From 25 August to 6 September 2026, the Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN) presents the 28th edition of JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, showcasing an international and national line-up of choreographers and companies at Durban's Sneddon Theatre, Square Space Theatre, Stable Theatre and the KZNSA Gallery.

Alongside its main stage programme, JOMBA! invites the dance community into the studio for a series of free workshops led by choreographers and companies featured on this year's festival programme.

These workshops give dancers direct access to the techniques, philosophies and creative processes of artists visiting Durban from South Africa, France, Nigeria/Ireland, Spain and Jamaica.

Presenting the workshops:

PJ Sabbagha (South Africa) - JOMBA!'s 2026 Legacy Artist leads an improvisation session built around listening: to the self, to others, and to the space itself.
Mamela Nyamza (South Africa) - fresh from her 2026 Silver Lion win at the Venice Biennale, Nyamza's "Body & Sound" workshop turns the body into an instrument of vocal and physical expression.
Vincent Mantsoe (France/South Africa) - shares his KOBA Technique, a "physical meditation" fusing traditional and contemporary movement in search of identity.
Mufutau Yusuf (Nigeria/Ireland) - leads "Your Own Groove," a playful, inclusive improvisation workshop open to dancers of all experience levels.
Iron Skulls Co. (Spain), with Tebby Ramasike - Diego Garrido, Moisés "Moe" Gordo Gómez and Ramasike guide participants through the meeting point of Theatrical Breakin' and Afro-Butoh, set to live music.
Dr L'Antoinette Stines (Jamaica) - the creator of L'Antech, the first Anglo-Caribbean dance technique, leads a class rooted in Kumina, Bruckins, Nyabinghi, Dancehall and other ancestral forms, accompanied by L'Acadco dancers and drummers.

Two further closed sessions round out the programme: Ugandan dance artist Joseph Tebandeke works with UKZN's third-year dance students on access and belonging in dance practice, and the Introdans Education Team (Netherlands) shares its dance education methods with Edgewood Campus trainee teachers and with youth from the KwaMashu School of Dance Theatre.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Venue: UKZN Howard College Campus, Drama and Performance Studies - Dance Studio

1.Wednesday, 26 August: 4.30 - 6pm: PJ Sabbagha (South Africa) - improvisation workshop

2.Thursday, 27 August: 4.30 - 6pm: Mamela Nyamza (South Africa) - "Body & Sound"

3.Friday, 28 August: 4.30 - 6pm: Vincent Mantsoe (France/South Africa - Image below) - KOBA Technique

4.Saturday, 29 August: 10 - 11.30am: Mufutau Yusuf (Nigeria/Ireland) - "Your Own Groove"

5.Tuesday, 1 September: 4.30 - 6pm: Iron Skulls Co. (Spain), with Tebby Ramasike

6.Wednesday, 2 September: 4.30 - 6pm: Dr L'Antoinette Stines (Jamaica - Top image) - L'Antech technique, with L'Acadco dancers and drummers

All open workshops are free of charge, but booking is essential and spaces are limited. Bookings can be made through Thobile Maphanga at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Open workshops are for dancers aged 16 and older.

More info about JOMBA! can be found on the website here: https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/

MTB Champion, Jason Keough competed in the Underberg Gran Fondo 2026 which doubled as the KZN Gravel Championships on Saturday, 25 July 2026. Despite the start of the race being bitterly cold, Jason was the first rider home overall in the 45km event.

He also raced in the Illovo Eston Trail Challenge Classic on Sunday, 2 August 2026 where he was the 3rd rider home overall in the 40km event out of 212 finishers over the distance.

Age Quod Agis, Jason!

What would we do without our amazing sponsors! Our PRO 10, Two BOWL Trip Competition was held on Friday 31 July 2026 was sponsored by Mozambik Howick and The Spice Box.

A great morning of bowls was held with fellow bowlers from our local bowling clubs as well as our loyal members from UWBC, who ventured out in the cold.

Congratulations to our Winners: Margie Salter, Phil Lang & Pippa Griffin - pictured here.

