South Africa’s best export, ever, was its Constitution – a unique, globally-respected document unlike any other, created after the biggest public participation programme the world had ever seen, “drafted by everyone in history who has ever held a placard for human rights” – but it means absolutely nothing if it’s not used.
Paying tribute to a significant time in South African history, the week celebrating Freedom Day, and the country’s first democratic elections, human rights lawyer Lwando Xaso, guest speaker recently at St Anne’s Diocesan College in Hilton during their annual Social Awareness Week themed “The Constitution and Human Rights”, was a particularly appropriate choice.
She told the young ladies in blue that their rights were “now enshrined in that document because of the drama, the tragedies … that precede all of us”, recounting, vividly, the story of the old South Africa’s painful, frequently violent, often tragic, metamorphosis into a new democracy, featuring role-players like Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Robert Sobukwe, with the pivotal Constitution Hill in both the background and the foreground.
Xaso, who obtained her LLB from the University of Johannesburg in 2005, and her masters in law (LL.M.) in constitutional governance and administrative justice at the University of Cape Town, has worked as a researcher for the Democratic Governance and Rights Unit, and clerked for Justice Edwin Cameron of the Constitutional Court of South Africa. She also contributed to the book One Law One Nation by Lauren Segal and Sharon Cort in celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Constitution of SA.
The road to our Constitution, she told her young audience, “was littered with dead bodies”, a rocky odyssey to transformation for South Africans embarking on the journey from one side of the bridge to the other.
“Our journey has been towards justice, freedom, accountability and equality, and although it sometimes feels as though we’re standing still, and regressing, we have covered some ground.”
Progress, added Xaso – who counts her time clerking for Cameron as a highlight of her career – included the abolition of the death penalty and corporal punishment at schools; the recognition of human rights for all, the battle against xenophobia, “and efforts to make us a less violent society”.
In fluid, verbal brushstrokes, this extraordinarily articulate lawyer described to the St Anne’s pupils Constitution Hill as a place that changed her life, “offered me wisdom, which when I first visited it at 13 or 14, left a deep impression”.
Built on a residential ridge, the highest point in Johannesburg at the time, a military fort was created in anticipation of an invasion by the British. A prisoner-of-war camp was also built, “and ironically, after the British victory, the Afrikaners were imprisoned in their own camp.”
The old fort was to be expanded into a prison complex, a place of degradation, violence and humiliation, “a microcosm of apartheid”, home, at times, to many of the country’s iconic freedom fighting stalwarts.
The Constitutional Court, she added, symbolises both the injustices and the triumphs of the past.
The old fort and POW camp,“this abandoned prison, this stain on history, has been transformed into the pinnacle of justice, the guardian of our Constitution… something which which had been fought for before I was born.”
With creativity, it’s been turned into something bigger.
“So whatever pain you hold, use it to make it your own creative offering as well: we come from a country that turned a prison into a human rights precinct. That is transformation.
“It’s not about avoiding the pain, when it’s so heavy you can barely move forward. It’s about using the pain to build something constructive that can shape the future,” she told the girls.
“When they chose the old prison at Constitution Hill as the apex of the ConCourt, they demolished the original awaiting-trial block but reclaimed and cleaned some of the old red bricks, which they incorporated into the new court building.
“You can’t build a new country without rebuilding the past.”
No set of laws, observed Xaso, “can make you all love each other; no set of laws make you compassionate; no set of laws can make you trust each other, and no set of laws will stop corruption”.
“But as South Africa makes its transformative journey across this bridge, from our violent past to one of promise in the future, remember that it’s not just transforming St Anne’s or the country. It’s about transforming yourselves. It’s the decision you make to live up to the values of our constitution, and how we will move towards being a compassionate, beloved country.
Xaso said whatever struggles she had encountered in her life “are faced under better conditions than those under which my grandparents and parents struggled”.
“In its young adulthood, our actions today will determine the nature of our constitutional democracy for generations to come.”
