Firstly, thank you to all who have already kindly donated pet food. We are still desperately short, and ANY pet food donations would be greatly appreciated - no matter how big or how small.

Please drop the food off at the kennels in Howick at 15 Campbell Road.

Thank you for your continued support! We couldn't do what we do without the kind hearts of our compassionate community!

Remember, the person who brings the most food will receive a sketch of their pet, thanks to incredible artist Vanessa Viljoen.

News supplied by uMngeni SPCA.

We’re all starting to hear a lot more about the health benefits of CBD (cannabidiol), a non-high-inducing plant molecule found most abundantly in hemp.

But buyer beware: as the cannabis industry grows worldwide, so do the number of snake-oil salesmen and gimmicky, even harmful CBD products. There is also good news, though.

Scientific evidence for this powerful plant supplement is also growing exponentially, and there are plenty of top quality, pharmaceutical-grade, lab-tested products which could help you with everything from pain management to anxiety, inflammation to insomnia.

This is why, at The Hemp People, we're on a mission to inform and empower South Africans to take charge of our health and happiness with well-researched, science-backed, no-nonsense advice and world-class products.

Pictured above Khara-Jade Warren.

News supplied by The Hemp People.

A big shout out to Richard from Sign Co for donating these “work done by Love Howick” boards. You will see these around town wherever the Love Howick teams are working. It takes individuals as well as business to build a community.

If you or your company would like to get involved with Love Howick, please contact them on the number below.

Do you care about Howick?  Please join Love Howick in volunteering to help improve the beauty of our environment?

Mandela Day, Thursday 18 July 2019
Gathering times: 8.30 am OR 12.30 pm
Artefacts Gallery, 2 Harvard St, Howick Falls precinct.

For Inquiries phone - 033 330 3456 or 081 762 7788

News supplied by Love Howick.

It was a chilly Wednesday morning, and no-one was venturing outside after the meeting had closed. Two ladies stood chatting; their hands clasped around steaming cups of coffee. Today’s meeting had been well supported and the room was buzzing with last minute follow-ups and goodbyes before we each started heading back to work. The ice breaker had really made us think. The members had been heart-wrenchingly honest in sharing their often-embarrassing experiences for the benefit of the rest of us. We sipped on our coffee, watching the groups interacting, our thoughts on the “mistakes I wouldn’t make again now” topic that had started the day.

I’ll never forget the look on Crystal’s face when she unexpectedly commented that it would be really awesome if we could have this exact event up in Howick…. My mind started racing, questions popping up like those silly voice bubbles in comic strips. Why hadn’t we thought of this before? Why did we just automatically drive down to Pietermaritzburg? Surely there would be other female business owners who would be keen to attend a meeting if it were in Howick? Do you think Ali would support it? Could we? Should we? ….. only one way to find out! Within 20 minutes of Crystal’s first statement – we had our answer and the rest, as they say, is history!

A temporary committee of four was formed and a date was set. A venue for 30-40 guests booked, an invite created, and the event was put out on social media. Like the flames of a firebreak burn, the news of the event spread at an alarming speed. Business owners were clambering to book tickets and ensure their spot in this not-to-be-missed event. It is a known fact that things like this just don’t happen in Howick! Within 3 days the event was over-subscribed – an indication of the hunger and need for such a network group as well as the outstanding reputation of the WIB Brand. Everyone knows that it is something you WANT to be part of and associated with.

On the morning of the launch event, 63 ladies bundled up in scarves and jackets, arrived at the local restaurant bright and early, to secure the best seats and to ensure they didn’t miss a thing (or the delicious breakfast!) Lucky draw prizes by the dozen were being spread out across the table – yet another silent scream of excitement from these women who were eager to show their support and gratitude for the opportunity of such a Brand coming to their town. As registration closed and the main event started, the anticipation was like air being forced into an already large balloon about to explode! The laughter, friendly banter and excited squeals from prize winners was enough to let us know that the event was a success. But it was the unanimous vote of support from our community, to start our own Howick and KZN Midlands WIB Group, that really warmed our hearts and forged the path forward for growth and development of businesses in our town.

