Midmar Vet Clinic, Dr Lee Pachonick's small and friendly vet clinic with consultations by appointment only at Dulcet Centre, will be closed for the Easter weekend. 

​As the KZN Midlands transforms into a stunning palette of gold, orange, and bronze, you might notice that while the air is getting crisper, our local snakes haven't quite headed for bed yet!

In fact, Autumn can be a very busy time in the garden and on the trails.

​Wondering why they’re still out and about?

Let’s take a look at what’s happening in the long grass!

​The "Pre-Winter" Buffet
​Just like us stocking up the pantry for a long weekend, snakes are currently on a mission to eat!

​Because they are ectotherms (meaning they rely on the sun to power their bodies), they need to find enough food to build up fat reserves before the truly cold weather hits.

Since they can’t digest food properly in the deep cold of winter, these last few weeks of Autumn sunshine are their final chance for a big meal!

​Love is in the Air (For some!)
​For the famous Puff Adder, Autumn and early Winter are actually peak "dating" season!
​Active Males: Male Puff Adders become much more mobile this time of year as they wander in search of females.

​Wrestling Matches: You might even be lucky enough to see two males engaging in a non-venomous "combat dance" to see who wins the right to mate!

​Getting Ready for "Brumation"
​As we approach winter, snakes don’t actually hibernate (sleep the whole time). Instead, they go into Brumation.

​They find a cozy "winter hotel" like a rock crevice, an old termite mound, or a hollow log.
​They slow down their metabolism to save energy.

​On those beautiful, warm "Winter Sun" days we get in KZN, they might pop out for a quick basking session to warm up their batteries before sliding back into bed!

​The Sound of "STOP": The Puff Adder
​With the leaves falling, the Puff Adder’s camouflage is at its absolute best!
​The Warning: If you hear a loud, heavy "hissing" or "puffing" sound, STOP immediately.
​Nature’s Signal: They aren't being mean; they are just giving you a polite (but firm!) warning to say, "I’m right here, please don't step on me!"
​Freeze and Retreat: If you hear it, stay still, locate the snake, and back away slowly.

​Stay Safe While Enjoying the Autumn Beauty
​Watch the Leaf Litter: Puff Adders blend perfectly into dry leaves. Stick to the center of the paths when hiking!
​Garden Tidy-Ups: Be careful when clearing away old logs or piles of debris, someone might have already picked it as their winter nap spot!
​Give Them Space: Snakes are a vital part of our ecosystem, keeping rodent populations in check. Observe from a distance and appreciate their role in our beautiful Midlands!

​We’re Here to Help!
Your Lions River Honorary Officers of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife are always ready to assist the community.

If you have a snake concern or need advice:
​Howick & surrounds:
Ant Stratford – 071 768 1256

Nottingham Road & surrounds:
Timothy Hedges – 083 693 8977

​Enjoy the gorgeous Autumn weather, stay vigilant, and let’s keep our community and wildlife safe!

Entries Open for Popular SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge

Durban: Sunday 28 June

Striding into its 36th year, entries are officially open for the much-loved and iconic SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge in Durban taking place from the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on Sunday 28 June.

This year Durban’s most beautiful race is capped at 12,500 entries with participants deciding between a gentle 5km ‘fun run’ challenge or the more serious 10km race which has an attractive cash purse for top runners. The longer distance sets off on the fast and flat ‘out-and-back’ route at 8am sharp, while the 5km athletes will get going at 9am, with both distances taking participants along parts of Durban’s spectacular Golden Mile.

All registration is done online, with options to pay using a debit or credit card, and with a convenient new addition to pay in-store at any SPAR in KwaZulu Natal after entering online. One lucky entrant who opts to pay in-store could win a R10,000 SPAR voucher. Online entries close on Monday 22 June.

The 10km forms part of the national SPAR Grand Prix series, run over five SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge races, in Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane, Gqeberha and Johannesburg. The competitive runners will be able to pocket R33,000 in prize money for coming first across the line in this year’s 10km race. A total of R138,000 will be awarded to the top ten in the open category, with each other category giving away R6,500 for the top three placers.

