A thorough annual cleaning will keep your fence looking great. Not only will you be removing any dirt, grime, and rust, but this is a great time to do a full inspection of your wall.

Catching any cracks or problems early will prevent them from growing into 𝗯𝗶𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀.

When you clean your 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, use a concrete-specific cleaner. Many household cleaners will not work well. Determine what kind of stains you have (rust, dirt, graffiti, oil, and grease) and find a concrete cleaner with specific components that work on your stains.

Find out more from Chris at Fenceworks.

It has been four months since WILDOCEANS, a programme of the WILDTRUST, caused a stir with the launch of their ‘WE DON’T NEED OUR OCEANS’ campaign. Over this time, the environmental non-profit has shown South Africa (and the world) what life would be like without our oceans and subsequently placed a spotlight on just how much we depend on them.

The campaign, obviously controversial in its approach, reached 18 million people across social and traditional media within the first two and a half weeks of rollout. In addition, SAMA award-winning musician Matthew Mole added his voice to the chorus calling for increased ocean protection. Mole and his wife, Jess, were featured in a powerful video which forms part of a series that while stating, WE DON’T NEED OUR OCEANS, highlighted all the reasons why we do. The campaign has since evolved and the “DON’T” has disappeared in the process. This new campaign approach has been highlighted in a short video production launched today: https://fb.watch/3IBP4Deznv/.

WE NEED OUR OCEANS is a branch of the OCEAN IMPACT campaign, underwriting a 3-year project driving advanced protection of South Africa’s oceans within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). We currently only protect 5% of the oceans around South Africa within MPAs.

MPAs are a critical tool in the ocean protection toolbox, playing an important role in ensuring the survival of all ocean space. Defending the ocean's capacity to produce oxygen, sequester carbon and provide food and livelihoods for billions of people is vital. It is important to note that economic and social recovery is compatible with environmental protection and therefore, if the economic success of our country matters to you, then environmental protection should too. Increased ocean protection means insurmountable benefits, not only for us, but for generations to come.

South Africa is signatory to the Convention for Biological Diversity (CBD) target to achieve 10% ocean protection by 2020. Although 2020 is over, the need for ocean protection remains central. Over-fishing, damaging industrial activities, habitat destruction, resource extraction, climate change and pollution are not letting up and by not protecting our oceans ability to keep giving what we take, we risk a biodiversity crisis, and a subsequent ocean collapse and economic catastrophe. Science tells us that we are facing widespread biodiversity collapse starting as early as 2030.

Globally, developing countries are achieving a minimum target of 10%, and we should continue to strive for this as a minimum target to protect our beautiful country. South Africa needs to join the global community and contribute its lions share towards the target of 30% ocean protection globally by 2030.

What can you do to help?
“I am sure most people are wondering what they can do to show their support for the next 5%, taking us to 10% protection in MPAs,” said Campaign Lead Lauren van Nijkerk. “We think we have come up with a simple, quick way everyone can help.”

We need you to be one of 100 000 voices showing support for the South African Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) and Minister Creecy, increasing marine protection to 10%, by signing onto this appeal: https://oceanimpact.co.za/sa10percentappeal/.

“All you need to plug into the online form is your name and which country you reside in. Please also urge your family and friends to sign the appeal and help us reach our 100 000 goal,” said van Nijkerk.

We must make a shift from what needs to be done, which science has made clear, to how it can be done. Our oceans need us to take this step. It is evident now more than ever – WE NEED OUR OCEANS.

Campaign Video – WATCH: https://fb.watch/3IBP4Deznv/

Pictured here: Potato Bass at Sodwana Bay captured by Bryan Hart.

News supplied.

Dear UCSI Supporters

The UCSI continues to quietly, but effectively, play a significant role in our community fight against crime. The support offered to SAPS and Law Enforcement is critical in monitoring who is moving in and out of our areas. November 2020, December 2020, January 2021, and February 2021 have again been productive and the UCSI has been able to assist SAPS and the community with valuable support and information.

UCSI Operational Successes
9 November 2020 The UCSI was involved in assisting SAPS Flying Squad, SAPS K9, Hilton SAPS, SACAN TrackBox, KSS and Magma with vehicle information in the uMngeni area. This resulted in the arrest of two suspects wanted far the theft of vehicle in Scottburgh earlier in the day. Another stolen vehicle was also recovered, and SAPS used the information to follow up on tracing more suspects. This was a great team effort and congratulations to all involved.

