Bella Donna Hair & Beauty is open at Lower Level, Hilton Siding Shopping Centre, 1 Park Lane, Hilton from Tuesday to Saturday by Appointment.

Book with a WhatsApp to 073 354 2896.

The first Saturday in September each year is International Vulture Awareness Day, and we have only great things to say about these magnificent birds.

Dr Margie and her team at Umgeni Veterinary Clinic have been working very closely with FreeMe Wildlife for a number of years, often treating vultures.

Vultures play an invaluable part within our fragile ecosystem. They are one of the world’s most efficient clean-up crews.

Their value has been widely underestimated and is largely unappreciated.

If vultures ever went extinct, it is feared the devastating loss will lead to the spread of deadly old and new diseases, including plague, anthrax, and rabies.

In reality, vultures serve us in ways that we are only beginning to understand. One being their remarkable hand in keeping ecosystems and pathogens in check.

Some major threats to these creatures include habitat loss and malicious poisoning. Vultures are poisoned and hacked to pieces for traditional medicine and trade.

In the most rural areas of South Africa, and many other countries, a large proportion of humans are reliant on nature to provide most of their basic needs. Due to their heavy dependence on nature, local communities benefit hugely from the role of vultures to protect them.

If you come across an injured vulture, or any wildlife for that matter, phone a veterinary clinic, phone FreeMe, get into contact with the Endangered Wildlife Trust or phone park rangers or Nature Conservation. And if you cannot help them, just don't harm them or take them into your home without speaking to professionals first.

These birds are too valuable to lose to human greed and misinformation.

More from Umgeni Vet Clinic

Understanding the Steps in a Property Transfer in South Africa

Introduction:
Property transfer in South Africa involves a series of legal and administrative processes to ensure the smooth transfer of ownership from one party to another. Whether you're a buyer or seller, understanding the steps involved can help navigate this intricate process. In this article, we will outline the key steps in a property transfer in South Africa.

Agreement of Sale:
The first step in a property transfer is the agreement of sale. The buyer and seller negotiate and sign a legally binding contract, outlining the terms and conditions of the sale, including the purchase price, conditions, and any special provisions.

Appointment of Conveyancer:
Upon concluding the agreement of sale, the seller typically appoints a qualified conveyancer. A conveyancer is a legal professional specializing in property transfers who acts as an intermediary between the buyer, seller, and relevant authorities.

Title Deed Search and Property Information:
The conveyancer conducts a comprehensive search to verify the property's ownership and obtain the necessary information from the relevant Deeds Office. This includes obtaining copies of the title deed, property diagram, and any other relevant documentation.

Drafting and Signing of Transfer Documents:
The conveyancer prepares the necessary transfer documents, such as the Transfer Duty Declaration, Transfer Duty Receipt, and Power of Attorney. Both the buyer and seller review and sign these documents.

Financial and Legal Compliance:
The buyer secures the necessary financing for the property, while the conveyancer ensures compliance with legal requirements. This includes obtaining the necessary clearances, certificates, and compliance documents, such as electrical and plumbing certificates, rates clearance certificate, and homeowners' association consent (if applicable).

Payment of Transfer Costs and Taxes:
The buyer is responsible for paying transfer costs, which include transfer duty (a tax on the transfer of property), conveyancer fees, and other related expenses. The conveyancer facilitates the payment of these costs to the relevant authorities.

Lodging of Documents at the Deeds Office:
Once all the necessary documents are in order, the conveyancer lodges them with the Deeds Office in the jurisdiction where the property is located. The Deeds Office performs a meticulous examination of the documents to ensure compliance.

Registration and Transfer of Ownership:
After the Deeds Office verifies and approves the transfer documents, the property's ownership is formally transferred to the buyer. The conveyancer lodges the final documentation, including the updated title deed and transfer documents, completing the transfer process.

Payment of Outstanding Amounts:
The conveyancer settles any outstanding amounts, such as the seller's bond cancellation fees or outstanding rates and taxes, using the proceeds from the purchase price.

