Having shared the stage for more than 2 decades now, Nibs van der Spuy and Guy Buttery are setting off for their first run of concerts together in over 2 years. Capturing a vast melting pot of influences and musical landscapes, Nibs and Guy are now long standing staples of the South African music scene. Having released their follow up SAMA Nominated record “Live in Lisbon” captured on their most recent tour of Europe, the duo will be back in KZN in February and March for a series of shows.

These two virtuosos first collaborated in the early 2000’s before their respective solo careers took off with whirlwind individual touring schedules across the globe. Their performing paths crossed at a festival in Toulouse, France, and this inspired a new combination of performances and sowed the seeds for recording their début album together. “In The Shade of the Wild Fig” showcases their mutual interest in different folk styles from around the world featuring numerous instruments such as the cuatro, mbira, tanpura, sitar and various acoustic guitars.

Buttery and van der Spuy have toured many major festivals and venues throughout Europe and also won the very prestigious “Standard Bank Ovation Award” at The National Arts Festival. These accolades led to further sold out performances at numerous festivals and concert halls in both South Africa and in Europe receiving rave reviews for both their live show and their recorded work. Van der Spuy and Buttery were then invited to perform with the 52 piece KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, dubbed “Africa’s greatest orchestra” and were later voted “Top Live Show of the Year” by The Cape Times.

Guy has been featured in the world’s biggest selling guitar magazine ‘Guitar Player’ which saw him performing at leading guitar festivals throughout Europe, India, Brazil, Australia and the USA. He has also received numerous major national awards including the esteemed SAMA (South African Music Award) for ‘Best Instrumental Album of the Year’ and was awarded the Standard Bank Young Artist of the year. In the same vein, Nibs is a highly acclaimed guitarist, singer and songwriter, being featured in leading publications from France’s ‘Liberation’ to the UK ‘Guardian’. He is constantly touring with his biggest support base being in France.

Their follow up album “Live in Lisbon” was recorded next to the Tagus river in Belém on the outskirts of Lisbon. It was their first performance as a duo in Portugal. The upcoming tour will see this legendary duo perform through-out their home province of KZN.

TOUR SCHEDULE:

• Date – 29th February 2024
• Venue – KZNSA Gallery, 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban
• Time – 18:30 for 19:00
• Price – R200
• Contact – 031 277 1700/1705 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Tickets – https://qkt.io/nibsguyKZNSA

• Date – 1st March 2024
• Venue – Westville Theatre Club, 6 St James Ave, Westville
• Time – Doors at 19:00 for 19:30 show
• Price – R200
• Bring – picnic baskets, snacks and wine
• Tickets – https://www.quicket.co.za/events/249746-guy-buttery-nibs-van-der-spuy-live-at-the-westville-theatre-club

• Date – 2nd March 2024
• Venue – Monzi Golf Club, Monzi SH, Zululand
• Time – 19:00
• Price – R200
• Contact – 076 155 3999 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Tickets – https://www.quicket.co.za/events/249722-nibs-van-der-spuy-guy-buttery-live-in-zululand

• Date – 3rd March 2024
• Venue – The Place, Claremont Farm, Salt Rock (Opposite Brettonwood Estate)
• Time – 15:00
• Price – R350 (picnic boxes available to order)
• Contact – 0837758537 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Tickets – https://qkt.io/nibsguysaltrock

• Date – 7th March 2024
• Venue – Talloula, 61 Old Main Road, Bothas Hill
• Time – 19:00
• Price – R425 (includes two course meal)
• Contact – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Date – 8th March 2024
• Venue – Westville Theatre Club, 6 St James Ave, Westville
• Time – Doors at 19:00 for 19:30 show
• Price – R200
• Bring – picnic baskets, snacks and wine
• Tickets – https://www.quicket.co.za/events/249746-guy-buttery-nibs-van-der-spuy-live-at-the-westville-theatre-club

• Date – 9th March 2024
• Venue – The Old Mushroom Farm, 1 Karkloof Road, Howick
• Time – 16:00
• Price – R200
• Contact – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 060 470 1218
• Tickets – https://qkt.io/guynibsmushroom

• Date – 17th March 2024
• Venue – Under the Figtree at Nkomba Sanctuary, Dolphin Drive, Pennington
• Time – 12:30 for 13:30
• Price – R200 / R150 (discounted tickets)
• Contact – 083 441 5084
• Bring – Picnic baskets and chairs

 

Photo Credit: Paulo Menzes

Thousands of swimmers were greeted by some tricky conditions on the first day of racing at the aQuellé Midmar Mile in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.