As it is a women’s event, the race organisers have decided that the more competitive distance is only open to woman. Men are welcome to dress up and have fun in the 5km Fun Run / Walk. Another change this year, all finishers will receive a medal and their Goodie Bag after they complete their run. Heading through the finish chute, race numbers will have a tear off section that must be handed over in exchange for the jam-packed Goodie Bag. Plus, SPAR KZN will be giving away some fantastic items in the post-race lucky draw, including a Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium MT to the value of R269 900.

The Challenge continues to be more than just a race, by offering a running or walking experience that extends beyond the road, enabling participants to connect with like-minded women, have fun and reach important goals that they set for themselves. This year’s #CelebrateHer theme recognises the strength, spirit and diverse stories of all the women who take part, and who each arrive at the finish line with their own motivations and journeys.

Race Registration is on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 June on the outer fields at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium. As last year’s Challenge sold out a few weeks before, early entry is advisable to avoid disappointment.

Five rand from each entry will go to this year’s Race Charity, iThemba Lethu. Based in Manor Gardens, iThemba Lethu is dedicated to shaping brighter futures by investing in young lives from an early age and supporting them every step of the way.

To enter go to www.sparwomenschallenge.co.za

Photo credits: VAL ADAMSON

Top - When life tosses you lemons. Every lemon is a burst of sunshine, relishing the announcement of this year’s Most Beautiful Race are keen runner, Yolanda Bukani, Gugulethu Sokhela (Advertising Controller: SPAR KZN) and Eleanore Pillay (Special Promotions Manager: SPAR KZN); Entries are open for the Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge taking place on Sunday 28 June with the theme #CelebrateHer.

Below - Celebrating! Entries are open for the local running of South Africa’s Most Beautiful Race. This year’s theme for the Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge taking place on Sunday 28 June is #CelebrateHer. Getting in step at the announcement are Eleanore Pillay (Special Promotions Manager: SPAR KZN) and three-time Maritzburg SPAR Women’s Challenge and recent Cape Town SPAR Women’s Challenge winner Tayla Kavanagh (Hollywoodbets AC).

Chocolate is great, but stained glass catches the light forever! We are thrilled to announce our Easter lucky draw, featuring this stunning large stained glass bunny suncatcher.

How to enter:
Spend R400 in-store at Glass Cuttings, Piggly Wiggly by 6th April 2026
Drop your slip with your name and number in our lucky draw box
Cross your fingers!

𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙍400 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙩 = 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙣!

We’ll be drawing one lucky name just after the Easter weekend.

Pop into the shop at Piggly Wiggly, treat yourself to some beautiful glass art, and get your name in the box. Good luck!

Find us at Piggly Wiggly - Midlands

More info at www.glasscuttings.co.za

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙥 082 254 4798 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧!

The sun is rising later, soon the leaves will turn, and chilly mornings will be back!

There is no better feeling than slipping into plush sheepskin slippers as Autumn sets in. It’s the ultimate comfort for your feet.

Treat yourself to that warm, fuzzy feeling. Your toes will thank you!
R895.00 per pair - Made in SA

*Price valid March 2026

WhatsApp queries & orders on 𝟬𝟲𝟯 𝟭𝟱𝟳 𝟬𝟭𝟵𝟬

Call on 033 330 4129

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

NEURODIVERSITY AWARENESS WEEK 16 – 20 MARCH 2026

This year’s awareness week focused on the theme of “Celebrating our Neurodiversity”. The week included an informative presentation to our boys at assembly, highlighting our gifts and support of one another; as well as several discussion groups and opportunities to share and learn about Neurodiversity.

Mr Graeme Lucas-Bull, popular Mathematics teacher and coach, shared his own experiences and insights as a teacher and adult with ADHD, with helpful advice to the boys. Mr Greg Wynne (Pascoe, 1995) shared his experience of surviving a near-fatal stroke at the age of 21, and learning to live with the consequences; and Educational Psychologist, Natalie Hutton hosted a helpful Q&A discussion session.