If friendship, mentorship, support, networking and growing your business within our community are top of your list of goals in 2019, then this is definitely the group you want to join.

Please CLICK HERE or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive more information and an application form. Being a member of Women In Business has other benefits too:

Women In Business is a member of Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business, represented by Ali Engelbrecht.
Ali serves as the Treasurer and Board Member of the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business.
Ali Engelbrecht is a mentor of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.
Women In Business are members of the Business Womens' Association (BWA) and we interact with SAWID (South African Women In Dialogue)

These associations allow Women In Business to extend networking opportunities and linkages to entrepreneurial women. This strengthens the ability of entrepreneurial women to form alliances which will lead to enabling environments.

Women In Business offers social networking platforms for members to use to pursue entrepreneurial excellence.

The good news is that if you are a member of PCB there is NO CHARGE to be part of WIB.

If you are not a member of PCB we do encourage you to become a member.

Howick and KZN Midlands entrepreneurial ladies can now join the Midlands Women In Business Forum.

For those members who live outside of the geographical area of the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business online services are offered to entrepreneurial women on a one on one basis according to requirements and needs.

Contact us for further details.

News supplied by Women In Business.

Come party with Fern Hill Hotel, to the finest Rock-n-Roll from DJ JP Silver recently returned to South Africa after 2 years in Scotland. Expect music ranging from the 1950s all the way through to today at the Fern Hill Sunset Bar from 19:30 till late.

Free entrance for this one.

There will be a light pub menu and drink specials to be announced soon...

ROAR | no under 25 | no illegal substances | no aggressive nonsense

News supplied by Fern Hill Hotel.

BNI Nguni is hosting top Standard Bank Rising Star Entrepreneur (2016 National Winner), Grant Gavin, in a fundraising event for the uMngeni Community Safety Initiative (UCSI) and Love Howick, both local Not-for-Profit Companies in our community.

Come and listen to Grant Gavin’s inspirational presentation on “Lessons from a Traffic Light” and hear a little bit more about the UCSI and Love Howick NPC’s.

Details are:

Date: Wed 17 July 2019
Time: 6 – 8pm
Venue: Oasis Conference Centre, 72 Main Street, Howick
Cost: only R150pp
Light finger meal and snack provided
Coffee bar and soft drinks for sale

RSVP: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (tickets and payment details will be emailed)

News Supplied.

 If you are taking part in the 2019 Mandela Marathon we would love you to consider Running 4 Howick Hospice.

Run for our patients, make a difference as you enjoy a great day out running with your friends in support of the Howick Hospice. The running is sort of a celebration, and a day of fun out with your team and the supporters.

The challenge is not the run; the challenge is to provide for our patients. At Howick Hospice, we are always on the move looking after our patients within Howick and its surrounding communities. A good 20 square km’s. The running is one thing; it is in gathering the resources that can be a challenge. And we would like to ask you to help us out for this event!

Your challenge is to raise R5,000 before the start of the Mandela Marathon race on the 25th of August 2019. With your R5,000 we can do so much for the patients Running for a charity will give you an enormous sense of satisfaction from the knowledge that you are helping others.

What’s more, the pressure of meeting a target to satisfy both the charity and your sponsors can be the ideal motivation to put in the necessary training.

For more information or to register to Run 4 Howick Hospice, please contact Meghan on 033 330 5257 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News supplied by Howick Hospice.

Care Bear Project's Lidgetton knitters have been really busy this month, they made 225 bears!!!
That’s over R11 000 paid to their community this month and 225 beautiful smiles from children who will receive these bears.

News supplied by Care Bear Project.

Midmar Building Supplies are proud to be supplying building material for the development of new property in St John's Village Lifestyle and Retirement Estate in Howick.

