MiTH 21 June 2023 – MiTH Midwinter Bash

INFO: 082 331 7271

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

VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm


7pm: Matt Gardiner

Matt Gardiner is a multi-talented singer-songwriter, musician, and producer from Pietermaritzburg, who combines his strong vocals, and guitar with a looping pedal for an upbeat, vibey, and captivating performance.

He made his South African national debut in 2016 when he became one of the Top 37 contestants of South African Idols. He has since shared stages with artists such as Matthew Mole, Majozi, Desmond and the Tutus, December Streets, Prime Circle, Micasa, Arno Carstens, and Just Jinjer, as well as international pop duo Neon Dreams, to name a few.

He describes his music as acoustically written and transformed into a uniquely different pop sound with electronic production, deep and melodic bass-lines which can also be experienced in his solo or full band performances.

His single ‘Brown Hair, Brown Eyes' has been heard across radio stations nation-wide and even went on to taking the #1 spot, closely tailed by his follow up single ‘Believer’ which has at the time of writing reached number 2 on the 5FM Pop chart.


8pm - close: The Undaunted

The Undaunted are a four-piece cover band specialising in well-known, up-tempo hits for any occasion. They aim, through their music, to get the crowd on the dance floor and having a good time.

The band consists of Evan Oosthuizen on guitar and vocals, Geoff Clark on lead guitar and vocals, Robbie Marais on drums and vocals, and Barry Hosford on bass and backing vocals. Their tunes will get you on your feet and dancing – a perfect way to keep warm at MiTH’s Midwinter Bash!


ABOUT MiTH: Arguably the KZN Midlands’ best-loved music venue, Music in The Hills (MiTH) is an opportunity for beginners, professionals, and passionate music fans to share the joy of music at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm. Visit www.mith.co.za for more details and directions. Musicians can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for slots.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: MiTH takes place every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Knoll Drive, Hilton. Doors open at 6pm and the music will kick off at 7pm. Entrance is R50 at the door. Food and soft drinks are available for sale. A cash bar is available.

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH: Take the N3 to Hilton, take the Hilton turnoff and go South into the Village (away from Hilton College). Travel 5,2km along Hilton Avenue (past two sets of traffic lights and Crossways Pub) and keep going straight as Hilton Avenue turns into Dennis Shepstone Drive. At the 5,2km mark, Knoll Drive will be on your right – the entrance to MiTH is the *second* entrance on your left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.

Remember - YOUR security starts with YOU. What have you done and what measures have YOU taken in order to safeguard your home and business?

How vigilant are you really? Do you leave items in view from the road with doors and windows open? Are you working from home and have a laptop or cell phone lying around on the dining room table? Do you have garden equipment and furniture lying around on open verandahs or unalarmed garages and sheds? Also – just a warning about fires and fire safety at this time of the year.

Copper pipes remain a common item stolen.

Please be aware – there is a lot of opportunistic crime where criminals are taking advantage of people being slack about their security, even whilst at home.

 

Remember – you are safer with us!

Your trusted, local security service provider of over 34 years, with a collective Management staff knowledge of crime and crime trends in the area of over 100 years.

Stay safe. Report crime to SAPS. Set your alarms. Install external beams and CCTV cameras for proactive protection.

Are you ready to transform your living spaces into cozy and stylish havens?

At our decor store, we've curated an exquisite selection of gorgeous throw pillows and cushions that will instantly elevate the beauty of your home.

Dive into a world of comfort and elegance with our latest collection. From luxurious textures to eye-catching patterns, we have something to suit every taste and interior design theme. Whether you prefer classic sophistication or modern flair, we've got you covered!

Mix and match different shapes, sizes, and textures to create your own unique pillowscapes. Layer them on your couch, armchair, or even outdoor seating to instantly refresh the look of any space. Our pillows and cushions are not just for decoration; they're a cozy invitation to relaxation and style.

Visit D3 Studio today and experience the luxury and comfort our blankets, wraps, throw pillows and cushions have to offer. Trust us, you won't be able to resist their charm!

