John Meyer Optometrist has a wide selection of stylish branded frames to suit your lifestyle. Feel Free to call 033 343 0881 or find the practice at Ground Floor Suite 2b, Health and Wellness Center next to Life Hilton Hospital, Monzali Drive in Hilton, KZN Midlands.

 

 

Your HRA Roads Task Team and Committee as a whole are seriously concerned about the critical N3 Town Hill and Old Howick Road situation. Below is a letter which we sent to the media , this will bring you up to date with our interactions so far.

The Editor (5th November 2021)

The Natal Witness By email

The National Roads Agency (SANRAL) are undertaking a major road pavement rehabilitation project on the N3 freeway covering all six traffic lanes on the freeway between Link Road and Sanctuary Road. The project started in February 2021 and will continue through to 2023. The project cost is approximately R300million. The first phase of the project is largely centered on the slow or truck lane between Link Road (adjacent to the truck arrester bed) to just south of the Peter Brown interchange bridge. This lane has been dug up to a depth of one metre or more and completely rebuilt to provide a traffic lane pavement capable of withstanding the enormous loads from the multitude of heavy trucks travelling down Town Hill on their way to Durban.

This first phase is now at a critical stage and the paving of the asphalt basecourse and surface is scheduled to commence in the week beginning Monday 8th November. It is understood this initial paving operation will require two lanes of the freeway to be closed for the duration of the paving operation thereby leaving only a single lane for all light and heavy vehicles. The paving operation is likely to continue throughout the day and night. Traffic volumes through the night are light and can probably be accommodated by the single lane available on the freeway, however traffic volumes during the day are heavy and diversions onto alternative routes will be necessary. The main alternative route is along Cedara Road to Crossways, down Old Howick Road to Athlone circle and then by way of Montgomery Drive and Town Bush Road to Chatterton circle and finally back onto the N3 freeway at Sanctuary Road interchange (adjacent to The Mall).

Meetings have been held at high level between representatives of the community, SANRAL and their project team but to date no definitive information has been made available to the community representatives or the general public at large on the implications of the significant volumes of additional traffic diverting onto Old Howick Road and the remainder of the alternative route. It is understood that a full traffic analysis has recently been carried out and that long delays on both the N3 freeway and the alternative route are inevitable. In addition to the long traffic delays the community representatives have pointed out to SANRAL that the alternative route for diverted traffic and especially Old Howick Road is not fit for purpose from both a traffic capacity and traffic safety perspective and basic low cost improvements are essential as a matter of great urgency.

The situation is so critical that in the opinion of the experienced Professional Engineers who are part of the community representative team the diversion of traffic from the N3 freeway should not be permitted until at least basic improvements on the alternative route have been undertaken. To simply close down a second lane on the N3 freeway without making adequate provision on the alternative routes for the additional traffic is considered negligent and dangerous.

Time is now very critical and it is understood that SANRAL need to have all three lanes of the N3 southbound on Town Hill open to traffic for the holiday period rush commencing in mid December. For this to happen and the paving exercise to be successfully completed action is required immediately to carry out the basic improvements to the alternative route and for the motoring public to be properly informed by all media methods of the need for traffic diversions onto the alternative route and the inevitable delays that will be experienced.

The report attached was prepared on the 4th of October by the Roads Task Team of the Hilton Ratepayers’ Association for presentation at a meeting of the team involved in the contract for the rehabilitation of the N3 particularly at the Peter Brown off ramp. In our opinion this presentation was submitted as an emergency. This follows numerous representations made by the HRA to SANRAL and the contractors over several months regarding the condition of the alternative route through Hilton and Pietermaritzburg in the event of traffic diversion off the N3.