Handover and Possession:
The final step involves the handover of the property's keys and the physical possession of the property to the buyer. This typically occurs on the agreed-upon date, as specified in the agreement of sale.

Conclusion:
A property transfer in South Africa involves several crucial steps, from the agreement of sale to the registration and transfer of ownership. Engaging a qualified conveyancer is essential to navigate the legal complexities and ensure a successful property transfer. By understanding these steps, buyers and sellers can approach the process with confidence, making the journey towards property ownership a smoother one.

If any of this is unclear or if you need further advice, please contact MIKE FORSYTH of MGF Attorneys on 033 3431100/0828005257 who will be glad to assist you.

About the author: Mike is a long time Hilton resident and is an Attorney and Conveyancer specialising in Conveyancing, Contracts, Wills and Estate Planning. 

MiTH 11 September 2024

INFO: 082 331 7271

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

VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

8:30pm: The Name On The Drum

The Name On The Drum is an alternative, folk, and indie band with a wide range of sounds. Squalling electric guitar, subtle percussion, harmonicas, and acoustic guitars feature in their distinctive sound, along with a unique blend of honest, thought-provoking song-writing. The writing, composition, recording, and production is done by brothers Ben and Nat Bruzas.

Their music contains two very different styles that seem to complement each other while adding variety and dynamics. Their philosophy around what they create is very much, “If it makes you feel something, keep it.”

The Name On The Drum has performed around South Africa, including touring Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. They recently took part in Darling Brew's "Just Make Music" competition, which saw them taking to the stage in Darling, Western Cape, at their winter fest, alongside acts such as Die Heuwels Fantasties and Karen Zoid. The Name On The Drum has also been featured at several music festivals including the renowned Splashy Fen.

7:40pm: Dawn Melanie

Dawn Melanie is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Her music is an eclectic range of originals, with strong Celtic folk, African maskandi and folk influences. Her wonderful story-telling lyrics hold deep meaning, and take the listener on a journey to somewhere mystical. Her lyrics often hold connections to folklore and mythology, whilst also telling the stories of the human experience as it is today, connecting the past and the present. On stage she is backed by Dustyn Froise on the djembe drum, and Ben Bruzas on electric guitar, harmonica, and vocal harmonies, allowing her to create a full and diverse audio landscape.

Dawn Melanie has played many venues and festivals across South Africa, including the likes of Earth Dance, Kwasuka Sukela, Folk Xmas, Monteseel Music Festival, The Aesthete Experience, MiTH, and Splashy Fen Music Festival, at which she has become a regular feature on their line up. Her recorded works feature not only Ben and Dustyn but also the talents of Nat Bruzas, Guy Buttery, Skippy Kubheka, and the Afreekan Sons of God. She has released a full album titled 'Here and Now', and an EP titled 'Be The Light', which has achieved international acclaim, and has a second album scheduled for release later this year.

7pm: Skippy Kubheka

Skippy Kubheka is a local musician from Hilton who has been performing since 2014. He’s been seen performing with out-of-this-world musicians, like bass with Mali Zulu, and drums for Matt Gardiner. He’s the current front-person for the MMM…Band, and has been known to appear in an occasional collaboration or two.
But this time around, he’s heading to the MiTH stage solo for what promises to be a fantastic evening!

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. Food and soft drinks are available for sale. A cash bar is available.

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.

"I can't do it. I have no choice." Do these thoughts and words sound familiar? How often do you catch yourself saying, "But I can't"? It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that we are powerless, that the circumstances around us dictate our actions, leaving us without options. But today, I invite you to ask yourself: “Why can’t I?”

Every time you say, "I don’t have a choice," you are actually making a choice. The truth is you always have a choice. Your choice may be to not pursue what you truly desire, often because of fear, doubt, or concern about what others might think. But recognize that when you let these worries control you, you are choosing to live by someone else's rules and limits.

As a unique individual, you have the right and the power to live your life according to your own values, desires, and dreams. We were not given this precious life to live it on someone else's terms or to merely replicate the path that others have chosen. Instead, we were given life so that we could create our own path, make a difference, and contribute to the world by being unquestionably ourselves.

