There are many quotes about change. One of my favourites is by John F Kennedy who said, “Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past and the present are certain to miss the future.”

There are changes afoot at Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club which bring both trepidation and composure. Confidence and encouragement are prevalent due to the spirit of our members who are prepared to accept change and help wherever they can.

The 2-4-2 competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith was held on held on Tuesday 21st January. The prizes were presented by the vivacious Crystal Dekker of J Leslie Smith. The winners were John Geekie and Mervyn Everett of Maritzburg West Bowling Club. In second place were Colin Burden and Crystal Dekker, Third prize went to Koos Marais and Wendy Lolli. The winners of the Plate event were Dave and Grace Mainprize.

The next competition to be held at Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club is the nominated Two Bowl Trips on Friday,31 January at 09.00. This month the competition will be sponsored by Colin and Pat Norris. We thank them for their generosity and service to the club.

Our next Tabs in competition sponsored by Greendale Superspar to follows hot on the heels of Friday’s competition. This competition will be played on Saturday, 01 February, Tabs in by 13.15, play starts at 13.30.

Regular Bowls takes place every Tuesday morning, Wednesday afternoon and Saturday afternoon.

Times / Dress code
Tuesday 08.15 for play at 08.30 / Casual
Wednesday 13.15 for play at 13.30 / Casual
Saturday 13.15 / Club Colours or whites

Visitors are always welcome.

Enquiries regarding club matters to be addressed to the Secretary: Cell 071643162

Teen Suicide Prevention Week (9 - 16 February)
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is urging Educators, School Social Workers, Learner Support Agents and Principals to request free Teen Mental Health posters and brochures from SADAG. These valuable resources are designed to support schools and learners, reminding them they are not alone.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Suicide is among the top five causes of death for 15–19-year-olds. This alarming statistic highlights the critical need for Mental Health Awareness and accessible resources, especially in South Africa, where young people face numerous challenges that can impact their Mental Well-Being.

The posters and brochures can be displayed in high-visibility areas like tuck shop lines, classrooms, corridors and bathroom stall doors. They feature SADAG’s free contact numbers and contain practical tools and information that teachers can use to guide learners through Mental Health challenges.

The more learners we reach, the more lives we can impact. To request these free materials for your school or class, contact Roshni at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Show your company cares about youth Mental Health
SADAG is also calling on corporates to donate money to sponsor posters and brochures for a High School in need. We are looking for companies and organisations who are passionate about supporting learners to reach out to SADAG and pledge 1, 5 or 10 of these packs to Schools.

Whether it’s a R100, R1000, R5000 or more, these materials will support and help learners, teachers and communities. Show that your company cares about youth Mental Health and reach out to Roshni at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Teen Suicide Prevention Week
During the second week of (9-16) February 2025, SADAG focuses on Teen Suicide Prevention Week, where we educate the youth about Depression, Anxiety, Trauma and Suicide Prevention and most importantly that there is help and support through our toll-free Helplines. Keep a lookout on SADAG’s social media pages, as we share various resources, and talks to help Teens, Teachers, Parents and Caregivers.

If you feel overwhelmed, need advice, or simply want someone to talk to, SADAG’s toll-free 24/7 helplines are available to everyone.

Reach out to us on the following numbers:
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567
Cipla Mental Health Helpline: 0800 456 789
Or visit our website www.sadag.org

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Mike Pengelly has set his sights on completing the aQuellé Midmar Mile for a remarkable 52nd time when the popular event takes place from 6-9 February.

The 78-year-old is the only swimmer to have completed the race every year since its inception in 1974 and is still going strong.

Pengelly is based in Salt Rock on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast and trains at the Thompson’s Bay tidal pool.

“When conditions allow, I also do some ocean swimming,” explained the septuagenarian. “Training has been going quite well.

“Midmar has become such an epic event – the biggest open water swim in the world. It’s such a privilege to be a part of it for yet another year,” he added.

Apart from his Midmar record, Pengelly has notched up plenty of other impressive feats over the years, representing South Africa in lifesaving and also completing the gruelling Comrades Marathon 20 times between 1973 and 1992.

But it’s at Midmar where he’s witnessed the biggest changes over the years since that first race in the 1970s when just 153 men took part.

