Teenage sensation Pieter Coetzé came within just a few splits of a medal in the 100m backstroke at the World Short Course Championships in Melbourne on Wednesday. He nevertheless managed to set another African record on his way to fourth place.

The 18-year-old had lowered the continental mark to 49.85 in the semifinal on Tuesday and went even quicker in the final, setting a new record of 49.60, just eight hundredths of a second behind bronze medallist Isaac Cooper of Australia.

The race was won American Ryan Murphy in a new championship record of 48.50 – Murphy becoming the second fastest swimmer in the history of the event – while Italian Lorenzo Mora took the silver in 49.04.

Later in the evening Chad le Clos finished fifth in the 50m butterfly final. The 30-year-old, who boasts an incredible 18 world short course medals, is not known for the sprint distances, rather focusing on the 100 and 200m butterfly, but still managed to make it to the final.

Le Clos had a problem with his swimsuit just before the start of the race and reached the 25m turn in eighth place. That left too much to do in the second 25m and he finished fifth in 22.11.

The race was won by 42-year-old two-time defending champion Nicholas Santos of Brazil in a championship record time of 21.78. Switzerland’s Noe Ponti took the silver in 21.96 and Hungary’s Szebasztian Szabo the bronze in 21.98.

Earlier in the day, double Commonwealth Games gold medallist Lara van Niekerk, who is making a return to international competition after foot surgery, was the only South African to progress through the morning heats. The 19-year-old powered to victory in her 100m breaststroke heat in a speedy 1:03.93 to qualify second fastest for the semifinals, coming within four hundredths of a second of Tatjana Schoenmaker’s national and continental record.

Van Niekerk was slightly slower in her semifinal, finishing joint second in 1:04.36 to qualify joint fifth fastest for Thursday’s final.

“It was quite cold, but I just tried to stay as warm as possible,” said Van Niekerk from an unseasonably chilly Melbourne. “I think this morning my stroke was a bit more relaxed. I think I rushed a bit tonight [in the semifinal] so tomorrow I’ll just try and have that long, relaxed stroke again… It’s going to take a 1:03 to medal,” she added.

Meanwhile, Stephanie Houtman won the opening heat of the women’s 800m freestyle in 8:39.15 which saw her finishing 15th overall in the event.

Cailtin de Lange was 28th in the 100m freestyle in 54.47 and Clayton Jimmie finished 40th overall in the men’s 100m freestyle in 48.09.

Swimming action resumes on Thursday and continues until Sunday, 18 December.

Photo credit: FINA

Your OLARM App which allows you remote access and control over tour home alarm system, can now be linked to your house sitter for time-based access. This ensure that you can monitor the status of your alarm even while you’re away.

Contact Knight Security Solutions to check if your alarm system is compatible with the OLARM App and for any upgrades on your current system.

You can also contact our KSS Management Team for any other information on:
Gary (Owner): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 082 8947 628
Renee (Business Manager): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 063 2921 240
Sashen (Manager Technical): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 082 6736 773
Pat (Manager Operations): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 082 6132 995
Local 24/7 Control Room: 033 330 5911

Get your free 10 POINT SAFETY CHECK at Mr X-haust and Mr Tyre at 3 Quarry Road, Hilton AND take advantage of the instore XMAS TYRE SPECIALS.

 

Mr X-haust Mr Tyre Hilton offers the following services; Supply and Fitment of New Tyres, Wheel Balancing, Wheel Alignment, Puncture Repairs, Exhaust Repairs and Replacment, Shock Absorbers, Brake Repairs and Replacement and Suspension Repairs.

 

 

Pietermaritzburg Ophthalmologist, Dr Nicholas Davey, is at the leading edge of vision correction.

Dr Davey, owner of Midlands Eye and Laser Surgery will perform the first eye laser surgery in Pietermaritzburg using industry leading laser technology (Schwind Amaris Refractive Laser) that offers the safest and most high precision treatment available worldwide.