Second Prize went to Craig Whitby, Colin Burden & Rob Andrew and the Plate Prize went to Koos Marais, Rob Lolli & Wendy Lolli

We welcome new players to UWBC. “Tabs in “ times are Tuesday mornings 8:30 for 9:00 Wednesday afternoons 13:00 for 13:30 and Saturdays 13:00 for 13:30.

Forthcoming Sponsored event : JLS - Please save the date, 18 August 2026.

Contact Dave for further information at 073 178 9281

Treverton College is celebrating an outstanding international sporting achievement after learners Jayden Davis and Jason Reineke secured an impressive top-10 finish at the prestigious Adventure Racing World Series in Canada.

Competing against some of the world's strongest adventure racing teams, the duo demonstrated exceptional determination, resilience and teamwork throughout the gruelling competition. After finishing Day 1 in 10th place, they surged to 6th on Day 2 before crossing the finish line in an outstanding 8th place overall – a remarkable achievement on the global stage.

Their performance reflects the values that Treverton College strives to instil in every learner: courage, perseverance, sportsmanship and the willingness to push beyond perceived limits.

Commenting on their achievement, Treverton College said:

"Great adventures don't happen by chance – they're earned through courage, grit and teamwork.

From 10th on Day 1, to 6th on Day 2 and an outstanding 8th overall at the Adventure Racing World Series in Canada, Jason and Jayden showed exactly what determination looks like.

Your commitment, resilience and sportsmanship have made the entire Treverton family incredibly proud. Well done, boys – what a result!"

The entire Treverton community congratulates Jason and Jayden on representing both the College and South Africa with distinction, proving that dedication, teamwork and resilience can deliver extraordinary results on the world stage.

Education is an Adventure!

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

Although the election of the new 2026/2027 Management Committee was the formal order of business, it was conducted efficiently and swiftly at the uMngeni SPCA Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 25 July. For the third consecutive year, Howick Preparatory School generously made its hall and excellent facilities available for the meeting, for which the Society is sincerely grateful.

The proceedings were expertly guided by accomplished Master of Ceremonies Mary Webb, a dedicated events volunteer who is well known locally for her engaging and witty public presentations inspired by the many countries she has travelled to and lived in.

The Society's leadership remains strong, with Monika Holst re-elected as Chairperson, supported by Vice-Chairperson Vanessa Remmington, Treasurer Angela Ferguson, and Secretary Linda Brown.

Ashley Brown stepped down after two years of dedicated service, during which he applied his extensive human resources expertise to the comprehensive development and implementation of organisational processes, protocols, and procedures. His meticulous work has laid a solid foundation for the Society's future growth.

Margaret Kruger has taken on the newly created Inspectorate Development portfolio, while Daniel van den Heever has joined the committee to oversee Technical Support.

Presentations highlighted both the challenges and significant achievements of the past two financial years, covering the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2026. Members heard about major infrastructure improvements, ongoing staff development, and the successful integration of new retail systems designed to improve profitability and strengthen stock control.

Looking ahead, the Society will continue to invest in developing its Veterinary Clinic, under the leadership of Dr. Margie Gatley-Roach, as a sustainable income stream to support the SPCA's kennel, cattery, inspectorate, and community outreach programmes.

Treasurer Angela Ferguson's financial report revealed an encouraging turnaround, with the Society moving from operating at a loss to achieving a balanced budget. A particularly welcome highlight was the announcement of an exceptionally generous donation, which has enabled the committee to begin investing a portion of the funds toward building a long-term financial reserve to strengthen the organisation's sustainability.

The committee also appealed for volunteers with skills or an interest in human resources, event management, and assisting in the Society's charity shops.
Throughout the meeting, one message resonated above all others: heartfelt gratitude to the uMngeni community for its unwavering support of its local and much-loved SPCA.

As Chairperson Monika Holst so aptly summed up the Society's purpose:
"Everything we do is for the animals."

On Saturday, 8th August, the Hilton Rotunda, will once again, play host to the Pietermaritzburg Orchid Society’s annual winter show.

There will be an orchid display, plant sales and a raffle.

Knowledgeable and experienced POS members will be on hand, to answer all your questions, on, growing, planting, splitting, feeding, pests, repotting and general caring for your orchids.

Open from 9am till 2pm, entrance is free.