“The Midmar has kept growing, year after year, in so many ways. It’s way more than just a swim,” he pointed out. “[Race Director] Wayne Riddin and his team have raised millions of rands for deserving charities over the years and thousands of people have become swimmers, thanks to the motivation of the Midmar Mile which is so important as there are still way too many drownings in our country. Every child should be taught to swim from a very early age.”

Asked what brings him back to the KwaZulu-Natal dam every year, Pengelly reckoned: “So many things are special about the Midmar like seeing old friends on the bank every year.

“Sadly, some who have gone on ahead will be there in spirit only but always remembered.

“And watching the grit, courage and determination of swimmers with disabilities who take on this challenge is also just unbelievable.”

Pengelly added that much of his inspiration has come from the founder of the aQuellé Midmar Mile, Mike “Buthie” Arbuthnot, who, despite plenty of illness and other obstacles over the years, swam the race deep into his 80s before passing away in 2023.

“Many of us are encouraged by legends like Buthie Arbuthnot to keep going as long as possible, even under sometimes very difficult and challenging circumstances. The human spirit never ceases to amaze,” added Pengelly, who had to overcome a massive challenge of his own to complete last year’s race after breaking three ribs just prior to the event.

As for what he puts his longevity down to, the veteran swimmer was clear: “An amazing wife, Cynthia, for her love and support throughout my family, business, sport and social life. Good eating and drinking habits, exercise six days a week for the rest of your life, good friends, and don’t stress the small stuff. Don’t waste the daylight hours, give it full throttle and enjoy the ride.”

Those inspired to take on the challenge of the aQuellé Midmar Mile can still enter online until Saturday, 25 January. Head to www.midmarmile.com for all the details.

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In the first week of December, Jason Reineke from Treverton College was invited to attend the 2024 Triathlon and Duathlon KZN Prize Giving in Durban.

At the event, hewas awarded his KZN colours for the Duathlon.

Jason has also been chosen to represent the KZN team at the SA Triathlon Champs in March, which will be held in Johannesburg.

Well done Jason. Your commitment to your sport is remarkable.

Education truly is an adventure.

For further information please visit www.treverton.co.za

Over 20 degrees separate the freezing waters of Molveno, Italy, where Pretoria swimmer Reino von Wielligh has been competing, and the much warmer KwaZulu-Natal dam, where he’ll soon tackle the 16-Mile Charity Challenge at next month’s aQuellé Midmar Mile.

Von Wielligh recently represented South Africa at the sixth Ice Swimming World Championships, earning multiple podium finishes in an event that brings together elite swimmers from around the globe to compete in near-freezing temperatures

“The water temperature over the few days ranged from 1.1 degrees to 1.8 degrees Celsius with air temperature at most of my swims at -2 degrees Celsius,” explained the intrepid 31-year-old, who claimed three medals in Italy.

“I'm really chuffed placing with three overall medals, third in the 1000m, which is the main race of the ice swimming world champs in the sense that it’s where the king and queen of the ice are determined. So coming third there I'm really, really chuffed. And I was second in the 500m, and third overall in the 250m where I also set a new age group world record,” he added.

Von Wielligh has now set his sights on completing a mile distance in the ice in Berlin on Wednesday before heading to warmer climes back home.

While the water temperature at Midmar Dam will be far more forgiving, the challenge ahead remains formidable, with Von Wielligh due to swim eight miles on 6 February and another eight on 7 February, all to raise money for children’s cancer charity, Happy Bundles, and then adding several more miles during the main racing part of the weekend.

“It's nice to see everybody taking hands, getting together, raising money for charity, and especially the great work that Happy Bundles is doing... If people don't follow them on Instagram or Facebook I advise them to do so and just see the difference that these charities do make,” he explained.

For Von Wielligh, the charity aspect of the challenge is deeply motivating and this will be the eighth time he is taking on the 16-mile challenge.

“The ice swimming world champs was really nice, I achieved some personal goals and I could see my results from there, but doing the 16 mile is that one time in a year where it's not about you. It's about doing something good and giving something back to the community… I think that's really important and that's something that keeps me motivated to come back and do the 16-mile challenge every year,” he said.

As for the competitive side of the aQuellé Midmar Mile, Von Wielligh is eager to take on a new challenge. Having recently moved into the 31-and-over age category, he’s setting his sights on claiming the title in his new division. Among his competitors will be his coach, former international swimmer Mark Randall.

“It's going to be an interesting swim where the swimmer and the coach race against each other,” he reckoned.