After qualifying as an ophthalmologist (Eye Surgeon/Specialist) , Dr Davey worked as a consultant eye surgeon for a year in Durban. It was then that Dr Davey was awarded two subspeciality fellowships in cornea and refractive laser eye surgery. The first fellowship, under the mentorship of European leader in modern laser eye Surgery, Professor Aslanides at Emmetropia Mediterranean Eye institute in Crete, Greece. The second Fellowship was under the mentorship of Professor Simon Holland at The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.

Having trained with world leaders in eye surgeries at leading institutions, Dr Davey has also attended multiple international conferences in modern eye surgery.

Dr Davey is a specialist in Laser Eye surgery, which is a modern, cost effective, fast, low risk, vison correction procedure during which a modern laser is used to precisely reshape the cornea within a few minutes, providing clear vision, eliminating a person’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

This procedure often corrects common conditions which result in blurry vision such as farsightedness (hyperopia), near-sightedness (myopia), astigmatism (irregular cornea) and presbyopia. ‘The laser will provide our patients and communities with more options to correct vision’ , says Dr Davey.

Laser vision correction, over a lifetime, is nine times safer than wearing contact lenses.

From a cost perspective over 10 to 15 years of wearing spectacles and contact lenses, it is cheaper to have a once off laser procedure. Laser Eye Surgery is a proven way to drastically improve your quality of life, especially for people with an active lifestyle.

Laser Eye surgery candidates receive thorough diagnostic screening using highly specialized equipment.

Dr Davey has a private practice at Pietermaritzburg Mediclinic Hospital in Payn Street and Essen Day Hospital in Ladysmith, KZN.

Pictured here top, left to right: Jackie Swanepoel, Jackie Van De Venter, Shantal Kumar and Dr Nicholas Davey.

Over 1000 swimmers from 180 countries will converge on Melbourne, Australia next week for the 16th edition of the World Short Course Swimming Championships from 13-18 December.

Among them will be a team of 14 South African hopefuls, looking to make their mark after the majority of them were denied the opportunity at the same event last year because of the Covid travel ban imposed on the country at the time.

The only South African, in a drastically reduced team of four swimmers, to reach the podium at last year’s Championships was veteran Chad le Clos.

Le Clos just missed out on a fifth consecutive World Short Course Championships gold in the 100m butterfly in 2021, finishing second behind Italian Matteo Rivolta. He’ll be looking to get his hands back on that crown next week, along with the 200m butterfly, which he has won three times at these championships, but claimed a bronze last time out.

The 30-year-old star has recently switched his training base to Germany and produced a promising performance in the FINA World Cup series. He surpassed the 150-mark in career World Cup gold medals and finished third overall in the 2022 series.

“I think Berlin was a huge World Cup for me to get the confidence back, especially that first 100 fly when I went 48.5 [seconds]. It’s one of the best times I’ve done in six years so it was a huge, huge confidence boost,” said Le Clos of his recent performance.

“There was a change in me … just in the way that I approach races now, it’s kind of like the old style of Chad, not swimming like a desperate man. In the last two years, because I had such a bad run outside the pool, I just felt like I had a point to prove to everybody and I think that was hurting my performance… when it’s better just to focus on what you’re good at and not be so desperate about it.

“I would be very happy with two medals in Melbourne. I haven’t been world champion in four years so of course the dream is to be world champion – I’d be very grateful,” added Le Clos who has an incredible record of 10 gold medals at the World Short Course Championships since winning his first in 2010. He’ll be competing in the 50, 100 and 200m butterfly next week.

Meanwhile, also looking to reach the podium in Melbourne will be 19-year-old Matt Sates, who won the overall title in last year’s FINA World Cup series and finished fifth this year.

“I am feeling good heading into Melbourne. I love racing short course and I think the past two years have given me a lot of experience and so I am more comfortable knowing how to race each event,” added the Maritzburg swimmer who will be competing in the 200 and 400m freestyle and the 200 and 400m individual medley.

Two more teenagers who burst onto the international scene this year are also hoping to be in the mix in Melbourne – Lara van Niekerk and Pieter Coetzé, both of whom topped the podium at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Van Niekerk has since had foot surgery and only just returned to training but is relishing the chance to get back to racing.

