I would like to highly commend our Howick traffic licensing department for their courtesy and care today and in general.

I accompanied an elderly friend who uses a walker to the above offices today and we were so well treated by all the staff. The cashier from where one applies for a new driving license came out to the car park, helped my friend with her forms and took them inside for processing for her.

The cashier at the office for the renewal of vehicle licenses was very efficient and dealt with a large number of people quickly and pleasantly. The staff in the car park and at the entrance could not have been more helpful.

Such a change from other municipal offices in Howick!

News supplied by Margaret Parker

Horse-mad local lady and founder of Equine Transeva Technique - ETT™, a technique to improve muscle function and performance, Beth Shaw, studied under one of South Africa’s pioneers of equine bodywork, Winks Greene. Winks Greene trained in England under Charles Strong and brought the first Transeva to South Africa in 1953. Winks rehabilitated well-known racehorse Gondolier who after being treated by Winks for several months, went on to win the 1985 Rothmans July.

Beth Shaw has been an Equine Transeva Technique (ETT™) practitioner for over 17 years. She openedBSET Academy in Karkloof in 2008, through which Shaw and her team, led by Robyn Butterworth, have been developing the modality of ETT™ to operate under the scope of para veterinarian services. BSET Academy has trained ETT™ practitioners working successfully country and worldwide. Beth acknowledges that her student’s hunger to learn more pushed her to become better.

Originally from the USA, Beth has owned and ridden horses all her life and has represented South Africa numerous times for Ladies Polo. Beth’s work with Winks began in the 90s.

Today she works with high-performance equine athletes in most of the top racing yards in South Africa. Beth and Birgit Schroder (BSET Graduate and ETT™ Practitioner) have impacted on many Group 1 wins including the Vodacom Durban July (6x), twice winning the Gold Cup and Vodacom Durban July in the same season. Her work also involves equine athletes involved in Show Jumping, Dressage, Polo, Showing and Endurance. Shaw’s longtime connection with the horse has now brought her to Hong Kong. As an ETT™ Practitioner Shaw services the HKJC racehorses based at Sha Tin racecourse and Beas River Equestrian Club.

ETT™ is a technique which will re-establish correct muscle movement and function. The trained ETT™ Practitioner assesses the muscle tone under contraction and adjusts the WG Transeva’s dynamic current to bring the Athlete’s muscle back on-line and to optimum performance. When the Athlete’s muscle is on-line there is less stress on tendons, ligaments, and joints.

On ETT™ use in humans;

‘With developing the company ETT International Limited in Hong Kong, I have moved away from human work. Although if David Miller needs me during the IPL, I will skip across the pond!’, said Beth.

Beth explained how her Asian working relationship began, ‘My awareness of racing in Hong Kong started with the exportation of SA racehorses to Hong Kong and following the developments of racing in mainland China at Conghau Racecourse.

As I know the application of ETT™ by a trained practitioner can be a valuable tool in preparing a racehorse for performance, when I get into HK I connect with SA trainers …in Hong Kong I am working with SA exports to help them perform as best they can under very competitive circumstances. The dream is to help the South African bred horse look better to the international buyer. This may, in turn, help the breeding industry in South Africa. My career started on the stud farms of KwaZulu-Natal.

Peter and Jenny Blyth of Clifton Stud, Nottingham Road, really opened the door to HK by introducing me to Pamela Ferraris. David And Pamela have been training for the HKJC for 16 years. Peter Gibson of the SARC also opened a big door by introducing me to the head of HKJC Veterinary Clinic.
About this time last year, I was visiting BSET Academy Alumni in Dubai, sitting on the beach eating Ben&Jerry’s ice cream and I spotted a John Deere Tractor. At that moment I said to myself, “If Ben&Jerry and John Deere can be International – so can I!” (B&J and John Deere(himself) are also from the small state of Vermont, USA)!

And so now ETT International Limited is a registered, growing company based in Hong Kong.’

On how she balances various aspects of her life, ‘My children, Gower and Madison Shaw are at fantastic boarding schools in Pietermaritzburg and we live in one of the most beautiful places in the world –The Karkloof Valley-so the Hong Kong commute is worth it. Even if I’m only home for 3 to 4 days at a time.’

We asked Beth about her future goals, ‘The next important step is to have BSET Academy’s course Equine Practices and Equine Transeva Technique recognised at the Diploma level by CATHSSETA.

The international goal is to develop the clientele of ETT International to require more ETT™ Practitioners in HK.

HKJC is the hub of international racing. I’m meeting so many people involved with horse racing industry wworldwide– creating the opportunity for ETT International to become an international force, like John Deere!‘

Beth Shaw’s story and insight provides a solid reminder that when times are tough, we can take courage from the successful paths carved by other businesses.