“With my ice swimming results, being able to win the 31 and over category would really be rounding off my achievements so far for this year, if I can get that right.”

Those wishing to support Von Wielligh in raising funds for Happy Bundles can do so at: https://kydrin.co.za/goals/1942

Meanwhile, pre-entries for the aQuellé Midmar Mile remain open until Saturday, 25 January. Head to www.midmarmile.com for all the details.

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CLASS OF 2024 NSC RESULTS
Howick High School is immensely proud of the Class of 2024 who have achieved a 100% pass rate. 92% of the learners achieved a Bachelors Pass with the remaining 8% achieving a Diploma Pass.

Five learners achieved 4 distinctions:
Our top achiever for the NSC Examinations, Sisiphiwe Mnikathi, achieved A symbols for English, IsiZulu, Accounting and Life Science. At the 2024 Prizegiving, Sisiphiwe achieved Academic Honours, The Accounting Prize, The Bilingualism Prize and was the joint Dux Proximae Accessit. She was delighted to receive confirmation of her place in the BCom Accounting Science course at the University of Pretoria for 2025.

Morgan Stone achieved A symbols for Afrikaans, Mathematical Literacy, History and Visual Arts. She achieved Academic Honours, The Mathematical Literacy Prize, The Life Sciences Prize, The Bilingualism Prize and she was the joint Dux Proximae Accessit at the 2024 Prizegiving.

Keren Wing achieved A symbols for Afrikaans, Mathematics, Accounting and Geography. Keren was awarded Academic Honours and The Geography Prize in 2024. Keren will be studying Environmental Sciences at the University of the Freestate in 2025.

Yuvika Singh achieved A symbols for English, Afrikaans, Mathematics and Visual Art and was the recipient of Academic Honours, The Physical Sciences Prize, The English Prize, The Dr Marshal Prize for Sciences and the Dux award for 2024. Yuvika will be studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cape Town in 2025.

Matthew Webster achieved A symbols for Afrikaans, Life Orientation, Accounting and History and achieved his Academic Full Colours in 2024. Matthew will be undertaking an internship with Colenbrander whilst studying his BCom with the view to becoming a Chartered Accountant.

Age Quod Agis to all our Class of 2024 Matriculants!

All of our uMngeni SPCA Charity Shops accept gently used, sellable items. Your old and unused goods such as books, clothing, craft supplies, homeware, and even sports equipment could bring joy to our shoppers!

Please drop your donations off in Hilton or Howick during regular opening times.

Your contributions HELP US, HELP THEM.

Charity Shop contact number: 033 330 6523

I would like to thank Paint & Hardware Hyper, Midmar Tile & Hardware, Howick Build It, Kirby Construction and Athlone Circle Pick n Pay for support and donations for my Springbok Community Project at Lexden in PMB. The painting task ran for 5 days in January and was a successful project.

Written by Hayley Fisher of 1st Howick Scouts.

Fair Prices for a Fairer Future

Smallholder farmers and workers are the backbone of global food production, supplying nearly one-third of the world’s food. Despite their essential role, these farmers and workers are often trapped in cycles of poverty due to unfair global market practices that undervalue their work and products. Now, more than ever, fair pricing is critical to securing their livelihoods, building resilient communities, and addressing global challenges like food security and climate change.

In South Africa, there are over two million smallholder or household farmers compared to just 35,000 commercial growers. Many of these smallholder farmers depend on their land not only to feed their families but also to produce surplus crops for trade or income. However, their hard work and vital contributions are under increasing threat.

“Farming sustains 40% of the global population, particularly in rural areas where it is the primary source of income,” says Paul Colditz, Commercial Director at Fairtrade Africa. “Smallholder farmers - who manage plots often less than 10 hectares - compete in global markets under extremely challenging conditions. Without fair prices, they face precarious livelihoods that limit their ability to invest in sustainable practices or protect against climate risks.”

In South Africa, these challenges are compounded by the changing climate. Extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, heatwaves, and excessive winds, are becoming more frequent. These events damage crops, erode soils, and reduce the ability of land to sustain grazing livestock or support crop yields. This not only affects local food security for millions but also undermines the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

Fair pricing offers a solution. Fairtrade’s minimum price model ensures producers receive a baseline safety net when market prices drop, enabling them to cover basic needs and reinvest in sustainable farming methods. Additionally, long-term contracts foster stability and empower farmers to plan ahead, weather crises, and combat climate-related challenges.