8 JUNE 2023 - WORLD OCEAN DAY

 

Campaign Connects South Africans with Sharks and Rays on World Ocean Day

 

WATCH THE CLIP HERE: https://www.facebook.com/onthebrinksa/videos/787647969410710/

 

ON THE BRINK, a national campaign initiated by environmental NGO, WILDTRUST, released a captivating video today on World Ocean Day, bringing South Africans closer to marine conservation, and more specifically, sharks and rays (chondrichthyans), in a unique and engaging way. The video links human stories to the critical need to increase marine protection in the Ocean around South Africa for sharks and rays.

 

In the video, the campaign team sat down with five South African women and asked them to share their heartfelt stories about their ‘sanctuaries’. Each woman expressed the significance of their safe space and the devastating impact it would have if they were to lose it. The narrative beautifully intertwines their personal experiences and vulnerability with the urgent need to create more safe spaces in South Africa's waters for the preservation of sharks and rays – arguably one of the most endangered species on the planet.

 

One participant, Bernice Mosala, emotionally conveys her fear of losing her sanctuary, stating "It is a very scary thought because those are places where I can completely be myself," while another participant, Buyi Makhoba-Dlamini (Pictured here above), adds: "It would be a dark and unhappy place."

 

The resounding message from the video is that we can choose our sanctuary. We can choose our safe spaces. Sharks and rays cannot.

 

The primary objective of the ON THE BRINK campaign is to spread awareness about the vulnerability of sharks and rays, as well as highlight the substantial benefits of establishing new sanctuary areas for them in South Africa’s Ocean. A shark and ray sanctuary is a demarcated area in the ocean which is established to protect their populations and their habitats, and considering the latest International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Assessment reports that 42% of shark and ray species occurring within South African waters are threatened (Vulnerable, Endangered or Critically Endangered) – we need to increase these sanctuary spaces with urgency.

 

The WILDOCEANS programme of the WILDTRUST spearheads the ON THE BRINK campaign as part of the "Sanctuary for Sharks & Rays" project, a three-year endeavour in collaboration with the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) and funded by The Rainforest Trust, with co-funding from Oceans 5 and the Shark Conservation Fund.

 

"Presenting an ocean conservation video through personal-human stories may initially seem unusual," says Lauren van Nijkerk, WILDTRUST Director of Campaigns & Communications. "It is becoming increasingly challenging to capture public attention amidst the online noise, especially for crucial messages that we want to resonate, have an impact, be relatable and inspire action, and even more so messages about a not so cuddly or popular species like sharks. That is why I am so proud of this campaign because it has the potential to achieve just that."

 

"We have a responsibility as a highly biodiverse country to create safe spaces in the ocean for all species and the habitats they call home, and while we have 41 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in South Africa, they only protect 5.4% of our ocean space," says van Nijkerk.

 

Recent data suggests that out of approximately 90 shark and ray species found in South Africa’s Ocean, only 28% of their habitat is currently safeguarded within MPAs. Expanding the coverage of MPAs from 5% to at least 10% of our ocean could potentially almost double their protection, effectively safeguarding up to 50% of their range.

 

The 2021 report by the IUCN indicates that approximately one-third of all shark and ray species globally are facing threats, making them highly vulnerable to extinction. Sadly, South Africa has already witnessed the local extinction of two species, namely the Largetooth Sawfish and Green Sawfish.

 

Encouragingly, there is a team of scientists mapping out areas along the South African coastline to determine where sharks and rays would benefit the most from new or increased areas of protection. The increase in effective protection is crucial, as most sharks and rays are slow to mature and produce few young, which makes their population recovery a “slow burn.”

 

Recent statements from Dr Tsepang Makholela, the Chief Director of Biodiversity Monitoring and Specialist Services at DFFE, suggest positive progress from the South African government. Dr Makholela expressed South Africa's full support for the global 30x30 target (protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030), along with the expansion of MPAs and the integration of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in our waters.

 

Remember that we can choose our sanctuary. We can choose our safe spaces. Sharks and rays cannot!