So, the next time you hear yourself saying, "But I don’t have a choice," take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself: “Is this truly the case, or have I chosen to believe that I am powerless?” Remember, the belief that you have no choice is just that, a belief. It is up to you to challenge it, break free from it, and choose the life you want to live.

You have the power to choose, to change, and to live a life that reflects who you truly are. Do not let the illusion of "no choice" hold you back from being the person you were meant to be. Your life is yours to design. Embrace that truth and take the steps to make your dreams a reality.

Over the past weekend, our 1st Team Soccer Girls battled it out in the second annual Midlands Cup Soccer Tournament, hosted at Howick High School. Our girls in blue came second in their pool and 6th overall - out of 16 teams. Our very own Alex Bizarre was nominated as a Dream Team player and awarded the player of the match against TWC.

This prestigious tournament brought our action-packed season to a close. With a huge congratulations to our girls for making a memorable debut in the A-League!

Three African records were set by South African swimmers at the Paralympic Games in Paris on Saturday.

Alani Ferreira (Top image) set the first of them in the heats of the S13 400m freestyle, finishing in a time of 4:58.06 to book her place in her first Paralympic final. Competing again in the evening, the Pietermaritzburg swimmer took a further two seconds off her time to set another African record of 4:55.95.

“I'm very happy, this is the race that I say it's my race because I do this one because I love it, not because I'm necessarily particularly very good at it. This is the one I do because I literally just love swimming and racing so I'm very happy to have gotten that time,” said Ferreira afterwards.
As for swimming two 400m races in one day, the 26-year-old added: “It definitely hurts. I'm not going to lie, but this is what we train for. We don't often get to do two 400s, but when we do, I love it, you get to really push your body past the limit, so I enjoyed it.”

Ferreira will now turn her attention to her main event – the SB12 100m breaststroke, where she has targeted a medal after claiming bronze at last year’s World Championships in Manchester last year.

“Now I definitely know I’m fit enough, now it's just a thing of getting that last-minute speed work done to make sure that I can go out hard enough and then obviously have the back-end coming back in the last 50 of the 100,” she said of that race.

The other record-breaker of the night was Christian Sadie (Pictured below). He booked his place in the final of the SM7 200m individual medley by winning his morning heat in 2:35.98. He then also went quicker in the evening final, finishing fifth in a new African record of 2:35.02

“The race went really well. I think I was in there for 150 metres, the last 50 metres hurt a little bit, but I'm happy with it, it's better than this morning,” said Sadie whose big target for these Games is the S7 50m butterfly.

“50 fly on the last day, day seven, it's the one we've been working towards,” he said. “The 200 IM is always fun so it's one of the things where I'm good at a lot of the strokes, but the legs work quite a lot and the lactate builds a lot.

“The fly I'm a lot more competitive, but we'll see, I think it's been a really good year’s prep so I'm just here to swim PBs and have a fun time,” added the Commonwealth Games bronze medallist.
Earlier in the evening, Nathan Hendricks swam in his third Paralympic final in as many days, finishing sixth in the S13 400m freestyle in 4:18.05.

“It was quite tense before because there were two French people in this race, so the crowd was extra, but it was fun and I think I rose to the challenge,” said the 19-year-old. “I went under 4:20 again, so I'm quite happy with that time-wise.

“I was hoping to go quicker, but I can't complain. It's my first Paralympics, so I can't be too upset, but I know that next time I'll be better. I now know how it feels.”

Earlier in the day, Danika Vyncke took a massive 10 seconds off her previous personal best in the S13 400m freestyle. The 17-year-old finished fifth in her heat in 5:10.91 and did not progress to the evening final but will now switch focus to her main event – the SB13 100m breaststroke with the heats scheduled for 5 September.

Supplied.

 

So, you have decided to buy a house! Whoop-dee-do! There are pitfalls but through knowledge you can manage the process.

Unless you are incredibly lucky or are endowed with vast sums of money you will have to consider several aspects.

The adage of location, location, location cannot be stressed enough. A smaller house in a good area is always going to appreciate quicker than a big house in a not so good area. So, consider your options.

