Together, we can build a future where human rights are not just an aspiration but a reality for all. Happy Human Rights Day!

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South African swimmers contributed another four gold medals, and 13 in total, to Team SA’s collection at the African Games in Accra, Ghana on Monday.

Catherine van Rensburg kicked things off with gold in the 400m freestyle, claiming victory in 4 minutes 17.92 seconds with Hannah Mouton taking bronze in 4:22.89.

In the men’s event, young Pretoria swimmer Matthew Caldwell secured the silver in a time of 3:57.70 with Cameron Casali taking bronze in 3:58.73. Egypt’s Marwan Elkamash claimed gold in 3:51.79.

There was more gold to come for Team South Africa with Caitlin de Lange doing the honours in the 50m backstroke, finishing in an African Games record time of 28.76 seconds to edge out teammate and SA record holder Tayla Jonker who took the silver in 29.00. De Lange’s time beat the Games record set by Zimbabwean icon Kirsty Coventry in 2007.

“I think the team as a whole – we’re keeping each other motivated and the vibe is just so nice,” said De Langer afterwards. “The support is amazing and it makes me just want to push even harder.”

Jonah Pool-Jones finished in a dead heat with Algerian Abdellah Ardjoune in the men’s event with both swimmers powering to the finish 25.85 seconds to share the gold medal.

“I was seeded first this morning so I had the confidence to go and get the gold this afternoon,” said Pool-Jones. “I knew it was going to be tough and the guys were going to swim faster and funnily enough I tied first with the Algerian next to me so it was a really fun race.”
The women’s 4x200m freestyle relay team of Mouton, Leigh McMorran, Kate Meyer and Van Rensburg added the fourth gold of the night for the South Africans, finishing in 8:27.31, almost a full eight seconds clear of the chasing Egyptian team.

Meanwhile, Jarden Eaton was back on the podium on Monday – this time to collect the silver medal in the men’s 100m butterfly after finishing in 53.45. There was also a silver for Kate Meyer in the women’s 200m breaststroke after finishing in 2:35.35 with her teammate Georgia Els collecting the bronze in 2:37.17. Algerian Hamida Nefsi took the gold in 2:33.33.

Andrew Ross claimed bronze in the men’s 200m breaststroke in 2:18.20. He was back in action in the final event of the evening along with Tumelo Mahan, Casali and Caldwell with the South Africans collecting silver in the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay in 7:31.86 behind Egypt (7:27.62).
Swimming action continues in Accra on Tuesday with the competition wrapping up on Wednesday.

SA swimming medals at the African Games

GOLD
Clayton Jimmie (100m freestyle)
Caitlin de Lange (100m freestyle)
Catherine van Rensburg (1500m freestyle)
Simone Moll (100m breaststroke)
Catherine van Rensburg (400m freestyle)
Cailtin de Lange (50m backstroke)
Jonah Pool-Jones (50m backstroke)
Mixed 4x100m freestyle relay (Cailtin de Lange, Georgia Els, Andrew Ross, Clayton Jimmie)
Mixed 4x100m medley relay (Tayla Jonker, Petrus Truter, Jarden Eaton, Caitlin de Lange)
Women’s 4x200m freestyle relay (Hannah Mouton, Leigh McMorran, Kate Meyer, Catherin van Rensburg)

SILVER
Matthew Caldwell (800m freestyle)
Leigh McMorran (200m butterfly)
Hannah Mouton (200m freestyle)
Georgia Els (100m breaststroke)
Caitlin de Lange (50m butterfly)
Tayla Jonker (200m backstroke)
Matthew Caldwell (400m freestyle)
Kate Meyer (200m breaststroke)
Talya Jonker (50m backstroke)
Jarden Eaton (100m butterfly)
Men’s 4x200m freestyle relay (Andrew Ross, Tumelo Mahan, Cameron Casali, Matthew Caldwell)

BRONZE
Liam Vehbi (200m butterfly)
Catherine van Rensburg (200m freestyle)
Andre Ross (200m freestyle)
Jarden Eaton (50m butterfly)
Helgaard Muller (200m backstroke)
Hannah Mouton (400m freestyle)
Cameron Casali (400m freestyle)
Georgia Els (200m breaststroke)
Andrew Ross (200m breaststroke)

Top image: Catherine van Rensburg

Supplied.

