IT'S COMPETITION TIME!!!!!!

In a large rural township in KwaZulu Natal with over 30 000 residents, nestles a community called Mpophomeni. It is here that the significant role of FUNDA NENJA (meaning ‘learning with a dog’) has become something of a phenomenon. In just over a decade our school has benefitted the community of children, using their puppies and dogs to teach principles of discipline and respect for one another and society as a whole... We are proud to say, that FUNDA NENJA is well on its way to developing kind, compassionate and affectionate bonds between children and their dogs.. which naturally has knock-on positive psycho-social benefits.

It’s a heart-warming sight to see, as regular as clockwork, the Friday crowd of mostly barefoot children and their four-legged friends, swell to well over 100, eager to partake in our facilitator-led dog training sessions, activities, life skills and education on animal and environmental welfare. You see, FUNDA NENJA has become more than just a dog school... We also provide regular veterinary service, sterilisation, rabies clinics and a family support programme, with your donations going a long way to making this possible.

To help raise funds we are offering you the chance to win an original ‘It’s a dog’s life’ ceramic sculpture by renowned KZN ceramic artist and dog lover, Trayci Tompkins. Each Raffle ticket purchase of R100 will enter you into the draw of the delightful ruler high ‘Lady Grey on a Gucci inspired chair’ (pictured here) valued at R5 500.

Tompkins’s artworks are collected by many, have won numerous recognitions through Ceramics Southern Africa KZN and in 2019 a purchase by the prestigious Corobrick Collection in the Pretoria Arts Museum now sees her in a public museum display. You can read more about this incredible artist on http://www.traycitompkins.co.za/gallery/sculpture/
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PURCHASE A TICKET TO WIN ‘LADY GREY’: We welcome your raffle purchase of R100 each made via EFT or Paypal.
Please use RAFFLE and your name as the reference and email through your proof of payment to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to ensure we have your entry. Please also include your cell No. so we will be able to contact the winner.

Bank: First National Bank
Branch code: 220725
Account number: 62458766197
Swift number: FIRNZAJJ

Paypal: https://www.fundanenja.co.za/donate/

You can find more details up on our website: https://www.fundanenja.co.za/donate/

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to support Funda Nenja and win a Trayci Tompkins original ceramic artwork.

'We know this year has been tough on many. With that in mind, we have created a special "budget-friendly" package (for the rest of this year) for groups wishing to catch up on conferences or quick meetings. The packages are affordable while maintaining our service and food excellence. To book contact Lulu 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, Howick, KZN.

Take a look at their special below:

With current market conditions preventing Sunfield Home Howick’s usual fundraising fairs and events, the Residents have rolled up their sleeves, put on their takkies and taken to the grounds to help raise funds to cover their Home’s needs.

It all started with an idea that is quickly gathering momentum. People have registered from not only throughout South Africa, but it is now spreading internationally too.

Anyone can participate and you can do your 65kms as a walk/run/cycle/paddle or even a 65km road trip! It doesn’t matter how you do it and they’d love to see a pic of you on their Facebook page participating in any way you choose.

Take your dogs, take your kids, you can even ride your pony! You can match the Residents and do the 65kms in 65 days, or you can do it at your own pace, in your own space.

The Residents challenge you to join them and would love it if you sponsored one of them too. It’s only R150 per entry and ALL of it goes directly to the Home.

Simply go to www.Sunfield.co.za/our-events to register.

Sunfield Home Howick is a permanent “Home away from Home” for over 100 intellectually impaired adults. It is a Section 21 NGO in the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands town of Howick and it is governed by a committed Board of Directors who volunteer their services. Residents have a wide range of disabilities and rely completely on the Home for their care and well-being.

News from Sunfield Home.

'Our very own Dr Carolyn Hancock has just won the Santam Women of the Year Award in the Social Entrepreneur category!  We may be biased but a more deserving person we cannot think of. The work she does for her community is something out of this world. We are very lucky to have her running Angels’ Care Centre. Congratulations, you are HOPE and have helped heal so many.' from Angel's Care Centre in Howick KZN.

WHY BUY LOCAL?

Five years ago, ‘globalization’ was just a dirty word. We read about it, mostly in the international press, and wondered why it got people so agitated. Surely out here, at the far end of the world, we must be safe from whatever evils we were warned it would visit upon millions of innocent people. And then, suddenly it was upon us. With whole factories closing down and thousands of jobs lost or under threat, the troubles afflicting the South African textiles and footwear industries, have been widely reported.

Groundcover Leather Company has enjoyed a comfortable niche in the Midlands Meander, where discerning customers have flocked every year in search of quality products.