The overriding message of celebrating our differences while belonging to an inter-connected Michaelhouse Community was highlighted with ‘funky sock’ day, which was supported by boys and staff alike.

Thanks, particularly, to our Head of Learning Support, Mrs Katherine Cass, for leading this initiative.

A great morning of bowls to celebrate St Patrick's Day thanks to our sponsors J Leslie Smith & Co. and Oakleigh Funeral Home.

A fun colourful day had by ALL. A special thank you to fellow bowlers from our local bowling clubs as well as our loyal members from UWBC.

Congratulations to our winners : Ed and Rusty (Top image)

Second Prize : Clive and Garth (Second image)

Plate Prize : Margie and Pippa

We welcome new players to UWBC. “Tabs in " times are Tuesday mornings 8 for 8:30 Wednesday afternoons 1 for 1:30 and Saturdays 1 for 1:30.

Forthcoming Sponsored Events in April
Halfway Toyota - 11 April
Business Day - 24 April

Contact Dave for further information at 073 178 9281 

Easter Travel Alert: Why ignoring fines could cost you more this long weekend

As millions of South Africans prepare to travel for the Easter long weekend, motorists are being urged to check their outstanding traffic fines before hitting the road.

Easter is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with increased traffic volumes on national highways and significantly higher police visibility through roadblocks, patrols and enforcement operations.

Barry Berman, CEO of Fines SA, says many motorists unknowingly travel with outstanding fines that can complicate their journey or result in higher costs if left unresolved.

“Enforcement increases significantly over Easter, with more frequent roadblocks and routine checks on licences, vehicle compliance and outstanding fines. Many motorists only realise they have unresolved fines when they are stopped,” he says. “Taking a few minutes to check your status beforehand can prevent unnecessary stress and additional penalties.”

He adds that unresolved fines can, in some cases, escalate to enforcement orders or warrants, carrying more serious consequences if flagged during a roadblock. This often happens where fines were missed, not received, or ignored due to concerns about scams. Using a verified platform such as Fines SA allows motorists to quickly check their status across multiple authorities and resolve any issues before travelling.

These authorities traditionally ramp up enforcement during long weekends to reduce accidents and encourage responsible driving behaviour.

Common checks at roadblocks include:
Driver’s licence validity
Vehicle roadworthiness
Licence disc compliance
Outstanding traffic fines
Speeding and distracted driving offences

With the continued rollout of automated enforcement technologies in South Africa, traffic authorities are also expanding the use of AI-powered camera systems capable of detecting offences such as mobile phone usage while driving and failure to wear seatbelts.

These systems are designed to improve road safety and increase compliance, but they also mean motorists are more likely to receive fines for behaviour that may previously have gone undetected.

According to Berman, long weekends often see a spike in certain violations, particularly as motorists travel long distances under time pressure. “The most common offences during holiday travel tend to include speeding, distracted driving, expired vehicle licences and failure to wear seatbelts,” he says.

“Many of these are easily avoidable, but when fines are ignored or forgotten, they can accumulate and create unnecessary financial and legal risk.”

Motorists should also be aware that South Africa is preparing for the broader implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system, which introduces a demerit point framework for traffic violations.

Under AARTO, drivers who repeatedly commit offences may accumulate demerit points that can ultimately lead to licence suspension.

“While AARTO is being introduced in phases, the direction of travel is clear: compliance will matter more than ever. Motorists who take a proactive approach, clearing outstanding fines, making use of early payment discounts and keeping their records clean, will be far better prepared for the realities of a demerit-based system.”

One of the most common issues motorists face is simply not knowing that they have outstanding fines. Traffic fines are issued by different municipalities and agencies, which means many drivers only discover them months later.

Platforms such as Fines SA allow motorists to quickly check their fine status across multiple authorities, access available early-payment discounts of up to 50% and resolve outstanding fines digitally.