Limited offer: guilt-free easter egg indulgence!

 

Step 1: Go ahead - buy that box of easter eggs! Buy 2! (You know you want to!)
Step 2: Resist eating them yourself! Instead, drop it off at 8 Pin Oak ave, Hilton.
Step 3: We'll deliver them to kids we work with in Sweetwaters! Lots of smiles and fun! (And no weight gain or sugar rush - at least not for YOU!)

The SA swimming squad competing at the African Games added 10 more medals to Team SA’s haul on the second night of action in Accra, Ghana on Sunday.Saturday’s opening night of swimming saw the team earning a total of seven medals – four of them gold, two silver and one bronze, and there was plenty more to celebrate on the pool deck on Sunday.

Simone Moll and Georgia Els ensured the country’s proud record in international breaststroke events was extended, taking the top two spots on the 100m breaststroke podium. Moll took the gold in a time of 1 minute 09.50 seconds with Els clinching the silver in 1:09.91.

Team SA once again topped the podium in the mixed 4x100m medley relay. Tayla Jonker, Petrus Truter, Jarden Eaton and Caitlin de Lange joined forces and led throughout to claim gold in a time of 3:57.56, ahead of Egypt (4:03.26) and Algeria (4:03.34).

Meanwhile, Hannah Mouton secured silver in the 200m freestyle in a time of 2:04.08 with Catherine van Rensburg adding to her 1500m freestyle gold from Saturday with bronze in the 200m event in 2:04.35. Egypt’s Lojine Hamed took the gold in 2:03.63.

Cailtin de Lange claimed silver in the 50m butterfly to add to her 100m freestyle gold from Saturday. She finished second in 26.81 behind world championship medallist Farida Osman of Egypt (26.02).

Fresh from breaking the South African record in the 50m backstroke at the recent World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Tayla Jonker claimed silver in the 200m backstroke in Accra. Anishta Teeluck of Mauritius collected the gold in 2:17.71 with the young Jonker second in 2:21.84.

Three more swimmers added bronze medals to Team SA’s growing collection: Andrew Ross in the 200m freestyle (1:51.09), Jarden Eaton in the 50m butterfly (24.42) and Helgaard Muller in the 200m backstroke (2:03.99).

Swimming action continues in Accra on Monday.

SA swimming medals at the African Games

GOLD
Clayton Jimmie (100m freestyle)
Caitlin de Lange (100m freestyle)
Catherine van Rensburg (1500m freestyle)
Simone Moll (100m breaststroke)
Mixed 4x100m freestyle relay (Cailtin de Lange, Georgia Els, Andrew Ross, Clayton Jimmie)
Mixed 4x100m medley relay (Tayla Jonker, Petrus Truter, Jarden Eaton, Caitlin de Lange)

SILVER
Matthew Caldwell (800m freestyle)
Leigh McMorran (200m butterfly)
Hannah Mouton (200m freestyle)
Georgia Els (100m breaststroke)
Caitlin de Lange (50m butterfly)
Tayla Jonker (200m backstroke)

BRONZE
Liam Vehbi (200m butterfly)
Catherine van Rensburg (200m freestyle)
Andre Ross (200m freestyle)
Jarden Eaton (50m butterfly)
Helgaard Muller (200m backstroke)

Top image: 

Tayla Jonker at world champs.

Photo credit::  Anton Geyser - SASI

Supplied.

Local Begian chocolate makers launch their Easter Collection 2024.

 

This easter egg range has little Easter chocolates, Easter lambs, ducklings, eggs, hens, hens on eggs, boxed chocolates and lovely big easter bunnies. You will find something to delight each and every special human in your family.

 

Diabetic chocolate can be requested, these are sweetened with Maltitol and available for Milk and Dark tempered Begian chocolate.

 

If you have not tried these locally crafted chocolates before, do it this Easter. Make your choccie choices from the catalogue and send your order to these Hilton chocolatiers in an email or WhatsApp. 

 

View the appendix here for items 27 - 33.

 

Orders should be placed a week in advance with Gwynne on 071 684 8026 or via e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Every industry suffers its fair share of myths, and waste management is no different.

