Lynne Boyes is a Certified Clinical Thermographer and Ozone Practitioner based in Hilton KZN and available by appointment in Howick.

ThermOZONE Therapy - Available in Hilton only

MEDICAL OZONE THERAPY – Medical Ozone is a therapeutic tool of great power, which can aid the body in regaining health. Ozone is not your usual form of oxygen, it is activated oxygen. Oxygen is the centre of every aspect of health.
• Medical ozone modulates the immune system.
• It eliminates viruses, bacteria, yeast and fungus.
• Medical ozone cleans arteries and veins, improves circulation and purifies the blood and lymph.
• It normalizes hormone and enzyme production and normalizes blood pressure.
• Ozone reduces pain and inflammation, reduces cardiac arrhythmia.
• Speeds up wound healing. It improves brain function and memory.

Simply put Ozone is SUPERCHARGED OXYGEN working at cellular level.

ThermOZONE Clinical Thermography - Available in Howick and in Hilton

WHAT IS BREAST THERMOGRAPHY? Breast Thermography is a Non-Contact, Non-Invasive, Non-Radioactive imaging technology and is a test of function and not structure. The use of thermography in breast imaging allows for the detection of risky inflammatory patterns, which indicate the body is not functioning properly. Thermograms monitor vascularity and growth of blood vessels and visualise the physiological processes in the body. Thermography plays a crucial role by highlighting inflammation, a precursor to many diseases.

Breast Thermography will look for signs that there may be abnormal functions in the breasts. Identifying these signs and knowing about them will enable a better understanding of what is happening in the breasts. By understanding this concept, Breast Thermography can be used as a monitoring, early detection, and a prevention tool.

WhatsApp 082 828 6778 to book your appointment.

Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge
Time for a team Challenge?
Pietermaritzburg : Sunday 18 August

The exciting and iconic Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that takes place on Sunday, August 18, at The Oval Cricket Ground, Alexandra Park, has a group or bulk entry option available for schools, clubs, organisations, and corporate teams to enter.

Groups of 10 or more (and yes, male supporters can join in too) can enter online and then collect them all at once.

Bulk entries close at midnight on Monday, August 5, and individual online entries are open until midnight on Sunday, August 11. Teams with 10 or more participants should contact the Race Office by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and they will be given instructions on how to do the bulk entry.

Team leaders can pick up their team’s race packs all in one go on Friday, 16 August.

For all the details, and to enter check out the race’s website at https://www.sparwomensrace.co.za/maritzburg/ 

Pictured here: Cross country runners, Joanne McAllister from St John’s D.S.G.; Nonjabulo Mbambo and Lwandle Sokhela from Mzimba Primary School; Alissa Norman from St John’s D.S.G. and Hannah Sewlal from Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School get in some preparation ahead of the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that will be taking place in and around Pietermaritzburg on Sunday 18 August.

Pic by Rogan Ward

Supplied.

Erin Gallagher was the only South African in action on the first day of the swimming programme at the Olympic Games in Paris on Saturday.

The 25-year-old finished sixth in her 100m butterfly heat in the morning in a time of 57.80 seconds – quick enough to book her a place in her first ever Olympic semifinal.
Gallagher competed in both the 100m freestyle and butterfly at the last Olympics in Tokyo but didn’t make it past the heats.

Speaking after booking her semifinal place in Paris, Gallagher reckoned: “I don’t remember being nervous. I think I’ve prepared so much, there’s nothing more I could have done in my preparation so I’m very relaxed. I obviously swam a bit slower, but I think that’s normal for a morning swim. I just didn’t feel like I was racing at the Olympics. It was weird.”

Returning in the evening for her semifinal, the Pretoria-based swimmer finished seventh in a time of 57.90 seconds, well off the African record time of 57.32 she set at the SA Championships in Gqeberha earlier this year.

“That was really tough,” said a devasted Gallagher afterwards. “I know I’m more capable than what I just swam and there are always going to be lessons learned. It would just be nice if I didn’t have to learn them at the Olympics.

“But it’s better than what I did in Tokyo. I did everything that I possibly could and that’s what I had tonight.

“It just felt like it’s over so quickly. You don’t really have much time to think. It’s a big privilege to be here, but it’s tough,” added the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist.

Sunday will see three more South Africans taking to the pool at La Défense Arena in the French capital. Tatjana Smith kicks off her Olympic campaign in heat 4 of the 100m breaststroke – the event in which she won silver at the last Games in Tokyo. Her heat is scheduled for 11.36am.