“Fair pricing isn’t just about economic justice,” Colditz explains. “It’s about ensuring that the people who grow our food have the dignity of a sustainable livelihood and the means to contribute to a healthier planet.”

Fairtrade Africa urges businesses, policymakers, and consumers to support initiatives that advocate for equitable pricing and partnerships with smallholders. Together, these actions can secure better futures for millions of farmers and a more resilient global food system. Their latest ‘Be Fair Right Now’ initiative shines a spotlight on the urgent need for change, calling for immediate attention to the inequities smallholders face and challenging stakeholders - from consumers to businesses - to demand fairer practices in supply chains.

Now in its second year, Be Fair Right Now invites South Africans to rethink their buying choices to support fairer pay as well as gender equality, environmental sustainability, and climate action. Through Fairtrade’s interactive online quiz, participants can discover the impact of their current purchases, explore practical ways to support fair trade-certified products that pay smallholder farmers fairly.

"Fairness in trade affects us all. Without thriving smallholder farmers, South Africa’s food security and rural economies are at risk. Fair pricing strengthens communities, reduces poverty, and promotes sustainable agricultural practices essential to combating climate change," Colditz reiterates.

To participate, South Africans can visit Fairtrade’s campaign page, take the quiz, and discover how their choices can support fairer prices for essential commodities like sugar, coffee and tea.

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Funeral vs. Memorial: What’s the Difference?

Both funerals and memorials are meaningful ways to honour a loved one, but there’s a key difference:
A funeral includes the presence of the coffin.
A memorial focuses on celebrating their life, with the coffin not present.

At Oakleigh, we understand that every family is unique. That’s why we tailor our arrangements to fit what feels right for you and your loved one– creating a meaningful tribute that reflects their life and legacy.

+27 (0)33 342 6116 or +27 (0)33 330 3400

Thank you to everyone who filled in our KSS Client Satisfaction Survey. We are most appreciative and committed to bringing you the best possible service in the KZN-Midlands. We know that speed, competence and empathy are what our clients are looking for. If there is anything else – please let us know. 

Hot Items
Speakers
Copper pipes
Cables
Shoplifting
Money and Cell phones (mugging and armed robbery)
Gas bottle

Incident Summary (crime and other)
Hilton 1
Howick 14
Howick West 4
Lions River 1
Merrivale (all areas) 2

URGENT - KSS telephone numbers
Due to the unreliability of TELKOM as a service provider in our area, KSS have taken steps to ensure that we have a reliable set of incoming and outgoing numbers from our Control Room.

When you phone IN to KSS, you can use any of the following numbers:
0333305911 (this is still our primary active incoming number)
0812507156
0814515984

When you RECEIVE a call from KSS you will see any one of the following numbers:
0812507156
0814515984
0815413238
0812566849

Please save these numbers to your phone as KSS numbers.

You can also contact our KSS Management Team for any other information on:
Gary (Owner): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 082 8947 628
Renee (Business Manager): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 063 2921 240
Sashen (Manager Technical): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 082 6736 773
Pat (Manager Operations): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 082 6132 995
Local 24/7 Control Room: 033 330 5911

Physiotherapist Mandy (Rawlins) Hoddinott, practices as a stress and burnout coach to offer clients a more holistic solution to the complexity of chronic pain conditions and fibromyalgia, at The Optimum Health Centre in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Her belief that these conditions do have a solution but requires a multi-disciplinary approach by a dedicated and supportive team, led her to partnering with the health professionals at the centre.

Mandy graduated from UCT in 1993 with a BSc (Physiotherapy) and she also completed an Honours in Psychology from UNISA in 2021. She published her first novel, The Marshmallow Theory, in 2023 and is currently working on her second book!

Mandy has been practicing as a physiotherapist for over 30 years with a primary focus on sports injuries and orthopaedics.

Mandy says, “It’s that time of year when we all make beautiful resolutions to follow healthy habits so that by this time next year, we will have strong healthy bodies, deeply connected relationships, and burgeoning savings accounts.

But then you remember that you made the same resolutions year after year in the past, so why don’t you feel as gorgeous, connected, and financially secure as you hoped you would?

It's not from a lack of knowledge, we all know the “how”, we know what not to eat and drink, we know what exercise we should be doing, we know how we should be treating our loved ones and making quality time for them, we know exactly how much we should be saving for our future and saving for beautiful holidays…

Have you ever wondered why we don’t do it? Because it is not what you think.