They nevertheless braved the choppy water to make their way across the dam with Nathan Hendricks and Alani Ferreira emerging as the men’s and women’s winners in the visually impaired category.

Hendricks reached the finish in a time of 24 minutes 20 seconds along with his guide swimmer Reece Zowitzky while Ferreira completed her swim in 26:30 with guide Mikaela Goelst.

“That was the roughest Midmar I’ve ever done. The waves were literally like the ocean so my guide had a really tough job but she really did her best even in the rough conditions and I enjoyed it anyway. I love a challenge,” said two-time Paralympian Ferreira afterwards.

Someone who knows all about varying conditions, having completed every Midmar Mile since 1974, meaning he’s completed all 51 editions of the famous race, is Mike Pengelly, who admitted afterwards: “I swallowed a bit of water along the way. I breathe to the right and the waves were coming that way but I’ve done a lot of surf swimming so it wasn’t too bad.

“51 now, I can’t believe it. I just got into a nice steady rhythm and kept the wheels turning and here we are. It was a bit bumpy but it was fine, I enjoyed it.”

As for what brings him back each year, Pengelly (Top image) added: “It’s just become a way of life really but I will say I’ve been inspired by Buthie [Midmar Mile founder Mike Arbuthnot who passed away in 2023]. The last few years I don’t know how he kept going, but he was an incredible inspiration. In his late 80s he was still doing this event so I’ll keep the wheels turning as long as I can.”

Meanwhile, thrilled to have finished her second aQuellé Midmar Mile was Luyanda Shandu (Pictured here bottom). The 15-year-old from Pietermaritzburg is one of the Chad le Clos Foundation development swimmers from Seals Swimming Club.

“On the first 400m it was pretty rough and I think after the first two 400m points, the current just got heavier and heavier,” she said. “The water was pushing me and I tried to kick and it wasn’t working but we managed.”

Speaking about having former Olympic champion Le Clos working with her group of swimmers at the end of last year, Shandu added. “It was pretty amazing getting a point of view from someone who has experienced everything you want to do.”

Later in the morning, the Albertyns from Pretoria claimed the family team title with dad Gary powering to an impressive time of 22 minutes 36 (after swimming 20 miles in the Charity Challenge on Thursday and Friday), son Connor, fresh from representing South Africa at the World Championships in Doha, finishing in 20:08, daughter Kaitlyn finishing in 26:56 and mom Megan in 30:00.

“It was really rough, the waves were quite big but the water is nice and warm, probably perfect for racing,” said Connor. “But I’ve never swum a Midmar with waves like this. I was pushing the time quite a bit just in case one of the others struggled a bit, but overall it was quite good and I’m chuffed we won.”

Speaking about taking on Sunday’s elite race, the 19-year-old added: “I’m excited for it. I just hope the waves go down a bit for a nice flat race tomorrow. I’m excited to race back here in South Africa again. World Championships was a great experience, I learnt a lot from that so I’m hoping to apply some of that tomorrow.”

The biggest cheer of the day on Saturday was reserved for the incredible Ubo Munian who has a rare form of motor neuron disease combined with muscular dystrophy, and took 3 hours 26 minutes and 24 seconds to complete his mile swim with the help of Joanna van der Merwe.

“This is my sixth Midmar from the wheelchair,” said the Johannesburg swimmer. “This has been my toughest Midmar to date but I will be back next year.”

Waiting on the edge of the dam with his wheelchair, Munian’s wife, Bash, was brought to tears as her husband crossed the finish line. “I’m exceptionally proud of him,” she said. He wakes up every morning, he’s disciplined, he gives everything he’s got. I’m in tears just thinking about how hard he fights, how hard he works. He’s an absolute inspiration.”

For full results and more information, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

Supplied.

There were plenty of tired bodies on the shore of Midmar Dam in KwaZulu-Natal and the 8-mile and 16-mile aQuellé Midmar Mile Charity Challenge came to an end on Friday.

At the same time, millions of rands have already been raised, while more continues to come in. Leading the charge in terms of fundraising once again this year was Capetonian Joanne Barnard, who was swimming in the colours of children’s cancer charity CHOC.

