Defending champs set sights on Pan Pacific Championships as countdown to next aQuellé Midmar Mile continues

As Team South Africa’s swimmers begin their Commonwealth Games campaigns in Glasgow tomorrow, reigning aQuellé Midmar Mile champions Callan Lotter (Top) and Matthew Caldwell (Below) are putting the finishing touches to their preparations for another major international assignment.

The pair have been selected to represent South Africa at the Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, California, from 12-15 August, marking another significant milestone in the careers of two of the country's brightest distance swimming talents.

Lotter is looking forward to competing at the prestigious event for the first time.

"It will be my first Pan Pacific Championships and I'm extremely excited," said Lotter. "It's a huge opportunity to race against some of the best swimmers in the world and gain valuable international experience while representing South Africa."

The 2026 aQuellé Midmar Mile champion believes the opportunity to compete in California will also provide valuable experience ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

"Being able to compete in California gives me experience with the travel, time zone, environment and overall international racing atmosphere, which will be valuable preparation for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028."

Lotter will contest the 10km open water race as well as the 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle events in the pool.

Winner of this year’s men’s title at Midmar, Caldwell, meanwhile, is equally excited about making his Pan Pacific debut.

"It's my first time competing at Pan Pacs. I am over the moon to be going there," said Caldwell. "It's a very big competition for me and just to be racing the top athletes is very, very cool. I can learn a lot from it."

The Joburg swimmer also said the prospect of racing in the same region that will host the next Olympic Games adds further significance to the trip.

"It'll be very good to be that side and just experiencing how everything works, so it's not a big shock when two years come by."

Caldwell will compete in the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle events.

Training through the chilly winter months has been tough, but both swimmers explained that having something to work towards makes all the difference.

"Training has been going really well," said Lotter. "The winter months are definitely challenging, but we've stayed consistent and focused on the bigger picture."

Caldwell echoed those sentiments, adding: "Once you've got a goal in mind, it just makes it a lot easier to be training through the cold mornings, cold afternoons."

For aspiring swimmers hoping to follow in their footsteps, and those looking to simply enjoy a social swim, entries for the 2027 aQuellé Midmar Mile are already open. Swimmers eager to secure their place on the start line can take advantage of the discounted early-bird entry fee of R329, which will be available until 29 July 2026.

The world's largest open water swimming event will once again bring together elite athletes, recreational swimmers and first-time participants at Midmar Dam from 11-14 February next year, offering swimmers of all ages and abilities the chance to be part of one of South Africa's most celebrated sporting traditions.

“Midmar is always a major goal, so the build-up will involve a strong training block,” said Lotter, with Caldwell adding: “From December I’ll be building up until Midmar. I’m very excited to be racing there again.”

For online entries, head to: https://enter.midmarmile.com/

Photo credit: Action Photo SA

𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺!

https://forms.gle/ndtJeR22NNF5ATg87
🔝Click on the link above to register your attendance.

𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗳𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗦𝗩𝗣 & 𝘄𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗻𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗴𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀, 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗔𝗪𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆.

📅Saturday 25th July 2026 from 12h30
📍Venue: Howick Prep School, 56 Harvard, Street, Howick
❗️RSVP for catering by Wednesday 22nd July

Alternately email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to RSVP.

For more information: WhatsApp or call Linda Brown on 📞078 780 7851

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 - We look forward to welcoming you!

Samuel and Joshua Harris played for the South African U20 Open team in the World Junior Ultimate Frisbee Championships in Spain during the school holiday. Samuel was selected as a co-captain of the team.

In very hot conditions of over 40°C, the team came back from losing the first 5 games to win 3 in a row and narrowly lose to The Netherlands 13-12 in their final game.

They won the Gold Spirit Award, which is an incredible honour of sportsmanship. This is awarded on the basis of scores from each team who played against them and measures attitude, fairness and communication.

We congratulate Samuel and Joshua on this outstanding achievement - Age Quod Agis!