At a virtual meeting on the 29th June 2021 attended by representatives of all parties (SANRAL, Councillors, Municipal Officials and the HRA) undertakings were made regarding improvements to the alternative route. A summary of undertakings is given below marked up to show the lack of progress:

 

Item no.	Outcome	Action
1	SANRAL require formal written requests from Umgeni & Msunduzi to consider any further interventions on the alternative route. The requests are to detail the municipalities interventions which would show that the overall Works are a joint initiative from all roads authorities. Post receiving, assessing and agreeing to the works SANRAL would then need to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with each of the municipalities to execute the works. Any consideration from SANRAL would be subject to funds being available within their current contract.	D. Ryder No action to date
2	Diversion of traffic via Link Road and Peter Brown Dr. instead of Old Howick past Athlone school to reduce congestion and increase safety during school drop-off/pick-up times	J. Lowe Action unknown
3	Pointsman could be put in place to direct traffic at intersections during emergency diversions and while the N3 is reduced to 1 lane eastbound (a total of 6 weeks during the Raubex contract). The pointsman's stipends could be  paid through the SANRAL contract however, training must be done by the Umgeni and Msunduzi municipalities	G. Shimwell No observable action
4	Traffic accommodation concerns to be provided by stakeholders. R. Barker and G. Shimwell to undertake a site drive and thereafter a meeting to be scheduled with K. Govender, T. Dladla and J. Lowe to discuss	R. Barker/G. Shimwell
5	Potential for takeover of alternative route by SANRAL. Although unlikely J. Lowe to discuss internally	J. Lowe No action outcomes
6	Consider a possible traffic solution to Chatterton roundabout and Sanctuary rotary I/C for periods when emergency diversions from the N3 are in place (RHDHV & Zutari have partial traffic models in place)	Msunduzi/SANRAL No action known

 

It is quite clear that no attention has been paid to making the alternative route safe and fit for purpose. Signage restricting access to Old Howick Road to vehicles below 8t is frequently ignored. As a result there are many reports from local residents of dangerous situations involving heavy vehicles. Even when there are diversions off the N3 it is rare for there to be any visible traffic control.

While some attempt was made to repair potholes a few months ago, the condition of the road has since deteriorated significantly. Again there are numerous reports of damaged tyres.

Lighting and road markings are almost non-existent and road verges are not maintained. In rainy and misty conditions the lack of these standard installations greatly reduce safety conditions even for local residents who know the road.

We strongly suggest that that urgent action is required both on carrying out emergency work on the alternative route and informing the public of the programme and likely consequences.

Regards

Hilton Ratepayers’ Association
Chairperson: Mike Tarr 082 568 8246
Roads Task Team: Colin Johnston 082 806 1224

 

 

The UCSI continues to quietly, but effectively, play a significant role in our community fight against crime. The support offered to Security companies, SAPS and Law Enforcement is critical in monitoring who is moving in and out of our areas. the UCSI has been able to assist SAPS and the community with valuable support and information.

UCSI Operational Stories
8 Sep: I found that specific vehicle, suspected of poaching in the area was not using the road out of Howick towards Tweedie. It was suspected that he/she was using a dirt road to avoid the camera or possible to use drive by opportunity to steal livestock between railroad and Stockowners property. A request was put through to the local farmer to lock his gate at night, This was done and ever since, this vehicle has been seen using the main road. Prevention is certainly better than cure.

10 Sep: In Hilton SACan requested a check on cameras for a suspect camera that was impersonating a "Sheriff of court". After a couple of hours searching cameras I found what could have been the suspected vehicle. Problem; complainant did not want to open SAP docket. Now I can not use the information I have gathered and all that time wasted.
Even an incident report will give us power to stop the next infringement. No report means no action.

15 Sep: Assisted Eskom with in camera hits for a theft out of warehouse. We had only times and general descriptions to work with. We identified some possible suspect vehicles which were followed up on by investigating office. A vehicle fitting one description was found in Mpophomeni.

16 Sep: This was a disaster day for UCSI. Two vehicles stolen in Hilton and UCSI was "blind". For the simplest reason; the gantry had run out of data to transmit. We have made a plan for this gantry; ANEW Hotel in Hilton are sponsoring WiFi signal to the camera so we will have minimal down time going forward.
Thank you Andrew from Anew Hotel Hilton.

19 Sep: Magma spotted a suspect poaching vehicle in Karkloof area. Unfortunately an entry mistake by myself meant I did not see vehicle on the camera system. This mistake has been identified and assisted in rectifying other loaded vehicles been missed too.
Mistakes are made, your reaction to the mistake is important.

26 Sep: A suspected poaching vehicle reported in Karkloof area. Vehicle movement was checked and enough evidence found to load vehicle onto snipr for further observation.
No incident is too small to follow up on.