"We need to separate the truth from the half-truths and nonsense that can hinder our progress towards a waste-free society," says Mpendulo Ginindza, President of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa.

Here are her 10 top myths about waste management.

Myth 1: Waste Management is only about garbage disposal
How to dispose of one's garbage is just a small part of waste management, a complex discipline that reaches across industries and national borders. It embraces strategies for ethical, sustainable and responsible product development, manufacture, consumption and disposal, including the destruction, storage, recycling or reusability of waste.

Myth 2: Waste management is solely the government's responsibility
Waste management is, in fact, the responsibility of everyone who generates waste, including households, retailers and, under recent legislation, product manufacturers. They are assisted by the waste managers who direct day-to-day operations in the waste industry.

Myth 3: The goal of Waste Management is to save the environment
While environmental preservation is a key goal of waste management, it equally benefits society and the economy. This includes protecting the health of humans, animals and plant life by preventing them and their surroundings from becoming contaminated. Contamination can threaten food and water supplies, and therefore has dire economic implications.

Myth 4: Landfills are the only solution
Until now, landfills have been a necessary evil, not a solution. Modern waste management comprises a range of alternative strategies that seek to reduce landfills and minimise our dependence on them.

Myth 5: Recycling is too expensive and inefficient
In some cases, maybe, but if this myth were really true, recycling companies would not survive long, let alone profit as they do. Every year, recycling technologies become more advanced, cost-effective and efficient, ensuring recycling remains a go-to waste management practice.

Myth 6: Everything must be recycled
Unfortunately, this myth is the result of retail marketing focusing only on recycling because the term is popular with consumers. In fact, not all waste is suitable for recycling and other
methods exist to handle anything that is not. They include incineration, composting, waste-to-energy, reuse and others.

Myth 7: We need to maximise recycling rates
If only. However, achieving a maximum rate of recycling depends on many factors, such as recycling technologies, capabilities and throughput capacity as well as economic viability. Every solution has limits and, as mentioned, attention and resources must also be given to managing waste that cannot be recycled at all and for which better techniques exist.

Myth 8: Stricter regulation is the answer
Do more traffic cameras prevent people from speeding? Usually not. Regulation only sets the standard for compliance. It must be supported by education and public awareness programmes that teach people the benefits of positive waste management behaviours. Training needs to start at home and in kindergarten, and continue throughout high school, university and into employment.

Myth 9: Waste Management is a secondary concern
You may be surprised that many of today's global problems, especially the climate crisis, are directly or indirectly linked to poor waste management. It is actually a primary concern because it is deeply embedded in so many others.

Myth 10: Third world countries can't afford waste management
The truth? We cannot afford not to embrace waste management because that will cost us dearly in the long run. In fact, we have the opportunity to lead the world by developing advanced waste management techniques that fit the African context.

Busting myths
Successful waste management demands the participation of all stakeholders, including consumers, businesses, and government.

Unfortunately, waste management myths can hamper our initiatives and hinder our progress.

"We need to educate ourselves on waste management truths so we can develop effective strategies, and each play a meaningful role in reducing waste," says Ginindza.

Supplied.

Managing E-Waste: A Guide to Responsible Appliance Disposal in South Africa

 

e-Waste from electrical and electronic appliances and devices is becoming a major problem for South Africa.

 

According to Gauteng’s government website, the country produces around 360,000 tons of e-waste every year, with the province accounting for 55% of that volume.

 

"Consumers need to be better educated on how to properly dispose of their appliances if we are to avoid an environmental catastrophe," says Patricia Schröder, spokesperson for the official producer responsibility organisation (PRO) Circular Energy.

 

New Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation puts the onus on importers and/or manufacturers of these products to ensure environmentally sound management of their products which could include recycling of their products. However, the initiative could be severely hampered if consumers don’t know what to do with their old appliances.

 

What is e-waste?
e-waste comprises most electrical and electronic appliances or devices found in the typical South African household or business. These include domestic appliances, power tools, digital devices and computers, electricity generation and storage devices, lighting, reusable and disposable batteries, cables and the like.