Changing habits is a hard thing to do at the best of times, but when you are stressed and burning out, it is near impossible. Think about when your alarm goes off at 5 am for your new walk/run habit, if your kid kept you up all night, are you jumping out of bed in anticipation or hitting the snooze button? When it comes to lunch time and you have let a client down and are struggling to fix it, do you choose the chicken salad or the comfort food?

At the end of the day when clients and coworkers have been constantly demanding their pound of flesh, do you sit around the table and engage with your family, or do you isolate behind a screen and eat dinner in front of the TV? At the end of a stressful month are you more likely to save your pennies or splurge on a shopping spree?

When your system feels depleted, you grasp desperately for anything within easy reach to help you feel half-rested. And in that stressed state, you are most likely to make the worst choices for your health, relationships, and wealth.

The key is, you need support and a calm nervous system to enable you to make the best choices for yourself and the life you want and the first step to regulating your nervous system is to realise that you cannot use your mind to calm your body, you have to use your body to calm your mind. Eighty percent of the nerves that regulate our nervous systems go from the body to the brain; only twenty percent go from the brain to the body.

The body informs the brain, not the other way round.

May 2025 be the year you finally achieve the healthy body, connected relationships, and solid saving program to give you the life you dream of.”

Author credit: Liza Williams - Freelance Wellness Blogger (Pictured here RHS) 

Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Liza has a deeply rooted love for all things wellness and her career as a Somatologist has taken her to various parts of the world. She enjoys connecting with people and her hobbies include travel and tourism, photography, music, and aesthetics. Liza lives with her family in Nottingham Road, Midlands, South Africa.

Liza says, "Mandy uses her physiotherapy knowledge and experience to educate her clients how to have a calm body and her psychology knowledge to teach clients how to use their calm body to calm their mind.

Once stress and burnout are under control, the collaboration and support of the health professionals makes it easier to reach your personal short and long-term goals. With the ultimate goal of living a happy, pain free life and enjoying optimum health whilst being offered constant support and guidance by The Optimum Health Centre team.

May 2025 be your best year yet!"

Treverton College is proud of the Matric Class of 2024 on their IEB Matric Exam results.

IEB Results Treverton Grade 12 Class of 2024
34 Candidates
100% Pass.
88,2% Bachelor Degree Pass Rate
48 Distinctions from 34 Students
3 Diploma passes
1 Higher Certificate pass

SUBJECTS ABOVE IEB AVERAGES:
Information Technology
Mathematical Literacy

Isabella Heinecken - 7 Distinctions
Caleb Jennings - 6 Distinctions
Nataizya Malama - 5 Distinctions
Jacques Conradie - 4 Distinctions
Daniel Jonck - 3 Distinctions
Subhadra Naidoo - 3 Distinctions
Zizile Ntuli - 3 Distinctions
Christopher Dendrinos - 2 Distinctions
Michaela Muir - 2 Distinctions
Aneme Ngcobo - 2 Distinctions
Jack Symons - 2 Distinctions

Education truly is an adventure.

For further information please visit www.treverton.co.za

Two New Zealand national champions, Louis Clark and Ruby Heath, have been added to the elite lineup for next month's aQuellé Midmar Mile.

This exciting development follows a partnership established by Swimming New Zealand’s new Olympic head coach, Graham Hill, and aQuellé Midmar Mile race director Wayne Riddin.

Hill previously served as South Africa's national coach and was keen to provide the male and female champions of the 5km race at the Apollo Projects New Zealand Open Water Swimming Championships, which took place last weekend, with the opportunity to compete at the famous KwaZulu-Natal race.

Both Clark, who is coached by Hill in Auckland, and Heath, who hails from Dunedin, won their respective 5km titles in a final sprint finish. Both have represented New Zealand on the international stage – Clark in both lifesaving and swimming – and are relishing the opportunity of now taking part in the world’s largest open water race which takes place just outside Howick from 6-9 February.

“I’m very excited to come to South Africa and race in the aQuellé Midmar Mile to gain experience and have the opportunity to race in a world-renowned event,” said Heath.

Clark reckoned: “I’ve heard nothing but incredible things about this event from my South African friends – they’ve all said it’s truly one of a kind. The atmosphere, with the crowd lining the banks, is something special, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to compete. I’m ready to give it my absolute best.”