Pieter Coetzé will line up in heat 5 of the 100m backstroke at 11.54am, while Aimee Canny will take to the blocks in heat 4 of the 200m freestyle heats at 12.12pm.

Photo credits: Anton Geyser/TeamSA

MiTH 31 July 2024

INFO: 082 331 7271

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

VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm


7:45 pm: The Undaunted

Join us with The Undaunted for MiTH's Christmas in July!

Fronted by the dynamic Evan Oosthuizen on rhythm and vocals, The Undaunted are fueled by a passion for delivering high-octane, up-tempo hits. They will be joined by former Splayed Ferrets front man and rock aficionado, Martin Godfrey, as well as a surprise guest - can you guess who it is?

Geoff Clark's lead guitar prowess will hook your dancing instincts, along with the rhythmic wizardry of Robbie Marais on drums, and the pulsating basslines of Barry Hosford. The Undaunted deliver a sonic onslaught that will have you grooving, moving, and shaking like there's no tomorrow. So, brace yourself for an electrifying Christmas in July celebration as The Undaunted unleash their musical magic, leaving you breathless and begging for more. Get ready to dance the night away!


7pm: Howick High School Band

Led by their charismatic and eccentric teacher, Mark Houston, the Howick High School Band never disappoints. Come and check out the Midlands’ young talent!

The Howick High School Band is honoured to have the opportunity to perform at MiTH once again. Featuring the talents of Neave Cox on violin, Sanele Nkuna on drums, Tanaka Zimhamba on guitar, Thando Mashiyana of piano, Rebecca Coetzer on flute, and Sasha Naicker and Lothisile Mazeka on vocals, the band performs an array of pop and rock classics that are sure to get your feet tapping.


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.

THANK YOU to Seedlings Montessori School in Hilton for this generous collection of pet supplies. Your kind Mandela Day effort has made a valued contribution towards caring for the animals at uMngeni SPCA!

PMB combined - Representing Pietermaritzburg at the Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, St John’s D.S.G. and The Wykeham Collegiate both made their third appearances.

St John’s were drawn in Pool A alongside Durban Girls’ College, Our Lady of Fatima, Grantleigh School and Amanzimtoti while The Wykeham Collegiate came up against host school, St Mary’s D.S.G., Ferrum High School, St Patrick’s College and Ladysmith High School. Both teams notched up three wins, with St John’s D.S.G. finishing their day in a hard-fought nil nil draw against the defending champions, Durban Girls College. The Wykeham Collegiate also earned three victories, but went down to eventual winners, St Mary’s D.S.G. in their four pool games.

Finishing second in their respective pools, they advanced to the semi-finals, where they met each other in a Pietermaritzburg derby. Rebecca Pringle knocked in the all-important goal for St John’s in the final minute, giving them the golden ticket to advance to the gold silver medal game.

Top goal scorer for St John’s, Captain Rebecca Macquet put away three goals out of the 11 goals scored in total by her team in their six games. Enthusing after the final, Macquet said, ‘We are so grateful to have been given the opportunity to play in the SPAR grand finals! I am so proud of the heart and determination that our team showed throughout the tournament. My best moment was being able to play in the final as it was my last match for St. John’s.’

St John’s met host school St Mary’s in the concluding game of the challenge, where they took a well-deserved second place, their best result in their three runs at the Grand Finals.

Wykeham, playing for third place for the third time, took the lead after five and a half minutes when Emily Wilson scored against defending champions Durban Girls’ College. They remainder of the playoff, Wykeham maintained their lead not allowing College any chances. Wilson, who was top goal scorer, netting four out of the 11 goals scored in total for TWC. The Wykeham Collegiate, like St John’s finished with their best result, finishing third on the podium.

Four of the Wykeham players reside in Hilton, captain Erasmus, vice-captain, Pippa Aylward, Vida Boshoff and Grace Wardlaw.

Captain for Wykeham, Amy Erasmus from Hilton shared, ‘Our team really enjoyed the weekend. We had a good tournament with lots of highs and many learning curves. My favourite part was just playing the sport I love with my team. Even though the results did not always go our way, we had loads of fun; learnt a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the weekend.’