Photographs supplied: BSET Alumni at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai with Beth Shaw (pictured far right). 

Insert: #myfavouritebottom

We would like to thank many people, those who generously bequest monies to our SPCA, those who assist us financially with our fundraising efforts, people who drop coins in our collection tins and give pet food for our animals, our executive committee who steer us, people who volunteer their time for our cause, be it with animals or our retail shops, people who donate books and other items to our shops, people who frequent our shops and the list goes on.

We would like to thank many people, those who generously bequest monies to our SPCA, those who assist us financially with our fundraising efforts, people who drop coins in our collection tins and give pet food for our animals, our executive committee who steer us, people who volunteer their time for our cause, be it with animals or our retail shops, people who donate books and other items to our shops, people who frequent our shops and the list goes on.

We have received numerous posts on social media, as well as calls from the public regarding the uMngeni SPCA not having a resident veterinarian anymore.

Tanya Hughes left our employ in January, emigrating to the UK. We do not have a resident Veterinarian. Dr Megan Dixon is completing her one year compulsory community service at uMngeni SPCA, under the supervision of Dr Mike Thompson.

The core function of any SPCA is the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: having a veterinary clinic is a privilege. We receive funding from donors who request that the funds be used specifically to assist animals in disadvantaged communities. There is the assumption that by using the SPCA clinic, the public is assisting with funding it. In fact they are being subsidized by the SPCA and thus it is not a benefit to the SPCA.

Owning a pet is a choice, with huge responsibilities: we have a strict adoption policy. To adopt an animal from us the adoptee must be able to afford private veterinarians. We compete with numerous charities for funds and need to use our limited resources to benefit animals in desperate need of assistance, especially in the low income,rural communities. Dr Mike Thompson has generously agreed to sterilize our animals, and we pay the Pietermaritzburg SPCA for this service. A decision was taken not to employ a full time veterinarian as we cannot afford the salary.

 News supplied by uMngeni SPCA.

Love Howick NPC (2018/242807/08) invites you to join us for our Annual Corporate Golf Day, set to take place at the prestigious Bosch Hoek Golf & Country Estate on Friday 26 April 2019. The aim of this charity fundraiser is to promote the excellent work that the Love Howick organisation is doing to bring transformation to various sectors of our community, as well as to raise much needed funds for the nine projects currently underway to transform lives and bring positive change in our area.

Date: Friday 26 April 2019
Time: 11:00 Arrival and Registration
11:30 Start
Venue: Bosch Hoek Golf & Country Estate, Balgowan, 3275

We would love your business to get involved in this valuable initiative in one or more of the following ways:
1. ENTER A TEAM:
Teams of 4 can be entered at R2950 per team (includes Greens Fees,Prizes, Halfway House Meal and Light Snacks at Prize Giving). Golf Carts can be hired (R335) at your own discretion at an additional cost.

2. PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
We are offering individuals/businesses the opportunity to be an official sponsor for this event.Benefits from this offering are:
• Sponsor logo on advertising and media coverage (newspaper, social media, posters etc.)
• Sponsors able to advertise around the clubhouse and greens as per options below
• Mention made of sponsors at Prize Giving
Options for sponsorship are:
• Hole Sponsorship: - R1000 Includes banner display at hole/tee 1st & 9th Hole Sponsorship – R1500 Includes banner display and coverage at this great vantage point on the golf course.
• Sponsor the Event: - R3500, this includes being an official sponsor of the event as well as opportunities to exclusively display your company’s promotional material in the prize giving area.
• Prize Donation: - This event would not be successful without some exciting prizes, so any donation of prizes will be acknowledged and greatly appreciated. Please consider donating prizes in sets of 4 to allow for a whole team to receive something.
ALL PAYMENTS CAN BE MADE TO LOVE HOWICK NON PROFIT COMPANY:
Account Name: Love Howick NPC
Account Number: 627 747 27 039
Bank: FNB Howick
Branch Code: 220 725

Should you need further information or would like to register a team/donate please contact Leneke at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on (033) 330 3456. DEADLINE FOR BOOKING IS WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2019.

News supplied by Love Howick.

Don’t provide cover for would be criminals (cut back foliage)
Deter criminals from targeting your house by ensuring you cut back trees and bushes. Investigate installing movement sensor lights and report broken street lights.

Clear foliage away from your PIR beams
Excessive foliage and pot plants placed in front of external PIR beams will not only result in possible false alarms, but also render them useless in detecting criminal’s approaching your house. If you have invested in these external PIR beams, please ensure that they remain unobscured.

Make sure your property is clearly numbered
This will ensure that emergency services are easily able to locate your property.