Defending champs set sights on Pan Pacific Championships as countdown to next aQuellé Midmar Mile continues

As Team South Africa’s swimmers begin their Commonwealth Games campaigns in Glasgow tomorrow, reigning aQuellé Midmar Mile champions Callan Lotter (Top) and Matthew Caldwell (Below) are putting the finishing touches to their preparations for another major international assignment.

The pair have been selected to represent South Africa at the Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, California, from 12-15 August, marking another significant milestone in the careers of two of the country's brightest distance swimming talents.

Lotter is looking forward to competing at the prestigious event for the first time.

"It will be my first Pan Pacific Championships and I'm extremely excited," said Lotter. "It's a huge opportunity to race against some of the best swimmers in the world and gain valuable international experience while representing South Africa."

The 2026 aQuellé Midmar Mile champion believes the opportunity to compete in California will also provide valuable experience ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

"Being able to compete in California gives me experience with the travel, time zone, environment and overall international racing atmosphere, which will be valuable preparation for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028."

Lotter will contest the 10km open water race as well as the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle events in the pool.

Winner of this year’s men’s title at Midmar, Caldwell, meanwhile, is equally excited about making his Pan Pacific debut.

"It's my first time competing at Pan Pacs. I am over the moon to be going there," said Caldwell. "It's a very big competition for me and just to be racing the top athletes is very, very cool. I can learn a lot from it."

The Joburg swimmer also said the prospect of racing in the same region that will host the next Olympic Games adds further significance to the trip.

"It'll be very good to be that side and just experiencing how everything works, so it's not a big shock when two years come by."

Caldwell will compete in the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle events.

Training through the chilly winter months has been tough, but both swimmers explained that having something to work towards makes all the difference.

"Training has been going really well," said Lotter. "The winter months are definitely challenging, but we've stayed consistent and focused on the bigger picture."

Caldwell echoed those sentiments, adding: "Once you've got a goal in mind, it just makes it a lot easier to be training through the cold mornings, cold afternoons."

For aspiring swimmers hoping to follow in their footsteps, and those looking to simply enjoy a social swim, entries for the 2027 aQuellé Midmar Mile are already open. Swimmers eager to secure their place on the start line can take advantage of the discounted early-bird entry fee of R329, which will be available until 29 July 2026.

The world's largest open water swimming event will once again bring together elite athletes, recreational swimmers and first-time participants at Midmar Dam from 11-14 February next year, offering swimmers of all ages and abilities the chance to be part of one of South Africa's most celebrated sporting traditions.

“Midmar is always a major goal, so the build-up will involve a strong training block,” said Lotter, with Caldwell adding: “From December I’ll be building up until Midmar. I’m very excited to be racing there again.”

For online entries, head to: https://enter.midmarmile.com/

Photo credit: Action Photo SA

𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺!

https://forms.gle/ndtJeR22NNF5ATg87
🔝Click on the link above to register your attendance.

𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗳𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗦𝗩𝗣 & 𝘄𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗻𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗴𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀, 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗔𝗪𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆.

📅Saturday 25th July 2026 from 12h30
📍Venue: Howick Prep School, 56 Harvard, Street, Howick
❗️RSVP for catering by Wednesday 22nd July

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

For more information: WhatsApp or call Linda Brown on 📞078 780 7851

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 - We look forward to welcoming you!

Samuel and Joshua Harris played for the South African U20 Open team in the World Junior Ultimate Frisbee Championships in Spain during the school holiday. Samuel was selected as a co-captain of the team.

In very hot conditions of over 40°C, the team came back from losing the first 5 games to win 3 in a row and narrowly lose to The Netherlands 13-12 in their final game.

They won the Gold Spirit Award, which is an incredible honour of sportsmanship. This is awarded on the basis of scores from each team who played against them and measures attitude, fairness and communication.

We congratulate Samuel and Joshua on this outstanding achievement - Age Quod Agis!

What if the items sitting unused in your office or home could help change someone's life?

At Sunfield Howick, donations to our Sunfield Shop help raise valuable funds that support adults with intellectual impairments, providing opportunities for meaningful activities, personal growth and a caring community they proudly call home.

Why not turn your next workplace initiative into something truly meaningful?

Invite your colleagues to donate quality pre-loved clothing, household goods, books, décor or office items, then bring everything together as a workplace collection drive.