 

Such appliances and accessories should never be disposed of in normal refuse bins, dumping grounds or landfills. They are likely to contain materials that are potentially explosive, poisonous or otherwise hazardous to humans and animals, and will contaminate surrounding areas as they break down. Additionally, be wary of companies that encourage you the consumer to take you appliance to a “smashing centre” to smash the appliance with a bat for fun or for you to release frustration, this is an unhealthy and unsafe practice and is not legal in accordance with the National Environmental Management Waste Act of 2008, and it could result in fines.

 

"Therefore, they require specialised handling, recycling and treatment by suitably qualified persons within safely isolated environments," says Schröder.

 

In addition, e-waste lost to landfill means that scarce resources which could have been harvested and recycled must now be mined afresh.

 

How to dispose of appliances
Sure, it is easier to throw an old appliance in the municipal bin or skip. Yet, with a little research, consumers will discover alternatives that are far safer and more environmentally responsible. Circular Energy offers a dedicated collection service for your used or waste electric or electronic equipment, lighting or lighting equipment, and batteries. You can visit the Circular Energy website and navigate to the “click to collect” button to arrange for the collection of your e-waste.

 

Making appliance disposal intuitive
As EPR becomes entrenched in South African industry and retail, consumer education and involvement will be key to controlling e-waste.
It is also imperative that a two-way supply chain is established to ensure that disposal of e-waste is as natural, intuitive and easy as buying an appliance in the first place.

 

“There’s still a lot of work to be done towards that end but consumers can contribute now by making full use of the avenues already available to them," says Schröder.

 

Supplied.

The one thing we all tend to struggle with at some point is obesity with our furbabies. Sometimes it's hard to say no to those pleading eyes, or perhaps we don't have the energy nor 'time' for a walk around the block. Many factors could be contributing to your furbaby's weight gain, from age, food, lifestyle, breed etc. So here are but a few ways you could try to assist your furbaby in losing weight:

Balanced Diet: Feed your dog a balanced and nutritious diet appropriate for their age, breed, size, and activity level. Avoid excessive treats and table scraps, as these can contribute to weight gain.

Controlled Portions: Measure your dog's food portions according to feeding guidelines provided by your veterinarian or pet food manufacturer. Avoid free-feeding and monitor their daily calorie intake. (aka, avoid feeding them treats and snacks excessively outside of their feeding windows)

Regular Exercise: Provide regular exercise tailored to your dog's needs. Daily walks, play sessions, and activities such as agility training can help burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. For cats, cat teasers are a great method to kick in their inner hunter, if you cat is an inner....sleeper, try taking them to the furtherest part of the yard/house and encourage them to walk back, be it with their food bowl (at feeding time) or gestures. Try get your kitty moving, especially if they're an "all day and night sleeper"

Healthy Treats: Choose low-calorie treats or offer alternatives such as vegetables or fruits (in moderation and consult your VET about choice of veggie/fruit) as rewards during training sessions.

Going for regular check-ups and weigh-ins will also assist you in tracking your furbaby's progress!

Booking an apppointment or inquiring?
Call: 033 343 4602
Location: 72 Hilton Avenue, Hilton

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge
The Wykeham Collegiate: Saturday 9 March

On a hot summer’s day, host The Wykeham Collegiate’s cool, calm, and collected performance earned them top honours in the Pietermaritzburg North Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 9 March.

Starting the tournament as defending champs, The Wykeham Collegiate met rivals St Anne’s College in the concluding game in the strongly contested regional. At full time, the scoreline was level with both teams unable to penetrate on either end.

In the history of this area, these two powerhouses have met annually in the regional’s finale, with St Anne’s hoisting the trophy nine times to The Wykeham Collegiates two previous victories. Meeting earlier in the day in the round robin stage, St Anne’s showed their intentions with a flawless firm display, winning 1 nil. In the regional final, The Wykeham Collegiate stepped up a gear, not allowing St Anne’s any space to get back into their groove from earlier.

Twenty minutes of spellbinding passes had the riveting game flow to all corners of the turf. St Anne’s led the charge with some promising runs resulting in five short corners. In each of these, the visiting team took the direct approach of a no-nonsense attack, peppering the home team’s goals with low flying attempts that either whizzed just wide of the post, or were fabulously defended by the young keeper, Zoe Harper from The Wykeham Collegiate.