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

The Dutch Reform Church is having their annual fete! Lovely morning with traditional Afrikaans treats like koeksisters and pancakes will be for sale. A Lovely Tea garden and Breakfast rolls for the early birds. There will be lots of treats and stalls.

News supplied by NG Kerk Merrivale.

The UCSI is gaining momentum and there has been a lot of community interest. The UCSI welcomes Stanley van der Merwe to the team as the Operations Coordinator. Stan is the contact person who will facilitate the Law Enforcement and other appropriate responses to SNIPR “hits” received by the UCSI ANPR SNIPR CCTV camera mounted gantries.

The great news is that the UCSI has received praise and endorsement from the uMngeni Municipality. Contact with all Municipal departments has been made as well as the Department of Transport and SANRAL. Read on further and see the encouraging support the UCSI is getting from all Law Enforcement agencies. Two security companies have now signed up as Affiliated Members to the UCSI, namely Knight Security Solutions and Ballid Security and they are contributing monthly.

BUT … We need to now grow our affiliated membership and start getting in regular monthly contributions to ensure the sustainability of the UCSI. The UCSI is also very open to receiving once-off CAPEX donations of any amount. Along with this newsletter, I have attached the monthly Affiliation Forms and the Individual CAPEX pledge forms. YOUR support will go a long way to making the community even safer. You can also download the forms from the UCSI website at www.ucsi.org.za.

Please share this newsletter with family and friends as well. NOTE: You need to be affiliated to the UCSI as a contributing member in order to receive support in the event of a crime taking place involves vehicle.

UCSI Operations Update (a quick snippet)
Monday 25 March 2019 saw Stanley van der Merwe of the UCSI NPC very busy following up on SNIPR hits from the Lower Karkloof Gantry and the Knight Security Solutions Gantry. Earlier in the day the UCSI received a SAPS Global alert about a hi-jacked vehicle entering Howick at the Lower Karkloof Road. This meant Stan had to go out looking for the vehicle (hence we need more cameras up) but he was able to locate it in a Howick shopping centre parking lot. Stan requested Howick SAPS and KSS back-up and the matter was managed professionally. The vehicle had been recovered by SAPS but not cleared off CAS. The driver was advised to follow-up with SAPS and ensure that the correct paperwork was submitted in order to remove the vehicle from the CAS system. This is good news as hits like these help us “clean up” the CAS and SNIPR databases.

THEN… at 12.23pm on the same day Stan got a SAPS Global alert from the KSS Gantry of a vehicle reported hi-jacked in Pretoria West last month. Stan and I happened to be mobile and managed to pick up this vehicle as it came through Merrivale onto the N3 towards PMB. The PMB Flying Squad were immediately alerted. We were able to give the Flying Squad members updates of the vehicles location as it entered PMB. We following it to a PMB Mall where North and South Cluster SAPS Flying Squad units were able to make the arrest. This was a positive and the perpetrator and vehicle were removed from the scene by SAPS. It was brilliant and very professional. (I need to just add that 10 flying squad vehicles arrived with at least 27 SAPS Officers. As Brian Jones of TrackBox always says “we are not short on resources, we are short on knowing one another” and this is the objective of the UCSI – to make the communication of reliable information through to Law Enforcement a priority).

The UCSI NPC wishes to thank Howick SAPS, Hilton SAPS, Radio Control 10111, SAPS Flying Squad, SAPS Dog unit, KSS and all those involved for their responses and support.

On Sunday 24 March 2019 Stanley of the UCSI NPC was contacted to assist with a hi-jacking and murder in a neighbouring area. The UCSI NPC were able to facilitate a working relationship and synergy between SAPS Crime Intelligence, TrackBox SNIPR, SANRAL and numerous other SAPS entities. The crime was solved within 10 hours of being reported. Communication was key to solving this crime.

Please support the UCSI and join for as little as R30 per month. Go to www.ucsi.org.za and download the Affiliation Form to make a monthly donation.

The UCSI is also looking for CAPEX funding to get the ANPR SNIPR CCTV camera mounted gantries erected. With the support and endorsement of the uMngeni Municipality let’s make our areas safer. These area are (but not limited to) Hilton, Howick, Howick West, Howick South, Kwa Mevana, Merrivale, Merrivale Heights, Birnamwood, Mpophomeni, Karkloof, Curry’s Post and surrounds.

For more information on how to join email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The UCSI is a Not-for-Profit Company that champions empowering Law Enforcement agencies.

Thank you for your support and interest. Please help us drive membership.

Yours in good old crime fighting spirit.

The UCSI team
Debbie Preston, Stan van der Merwe and the UCSI Board of Directors

Please download TrackBox onto your phones. You can go to www.trackbox.world to read more about TrackBox and MDDR.