“This year I got up to R180,000 which is very special,” said a thrilled Barnard at the end of her swim, paying tribute to all her partners and sponsors.

Asked what keeps her motivated throughout the 8 miles swum over two days, Barnard reckoned: “I spend a lot of time going through things and planning and praying and it’s also the cause. When you have those moments of fatigue and you think ‘oh my gosh, why?’ then you remember why, so it’s really fun.”

Reino von Wielligh was once again the fastest swimmer to complete the 16-mile challenge, finishing with a total time of 5:47.58 while Cassidey Rae Doubell was the fastest woman in 7:07.50.

“It feels good,” said Von Wielligh. “It does get to you after each one. But at the end of the day you come back. If you ask me now if I’ll do it next year I’ll say no, and if you ask me in two weeks I’ll say yes because it’s for a good cause.

“If you continue the 16 mile each year, at least you know what you’re getting yourself into. You know where it hurts and when to push through and I think that’s one of the nice things about doing it consecutively because you’re doing it for charity at the end of the day and that’s what drives you. I’m hurting but that’s ok, you just have to keep on going,” added Von Wielligh, who will swim again on Saturday with his seven-month pregnant sister who is completing her 27th Midmar Mile, before taking on the elite men’s race on Sunday.

Meanwhile, several swimmers completed their 10th 8-mile challenges on Friday. Among them were Liz Burczak, Carol Fourie and Shelly-Ann McHendrie, all swimming for Pink Drive.

“It feels like I’ve accomplished one of the biggest things in my life,” said a teary McHendrie. “It’s great to have done it for such a great initiative and cause so I’m feeling fantastic and a bit emotional because I swam for my dad who had wanted to see me do my 10th 8 Mile but didn’t – he passed away from cancer unfortunately. I also had cervical cancer and they managed to remove it – through early detection and that’s also why I’m supporting Pink Drive because we stand for early detection and that’s why I’m a cancer survivor.”

Fourie added: “I am relieved, chuffed, a little bit sore but very glad that 10 are done. I had bronchitis from November through until two weeks ago so I wasn't expecting anything great and it was much better than expected.

"I’m swimming for those who can’t. I’ve had quite a few friends who have gone through the whole battle with cancer and that’s what keeps me going.”

Also among the Pink Drive swimmers was the 1976 winner of the aQuellé Midmar Mile, Linda Adam, who completed her eighth 8-mile challenge along with all three of her daughters, Angela Lawrence, Julia Anderson and Paula Hall.

Asked what inspired them all to take on the challenge, Anderson joked: “My mom is very bossy! No, it’s for our dad.”

Adam explained her husband is fighting prostate cancer while two of her sons-in-law have also fought their own cancer battles.

As for getting through the two gruelling days of swimming, she explained: “It’s more of a mind game. We all know we’re strong enough so it’s just your mind. You have to be focused.”

Later in the day, Jane Rees was the final swimmer to complete the 8-mile challenge at the incredible age of 79, so bringing the total of finishers to 168, with 17 finishing the 16-mile challenge.

The quickest men’s swimmer to complete the 8 miles was Shane van der Linde in 3:03.06 while Emily Martens was the quickest of the women in 3:36.57.

Swimming action continues as the main events of the aQuellé Midmar Mile kick off on Saturday morning and run through to Sunday. Entries will still be possible at the dam on race day but those wishing to enter should allow plenty of time for registration.

For more information, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

Top image: Reino von Wielligh

Bottom image: Joanne Barnard and CHOC regional manager Agie Govender

Supplied.

Midlands Hospice (Howick) is about to launch a big walk circumnavigating the areas in which we serve. Undeniably one of the most beautiful regions in South Africa, we have a well-known ultra trail runner who is going to test the course for us, in a non-stop running challenge.