Going the extra mile is just what we do!

We are incredibly honored to be recognized once again by the Dormehl Phalane Property Group Head Office for our team’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Every achievement we celebrate is a direct reflection of the collective effort, passion, and perseverance of our entire Midlands family.

A massive congratulations to Jen and Liane, who have taken home yet another award—this time securing the title of Best Sellers for June!

We strive every single day to create real value for our clients and the community we love serving. This recognition only motivates us to keep raising the bar and delivering the exceptional service you expect from us.

Thank you, Head Office, and well done to our incredible team!

Winter may be a garden's quiet season, but it's also one of the best times to grab the secateurs. With sap flow slowed and deciduous trees stripped bare, it's far easier to see plant structure and make confident cuts rather than guess. It also places less stress on plants and lowers the risk of disease entering fresh wounds.

Fathima Mathen, Marketing Manager for GARDENA, says the trick is knowing what needs attention now and what's better off waiting until the weather warms or flowering ends. "Winter pruning isn't about cutting everything back. It's about understanding what needs a hard prune, what only needs light shaping or selective cutting, and what should simply be left alone," she explains.

Mathen shares a simple guide to some common plants that benefit from a winter ‘haircut’ and those that don’t:

What to prune

Roses (hard prune)
Winter is rose-pruning season. Cut stems back to healthy outward-facing buds, remove dead or diseased wood, and dispose of infected material to help reduce disease risk.

Deciduous fruit trees (hard prune)
Apples, pears, peaches, nectarines and plums all benefit from winter pruning. Apricots should be treated more lightly. Focus on removing dead, damaged and overcrowded branches to improve airflow, light and future fruiting.

Grapevines (hard prune)
A thorough winter pruning keeps your vines productive and encourages strong, healthy new growth for the season ahead.

Summer-flowering shrubs (light to moderate prune)
Plumbago, buddleja and ribbon bush can be cut back now to encourage vigorous new growth and better flowering later in the season. Bougainvillea can also be lightly shaped in frost-free coastal areas, but in colder inland regions it’s best to wait until the risk of frost has passed. Honeysuckle can be trimmed back if overgrown, although it responds best to pruning after flowering. Think “tidying and light shaping,” for these two, not hard pruning.

Deciduous ornamental trees (selective prune)
Trees such as Japanese maples, plane trees and liquidambars are easier to shape in winter. Without leaves, it’s simpler to remove crossing or rubbing branches and improve structure without overcutting.

What to leave alone (because not everything enjoys a winter chop)

Spring-flowering shrubs
Azaleas, camellias and flowering quince already form their flower buds ahead of spring, so winter pruning would reduce their display. Wait until after flowering.

Spring-flowering trees
Magnolias and flowering cherries should only be pruned once they have finished blooming, if shaping is needed.

Hydrangeas
Most common hydrangeas flower on wood formed the previous season, so cutting them back in winter can reduce summer blooms. Only remove dead wood now and wait until after flowering to prune properly.

Frost-sensitive evergreens
Gardenia and murraya are best left unpruned in winter, as cold snaps can easily damage fresh growth.

Hold off on frost damage

Blackened or wilted foliage after a cold snap may look unsightly, but don’t be too quick to tidy it up. That damaged growth often helps protect the healthy plant underneath. It’s best to wait until the risk of frost has passed before cutting it back.

Tools and technique matter too

Mathen adds that winter pruning is as much about good technique as good timing. “Always use clean, sharp secateurs or loppers for precise cuts that heal quickly,” she says, noting that clean cuts close faster while torn or crushed stems can slow down recovery and leave plants more vulnerable to disease. “Remember to also disinfect your tools after pruning diseased plants to help prevent spreading problems through the garden,” she advises.

A little thoughtful pruning now: knowing what to cut, what to shape, and what to leave, will reward you with stronger growth, healthier plants and a garden that wakes up beautifully in spring

And whatever you're pruning, sharp tools make the job easier and the plant’s recovery faster, a reminder of why good-quality tools like GARDENA’s matter in the garden.