ABOUT MDDR
With the occurrence of violent crimes at an all-time high and theft on the rise, you need to be prepared to protect yourself, your loved ones and your belongings. That’s where MDDR comes in to save the day – and potentially your life.

Ever wondered how your loved ones could come to your aid in an emergency situation if you weren’t able to call for help yourself? Or vice versa? TrackBox have made it easier than ever with the Mobile Device Data Recorder (MDDR) App. Using the same technology as in-flight aircraft data recorders, missing persons and hostages can be tracked through their mobile phones with this ground-breaking app. It is designed to support the TrackBox Emergency app.

The app also aids recovery of stolen mobile devices that have the app installed on them. The device essentially becomes a mobile ‘black box’ that allows us to trace its whereabouts and access data recordings that provide us with further valuable insight into its location – and the thieves themselves.

MDDR has been created to function as your ‘mobile device data recorder’. None of this data is stored anywhere other than as it normally would be on your phone, it simply allows us access to that data in the event of an emergency. We then use that data as best as possible to help track you, your device or assailants in the crime committed against you.

News supplied by UCSI.

Love Howick have been very busy with many exciting projects and ventures  and are sharing all the good news with you!

LOVE HOWICK is a catalyst in bringing people together for transformation and aims to unite our community for positive change. We believe that we are better together and we endeavor to establish partnerships between key sectors of our local community to see our vision of a prosperous city emerge.

We are inviting you to join us in this exciting adventure, and  to keep up to date with the projects and events happening, as well to get you excited for what you are partnering with.

We invite you to roll up your sleeves, get excited, and get involved in transforming our community. Watch our video if you need a fresh reminder of the beauty our corner of the world has to offer!

https://web.facebook.com/495374943914966/videos/433445377589922/?t=28

News supplied by Love Howick.

Fern Hill Hotel Chef Alex has been having a whirlwind experience while gleaning valuable ideas and learning new cooking methods! It’s been such fun to follow his adventure on Instagram!

Over the last month he’s worked at Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient Hotel in Pretoria and then most recently the Michelin starred Harwood Arms Gastro Pub in London. He’s now moved on to Restaurant Gordon Ramsay!

To see what he’s been getting up to, you can find him on Instagram with the handle: alexpoltera

He will be back to cook up new ideas for the menu at the end of April! We can’t wait!

http://alexpoltera.com/

News supplied by Fern Hill Hotel.

In recent years South Africa has seen a dramatic increase in the keeping, breeding and trading of exotic animals and reptiles for the pet industry. The reality is that exotic animals and reptiles do not belong in captivity and should not be kept as pets.

INDIGENOUS WILDLIFE:
Indigenous reptiles and tortoises require permits from Nature Conservation, and those keeping wildlife illegally will face serious legal repercussions. Should you know of anyone who is illegally keeping indigenous wildlife, please contact the National Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism on 012 399 9604. Alternatively, contact us, or your nearest SPCA.

Animals suited for rehabilitation will be taken to a rehabilitation centre and then released back into the wild, in a suitable area. Those who are unable to survive on their own due to any impairment, should be taken to a rehabilitation centre and then a reputable sanctuary.

In a sanctuary they will be able to live a life as close as possible to living in the wild. Please contact our Wildlife Protection Unit on 011 907 3590/1/2/3 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for help in giving a wild animal a chance at a better life.

EXOTIC ANIMALS:
If you have exotic animals that you wish to surrender to the NSPCA, please contact our Wildlife Protection Unit on 011 907 3590/1/2/3 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News supplied by uMngeni SPCA.

Howick local, Paula Taylor, moved to Australia to complete her masters in Humanistic Psychotherapy. While overseas she worked for the Department of Family Services as a case manager dealing with child abuse, drug abuse, mental health, and other social issues. Eighteen months into this two-year practical application season Paula was overwhelmed and about to burn out but she chose to push through and complete the contract.

Complete exhaustion led Paula to question whether she could work in this profession at all, feeling unskilled and out of her depth she recognised her own deep need for childhood trauma therapy and began a two-year healing journey. She sought to heal her own experience of loss, lack, and abandonment. Paula chose to work through these emotions alongside an incredible Australian therapist who had previously been her lecturer at university.

This result of this watershed experience is Paula’s development of ‘Tackle the Feelings Before the Behaviour’, a parenting approach that aims to regulate or manage children’s emotions and build healthy attachments/bonds between parent and child. Paula sees that children’s behaviour is often very misunderstood.

Paula believes that families and teachers can benefit by understanding that before age 5 children cannot process words, their neocortex area is not developed enough for them to reason through language. Therefore, for children, early childhood communication is limited to what they see repeatedly– they respond to their parent’s and teacher’s actions, the tone of voice, body language and all levels of emotion which are physically expressed. This combined with the fact that our planet is seeing the arrival of a growing number of highly intelligent and highly sensitive children means more children are experiencing depression and anxiety than ever before.