Small in stature but big in bravery, 17 year old, Harper representing TWC’s first team for the first time was remarkably composed in the regional’s decider. Chatting after the final, the youngster stated, “My favourite moment in the day was during the game against St Anne’s, who were really good! With every goal that I saved, my confidence grew and was eventually through the roof, boosted by all the spectators cheering me on from the sideline.”

Moving to an 8 second penalty shootout, The Wykeham Collegiate opted to get the ball rolling. Emily Wilson stepped up but was unable to convert her attempt. First to go for St Anne’s, Ella Shuttleworth knocked in her shot, taking the scoreline up to 1 nil. Erynne Marais was second to take a run at Kgabi Morafo from St Anne’s and levelled the score for The Wykeham Collegiate. Second to go for the visitors, Jasmin Kelly met the steadfast stance of Harper and was unable to go any further. Going into the third round of the shootout, Mary Jellis charged forward for The Wykeham Collegiate and quickly slotted in her shot, nudging the score up to 2 for her team to St Anne’s 1. With the pressure mounting, Jade Kelly bravely went last. Dashing forward, she was met by the committed young Harper who stormed out, stifling Kelly’s valiant assault on her goals, stopping her dead in her tracks and securing victory for the third time for her team.

Umpire of the Day was awarded to Lori o’Bree representing Grace College. Being acknowledged for her determined efforts with the whistle, this is her sixth Pietermaritzburg North Regional that she has participated in.

The Wykeham Collegiate join the Durban Central Regional winner, Durban Girls’ College, who are the first team to have qualified for the Grand Finals which will take place at St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof in July. In the back to back Maritzburg action, the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional took place on Sunday at the UKZN Astro where St John’s D.S.G. secured their spot for the third time at the Grand Finals.

The fourth tournament in the challenge heads to Curro Salt Rock where teams will participate in the Durban North Regional, followed by the Highway Regional that takes place on Sunday at Westville Girls’ High School.

For more info like the tournaments’ Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey).

All games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools App or on their website.

Overall Results
Regional Final
St Anne’s College 0 (1) vs The Wykeham Collegiate 0 (2)

Round Robin Results
1 St Anne’s College 24 points, 2 The Wykeham Collegiate 17 points, 3 Howick High School 13 points, 4 Treverton School 10 points, 5 Grace College 9 points, 6 Riverwood School 5 points, 7 Linpark High School 0 points

 

Top image: On its way. Applying pressure in the circle, Lebone Sibiya from St Anne’s College threads the ball infield during their game against Grace College at the Pietermaritzburg North Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at The Wykeham Collegiate’s turf on Saturday 9 March.

Below: A cracker. Holly Hofmeyr from St Anne’s College fires off a magnificent attempt in the regional final. Bravely going in for the tackle is captain for The Wykeham Collegiate, Amy Erasmus, in the regional final at the Pietermaritzburg North Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at The Wykeham Collegiate’s turf on Saturday 9 March.

 

Photo credits: Rogan Ward

 

Supplied.

 

Welcome to the UCSI February 2024 Newsletter

uMngeni Community, where the community keeps themselves safe.

February was a relatively busy month for the response team. Plenty of searches with a few misses.

I would like to thank all our members for their donations to the UCSI. A few of our major sponsors; Stock Owners Office Park for the Office. I-Uncapped for communications to office and two gantries. Howick and Districts Landowners Association for capital building more gantries and cameras to the network.

Incident report
2024/02/01 Hilton
A vehicle activation cameras for a couple who are wanted for fraud and theft from a B&B in Swartburg. Unfortunately, the case was opened too late for our response team to action on the activation. The vehicle disappeared in Pmb area.

2024/02/03 Tweedie/ Greendale
A vehicle using false plates activated cameras, Info sent to UCSI SAPS response group. The vehicle was stopped by Knight Security member. Owner keeps promising to update licence but this time Howick SAPS have impounded the vehicle.

2024/02/07 Merrivale
A vehicle reported as stolen activated cameras. Info sent to UCSI SAPS response group. After confirming that vehicle was still sought, AET members stopped the vehicle with assistance from Magma and Ballid members. The vehicle was taken to Howick saps for processing.