 

To watch the ON THE BRINK Sanctuary Spaces video and to find out how to get involved in helping our sharks and rays, follow @ONTHEBRINKSA on Facebook and/ or visit www.onthebrinksa.co.za.

 

Supplied.

Winter is upon us and there's no better time to prepare your beds for the coming spring season.

After another season of prolific rainfall across Kwa-Zulu Natal it’s crucial to top up on important nutrients that have been washed away in your soils. The Tanglewood team has begun preparing their gardens and a large part of the preparation is the addition of nutrient rich compost and chicken manure, which is turned beautifully into the soil.

In an effort to make sure you get the best out of the upcoming spring season, Tanglewood is running a special on our farm compost & potting mix for the month of June (while stocks last).

Farm Compost (pictured below in green bag)
Our farm compost is great for improving the quality and texture of your soil, as it adds nutrients and loosens the soil in heavy clay areas.

Potting Mix (pictured below in black bag)
Our potting mix is our general purpose planting mix which can be used in pots or beds. The compost and chicken manure in it make it great for seedlings.

June Compost Special
3 x 15 dm compost @ R100.00
3 x 60 dm farm compost @ R170.00

June Potting mix special
3 x 15 dm Potting mix @ R100
3 x 60 dm Potting mix @ R200

*Please note: The compost special cannot be redeemed in addition to any other specials or discounts.

 

At The Local Choice Pharmacy Hilton Health we aim to provide our customers with the best service. And this includes our ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? in Hilton!

Simply give us a call to place your order and have your package delivered to your door!

We are here for you with the best service!

Call 033 343 0884 or visit us at 3 Monzali Drive, Hilton Health.

Graham Wells, a 46-year-old resident of Pelham, Pietermaritzburg, is taking on his 7th Comrades Marathon barefoot on June 11, 2023. He's running to raise funds for the "Run for a Roof" campaign, a cause that he has been a part of since its inception in 2021.

This initiative, started by One Life Foundation, has raised over R47,000 to help raise awareness of homelessness in the city. Graham's fundraising goal is R250,000, which he hopes will help the newly-formed PMB Homeless Network to provide a safe, clean, and warm environment for homeless people in the city. While this won't be the first homeless shelter in Pietermaritzburg, it will be the first of its kind, as individuals will have access to a range of services.

For Graham, who has worked in social housing in the UK, homelessness is a cause close to his heart. He understands that homelessness is a pandemic that affects people all over the world and that it's a crisis that needs to be addressed.

His decision to run barefoot for the Comrades Marathon is an expression of his commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who are experiencing homelessness.

“I firmly believe that running medals don't mean anything unless you have made a difference for someone else,” says Graham.

Graham's journey will begin at 5:30 am in Pietermaritzburg and end at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban. He'll be running to raise funds for the PMB Homeless Network on crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, to help provide shelter for the homeless.

Graham Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RI6TfOsp2w

The PMB Homeless Network is a coalition of like-minded organizations that includes Msunduzi Municipality, Business Fighting Crime, local churches, charities, social service providers, activists, and volunteers from Pietermaritzburg.

Together, they are committed to promoting and protecting the human rights of people experiencing homelessness in the city.

Graham's fundraising efforts will go towards restoring and repairing a large building that the local municipality has secured for the PMB Homeless Network. The organization aims to provide legal and social aid, educational support, job training, health services, and basic human needs to the homeless in the city. Through this initiative, they hope to create replicable models that can be expanded beyond Pietermaritzburg.

As Graham trains for his barefoot Comrades Marathon, he is reminded of the homeless people he sees daily. He understands their plight and the difficult situation they find themselves in. Graham hopes to raise awareness of this crisis and bring much-needed attention to the PMB Homeless Network's mission. With the help of the community, they can create a safe and welcoming shelter for homeless people in Pietermaritzburg.

“I have a dream to see a safe, friendly, people-centered shelter, in Pietermaritzburg, where people of any race or background can be welcomed and empowered to make something better of themselves. By coming together to fund this project we can change the face of homelessness in our City and restore dignity to those society has left behind. Everyone deserves kindness and a second chance,” says Graham.