Pictured below from left to right
Image 2: Lwando Xasa
Image 3: Imana Dimba, Sisanda Mbekwa, Lwando Xaso
More about St Anne's Diocesan College
Chocolate Sensations Hilton’s handcrafted Belgian chocolates are great additions to so many occasions! These Handcrafted Deluxe Belgian Chocolates are produced in Hilton.
IT'S FINALLY HERE!!
30% OFF STERILIZATIONS IN MAY‼
It's that time of year again for our annual sterilization special for dogs, cats and Bunnies.
Terms and Conditions:
▪️ Payment needs to be on the day!!!!!!
▪️ The discount does not include any female dogs on heat.
Give us a ring to book your appointment now on 033 343 4316 or WhatsApp us on 064 512 1853.
Please specify which clinic you are wanting to make the appointment for
Price with the discount included:
Dog Neuter - R1015
Dog Spay - R1540
Cat Neuter - R595
Cat Spay - R980
Bunny Spay/Neuter - R980
More about Umgeni Vet Clinic.
Please support LIMA's new on a project, the Emergency Feeding Programme, they fill old coffee or mayonnaise jars with ingredients that can feed at least 4 people per jar.
'Our Nedbank branch has officially opened in its new location today. Find them tucked away in the corner, on the far end of the centre, near the Crazy Store. Expect the same great service in a safe and secure area, manned by security guards, with plenty of convenient parking!
Over the next couple of months, this area will be transformed into our “Banking Quarter” where you will find Nedbank, as well as FNB and the ABSA ATM.' update from The Quarry Centre.
Hello May, hello Tuesday! This is news day for Hilton... it's another short week so it'll be snappy. Make the most of your chances to support local. Hilton, uMngeni, KZN Midlands kind of local. Find ideas on how to when you read the newsletter online.
Our subscribers and browsers choose Hilton businesses, products and services over and over again. Join them by subscribing now.
When you #LoveLocalRealHard smiles light up all around you, be part of everything that makes days in Hilton wonderful!
Durban, South Africa: On the road again! The ever-popular Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge - dubbed as South Africa’s most beautiful race - is back in full swing as entries are now open for its 2023 edition on Sunday 25 June.
The SPAR Women’s Challenge is one of South Africa’s oldest and most-loved road races that continues to inspire and support women, old and young from all walks of life to achieve personal goals and live a healthy lifestyle. With a maximum of 10 000 entries available participants need to get their entries in soon.
The theme for this year is #ItsPersonal, a motivation for women to show their incredible determination to attain their goals, and just one way to demonstrate it’s a personal journey and that challenges can always be conquered, and goals achieved.
SPAR is also pleased to announce that four strong KZN female role models will be flying the flag as the race Ambassadors: SA Rugby player and firefighting hero, Zinhle Ndawonde, former Protea’s Netball star, Baby Proteas coach and teacher, Precious Mthembu, actress; and comedian, Lisa Bobbert and an Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist Dr Marise Subrayan.
Setting off first, the 10km race, incorporating the national SPAR Grand Prix Series, gets going at 08:00am, followed by the popular 5km Fun Run / Walk which begins at 9am. The route for both distances is a fast and flat one that showcases the spectacular Durban beachfront before finishing at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium outer fields.
Online entries are now open, and limited to the first 10 000 ladies at www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban. Bulk entries are now also available online. Entries close on Sunday 18 June or when the 10 000 cap has been reached.
Prize money for the winner is R30,000, second place is R25,000 and third is R20,000. Prize money of R10,000 has been introduced for the first South African runner, with a total prize pool of R185,000. The event is offering over R70,000 in Lucky Draw prizes and the opportunity to go into a final draw to win a brand new Proton X50 worth R449,900.
The entry fee for licensed runners for the 10km is R150 and R200 for non-licensed runners. The 5km Fun Run entry fee is R150. Participants will receive a beautiful race T-shirt and SPAR Goody Bag. On race day there will be route refreshment stations, live entertainment, and medals will be handed out on completion of the event. Participants in the 10km event should be 14 years and older, and participants for the 5km should be 9 years and older on the day of the event.