If you have a young family schools and ease of shopping are probably your next criteria. Are schools within walking distance (an increasingly important consideration in these days of spiralling petrol costs)? Can you do your shopping easily on the way to or from dropping children at school? Are sports clubs and service organisations close?

If you are a retired person, the issue of schools may not be so important (although you may want to easily visit your grandchildren and watch them play sport). However, ease of access to doctors and physiotherapists, the shops, your church and any community recreational facilities may be high on your list.

Once you have decided on your specific needs then choose an estate agent with whom you are comfortable working. Let the agent know your list of needs and ask them to listen carefully to what you want so as not to waste your time. Remember, however, if you agent is an expert in the area then they will know what is available within your needs and price bracket.

It can be a good idea to approach a bank when you start your search to have your loan pre-approved. This means that a bank qualifies you for an amount so you know at the outset what you can afford. The bank will still want to value the property when you do make an offer but at least you know what you can afford to buy.

Once you find the property of your dreams (or one that matches your pocket) you will sign a Sale Agreement. This agreement will be taken to the Seller to accept and once accepted you have a deal in hand. The deal may be subject to finance (a bond) but with pre-approval this will most likely be a mere formality. If you are a cash buyer then it is even easier!

The Seller will nominate their conveyancer to attend to the transfer and once the conveyancer has been instructed, they will do a number of things:

• They will write to the current bondholder asking for a copy of the title deeds and for any discharge figures for the existing bond
• They will contact you and the seller to get copies of Identity documents, copies of utility bills (for FICA) and your income tax details
• The conveyancer will draft the various conveyancing documents and affidavits and ask you and the Seller to come in to sign the documents. As the Purchaser you will be given a pro-forma invoice which will list the various amounts which you as Purchaser are liable to pay and which the conveyancer will require you to pay soon after presentation of the Invoice.
• The conveyancer will also contact the local authority to establish what the rates are on the property and will arrange to pay the rates and obtain a Rates Clearance Certificate.
• In the interim the bank who has granted your mortgage will contact the transferring conveyancer to get a copy of the title deeds and will advise what amounts are available for bank guarantees to be issued.
• The Conveyancer acts as a project manager and liaises with the Purchaser, the Seller, the Municipality, the Receiver of Revenue, the Banks, the bond conveyancers and the prior mortgage conveyancers who will attend to cancelling the existing mortgage.
• Once ALL of the documentation has been signed, Rates Clearance Certificates issued, Bank guarantees issued and received, and the Receiver of Revenue has been paid the transfer duty the transferring conveyancer will liaise with the other conveyancers to lodge the deeds in the Deeds Registry for them to be examined by the Registrar of Deeds. This process takes between eight days and two weeks and if everything is in order you will become the proud owner of your new home.

If any of this is unclear or if you need further advice, please contact MIKE FORSYTH of MGF Attorneys on 033 3431100/0828005257 who will be glad to assist you.

About the author: Mike is a long time Hilton resident and is an Attorney and Conveyancer specialising in Conveyancing, Contracts, Wills and Estate Planning. 

Did you know that your bread bags form the basis for so many of our educational toys? We go through thousands of these every year and need a steady supply. Please shake out all the crumbs and drop them at our PMB and JHB offices whenever you can.

EduFleek Model United Nations (MUN)

On Saturday a group of our learners attended the EduFleek MUN held at Deutsche Schule Durban.

Special mention must be made of Cole David and Michael Brown whom were amongst the group of our learners in attendance. They proved to be no match for the other teams, securing the best speaking duo and first place overall! Well done for making Grace College proud!

“The MUN is an educational simulation and academic activity that replicates the workings of the United Nations. …Participants engage in debates, negotiations, and drafting resolutions on various global issues, ranging from peace and security to human rights, sustainable development, and more.”, “It offers a unique platform for learners to cultivate vital communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities”. (Source: EduFleek website)

Christian Sadie wrapped up Team SA’s Paralympic campaign in the pool with a fifth place in the S7 50m butterfly on Saturday night.