Matt Dove will navigate his way from Howick through the forests of the Karkloof and Curry's Post districts, the green rolling hills around Nottingham Road and past the eclectic mix of arts and crafts and restaurants to Rosetta. The trail will then take him into the most beautiful Kamberg valley, past stud farms and sheep farms dating back to pioneering days, all this set against the backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains. He will forge his way across the Kamberg Nature Reserve, and through rarely seen beautiful dairy farms into the very wee village, Fort Nottingham. The iconic 1976m Inhlosane will entice Matt through some of the darling Dargle Valley region of blue streams, forests opening up to grasslands with beautiful wildflowers, drawing him up to drink in 360 degrees of most beautiful views! This will give him the strength needed to finish the final stretch - down through the Dargle Forests alongside cascading rivers and up over Mount Ashley near Midmar Dam. He will experience the vibrance of the Mpophomeni community that Midlands Hospice has closely worked with, past the country escapes of the Birnamwood district and across the misty Hilton planes to the edge of the uMngeni Valley Gorge. The last stretch will be the ultimate challenge as he navigates the steep slopes and impressive cliffs of the Umngeni Valley and Gwen's Gorge, across the Umngeni River hauling himself up out of the valley, back to Midlands Hospice from where he started.

Matt will start his challenge on the 23rd of February, launching the massive fund-raising initiative 2 months before we walk for Hospice – our ultimate 12-day, Hospice Trail.

We would love for the Midlands Community to journey with us on this venture – our dream would be to have daily coverage of how the journey for hope is going and motivate people and businesses and corporates to challenge each other and pledge to a worthy cause where we offer hope, provide support, and honour life in the face of life threatening illness.

The Big Walk will be open to the public and will be launching soon. We will have a 12-day option, 4-day option and a chance to join us for the day up Inhlosane and again on our last day through the Umgeni Valley and back to Hospice House.

To support Matt on his Run for Hospice donate now https://sites.google.com/view/mattdoverunforhospice/home 

 

Taking a moment to be in awe of those bright blue skies and that wonderful green grass, feeling blessed. We have great facilities at BSET Academy and we offer the students the opportunity to bring their own horse to work with and in addition to working with our horses and horses in for rehabilitation. Learning hands on with different horses strengthens the skills learnt and makes for a confident Equine Practitioner. If you are still considering studying this year we have one spot open before the end of February, some catch up will be required.

 

More about BSET Equine Academy

Come alive with some Live Music on Friday with our local boys - THE UNDAUNTED.

Catch them on Friday for some toe tapping beats.

Escape the everyday lull and come dance and sing the night away!!!

Phil Smit – our director has been in the photovoltaic industry for many years and cut his teeth working on lead-acid battery systems partnered with the older inverter systems. He learned and grew with technology as it changed in the renewable energy industry over the last 10 years.

Phil's passion is his clients - he dedicates himself to giving them the best options and services possible.

Photovoltaic systems are an investment that is made to ensure your home or business has power security and savings, we promise to use reputable products that carry industry-standard warranties and support.

We are proud of the path we have walked as individuals, allowing us to take our knowledge and apply it to each client - to better equip them on their renewable journey.

Call 068 213 9186.

Australia’s Nick Sloman added a second aQuellé Midmar Mile title to his ever-growing collection of accolades while there was joy for Kloof swimmer Tory Earle as she claimed her first women’s title, with the event wrapping up at the famous KwaZulu-Natal dam on Sunday.

Rough conditions meant a record time was not going to be likely for Sloman, who had returned to Midmar Dam after his 2019 win with the mission of breaking Chad Ho’s 2016 mark of 17 minutes flat.

He nevertheless produced a dominant performance on the day, storming to the front early on and opening up a massive gap to reach the finish in 18 minutes 29 seconds – almost a full minute and a half ahead of his nearest challenger.

Connor Albertyn was second in a time of 19:58 with fellow Pretoria swimmer Sven van der Linde third in 20:01.

“I found the first 1200m really challenging. I couldn’t quite get the rhythm that I needed, hitting that headwind and really sort of breaking my stroke up a bit,” said Sloman after the race. “I was sitting lower in the water as well so I was basically swimming uphill… but I’m happy with how I swam it and managed to get the win so that’s always good,” added the 26-year-old, who just before heading to South Africa, claimed a gold medal with his Australian teammates in the mixed 4x1500m open water event at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha.

Albertyn, who like Sloman headed to Midmar straight from Doha, also found it tough going on Sunday.

“It was a really rough race, the waves were terrible, to be honest. That first 400 I was struggling to even get a breath in… It did flatten out a bit in the last 400 and I was happy with that. It was a good swim for the conditions,” he said.

“I’m very chuffed with second place. It’s the highest I’ve ever finished at Midmar so I’m very happy with that.”