Together, you can:
- Support a local NPO
- Give quality items a second life
- Build team spirit through giving
- Make a lasting difference in your community

Every donation—big or small—helps create brighter opportunities for our residents.

Ready to get involved? Call 033 330 2094 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

HUGE WIN FOR KZN MIDLANDS WILDLIFE!

​We have some incredible, heart-warming news to share with our community!

On July 30, 2026, the Howick Magistrate’s Court delivered a landmark ruling proving that South Africa's conservation laws are actively guarding our precious animals before tragedy strikes!

​ The Best Part? Not a Single Animal Was Harmed!

Most wildlife court cases happen after an animal has been lost, but this story has a victory-filled ending. Four individuals were convicted under Section 42(2) of the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Ordinance after entering private conservation land unlawfully with 16 hunting dogs.

​Thanks to swift intervention, the law stepped in before any harm could come to our local wildlife, including protected species like the endangered Oribi and Reedbuck!

​Quick Highlights of the Court Ruling
​Location: Howick Magistrates Court.
​The Conviction: All four individuals were convicted for unlawful hunting activity and entering private land with intent to hunt.
​The Sentence: Each person received a fine of R8,000 or 12 months' imprisonment (with half the sentence suspended for 5 years), along with strict legal conditions banning them from returning to the property.
​The Big Picture: Our legal system showed that you don't need a lost animal to enforce the law, intent and unlawful entry are enough to protect our natural heritage!
​Why This Means So Much to the Midlands:
Keeping our countryside safe and vibrant is a giant team effort!

From dedicated farmers and private landowners who spend decades protecting wildlife, to rangers, investigators, prosecutors, and caring citizens everyone plays a part.

This judgment sends an encouraging, positive message across KwaZulu-Natal: prevention is the ultimate conservation victory!

​How YOU Can Help Keep KZN Wildlife Safe
Spread the Word: Share this post to celebrate local conservation victories and raise awareness!
Be the Eyes and Ears: If you observe illegal hunting or suspicious activity on private or protected land, report immediately
Lions River Honorary Officers reporting line: 0657731532.
Support Local Conservation: Let’s keep working together to ensure our hills and forests remain a safe haven for wild animals for generations to come!

Together, we are making a real difference!

Spread the good news!

28th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience Honours Three Giants of South African Contemporary Dance

Three of South Africa's most influential dance voices PJ Sabbagha, Mamela Nyamza and Vincent Mantsoe, feature at the 28th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience this year, each bringing decades of artistic courage and innovation to the Durban stage.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal's Centre for Creative Arts presents the 28th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, a thirteen-day celebration of world-class contemporary dance running from 25 August to 6 September 2026. This year's festival is curated around the theme Choreographies of Activism: Moving Bodies as Disruptive Presencing.

Each year JOMBA! celebrates a South African artist whose contribution has fundamentally reshaped the country's dance landscape. The festival opens on Tuesday 25 August with 2026 JOMBA! Legacy Artist PJ Sabbagha’s work Noah. Choreographer, curator and arts activist, founder and Artistic Director of the Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative, PJ Sabbagha has, for more than three decades, taken dance beyond urban centres and into rural communities, through initiatives including the Ebhudlweni Arts Centre and the internationally respected My Body My Space Rural Public Arts Festival. As part of the Legacy celebration, audiences will experience Noah, the concluding chapter of Sabbagha's acclaimed Noah trilogy - a multimedia dance-theatre work reflecting on climate crisis, loss, memory and survival through the metaphor of the biblical flood.

Past JOMBA! Legacy Artist Mamela Nyamza returns to the festival hot off receiving the prestigious Silver Lion for Dance at the 2026 Venice Biennale, one of the highest honours in international contemporary dance. Nyamza brings her new ensemble work THE HERD/LESS to JOMBA!, a visually arresting meditation on community, conformity, vulnerability and survival. Known for her fearless, politically incisive choreographic language, Nyamza's return confirms her place as one of Africa's most important contemporary artists.

Internationally celebrated choreographer and performer Vincent Mantsoe joins the Legacy line-up with his new solo, Desert Poems. Mantsoe's deeply embodied practice has long bridged ancestral knowledge with contemporary performance, and this intimate new work offers a meditation on endurance, spirituality and transformation - reaffirming why he remains one of South Africa's most respected dance artists on the world stage.