But not immune to threat, our response is to remain a small business. Small not just because (as has been discovered by a number of our larger manufacturers) you cannot beat the Master of Mass Production at their own game. Small because it allows us to remain flexible and innovative; small because we can continue to make the quality products and deliver the personalized service we have come to be known for; small because we are able to provide our customers with the confidence of having met the people who make their shoes; and small because we have had a long relationship with the families of the people who work here, and will not look upon retrenchment as an easy means to guarantee our profitability.

We have recently launched a small consumer awareness initiative of our own, the Made in South Africa, My China! campaign. While we have adopted a tongue-in-cheek approach, we are seriously concerned about what we believe is an alarming trend.

Both as workers and as consumers we believe the South African public should actively ‘buy local’. We should do it, however, not for some abstract reason, but because we consciously support the South African project. We have established minimum labour standards that seek to guarantee not only that our workers can earn a decent living, but that they are afforded the honour and dignity that goes with the thing called Work. Through the choices we make, we should penalize all those who abuse these principles everywhere.

More about Groundcover Leather Company.

Nuts About Books and Toys is a country toy shop stocked with quality toys, puzzles, games, crafts and books. Brands include Lego, Melissa & Doug, Big Jigs, Think Fun, Top Trumps ...

Stockists of educational toys, puzzles, games, crafts, novelty toys, books and more. Popular brands include Lego, Melissa & Doug, Big Jigs, Think Fun, Top Trumps, Top Model, Hooligans Kids Clothing and Sylvanian Families.

These gorgeous adult colouring books are therapy for your soul and make great gifts. Buy two, at least!

More about Nuts About Books and Toys.

'We say goodbye to Jeannie our Finance Manager as she retires. We wish you well in this new chapter in your life.' from Howick Hospice.

'Cold rainy days are the worst, but thanks to everyone who donates to our storeroom, we can make them a little better. Jerseys, beanies, gumboots and shoes were handed out with food parcels today. Please consider having a spring clean and donating to us to allow us to keep helping as much as we can.' from Angel's Care Centre, Howick, KZN.

After getting tired of playing dead, this Long-crested Eagle finally woke up and took some time to explore the new aviary.  It is now just a matter of regaining muscle strength and preforming a few flight tests so that we can ensure he is ready for release.  Did you know that the Long-crested Eagle is one of the smaller Eagle species in South Africa, weighing between 900g to 1.5kgs (Depending on sex)?

This, however, does not mean that they are not effective hunters. Long-crested Eagles are rodent specialists and use the patient approach of perching quietly and dive-bombing any rodents that come into sight. 

This is one of the reasons you will often see Long-crested Eagles perched on tall posts alongside the road.

We love what we do, and how we do it...♥️

If you would like to donate towards our work, you can do so directly:
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: 033 330 3036

Businesses can also join as a Corporate Custodian...
http://www.freemekzn.co.za/become-a-custodian/ 

Pictured above: Long-crested Eagles fall into the True Eagle category. One of the ways to note this is his fully feathered legs.

Pictured on the right: Perching nicely and showing off his distinctive long crest.

News from FreeMe Wildlife.

Do you know a boy who is in Grade 3-7, based in the KZN Midlands, and is musically talented? Come audition for a life-changing experience.

Auditions take place at Epworth High School on Saturday, 31 October from 10h00 until 12h00.

Join the Drakensberg Boys Choir School.

UCSI success

KSS continues to support the UCSI and on 16 October 2020 assisted Hilton SAPS and the Flying Squad in the arrest of a wanted vehicle and suspects. Thanks to the effective network of UCSI SNIPR cameras in our area, the UCSI were able to alert SAPS and affiliated security companies about the entry of this vehicle into our area, and the arrests were made and vehicle impounded.

Joint Operations with SAPS

On Friday 17 October Howick SAPS held a joint operation with the aim of targeting drunken driving. RTI, Umgeni Traffic Department, Knight Security Solutions (KSS) and other security companies assisted Howick SAPS with this operation. Two roadblocks were set up and there were approximately 20 arrests made and 1 vehicle impounded.

News from KSS.

Dear UCSI Supporters

There have been some positive developments in the UCSI and our quarterly UCSI Newsletter will be released before the end of October detailing these developments and news on our newly appointed Operations Director.

The role the UCSI is playing in our community is invaluable. The support offered to SAPS and Law Enforcement is critical in monitoring who is moving in and out of our areas. August, September and October have again been productive and the UCSI has been able to assist SNIPR, SAPS and the community with valuable support and information.