12 November 2020 The UCSI was advised about a suspicious vehicle in the area and loaded the details onto the UCSI SNIPR system. Howick SAPS, KSS, Nottingham Road SAPS, Mooi River SAPS, Ballid Security and SAPS Highway patrol were advised. The vehicle was located later that day in the Estcourt area. Arrests were made by SAPS and the vehicle was impounded.

20 November 2020 Hilton (UCSI camera) A vehicle entered the Hilton area and was picked up on a UCSI camera as wanted for four cases of fraud in the Midlands and Durban areas. Hilton SAPS and KSS were notified and located the vehicle in Hilton. The driver was detained by SAPS for further processing and the vehicle impounded.

30 November 2020 Hilton (SAPS requested the listing of a vehicle through the UCSI) The vehicle was picked up an hour later by a UCSI camera entering Hilton. Hilton SAPS were informed, and the vehicle was located. The vehicle and driver were taken to Hilton SAPS for further processing.

12 December 2020 Howick (UCSI camera) The UCSI cameras picked up a suspicious vehicle entering Howick. Howick SAPS and KSS were advised. KSS located the vehicle. Howick SAPS detained the driver, and the vehicle was taken to Howick SAPS for further processing.

16 January 2021 Merrivale (UCSI camera) KSS, SAPS and other security companies were notified by the UCSI about a vehicle that had been involved in a robbery in PMB, and that had then triggered an alert on a UCSI camera in Merrivale. KSS Response units were dispatched and located the vehicle on the N3. The suspects were intercepted by the SAPS Pmb Dog unit, SAPS flying squad, KSS and Magma. Four suspects were arrested and then linked to three additional crimes committed in Pmb that day.

17 January 2021 Hilton (UCSI camera) The UCSI cameras picked up a vehicle involved in a robbery. Hilton SAPS, KSS and Magma were advised and responded. The vehicle could not be located.

24 January 2021 R617 Howick South / Mpophomeni (NEW UCSI camera) and Merrivale (existing UCSI camera) Both UCSI camera gantries picked up a wanted vehicle. Howick SAPS and KSS were advised. The vehicle was located on the N3 and SAPS Flying Squad and Ballid were also then dispatched. The vehicle was stopped at the Mooi River toll by SAPS, KSS and Ballid. One suspect was detained by SAPS for further processing. The vehicle was impounded.

7 February 2021 Hilton (UCSI camera) The UCSI camera picked up a stolen vehicle entering the Hilton area. The vehicle then went onto the N3 and exited at Merrivale where it was again picked up by a UCSI. Hilton SAPS, Howick SAPS, Mpophomeni SAPS, KSS and Sompisi Protection Services were advised. The vehicle was intercepted in Mpophomeni and Mpophomeni SAPS arrested two suspects. The vehicle was impounded.

7 February 2021 Curries Post (UCSI camera) The UCSI camera picked up a vehicle wanted in connection with theft, entering Howick. Howick SAPS and KSS were advised. The vehicle was located in the Howick Falls precinct. The driver and vehicle were escorted to Howick SAPS for further processing.

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 the UCSI by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website at www.ucsi.org.za for more information on how to join and contribute. Private individuals from R50pm and business entities from R300pm.

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
Shannon Naudé (UCSI Director of Operations)

The UCSI Board of Directors
Themba Ndulini (Chairperson), Thandeni Zondi (Vice-chairperson), Debbie Preston (Secretary), Krish Ramkuber, Terence James and PJ Myeni.

News supplied by UCSI.

'LOVE your people HARD - in the end that is all that matters. Be kind, kinder than you think you need to be. Be grateful for everything you have, but especially for your humans. Be gentle. Take moments to just be, be with your thoughts, your heart, and your soul. Allow your mind to settle and remember just how lucky you are and realize what is important. Encourage those around you to be 100% them, without judgment, without shame, and with love.

Focus on making your light as bright as it can be, then focus on lighting others. Set souls on fire to let them be the best they can be and your fire will be fueled. Love and be loved, and live this life knowing it is short.

We hope to light many fires in the souls of the little people we dedicate ourselves to. We will continue to show up, and share our faith and fire for those who are in need. We need to keep creating HOPE, in a world that seems to keep breaking. Thank you to every single person who has shown us kindness, who has supported us, who believe that what we do is important. YOU are what keeps us all going. We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, filled with LOVE and Kindness.

We will be remembering and celebrating the lives of beautiful Alice and Tony Richter, who both have reminded us to LOVE fiercely, to fight for your humans, and to inspire people around us. You will both be missed immensely but you will continue to inspire people and bring change to many people's lives. Our condolences to every single person who feels their loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.' shared by Angel's Care Centre.