For all the relevant race information and to enter online go to www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban. For more information like the SPAR Women’s Race KZN Facebook page (SPARWomens10and5kmRace), or follow on Instagram (sparwomenskzn) or Twitter (sparladiesrace).
Pictures here by by Val Adamson
Above: Step by step. Getting into stride for the upcoming Durban’s SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge, the Durban Race Ambassadors former SA Springbok, current KZN Rugby player and firefighting hero, Zinhle Ndawonde; former Protea’s Netball star, Baby Proteas coach and teacher, Precious Mthembu; actress and comedian, Lisa Bobbert and Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist Dr Marise Subrayan enjoy their training. The return of the challenge takes place on Sunday 25 June, finishing at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium.
Below: All smiles. Training with good friends, getting ready for the return of the Durban’s SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that is taking place on Sunday 25 June finishing at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium. Pictured warming up are Durban Race Ambassadors, former Protea’s Netball star, Baby Proteas coach and teacher, Precious Mthembu; actress and comedian, Lisa Bobbert; Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist Dr Marise Subrayan and former SA Springbok, current KZN Rugby player and firefighting hero, Zinhle Ndawonde.
Supplied.
We're celebrating Mother's Day by giving away a goodie basket, overflowing with amazing treats from all of our lovely stores, valued at over R4,000. Plus we have Quarry Centre shopping vouchers to give away too.
To enter, simply drop your till slip into one of the competition boxes around the centre with your name and contact number on the back (please make sure you write clearly!).
Competition closes on Friday, 12th May. The winners will be drawn randomly, contacted directly and announced on social media. T&C's apply.
More about The Quarry Centre
Local Artist, and Art teacher from Russell High school, Nicola Crawford (Top) finishing off a painting at Kathy’s Art Studio for the Harcourts Hilton art in the country art exhibition at Harrington House 25-28th May. This will be Nicola's second time exhibiting at the Harcourts Hilton ART in the Country event.
Our Top selling Artist at HH AIC 2022- Simon Addy, seen here below, doing some final touches to his work. Addy relocated from Clarens and is now a Hilton resident, still has a gallery in Clarens. He is well known for his Karoo landscapes. Simon can be found painting daily at Kathy’s art studio at the Rotunda Centre in Hilton, along with his Parrot, Earl (Below RHS).
More about Harcourts Hilton ART in the Country
A Basketball Court/Skate Area is a REALITY for Hilton Teenagers if the UIP goes ahead.
If you've ever been a teenager in Hilton you'll know why having a COOL and SAFE outdoor space to hang out is so important. Being a teenager is that awkward limbo phase where "nothing to do" is part of your everyday life. Sure going from one house to another and checking out "what's in the fridge", playing computer games, or making TikToks is cool... but fresh air and exercise are also cool.
Plus BOOMTOWN will make sure it doesn't look like it's been designed by adults. That's a promise!
More about Love Hilton.
‘Funk’ continues to generate tremendous excitement and has been a firm favourite on the annual school production calendar now for 24 years! This year we go back to a live programme and bring the production home to The Theatre at St Anne’s.
Funk evolved as an idea to create a dance programme for schools with very specific aims. Firstly to unite schools in working towards a common goal; secondly to give Drama students and their teachers the opportunity to create and rehearse pieces of dance theatre for public performance; thirdly, to enable young people to see that movement, dance and dance theatre is accessible to them and not only in the hands of professional adult dance companies; and finally, and perhaps most importantly of all, to generate meaning and artistic integrity through dance choreography whilst challenging young people to work outside of their comfort zones.
The task for each school remains constant: to create a 7 minute piece of dance choreography integrating any type of musical or textual accompaniment. The programme accommodates a range of choreographic and performance possibilities and provides the perfect opportunity for schools to experiment with new forms. It is also important to emphasise that this platform is not a competition, and should not be seen in the same light as a sports festival or inter-house competition. The highlight of the production is always the mass group Finale which incorporates all the schools together on the stage.
