Pop in soon at Rycroft Centre, 56 Main Street to meet Trevlyn, Samantha and Tara. Discover fresh ways to update your home, your closet and your gifting! 

Call / WhatsApp 071 640 5139

Meet our new "Say Cheese" Set🧀🐭

Introducing a beautiful slumped wine bottle as a sleek serving platter, paired perfectly with the most adorable Fire Gem beaded mouse knife you’ve ever seen!

It’s the ultimate conversation starter for your next cheese night.
Price for set: R195.00

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙥 082 254 4798 for enquiries.

Find us at @pigglywigglymidlands

More info at www.glasscuttings.co.za

The Beautiful Messy Middle

Life rarely unfolds exactly as we planned. Every woman experiences seasons of change—some welcomed, others unexpected. Yet, it is often in the uncertainty between an ending and a new beginning that our greatest growth takes place.

Join us this Women’s Day for an inspiring keynote event featuring Libby Edmonds—Emotional Intelligence facilitator, speaker, and coach. Blending powerful storytelling, research, and practical EQ tools, Libby will explore how self-awareness, optimism, and purpose can help us navigate life’s transitions with greater courage, resilience, and authenticity.

Come and discover the beauty that can be found in life’s messy middle.

This special talk is part of our Ripple Effects Series. By joining us, you are making a meaningful difference, as all proceeds go directly to supporting the vital work of Angels’ Care Centre.

Date: 06 August

Time: 9:00 AM

Venue: The Hall Cafe - 2 Falls Drive

Ticket Price: R180 (Includes Coffee & Breakfast)

Donation: Formula (All Stages - Infacare & Lactogen)

🔗 Bookings are Essential! Click the link to sign up via the Google Form:

https://forms.gle/ukct2wPRzyu2aYdP8

MUSHKA at Piggly Wiggly has delightful Shweshwe dresses and kiddies bracelets for a fun holiday treat! All handmade with a vibrant local charm.

MORE ABOUT MUSHKA

Mushka - Something Funky Something New captures the look and feel of Mushka.

A happy, vibey store stocked with unique jewellery items, funky headbands, handmade crafty wooden gifts, ShweShwe bags and a whole lot more!

Mushka produces its own clothing range. Comfort is primary. Colourful flowing tunics, cap sleeve tops, roll collar knit tops, funky band pants, long and three-quarter pants all locally made and from good quality fabrics. Small batches, new prints every season.

Chat with Robyn on 082 858 9262

Saturday was our monthly steri-clinic for Funda Nenja. We sterilised 20 dogs and a cat.

There were a few older dogs this time which can make surgery challenging and anaesthetic needs to be closely and carefully regulated. We also had a very nervous dog which ran away, twice, but thanks to the Funda Nenja team she was safely caught after trying to bite everyone, and had her surgery.

The cat was brought by the owner gently wrapped up in a blanket, he said he was worried she was already pregnant. After safely transferring her to a cat carrier, she was anaesthetised only for us to discover she was in fact a little boy! The owner was quite amused at his mistake.

More about Midmar Vet Clinic

Midmar Vet Clinic is a small friendly vet clinic at Dulcet centre, offering consultations by appointment only.

Book on 066 207 9621

Congratulations to Matthew Rees (B Block, Baines) who recently started an incredible service project in Lidgetton village, helping to clean the Lions River. Engaging local community members and fellow Baines boys, as well as partnering with local councillors, Duzi-uMngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT) and Love Howick, Matt designed an inventive project with a "No-Value" Litter Boom, constructed using discarded plastic bottles designed to be effective but worthless, thereby deterring theft and ensuring it remains in the river.

In Matt’s words “By focusing on the basics, litter, water health, and education, we can ensure the Lions River remains a clean, safe, and healthy resource for generations to come.”

Several staff supported Matthew in his endeavours including our Development team helping Matt to set up a ‘GoFundMe’ for the project, an ongoing fund for helping to pay for resources.
One of our staff members in charge of service, Mrs Peta Roberts added ‘This is Matthew Rees’ service honours project. He is to be congratulated on an excellent project that we throw our full support behind. I’m so proud of Matt and thank you so much too, Mr le Cordeur for supporting Matthew throughout. This really is an incredible project!”