Their materials are being used by Tamasa Developments to construct new homes. MBS has supplied products ranging from blocks and bricks, to various types of stone for construction.

Midmar Group is the umbrella company for Midmar Crushers, Taylors Halt Quarry, Midmar Concrete Products, Midmar Building Supplies and Malleo Equipment.

Directly focused on the building and construction trade, our companies are able to provide building solutions from start to finish by producing a variety of stone products from our quarry Midmar Crushers, whom have been in operation for 20 years, as well as Taylor’s Halt Quarry situated in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg. Concrete products are produced directly from our Midmar Concrete Products yard, and our building trade depot Midmar Building Supplies provides a wide range of building materials and hardware products.

News supplied by Midmar Building Supplies.

Mandela Day 18 July & the rest of July.
Sunfield Home Howick will be celebrating Mandela Day through a number of initiatives and activities on the 18th of July and thereafter.
1. From tomorrow you can drop of items needed by the organizations we are working with as they are often difficult to reach and we are ideally centrally located - there will be round bins clearly marked as you enter our gates and we will daily collect and safely store the items and then deliver at the end of July - Please see the posters attached.
2. On Mandela Day 18th July St John's Organization and their optometrists will be offering free eye screening in our Chapel and advise you if you need additional eye examinations or eye care - from 9 am till 11 am - Please follow the parking signs once you enter our gates and the signs to the Chapel.
3. On Mandela Day 18 July - Sunfield Home will also have a open auction on 4 of the craft items our residents have made - the money raised with Auction will be donated or used for another organization similar to ours.
4. Sunfield Residents will also be spending some time in a few areas of Howick helping to clean up our beautiful town.
5. Sunfield resident will visit a local crèche and spend some time with the little people .Designated bins will be available at our Main Gate and clearly marked.
Please have a look at the wish lists each organization has forwarded – this is what they truly need!
You can start by dropping off items from 16 – 31 July (ends at 3pm on 31st July)
A short form will be available at each bin for you to leave contact details if you would like more correspondence from the organization.
We know it is often difficult to drop odd items you would like to donate at the specific organisations.
Sunfield Home Howick will have big donation drop off bins available from 16 July 2019 until 31 July 2019 for the following organisations.

-Sunfield Home
-Funda Nenja
-Howick Child Welfare
-Angels Care
-Free Me
-School in need

News supplied by Sunfield Home.

Another local high school learner was mugged this past week. A cell phone was stolen and the learner bitten. This is the third case this year along with the attempted kidnapping in Hilton. KSS advises that scholars (of all ages) be supervised by an adult or walk in groups of 3 or more when walking home after school. Also don’t have cell phones or any valuables visible. Earphones are a give-away that you have a cell phone on you. Always tell someone where you are going. Always have an emergency plan in your head. SCREAM loudly if accosted – someone will hear you and come to your help.

We suggest having emergency numbers on speed dial and also memorise significant phone numbers (like your parents numbers in case your phone is stolen). The KSS Control Room is 033 330 5911 and TrackBox is 0861672226. TrackBox is also a useful App to download (developed by SA CAN) and as a paying member to TrackBox you can also download MDDR which only allows your cell phone to be switched of if they know the code. This makes tracking and tracing the phone much easier. Another point to note is that MTN and Vodacom are significantly easier to track.

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

General Security Advice
1. If you park your car outside your garage, ensure that you have external beams linked to your alarm system to alert you if you have an intruder on your property.
2. Secure any outbuildings, sheds, veranda’s and garages with some sort of external protection. These areas can be linked to your existing house alarm.
3. Now is a perfect time to trim all excess foliage and clean up your property and verges.
4. Number your property clearly so that emergency services can easily locate your address.
5. Don’t leave items lying around outside in view of the road. There are opportunistic criminals that quickly jump into and out of yards and steal these smaller items.

For all your alarm system installations and upgrades, CCTV cameras, biometrics, access control, guarding and other security advice, KSS are able to assist you. For more information and advice call Gary on 0828947628 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Keshen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0833935265.