1 Oct: Suspect poaching vehicle alerted on Hilton cameras. Karkloof security informed, but vehicle did not enter area.
We are always watching.

6 Oct: A suspected stolen vehicle was seen in the Hilton CBD. Hilton rapid response personnel reacted and followed. Vehicle became aware and decided to leave the area.
Prevention is mostly better than cure.

11 Oct: I received a message from Karkloof security member about an abandoned vehicle in Otters Bluff area. A brief search showed some erratic travels but nothing to be alarmed about. However an unrelated contact from Midland Tracker member; They are looking for a hijacked vehicle which fit the description of vehicle in Otters Bluff. I gave information to PMB response group so they could react. Following information sent to me I was able to guide reaction force to the vehicle itself. SAP and Tracker took over case and UCSI stood down.
Sharing information results in positive outcome for every one.

18 Oct: In the early hours a suspect poaching vehicle was flagged coming into Hilton from Sweetwaters area. We kept sight of it all the way into Howick. Magma caught up to vehicle as it was filling fuel. We think the driver spotted the security vehicle and decided to leave Howick towards Merrivale were he lost us. This was a long journey to just fill up with fuel.
Prevention is better than cure.

21 Oct: SACan notified of a suspected vehicle involved in Cell tower battery theft. Vehicle loaded to Snipr system and followed all the way to Bulwer area where various security companys and SAP stopped and searched vehicle. No unlawful goods found so SAP had to release. However, one person in vehicle was recognized later as a wanted suspect but only after release. Later in afternoon vehicle was spotted by camera in Bulwer returning to Howick area. Security companies and SAP waited near N3 on ramps where vehicle was stopped and suspect arrested. In this incident, 7 security companies and 3 SAP stations were involved in apprehending a wanted criminal.
Sharing information and working as a team always wins.

30 Oct: 10h20 (this time is important). A vehicle was reported as hi-jacked on Hilton security group. UCSI spotted that the vehicle was traveling towards Hilton from Merrivale. KSS loaded to Snipr system so we could follow it. Hit at Rotunda, hit at Crompton road. Magma Hilton stopped vehicle at 10h38 (18 minutes from report to stopped). SAP arrested suspects. The owner of vehicle was still filling out paperwork at police station when his bakkie was returned. This has got to be a record for fastest recovery?
Ability to respond in time will catch someone.

Affiliated security companies
The UCSI welcomes Sompisi Protection Services from Mpophomeni, who have joined Knight Security Solutions (KSS) and Ballid Security as subscribing security companies to the UCSI.

How can you get involved?
The UCSI will not be sustainable without monthly community support from business entities, shopping centres, hospitals, schools, estates, security companies and private individuals. Please join the UCSI as a contributing member. There are still some critical gantries that need to be erected – primarily in the Merrivale and Mpophomeni areas. There are also two “holes” to close in the Hilton area.

Contact Deon from the UCSI by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or whatsapp 063 068 9652 for more information on how to join and contribute. Private individuals from R50pm and business entities from R300pm. Affiliated members has access to ask for assistance in any reported crime involving a vehicle. Please dont ask me to follow your Husband/Wife/partner; That will not happen!

The UCSI is also able to issue Section 18A certificates for CAPEX and OPEX donations of any amount.

Stay safe – we got this!

Yours sincerely
Deon Tegg Operations Manager

The UCSI Board of Directors
Themba Ndulini (Chairperson), Krish Ramkuber and Terence James

More about UCSI

ALL COVID-19 PROTOCOLS OBSERVED

INFO: 082 331 7271

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

VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

9pm: Rowan Stuart

South African singer-songwriter-guitarist Rowan Stuart returns to the MiTH stage. With an Alternative Folk sound that recalls Sting’s imagination, James Blunt’s honesty and John Mayer’s command of the electric and acoustic guitar, Rowan has steadily built a reputation as a captivating storyteller and an accomplished musician.