Capture your thoughts, memories, and adventures in this beautifully handcrafted African Journal. Featuring an elegant laser-cut wooden cover, paired with vibrant African-inspired fabric, this journal celebrates the beauty and spirit of Africa.

Each journal is individually handmade by skilled South African artisans, making every piece unique. Whether you’re recording your travels, sketching, journaling, or giving it as a meaningful gift, this journal is both practical and a beautiful keepsake.

• Handmade in South Africa
• Unique laser-cut wooden cover
• Colourful African-inspired fabric binding
• Durable handcrafted construction
• Ideal for journaling, note-taking, sketching, or travel memories
• A thoughtful gift for wildlife lovers and travellers
• Lightweight and easy to carry       

  MORE ABOUT MUSHKA - Established in 2003 by Robyn & Gary Day, we are a proudly South African clothing store nestled in the heart of the Natal Midlands.

  Mushka, OPEN daily at Piggly Wiggly Midlands, offers accessories, clothing and gifts.

  Our style is simplistic, comfortable, and easy to wear clothing. Our ranges accommodate both slender and fuller figures using exquisite breathable fabrics. Mushka is well known for its eclectic clothing range made from 100% cotton which boasts complete comfort especially during the more humid seasons. We pride ourselves in the knowledge you will walk out of Mushka feeling confident in one of our garments!

           

From Guest Expectations To Sustainable Hospitality Operations

Earlier this month, World Environment Day yet again highlighted the urgent need to accelerate action on climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource efficiency.

In hospitality, expectations are shifting on two fronts. Guests continue to demand consistently high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and service, while also placing greater emphasis on the environmental impact of their stay.

This is being driven in part by the rise of more conscious and sustainable travel behaviour. According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report (2025)¹, 93% of respondents said they want to make more sustainable travel choices, while 84% said sustainable travel is important.

In practical terms, this means travellers are actively looking for accommodation providers that demonstrate responsible practices, with around 36% of respondents seeking verified sustainable stays¹, showing that green credentials are becoming part of the booking decision itself.

According to Jeffery Madkins, Marketing Manager at Unilever Professional, this is no longer a trend, but very much a business reality. “Today’s guests,” he says, “are far more aware of the environmental footprint behind their stay and increasingly, they are looking for visible, practical actions from accommodation providers.

This includes reduced single-use plastics, towel and linen reuse programmes, energy-efficient lighting and climate control systems, locally sourced food options, and clear communication around environmental practices or certifications.

“What this is clearly demonstrating is that sustainability is no longer being judged as a separate ‘initiative’ in hospitality,” Madkins continues. “It is seen as part of the overall quality of the stay itself and is increasingly influencing competitiveness through its role in marketing, certification, and corporate travel policies.

At the same time, hospitality remains one of the most resource-intensive service sectors, particularly in its use of water and energy. Industry studies consistently show that hotels can use hundreds of litres of water per guest night², largely driven by laundry services, housekeeping operations, and kitchen processes. This places considerable pressure on establishments, especially in water-stressed regions such as parts of South Africa.

Globally, water scarcity is also intensifying. The United Nations estimates that billions of people experience water scarcity for at least part of the year³, highlighting how water has become both an environmental and operational risk for service industries that rely on continuous supply.

As Madkins points out, the real sustainability challenge in hospitality is not always visible to the guest. The most meaningful gains, he explains, are often found in the background: in laundry cycles, kitchen sanitation, and housekeeping routines, where small efficiency improvements can significantly reduce water and product consumption at scale.

It’s not just the efficiency of those processes changing, though, but how the industry thinks about them. “Hygiene and environmental performance in hospitality can no longer be separate conversations,” he says. “Every cleaning process carries a resource cost, from water and energy to the chemicals used, so the way those systems are designed has a direct impact on environmental performance.”

This evolving approach to greener hospitality hygiene is also driving interest in innovative cleaning solutions, including product ranges designed to maintain hygiene performance while reducing overall product use and chemical load, such as probiotic cleaners.

It’s what “clean spaces, smaller footprints” ultimately represents: exceptional guest experiences and responsible resource use, no longer competing priorities but achieved through the same operational practices. Sustainability is no longer secondary to operations; it is embedded within them.

“And the accommodation providers that will lead in the next decade are those designing sustainability into every process, not retrofitting it afterwards,” Madkins concludes.

For more information about Unilever Professional products, visit www.unileverprofessional.co.za