Administration
Please advise the KSS administration office if any of your details have changed (email address, phone numbers, and key holders). You can contact Elaine on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Monique on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 033 330 5911.

Vehicle related crimes
When reporting the theft of a motor vehicle or giving a description of a motor vehicle involved in a crime, it is important to get as many details as possible so that the vehicle can be loaded onto the SNIPR camera system as soon as possible (with a CAS No. from SAPS). Vehicle registration number details are the most critical. The UCSI NPC manages the SNIPR cameras in the uMngeni Municipal area and the community are encouraged to affiliate to the UCSI in order to benefit from their services. You can visit the UCSI Facebook page, website at www.ucsi.org.za or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information on costs and affiliation benefits.

It is also a good idea to have your vehicle info on your phone so that you can have it on hand if it is ever stolen. You can also download the Trackbox App and load your vehicle details onto your TrackBox profile. TrackBox and SNIPR are seamlessly integrated.

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

A routine appendectomy has left Grade 10 Howick High pupil, Isabel Botha, in life threatening condition. The original surgery has caused major complications resulting in those close to her having to transfer her to another hospital for additional surgery to repair the damage and save her. Unfortunately, without medical aid, the costs will be huge and Isabel's family and friends are appealing to the community for any help that can be given.

Donations can be made to:
Hilton Life Hospital, FNB, branch code 255005, account number 62416915520, Ref Isabel Botha. Please send your POP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and WhatsApp your name and the amount donated to 073 937 2238.

KSS – really caring about our community!

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

The DUCT Yes4Youth team hosted a trash fashion workshop and pre-show to select the best designs to attend the Trashion Show in Howick on 13 July.

Great to see some creative wire and waste cars will be entering too.

News supplied.

Greendale Spar will soon have Harvard Electrical Wholesalers Special offer printed on the rear of their till slips.

10% discount is offered on presentation of the till slip on all the stock items excluding specials.

News supplied.

uMngeni SPCA had a wonderful Mothers’ Day Fête at the SPCA Centre on 11th May. Thank you to all who helped make it a success.

In mid-June Jenna from Piggly Wiggly organized a Dog Walk on a Sunday and the event was well attended and raised R4000 for our SPCA. Thank you very much to Jenna and Piggly Wiggly for your thoughtfulness. It is hugely appreciated.

The annual Hill’s 1000 Paws Walk will be held at Hilton College on Sunday 14 July 2019. Please would you consider being a volunteer for the event and contact Mr Atholl Midgley on 083 520 5860 should you wish to render your services.

 The Caledonian Pipe Band will be at the Hills 1000 Paws Walk on Sunday 14 July at the Hilton College. Do come to the event and enjoy a day out together with your pet dog. 

uMngeni SPCA Annual General Meeting is to be held at a new venue, being the Amberglen Sanctuary at 2pm on Saturday 27th July. Please produce your ID or driver’s licence at the gate for access into Amberglen.

Extracted from uMngeni SPCA newsletter.

Crispy Bacon, Feta and Mushroom Risotto

Alex Poltera, executive-chef and co-owner at Fern Hill Hotel in the KZN Midlands has a lovely Winter warming recipe to share.

Winter is by far, my favourite time of the year, I just love the cold weather and the opportunity to eat warm, filling dishes in front of the fire whilst sheltering under a blanket with a glass of red wine. In preparation for winter, I will be doing some wonderfully wholesome, proper comfort food dishes. This is my recipe for a simple and delicious crispy bacon, feta and mushroom risotto – it feeds four people and should take five minutes of prep time, followed by thirty minutes of cooking time.