“Training has been going well – I made sure to listen to the doctors and take it one step at a time getting back in the pool and that’s paid off. It was always going to be tight to prepare for the World Champs after surgery, but rehab went smoothly and everything healed as it needed to, so I have managed to get back to training 100 per cent again,” said the 50m and 100m breaststroke Commonwealth Games champion who also claimed a bronze medal at the long course World Championships in Budapest this year.

“I really just want to execute my race plans as well as I can and focus on soaking up the experience. Of course I would love a podium finish as well, but first priority for me is getting the best out of my body – the end result will take care of itself.”

18-year-old backstroke star Coetzé claimed gold, silver and bronze at the Commonwealth Games and is hoping his form will convert to short course competition, which is contested in a 25m pool.

“I would say I’m pretty confident heading into Melbourne. It is short course which I wouldn’t say is my strong suit with it having more underwaters and turns… but I have been trying to work on it so I’m just excited to see the improvement which I do believe there will be,” said Coetzé, who also claimed a gold, three silvers and a bronze medal at the World Junior Championships in Peru this year.

“I wouldn’t say everyone in the swimming world knows my name, but it is more out there, and I think that’s good. I like the extra pressure or the expectations that people have – I think it drives me… But I know exactly what I want and what I expect. And I think that’s the only thing that matters to me.”

Coetzé will be competing in the 50, 100 and 200m backstroke as well as the 50m freestyle.

Extra incentive for all the swimmers competing in Melbourne is the prize money on offer with a guaranteed US$2000 for reaching a final and $US 10,000 going to the winner. A swimmer breaking a world record will earn themselves $US25,000.

SA team at the World Short Course Championships 2023:
Women: Caitlyn de Lange, Milla Drakopoulos, Stephanie Houtman, Rebecca Meder, Hannah Pearse, Dakota Tucker, Lara van Niekerk, Emily Visagie
Men: Pieter Coetzé, Simon Haddon, Clayton Jimmie, Kian Keylock, Chad le Clos, Matthew Sates

Photo credit: FINA

Supplied.

MiTH 14th December 2022

INFO: 082 331 7271

ENTRANCE: R50.00 - Cash or Zapper at the Door

VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

The final MiTH of 2022 is upon us, and we are going out with a bang! Bring your dancing shoes and come join us for a rocking party with a couple of the Midlands’ finest bands. You don’t want to miss out on this festive fiesta! 

Headline: The Undaunted
The Undaunted are a four-piece cover band specialising in well-known, up-tempo hits for any occasion. They aim, through their music, to get the crowd on the dance floor and having a good time.

The band consists of Evan Oosthuizen on guitar and vocals, Geoff Clark on lead guitar and vocals, Robbie Marais on drums and vocals, and Barry Hosford on bass and backing vocals. For the final MiTH of 2022, they will have the special addition of a well-known guest vocalist to rock the evening.

7pm: The Zambucks
Warming the crowd up for the evening is The Zambucks. The band is made up of Dave Rossouw on lead vocals, Richy Pratt on bass, and Gareth Barry on guitar and backing vocals. The boys promise to deliver a fun-filled, melodic gig that will have you wanting to hear more of your favourite cover songs.

 

ABOUT MiTH: Arguably the KZN Midlands’ best-loved music venue, Music in The Hills (MiTH) is an opportunity for beginners, professionals, and passionate music fans to share the joy of music at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm. Visit www.mith.co.za for more details and directions. Musicians can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for slots.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: MiTH takes place every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Knoll Drive, Hilton. Doors open at 6pm and the music will kick off at 7pm. Entrance is R50 at the door. Bring your own booze. Food and soft drinks are available for sale.

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH: Take the N3 to Hilton, take the Hilton turnoff and go South into the Village (away from Hilton College). Travel 5,2km along Hilton Avenue (past two sets of traffic lights and Crossways Pub) and keep going straight as Hilton Avenue turns into Dennis Shepstone Drive. At the 5,2km mark, Knoll Drive will be on your right – the entrance to MiTH is the *second* entrance on your left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.