Funk 2023 is produced by The Theatre–St Anne’s College, directed by Ms Lynn Chemaly, with technical direction by Mr Marcus Henning and Finale creation by BoNana Dance.
Booking on Quicket: https://qkt.io/AheSJS
SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge
Pietermaritzburg North Regional
St Anne’s College: Saturday 22 April
In a momentous victory, The Wykeham Collegiate toppled host school, St Anne’s College in the Pietermaritzburg North Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place on Saturday 22 April.
As soon as play got underway in the regional final, Wykeham pushed up into Saint’s circle, with the visitor’s first attempt at goal coming just 49 seconds into the match with a flashy reverse stick shot fired wide. An intrepid Wykeham team mounted on the pressure as they sent wave after wave of assaults, earning themselves a second chance two minutes into play, with a reverse stick tomahawk lifting off and flying right over the cross bar.
Nearing three minutes into the game, Saints got possession of the ball and launched their first run down into Wykeham territory, but a synchronized defense calmly snuffed out the home teams’ effort, sending the ball back up to their forwards who led a bold counter-attack. The Wykeham Collegiate’s front line got into some space entering the circle and managed to send off a low rocket, their first threatening shot that Imi Somhlahlo, the brave keeper from St Anne’s comfortably defended.
A burst from St Anne’s found a hole in the Wykeham defense just after 19 minutes into the final, presenting a rare opportunity with a one on one chance. Steaming for the first time into the TWC circle, the charge forward got sidetracked by nifty tackle, with the defender hitting the gas and motoring away with a sharp u-turn dousing the defending champs first possibility.
Midway through the final, Wykeham were awarded the first short corner, an eager defender from St Anne’s was blown for an early break leaving only three players and Somhlahlo for the retake. The second short corner was sent to the castle with the striker wasting no time and fiercely knocking in her shot, but agonizingly the ball hurtled past the left post and out, resulting in a 16 and a breather for Saints.
With time waning, Wykeham won their third short corner. The ball was ejected to the castle, trapped and then flicked goalwards. Somhlahlo reacted with cat-like reflexes putting her right paw out and evaded letting the ball beyond her and into her goals. Play ensued with the umpire halting the messy action, signaling for Wykeham’s fourth short corner. In similar fashion the ball was sent to the castle, and flicked but Saints’ first wave stormed towards the impending shooter and shielded the strike, quickly sending the play up to her forwards.
Continuing their phenomenal form, Wykeham closed down any opportunity Saints had, not giving them any room to settle or find their feet, constantly barraging them and dominating possession. With less than three minutes on the scoreboard, the visitors flew down the right, with a magical break, running into the circle and letting rip of a swift missile that whizzed across the goal mouth.
Thirty seconds later, back on the hunt, Wykeham’s Emily Wilson and Amy Macaskill had an awesome breakaway run. With only one defender to beat, Wilson drew them to her as she curved right and then timed her pass to Macaskill perfectly. Now in mid-circle, Macaskill with only Somhlahlo to beat balanced herself and slapped the ball right, just out of reach from the hard working Somhlahlo, netting their regional winning goal.
The scoreline remained on 1 nil, with Wykeham being the deserved winners after a fantastic display of skills throughout the 25 minutes in the final. Earlier that day in the round robin stages, Saints were victorious in all of their games, including the dress rehearsal for the main game, beating Wykeham 2-1. But the locals ran out of steam, with the visitors digging deep wanting the win more.
This is the second time that The Wykeham Collegiate have lifted the trophy since the tournament’s inception in 2011. The first time they were crowned champions was in 2012, and this win dethrones St Anne’s after dominating this area after a nine year winning streak, and a win in the inaugural year.
Recognised for his efforts with the whistle, Nkanyiso Masinga from St Anne’s College was announced as the Umpire of the Day.