Paula can guide parents and teachers through the different emotions and feelings in a variety of contexts and would like to share several helpful tips to provide the knowledge and support required to manage children’s emotional needs. The world can only benefit if we teach our children how to cope with difficult emotions and situations.

If you find this interesting, read Paula’s personal story (click here) and you will understand better why she is determined to work to end childhood emotional neglect!

Paula Taylor offers confidential and affordable WhatsApp consultations, locally and internationally.

There will be a round 2 of Bush Day Care on the 18th of April. Share the news with all the parents with children currently on school break.

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 033 330 3931 to book a spot.

News supplied by Wessa uMngeni Valley.

KZN MIDLANDS: Self-directed education through interactive creative practice, exchange of ideas and skills will mark the two-week-long Thupelo International Workshop currently being held at the beautiful Kings School in Nottingham Rd.

This workshop includes 18 artists from five different countries and give them the opportunity to work together in various discipline.
This initiative of the Cape Town-based Greatmore Studios, runs until Friday 12 April, culminating in a public open day on Saturday 13 April from 10am until 3pm during which the work will be on display for public viewing and audience engagement.
The organisers received an astonishing response from close to 80 art makers from all over the world wanting to be considered for one of the 20 spaces to benefit from this opportunity. The multi-lingual, multi-cultural participants will be working and living on campus at King’s School for the duration of the residency.

“The idea behind the workshop’s ethos is about creating space for making art without the pressures of structured conventions often accompanying the so called ‘mainstream’ institutions and is open to self-motivated visual artists who are keen to expand their ideas, exchange knowledge and experiment in fellowship with other artists. This also encourages a space for sharing skills and ideas in an innovative environment where artists feel safe to experiment and learn from one another. Since 1985, each workshop, regional or international, has had its own identity which unfolds as the workshop progresses. Because the material budget is often quite low, sharing and the use of found objects or donated materials is encouraged,” explains Witty Nyide co-ordinator for both regional and international KZN-based Thupelo workshops.

Thupelo, which is Se Sotho phrase meaning ‘to teach by example’, was initiated in 1985 in Johannesburg by David Koloane, together with the late Bill Ainsle and a group of artists. Both regional and international Thupelo workshops were initiated in response to a need for interaction between artists and are therefore artists-led. It is part of the international Triangle network of studio and workshop initiatives. Durban has hosted a regional workshop last December and is hosting an international version this April in the beautiful KZN Midlands.
Participants are: Anushka Kempken (Jhb); Crawford Mandumbwa (Zambia); Danisile Ncube(Zimbabwe); Khaya Sineyile (CT); Lara Vlaska (Germany); Mat Li (Madagascar); Ncumisa Mcitwa (Durban); Nkcubeko Balani (Grahamstown); Nomusa Mtshali (Durban); Owen Shikabeta (Zambia); Selloane Moeti (Durban); Tahina Rakotoarivony (Madagascar); Vanessa Chen (CT); Thalente Khomo (Durban); Clive Sithole (Durban); Thami Jali (Durban); Anthony Cawood (CT) and Witty Nyide (Pretoria).

The workshop culminates with an open day where the public can experience the visual conversations created during the retreat, and this will open to public viewing on Saturday 13 April, from 10am until 3pm. Entry is free and all are welcome.
If there is demand for a bus to take people from Durban to Midlands and home again for the morning, one can be organised for a nominal fee. Should you be keen to take arranged transport – please contact Witty Nyide on 076 333 3671.

News supplied.

The #MeToo campaign went viral in late 2017 and saw many high profile celebrities joining the movement against sexual harassment and the sexual assault of woman.

The #MeToo movement enabled woman to share their stories, thereby demanding society take note and action. One man that did take note is well-known former judge and Durban resident Chris Nicholson and so the idea of Justice is a Woman was born… Join us for this thrilling production set to open in Theaters this May.

News supplied.

HOWICK’S Pippa Griffin, born in Pietermaritzburg and raised on a farm in the Midlands, has tried her hand at various careers, having initially acquired a diploma in tourism.

She worked as a trainee chef in a Midlands restaurant for a while, became operations manager for a hunting company in Pietermaritzburg, went on to work for a game capture company in Johannesburg, then was employed as manager of a lodge in Angola.

Pippa later owned a Howick restaurant for five years, and it was during this time that she started working with her sister, Liane Aadnesgaard, in the real estate business.

Before long, Pippa had sold the restaurant and become a fulltime agent with Liane’s company, LA Properties, which was based in Pietermaritzburg before moving to Howick. It was there that the company converted to a Dormehl Phalane Property Group franchise in July 2011.