UCSI Operations
There have been some great successes in August, September and October 2020 with huge success on Friday 16 October 2020 highlighted below:

16 October 2020 Success
On the morning if the 16th October 2020 the UCSI received a call for assistance regarding a Hyundai H100 with NR registration plates that had been stolen from the Merrivale area. UCSI Operations members found that the vehicle had triggered Gantry 7 then Gantry 1 (both in the Hilton area) at around 00:00 and was followed closely by a silver VW Polo with GP plates. SAPS were advised accordingly. The UCSI was later informed that the Hyundai H100 had been found abandoned outside Verulam fitted with the GP plates that were on the VW Polo. This information warranted further investigation.

Working with a Durban-based SAPS team, the UCSI received images of the Hyundai H100 travelling through Kloof (Durban) followed by the VW Polo with GP registration plates. Searching our local UCSI SNIPR database using the GP plates we found that the VW Polo had been travelling between Howick and Hilton regularly. The vehicle was immediately listed on the UCSI SNIPR database and within a few hours triggered Gantry 25 entering Howick. SAPS and KSS were alerted. The vehicle was then picked up soon thereafter exiting Howick via Gantry 25. KSS managed to get a visual of the vehicle and followed it on to the N3 southbound. Hilton SAPS and the Flying Squad were advised and the vehicle was intercepted on the N3 near the Hilton Life onramp. The suspects were arrested, the vehicle impounded and numerous illegal items seized.

Hilton SAPS and Flying Squad members expressed their gratitude to the UCSI and affiliated security companies for continuously supporting their efforts in the fight against crime.

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 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 make a contribution. Private individuals from R50pm and business entities from R300 pm.

Stay safe – we got this!

Yours sincerely

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

Like our UCSI Facebook page – which is managed by Hello Marketing.

NOTE: Download the UCSI TrackBox App
The UCSI TrackBox Vehicle Check Centre App is now available at the Play Store or iStore. Download TrackBox and then select the UCSI as your ERPC (Emergency Response and Prevention Centre). You can also report ALL crimes as well as vehicle-related crimes through this App.

Hi,

Last week I sent an email about the forthcoming free online Anxiety summit hosted by Trudy Scott, kicking off in about 2 week’s time.

Trudy is recognized as a leader in the field of anxiety-related disorders, and her previous online summits and books have all been highly informative, packed with extremely useful information, especially for those of us who have experienced elevated levels of anxiety on a regular basis.

I really encourage you to download HealthMeans’ 26-page eBook, 27 Anxiety-Busting Strategies, to better understand anxiety and how you can take control of it.

The really good news is that there are many research-supported ways to reduce and manage anxiety, perhaps making anxiety more “treatable” than any other mental health challenge. 

Learn more in HealthMeans’ eBook, 27 Anxiety-Busting Strategies 

Anxiety is a state that often includes worried thoughts, fateful emotions and bodily changes like tension, rapid breathing, dizziness and digestive issues.

Experiencing some amount of anxiety is completely normal. However, 30 percent of women and 19 percent of men develop an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.

Here are a few anti-anxiety strategies you can experiment with straight away:
· Start journaling, with a focus on your feelings & thoughts in the present moment
· Breath deeply and slowly into your belly at regular intervals throughout your day
· Limit caffeine intake by switching to decaf. Try this for just 1 week
· Listen to music that is relaxing or calming and/or uplifting
· Exercise or go for walk with your dog or friend (for at least 20 mins if possible)
· Use self-affirmations that you feel comfortable repeating to yourself
· Develop a healthier relationship with your phone

Learn more strategies with our eBook. 

Gain immediate access to HealthMeans’ 27 Anxiety-Busting Strategies eBook by clicking here now. 

When you unlock this gift, you’ll also save a seat for the free, online Anxiety Summit 6 — Toxins, Meds & Infections taking place on November 2-8, 2020. At this summit, more than 30 experts will teach you the latest research-backed and solution-oriented programs to understand and address anxiety’s root causes while offering targeted and supportive approaches to naturally eliminate toxins, uncover hidden triggers and address unwanted medication side-effects — so you can get relief!

You can truly get started on better health today!

With warm regards,
Alistair Mork-Chadwick

P.S. Don’t miss out on HealthMeans’ powerful eBook, 27 Anxiety-Busting Strategies

How do you know if your hair needs rehabilitation?

Just like our skin, our hair will display signs of ageing and damage if we mistreat it. Dullness, build-up, dry scalp, dandruff, oiliness, hair loss and sensitivity are all common side effects of long-term chemical dependency. These symptoms can be caused by a wide variety of sources including a build-up of silicone on the hair shaft, compromised porosity and elasticity, pH imbalance, a nutrient deficiency in the body, a medical condition such as a thyroid imbalance, genetics, and physical reactions to the chemicals in your hair products.