The Wykeham Collegiate is the fifth team to earn a spot at the Grand Finals this year, they join Danville Park Girls’ High School (DBN North Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional), Kuswag Hoërskool (Durban South Regional) and Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional) at the concluding tournament that will take place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on 22 and 23 July.
The tournament moved down to Creston College the next day (Sunday 23 April) for the Sisonke and uGu Regional. Then a week’s break before travelling up to Newcastle for the Northern KZN Regional hosted by St Dominic’s School on Saturday 6 May.
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.
Round Robin Results
1 St Anne’s College 20pts; 2 The Wykeham Collegiate 16pts; 3 Howick High School 8pts; 4 Treverton College 8pts; 5 Voortrekker High School 4pts; 6 Grace College 0pts
Regional Final
St Anne’s College 0 vs The Wykeham Collegiate 1
Above: All or nothing. St Anne’s College’s Imi Somhlahlo spectacularly slides in to tackle Emily Wilson from The Wykeham Collegiate’s during her marvellous solo run in the final of the Pietermaritzburg North Regional at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at St Anne’s College on Saturday 22 April.
Below: On the prowl. The Wykeham Collegiate’s Erynne Marais runs the ball up while Howick High School’s Megan Tyrer works hard to defend during the round robin game at the Pietermaritzburg North Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at St Anne’s College on Saturday 22 April.
Photo credit: Val Adamson
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Orin Mangray and Rogan van den Berg have been recognised for their exceptional performance in the Mathematics International Benchmark Test conducted in October last year. The Mathematics International Benchmark Test is a globally recognised assessment that measures students' knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and benchmarks their ability against international standards. Orin and Rogan both received a Certificate of Distinction at the Headmaster's Assembly held on the 19th of April. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication that Orin and Rogan have put into their academics.
We congratulate Orin Mangray and Rogan van den Berg on their outstanding achievement!
Pictured here: Grace College Pupils Orin Mangray and Rogan van den Berg received distinctions in the Mathematics International Benchmarking tests
Generally, there is a sense of satisfaction when a task or a job is completed. In one sense, Treverton College students finishing the Grand Traverse again this year is no different. Two female students (Karijn Kooy and Georgina Thompson), three male students (Alexander Giokos, Konstantino Giokos, and Daniel Jonck), our Headmaster (Kean Broom), and three other staff members (Derek Brown, Channelle Oosthuizen, and Shaun Robertson) completed the Traverse. As far as we know, these are the first two school girls to complete the 250km traverse of the Drakensberg as a part of a school team. In another, there is a profound sense of sadness. As a team, we have looked forward to it, planned for it, and trained our bodies toward it. On the trip, we were immersed in a world of big mountains, deep valleys, fresh crystal clear water, inclement weather, constant companionship, and the satisfaction of completing the day's walk before settling down into our tents for the night. Wide open spaces, physical effort, and the simplicity of living in this foreign environment have a magnetic effect on the hearts of those who choose to wander into them. When the experience is over, we want more. I speak for the whole team when I say that we all feel this way. The journey is more wonderful, more memorable, and more enthralling than simply completing the task or ticking the event off a bucket list. A piece of our affection remains embedded in that place, and it is in us.
Generally, the weather was good. There was a cold wind that prevailed from the interior of Lesotho for most of the trip. This helped to keep the escarpment edge clear of mist for the most part. We only had a mist problem on the day we submitted Giants Castle (Day 8) and yet, even here, the mist cleared as we reached the summit to reveal the most beautiful late afternoon views over the Midlands. We experienced an incredible storm that brought sleet and hail as we headed for Thabana Ntleyana. After the storm, the winds on the summit ridge were incredibly strong nearly knocking us off of our feet at times. While the experience left us cold and wet, it was exciting to experience such high winds and such an interesting mixture of sleet and hail. Unsurprisingly, we didn’t spend long on this summit and headed for cover from the wind soon afterward. A similar storm hit us during the night and the following day we walked to the Sani Pub on the frozen, hail-littered ground. Other than that, we had incredible views of the escarpment, the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, and the interior of Lesotho, a notable highlight for Georgina.
