The growing trend in South Africa is of school and university leavers not being able to find jobs in the work place. The lack of skills is often a concern to many business owners. One might question the reality of the skills shortage with the amount of education and additional courses these individuals attend, but the perception is there.

Once again the draft Employment Tax Incentive Bill has been tabled. The bill proposes tax relief to the employee. This is expected to pass on to the employer by reducing the effective cost to company, thus enabling companies to employ staff at a lower cost.

The incentive is applicable to all new employees under the age of 25 and employed after the 31 October 2013. The expected date of promulgation is the 1st January 2014 but is likely to be effective 1st March 2014.

The incentive will run until 1st of January 2017.

Government is hoping this incentive will improve the unemployment gap of youth. This is possibly a move to appease the masses of dissatisfied youth in South Africa. There are concerns that the incentive will not work, due to the lack of demand in the local economy. Is there enough growth in the private sector to allow for the expansion of jobs at the school leaving rate? Where the incentive could help, is by reducing the minimum wage as a cost to company, but then these employees are already below the PAYE threshold and so the inventive will not help the masses in lower income brackets.

Private sector business will welcome the incentive to try and save on employee costs. Let us be hopeful that the Employment Tax Incentive will create a positive economic stimulus. One that allows the private sector to see scope to expand their employment base and to improve profitability.

Make use of this time to assess business budgets. Work out whether this incentive will give your business the scope to employ new young staff. Factor in the cost of skills development that will be needed. Will it give you the ability to expand business and increase your customer base?

Article by Sheldon Conway, owner of Business Soul Accounting.

Laddsworth Primary School in Hilton is involved in a community project to upgrade and create awareness of the Doreen Clark Nature Reserve in Winterskloof. Members of the school's Enviro Club and teachers Sally Kelly and Jenny Raubenheimer recently joined staff of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Wessa (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) and the DA ward councillor, Craig Millar, on a visit to the reserve. During the outing, they planted a White Stinkwood tree, Celtis africana. Laddsworth's involvement in the project will continue in 2014.

News and photograph supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

Glorious mountain views provide a country fresh start to your day at the Drakensberg Sun Resort, previously known as Drakensberg Sun Lifestyle Resort. Only 4 ½ hours from Johannesburg and 2 ½ hours from Durban, the Drakensberg Sun Resort offers a host of indoor and outdoor activities to keep the whole family, and even business travellers, entertained.

The resort is well known for the Drakensberg Sun Hotel; however, the Resort also comprises of Self catering chalets and self catering Apartments. The chalets consist of 2 bedrooms and can accommodate 4 adults and 2 small children. The apartments are situated within the hotel complex and consist of 2 bedrooms accommodating 4 adults and 2 small children; 1 bedroom accommodating 2 adults and 2 small children.
There are excellent conferencing venues available for corporate gatherings or even private functions. Each conference is tailored to your specific requirements and can include outdoor events and team building activities. Our chef will be delighted to customise your menus to your chosen theme.

In August 2013 refurbishment and structural upgrades of the timeshare chalets began. The results will be that of a fresh, new, luxurious mountain haven. Drakensberg Sun Resort Chalets will become the most sought after mountain retreat in KZN. The Restaurant, Bar and Hotel rooms are also undergoing refurbishment.

Facilities at the resort include:
• Spoilt Green Eco-Spa, situated at the Drakensberg Sun Resort, this unique Spa focuses on relaxation within a space that is beautiful, calm and serene.
• Try your hand at trout fishing, equipment available for rental and licences available at entertainment centre.

• Horse Riding: Feel the wind through your hair with either a beginners or advanced horse ride through the mountains.

• Hiking Trails: Our 4 on-site hiking trails include the Blue Grotto, Fern Forest, Cleo's Pool and Cascades.

• Canopy Tours: Experience nature like never before as you slide through the forest canopy and enjoy a unique birds-eye view on the world around you. Set within the magnificent Blue Grotto Forest, the Drakensberg Canopy Tour® is guaranteed to take your breath away. The forest is home to over 150 species of birds including the rare Bush Blackcap.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Drakensberg Sun Resort for further information. We look forward to hearing from you! Contact: 036 468 1000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hilton based Ulanda Kleinhans, a wife and mother of two has bought Lindsay's Coffee Shop at the Lower Quarry Centre in Pin Oak Avenue. This family echoes the frequently aired praise of life in Hilton. Previously from Johannesburg they love living in Hilton village, on the doorstep of wide open country side and also of a big town.

Ulanda says, 'She is excited to begin this new adventure. Lindsay's clientele can look forward to more of the same homely values that Lindsay Rose brought to the cosy venue. There will be frozen and ready-cooked meals available by prior arrangement. Evening functions are welcome, just call for a quote on a menu to suit you.'