In a world where you can buy anything, from anywhere, BUY LOCAL!

This is your newsy Tuesday update for Hilton, uMngeni which means you get more nudges to support local businesses. Today we feature; Midmar Building Supplies and more.

Every month thousands of browsers choose Hilton, subscribe here to join a community that is all about local, Hilton local, loving Hilton real hard!

Read the newsletter online if you have not subscribed.

Keep on doing whatever you can to #LoveLocalRealHard - every little spend at a Hilton based business makes your KZN Midlands neighbourhood happier.

600 HOMES! That's a LOT more than the 130 we've been working with this year! Which means a LOT of kids and babies will be getting a different toy bag from our toy library each month - filled with cars and soft toys, blocks and balls, books and tummy-time blankets for the babies. We can't put these brain-feeding bags together on our own... help us!

PS: Did we mention we need this by February?

This is your weekly update for Hilton, uMngeni in the beautiful KZN Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, which means you get more prods to support local businesses. Today we feature; Hilton Health, Christmas Informal 6km Walk/Run, The Fitness Garage and more.

Every month thousands of browsers choose Hilton, subscribe here to join a community that is all about local, Hilton local, loving Hilton real hard!

Read the newsletter online if you have not subscribed.

Each time you #LoveLocalRealHard you spread happiness right here in your very own KZN Midlands neighbourhood.

As long-time gym owner Kirsten Groenwald (KH Engineering Fitness) heads to the Western Cape for an adventure, Hilton will welcome an new fitness professional, Laura Wolhuter who launches The Fitness Garage early in 2023.

'I grew up on farm in New Hanover, KZN. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Human Movement Science at the University of Pretoria and completed my Biokinetics Honours degree in 2016.

I have always had a love for sport and the outdoors. I keep fit by participating in triathlons, trail running, hiking, hockey, strength training and occasionally dabble in some offroad dirt biking.

My interests lie in rehabilitation, high performance sports specific rehabilitation and conditioning. I am passionate about showing people how to train around their injuries and to help build resilience for the future. I would like to help each person reach their potential through evidence- based exercise rehabilitation and training.

 

Above all, I find joy in assisting my clients to achieve their physical goal, from sports to general well- being.' says Laura Wolhuter.

 

Wishing Laura loads of success and fun with her new business!

 

Pictured here: Laura Wolhuter

 

Photo credit: Kristi Nicole Smith

Matt Sates kicked off the World Short Course Championships in spectacular fashion, claiming gold in the 200m individual medley and smashing his own world junior record in the process.

The 19-year-old from Pietermaritzburg turned first after the butterfly leg, dropped back to third on the backstroke and then steadily worked his way back with an excellent breaststroke performance to regain the lead by the penultimate turn with 50m to go. There was no catching him on the freestyle, Sates powering to the finish in 1:50.15 for the gold. With that he also became the second fastest short course 200m IM swimmer in history. Only world-record-holder Ryan Lochte has swum faster.

American Carson Foster took silver in 1:50.96 and Canadian Finlay Knox the bronze in 1:51.04.

“I don’t even know what to say…,” a thrilled Sates commented afterwards, thanking everyone from teammates and coaches, to his grandparents, mom and the crowd.

“I feel good, I wasn’t expecting it so I’m very happy.”

Speaking about when he knew he could win the race, Sates added: “It was probably in the freestyle when I turned and looked to the side, and then I just gave it my all.”

Fellow teenager Pieter Coetzé was also in record-breaking from in the 100m backstroke. He claimed fourth place in his heat to progress to the evening semifinal where he finished fifth in a new African record time of 49.85. It was by far the faster of the two semifinals and saw the Pretoria swimmer going through to Wednesday’s final as the sixth fastest qualifier. American Ryan Murphy was quickest in 49.17.

Also in action was veteran Chad le Clos. The 30-year-old is gunning for podium places in the 100 and 200m butterfly but on Tuesday he also booked a spot in the final of the 50m butterfly. He finished third in his semifinal in 22.09 to progress to Wednesday’s final as the fifth fastest swimmer on the night. Hungary’s Szebasztian Szabo was the quickest qualifier in 21.90.