Paying attention to your body and taking a minimalist approach to products and styling will give your hair time to find its natural equilibrium again. Everyone's hair is already uniquely beautiful. It simply needs the time to recover, which happens at different speeds for different people.

What is the Hair Rehab process?

Awareness
First, you need to detox from all the chemicals you come into daily contact with. Everything you use including shampoos, conditioners, oils, silicones, heat-protectors, and even bubble baths will have an impact on your hair. Have a look through the ingredient lists and exclude any products with terrifying, unpronounceable words and alcohol.

Deep Cleanse
Give your hair a helping hand with a deep cleanse that will remove any chemical build-up and expose the natural state of your hair. You cannot begin to properly nourish your hair until you have broken the build-up shield on the hair shaft and scalp, as any nutrients will be prevented from making their way into your hair.

Deep Nourish
Elasticity and porosity are the building blocks of great hair and after our deep cleanse we need to feed our hair to encourage them. Natural nourishing treatments like oils, masks and conditioners that contain botanical elements will help your hair look and feel loved. Make sure to use premium grade products as they are most often not contaminated with other chemicals.

Take Care of The Cuticle Layer
All hair has a cuticle layer that must be nurtured and understood for happy, healthy hair. Sealing the cuticle locks in moisture and protects the keratin in the hair from exposure, improving the texture of your hair and prolonging your colour.

Limit Your Chemical Exposure
After all your hard work in detox and recovery, you need to cultivate healthier habits. Cleaner, more natural products, a minimal-heat approach, a nourishing diet, and being kind to yourself with your personal care regime all makes you a healthier happier person. Actively replacing unhealthy hair habits with a ‘less is more’ approach to heat and chemicals, helps the care you put into your hair shine through in your confidence.

No matter how long you have been using harsh methods, if you start with the basics and have patience, your hair will recover. To unveil your inner goddess will take time so be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to adjust and recover. You are already beautiful, and your ideal hair is waiting for you, with a gentle approach, a holistic plan and a little time, it is only a few simple steps away.

Editor’s note:
For more information and/or to arrange exclusive comment or a potential interview with Reneé Potgieter please contact:

GET PUBLISHED

Megan Nugent
M. 072 322 4138
E. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

KSS Sponsored Community CCTV Safety Project

On Friday 2 October 2020 the KSS Control Room were alerted to movement detection on one of the KSS Community CCTV cameras in the Howick area. KSS Controllers identified a suspect walking on the road and three KSS Response units were dispatched. KSS Officers were assisted by SSS in apprehending the suspect who was handed over to SAPS for further processing.

KSS Joint Operations with SAPS
KSS and other security companies assisted local Howick and Hilton SAPS with various successful Joint Operations over the past months. On 18 and 25 September 2020 and then again on 2 and 9 October 2020 KSS supported Howick SAPS in these Joint Operations. Numerous arrests have been made and a number of illegal goods, drugs, alcohol and stolen items have been seized.

In the past 10 days over 60 cases of illegal alcohol, many various drugs, stolen cell phones, laptops, mountain bikes and a generator have been successfully seized through these Joint Operations.

News from Knight Security Solutions.

'The COVID 19 pandemic has had an impact on all of us in more ways than one, including a new trend in dogs' names.

Abongwe Sithole arrived at the Funda Nenja shop this afternoon to buy some things for his absolutely gorgeous puppy who is named Sanitizer. Sanitizer arrived beautifully clean, despite it being a wet and muddy day, as he had been lovingly carried all the way from home to the dog school. This lucky pup was fitted with a brand new collar, and Abongwe purchased some puppy shampoo and dog food.

Before they returned home Sanitizer got some extra cuddles from Lisa Button, our Project Administrator.

We look forward to welcoming them back next week when we have our monthly intake for new participants to the dog school programme' from Funda Nenja.

You are invited to attend a FREE TALK: How to cultivate calm in one’s daily life with Alistair Mork-Chadwick. This enlightening presentation this week, Thursday evening (the 1st Oct), from 18:00 – 19:00, at 15 Riley Crescent, Howick.

RSVP for catering purposes: 066 269 8229 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Alistair’s 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction course begins next week on Wednesday evening, the 7th October. There are still places left, so send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the course brochure.

News from Alistair Mork-Chadwick.

Welcome to Sharon Spiers, the newest sales agent at Pam Golding Properties in Howick. You can contact Sharon on 082 894 7090 or email her This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Wishing you success and happiness in the lovely village-like community of Howick town!