Lindsay's will be open from Monday to Friday 7.30am to 4.30pm, Saturdays from 7.30am to 2.00pm and on the last Sunday of each month for the Antiques & Collectables Market.

What is in a Hilton Hamper? A scrumptious selection of top class food products made right here in Hilton. There will be something delectable from Tasha's Fantastic Fudge Shop, a winning treat from Rita Lea's Country Kitchen, a tongue tickling sauce from Ballie's Original Thunderbum Sauces, a superb meal accompaniment from Eaton's Fine Foods, crumbling heaven in a bake or a memorable preserve from With love Leandra and the most loved food of all, chocolate from Hilton's own Belgium style chocolatiers, Chocolate Sensations.

How to get one? If you have not done so already please subscribe to our newsletter. We email when there is interesting information to be shared regarding our lovely village. Our focus is on the happy news!

One winner will be drawn from November's new subscribers and another from December subscribers who sign up before the 16th or at the POSH Market!

Gerald Davie, a local engineering geologist, has been moulding and chiselling away at his half life-size replica of a Tyrannosaurus Rex called Marmaduke since 2006 – an ongoing project that has periodically had to be pulled back from the brink of extinction. Just as soon as Marmaduke, a big, bad ornery critter, is pieced together, he will be inviting visitors to view him at GeoZone's Hilton offices on selected Saturday mornings.

Meanwhile, to whet your appetite, here are some photographs of Marmaduke's skull so far. If you like Marmaduke and are excitedly anticipating his big reveal, click on the Facebook link here and show him some love with a LIKE on Facebook!

This big reveal will be Marmaduke's first appearance since the Cretaceous Period. Tell all your friends who are coming to Hilton. Welcome him warmly and he may stay a while. At this stage his expected arrival date is 7th December, but who knows what might happen between then and now – there might even be an asteroid impact to put an end to all of those grand plans.

Due to a minor meteorite impact Marmaduke's big reveal has been postponed, keep an eye on the Events tab for the new date anticipated to be early in 2014.

For the first time in many weeks, we were able to play on all three normal bowling days. The green is in good condition, but very heavy.

Well done to Fred Palmer, Jean Pluke and Andy Hitchcock on winning the Surelink Trophy on Saturday. Thanks to Surelink for their support for our club.

Bill's Christmas Bash takes place this coming Saturday. If the weather interferes with the games, we will still go ahead with the Christmas Lunch. You must put your name on the list if you wish to attend the lunch. Teams will be drawn on Saturday morning at 08:30.

On Thursday we will be playing for vouchers sponsored by Lister and Lister. Teams will be decided by a normal Tabs-in draw.

Please remember that subs for 2014 are due by 15 December. Please direct problems or queries to Ron Buchel or Derick Hull

Duties:1 – 7 Dec: OOD: Chris Purchase. Tabs: George Oldham. Duty Team: Colin Watson. Teas: 7 Dec: John Fowler & Daphne Frangs. Biscuits: 5 Dec. Richard Lister.

News supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.

Karin Davel, a Hilton based artist and teacher submitted the following update. 'All the pupils who attended my classes this year, will be exhibiting their work at Celtis Kloof Centre , just off the R617, opposite Sakabula Estate, until the 30th Nov. Their art will be displayed in the room next to the deli. I've had 5 children (mainly home-schoolers) and quite a number of adults who come regularly. One can clearly see that much progress has been made, I am really proud of them. We are open daily from 9.30am.

I've made Christmas stockings for a competition which kids can come and decorate at the gallery for a small fee. They can paint one for themselves or once decorated, donate it to the orphans and hospitalised children of this area. The child, who paints the best decorated sock, will receive a lunch voucher for her/him and immediate family at the restaurant at Celtis Kloof Restaurant. We look forward to seeing you soon.'

Lessons with Karin are available at Oakhaven Guest House and Art Studio.

Pictured below is some of the work Karin's art students completed during 2013.

Grace College pupil, Rochelle Van Wyk (Grade 8), came 7th in South Africa in the Junior Afrikaans First Additional Language Olympiad. "Congratulations Rochelle on this fine achievement!"

Pictured here is Rochelle Van Wyk.

News and image supplied by Grace College.

The 2013 Dux of Laddsworth Primary School in Hilton is Danielle Confait, pictured here with headmaster, Gavin Lambooy.

Confait received the Trust Cup for Dux of the school and two other awards at Laddsworth's recent annual prizegiving. The guest speaker at the function was a well-known local public speaker, educational consultant and former headmaster of Treverton Prep school: Les Stanley.