You will need:

1 onion, finely diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
100g butter
2 sprigs of rosemary
4 sprigs of thyme, leaves removed
½ cup white wine
½ cup red wine
1 cup Arborio or Carneroli rice (Risotto rice)
8 -10 portobellini mushrooms, quartered
6 rashers of bacon, diced
2-3 litres of chicken stock
50g butter
Parmesan cheese
Feta cheese

Start by heating your stock to a simmer. You can use homemade or shop-bought stock, but beware the saltiness of stock cubes. For convenient stock, I sometimes use the Woolworths liquid stock sachets as these produce a flavoursome and not over-salty result.
Heat a large saucepan and place your 100g of butter in to melt. Add the onions and the garlic and reduce to allow them to sweat. Finely chop the rosemary and thyme and add it to the pan.
Once the onions and garlic have become glossy and soft, raise the heat and add in the rice. Coat the rice evenly in the butter, onions and garlic and stir continuously until the rice begins to toast a little. Immediately add in the white wine and stir, allowing it to reduce. Add in the red wine and repeat.
One the liquid level from the wine has dropped below the level of the rice, add in two small ladles of stock so that it just covers the rice. Stir every fifteen or so seconds and continue this process by allowing the liquid to reduce and topping up, while testing the rice for its ‘doneness’.
You will probably have to top up about six – seven times during the cooking. On the fifth time, add in the quartered mushrooms and one ladle of stock, as the mushrooms will release a lot of liquid too.
In a separate pan, crisp up the diced bacon until it has rendered all the fat into the pan and the pieces are completely golden and crisp. Pour this fat into the risotto and stir in. Keep the crispy bacon aside. (I do it this way instead of in the beginning as I want the bacon to remain crisp and still let the flavour from the fat get into the risotto without resulting in soggy bacon).
Once the rice is just about done, you will notice that when you bite into a grain, there is a small white, firm centre. This indicates that the dish is almost complete. Add in a little stock and stop stirring as frequently.
Once done, add in the 50g butter and stir in. Season liberally with salt and cracked black pepper to taste. It is imperative that the dish is seasoned at the end as due to the process of reduction, the saltiness of the stock would have intensified, so make sure you taste along the way!
Add in a handful of grated parmesan and stir in.
To serve, sprinkle with feta, the crispy bacon, more thyme leaves and parmesan.

News supplied by Fern Hill Hotel.

Sakabula Golf Courses new membership year starts on 1 July 2019.

Sakabula offers great membership deals with flexible payment options and long running specials which really makes golf affordable.

The unique thing about Sakabula is that we are a full 18 Hole Golf Course – the only one in the Midlands. The two nines are very different from each other with the first nine featuring broad fairways, but with slope playing a part in the challenge. The second nine is over flat and level ground, around our dams and wetland, offering a new challenge. The Golf course is spread over 67 hectares of parkland, with views of the mountains in the distance and is privately owned.

We are only 2kms off the N3, exit 99, onto the R617 Underberg Road, so very conveniently located. The Golf Course is surrounded by the Sakabula Country Estate which are small holdings, with small scale farming, so seeing horses, sheep etc, creates a relaxed country atmosphere, before the Golf even begins. There are reedbuck and duiker as well as other small wildlife and a large variety of birds, especially in the wetland, which Golfers see on their way around the Course.

The Clubhouse offers all day breakfasts, toasted sandwiches and the like, which can be enjoyed on the balcony, with clear views of the 9th and 18th holes, the dams and mountains in the distance. From the top of the Course one can see Midmar Dam and all the way to the Drakensberg, with snow covered mountains in winter.

We have a practice Driving Range and Putting Green, with a bucket of balls costing a Visitor R50. Membership is available, which offers discounted rates for Golf and Cart Hire and the option of Unlimited Green Fees resulting in huge savings. Competitions are held each week with Senior Men playing on a Monday morning and a General competition on a Saturday morning. Monthly mug is played on the first Saturday of each month and Club Champs is in May/June. We have a League team participating once a month, in the Midlands League competitions, rotated through the Midlands Clubs. Our current Members range from the youngest (8 yrs) to the oldest (87yrs), covering all categories.

The Winter days are gorgeous, make the most of them, pop in soon and find out more.

News supplied by Sakabula Golf Course.