2024/02/09 Howick
A vehicle seen Illegal dumping was reported to UCSI. The owner of vehicle did make contact with Mayor Pappas. Problem dealt with.

2024/02/10 Nottingham road
A stolen vehicle reported by Notties Snipr group member, I made a search for the stolen vehicle and suspect vehicle. Unfortunately, the vehicle was stolen much earlier than reported so last visual was heading out of our area. I shared information about the suspect vehicle used with Law enforcement and Notties team.

2024/02/11 Karkloof
A vehicle suspected to be involved in armed robbery activated cameras into the Karkloof area. Karkloof Magma security members and SAPS response groups were informed. Thanks to Karkloof Magma team. The vehicle turns out to be the legit cloned vehicle. Driver had same problem before and now carries an affidavit stating that vehicle is cloned.

2024/02/13 Howick
A Stolen vehicle activated cameras. The Karkloof and UCSI SAPS response groups were notified. Thanks to Karkloof Magma and SSS the vehicle was eventually stopped in Merrivale. The vehicle was taken to Howick SAPS where SAPS members took over the case.

2024/02/14 Merrivale
A VEHICLE STOLEN, activated the camera; The Info sent to UCSI SAPS response group. The vehicle stopped by SAPS on N3 near Cedara. Established that vehicle was not stolen; it was used without owner’s consent. Thank you Ballid and SAPS

2024/02/16 Merrivale
A suspect vehicle involved in Motor theft activated cameras. The info sent to UCSI SAPS response group. Actioned by Knight Security member but unfortunately vehicle not found. Thank you Knight security.

2024/02/18 Hilton
A vehicle suspected in shoplifting entered the Hilton and Howick areas, The info sent to UCSI SAPS response group. Thank you Knight Security and Tracing Point members. Vehicle under observation in the uMngeni area. No mischief observed. Vehicle did a lot of loops around shopping centers in our area but left without incident.

2024/02/20 Merrivale
A suspect stolen vehicle activated the cameras. The info sent to UCSI SAPS response group. Thanks Knight security the vehicle was stopped and taken to Howick SAPS. SAPS allowed vehicle to leave on own recognizance to sort out paperwork in Durban.

2024/02/23 Hilton
A stolen vehicle activated the cameras. The info sent to UCSI SAPS response group. Thanks Magma and Hilton SAPS the vehicle was recovered.

2024/02/27 Hilton
A Stolen vehicle activated the cameras. The info sent to UCSI SAPS response group. Thanks to Hilton SAPS. A vehicle check done and confirmed that the vehicle had been recovered. No further action required.

2024/02/27 Dalton
Report received of a kidnapping in Dalton area. We searched cameras for the suspect vehicle with the partial registration number received. Suspect vehicle found with correct reg number and confirmed that the vehicle had also been moving through uMngeni area the day before. The abducted person was eventually found safe, but vehicle not found. Great teamwork between the Greytown, Wartburg and uMngeni areas, sharing info and cameras.

Consolidated breakdown
Feb-24

Total Photos     Total Hits     Previous year Hits
 4 309 661            660                    474

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 (button on the link)
Or
Please follow the links below to go to the website where you can find a membership form to download.
https://operations2956.wixsite.com/ucsi

Membership form also available on the Whatsapp number 063 068 9652 under the catalogs menu.

You are welcome to donate monthly on debit order 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 Director
063 068 9652

Unlock a brighter tomorrow by seeing clearly today! Book your eye test now at John Meyer Optometry.

Our expert services include prescription glasses, sunglasses, driver's license screening certificates, glaucoma pressure screenings for vitality points, frame adjustments, repairs, cleaning, and more!
 

Contact us at 033 343 0881 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MiTH 13th March 2024

INFO: 082 331 7271

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

VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm


20:45pm: Gavin Ferguson

Gavin Ferguson is a professional singer-songwriter, acoustic guitarist, and cover artist who has been performing as a full-time musician since 2012. He has been a prolific songwriter with songs on well-known local radio stations. He also has a diverse set list of cover songs and has performed at many different venues and festivals, including Splashy Fen, and Smoking Dragon.