18-year-old Van der Linde was thrilled to complete the podium. “It’s very exciting – I didn’t think I would get up there this year. I was hoping for a top-10 finish and I’m really surprised with where I came out,” reckoned the TUKS swimmer.

Speaking about his 17-minute record that remained intact by the end of the weekend, seven-time aQuellé Midmar Mile champion Chad Ho said: “Records are there to be broken so if he [Sloman] broke it, I would’ve been happy for him. Obviously, I’m happy that it stands for another year, but I’m sure at some point in the future it will get broken.”

The now-retired Ho finished first in the 31 to 40 category in a time of 25:29 in what was his 26th year completing the Midmar Mile.

Meanwhile, the women’s race also saw Earle emerging as an early leader. She powered to the front along with training partner Carli Antonopoulos but then managed to open up some distance between them, reaching the finish in a time of 20:49, with Antonopoulos second in 21:14 and two-time Midmar champion Michelle Weber coming in third in 23:09.

“It’s really cool actually. I’ve been doing Midmar for a lot of years now so it’s really cool to finally win it,” said Earle who was also part of the South African open water team that competed in Doha.

“My plan with Midmar is always put your head down and sprint. I just wanted to get clear of the bunch at the beginning and just go out fast. It’s usually better to sprint and get away from the pack early and then you can sort of catch your breath in the middle and then sprint at the end.”

Antonopoulos admitted afterwards: “I’m not going to lie, it was a tough race. It’s definitely one of the toughest Midmars I’ve done over the past few years.

“It’s always great racing with Tory – we train together so that’s really nice. I saw her ahead of me and I tried to catch her but, her and Midmar – she’s just got this relationship where she just motors through the dam so I’m really proud of her and also really happy with my swim as well.”

Also pleased with her performance was third-placed Weber who had said in the build-up to the race that she wasn’t in competitive form.

“I was so calm and so chilled on the boat and the whole morning and even the whole weekend. I wasn’t even thinking about it – I was thinking if I come in fifth place, I’ll be really happy, so to come top three, I think that’s really awesome,” said the two-time Olympian.

Several others reached significant milestones on Sunday with Pietermaritzburg swimmer Martin Godfrey completing his 50th aQuellé Midmar Mile. Asked afterwards about attempting the next 50, he quipped: “Let’s try 10 first and then when I get to 60, let’s see what happens. Maybe another 50 – I’ll be 100 and something by then.”

For full aQuellé Midmar Mile results, head to: www.finishtime.co.za

aQuellé Midmar Mile top 10:

Men
1. Nick Sloman 18:29
2. Connor Albertyn 19:58
3. Sven van der Linde 20:01
4. Matthew Caldwell 20:21
5. Reino von Wielligh 20:22
6. Reece Zowitsky 20:33
7. Joshua Ashley 20:34
8. Ricky Lottering 20:34
9. Max Spory 20:42
10. Rossouw Venter 20:48

Women
1. Tory Earle 20:49
2. Carli Antonopoulos 21:14
3. Michelle Weber 23:09
4. Megan Shepherd 23:09
5. Kirsty Andraos 23:11
6. Corné van Schalkwyk 23:11
7. Samantha Randle 23:11
8. Tayla Bruce 23:11
9. Rachel Arielle Smith 23:11
10. Taylor Pharoah 23:13

Pictured above - Nick Sloman

Pictured below from left - Antonopoulos, Earle and Weber

Supplied.

MiTH 14th February 2024

INFO: 082 331 7271

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

VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm


20:30pm: TChristian

Pietermaritzburg-born TChristian, formally known as Thanduxolo Christian, had a goal to reach the highest level of education. During his years of education, TChristian focused on music and vocal training. He majored in drumming, getting the opportunity to play for various artists around the world, like Simphiwe Dana, Joyous Celebration, Themba Mkwena, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, and Ayanda Ntanzi to name a few.

In 2014, TChristian made the transition to performing at various eateries; an environment where he feels music is best appreciated. He is also the proud owner of his own brand, which supplies entertainment for family events, weddings, parties, or any event that might be enhanced by live music to help the soul recharge.

TChristian believes that the skill of being a one-man-band is the most appealing musical enterprise known to man. He brings that alive and creates amazing musical performances, drawing influences from jazz, soul, Afro-beat, fusion music, RnB, and many more. With one album released, and four singles, he has manufactured a sound that delights the ears – the true experience of a live sound with audio technicality.