For more gardening inspiration, visit GARDENA SA at https://www.gardena.com/za

Panic Awareness Day - 10 July 2026 | Life After Your First Panic Attack

When we talk about Panic Attacks, the focus is often on what happens during those intense few minutes. Far less attention is given to what follows. The questions, the uncertainty, and the search for answers that can shape the days and weeks afterwards.

That's why this year's Panic Awareness Day theme, Life After Your First Panic, shifts the conversation beyond the Panic Attack itself. Understanding Panic is about more than recognising the symptoms. It's about knowing what to expect, learning practical ways to respond, and building confidence through knowledge.

For our Panic Awareness Day campaign, we'll be sharing psychoeducational content, guided breathing technique videos, and many practical tips to help you better understand Panic. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions about Panic through our Online Facebook Live Ask the Expert session, where Mental Health professionals and people with lived panic experience will provide answers and practical insights to help you better understand Panic.

Follow us on social media:

▪ Facebook:@theSADAG
▪ Instagram: @sadag_official
▪ X: @TheSADAG
▪ TikTok: SADAG_Official

Free Online Ask The Expert Live on Facebook, Friday 10 July at 1pm - Don't Let Panic Make Your World Smaller

Join us this Friday, 10 July at 1pm for a free Ask the Expert session, "Don't Let Panic Make Your World Smaller." Our panel includes Dr Colinda Linde, SADAG Board Chairperson and Clinical Psychologist, Dr Seleme Melato, Clinical Psychologist, and Marsha, who will share her lived experience as a member of a Panic Support Group. Together, they will discuss Panic Attacks, explore how panic can begin to limit your daily life, and share practical strategies to help take back control.

Explore Our Panic Toolkit & Resources
A first Panic Attack can be frightening and leave you with many questions. This Panic Awareness Day toolkit, provides trusted information, practical resources, and reassurance that recovery is possible. Inside, you'll find information on Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder, Support Groups, our Panic webpage, a video library, and a downloadable brochure to help you better understand Panic.

Free Support Groups For Panic
Sometimes, hearing how someone else has coped can help you understand your own experience after your first Panic Attack or after being diagnosed with Panic Disorder.

SADAG's online and in person Panic Support Groups welcome people experiencing Panic, as well as Anxiety, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder. The Groups give members the chance to hear from others, ask questions, share practical coping tips, and learn different ways of managing their Mental Health. Everyone's experience is different, and you may find that someone else's perspective helps you make sense of your own.

Explore the Panic Brochure and learn how Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks differs from Anxiety. Recognise the common symptoms and causes of Panic Attacks, explore available treatment options, and discover practical ways to support someone experiencing panic. The brochure also includes the 5 Finger Breathing Technique, a simple grounding exercise that can help manage anxious thoughts and moments of Panic.

THE IMPI NEWS JUST GETS BETTER!

​We have just received some phenomenal follow-up news from last weekend's grueling 3-Day Impi Hard Enduro in the Drakensberg!

​We congratulate another incredibly talented Howick High learner, James Viljoen (Grade 12), who also conquered the world's largest hard enduro event. Not only did James complete the brutal Bronze Class, but he secured an amazing 4th-place finish out of 500 bikes!

​Finishing 4th in a field that massive, against some of the toughest terrain on the planet, is a world-class achievement. It takes immense skill, flawless strategy, and serious mental toughness to stay at the front of a pack that size for three straight days.​

Combined with Jesse Robinson's fantastic finish, Howick High was truly a force to be reckoned with in the mountains last weekend.

​We are incredibly proud of both of you for showing the world what Howick grit is all about. Age Quod Agisl, James!

An incredible achievement! Howick High congratulates Grade 9 learner, Jesse Robinson, who recently conquered the grueling 3-Day Impi Hard Enduro in the Central Drakensberg!