Caroline Richter, the wife of Tony and mother of Alice,  has requested that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Angel's Care Centre or to Singakwenza. 

New in stock and limited, don't be disappointed and if you can't see what you want on the floor ask and let us order.... there is always a way!

Speak to your local carpet magician at Artèfacts, 2 Harvard St, Howick in the KZN, Midlands.

Call 033 330 3973
WhatsApp 076 235 4813

'It is Valentine's Day this weekend. What are you doing to spoil your partner?

* Women’s Guru Sandal: R360

* Men’s Nguni Slide Sandal: R820

* Barcelona Bag: R1605

* Leather Jacket with Wool Collar: R2750' shared Groundcover Leather Company.

Music for Flute, Trumpet, Cello, Sax and Piano at  Puddles Cottage, Kamberg: Sat 13, Sun 14 Feb at 11

This Valentine’s weekend enjoy a fabulous outdoor morning concert of fine music for flute, trumpet, cello, sax and piano, in a magnificent spacious garden in the beautiful Midlands.

An eclectic programme of beautiful music – many with a gentle theme of love – can be enjoyed on the expansive garden lawn in the heart of the Kamberg Valley in the Midlands.

Friends Maggie Deppe (piano and oboe), Cathy Peacock (trumpet) Sabine Baird (flute and sax) and Nigel Fish (cello) have all missed performing while in Lockdown, so jumped at the chance of creating a Valentine’s weekend pop-up concert at the invitation of a musician friend, Agnes Jerman of Puddles Cottage in the Kamberg.

The carefully-chosen eclectic and varied programme includes the haunting theme from Cinema Paradiso (E Morricone); the lively Libertango (A Piazzolla); Prince of Denmark’s March / Trumpet Voluntary (Jeremiah Clarke); Trumpeter’s Lullaby (L. Anderson); Polonais and Badinerie (JS Bach); Meditation for Thais (J Massenet); Modjadji (John Walton); Lonehill Creek Spring (M Hyde); Taurus the Bull (Garry Wilkinson) and Danza Alegre (M Moszkowski).

Maggie Deppe is a piano and oboe tutor at the Deutsche Schule Durban and is currently studying church music in Halle, Germany. Cathy Peacock is sub principal trumpet with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, KZN Youth Orchestra tutor and conductor and leader of Platform Jazz. Sabine Baird plays principal flute with the KZN Philharmonic orchestra and is a flute teacher at the Deutsche Schule Durban; and Nigel Fish has been a member of orchestras in Durban, Cape Town and Aachen, Germany. At present, he is a cello teacher in and around Pietermaritzburg.

Strict Covid protocols will be observed: Only 45 patrons permitted per concert; patrons will be socially distanced in a large outdoor venue; masks to be worn at all times.

Tickets R120 includes juice and snacks.

Bookings Agnes Jerman on 082 683 1583 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The venue is Puddles Cottage, Vaalekop Valley, Kamberg Road, Rosetta.

Bring a sun hat and blanket!

Pictured here; Maggie Deppe (Photo credit to Val Adamson.)

FreeMe Wildlife has no bias when it comes to rehab. We take in creatures great and small.

This frog was rescued after a domestic cat brought it into the house. The right hind leg has a small puncture wound and the frog is struggling to move it. 

We are hoping that this may be due to muscle damage. Treated with anti-inflammatories and pain killers, we will allow the frog to get some much-needed rest.

We love what we do and how we do it.

Why not join our Custodianship Program to show your support for the work we do? Anyone from kids to big businesses can join:
http://www.freemekzn.co.za/become-a-custodian/

Otherwise, if a particular story has touched your heart, and you would like to donate directly to our animal care and vet bills, you are welcome to donate directly through these channels:
FreeMe Wildlife
First National Bank
Branch code: 220 725
Account number: 6214 1246 068

PAYPAL ACCOUNT:
http://paypal.me/FreeMeWildlife

SWIFT CODE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS:
FIRNZAJJ

Contact number for FreeMe: 033 330 3036

Howick Pre-Primary School is ready and open for 2021. We are so excited to have welcomed everyone back into our Howick Pre-Primary School and we can’t wait to spend an exciting, busy year with all of the children in our care.

Defending aQuellé Midmar Mile men’s champion Michael McGlynn admits the pressure will be on, but he is relishing the opportunity to race again when the event takes place under very different circumstances in 2021.

Last year proved to be something of a breakthrough event for the Durban swimmer as he powered past seven-time champion Chad Ho for victory.