Joining him for this Valentine's perfomance is Mthokozisi Ntuli on keys, Sambulo Khomo on bass, and Sbu Cele on second keys.

7:45pm: Rhiannon Reid

Well-known to MiTH from performing with the Reid Family Band, Rhiannon Reid is a local musician, and now a published author. Previously a student of Kech Sanchez, and a singer in the Howick High School band, she has honed her skills on guitar and vocals over the years. For this event she will be accompanied by her dad, Vince, who has had an interest in music from a young age and is mainly self-taught. He plays keyboard, guitar, and recently, tin whistle.


7pm: Nicky Grieshaber

“Live piano for all your special occasions. Foot-tapping, humming-along, memory-lane-magical melodies, from rocking rhythms and wavy waltzes to folksy favourites and perky pop,” is how Nicky described his music on his business card.

Nicky has become known for his music through private and corporate functions, playing at various restaurants and hotels, and performing during events like Art in the Park and at venues like MiTH. He currently plays at Athlone Circle on most Saturdays (usually from late morning to mid-afternoon), creating a light and happy atmosphere that gets shoppers, employees, and car guards smiling and sets little feet a-dancing!


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.

 

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Sprightly septuagenarian fired up aQuellé Midmar Mile return!

If ever there was a swimmer who embodied the adage that age is just a number, it would have to be Tommy Gibson.

The Benoni resident only started swimming training at the age of 71 and this weekend will see him competing in his third aQuellé Midmar Mile.

“I started running at 63 and about three years ago I developed a back problem. Somebody suggested why don’t I try swimming, so I swapped over to swimming and just absolutely love it,” explained Gibson, who even had a special aQuellé Midmar Mile design tattooed on his calf after his first race.

The now 73-year-old admitted that swimming in a pool doesn’t appeal, so he does all his training in a small dam on a private estate.

“It’s a long story but when I was training for Comrades somebody said I must do cross training and so for the first time I got into a swimming pool and didn’t like it at all. Swim 25m, turn around, swim 25m just wasn’t on. And that’s why when my friend suggested Midmar I said: ‘Hang on, wait a minute, that’s not like pool swimming.’”

Gibson finished his first aQuellé Midmar Mile in 2022 in a time of 41 minutes 22 seconds and bettered that the following year with a time of 37 minutes 39.

Speaking about his training for this year’s race, where he’ll be gunning for a podium spot in the 71-80 category, Gibson explained: “It’s been very good. The weather’s been a little bit funny the last couple of weeks but it’s good. I’m looking forward to it.”

The septuagenarian recently claimed top honours in the same category at the final Midmar seeding event at Prime View Adventure & Leisure in Midrand, where he finished the 1.5km swim in time of 34 minutes and 13 seconds.

As for what he loves about the aQuellé Midmar Mile that keeps bringing him back, the semi-retired mining engineer added: “It’s just such a vibe, such a cool event. Open swimming is just such a fabulous event and you’re never too old.”

The aQuellé Midmar Mile takes place at Midmar Dam in KwaZulu-Natal from 8-11 February 2024. Entries will still be possible at the dam on race day but those wishing to enter should allow plenty of time for registration. Also, swimmers are advised that there will no shuttle service between the finish and start areas, so participants must make their own arrangements to get to the start.

For more information, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

Supplied.

Population growth, unfunded waste services, landfill airspace depletion, inadequate waste diversion and outdated infrastructure. These are but a few of the major challenges that the South African waste industry grapples with in 2024.

 

But Mpendulo Ginindza, President of the Institute of Waste Management of South Africa (IWMSA), says not all is lost and that many positive strides are being made towards achieving a circular economy by 2030.

 

She adds that one of the biggest steps creating an enabling environment for change was the 2008 implementation of the NEM Waste Act.

 

“The Act's focus was the waste management hierarchy, which encourages reducing waste to landfill,” she explains. “We have seen a flood of regulations in response to this. Needless to say, our legislation is amongst the best in the world. However, implementing and enforcing this legislation is our challenge.”

 

The Challenges: Waste Minimisation and Public Awareness
The issue of diminishing landfill airspace is one that South Africa continues to face - especially in major metros.