Clayton Jimmie was the other South African representative in the event. He finished 43rd overall in the heats in 23.41.

Earlier in the day, Rebecca Meder set a new national record in the heats of the 200m individual medley, finishing in 2:07.47 to better the mark of 2:07.54 set by Kathryn Meaklim 13 years ago. The 20-year-old from Durban won her heat but just missed out on a place in the final by .22 of a second.

Stephanie Houtman won her 400m freestyle heat but her time of 4:13.16 was the 19th fastest on the day and not quick enough to progress to the evening final. Her 16-year-old teammate, Milla Drakopoulos, finished 36th overall in the 100m backstroke in 1:01.52, while Emily Visagie was 32nd in the 50m butterfly heats in 28.39.

Drakopoulos, Visagie and Meder teamed up with Caitlyn de Lange in the 4x100m freestyle relay where they set a new African record of 3:41.57 but it was still not quick enough to qualify for the final. The previous mark of 3:41.80 set by Trudi Maree, Lehesta Kemp, Megan Stephens and Vanessa Mohr had stood for 10 years.

Swimming action continues on Wednesday in Melbourne, with the championships coming to an end on Sunday, 18 December.

Photo credit: FINA

Exciting Annual event: Hiltonians Unite! This is one for every one who lives here. Visitors welcome.

Hilton Harriers running club invites you to join us at a Christmas Informal 6km Walk/Run on Friday 16 Dec for all who love Hilton! ❤️

 

Dress up Christmassy, go mad, have fun!

 

This is a Fundraiser for Love Hilton who have amazing projects to beautify our precious little village.

 

Registration from 7am in car park at The Avenues Centre.
Start: 8am
Cost: R100 (which includes an awesome red 'I ❤️Hilton' cap!)

Note that 50% of coffees bought at Coffeeberry will be donated to LoveHilton.

 

Route: from Avenues Centre, meanders towards Ground, under the rainbow tunnel, Laddsworth, Build It, up to Quarry centre where Santa will welcome you at a water point, across the road up to Hillary road, back to the tunnel and back to Avenues Centre.

 

Weather: we are used to rain and mizzle. Dress up and come join us anyway!

 

'I was born and bred in KZN. I moved to the Midlands area and have called it 'home' for the past few years.

 

When Dave and I got married, we received a prophetic word about going on an adventure. It said we would only be able to see one step in front of us, but that we needed to trust Jesus.

 

I didn't anticipate that the first step would be to leave our home in KZN, sell my business and step into something completely new. We asked God to clearly open or close the relevant doors and the door to the Western Cape was clearly open. While we didn't fully understand the 'why', God had clearly spoken to us and we decided to be brave and follow His leading.

 

Since saying 'yes', it has been a whirlwind! We sold our house within a week and my business was sold within two weeks. While it's been daunting to walk on water, all the pieces have come together in preparation for our adventure in the Western Cape.

 

Do we know why we going yet? No not yet, but we are excited about what God has in store! God is good and we believe that only amazing things happen when we trust Jesus in the journey.

 

Yes, there has been heartache in this season - it's been a tearing away from what has been comfortable and known. It's leaving a business of 12 years and people who have become dear friends, not just clients. And it's saying 'bye for now' to our dearest friends, who have been incredibly supportive over the last two months, showing us love and support when our hearts were broken. We have been loved so lavishly, it was overwhelming! I can say we have incredible friendships which will last a lifetime - no matter where we are, we are a phone call away!

 

So as this chapter closes in KZN, we celebrate our friends; our families; our successes; our failures; our seasons past and we look forward to the new chapter, embracing the Cape and making it home!' said Kirsten Groenewald owner of KH Fitness Engineering. 

 

We wish Kirsten and David happiness in their adventures ahead.

 

Laura Wolhuter is the new owner of this popular Hilton gym, which she is re-branding to open as The Fitness Garage early in January 2023.