Addressing the departing Grade 7 class of 2013, Stanley encouraged them to remember their "A,B,C,D" in high school: have a good attitude, be the best you can be, care and be committed; and don't be afraid to dream.

News and photograph supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

On Saturday we gathered in the morning to enjoy a busy day of bowls and companionship. Twelve teams of trips did battle for super-generous prizes in Bill's Christmas Bash.

Bill Lambert, an enthusiastic member of our club donated and collected dozens of substantial presents to distribute among the players. Overall winners were Doug Robertson, Joan Byrom, Margie Meek and Olga Hutt who won most impressive Christmas hampers. Every other team took home gifts of some description. In addition, Bill also provided a lunch for all who played.

Many, many thanks, Bill we value your generosity, but more importantly we love to have you playing with us.

We have reached the last month of a year that has been filled with fun, friendship and challenging bowls. It is not over yet, and we look forward to the Jaxx Roll on 18th and the Quarry Spar Christmas Cup on 21st December.

The Hilton Bowling Club calendar for 2014 is nearing completion and we are busy finalising arrangements for some new events. As soon as the finished product is available it will be e-mailed to all members.

Good bowling to all who travel to our neighbouring clubs to join in any of the exciting year end events on offer.

Duties: 8 - 14 Dec: OOD: John Pluke. Tabs: Mike Mylne. Duty Team: Bill McQuade. Teas: 14 Dec: Margie Seale & Dave Trickett. Biscuits: 10 & 12 Dec. Bill & Deirdre McQuade.

Pictured here from left are Joan Byrom, Doug Robertson, Bill Lambert, Olga Hutt and Margaret Meek.

News and image supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.

By the end of this week or next, many children (and their parents) in schools across Kwazulu-Natal will be breathing a sigh of grateful relief: exams will be over, assessments all wrapped up and schools will be closed for the lovely, long, sunny, Christmas holidays.

Even if you and your child have been worried about school performance, try to embrace the holidays and their value to you and your family. School is tiring. It's tiring for teachers, who need to be inspiring every lesson. It's tiring for parents, who have to micro-manage their children's activities, regardless of their age. And it's especially exhausting for students because it's a pressure cooker of socialising, learning, stimulation and social conditioning. Tired teachers struggle to teach well and tired students simply can't learn. School holidays give everyone some emotional space to reboot.

But if you're worried about what UK parents call "summer slide", why not plan to prevent it? "Summer slide" means when students, particularly those of primary school age and those who have experienced learning challenges, lose skills, knowledge and motivation because of the long period away from school. Essentially, it's an access to reading problem. Try some of these ideas to include fun but meaningful activities in your kids' Christmas break:

• Reading is the key, at any age. Your older children will appreciate trips to the local library, or the chance to choose books to buy (and don't forget there are many bargain book stores out there). If your high school kids are stumped for choice, log onto www.goodreads.com. Sign them up (it's free) and have them do the simple reading preference test. Good Reads will then suggest titles that match their tastes. If there are film versions of the books your young adults and teens are reading, hire or download the DVDs – viewing can make for meaningful discussions.

• Younger children will love to read with you. Plan some fun activities once the book is done. How about them making a collage of significant scenes in the plot? (And it'll save you carting magazines to the recycling depot...) What about acting out scenes from the book? If you have a dress-up box, that can add to their enjoyment. Drawing pictures and making puzzles are all good ways to make reading a learning experience.

• Introduce your teens to journaling and diary-keeping. The former is an opportunity for more reflective, thoughtful writing and needn't be every day. The latter is usually daily and is a record of a particular time. Both can be very satisfying – but neither should be read without the author's permission! If your teens are keen to write for an audience, set up a blog for family and friends to enjoy, especially if you're going away on a holiday. Encourage them to illustrate it with photos; so easy with smart phones or digital cameras. (And have the conversation about digital boundaries and privacy at the same time.)

• Google local activities for children of all ages. Lots of art galleries, museums and places of local interest – including shopping malls – go all out to attract visitors at this time of year. And some of those activities add real value.

Article submitted by ASP Tutoring.

Cowan House Co-Educational Preparatory School celebrated a remarkable year at their final Assembly. We are proud of all our girls and boys. Our Headmaster, Mr Robin Odell celebrates with this year's joint Head Boy for 2013 (James Kiln and William Norton) and Head Girl (Priya Moodley).

Image and news supplied by Cowan House.

Pure Imports (Pty) Ltd announced recently that Sue Hickinbotham has been appointed their agent for the Kwazulu-Natal region.