Join Graham and the PMB Homeless Network in their mission to restore dignity and provide a second chance for homeless people. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a difference. Let's come together to make a positive change in the lives of those who need it most.

Support this worthy cause on BackaBuddy: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/graham-runs-for-a-roof

Alternatively, Donate Via Snapscan:
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/Run_for_a_Roof_2023

Pictured above: Graham Wells 

Pictured below: Graham and his hospital prayer group met Mrs Mofokeng who is fighting cancer, in her home in Underberg.

We're celebrating all the superhero dads with our Fathers' Day competition. You could win yourself vouchers to Jaxx Hilton and Ninos Hilton to the value of R1,500 each plus Quarry Centre shopping vouchers.

To enter simply write your name and contact number on the back of your till slip and drop it into one of the competition boxes located around the centre. Please make sure you write your contact details very clearly!

Competition closes Friday, 16 June. T&C's apply.

MiTH 07 June 2023

INFO: 082 331 7271

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

VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm


7pm: Paul Nijs

Paul Nijs is a music enthusiast with a deep love for all genres and types of music. From an early age, he developed a passion for the guitar and taught himself to play at the tender age of twelve. Starting with a nylon string guitar, he immersed himself in classical guitar music performed by artists like Andres Segovia and Narciso Yepes, finding himself captivated by the enchanting sounds of flamenco music. Exploring the airwaves, he stumbled upon radio programs that introduced him to the unique guitar chords of bossa nova music, further fueling his desire to master various guitar styles.

As Paul honed his guitar skills, his love for singing grew as well. By the time he reached twenty, he began performing as a solo act or with bands in his hometown's vibrant music scene, gracing the stages of bars, restaurants, and street festivals. This musical pursuit accompanied him when he relocated to South Africa in 1984, initially settling in White River before eventually making his home in Pietermaritzburg in 1988. It was here that Paul actively engaged with the local folk club, leaving a lasting impression with his performances as a member of the memorable band "Alright on the Night" and captivating audiences at events like Splashy Fen.

Paul invites you to join him on a musical journey through a collection of songs he loves. Prepare to be transported as he shares his passion and talent with you at MiTH.


8pm: Erin Fourie

Erin Fourie is a Midlands-based musician who first began working the KZN music scene in 2003. Singing since she was a child, she began playing guitar at 13 in her high school music club and is still learning. With an Honours in Drama and performance studies from UKZN PMB, and later working ad hoc for the Hexagon Theatre, Erin was afforded the opportunity to perform in several musical productions and many dinner theatre music shows. She was a regular entertainer at Hebron Haven Hotel for 15 years as well as at private functions, restaurants, pubs and music clubs. Further afield, her achievements include being a top 10 Idols contestant and Sister Berthe in the Durban Playhouse's 2016 production of The Sound of Music. Erin’s style is rooted in acoustic folk, pulling the songs she likes to play from many genres. Currently Erin is performing alongside Grace Botha and Kath McClelland in their show Joni and the Joans, which has two performances currently scheduled in July and August. She can also regularly be found singing at the Karkloof Market.



9pm: Gravel and Lace

Brian Bedingfield and Tanya Nicolson have both been spotted bunking school, and people have started talking. It turns out that they have found each other from opposite corners of the playground (and vocal spectrum) and taken a few tentative steps to turn a side project into something memorable.

Schooled in the art of performance, Tanya has added her distinctive jazzy voice to many shows and ensembles, much loved by the MiTH audience.

A one-time Hairy Legged Lentil Eater, Brian provides guitar accompaniment, and turns on his best gravelly Tom Waits/Satchmo voice as an enticing foil to Tanya’s lacy tones.

Expect a heady mix of jazz-infused and popular tunes that will highlight Tanya’s superb voice, as well as duets in the great Satchmo and Ella tradition.