The Durbanite began playing guitar at the age of 11 – a naturally creative child; he fell in love with the instrument and the magic of song-writing as a doorway to the worlds of his imagination. He soon became a sought-after session musician in theatre shows around South Africa, before taking a leap of faith and stepping into the spotlight as a lead vocalist and front-man, with the release of his first solo album ‘A Thousand Brand New Places’ in 2008. Since then, he has toured South Africa regularly, and his music has received heavy rotation on major radio stations countrywide, most notably with singles ‘Survivors’, ‘Silver Balloon’, and ‘The Kingdom Of Leaves’.

8pm: The Name on the Drum

The Name On The Drum is an alternative rock, folk and indie band that focuses on playing original music but they also insert a variety of covers into their live shows. Ranging their sound from full electric to simple acoustics, The Name On The Drum uses all the tools at their disposal to create a unique blend of honest, thought provoking song-writing with absorbing musical performances.

With influences that include, Rise Against, Bob Dylan, Frightened Rabbit, The National, Angus & Julia Stone and Gregory Alan Isakov, their song writing also creates awareness of current world issues. Current performing members are brothers Ben and Nat Bruzas who, in July 2019, released their independently recorded and produced second EP "Souvenirs".

7pm: Rhiannon Reid

Rhiannon Reid, well known to MiTH from performing with the Reid Family Band, 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 over the years on guitar and vocals. 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.

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 R75 book online in advance and pay online. 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.

Thank you for your patience while I got my bearings. A big shout out to Knight Security for assisting me in looking after the operations during my training.
I look forward to getting more involved with the Umngeni community and finding more ways in ensuring everyone's safety.

I would appreciate any feed back; positive or negative. Any ideas or suggestions would be most welcome.

Thank you for your time and donations which keep our cameras operating.

Regards
Deon Tegg
063 068 9652

Cowan House Prep School, Hilton (Theatre)

The Hilton Ratepayers Association is following with interest the progress towards the Local Government Elections. We would like to emphasise that we are a non-political organisation dedicated to pursuing objectives articulated by ratepayers' and in the interests of all ratepayers.

However with this as background we believe that it is essential to vote and would like to encourage all voters to vote for whoever they believe will best serve the interests of the community.

The HRA looks forward to interacting with the new Council in a positive constructive way, in resolving issues that confront us, particularly with our initiative to establish a Special Rating Area in Hilton which we will canvass extensively after the elections.

 

 

From its humble beginning in 2013, under the leadership of Mrs Sally Evans, our Grade RRR offering has grown in leaps and bounds.

With an original intake of only 16 pupils (housed in a single classroom), to two classes with an intake of 32 for 2022, it was a privilege to welcome back Mr Rob Odell (past Cowan House Headmaster) and his wife, Derryn. Our Grade RRR was established during Rob's tenure as Headmaster and it was therefore apt to name this block after him. Even more special, now that Rob's daughter (Amy) is a teacher in one of our Grade RRR classes.

Joining this mornings festivities, we were joined by some of the original Grade RRR class of 2013 who are now in Grade 6 at Cowan House. Many of them shared special memories of their early days as Cowan Cubs.

Thank you Mr Odell for your dedication in establishing Grade RRR at Cowan House. A legacy which not only continues to create a space for an entry to our Cowan Cubs Pre Primary but to thrive in doing so.

 

More about Cowan House Co-Ed Prep in Hilton, KZN Midlands.

GIVEAWAY ALERT‼️‼️‼️‼️ Halloween Pet Costume Contest -T's & C's Apply.

▪️How to enter: Comment on the Facebook post with a picture of your pet dressed up for Halloween.
▪️ Entries are open from today the 25th of October and close on Sunday the 31st of October 2021.
▪️ The winner will be announced in the first week of November 2021. The Vet House team will vote on the winners.
▪️ There will be a first place, second place, and third place prize. The first-place prize is valued at R500.

Although not compulsory, liking the Vet House page will ensure that you won't miss out on any future promotions, or fantastic animal content.

More about Umgeni Vet Clinic.

Christmas is coming! Please help us encourage and thank our Construction Team by dropping off or donating some of these items? Believe me, it will bring much joy!

 

More about iThemba Projects

 

If you have earned a treat head to Garlington's where a new dessert menu has recently been launched. With a selection ranging from stewed apple and vanilla sponge with tones of almond, honey and brandy to vegan semifreddo served with blueberries, cherries and a bluberry compote everybody has a chance of finding their favourite!