Today both sisters remain important components of the Howick branch of the fast-growing property group, although award-winning Liane is soon to step down as branch principal.

She is doing so to allow herself more time for farming on a property she owns 10km from Howick, but plans to continue to sell farms in the Midlands area.

Pippa, as current managing director, alongside Tyron Segal as financial director, will in the next few months write her PDE 5 exam, after which she will take over as principal of the Howick branch, which has 10 agents.

Pippa is excited about the prospect, especially as it comes at a time when the Howick branch continues to prosper, having taken a number of awards at DPPG’s 10th annual national awards, held in Port Edward on March 6.

“We took nine awards and some ‘millionaire’ certificates, plus two of our agents were placed in the DPPG Top 10 overall – Liane at position four and Jennifer Gordon at No 5,” explains Pippa, adding that Liane was on a holiday, having booked it a year before, so was not able to attend the awards.

The branch’s awards this year include those for National Rental Management Office of the Year; Farms and Small Holdings Office; branch agent Jennifer Gordon as Top Achiever (Country); and, a cherry on top, Liane as top Farms and Small Holdings Agent, an award she has won for 10 consecutive years.

The branch was also applauded as second runner-up for the award for Overall National Rental Office of the Year, while Pippa was the runner-up for awards for National Rental Management Agent of the Year and Overall National Rental Agent of the Year.

Pippa has high praise for this year’s awards: “It was a wonderful event, as always. Our franchisor, Owen Dormehl, really outdoes himself with the event each year.

“It was also great to overnight in a lovely hotel, in a place I wouldn’t normally venture to. Also, the time spent there wasn’t just a good mid-week break, but a good opportunity to meet other agents and agencies within the group, on a social networking, and possible referral, basis.”

Pippa, who has been with the branch, in Main Street in Howick, for some seven years, was asked what changes she had implemented since becoming managing director, and what challenges she thought she might face in months to come.

“Both Tyron and I would like to see our company grow in Howick – in the residential market as well as in the rental and body corporate sectors,” was her reply.

“We have an amazing intern, Sindi Ngwane (Rookie of the Year agent last year), who has sold 23 properties in the last year. We are hoping to grow the portfolio in our low-income sector, as we see this as a lucrative addition to our community, to provide assistance to local clients in buying homes. We hope to introduce more interns to this business with this in mind.

“Our body corporates are also on the increase, with Tyron becoming more involved in this area. You will be surprised to hear that there are more than 35 body corporate complexes in Howick, ranging from small complexes of four to six units, up to 800-plus units.”

What moved Pippa to join the Dormehl group?

“On meeting with Owen Dormehl, via the Pietermaritzburg office, I found that his passion and dedication to the brand, his openness and professionalism, along with the training and advanced technology that was shown to us, made it an easy decision to join the Dormehl franchise family.”

Strengths of the group, she says, include continued training for interns and full-status agents, excellent head office support staff, and great computer technology.

“Our branch strength is that all our agents are well known in Howick, and our office has great street appeal – we are based at the main intersection in Howick, so everyone can see us,” explains Pippa.

“Also, we pride ourselves on personal relationships which we build with each and every one of our clients, whether they are sellers or buyers, landlords or tenants, or trustees in body corporates.

“We are professional in all aspects and definitely go the extra mile. We are an all-round branch with six interns, four of which will qualify in the next few months, and two of which will qualify in the next year.

“Our main income comes from residential sales, farm sales and rentals. We are building up the commercial and body corporate side nicely.

“We are fortunate that our area is a very popular residential area to live in, so our business has continued to grow, even with a downturn in the economy. Our farm sales have felt a little of this downturn, with regard to the issue of land expropriation without compensation.

What views on the SA property market in general?

“As Howick has the best climate to retire in, in the Midlands, I foresee our company continuing along the same path no matter what happens with the SA property market.

“Howick also has fantastic government schools, so a younger crowd is also moving into our area. This, in turn, will support our sales, rental and commercial market.”

Away from the world of property, Pippa loves playing tennis in the late afternoon a few times a week, and also enjoys time at the family farm in the Midlands.

“When I can sneak more than a weekend away, I love spending time at our beach cottage in the Transkei,” she adds.

Her motto as a property specialist is: “Communication and building relationships is king”.

Pictured is Pippa Griffin, who has gone from being a trainee chef, lodge manager and restaurant owner to the managing director, and soon principal, of one of the most successful of Dormehl Phalane Property Group (DDPG) franchises – that in Howick.

Written by Billy Suter - News supplied.

Load shedding is a dark reality, and even though it has been put on the back-burner indefinitely by Eskom, we at Knight Security Solutions (KSS) would like you to know the following information so that you are advised and aware.