ABOUT MiTH: Arguably the KZN Midlands’ best-loved music venue, Music in The Hills (MiTH) is an opportunity for beginners, professionals, and passionate music fans to share the joy of music at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm. Visit www.mith.co.za for more details and directions. Musicians can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for slots.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: MiTH takes place every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Knoll Drive, Hilton. Doors open at 6pm and the music will kick off at 7pm. Entrance is R50 at the door. Food and soft drinks are available for sale. A cash bar is available.

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH: Take the N3 to Hilton, take the Hilton turnoff and go South into the Village (away from Hilton College). Travel 5,2km along Hilton Avenue (past two sets of traffic lights and Crossways Pub) and keep going straight as Hilton Avenue turns into Dennis Shepstone Drive. At the 5,2km mark, Knoll Drive will be on your right – the entrance to MiTH is the *second* entrance on your left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.

 

With world-class facilities and quality organisation awaiting them later this year, the country's rising young stars can expect a memorable experience when they compete for top honours in various age groups at the SA Schools Hockey Association (SASHOC) National tournaments to be hosted by Southern Free State Hockey between 25 June and 12 July 2023.

Once again, the SASHOC Nationals 18-day hockey festival is expected to deliver superb performances from the best schools players across the nation, who will turn out for their provincial teams.

By building a solid platform over the years - through district and provincial events - SASHOC has ensured the top-flight inter-provincial tournaments will not only offer a strength versus strength format, but will also give young hockey players valuable experience both on and off the field with the host province and sponsors ensuring the best awaits them in terms of organisation and hospitality.

Along with the hard-working local organising committee, SASHOC started the planning and logistical process for this year's Nationals in December 2022, ensuring organisers were given sufficient time to put quality events together across the board.

The hosts are also providing superb facilities, boosting the experience offered to the participating players and teams.

The main field to be used will be the Kovsies Astro university ground, where the A-section games will be played. The B-section matches will be played at Grey College and Eunice High School for Girls. 

"We are looking forward to welcoming team officials, players, parents and all other hockey lovers to Bloemfontein,” said Louise van der Merwe, the head of the LOC.

“We invite everyone to come and experience and appreciate schools hockey at the highest level and true Free State hospitality.”

The SASHOC Nationals will be backed by multiple valuable partners - including sponsors Sportsmans Warehouse (retail partner), Grays Hockey (ball and umpire shirt supplier), Trompie Sport (sports facilities partner), and renowned brands SPAR and iKhokha – ensuring the players receive the support they need throughout the tournaments in all age groups.

“We truly appreciate the tremendous backing we have received from all our partners and sponsors, who all make a huge difference in ensuring this event is as successful as has come to be expected from our premier schools hockey event of the season,” said SASHOC chairman Wendell Domingo.

“With more than 118,000 players registering to compete in schools hockey last year it is clear that the sport is growing in popularity in terms of participation and youth development and we are eager to see the latest generation of young stars in action.

“The SASHOC team and the LOC are doing an incredible job in the build-up to ensure this is a world-class event in terms of organisation and hospitality, and we are grateful for their continued efforts.”

With organisers having extended their agreement with SuperSport Schools, the SASHOC Nationals will also have significant reach.

Family members and friends of players, as well as hockey fans around South Africa, will again be able to watch live, with matches in all age groups being broadcast on television and on the SuperSport Schools app.

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Are you a qualified senior electrician in the KZN Midlands area?
Do you have experience in solar installation?
If so, SES Hilton wants you and your skills!

Send your CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us on 073 966 0651

This weekend, thousands of local and international runners, their families and support teams will be in KwaZulu-Natal for the 96th Comrades Marathon which will be held on Sunday,11 June 2023 and the exceptional Zulu Kingdom is ready to welcome them with open arms.

The MEC for KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Siboniso Duma said the province is ready to ensure that all runners and spectators will have a world-class experience and a memorable stay and that they would promote the Zulu Kingdom when they returned home.

“We are thrilled that the number of runners is on an incline, this year we have 2 354 international runners from 84 countries who will take on the 2023 Comrades Marathon, alongside 17 920 South African athletes who have qualified to line up at the start of this gruelling 87.70-kilometre race.