 

Open from Wednesday to Sunday, it is a good idea to book if you'd like a table for dinner at Garlington's Bistro & Deli in Hilton, KZN Midlands. Call 033 329 5200.

 

Stand a chance to win this bicycle. Make a purchase of R300 or more in store and drop your slip into the entry box.

Competition ends 21 November 2021.

Don't miss out on our incredibly low prices from the 19th - 21st of November 2021.

 

More about Hilton Village Build It in Hilton, KZN Midlands.

Well done to the team in blue. The work begins now. 

Some voted for the DA, some voted for change, some voted for the party aligned to their values and some abstained in Hilton.

Realising the success of change is a mammoth task, lucky for us the Hilton community we know and love is a gritty and committed one. We have what it takes to support the changes that can be made, let us not sit back to watch what happens. Let us step forward and ask how we as a community can support continued and successful change.

As reflected in nature, change is cyclical and repetitive, there is beauty at every stage.

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."
— Maya Angelou

Read our newsletter today and subscribe to receive these updates.

 

SA’s teenage swimming sensation Matt Sates capped off a successful FINA World Cup campaign by wrapping up the overall title in Kazan on Saturday.

The Pietermaritzburg swimmer was the only South African in action at the final leg of the short course series in Russia, claiming four medals on the closing weekend of action.

That meant he staved off challenges from American two-time Olympic gold medallist Tom Shields and double Tokyo silver medallist Arno Kamminga of the Netherlands for the overall title after four legs of competition.

The overall women’s World Cup title was claimed by Australia’s 11-time Olympic medallist Emma McKeon.

In Kazan, Sates took gold in the 400m freestyle, edging out world short course champion Danas Rapšys of Lithuania in 3:38.28.

The two then shared the gold in the 200m freestyle, both finishing in a time of 1:41.73.

It took a World Cup record of 1:50.66 in the 200m individual medley from Japan’s Daiya Seto to stave off the challenge from the South African young gun, who finished with silver in 1:52.32.

Sates followed that up with bronze in the 100m individual medley in 51.96, a race also won by five-time short course world champion Seto in 51.29.

“The main goal coming in was to try and get top 20 to get a little bit of money, so coming first and winning it has been absolutely amazing,” said a thrilled Sates who was awarded US$100,000 for the overall title. “Thanks so much to FINA for putting this on. It’s changed my life so a shout-out to them.

“It’s been a month of the most stress that I’ve been under but there have also been the biggest highs that I’ve had so I’m very thankful.”
Sates’s phenomenal solo effort in Kazan put South Africa seventh on the medal table.

An overall World Cup title, which came with 13 individual golds, four silvers and one bronze medal, with several world junior short course records along the way will be a massive boost to the 18-year-old heading into the World Short Course Championships in Abu Dhabi in December.

Photo credit: Kazan LOC

Supplied.

 

Life is full of hard decisions - key choices like what principles we will live by, what relationships we will value, what we will believe about ourselves, and especially today, whom we will vote for...

The bigger your choices are and the more options we have, the harder they get. So, isn't it reassuring to have an obvious choice when it comes to a pharmacy you can really trust? The obvious choice - The Local Choice Pharmacy!

Start this Election Day by making (another) obvious choice - to cast your vote!

Belgian Chocolate Pumpkin Fun! Affordable chocolate treats for everyone from Chocolate Sensations Hilton in the KZN Midlands.

 

These lovely ladies will also have their top quality chocolates at Hilton's POSH Market coming up on Thursday, 16 December 2021 at ANEW Hotel Hilton. Now open from 8am, see you early!

 

Call Gwynne on 071 684 8026 or Judy on 076 385 2291 to order chocolate now.

Sometimes, getting the materials you need is not enough. Getting them to your home or site when you need them is what’s important. So, if the question you’re asking is “can we get it delivered?” The answer is, Yes We Can!

More about Hilton Village Build-It

Hilton's favourite newsletter is out, read it online and subscribe to be sure that you will always receive these updates! This newsletter is focused on Hilton, in the beautiful KZN Midlands and our goal is to help you to love local first and to love local real hard.