Each team member faced their own personal challenges, which were also a cause for concern to the group at various points. Daniel burnt his foot with hot water after knocking his coffee over while reaching for something in his tent. The second and third-degree burns on the top of his foot were an immediate threat to the progress of the group. However, the first aid kits supplied by Tecmed Pharma proved invaluable and Mr. Brown patched Daniel’s foot with a burn shield, gauze, and a bandage. Daniel was also able to work through the pain and constant friction of the shoe and sock on the wound. He earned the nickname “Dan the Man” for his strength and perseverance. He admits that he spent many long hours wondering if he could continue with his wound. Alexander battled with diarrhea for two nights, which left him feeling weak and uncertain. One of the enduring memories of the trip is Mr. Brown lighting a fire at the top of Leslie’s pass using a handful of dead twigs from a small ground-level protea bush at a tea break. The ash was then mixed with water to make a black carbon-rich ashen drink. The theory, according to Mr. Brown, is that the activated carbon binds with toxins in the gut and is an excellent antidiuretic. Whatever the theory, it worked and Alexander was soon fit and strong again. Karijn developed a respiratory tract infection and spent many hours coughing during the night. She never once complained or appeared to struggle. However, it caused me some concern as I lay awake wondering if she would be alright to continue. While these troubles may seem somewhat trivial in our modern world, small problems become big problems in the mountains very quickly if not dealt with. The students worked through their individual struggles bravely and finished well.
Ethan Lundy, a film graduate from Cape Town, came along to document the trip. Carrying hiking gear and food for a trip of two weeks is one challenge. Camera equipment is an added complication. A combination of a drone, DSLR camera, GoPro, and a tripod was used for the purpose. This was shared among the group so that no one person was overburdened by the weight. Getting used to the camera posed a challenge for some as people who love and enjoy the solitude of the mountains are not always the best in front of the camera. It took a while for all of us to warm up to the idea of having a camera in our faces from time to time. It was also a challenge for Ethan, who not only needed to walk with us but had the added job of filming along the way. He did his work well and we now look forward to the release of the documentary being put together by Barry Smit. The expected release date for this is the middle of May 2023.
On the whole, the group moved incredibly well. It was expected that the trip would take 15 days. However, we managed to complete the trip in 13 days thanks to putting in a few extra kilometers at the end of each day. The hardest day was probably the day from Bannerman’s pass to Giant’s Castle. It involved an ascent of both Mount Durnford and Giants Castle and our total ascent for the day was 1400m. Whilst this wasn’t the day with the most climbing, it just worked out to be a difficult walk and we only made camp after sunset. Konstantinou felt that this was a hard day, but still finished with a smile on his face.
On the whole, the trip was a great success. But this would not be the case if it wasn’t for the perseverance and determination of the students and staff on the trip and I am so pleased with the character that they displayed throughout. I am also so thankful to those who helped and supported us. The resupply teams who brought food up to us at the top of Organ Pipes Pass (Day 5) and at Sani Pass (Day 11) have my sincere gratitude. I am also grateful to the parents and our Headmaster for believing in this trip and allowing their children to participate in it. Various companies and individuals came on board and gave us various necessary items of clothing, first aid kits, and camera equipment and for that I am grateful (see the list below). I am also grateful to Derek Brown and Chanelle Oosthuizen for their work during their time off. Annie Hodes has given us excellent media exposure for which I am humbled and so thankful. Putting a trip like this together takes a team effort and I am grateful to so many people for their help in various ways.
My thanks go to the following companies and people:
1. Berkshire Meats
2. Performance Brands and First Ascent
3. SCS Worldwide Logistics
4. The Trail Food Company
5. Skull Candy
6. Tecmed Pharmaceuticals
7. Cold Storage Solutions
8. Halfway Toyota
9. Alexander Giokos at Van Buul International
Author credit: Shaun Robertson