“The Comrades Marathon Association has confirmed that this is one of the highest numbers of international entrants making this a truly international event, and we hope these athletes will not only enjoy the race but take the time to explore our province - from the beach to the berg,” said MEC Duma.

The lion’s share of the international athletes are from India with 403 athletes, Zimbabwe with 255, the United Kingdom with 224, the USA with 173 and Brazil with 142 runners.

“In addition to Zimbabwe, we are pleased to see that South Africa’s SADC neighbours, Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia, and Malawi are listed among the top 20 international entries along with Zambia and Kenya from the rest of Africa. This is a testament to our efforts in forging greater air access linkages with our SADC neighbours.

“Other countries on the list, are the US, Brazil, Australia, Russia, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, France, Japan and Ireland. Some of these are our key source international markets where we want to cultivate more travellers to come to KZN in the future.” Said, MEC Duma.

He pointed out that major sports events such as the Comrades Marathon were vital for the province. Not only did they highlight what KwaZulu-Natal has to offer but they provided a much-needed boost for the tourism industry. For instance, we expect 100% occupancy for Pietermaritzburg spilling over into the Midlands and that eateries will also be busy. This and other related spending have a positive economic impact on the region. Last year the estimated direct economic spend for the Comrades Marathon was over R248 million, and this year it is expected to well exceed this.

The province has a well-established history of rich cultural landscapes and a wide range of the finest destination routes. Its appeal ranges from safaris, beaches, good cuisine, and a myriad of tourism experiences. This is a good reason for runners, their families and support teams to stop and relax after months of preparation for this thrilling race and explore some of what KZN offers.

While urging Comrades’ visitors to take advantage of what’s on offer MEC Duma said he hoped that the cash injection will trickle down to all communities along the 87.70-kilometre route and throughout the province.

This year’s theme is This is it – Ziyasha, which sums up the feeling of every race participant as they prepare for the race that will test their endurance to breaking point.

“The excitement, camaraderie and spirit of the race will once again spill over thousands of spectators cheer the runners on encouraging them to keep going to the end.

“We can’t wait for the second post-pandemic Comrades Marathon this Sunday, and we wish all the runners the best of luck for this year’s down-run. Don’t leave us in a hurry, but stay on longer, rest and enjoy our hospitality,” concluded MEC Duma.

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It is another newsy week in Hilton... making it easy to support local during June 2023. Hilton, uMngeni, KZN Midlands local. For more ideas, read the newsletter online.

This week we feature Hilton Health based Dr Hugo le Roux, we celebrate with Nightingales Home-Based Caring Service on fifteen years in business and a share some Father's Day ideas.

Our subscribers and browsers choose Hilton businesses, products and services again and again. Join them by subscribing now.

When you #LoveLocalRealHard smiles appear on the faces you pass as you go about daily life in Hilton. Your regular purchases from small local businesses make big ripples of joy.

Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge - Each entry supports Race Charity - Open Door Crisis Care Centre

Durban: Sunday 25 June

Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge is proud to have The Open Door Crisis Care Centre as their official race charity for this year.

With SPAR’s strong stand on ending Gender Based Violence, it is fitting that donations from the 2023 Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge goes towards making a difference for people who have suffered at the hands of others. SPAR will donate R5 of each entry to The Open Door Crisis Care Centre.

The Open Door Crisis Care Centre is a non-profit interdenominational outreach organisation based in Pinetown, established in 1997 by Thora Mansfield at the request of the local South African Police Services. Their centre is a holistic, multifaceted one-stop crisis and trauma centre offering counselling, social services and support groups.

Mansfield and her phenomenal team define success by making a difference in the lives of people or families who have experienced a traumatic event. They offer counselling, psychosocial services, and support to men, women, and children who are experiencing individual, family, work or school-related problems, loss, grief and bereavement, drug and alcohol abuse, behavioural and domestic-related problems. The Open Door Crisis Centre runs regular awareness programmes and give educational talks to various communities and schools on human trafficking, domestic violence, child abuse, teenage pregnancy and drugs, bullying and teen pregnancy.