Berman explains: “South Africans are increasingly turning to digital tools to manage traffic fines because the process can otherwise be fragmented and time-consuming. Checking your fines before travelling allows you to identify any issues early, resolve them quickly and access discounts that may reduce the overall cost.”

Berman recommends motorists take a few simple steps before travelling:

Check for any outstanding traffic fines

Ensure your driver’s licence and vehicle licence disc are valid

Confirm your vehicle is roadworthy

Plan for longer travel times to avoid speeding

Avoid using mobile phones while driving

“Most traffic fines are avoidable and easily managed when drivers stay informed,” he says.

“The goal is not just avoiding penalties, but rather to contribute to safer roads during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.”

Motorists can check their compliance status on verified platforms like the Fines SA portal at FinesSA.co.za or the Fines SA app on iOS, Android, and Huawei, helping them stay compliant in an increasingly digital enforcement environment.

About Fines SA
Fines SA is the #1 Smart Traffic Fine Platform, trusted by more than 2 million motorists and 50,000 fleet clients. With the country’s most comprehensive municipal network, verified payments, and settlement discounts of up to 50%, Fines SA makes paying fines simple, secure, and affordable.

Its cutting-edge app, available on iOS, Android, and Huawei, provides real-time visibility and readiness for the AARTO and Demerit system, delivering peace of mind, compliance, and savings for individuals and businesses. For fleets, Fines SA simplifies compliance, reduces costs, and provides nationwide reporting across 250+ municipalities.

Fines SA holds a 4.5-star Google rating from over 3,000 reviews, reflecting its reliability and customer trust.

For more information, visit the website.

Mark and Lorraine Meadows, the owners of Nightingales Home Based Caring Services, and Colleen Hoffman spent a morning at Amber Valley this past week where they enjoyed getting to meet the residents and introducing their services. The team expressed appreciation to the greater Ambers community for this great initiative.

For more information about Nigtingales, please call the office on 033 330 4313. Or chat directly with Mark 082 301 4270 or Lorraine 072 602 7505.

Great holiday fillers - Miles Kelly Picture Books! Get yours at Nuts About Books & Toys.

Visit 60 Main Street, Howick.

We hope you will be taking your favourite Big John Clothing Company gear along on your Easter adventures so we can keep you comfy every step of the way!

In between your fun weekend plans, find us at 40 Main Street:

Thurs: 8am - 1pm | Fri: CLOSED | Sat: 8am - 1pm | Sun: CLOSED | Mon: 8am - 1pm

We wish all our amazing customers safe travels on the roads and a beautiful, restful Easter weekend!

WhatsApp queries & orders on 𝟬𝟲𝟯 𝟭𝟱𝟳 𝟬𝟭𝟵𝟬

Call on 033 330 4129

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

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

5 Ways to Turn Your Kitchen into a Zero-Waste Zone

In most homes, the kitchen is where good intentions quietly go to waste. A bag of spinach forgotten at the back of the fridge. Leftovers that never get eaten. Vegetable peels and scraps that go straight into the bin without a second thought.

It adds up quickly.

With food prices rising and increased pressure on resources like water and energy, reducing what we throw away is becoming as much of a practical priority as an environmental one.

At Brahman Hills in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, sustainability has always been part of the bigger vision. As a destination shaped by nature and rooted in environmental stewardship, the team began rethinking its own kitchens several years ago as part of a broader commitment to reducing waste and taking care of the earth.

“When you operate at scale, waste becomes highly visible. And once you start seeing how much is being thrown away, it’s impossible to ignore, especially when you’re building a business with the next 100 years in mind,” says Brahman Hills Director, Onwaba Gonyora.

Over time, the award-winning destination has introduced several simple practices in its kitchens to reduce what is discarded and make better use of what it already has.

“Our approach isn’t complicated, but it is intentional. Most people don’t think twice about what goes into the bin, but when you start paying attention, you realise how much could’ve been used differently. The change doesn’t come from doing everything perfectly. It comes from making a few better decisions every day,” she says.