1 St Mary’s D.S.G.; 2 St John’s D.S.G.; 3 The Wykeham Collegiate; 4 Durban Girls’ College; 5 Our Lady of Fatima; 6 Ferrum High School; 7 St Patrick’s College; 8 Grantleigh School; 9 Amanzimtoti High School; 10 Ladysmith High School

Third Appearance
The Wykeham Collegiate – Pietermaritzburg North Regional Winner – Third (2024); Fourth (2012, 2023)
St John’s D.S.G. – Pietermaritzburg Central Regional Winner – Silver (2024); Bronze (2022); Fourth (2017)

Pictured here: Defending bravely during the second semi-final, Pippa Aylward, and Grace Wardlaw from The Wykeham Collegiate prepare to block Grace Hoatson's shot from St John's D.S.G. At the Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls' Hockey Challenge that took place on Sunday at St Mary's D.S.G..

Photo credit: Rogan Ward

Supplied.

Unsure which products are best for you? Contacts or spectacles?

At John Meyer Optometrists, we're here to help you find clarity in your choice. Book your appointment today and discover personalized eye care solutions that suit your lifestyle. Whether you prefer the convenience of contacts or the timeless appeal of spectacles, our expert team will guide you every step of the way.

Visit us at:
3 Monzali Drive, Hilton, Health and Wellness Centre,
Ground Floor, Suite 2B.
Call us at 033 343 0881
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Don't wait—see clearly and look fabulous, no matter the season!

There is no better time to talk about mental illness than now, as the spotlight this month falls on Mental Illness Awareness in South Africa from 1 to 31 July.

"Be kind to your mind" has become a popular phrase, but what does this really mean on a day-to-day basis? When thinking of being kind, we automatically assume that it is about how we treat our neighbour and those around us, but kindness starts from within. If you are on an aeroplane and the oxygen masks drop down, the instruction is to first secure your own mask before attempting to help or assist anyone else. Accept and acknowledge your feelings and emotions as they are now and although to many of us it is in our nature to show up for others first, the priority should always be to start with ourselves.

The brain is our most complex organ and referred to as the 'master control centre' of the body. The cells in the brain that make it function are called neurons. Neurons work closely together and communicate constantly to make all body functions work effectively when we are both awake and asleep, using electrical signals as well as chemical messages. It is important to look after your brain health by regularly challenging yourself with new activities, following a nutritious diet, drinking sufficient water, staying physically active, connecting with others in social environments, looking after your heart health and having a good sleep routine with quality sleep.

Mental illness happens when something in the brain is not working properly or when the organ gets sick. This could be caused by an outside injury, severe stress, an infection, genetics, or a combination of any of these factors. A prolonged disturbance of behaviour, thoughts or emotions cause mental illness and once it becomes noticeable and start affecting everyday life and activities, professional intervention is advised. Treatment often includes counselling and medication, and most people will get better and stay well after the treatment. The earlier the treatment starts, the better for the individual.

A wonderful way to uplift one's mood and boost mental health is through giving back to the community where you are planted, as it creates a sense of belonging and reduces isolation. In the KZN Midlands there are dozens of active NPO’s with existing channels which you can plug into. Connect with one in Hilton or Howick.

For Nelson Mandela Day this year the theme is “It is still in our hands to fight poverty and inequity". 67 minutes dedicated to a very worthy cause!
You do not have to go to war with mental health and you are never alone. Reach out for help, talk to someone you can trust and if you become aware of a loved one or colleague struggling, lend an ear and be their safe space to let them know that they do not have to walk alone, and support is available.

Most importantly remember to love yourself enough to reach out and ask for help. You are valuable.

More Information
www.sadag.org
Mental Health Matters 0800 567 567

Author credit: Liza Williams - Freelance Wellness Blogger (Pictured here RHS) Liza Williams signature

Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Liza has a deeply rooted love for all things wellness and her career as a Somatologist has taken her to various parts of the world.

She enjoys connecting with people and her hobbies include travel and tourism, photography, music, and aesthetics.

Liza lives with her family in Nottingham Road, Midlands, South Africa.

It is time to pop on over to see if we are exactly what you are looking for in a small, cottage pre-school - that offers Grade R!

For more information about our precious school:
Call: 063 296 9141
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Rabies is a very serious viral disease in our country. It is a zoonotic disease that infects mammals, including humans, dogs, cats, livestock and wildlife.

Dog bites are the most common cause of rabies transmission to humans. Sadly, 40% of human infections occur in children under 15 years old.

Rabies spreads through saliva, usually through bites or direct contact of saliva with mucosa or broken skin (e.g. eyes, mouth, or open wounds). Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is 100% fatal.

Initial symptoms of rabies include signs like fever, pain and unusual or unexplained tingling, pricking, or burning sensations at the wound site.