Security alarm systems, access control, electric gates and electric fences are all dependent on electricity. Load shedding can however compromise the life of these security measures. Under normal circumstances, the back-up battery will power these systems for up to eight hours, BUT this time is dependent on a number of factors, such as: how many devices are linked to the battery, the age of the battery and how many load shedding events have happened during the past 24 hours. All these factors can severely affect the life-span of your back-up battery supply.

KSS has taken proactive measure to ensure your safety during load shedding.
These are:

1. KSS has increased the number of controllers in the Control Room.
Note: During load shedding the alarm signals received in the Control Room can increase up to 1000%. All security companies experience these massive spikes in signals received – it is an industry related issue caused by load shedding and an excessive amount of low battery signals and mains failure signals being received. It is very demanding on the Controllers.
Note: Panic activations take precedence over any other alarm signals during load shedding.
Request: Please can clients phone in to the Control Room and cancel all confirmed false alarm during load shedding. This will help Controllers clear the “stack”.
Note: Load shedding may affect your gate battery. This makes it very difficult for Response Officers to check on alarms when the gates don’t work due to flat gate batteries.

2. KSS has two back-up generators at the KSS Control Room ensuring that there is NEVER a loss of power.

3. KSS has a number of battery back-up options for KSS clients to ensure that you are better equipped to handle load-shedding. KSS Technicians would need to carry out an assessment to determine which option would be best suited to your security system needs.

KSS also offer basic 12volt LED lighting installations as well.

Please contact for more information on the options above:
Keshen on 0833935265 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sashen on 0828700138 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gary on 0828947628 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Remember: it is YOUR responsibility to make sure that your security systems are working.

Load shedding Tips:
• A security system back-up battery is critical, as all signals are reliant on a good working battery.
• It is important to check that your alarm is working at least every 3 months and then to have your alarm system fully serviced annually.
• Keep candles and rechargeable lights handy.
• Wire up LED lights to a 12 volt battery with a switch so that when there is load shedding, you can switch on the LED lights in your house. Solar lights are also a suggestion.
• Always have a torch in your car in case you arrive home in the dark.
• Always be cautious at night when approaching your home. Keep your portable panic button on your key ring.

Load shedding information and recent media releases from Insurance Specialists:

Article 1.
On the insurance side of security systems, please remember that “if a client’s policy is endorsed with the alarm warranty then it's their responsibility to make sure it’s working all the time - it's in their wording. I know some batteries don’t last long, but it's up to the client to make sure their battery power lasts during load shedding. If electricity is off for days and the client is not at home, it's their responsibility to get a guard or someone must be at home. If a burglary takes place and they have an alarm warranty then the alarm must go off if no one is at home” Insurance Broker, Pmb.

Article 2.
“Besides the total inconvenience - when the power goes out, your alarm, electric fences and motorised gates go with it, leaving you and your home in a vulnerable position,” explains Maanda Tshifularo, Head of Dial direct Insurance. “Most insurance policies stipulate in their contracts that the house alarm must be activated at all times when the home is unoccupied. So, if your house is burgled during a power cut, then, theoretically, your theft-related cover would be moot.”

These are easy to implement tips for those looking to ensure their safety when the lights go out:
• Get a few high-wattage solar powered lights for your garden, and a few LED lights for inside. Light is a deterrent.
• Keep your cell phone charged, or invest in a portable phone charger.
• If you need to manually open and close your gates when you get home, try to have someone come and meet you at your entrance, or arrange for an escort from your security company.
• Use padlocks, burglar bars and deadbolts to provide an extra level of home security that isn’t power-dependent.
• Put the proposed load shedding times somewhere handy so that your family will have enough time to prepare for the power outage.
• Alarm systems, garage doors and electric gates generally rely on electricity so make sure that these items all have good back-up batteries.
• Keep a torch or a solar, battery powered light that is charged beforehand in multiple, easily accessible locations around your home. Be sure to also have plenty of spare batteries.
• Invest in a backup power supply for your house – be it a generator, battery system, solar panels or a combination of these – to keep essential lights, appliances, electric gates and security systems running.
Adapted from: https://www.iol.co.za/personal-finance/insurance/load-shedding-practical-tips-to-protect-your-valuables-19294674 14 February 2019.

Article 3.
South Africans need to mitigate the risk and damage caused by load shedding by being prepared, Marius Steyn, Santam’s personal lines underwriting manager, says. "Consumers must cope with the damage to appliances brought on by power surges or risk loss through theft, or burglary as a result of faulty security measures."

Christelle Colman, Old Mutual Insure executive for high-net-worth solutions, said in her experience, the most common risks associated with load shedding are the possible damage to appliances and the security threat.

“The risk of increased opportunistic crime should be top-of-mind for South Africans, considering the load shedding schedule is made public for all – including criminals – to see,” Colman said.