This year, the aQuellé Midmar Mile is taking place over two consecutive weekends, 6-7 March and 13-14 March, in order to make it safer for all swimmers taking part. McGlynn will be part of a 20-strong field in a specially arranged elite event on 7 March, fighting for the title once again.

As for all swimmers, it hasn’t been the easiest of build-ups for the 21-year-old, who also has a spot on the SA team to the Tokyo Olympics in his sights.

“Last year I half qualified for the 2020 Olympics in the 10km open water swim and I couldn’t get to the final round of qualifiers. It was tough because I came off such a high and went straight into a lockdown,” explained McGlynn.

That meant trying to train in gym and school pools for a protracted period of time.

“I had to stay in Pretoria for November just to train in a 50m pool. Then I travelled back to Durban for December to race any race possible because I hadn’t done much training. To top it off I swim distance freestyle, so it became a snowball effect,” he added.

Heading into the aQuellé Midmar Mile as defending champion, McGlynn is hoping he’s done enough.

“I think it adds more pressure but I’m happy to be in this race again. Midmar is always that first breakout swim of the year and where I broke through, so hopefully, I can bounce back.”

Looking back on his 2020 victory, McGlynn added: “It was crazy. I remember getting to the front of the pack and leading. I had this realisation of ‘it’s me’, because I had never led a Midmar before.”

A good showing on 7 March will go a long way to boosting McGlynn’s confidence heading into Olympic qualifiers. He’ll need to finish top two in the national open water championships and then top nine at the next global qualifying event in order to make the team to Tokyo. He’s also gunning for a qualifying time and a top two position in the 800m freestyle in the pool.

But for now, the focus is on regaining his fitness and form and defending that Midmar title.

“This time I know what I want and I know what I’m fighting for this time around as I’ve gained a lot more experience,” he reckons.

The 2021 two-weekend aQuellé Midmar Mile will be different from usual with organisers putting plenty of measures in place to ensure a safe and Covid-compliant event. Among these measures is the fact that there will be no mass starts as is usually the case. There will instead be rolling starts with each swimmer’s time being recorded from when they cross the start mat to when they reach the finish. This means no swimmers will congregate at the start or be in close contact with each other. There will also be no spectators.

Thanks to event partners North Safety, swimmers will be issued with a disposable mask at registration, which they will wear to the water’s edge and then dispose of before swimming. They will then be handed another mask to put on immediately on leaving the water at the finish.

For more information on the aQuellé Midmar Mile, head to www.midmarmile.co.za or anyone with queries about their entry can contact the race office on 0861 643627 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Photo credit: Action Photo SA

News supplied.

Eskom KZN has significantly reduced its municipal arrear debt, thanks to the support and leadership given by the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).

Municipal debt took centre stage when efforts by Eskom to collect revenue from owing municipalities were met with several challenges and were generally unsuccessful. Negotiations for payment arrangements mostly faltered or if successful, they were not followed through. This put an immense burden on Eskom as its revenue was constrained.

In the past three years, CoGTA has played a huge role in facilitating negotiations between Eskom and owing municipalities to the extent that one of them, Abaqulusi Municipality, cleared its R52.5m arrear debt in December 2020, which Eskom greatly appreciates. The Abaqulusi Administrator and his management team assessed how the debt would be settled and committed to ensuring that the current account would be settled simultaneously. The municipality diligently made progress and cleared the debt over the agreed period.

Eskom has noted progress in four other municipalities where CoGTA has been largely involved. These are Msunduzi Municipality, which has cleared its arrear debt, Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality, which will be making its last payment this month, Newcastle Municipality, which is adhering to the payment arrangement and has reduced its arrear debt by R38.3m, and Mpofana Municipality which has started honouring its payment arrangement. Eskom acknowledges the roles played by both CoGTA and the municipalities’ leadership in this regard.

There was a rocky start in negotiations with Newcastle and Mpofana Municipalities, however, the progress made shows that a lot can be achieved with determination and alignment of focus, and Eskom thanks CoGTA for this. We have come a long way and now have a recipe that works which will not only sustain, but also enable the economic growth of KZN.

In a letter of appreciation of the work done by the KZN CoGTA MEC, Mr Sipho Hlomuka and his team, the Eskom Distribution Group Executive, Monde Bala, noted, “Eskom would like to recognise the efforts of the MEC – CoGTA (KZN), together with his management team, for their perseverance and unfaltering assistance in ensuring that the Municipalities discharged their obligations. Eskom remains of the view that this collaborative approach between Organs of State and Local Government (municipalities) leadership is key in dealing with the challenges that we face as a country.”

Eskom looks forward to continuing and cementing this relationship with CoGTA (KZN) in the hope that other municipalities who face a similar challenge could be encouraged and empowered to successfully settle their overdue debts with Eskom.