All three artists will also lead free public workshops during the festival, giving Durban's dance community direct access to some of the country's most significant choreographic minds. Booking for workshops is essential.

Audiences can look forward to a rare convergence of three defining voices in South African contemporary dance with their works reflecting decades of artistic courage, activism and innovation. This is an unmissable opportunity to experience South African dance at its most powerful.

The festival hosts talks, panel discussions, workshops, performances and residencies.

For more information got to www.jomba.ukzn.ac.za. To book for performances, go to . Special full festival passes at a discounted rate are available. To book for workshops email: Thobile Maphanga on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SPRAYING ABOVE ITS WEIGHT

Whether he's making crucial turnovers on the rugby field or managing the day-to-day demands of a farm in Dullstroom, Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith knows the value of versatility.

At Kareekraal, Kwagga's working farm and home to several guest cottages, every day brings a different set of demands. From maintaining the land to keeping guest areas in top condition, he relies on equipment that can adapt as quickly as the work requires.

"The principle is simple," says Kwagga. "A piece of equipment earns its place by how often it can be put to work. There's always something that needs attention on a farm, so the most valuable tool is a versatile one that can be used for more than one task across different areas of the property."

He points to sprayers as a prime example: an essential piece of agricultural kit that earns its keep well beyond a single job,

Kwagga shares three jobs his Husqvarna battery sprayer helps him tackle:

1. First line of Defence

When guests arrive expecting fresh country air and peaceful surroundings, the last thing they want is unwelcome pests turning a relaxing retreat into a swatting match. Targeted treatments sprayed around the cottages create a protective barrier that reduces the chance of any uninvited visitors making their way inside, while also helping to deter any from entrances, patios, and walkways.

A sprayer also allows precise pest-control application, focusing only where it's needed and avoiding unnecessary treatment of the surrounding area.

2. Protecting the Harvest

Healthy crops don't happen by chance. Producing a quality harvest takes careful management throughout the growing season, and sprayers play an important role. Smith uses his for a range of treatments: from weed control to those that help protect his pecan and walnut trees against pests and disease.

And because these applications differ, so do their requirements. While using the right nozzle and pressure is essential for effective spraying, technique matters as much as the equipment itself. From correctly mixing products according to the label to spraying in suitable weather conditions, every step contributes to the best possible result.

3. Setting the boundaries

Overgrown vegetation along fences doesn't just look untidy; it also makes routine inspections and maintenance harder than necessary. And as the Dullstroom area sits in one of South Africa's most fire-prone regions, left unchecked, it becomes a genuine fire hazard come the dry season.

Kwagga uses his sprayer to apply herbicide along fence lines, helping to keep vegetation under control and reducing the risk of fire. This forms part of the farm's wider fire management plan carried out in line with local regulations and environmental requirements.

Game Ready

“Always check for leaks and inspect the nozzles for wear before using your sprayer,” he advises. “And cleaning it properly afterwards will help prevent residue, blockages and cross-contamination between different treatments. It also keeps the sprayer working reliably and may even extend its working life.”

For Kwagga, getting the most out of your gear starts with choosing wisely in the first place. "The best recommendations come from experience," he says. "My father used Husqvarna on his farm before me, and now I do too. That's experience I trust."

Click on the link to watch the full video on how Kwagga Smith puts his Husqvarna battery-powered sprayer to work across his farm: Husqvarna_AUG7.mp4

And for more information on Husqvarna’s range of sprayers, visit: https://www.husqvarna.com/za/sprayers/

Just Geekin' brings Dungeons & Dragons, Cosplay and E-Sports to the 34th Hilton Arts Festival

Geek Culture gets its own stage this August, with tabletop gaming, an Artist's Alley, a cosplay competition and more - running all weekend at Hilton College.

Geek Culture is officially joining the programme at this year's Hilton Arts Festival. Just Geekin' , a brand-new addition to the 34th Hilton Arts Festival, from 7 to 9 August 2026 at Hilton College, bringing three days of tabletop roleplaying, Esports gaming, cosplay and comics to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

Curated by award-winning, multidisciplinary South African graffiti and hip hop artist, poet, and activist Ewok (aka Iain Robinson) and well-known artist and musician Daniel Sheldon, the Just Geekin’ Festival hopes to attract a new audience of creative thinkers, gamers, artists and performers.