Head of Participation, Competitions & Engagement at Swimming New Zealand, Dale Johnson, added: “We are grateful to have Louis and Ruby competing at the aQuellé Midmar Mile next month.

“Both athletes performed strongly in Taupo at our 2025 Apollo Projects NZ Open Water Swimming Championships and we think they have what it takes to be very competitive in South Africa.

“The opportunity for our New Zealand swimmers to experience racing at the largest open water competition in the world is excellent for the development and continued interest in open water swimming. I know both Louis and Ruby can’t wait to race in South Africa,” added Johnson.

Riddin, meanwhile, congratulated Clark and Heath on their victories.

“We are thrilled that Louis and Ruby will be joining us at this year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile and we look forward to welcoming them to the country,” he said.

“We already have two-time Olympic champion Sharon van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands lining up in the women’s field, so adding two more international swimmers to the mix will make it even more competitive.

“Our top local swimmers will really have their work cut out for them and will have to fight hard to get their hands on the title this year, which makes for some exciting racing.”

The elite men’s and women’s races will take place on Sunday, 9 February and will conclude four days of swimming at the iconic annual event where everyday swimmers get to rub shoulders with professionals.

For more information or to enter the aQuellé Midmar Mile, head to www.midmarmile.com.

Photo credits: Louis Clark & Medal presentation: Xander James Photography

Ruby Heath: Lewis Ryan/We Dare

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A lack of compassion is symptomatic of anti-social and violent behaviour, which is so sadly common in our country.

Bonding, and building a relationship, with a dog through our dog school programme is a therapeutic process which nurtures kindness and empathy, in addition to releasing oxytocin, the love hormone, in our learners.

We can't make the world a perfect place, but we can make it a little better. We look forward to reopening our dog school on Friday and helping young people learn how to be kind to their dogs and enjoy the magic of a loving relationship with their four legged companions.

Contact 083 636 0891 or 082 657 5201

Virgil, an ancient Roman poet once said. ‘Tempus Fugit’ meaning time flies. It seems no time since we bid 2024 farewell and hailed a new year.

Compliments of the season to all readers o f this column. May 2025 bring you good health, happiness and harmony.

The first competition of the year was sponsored by Halfway Toyota. The winners were Rob and Wendy Lolli who each won a voucher sponsored by 68 Main. Second prize went to Malcolm Tait and Pam Radley.

Following after the first competition was the comp sponsored by Greendale Superspar. The winners were Mike Scheffer and Malcolm Tait. Well done to the winners of both competitions. Thank you to the sponsors of both competitions.

League matches begin at various venues on Saturday, 18 January and we wish our all our teams good bowling.

Next up is the 2-4-2 competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith which will be held on Tuesday 21st January. Over the years this competition has proved to be popular and has attracted bowlers from other local clubs.

Regular Bowls takes place every Tuesday morning, Wednesday afternoon and Saturday afternoon.
Times:                                                          Dress code:
Tuesday 08.15 for play at 08.30                  Casual
Wednesday 13.15 for play at 13.30             Casual
Saturday 13.15                                            Club Colours or whites

All registered bowlers are welcome to join us on these days. Visitors are always welome.

Coaching by registered coaches available.

All Enquiries regarding club matters to be addressed to the Secretary: Cell 071643162 (Whatsapp preferred)

“Education is power” is going to be the central theme that will drive the 2025 Poetry Africa programme according to festival project officer, Andisa Mpisi. The festival theme is selected to commemorate the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s first year at school. The Nobel laureate and first President of South Africa’s constitutional democracy, Nelson Mandela, started his primary schooling near his village of Qunu in the Eastern Cape in January 1925. He grew up to acknowledge education as a powerful platform that could bring about equality and promote tolerance.

“We are delighted to launch two special projects at a time when young people across South Africa will be returning to school or starting school for the first time. The Poetry Africa programmes are our creative response to remind our nation about the important value that Nelson Mandela placed on education”, says Siphindile Hlongwa, the curator of the Poetry Africa festival. She drew on a famous quote from Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Ten finalists from the national Slam Poetry Competition will be recorded for a special programme to be broadcast across several radio stations in South Africa in partnership with the Radiocracy project. The ten finalists will have their poems recorded for broadcast with a network of radio stations. The finalists will each receive a royalty fee of R4 000 for their recorded performance and a R1 000 book voucher.