For further enquiries please contact the Eskom Contact Centre on 08600 ESKOM/37566.

News supplied.

Organisers of the aQuellé Midmar Mile have assured swimmers that they are putting every possible measure in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable event.

Flexible dates, no mass starts and masks at registration and the finish are just some of the measures put in place for this year’s event.

Race Director Wayne Riddin explained: “The safety of our swimmers has always been our top priority at the aQuellé Midmar Mile and considering the current circumstances and the COVID-19 pandemic, this is even more the case.

"We know swimmers may be nervous and so we are assuring them that we will take care of them every step of the way. The 2021 event has certainly produced some challenges for us as an organising committee but we are confident that we have come up with innovative solutions to meet these head on.”

Usually held in mid-February, the 2021 aQuellé Midmar Mile has been postponed to March and will be held over two weekends – 6-7 March and 13-14 March. This means less swimmers converging on the dam at once and a more flexible approach to proceedings. There will be no mass starts as is usually the case. There will instead be rolling starts with each swimmer’s time being recorded from when they cross the start mat to when they reach the finish. This means no swimmers will congregate at the start or be in close contact with each other.

Thanks to event partners North Safety, swimmers will also be issued with a disposable mask at registration, which they will wear to the water’s edge and then dispose of before swimming. They will then be handed another mask to put on immediately on leaving the water at the finish.

Designated Covid-19 Compliance Officers will be stationed at key points at both the start and finish areas. It will be their job to ensure entrants sanitise hands at allocated points, remain socially distanced, and are wearing masks.

No spectators will be allowed at the aQuellé Midmar Mile. Instead, if a minor is swimming, their parent or guardian will have to wait for them in the allocated car park after registration is complete.

“These are just some of the measures we have put in place for the 2021 event. We are also being incredibly flexible in terms of entries,” said Riddin. “There won’t be the usual events, splitting up men and women and the various age groups. This means that families can swim together and don’t need to head to the dam on consecutive weekends. If anyone has any questions over their existing entries and how these changes affect them, they can contact our race office on 0861 643627 or simply email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

“As for the competitive side of things, we will collate individual results over the course of the two weekends and release these according to the usual categories. We will also hold separate elite races for the pro swimmers with a much-reduced field for those gunning for the men’s and women’s titles,” added Riddin.

“We hope this puts our swimmers’ minds at ease as we look forward to a successful event next month and trust that we can hopefully return to our normal, wonderfully social atmosphere in 2022.”

For more information on the race and to enter, head to www.midmarmile.co.za 

News supplied.

Ceramics, bronze work and paintings... Zulu Lulu Arthouse at Piggly Wiggly has one of the widest varieties of artwork in KZN. Perfect for Valentine's gift shopping. You may also love this painting of trees which is an iconic reminder of all the forests we enjoy exploring around Howick, KZN.

'Did you know we bake special occasion cakes? Our specialty: creating unique (and delicious) cakes that you don't see commonly and with a focus on quality. To find out more contact us on 033 330 5071 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.' shared Fern Hill Hotel.

Cook authentic pizza at home in just 60 seconds with the Ooni Karu Wood and Charcoal Fired Pizza Oven.

Ooni's portable pizza ovens heat up in just 15 minutes to over 500°C, which is the temperature you need to make restaurant-quality pizza — the perfect heat for the ultimate crust, in just 60 seconds! Whether you want wood-fired flavour or gas-powered convenience, you'll love Ooni's beautiful design, ease of use and, of course, amazing pizza.

As South Africa's HOTTEST new trend all ovens are sold out country-wide so Fires and Braais are taking Pre-Orders for the shipment due in February.

Pre-order yours today!

Tuesday, 02 February 2021: Eskom hereby advises road users of the N3 road closure for about one hour whilst replacing some electricity line crossings that were stolen a week ago in the Cedara area.

The closure will affect traffic on both northbound and southbound carriageways of the N3 highway. Traffic officials will be in attendance and will divert traffic off the N3.

The details of the line crossing replacements are indicated below:
DATE: Tuesday, 02 February 2021
PLACE: N3 near Cedara
TIME: 11h00 – 12h00

Eskom apologises for any inconveniences that road users may experience.

For further enquiries, road users may contact the Eskom Contact Centre on 08600 ESKOM / 37566.

News supplied.

'January Special! Enroll before the end of January 2021 and we will waive the enrollment fee!

To apply: bit.ly/OasisPrepSchoolApplication' shared Oasis Preparatory School in Howick, KZN.