Just Geekin’ takes place in the Hilton Theatre complex, with a packed 3 days programme that includes:

Tabletop Roleplaying Games, including Dungeons & Dragons sessions for new and experienced players

The Artist's Alley, showcasing comic and concept art from local creators

E-Sports Tournaments, and free-play stations (entry fees apply for play) in collaboration with Konke Gamers, led by Durban-based gamer and adaptive surfer, David Williams. Konke creates accessible spaces for people with disabilities, bringing adaptive controllers and accessible gaming setups to disabled gamers. Williams teams up with the festival to champion esports for people with disabilities, opening up competitive gaming to a community too often left out of it.

Celebrity Games - with local celebrities (experienced or not) will try their hand at Tabletop Roleplaying Games- including whacky musician Veranda Panda, theatre personalities radio presenter from PlayZN Keri Miller, and Steven Stead. These games can be viewed from arena styled seating or watch on the big screen at the fest or on Twitch .

A Cosplay Masquerade in partnership with GES-Cosplay, on Sunday 9 August, is open to all (experienced pros, beginners, adults, children and the elderly too) - with incredible prizes to be won. These include goodies from the Just Geekin’ Market, a Les Gateaux voucher, and tickets to ICON Durban, the Renfaire Hellfire Gala and to the rAge Expo.

A comic book launch, film screening, workshops and discussions as well as various live art activations and a rotating line-up of other geekin’ activities.

Young Gunz and Trail Blazers is an opportunity for artists between the ages of 12 and 23 to attend and exhibit at the festival, with prizes including an Inscape Graphic Design course, courses from Dweba School, and a signed comic book . This is through a partnership with Dweba School – the online school for artists and creators, that will also be doing hands-on workshops and giveaways, including illustration courses, sticker packs,digital drawing tablets. Just Geekin' @ The Hilton Arts Festival, is curated for newcomers and lifelong enthusiasts in equal measure, offering a complete Geek Culture experience including a Geek Market for geek-styled retail therapy within one of South Africa’s most established cultural calendar events.

A ticket unlocks a whole day. Day tickets are R75, with a full weekend pass available for R100, and both grant access to the Geek Lounge with a variety of activities, with no restriction on coming and going as you please. Additional ticketed activations and add-ons will be available in the Geek Lounge as well.

Follow for updates and programme on social media:

Instagram: justgeekinza

Facebook: Just-Geekin

Website: https://hiltonfestival.co.za/geekin/

For participant, vendor and media enquiries, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Top: Just Geekin’ @ Hilton Arts Festival is curated by award-winning, multidisciplinary South African graffiti and hip hop artist, poet, and activist Ewok (aka Iain Robinson) (right) and well-known artist and musician Daniel Sheldon (left), the Just Geekin’ Festival hopes to attract a new audience of creative thinkers, gamers, artists and performers.  In centre is Durban-based gamer and adaptive surfer, David Williams of Konke Gamers who is collaborating with the festival bringing adaptive controllers and accessible gaming setups to disabled gamers.

Brahman Hills has once again been honoured with the Renewable Efficiency & Green Initiatives Award at the KZN Top Business Awards, marking its second consecutive win in the category.

The recognition reflects the work already taking place across the property, where Brahman Hills invests in renewable energy, manages water responsibly, reduces waste, protects biodiversity and continues to find better ways to care for the land it calls home.

According to Onwaba Gonyora, Director at Brahman Hills, sustainability is woven into the daily rhythm of how the property operates, grows and welcomes its guests.

“Here, sunlight becomes energy. Food waste is transformed into nourishment for the soil. Water is carefully collected, recycled and returned to the gardens. Bees move between blossoms, supporting the living ecosystems that make the property a sanctuary for people and nature alike,” she says.

“For us, sustainability isn’t a side project. It’s part of how we believe exceptional hospitality should be experienced: with care, intention and respect for the natural beauty of the Midlands.”