The Stellenbosch swimmer was in contention throughout the race and came close to securing a podium place, finishing just .25 of a second outside of the medals after equalling his own African record by finishing in 29.94 seconds.

“I’m happy, I’m on my PB, so I can’t ask for much more,” said Sadie after the race. “There were one or two things I could have done a little bit better, but I gave it my all so I'm super happy.”

Sadie added that making all four finals of the four events was a significant improvement on his first Paralympics three years ago in Tokyo.

“Last time I think I got three out of five, so I’m happy with 100 per cent of finals… now I'm just looking forward to another four years of hard work and coming back again.

“I think the first time I went [to the Paralympics] it was the first experience, this time we've come and we've done better, learned from those mistakes, and I think we have a lot more to learn going forward so I’m super-excited.”

Meanwhile, head coach of the swimming team in Paris Theo Verster hailed his swimmers for their performances at these Games. While none of the five reached the podium, they achieved better results overall than the team in Tokyo three years ago.

“We had just four swimmers there but only made three finals,” explained Verster. “With our team here, we had five swimmers who competed in 15 events and we made 11 finals which is significantly more than previously, finishing between fifth and eighth. We also broke six African records.”

Verster also expressed disappointment with the fact that world champion Kat Swanepoel was classed up from S4 to S5 just prior to the Games.

“That was three definite medals that we could have got, according to the times that she was swimming and then there were about two or three swimmers that were very close but didn’t convert into medals.

“But I think with the young team we have, the swimmers have performed really well and I am really pleased with their performances.

“We would have loved to have brought medals back for South Africa but at the end of the day… we’ve shown that Para swimming is on the right track for the future.

“I’m also very proud of our coaches and our new manager. We are looking forward to the next four-year cycle to hopefully convert these performances into medals,” he added.

Photo credits: Roger Sedres/TeamSA

Pictured here top and below: Christian Sadie

Supplied.

Alani Ferreira (Top image) broke two more African records at the Paralympics in Paris on Thursday.

The visually impaired swimmer finished third in her morning heat of the SB12 100m breaststroke to set a new continental mark of 1:21.95 and then went even quicker in the evening final.

While the World Championships bronze medallist was hoping to reach the podium in Paris, she had to be content with fifth place, but achieved it in an even quicker time, lowering her new record to 1:21.36.

The race was won by three-time world champion in the event and defending Paralympic champion Elena Krawzow of Germany who set a new world record on her way to victory in 1:12.54 – over three seconds clear of her nearest rival.

“[I feel] very sore,” admitted a disappointed Ferreira afterwards. “I definitely gave it my all, so that's all I could ask for. I went in trying my best and that's exactly what I gave, so I'm happy with the time.”

Ferreira described herself as more of a back-end swimmer, meaning she’s quicker on the second 50m of the race but sometimes leaves herself too much work to do.

“It’s something we really tried to work on is getting out faster, but it’s just something I need to work on some more when I get home,” she said, suggesting that a fourth Paralympic campaign in LA in 2028 could be on the cards.

“I'm definitely going to try, if my body lets me, I'll be there,” said the Pietermaritzburg swimmer. “I definitely don't think I'm done, and if I'm still improving now then hell, why can’t I improve in four years’ time?”

The other South African in action at La Defense Arenain Paris on Thursday was Danika Vyncke (Image below), who reached her first Paralympic final after swimming 1:24.91 in her morning heat of the SB12 100m breaststroke.

The 17-year-old also went quicker in the evening, finishing eighth in a time of 1:23.81.
“I'm happy with the time, it was a fun swim. I really just went out there and enjoyed it,” said Vyncke after the race.

“It felt amazing. I mean, my first Paralympic final, it was definitely exciting… I’m super excited, this just makes me want to work harder.”

Earlier in the day, Nathan Hendricks wrapped up his Paralympics with the heats of the SB13 100m breaststroke – his fifth event of the Games. The 19-year-old finished seventh in 1:13.04 and did not progress to the evening final.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Christian Sadie competed in his third final in Paris, finishing seventh in the S7 50m freestyle in a time of 28.75 seconds – another African record. He’ll be back in action on Saturday in his strongest event – the S7 50m butterfly.