His music can be described as having a unique, soulful-yet-smooth sound, to a “get the party started” rock performance. He has an acoustic guitar influence with a variety of pop, jazz, rock, flamenco strumming, and classical finger-style picking. His performances encompass the full music spectrum, including commercial pop, rock, jazz, light blues, RnB, dance music, classical, indie, and big band with a flare of southern gospel sounds all mixed into current pop music and old-school classics.

 

7:45pm: Bridgitt Leahy

Bridgitt is an acoustic artist who grew up in a small town called Creighton where she was surrounded by her dad’s music and singing. This inspired her to pick up a guitar at 15 years old. With a passion for indie, folk, alternative, and country, she has always found inspiration in the unique sounds and stories that these genres offer. She draws inspiration from artists such as Bob Dylan, Rodriguez, and Bon Iver.

Although she took a break from performing for the past few years, Bridgitt is now eagerly preparing to once again share her passion with an audience. She will be joined on stage by her dad, Russel Leahy, who is a self-taught musician who is also inspired by folk, rock, and country. Russel and Bridgitt have always loved singing together whether that be pub karaoke, garage sessions, or just discovering new songs and harmonies.

7pm: Chris & Kaylee

Christopher and Kaylee Bester are a husband and wife team who have come together to play music. Their chosen genres are country and bluegrass. Christopher has been in many bands over the years and plays a variety of instruments. Kaylee has a more classical background and has taught music in schools.



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.

Reconnecting with Nature, CROW Launches rebranded Membership Club “CROW Guardians” in Celebration of World Wildlife Day

Yesterday (3 March) as the world commemorated UN World Wildlife Day, the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) in Durban, relaunched its membership programme (formerly the 1000/100 Club), which has been rebranded “CROW Guardians”. The initiative aims to encourage a sense of unity and inspiration among wildlife enthusiasts committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of indigenous wildlife.

“Following a highly successful fundraising campaign in October last year, it is highly evident that the people of Durban, KZN South Africa and internationally, understand the enormous value the organisation provides to the well-being of our wildlife,” enthuses Clint Halkett-Siddall, Operations Director of CROW. “We are deeply grateful and appreciative of all those supporters whose contributions led to the success of our emergency appeal last year. With the steadfast backing of our donors, communities, partners, and individuals, we are pleased to announce our regained financial stability and eagerly anticipate this new chapter, as we now relaunch our CROW Guardians member community.”

The “CROW Guardians” membership provides individuals with the opportunity to stay connected and involved with wildlife, regardless of their location. By becoming a CROW Guardian with a monthly donation (starting at a nominal R50 a month), supporters directly contribute to the essential care and conservation efforts for rescued wildlife.

“Our aim through “CROW Guardians” is to unite and motivate a community of wildlife enthusiasts dedicated to supporting the important work we do, and by doing so ensure a sustainable legacy for future generations.”

Halkett-Siddall explains that “CROW Guardians” members will receive exclusive updates on CROW’s activities and the work being done, as well as special offers, opportunities to win getaways in the bush or participate in wildlife releases.

At present CROW staff are caring for about 575 wild animals including Dassies, Mongoose, Genets, Monkeys, Garden Birds, Eagles, Hawks, Owls, Reptiles, and Antelope. Besides infrastructure costs, most of the funds raised are used for medication, animal feed, ground and nursing staff and highly discounted veterinary costs.

“We would like to appeal to animal lovers to support our own World Wildlife Day Campaign by signing up as a “CROW Guardian” to become a monthly donor and advocate for wildlife conservation,” says Halkett-Siddall. “Or people, organisations, and companies can also make a once-off donation to mark the Day by sponsoring a particular animal in need. Finally, we appeal to people to share the message of caring for our wildlife through sharing stories and raising awareness about the significance of connecting with nature and safeguarding wildlife.”

For more information or to join “CROWGuardians” go to: https://crowkzn.co.za/ or contact them on 031 4621127 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Top image: Estie Allan – clinic manager at the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) feeds a baby Banded Mongoose. This baby is one of four that have come in recently, and feeding at this stage is quite intensive.

 

Pictured below: This 6 month old hartebeest (originally brought in as a Blesbok) has thrived at CROW since coming to the centre in 2023. Zoe Dougall, a nurse at the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) has cared for him since he was brought in.

 

Photo credits to Val Adamson

 

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