Says Simone Stevens, Managing Director of Pure Imports, "Over the past year we have done exceptionally well in Gauteng and the Western Cape. I'm excited to now have an agent in KZN and expect a great response from this area."

The company, started by Simone some eighteen months ago in Johannesburg, imports quality home decor items - focusing on LED candles and indoor fragrances.

"Our battery-operated real wax LED candles have taken the South African market by storm. Switch one on and you immediately have romantic candle light, complete with a yellow flickering flame. These candles look and feel just like the real thing - but with no smoky flames or carbon emissions. Best of all, there's no melting wax to drip on your table," adds Simone.

Pure Imports also bring in, from Nicolosi Creations in France, an exclusive range of home fragrance diffusers complete with rattan sticks. Amber, Vanilla, St Jean Flowers, Lavender, Orange Blossom, Chestnut and Rose are just some of the appealing fragrances available.

Further information may be found on the Pure Imports website at www.pureimports.co.za or from Sue Hickinbotham on 083 226 3706.

Mike Forsyth, the sole proprietor of MGF Attorneys, has released a Conveyancing Costs Calculator App for use on Android phones, iPhones and iPads free of charge.

Forsyth identified the need for an accurate and convenient calculator among Estate Agents and Mortgage Originators in their dealings with clients. "Up until now, agents have had to rely on complicated charts with complex calculations to determine the costs of a transaction, or have had to rely on websites to obtain the figures," he said .

Preliminary comments from the Beta test have included "This App will revolutionise my life" (from a Mortgage originator) and "This is the best Real Estate App I have ever used" (from an Estate agent).

The MGF Attorneys Conveyancing App now allows professionals in the Real Estate industry the convenience of a mobile costs calculator for instant access whenever they need it.

The Android App is available for free download from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.mgfattorneys.app&hl=en_GB

The iPhone and iPad App can be downloaded from the Apple Store by searching for MGF Attorneys – Bond/Conveyancing Calculator.

Teapot House is offering Holiday Care from 2nd - 6th December and 9th-13th December. There are lots of Christmas creative and baking activities planned for children aged from 3yrs-9yrs. R100 from 08:30-14:00. Aftercare will be considered on request.

Amongst other things we will making Reindeer Food, Snowman Biscuits and Mince Pies. Teapot House is also baking freshly baked mince pies at R26 a tray of eight. Free delivery within Hilton for two or more trays. Order on 0724816693 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

HiltonVillage.co.za welcomes Leandra Carcary who grew up in the home of well-known Pietermaritzburg restauranteur, Desiderio di Carlofelice, better known as Des, owner of Spotted Dog Restaurant. Leandra has fond memories of her late father and life in the restaurant where the flambeed black cherry crepes were cooked and served by Des at the table with great aplomb!

Leandra's childhood experience has given her a strong sense of community and a passion for food. Happy memories are stirred by recollections of people gathering in the restaurant, appreciating fine meals and indulging in memorable conversation.

Now Leandra opens her doors as a kitchen producing a gourmet range of speciality preserves and top class bakes, cookery classes and demonstrations. This fine venue is set in Hilton's nearby countryside along the D494 and affords awesome views all around. Keep an eye on this space for updates on what is happening at With love Leandra which now also includes a growing bed and breakfast.

You can stock up on some of the products available from With love Leandra at Hilton's POSH Market on 16th December 2013 at Protea Hotel, Hilton or enrol for one of the fun festive workshops or a cooking course in 2014.

We wish Leandra unbridled success and fulfilment as her business venture takes root and grows.

With Christmas on our doorstep, Eat in with Eatons have made some very delicious sauce hampers. These make lovely Christmas gifts and can be delivered to you.

Paul says, 'Book soon for your staff Christmas lunches or suppers, we still have space available. Please email me for our range of menus starting from as little as R150 per Person. We also have some fun & exciting Demonstrations taking place right through until January. We are offering anything from Kiddies baking to fun adult interactive dinners.

This year we will also be selling delicious Christmas treats like our Turkey/Duck/Chicken all stuffed in one as well as a Pork Wellington, think... slow roasted & smoked Pork Belly, Gammon Mince, cherry & sherry stuffing plus two other prime cuts of pork all wrapped in Puff Pastry ready for you to bake on Christmas morning.

We have also partnered with Brookfield Farmhouse, Dunning Retreat and Chariots Weddings and Functions. These three venues lend themselves to a variety of events. We can cater for groups from 15 right up to 200ppl. Inbox me for all our package details.

Don't forget that our freezer is always filled to the brim with gorgeous Langoustines, Giant Prawns, Mussels and loads more. We also have fresh fish daily!'