For households looking to move towards a zero-waste kitchen, Gonyora offers the following practical advice:

1. Use more of what you already have: A lot of kitchen waste happens simply because we lose track of what we already have. At home, it can be as simple as planning meals around ingredients that need to be used first, choosing versatile ingredients like butternut that can be roasted, blended into soup or used in fillings, and giving leftovers a second life in a new meal instead of letting them go to waste.

2. Be mindful about what you allow in your kitchen: A lot of kitchen waste starts before cooking even begins. Buying too much without a plan, choosing heavily packaged products, or overestimating what you’ll use in a week can all lead to waste.

3. Start a vegetable garden: Even a small vegetable garden can make a difference. It allows you to pick only what you need for a meal, which naturally cuts down on waste and encourages a more thoughtful way of cooking. And you can even regrow vegetables like potatoes, onions and celery from scraps!

4. Store food in a way that helps you use it: Food often goes to waste because it’s “out of sight, so out of mind”. Keep perishable items where you can see them, store food properly, and use your freezer for anything you're not going to use straight away.

5. Look for small ways to reuse instead of throwing away: Reducing waste often comes down to making better use of what you already have. Vegetable peels and scraps can be used for stock, leftovers can be frozen for another day, and if space allows, composting is another practical way to reduce waste while feeding your garden. The same principle applies to meat and chicken too. Rather than using only prime cuts, use the whole animal where possible. Nose-to-tail cooking helps ensure that more of each ingredient is used with intention, from bones for broths and stocks to other cuts for hearty meals or pie fillings.

Reducing kitchen waste does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul. It starts with paying attention, making small adjustments and building better habits over time.

“How we live today shapes the world we leave behind. If we want this earth to still provide for our children’s children, then we need to safeguard it now. That doesn’t always require big gestures. Often, it starts with something as simple as being more mindful in our own kitchens and choosing to support businesses that are doing the same,” Gonyora concludes.

To visit Brahman Hills and enjoy farm-to-fork food from its zero-waste kitchen, while seeing first-hand how The Serenity Garden is coming to life, go to: https://www.brahmanhills.co.za/

Twirl into holiday mode!

Our hand-tie-dyed sundresses are officially here! Crafted from a cotton-viscose blend, these are soft, breathable, and ready for adventure.

For ages: 1 to 10 years
Pricing: 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 R 235
7/8, 9/10 R 265

Proudly Made in SA 🇿🇦 & Unique: No two dresses are exactly alike!

We look forward to welcoming you at Piggly Wiggly - Midlands

Find more MUSHKA magic online www.mushka.co.za

Have questions? WhatsApp Robyn on 082 858 9262

In Loving Memory of Our Founder, Dr John R. Tungay

We remember with deep respect and gratitude the life and legacy of our founder, Dr John R. Tungay.

His commitment to the growth and development of his country, South Africa, was as unwavering as his dedication to education. He believed firmly that education was not only a pathway to personal success, but a powerful tool to uplift communities and build a stronger nation.

Dr Tungay’s vision went beyond the walls of the classroom. He worked tirelessly to create opportunities for young people, instilling in them the values of discipline, integrity, and perseverance. His passion for learning and his desire to see others succeed became the cornerstone of everything he built.

Through his leadership, he established an environment where both students and educators could thrive — a place rooted in purpose, guided by strong principles, and driven by excellence. His influence continues to be felt in every life touched by his work.

Those who knew him will remember not only his determination and leadership, but also his belief in people — his ability to see potential where others may not, and his willingness to invest in that potential.

Though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the strength of the institution he founded and in the countless individuals who continue to benefit from his vision.

May we honour his memory by continuing the work he so passionately began, and by striving each day to contribute to the growth and development of our country, just as he did.

Rest in peace, Dr Tungay. Your impact will never be forgotten.

The Memorial Service will be shared live online on Thursday, 26th March 2026, from 10.15am.