Photo credits: Roger Sedres/TeamSA

Supplied.

Join the Ride to Raise R200,000 and Support Essential Teachers at Benjamin Generation

# The Ride
From September 21st to 24th, a dedicated group of "weekend warrior" mountain bikers will set off on the annual LifeShare Trust Cycle Tour, powered by BRiNK Towbars, to raise vital funds and awareness for the Benjamin Generation Childcare Centre and Pre-School (https://benjamingeneration.org).

This 4-day, point-to-point cycle tour will begin at the iconic South African border post at the base of Sani Pass and wind its way through the scenic KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, concluding at Benjamin Generation in New Hanover. The cyclists will cover a challenging distance of 232 kilometres with a total ascent of the distance of 4,346 meters.

# Benjamin Generation
The Benjamin Generation Childcare Centre, located in the peaceful village of New Hanover, KwaZulu-Natal, provides a safe haven for abused and abandoned babies and young children. The centre relies entirely on the generosity of individuals, businesses and the broader community, as it receives no funding from the government.

Over the past three years, this annual cycle tour has raised over R600,000, which has been instrumental in completing a pre-school, Benjamin Generation Pre-School, on the property and paying teacher salaries. These achievements were made possible through the generous contributions of donors who have sponsored the cyclists over the years.

# The Benjamin Generation Pre-School
The formative years are crucial for a child's development, and access to a pre-school provides children with a solid foundation for their future—something they might not otherwise have. In August 2022, the Benjamin Generation Pre-School opened its doors to the wider New Hanover community. As the only pre-school in the area, this facility serves not only the children of Benjamin Generation but also those from the nearby, impoverished community.

Due to the overwhelming demand for the 2025 academic year, two additional Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers are urgently needed. However, additional funding is required to make this a reality.

The target of this year’s LifeShare Trust Cycle Tour, powered by BRiNK Towbars, is to raise R200,000 to cover the costs of hiring these essential ECD teachers for the 2025 academic year.

# Testimonials
"The annual cycling fundraiser has become a lifeline in keeping our doors open and contributing funds for Benjamin Generation to continue with the work it does. Which is the Place of Safety and Pre-school. LifeShare Trust’s commitment to giving back to the community is truly commendable, and we feel privileged to have its support. Its contribution will have a lasting impact on the lives of the children who pass through our doors, providing them with a conducive learning environment where they can thrive and grow and for those in our care a safe a place to live.” - Rowen Wortmann (Benjamin Generation Executive Director)

# Call to Action
We are calling on our local communities and businesses to support this year’s LifeShare Trust Cycle Tour, powered by BRiNK Towbars, by helping to make a lasting impact in the lives of impoverished children. Your generosity can change lives forever.

All donations are tax-deductible, and Section 18A Tax Certificates will be issued upon request (Send your Proof of Payment to the email address listed below). To contribute, please use the following banking details:
• Account Name: LifeShare Trust
• Bank: Investec Bank
• Account Number: 500-141-131-56
• Branch Code: 580-105
• Payment Reference: "YourName_CT24"

Join us in making a difference. Your donation towards this year's LLifeShare Trust Cycle Tour, powered by BRiNK Towbars, will change the future for the children of Benjamin Generation. (A small percentage [10%] of the funds raised, are tithed back to the LifeShare Trust to cover the running costs of this event.)

# LifeShare Trust
The LifeShare Trust was founded in 2016 to bring hope and support to those in need. We believe in making a positive impact in our communities by helping the homeless, orphans, widows, elderly, hungry, sick, lonely, forgotten, and our planet.

Visit our website at https://lifesharetrust.org.za to get involved today!

For further details contact Mark Duncan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via WhatsApp on 0686058956

Top image: Photo of cyclists who took part in the 2023 LifeShare Trust Cycle Tour. Some in the photo will be taking part in this year's event.

South Africa’s Kat Swanepoel and Nathan Hendricks both swam to new African records at the Paralympic Games in Paris on Tuesday.