There are two forms of rabies:
Furious rabies, where patients experience hallucinations, erratic, aggressive behaviour, fear of water and lack of coordination.

Paralytic rabies, which accounts for about 20% of the total number of human cases. This form of rabies is less erratic and usually runs a longer course than the furious form. Muscles gradually become paralysed, starting from the wound site, leading to a coma and eventually death.

How is rabies diagnosed? Unfortunately, the only way to receive a sure and conclusive diagnosis is to have brain tissue tested of the deceased suspected rabid animal.

Rabies cannot be cured, but it CAN be prevented. In South Africa, pets are legally required to be vaccinated against rabies.

In terms of The Animal Diseases Act (Act No 35 of 1984), owners of dogs and cats MUST have their pets vaccinated against rabies between the ages of 3 and 7 months old, receiving a booster within 12 months of original vaccination. Pets must also receive rabies boosters at least every 3 years thereafter. In rabies endemic areas, like KwaZulu-Natal, pets must receive boosters every year.

We strongly recommend yearly boosters for all pets, all over the country, as one can never be sure where the next rabies outbreak will occur.

Our nurses are offering FREE rabies vaccinations* at our 3 branches:
13:00 - 14:00
Monday - Friday

IMPORTANT - Please make an appointment for these consultations*
Veterinary House Hospital - 033 342 4698
Veterinary House Townbush - 033 347 2504
Umgeni Veterinary Clinic - 033 343 4316

What to do if someone has been bitten, scratched or licked by a suspected rabid animal – FIRST AID:
Immediately wash the wound/area with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes. Note that licks, contact of saliva on mucosal surfaces or open wounds and scratches may also aid the transmission of rabies.

Go to your nearest clinic or hospital immediately thereafter. Be sure to tell the staff that the bite came from a suspected rabid animal. If emergency treatment isn't given fast enough, it will be too late.

Report the incident to your nearest state veterinarian or private veterinarian.

Rabies is a state-controlled disease, and all suspected cases must be reported.

If you are at all concerned about your pet after exposure to a possible rabid animal, or if your pet is showing unusual or concerning symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Given the recent rabies scare, please make sure that your pets are fully vaccinated against rabies, ensuring that they are safe from harm.

Both Tatjana Smith and Pieter Coetzé safely negotiated their way through their respective semifinals on day two of the swimming competition at the Olympic Games in Paris on Sunday, ensuring they’ll have a shot at reaching the podium in Monday’s finals.

A relaxed-looking Smith was first up in the 100m breaststroke, cruising to victory in exactly the same time she swam in the morning heat – 1:05.00. That sees the Tokyo silver medallist in the event through to Monday’s final as the fastest qualifier.

Ireland’s Mona McSharry was second quickest in 1:05.51 and American Lilly King third in 1:05.64, with Lithuania’s 2012 Olympic gold medallist Ruta Meilutytė surprisingly missing out on a place in the final.

“I’m just grateful to be swimming much faster times. That’s my fastest time since Tokyo but I think most of all, it’s not even for me anymore or about the time. It’s just really enjoying the experience and I’m having so much more fun,” said Smith after the race.

“I’m excited. I’m so glad to have a lane in the final. Obviously, lane four is a really nice lane. It’s a blessing but also sometimes not… you never know what to expect so, if you have a lane you have a chance.

“I know I’ve prepared as best as I could so now is the fun part.”

Coetzé was up next in the men’s 100m backstroke. He finished joint second in his semifinal, bettering the African record he set at the National Championships in Gqeberha earlier this year by touching the wall in a time of 52.63 seconds. That saw him through to the finals as the joint third fastest swimmer along with Frenchman Yohann Ndoye-Brouard, with only China’s Jiayu Xu and Italian Thomas Ceccon ahead of the duo.

“I wasn’t thinking about time at all going into this. I just wanted to make the final so to get the time is always nice but it’s not really about times here,” said a thrilled Coetzé afterwards.

“I’m just glad I made it back. At the Olympics, you just want a spot in the final because you can’t win a medal if you’re not in the final so you have to take it step by step and that’s how I like to do it.”

Aimee Canny was the only other South African swimmer in action on Sunday night. The US-based star had finished fifth in her 200m freestyle heat in the morning in a time 1:57.81 to qualify for her first-ever Olympic semifinal. She went slightly quicker in the evening, finishing in 1:57.34 to finish sixth but missed out on the final by just two places.