The Open Door Crisis Centre relies on donations to continue their life changing and important work, and SPAR KZN is honoured to be making a contribution to support this invaluable charity.

To enter, visit www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban. Entries cost between R150 and R200 and include a race T-shirt, Goodie bag and each finisher will receive a race medal after their run.

For all the relevant race information and to enter online go to www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban. Entries close Sunday 18 June.

For more information like the SPAR Women’s Race KZN Facebook page (SPARWomens10and5kmRace) or follow on Instagram (sparwomenskzn) or Twitter (sparladiesrace).

Pictured here: The wonderful staff from The Open Door Crisis Centre stand in front of their recently unveiled 11m2 Domestic Violence Mosaic completed by Piece Projects Mosaics, that greets visitors in their car park. The Open Door Crisis Centre is the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge’s official race charity this year.

Photo by Ann Young

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Last year the WILDTRUST launched the uThukela Marine Protected Area (MPA) Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) Project in KwaZulu-Natal, funded by the Blue Action Fund and in partnership with multiple partners including the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Nelson Mandela University (NMU), and the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), to name a few.

 

Nestled in northern KwaZulu-Natal and named after the uThukela River that flows from the Drakensberg mountains, intertwined by nine estuaries that connect the freshwater river catchments with the Indian Ocean, is the site for the newly ordained uThukela MPA EbA Project. The designated Management Authority for this MPA is Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife who share in the vision of the project which seeks to improve the natural environment in and around the uThukela MPA, through a series of interventions that will make the region more resilient in the face of the devastating impacts that come with climate change.

 

Over the course of the 5-year project WILDTRUST will hand over several assets to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife including three 4x4 vehicles and a Kawasaki side-by-side 4x4, as well as a Ski Boat (Karambizi) and a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (Makaira) both quipped with GPS, a VHF Marine Radio and Gantry.

 

The home base for the three vehicles namely, an Isuzu D-MAX, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Toyota Hilux, will be the Umlalazi Nature Reserve, while the two ski-boats, Karambizi and Makaira are stationed at the Richards Bay Port and uThukela MPA. The Karambizi will specifically be used for offshore compliance work such as spotting fishermen and the Makaira for closer inshore work and has also been kitted to take divers out to sea for research purposes.

 

“This asset donation from WILDTRUST will make a positive impact in our daily activities and effectiveness at the MPA," commented Ezemvelo's Richard Schutte, District Manager King Cetshwayo and Ilembe and uThukela MPA.

 

This partnership between WILDTRUST and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife aims to fulfil, with these vehicles and boats, interventions including infrastructure preservation, training, surveillance, and enforcement which will help ensure the restoration of the uThukela MPA's biodiversity while delivering benefits to communities living along the stretch of coastline.

 

“We are excited to see all the amazing work we know Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife will carry out with these vehicles and boats," commented WILDTRUST uThukela MPA EbA, Senior Project Manager, Nonhle Mngadi. "The WILDTRUST is incredibly appreciative to both KEY Pietermaritzburg and Bidvest McCarthy Toyota Pietermaritzburg for affording us such
significant discounts on the vehicles, which means we will have more funding to do even more conservation work on the ground.”

 

Photo credit: Mnqobi Zuma

 

Supplied.

Chocolate Sensations Hilton’s handcrafted Belgian chocolates are great additions to so many occasions! These Handcrafted Deluxe Belgian Chocolates are produced in Hilton.

FATHER’S DAY PROMOTIONAL OFFER – 10% DISCOUNT

For our loyal Chocolate Fans! 10% off a CHOCOLATE SENSATIONS HAMPER or BOX OF CHOCOLATES on any purchase exceeding R110. Valid until 20 JUNE 2023.

Orders should be placed 3days in advance with Gwynne on cell 071 6848 026 whatsapp or sms or call or https://www.instagram.com/chocsensehilton