The Poetry Africa festival is also kicking off a monthly slam poetry competition aimed specifically at slam poets from the greater Ethekwini municipality. The winner of each month’s competition between January and August will receive aR1 000 prize. The 8 monthly winners will also be invited to a mentorship programme in September following which they will be presented in a specially curated programme at the 29th annual Poetry Africa festival in October 2025.

Andisa Mpisi (Top Image), an Emerging Arts Manager at the Centre for Creative Arts and published poet will co-ordinate the programmes. Mpisi participated in the Centre’s literature curator exchange programme with the Bergen Literature Festival in Norway in 2024.

“We want Slam Poets to use their creative voices to encourage young people to immerse themselves in education by drawing inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s commitment to education”, says Mpisi. She references a quote from his biography, Long Walk to Freedom, “The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation.”

She adds that Nelson Mandela spoke directly to young people when he said, “Young people must take it upon themselves to ensure that they receive the highest education possible so that they can represent us well in future as future leaders.”

The guidelines for both the national and regional Poetry Africa’s “Centenary of Mandela’s School Year” project will be available on the Poetry Africa website: https://poetryafrica.ukzn.ac.za/

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Happy new year. Wishing all, a prosperous and safe 2025.

December was busy, mostly with poaching and stock theft incidents. Then out of town stolen vehicles coming through the uMngeni area, needing some attention.

Incident report
06 Dec
Clarendon PMB
Report of a stolen bakkie received from Pmb. I searched cameras for possible travel up to uMngeni. No activations. On 07 Dec I was informed that Mi7 had located the stolen vehicle later that night in Pmb.

06 Dec
Hilton N3
I received a message on Pmb group about a female stuck on N3 at accident. I contacted the father for more information to make sure no Medical was necessary. HRRG group members did attempt to help but vehicle was on wrong side of highway to get to them. The father did contact me back to let me know that a tow truck had managed to get to the scene and was able to remove vehicle to a safe area in Hilton.

15 Dec
Dargle
A vehicle used for poaching activated cameras and the info was shared to UCSI SAPS response group. The vehicle was stopped by Ballid members in Lower Dargle with dogs, Taken to Howick SAPS but as there was no contraband let go with a warning.

15 Dec
Curry’s Post
Report received of poaching in Curry’s Post area. I shared information to the UCSI Poaching group and then searched for a possible vehicle involved. A possible vehicle was spotted in camera.. With the influx of community members into the area it seems the poachers failed in catching animals.

17 Dec
uMngeni / Free State
A reported stolen trailer keeps activating the cameras. After some searching I eventually managed to get hold of the owner of the business. I gave the owner information so that he could get the trailer removed off the system as it had been incorrectly reported to SAPS as stolen.

18 Dec
Hilton
A vehicle involved in hit and run activated the cameras. The info was shared to UCSI SAPS response group. Thanks to AET, Magma, Life security and Enigma security the vehicle was located at Life Hospital. Driver and complainant, matter dealt with at Townhill SAPS.

28 Dec
Mpophomeni
A vehicle, involved in Attempted kidnapping in Pmb. The vehicle activated cameras through Mpophomeni to N3 on the R617. The info was shared to UCSI SAPS response group. The vehicle was stopped in Pmb by NS Security, SAPS and Flying squad members.

28 Dec
Howick
A vehicle reported as stolen activated a camera. The info was shared to UCSI SAPS response group. Thanks to Knight security member the vehicle was taken to Howick SAPS who impounded the vehicle.

Consolidated breakdown for December 2024

Total Photos      Total Hits        Previous Year Hits
   5 180 660              899                         537

How can you get involved?
The UCSI will not be sustainable without monthly community support from business entities, shopping centers, hospitals, schools, estates, security companies and private individuals. Please join the UCSI as a contributing member.

Contact Deon from the UCSI by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Whatsapp 0630689652 (button on the link)
Or
Please follow the links below to go to the website where you can find a membership form to download.
https://operations2956.wixsite.com/ucsi

You are welcome to donate monthly on debit order or once off yearly.

Affiliated members have access to ask for assistance in any reported crime involving a vehicle.

The UCSI will issue Section 18A certificates for CAPEX and OPEX donations of any amount.

Stay safe – we got this!

Yours sincerely
Deon Tegg Operations Manager
063 068 9652