'We wish all in Hilton a very merry and blessed Christmas. If going away drive carefully and hope the new year brings only good times and great memories.' shared Tony Koch from Mendola Luxury Events Venue & Accommodation.

uMngeni Community, where the community keeps themselves safe.

November started off quietly and peacefully then got rather busy towards the end of the month. Not as busy as October with positive stops but enough to keep us on our toes. Unfortunately the continued rain and then over hot days in between have caused some cameras to get water damage. We had more than usual amount of misreads on reg plates. This has been addressed and problem is been sorted out for the busy festive season.

Our camera system needs some tlc. Our back up power systems are not coping with the ongoing load shedding. If anyone has a contact or is involved in power backup solutions please contact me. Details below.

Incident reports:

04 Nov
Hilton Quarry
A person suspected for ATM scamming was detained after using the communication group for coordinating the security companies and SAPS members

07 Nov
Howick
A report of a possible suspect vehicle in Howick area was found to be legitimate and regular visitor to Howick.

15 Nov
Lidgeton to Howick
Some action following a dangerous person driving in midlands using camera and communication system. Vehicle and driver found in Howick. Driver detained with assistance from SAPS.

16 Nov
Howick
Report received of a vehicle carrying possible stolen roofing sheets. I Searched cameras including the overview for location and visuals of the suspect vehicle. Once found I sent the information to the Howick emergency security group. The vehicle was eventually found later in the evening and acted on. The stolen goods were located and returned to owners.

21 Nov
Karkloof
A trailer reported as stolen was loaded to the Karkloof security group where Magma members followed and apprehended the suspects. Info from the Detective members in Howick for confirmed it as stolen. Thanks to the Karkloof security members and SAPS dealing with the case.

27-Nov
Howick
Report on the Howick Emergency group about a vehicle leaving a petrol station without paying. I located a photo of the vehicle on cameras and shared to the groups so that they could action when seen. The vehicle was eventually found in Merrivale and escorted back to the fuel station where Howick SAPS attended and dealt with.

28 Nov
Howick
A vehicle reported as stolen was loaded to saps and Howick emergency group. It was stopped by flying squad member and cleared as a recovered.

29 Nov
Hilton
A vehicle reported as stolen was loaded to response group by Sompisi Security control. The entire team responded including SAPS. Report back is that vehicle was recovered but not cleared off system.

The UCSI Board members and I would like to wish All a Merry Christmas. Have a safe Festive season, if you are traveling, be safe on the roads.

Be safe and vigilant at all times. If something feels "off" report it to your local CPF group, Security or SAPs member, no matter how small.
You could be saving a life that you will never know about.

How can you get involved?
The UCSI will not be sustainable without monthly community support from business entities, shopping centers, hospitals, schools, estates, security companies and private individuals. Please join the UCSI as a contributing member.

 

Contact Deon from the UCSI by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or whatsapp 0630689652
Or
Please follow the links below to go to the website where you can find a membership form to download.

 

You are welcome to donate monthly or once off yearly.

 

Affiliated members have access to ask for assistance in any reported crime involving a vehicle.

 

The UCSI will issue Section 18A certificates for CAPEX and OPEX donations of any amount.

Stay safe – we got this!

Yours sincerely
Deon Tegg Operations Manager
063 068 9652

The UCSI Board of Directors
Themba Ndulini (Chairperson), Krish Ramkuber and Terence James

MEDITATION: Not just a modern buzzword

These days, meditation is used as an effective means of managing stress, eliminating anxiety, overcoming insomnia, improving focus, increasing calmness and promoting happiness. Give it a try!

Find place to sit that feels calm and quiet to you.
Set yourself a time limit of five to ten minutes.
Make sure you are comfortable.
Feel your breath, following the sensation as it goes in and goes out.
Notice when your mind wanders and return your attention to your breath.
When you’re ready, open your eyes and take a moment to notice any sounds in the environment. Notice how your body feels right now. Notice your thoughts and emotions.

When you meditate, you’re bringing yourself to the present, to mindfulness, despite stressful situations. This self-care practice might just be the tool you need to be less stressed, calmer and kinder to yourself and others.

More from The Local Choice Pharmacy Hilton Health