 

Ginindza says Cape Town, eThekwini, and Ekurhuleni are already experiencing increases in the cost of moving waste as their landfills reach capacity. She adds that locally, the focus still falls too much on waste management with not enough attention given to actual waste minimisation.

 

“In most cases the waste collection and disposal company provides that service, but yet it is not their core business,” Ginindza explains, adding that households are generally not ‘separating at source’, with waste pickers doing only some of that work.

 

“Education and awareness also need to be driven in schools. This situation requires everyone’s involvement - from households to business.”

 

Another area that the IWMSA believes can be improved is partnerships and collaborations.

 

“South Africa must emphasise the need to develop capacity, not only locally, but also in the region. We miss out on funding opportunities, not because there is no need to fund projects, but because there is no capacity or capability.”

 

The Successes: EPR Regulations and e-Waste Diversion
Ginindza says partnerships between government and private sector are yielding results - such as Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) implementing and expanding programs for waste diversion.

 

“Part of their role is to work with municipalities to build infrastructure for managing waste,” she adds. “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations have also been implemented and producers are now responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products which includes their waste management. “And although EPR does not solve all the country’s waste management problems, it is a crucial tool.

 

“In South Africa, EPR focuses on waste picker integration and circular economy. We should therefore acknowledge the role that waste pickers have played in waste diversion.” A lot of effort was also made to make people aware of the dangers of e-waste.

“It is now restricted from being disposed of to landfill, with a Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) policy under development. It will provide guidance and help to drive proper disposal and recycling.”

In conclusion, Ginindza says small businesses that want to make sure they comply, can reach out to the IWMSA. “We provide support through our training programmes and engaging different stakeholders through seminars and conferences. By supporting the waste sector, we can ensure proper waste management and maintain a clean environment.”

 

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Happy, healthy dogs are a common sight in Mpophomeni thanks to the work of Funda Nenja.

Our One Welfare model, which addresses the needs of both people and their dogs, has seen a huge difference in the quality of life of many dogs since we started working in this community 15 years ago. Thanks must go to our many supporters, without whom, we could not do what we do.

If you would like to contribute to our outreach work please donate to
Funda Nenja
First National Bank
Branch Code 220 725
Account number 624 587 66197

Overseas donors can use our GivenGain account. Details on both their website and ours.

As thousands of swimmers put the finishing touch to their preparations for the aQuellé MIdmar Mile, one man on the other side of the world is wishing he was headed back to the shores of the KwaZulu-Natal dam next weekend.
That’s two-time defending men’s champion Connor Buck (Top image), who since his second straight victory last year has started studying at Princeton University in the USA and will not make it back to defend his title.

“I haven’t missed a Midmar Mile since I was 11 and it’s always been a such positive race for me so of course I feel a degree of FOMO [fear of missing out],” he admitted from his base New Jersey.

“There are so many things that go into making the Midmar Mile a special race. There’s the history and tradition of the event, the astounding number of competitors and the quality of the athletes it attracts. But for me what makes it most memorable is the camaraderie of the event. Being able to tackle the race with friends and family around you and sharing the experience of the race with so many other athletes sets the Midmar Mile apart for me,” added the SA National 5km and 10km open water champion.

Buck’s best time at the aQuellé Midmar Mile is the 17 minutes 39 seconds he achieved on his way to the 2023 title. This year will see the return of Australia’s 2019 Midmar winner Nick Sloman, who has already made his intentions clear – he’s out to break seven-time winner and former world champion Chad Ho’s 2016 record of 17 minutes flat.

Asked about the prospect of the record being broken, Buck reckoned: “Chad’s record will be tough to beat and there’s a reason it has stood for eight years now. But with a swimmer like Nick Sloman, I think a sub-17 minute Midmar is on the cards. Obviously, conditions on the day will play a role but if they are any good, the record will go.”

As for his advice on swimming the perfect race on the day, Buck added: “The start is where a lot can go wrong in the Midmar due to the sheer number of competitors which makes it quite chaotic. So, finding clean water as early as possible is crucial. After that, it’s just about staying in a good rhythm and swimming a straight line.”

Those eager to get in on the action at the aQuellé Midmar Mile, which takes place from 8-11 February, have until midnight tonight, 31 January, to get their pre-entries in. Entries to certain events will be possible at Midmar Dam on race day but at a higher fee. Pre-entry is highly recommended to avoid any delays at the dam. For more information, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

Photo credit: Action Photo SA

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