Swanepoel competed in the S5 50m backstroke heats and revealed afterwards, she’d achieved her result with a dislocated shoulder.

The Johannesburg swimmer was classed up just before the Paralympics, meaning she is facing much tougher competition in her events in Paris, having previously competed in the S4 category. While her time of 49.63 seconds was not quick enough to progress to the evening final, it did see her setting the new continental mark.

“It was just an amazing experience to be in that arena and representing our country,” she said after the race. “Unfortunately I’m not through to the finals but am super-proud to have finished the race despite dislocating my shoulder in the middle of the race.”

Meanwhile, making their way through to their respective finals were both Hendricks and Christian Sadie.

This was a fourth final from four events for 19-year-old Hendricks who is competing at his first Paralympic Games.

The Mpumalanga swimmer finished fourth in his morning SM13 200m individual medley heat in 2:18.36 to progress to the final where he set the new African record by finishing seventh in 2:17.15.

Describing the race, Hendricks said: “Going out on the fly I was thinking go with speed but don't waste too much energy, then I turned for the back, did some underwaters, broke out and I was thinking control, control, don't mess up your stroke or else you’re getting nowhere.

“Then there was the turn for breaststroke, control, control again because it's not your favourite stroke right now, just control it because then you'll get far in it.

“Then it's turn for free and it's like, now it's guns blazing, no more control just go.

“I'm super happy. I gave my all in that last one so now it's just the 100 breaststroke to go and see how I go there, hopefully five for five [finals] but we'll see.”

Earlier in the evening, Sadie finished fifth in his S7 100m backstroke final in 1:13.03, taking almost two seconds off his heat time.

“Super happy, I’m an IM swimmer and a fly swimmer so it's not something we've been training for,” he said after the race. “But it went really well so I'm super happy. I didn't know how close I was, but apparently, my coach said it was close so I'm really happy, it was a good day.”

Sadie will be back in the pool on Wednesday morning for the heats of the S7 50m freestyle while Alani Ferreira will be in action in the S12 100m freestyle heats.

Photo credits: Roger Sedres/TeamSA

Supplied.

On Friday 30 August 2024, a special civvies day was held with funds being raised for Project Rhino, ahead of World Rhino Day which is celebrated on the 22 September.

Carlien Roodt, a representative from Project Rhino, came to address the school and shared about the important work that this group are doing in conserving and protecting our rhinos in Kwa-Zulu Natal. We all learnt a lot and were definitely inspired to do our bit in spreading awareness and looking after these special creatures.

Entries for the 52nd aQuellé Midmar Mile are officially open with organisers forecasting another bumper event from 6-9 February 2025.

Those swimmers wishing to take advantage of the early bird entry fee can do so via the newly launched www.midmarmile.com website.

The reduced entry fee will be available until 1 November 2024.

Organisers of the world’s largest open water event also announced the five seeding swims that will take place in the weeks and months leading up to the aQuellé Midmar Mile in both KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng*, starting in November for those wishing to book a spot in the seeded batches on race weekend.

Race Director Wayne Riddin said another spectacular event is being planned for the thousands of swimmers expected to converge on the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal dam in February.

“We're thrilled to announce that entries for the 2025 aQuellé Midmar Mile are officially open,” he said.

“This year's event promises to be one of the best yet. We can't wait to welcome swimmers of all levels – from first-timers to the elite of world swimming – to join us for what will be a memorable weekend on the water.

“That’s exactly what makes the aQuellé Midmar Mile such an awesome event is that it caters for absolutely everyone – from those who are simply looking to complete the challenge of successfully finishing a mile swim to those who are out to win the race and create history,” added Riddin.

“We have some exciting announcements to come in terms of which elite swimmers will be joining us for next year’s race so watch this space. In the meantime, we are encouraging the public to get their entries in as early as possible to take advantage of the reduced entry fee and secure their spot so they can set their goals and start their training.”

Those wishing to enter the 2025 aQuellé Midmar Mile can head to midmarmile.com for all the details.