“It was OK, not a terrible time. I didn’t feel the greatest but I just tried to soak it all in and it’s an amazing atmosphere,” said Canny afterwards. “I think I was a bit all over the place, up and down and I think that broke my momentum a bit but it’s something to work on. That’s my first individual race at the Olympics so big wins.”

Swimming action continues in Paris on Monday with Coetzé lining up in the 100m backstroke final at 9.19pm and Smith competing in the 100m breaststroke final just after, at 9.25pm.

Photo credits: Anton Geyser/TeamSA

Paintings, drawings, sculptures – any medium you can think of will be displayed AND available for purchase at the Visual Artists Exhibition. Invest in the most beautiful art for your home or office, or just come and be inspired. All ranges, all budgets. The talent will BLOW your mind!

Hilton Arts Festival 2–4 August 2024

Download your Programme & Artist Listing: https://bit.ly/HAF24FestivalHandout

Entries are open for Pietermaritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge - The Oval Cricket Stadium: Sunday 18 August 2024

The countdown has begun for the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge, with online early bird entries opening up for the race that takes place in the Capital, Pietermaritzburg on Sunday 18 August.

Eager participants can opt for the more challenging 10km route, or the easier stretching of legs around the shorter 5km route. Continuing the theme of the Durban race, Maritzburg runners are encouraged to #ChooseYou on race day. The race organisers have capped the event at 3500 participants this year.

Both races have an all-in start at 8am, running an out-and-back route from Princess Margaret Drive with both races finishing up in the centre of The Oval Cricket Stadium. After the race, SPAR KZN will be giving away various lucky draw prizes, so be sure to stay after the race to stand a chance to win.

While this race is no longer included in the national SPAR Grand Prix Series it continues to offer lucrative prize money for category positions: the open category first prize is for R20 000, second position R15 000 and third R10 000, and various other age category prizes across the board up for grabs.

A variety of lucky draw prizes will be awarded at prize giving, including a chance to win a car. All participants (18 plus and T&C’s apply) can enter the lucky draw where one race number will advance to the main draw for a Proton X50 valued at R449,000. Seven ladies from the seven races around the country must attend the glitzy SPAR Grand Prix prize-giving to qualify to win this car.

There are two ways to enter, the first is online for early bird entries - visit the race website at www.sparwomensrace.co.za/maritzburg or manually at Race Registration the two days before Sunday’s run. Online entries will cost R180 regardless of distance. If you do not have a KZNA / ASA club running license, you will require a temporary license for the 10km race which costs R50. Late entries will cost an extra R20 if entered manually at Race Registration.

Teams of ten or more, can do bulk entry options. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details. Bulk Entries closes on Monday 5 August and online entries closes on Sunday 11 August.

Race Registration takes place at The Oval Cricket Stadium on Friday 16 August from 10am – 5pm and on Saturday 17 August from 10am – 3pm. No race pack collections are allowed on race day.

The official race charity for the PMB SPAR Women’s Challenge is the Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, specifically CHOC House in Pietermaritzburg. CHOC is a non-profit organisation that advocates for the health and well-being of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders and their families.

Make a note in your calendar, pencil in the date – Sunday 18 August to join us for a fabulously fun morning running around the picturesque part of Maritzburg for the SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge.

For more info visit www.spar.run or like the Challenge’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

Top image: Stretch. Warming up ahead of the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that will be taking place in and around Pietermaritzburg on Sunday 18 August are cross country runners Joanne McAllister and Alissa Norman from St John’s D.S.G., Hannah Sewlal from Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School, Nonjabulo Mbambo and Lwandle Sokhela from Mzimba Primary School. Online early bird entries are now open for the race.

Image credit: Rogan Ward

While the winter can be a cosy time, seniors need some extra TLC when cold weather rolls around. It’s not just about pulling out the blankets; it’s about ensuring that our older loved ones are safe, warm, and well.

🔶 Check on them regularly – keeping warm is as much about the heart and mind as it is about the body.
🔶 The body loses the mechanism to stay warm with age, so layers of warm clothing are a must. Non-slip shoes are also a necessity, as the elderly are at an increased risk of falling during the winter.
🔶 Keep their homes warm through insulation and draft-proofing.
🔶 Ensure they have a good supply of their medications from The Local Choice Pharmacy. Make use of our blister packing service to ensure they take the right medication at the right time, every time.

 

Caring for seniors in winter needs to be well-rounded – not simply tackling the cold, but also keeping spirits high and ensuring that they feel connected and cared for.

 

Visit at Hilton Health, Suite 1, Groundfloor, 3 Monzali Drive, Hilton, or call 033 343 0884.