​The Impi Hard Enduro is officially the largest event of its type in the world, drawing riders from all over the globe to test their absolute limits against some of the most punishing, technical mountain terrain imaginable. It is a true test of physical endurance, mental toughness, and sheer mechanical skill.

​Jesse tackled the Bronze Class and successfully crossed the finish line of the 10th anniversary edition of the event which shattered records with more than 1200 riders entering.

​To put this into perspective, completing the Bronze level means surviving three days of unforgiving, rocky climbs, steep descents, and treacherous single-tracks that would push even seasoned riders to their breaking point. It requires hours of intense concentration and relentless physical output every single day. Just finishing this event is a massive badge of honor!

​We are proud of Jesse's grit, determination, and sportsmanship, a display of the school value of tenacity. Keep the Howick High spirit flying high!

A big thank you to J Leslie Smith and Oakleigh Funeral Home, who co-sponsored UWBC 2- 4- 2 Bowls competition on Tuesday 21 July 2026.

A great morning of bowls was held with fellow bowlers from our local bowling clubs as well as our loyal members from UWBC, who ventured out in the cold.

Congratulations to our winners: Cathy & Megan

Second Prize went to Dennis & Rick.

Third Prize to Heather & Caryn.

And the Plate Prize went to Stephanie & Sharon.

We welcome new players to UWBC. “Tabs in “ times are Tuesday mornings 8 for 8:30 Wednesday afternoons 1 for 1:30 and Saturdays 1: for 1:30.

Forthcoming Sponsored event : PRO 10 - Please save the date - 31 July 2026.

Contact Dave for further information at 073 178 9281

UPDATE: HOW TO LOG YOUR SIGHTINGS!
​Midlands community, the wait is over! Following up on our previous announcement for the upcoming National Crane Census (24–27 July 2026), we now have the exact details on how you can get involved and safely report your sightings, as shared in the official flyer image.

​Whether you spot a majestic Blue Crane, an endangered Grey Crowned Crane, or a rare Wattled Crane, here is exactly how you can make your count matter.
​
What to Record
​When you spot a crane, please make sure to note down the following three key pieces of information:
​Species: (Blue Crane, Wattled Crane, or Grey Crowned Crane)
​Location: (As precise as possible)
​Estimated Number: (And any other interesting observations, like behavior or safety hazards)
​
How to Submit Your Data
​The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) has made it incredibly easy to submit your citizen science findings.
Choose the method that works best for you:
​via WhatsApp: Send your details directly to +27 60 086 9053 (or scan the QR code on the official flyer image)
​via Email: Drop a line with your sightings to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
​
A Note on Privacy: Rest assured that your personal details and the exact locations of your sightings will remain strictly private and will safely be used solely to support crucial crane conservation efforts.
​
Get those binoculars dusted off, keep your eyes on the skies and fields, and let's help the Endangered Wildlife Trust and the International Crane Foundation get the clearest picture yet of our beautiful crane populations.
​
As the Lions River Honorary Officers of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, we thank you in advance for your incredible community spirit. Every single count matters!

Home is more than a place to live—it's a place to belong.

At Sunfield Howick, our homes are filled with friendship, encouragement, and compassionate support. Here, residents become part of a caring community where they are known, respected, and celebrated for who they are.

We believe everyone deserves a place to feel safe, valued, and truly at home.

Build your very own robot and power it with pure sunlight! Perfect for ages 8+, This eco-friendly kit requires absolutely zero batteries. Available now in-store at Nuts About Books & Toys in Howick.

Chat to Lorraine...

60 Main Street, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 3290

Telephone+27 (0)33 330 7979

Cell:+27 (0)84 555 3484

Join in for 67 minutes on Mandela Day! Knit or crochet squares so we can make up blankets and donate them to underprivileged children in our area.

Bring your wool, needles and hooks for a fun and 'feel-good' time.

See you at The Pizza Place at Piggly Wiggly!