* aQuellé Midmar Mile seeding swims:
2-3 November 2024 – Prime View 1 (Gauteng)
29-30 November 2014 – Leomat Richards Bay (KZN)
7-8 December 2024 – Prime View 2 (Gauteng)
11-12 January 2025 – Baynesfield (KZN)
18-19 January 2025 – Prime View Festival (Gauteng)

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In the first time since COVID hit the globe in 2019, JOMBA’s popular Live Open Horizons made its way back live into the theatre to an appreciative audience, with Pietermaritzburg Choreographer BreeH Cele’s work uXinzelelo taking the honours receiving the “Pick of the Platform” award last night (29 August).

Jurors for the Open Horizons were dancer/choreographers Yaseen Manuel (Unmute Dane Company) and Jabu Siphika (FLATFOOT Dance Company) and dance writer and researcher Tammy Ballantyne.

The jurors' citation read: “The Pick of the Platform was “uXinzelelo”, choreographed by BreeH Cele, with a carefully conceptualised work encompassing the weight of unique struggles faced by the black community when it comes to mental health concerns. Cele wove magic through the use of powerful, live vocals, strong voiceovers, evocative lighting choices, and disciplined, focussed performers. The stage was covered in white maize meal, which the performers became caked in as the strong choreography unfolded, with good use of the floor and imaginative partnering. At times, there was a sense of call and response between singers and dancers, as well as clever changes in pace and rhythm. An impressive work by a young woman who is using this research as part of her Master's studies.”

uXinzelelo was performed by Nandile Khumalo, Sabelo Cele, Asanda S. Khathi, BreeH Cele, Slindile Mthethwa, Thulisile Sithebe, S'khona Mathenjwa, Pertunia Msani, Neo Dube and Nomthandazo Nxabela.

Accepting the award, which carries a small cash honorarium, BreeH Cele, said that she is looking to use it to further develop a short film on the work.

Other works included Inescapable, choreographed and performed by Siphesihle Vilakazi and Anneline Mazibuko, from Durban, SA; SACRIFICIUM choreographed by Versatile Youth Company’ Thimna Sitokisi from Gugulethu, SA, and performed by Inam Dyonasi; Ndimphiwe Koloti; Sandile Dyushu; Buntu Anta and Simthembile Mampufo, and Giselle and me choreographed and performed by Sarahleigh Castelyn (SA/UK)

The jurors noted the common threads binding the four works on this platform – the deep, inner struggles with mental health and emotional trauma. All four found inventive ways to communicate their stories through well-rehearsed and conceived works, with attention to effective lighting and a variety of choreographic choices.

JOMBA! continues until 8 September with performances workshops and discussions.

For more info go to jomba.ukzn.ac.za

Top image: BreeH Cele (2nd from left) receiving the Pick of the Platform Award from Tammy Ballatyne (left) Jabu Siphika and Yaseen Manuel (Right)

Below: uXinzelelo by BreeH Cele

Photo credit: Val Adamson

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This Common Reedbuck lamb came into care after it was found and picked up, thought to possibly be abandoned. However, its condition was so good on admission, we suspect it may have been incorrectly removed from where its mother had hidden it. This happens so frequently that we sometimes despair of how to go about getting the message out there. Not every baby antelope found on its own is abandoned!

Here are some pointers to know when to step in, and when to step back when coming across antelope lambs:

Is the lamb injured? If no - leave it alone. If yes - help.
Is the lamb quietly lying down, or is it walking around bleating? Lying down - leave it alone. Bleating - help.
Is it safe where it is (i.e. it is not in imminent danger of being attacked by dogs, being driven over with a vehicle, or being burnt in a fire). If it is safe where it is - leave it alone. If it is in imminent danger - help.

Remember, mother antelope do not have cots or bedrooms to leave their babies in. The wild IS their cots and bedrooms, and they will choose a spot to leave their lamb safely sleeping while they go off and feed. The lamb knows to lie still EXACTLY where mom left it, so she can find it again when she gets back. BUT, if we remove it, mom will never find it again, and instead of rescuing an orphan, we will have created one.

Contact FreeMe Wildlife on 033 330 3036.