MEMORIAL DETAILS:

Date: 26 March

Time: 10:30

Venue: St. Luke's Church

Howick

Behind the scenes (and around the arenas) at Waterwoods this weekend for SANESA Qualifier 2

Early mornings, last-minute plaits, polishing tack, walking courses, and cheering from the sidelines, the moments you don’t always see are often the ones that make the day special.

From nervous warm-ups to proud smiles after a round, it’s all part of the journey.

Results from the weekend:

Jocelyn Ralfe riding Cosmos

• Dressage Level 2: 4th & 5th place
• Equitation Level 3: 1st place
• Showjumping Level 3: 1st place in both classes

Georgia-May Harris riding Stop For Nothing (Top image)

• Level 1 Showjumping: 1st place

Emma Falconer riding Legs Of Thunder gave it their best shot and gained valuable experience in the arena. (Image below)

Well done to all the riders who represented us with determination and great horsemanship. Thank you to the parents, coaches, grooms and supporters who keep everything running behind the scenes.

Happy horses, determined riders, and a lot of teamwork, that’s what weekends like this are all about.

OceanHub Africa (OHA) will launch its 5-year Impact Report at Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) 2026 in Durban on 23 March 2026.

This report reflects OceanHub Africa’s first five years of building a more regenerative and inclusive ocean economy in Africa, shaped by local entrepreneurs, stronger ecosystems, and coastal communities that can thrive alongside healthy marine environments. It shares what has been achieved, what has been built, and what is needed next to deepen and scale ocean impact across the continent.

From the beginning, OceanHub Africa’s belief has been simple: the Blue Economy must create value that stays in Africa. It must strengthen livelihoods, restore ecosystems, and unlock solutions rooted in local realities. While policy and research remain essential, OceanHub Africa has focused on entrepreneurship as a way to translate ideas into practical change with speed, adaptability, and proximity to real-world needs.

Over the past six years, OceanHub Africa’s work has focused on four strategic levers: enabling frameworks, capability development, enterprise-driven regeneration, and access to finance. Through this approach, OHA has supported 149 ocean-impact businesses, helping founders turn early ideas into stronger ventures while also building the partnerships and support structures that make the wider ecosystem more resilient.

“Rather than forcing a model the market was not ready for, we focused on building what was missing… OceanHub Africa evolved from a startup support initiative into a broader platform to support, connect and invest in Africa’s ocean-impact ecosystem.” - Alexis Grosskopf, Founder and CEO, OceanHub Africa

“Over the past five years, the impact has been measurable: ventures in our ecosystem have mobilised $20M+ in capital, women’s participation has increased from 24% to 61%, and our portfolio has created and sustained 1,700+ full-time blue jobs—proof that disciplined, tailored support can build real readiness and long-term potential.” - Herland Cerveaux, Managing Director, OceanHub Africa

With the launch of the Impact Report at OIA Durban, OceanHub Africa is bringing this momentum to the stage, sharing how an Africa-led ocean-impact ecosystem is growing, and what it will take to scale what has been proven.

Please come and support our raffle tomorrow (21 March 2026) at Piggly Wiggly, in-front of Glass Cuttings. All the money goes to buying wool to make more blankets. With Winter coming we are seriously knitting up a storm. Your donations are much appreciated!

Please note: Wool donations are also very welcome!

To find out more about this project chat to Gill on 082 254 4798 OR join in every Wednesday at Piggly Wiggly, and knit to do your bit!

At the KZN Triathlon Championships, Jason finished 6th overall (4th in his age group), while Kayleigh placed 9th overall and claimed 1st in her age group. They then travelled to Johannesburg to compete in the SA Cross Triathlon, where Jason delivered an outstanding performance to finish 2nd overall and 1st in his age group, and Kayleigh secured 3rd in her age group.

We are incredibly proud of Jason on his selection to the South African Youth Team for the African Triathlon Cup a truly special and well-deserved achievement.

Education is an Adventure!

For further information please visit www.treverton.co.za