Beautiful spaces don’t have to come with a luxury price tag. At Everfair Living, we believe everyone deserves a home that feels warm, welcoming, and uniquely theirs.

From timeless décor to thoughtfully chosen pieces, we’re here to help you add those little touches that make a big difference.

Whether you're searching for a standout piece for your lounge, cosy kitchen décor, or something unique to complete your space, you'll always find something special in our store

Incorporating "That's so Thrifty".

Pop in soon at Rycroft Centre, 56 Main Street to meet Trevlyn, Samantha and Tara. Discover fresh ways to update your home, your closet and your gifting! 

Call / WhatsApp 071 640 5139

Meet our new "Say Cheese" Set🧀🐭

Introducing a beautiful slumped wine bottle as a sleek serving platter, paired perfectly with the most adorable Fire Gem beaded mouse knife you’ve ever seen!

It’s the ultimate conversation starter for your next cheese night.
Price for set: R195.00

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙥 082 254 4798 for enquiries.

Find us at @pigglywigglymidlands

More info at www.glasscuttings.co.za

The Beautiful Messy Middle

Life rarely unfolds exactly as we planned. Every woman experiences seasons of change—some welcomed, others unexpected. Yet, it is often in the uncertainty between an ending and a new beginning that our greatest growth takes place.

Join us this Women’s Day for an inspiring keynote event featuring Libby Edmonds—Emotional Intelligence facilitator, speaker, and coach. Blending powerful storytelling, research, and practical EQ tools, Libby will explore how self-awareness, optimism, and purpose can help us navigate life’s transitions with greater courage, resilience, and authenticity.

Come and discover the beauty that can be found in life’s messy middle.

This special talk is part of our Ripple Effects Series. By joining us, you are making a meaningful difference, as all proceeds go directly to supporting the vital work of Angels’ Care Centre.

Date: 06 August

Time: 9:00 AM

Venue: The Hall Cafe - 2 Falls Drive

Ticket Price: R180 (Includes Coffee & Breakfast)

Donation: Formula (All Stages - Infacare & Lactogen)

🔗 Bookings are Essential! Click the link to sign up via the Google Form:

https://forms.gle/ukct2wPRzyu2aYdP8

Following the success of its previous riverside iterations—including the 2021 gathering at the Umzimkulu River on the KZN South Coast — the beloved acoustic day-festival, Music On The River, is returning to capture the hearts of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Driven by the community-minded ethos of 'For Folk Sake' the next edition of the festival seeks to transform the scenic banks of the Umgeni River at the historic Hebron Haven Hotel into a haven for music lovers.

Music On The River offers an intentional escape from the rush of everyday life. Attendees are invited to bring their picnic blankets, camper chairs, and families to spend a slow day relaxing on the grass in the winter sun while listening to a curated lineup of KZN's finest local musical talent. Being a licensed venue, all alcoholic beverages will be provided by the Hebron Haven Hotel Bar with a beer tent also on the grounds.

"Music On The River was created with the intention of building community and providing an opportunity for friends and families to get together on common ground, in a natural outdoor setting to enjoy a beautiful day together. What might set us apart from most live music events is that our aim has always been to provide grassroots musicians and experienced bands with a platform, not only to sing and entertain but to perform their original material, which we encourage to the highest degree. This way the audience is also exposed to new music and stories all born from South African experiences. Our focus is on raw and real, live performances and building a wholesome event rooted in community." - Tyran Roy - event organiser for MOTR.

What to look forward to:

Live Bands
Beer Garden
Food Stalls
Picnic On The River Banks
Kids Play Area

Our music line-up so far:

Calling Kaine
Tyran Roy & Kellen Crystin
The Occasionals

Event Details:

Date: Saturday. 1st August 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Venue: Hebron Haven Hotel, D128, Dargle, Howick.
Admission: R100 Early Bird via Quicket (limited). Tickets will increase incrementally
Kids under 13 enter free. Pensioner discounts are available at the door.