Round Two! Let's help Omar get to Worlds!

I am honored to have once again been selected by Cycling SA, this time to represent South Africa at the UCI MTB World Championships 2024, being held in Andorra, Europe, from 26 August - 01 September.

As most of you know, I have been riding, and racing MTB, for most of my life. The Pal Arinsal MTB track in Andorra is one I have always dreamed of racing. I competed in last year's World Championship in Scotland. The experience gained has put me in good stead to do better this year. I am currently ranked 7th in the UCI Junior Men World Rankings, which will give me a good front row start.

Please see attached official selection letter. As stated, this trip is fully self-funded. My Mom is not in a position to cover the costs of this trip, hence this fundraiser. Approximately R60 000 is needed to cover the cost of my flights, travel insurance, accommodation, road transportation (there's no airport or train station in Andorra) and meals.

Updates will be on the WhatsApp group and my Instagram and Facebook.

Any contributions will be gratefully received. I fully understand that not everyone is in a position to donate, but I thank you for standing behind me.

https://events.palarinsal.com/en/palarinsalandorra2024

https://www.uci.org/competition-details/2024/MTB/70535

Show your support HERE

The greatest arts festival in KZN!

 

Join us at the 32nd Hilton Arts Festival for a weekend filled with the best and freshest in South African theatre, dance, comedy, music, visual arts, and craft. With fringe events and workshops on offer, the Hilton College campus becomes a vibrant hub of local creative talent - seriously, don’t miss it!

 

Secure your show tickets via @webtickets: https://bit.ly/HiltonArtsFest2024

 

ENTRY R100 entrance fee per car (payable when you leave and allows you to return)

DATE Hilton Arts Festival 2–4 August

Programme: www.hiltonfestival.co.za

 

Tucked away in the enchanting Blue Crane Nature Reserve, Brahman Hills has long been a sanctuary for guests seeking a unique blend of luxury and nature. Recently, this award-winning Midlands property received a prestigious 5-star rating for its self-catering cottages from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA).

According to Orrin Cottle, CEO of Brahman Hills, this accolade is testament to Brahman Hills' unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience, blending luxurious accommodations with the serenity of nature.

He adds, “Receiving a 5-star rating is a tremendous honour for all of us at Brahman Hills. Our team works tirelessly to ensure every guest feels like they’re everything.”

Cottle explains that although their luxurious cottages have earned a prestigious rating, they have intentionally maintained the hotel’s 4-star status. This decision allows them to cater to various budgets, ensuring everyone can enjoy the captivating experience that is Brahman Hills.

The 5-star self-catering cottages offer a variety of options to suit different needs. With 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom configurations, they are perfect for families, couples and groups. Each cottage features king-size beds with percale linen, en-suite bathrooms with luxurious Healing Earth toiletries, and private decks with jacuzzis overlooking the stunning reserve. "There is nothing quite like sipping a glass of wine on your deck and watching the zebras graze on the lush grass right in front of you. It’s a truly magical experience that brings you closer to nature," says Cottle.

Beyond luxurious accommodations, Brahman Hills is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The off-the-grid operation relies on solar power, and the team prioritises minimising their carbon footprint through innovative practices such as turning food waste into Bokashi to enrich the soil. The borehole water is naturally purified, ensuring a fresh, clean supply for both drinking and irrigation.

The international award-winning gardens, free from pesticides, support a thriving ecosystem. With 16 beehives on-site, 12 of which are active, Brahman Hills harvests over 150 litres of raw honey annually. This contributes to the health of the environment and the quality of the culinary offerings. Additionally, over 1,000 trees have been planted in the past year, furthering their commitment to a sustainable future.

Brahman Hills attributes much of its success to its dedicated staff. “The team, who have become like family, treat Brahman Hills as their own, ensuring that every guest's experience is personal and unforgettable,” says Cottle.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a destination wedding, a family vacation, or a peaceful retreat, Brahman Hills offers a magical haven in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

For more information, go to: https://www.brahmanhills.co.za/

For a child to be able to see themselves in a mirror is an important part of establishing both their body and self image. In a world where cruelty happens every day, we would like to help to change the narrative with our little ones from "You are different so you are not good enough!" to "You are different so you are unique!"

This Mandela Day, we would like to install mirrors in each of our classrooms to help the children to celebrate both their similarities and differences, and have managed to secure some that are 600mm x 300mm for R100 each. If you'd like to be part of this initiative, scan the Zapper code or email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for banking details.