That care can be felt across the estate, but it can also be measured. Brahman Hills:

Operates 85% off-grid through solar energy
Saves an estimated 477 tonnes of CO₂ annually
Harvests rainwater and recycles greywater
Composts more than 1,200 kilograms of organic waste each year, sourced from kraal manure and food byproducts
Organic gardens are mulched from a combination of chicken litter and recycled leaves
Has replaced more than 36,000 plastic bottles with glass alternatives
Has reduced guest-room water usage by up to 50% through water-saving showers
Has planted more than 1,500 trees
Chosen as the second site for the Sigma Tourism & Travel Green Lung model, launched in May 2026
Has established 12 active handcrafted, Zulu hut-inspired beehives that support biodiversity
This long-term commitment is also shaping the Serenity Garden, a 22-hectare conservation, wellness and eco-tourism project currently under development at Brahman Hills.

At its heart will be what is expected to become the world’s largest labyrinth, creating a landmark space for reflection, healing and reconnection with nature. The development is designed to strengthen biodiversity, support pollinator populations and create lasting environmental, social and economic value.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate that sustainability at Brahman Hills is not theoretical. It is lived each day across energy, water, waste, food, biodiversity and the guest experience.

Gonyora says the award belongs to the team whose dedication turns this belief into action every day, as well as to the guests and partners who support a more responsible way of experiencing nature.

“Every solar panel, water system, beehive, tree and garden bed is carried forward by a team committed to finding better ways to care for the land Brahman Hills calls home. This commitment reaches beyond reducing our impact. It’s about caring for this land so that, 100 years from now, it remains a thriving sanctuary of serenity, wellness and excellence for our children’s children.”

“A special thank you to KZN Top Business for this meaningful recognition. We are incredibly grateful for the platform it provides to highlight the importance of businesses finding better, more responsible ways to operate,” Gonyora concludes.

To discover more about Brahman Hills and its sustainability journey, visit www.brahmanhills.co.za.

A big thank you to J Leslie Smith and Oakleigh Funeral Home, who co-sponsored UWBC 2- 4- 2 Bowls competition on Tuesday 21 July 2026.

A great morning of bowls was held with fellow bowlers from our local bowling clubs as well as our loyal members from UWBC, who ventured out in the cold.

Congratulations to our winners: Cathy & Megan

Second Prize went to Dennis & Rick.

Third Prize to Heather & Caryn.

And the Plate Prize went to Stephanie & Sharon.

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 event : PRO 10 - Please save the date - 31 July 2026.

Contact Dave for further information at 073 178 9281

UPDATE: HOW TO LOG YOUR SIGHTINGS!
​Midlands community, the wait is over! Following up on our previous announcement for the upcoming National Crane Census (24–27 July 2026), we now have the exact details on how you can get involved and safely report your sightings, as shared in the official flyer image.

​Whether you spot a majestic Blue Crane, an endangered Grey Crowned Crane, or a rare Wattled Crane, here is exactly how you can make your count matter.
​
What to Record
​When you spot a crane, please make sure to note down the following three key pieces of information:
​Species: (Blue Crane, Wattled Crane, or Grey Crowned Crane)
​Location: (As precise as possible)
​Estimated Number: (And any other interesting observations, like behavior or safety hazards)
​
How to Submit Your Data
​The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) has made it incredibly easy to submit your citizen science findings.
Choose the method that works best for you:
​via WhatsApp: Send your details directly to +27 60 086 9053 (or scan the QR code on the official flyer image)
​via Email: Drop a line with your sightings to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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A Note on Privacy: Rest assured that your personal details and the exact locations of your sightings will remain strictly private and will safely be used solely to support crucial crane conservation efforts.
​
Get those binoculars dusted off, keep your eyes on the skies and fields, and let's help the Endangered Wildlife Trust and the International Crane Foundation get the clearest picture yet of our beautiful crane populations.
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As the Lions River Honorary Officers of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, we thank you in advance for your incredible community spirit. Every single count matters!

Home is more than a place to live—it's a place to belong.

At Sunfield Howick, our homes are filled with friendship, encouragement, and compassionate support. Here, residents become part of a caring community where they are known, respected, and celebrated for who they are.

We believe everyone deserves a place to feel safe, valued, and truly at home.