Colman and Steyn gave safety tips for South Africans at home during load shedding:
• Get back-up batteries for alarm systems. Double check that alarm systems are in working condition, and have back-up batteries in the event of a power failure, Steyn said.
• Load shedding causes power packs and batteries to wear out faster, Colman said, resulting in reduced functionality. This may also cause alarm systems to produce false alarms and panic signals, so units should be checked frequently.
• Have a spare torch or headlamp. Steyn advises keeping a torch in the car in the event of arriving home at night during a power outage. “Most smartphone also have a built-in torch or torch apps which come in handy during unexpected power outages,” Steyn said.
• Because the load shedding timetables are open to the public, criminals may see blackouts as an opportune time to undertake illegal activities, Colman said. Extra vigilance is especially required when arriving or leaving the home.
• Install reserve batteries for fences and gates too. Ensure electric fencing and gates still work during load shedding by installing – and maintaining – batteries, Colman said. Such batteries typically last between 6 hours and 8 hours when electricity supply goes down. “But load shedding dramatically decreases a battery’s lifespan, so it is incredibly important that these are tested or replaced.” She added homeowners should also ensure that their homes are locked up and adequately secured, in order to reduce the risk of a burglary during load shedding.
• Save Emergency contact information. People should save emergency contact information on their phones and also keep a paper copy safe and accessible, Steyn said. The list should include numbers for emergency services such as the fire department, police, and medical services. “Also, include contact information of friends and family along with insurance information.”
• Charge electronic devices. Always keep cell phones, laptops, and tablets fully charged in case of an unscheduled blackout, Steyn said. “It's also a good idea to have an emergency phone charger close by, this comes in handy during extended power outages. Remember to use devices sparingly during outages so that you don't drain the battery completely before the power returns.”
Adapted from: https://www.businessinsider.co.za/ways-to-stay-safe-during-eskom-loadshedding-2019-2 13 February 2019

It is always stressful to travel with your pet, but these tips will help make the trip easier for you:

BRING THE BASICS with you, such as food and water, bowls, leashes, a poop scoop, plastic bag etc. Unexpected delays may mean you might have to use any or all of them.

IDENTIFY YOUR PET Microchip identification is recommended. We suggest that for a journey of considerable distance (such as when relocating to another province), you might wish to place a temporary disc on your pet's collar. This would give the destination information and a cell phone contact number.

HARNESS rather than leash your dog inside the vehicle. For smaller animals, a well-ventilated crate is recommended.

KEEP HEADS INSIDE THE VEHICLE for safety's sake. If a pet hangs his head outside a moving vehicle, it can lead to injuries from flying objects, inner ear damage or even lung infections. It's safer all round to keep those heads inside.

CONSIDER BARRIERS for what is the pet carrying area, be it the back seat, the "hatch” part of the vehicle or beneath the bakkie's canopy. It is much safer especially in the event of an accident or sudden braking. It might be a good idea to water-proof seat covers with thick plastic and to do the same to floors in the vehicle for ease of clean-up if accidents do happen.

News supplied by uMngeni SPCA.

Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology is geared to choke crime in the Midlands. A collaboration employing the technological strengths of SACAN TrackBox and SNIPR, spearheaded by local powerhouse Debbie Preston (founder of uMngeni Community Security Initiative NPC or UCSI) has the full endorsement of both KZN’s MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda and our Umngeni Mayor, Sizwe Sokhela. The Mayor is particularly eager to heighten safety at the Howick Falls precinct and Goddard Park as this is an area that attracts international tourism.

The current target is to place 26 cameras focussed on access and egress points in the uMngeni area as soon as possible. The bigger Hilton businesses, who have already been approached, are massively supportive and this area is set to have seven cameras installed in a short time. Some existing SNIPR enabled cameras in the outlying areas are already feeding live through to the UCSI NPC system. To ensure longevity, growth and maintenance of this initiative – private residents are invited to contribute from as little as R30.00 per month, with businesses, schools, shopping centres and other such entities being encouraged to contribute as little as R300 per month (depending on size), to be affiliated to the UCSI NPC and benefit for this local crime prevention network. Visit www.ucsi.org.za to find out how.

The Greater Ambers (Amber Valley, Amber Ridge, Amber Lee, Amber Lakes), Amberglen and Yard 41 celebrated the installation of their gantry with SNIPR cameras mounted on Monday, 11 March, when more than 60 people turned up to celebrate.

On Tuesday, 12 March Debbie Preston addressed a gathering at Howick High School highlighting progress to date and she shared that a similar project has been set up in the Boston, Bulwer and Underberg area where, because of these cameras being used, crime has reduced notably.

Pictured L-R; Debbie Preston and Stanley van der Merwe