'We ended Term 2 with our Inter-house Sports Day.
A fun and energetic morning of Soccer, Hockey, Netball, Squash and Chess matches was thoroughly enjoyed by learners and staff.' Howick High on ending the second term in 2023.
Photo credit: Mr B Upton
Kim Williams - Invaluable Décor Insights From Decorex Cape Town 2023
The internally recognised interior designer shares her insights from this year’s show
Kim Williams Design, the renowned design studio celebrated for its innovative and transformative spaces, left attendees at Decorex Cape Town inspired with their captivating exhibition this past weekend.
The event showcased the studio's newest addition, the high-end Noluthando Interior Décor Range, presented and designed by internationally recognised top Cape Town interior designer, creative behaviour strategist and author of My Yellow Room - Kim Williams.
The popular new interior range beautifully marries a traditional weave by fashion designer Jessica Molebatsi, famed for her JessicaJane label. The result is an imaginative fusion that celebrates African culture while emphasising the importance of cultural diversity in creating blended living and lifestyle experiences.
Commenting on the success of their participation at Decorex, Kim Williams expressed her joy stating, "We have enjoyed every second of being at Decorex. It is without doubt the premier interior design event in the country and always provides designers like us with an incredible opportunity to showcase our high-end designer range, as well as connect and network with fellow industry professionals. We especially enjoyed collaborating with local creatives and industry partners like Evolution Flooring, Tjhoko Paint, Roche Bobois, Robin Sprong, Something Steel, Wire World, Phoenix Signage and Cardinal Flooring to bring the extraordinary vision to life."
In addition to unveiling the Noluthando Interior Décor Range, Kim Williams also launched the highly anticipated second edition of her acclaimed book, "My Yellow Room" during the four-day event.
This transformative coffee table book delves into the philosophy of interior design and explores how spaces can positively impact our lives. The revised edition features captivating visuals of recent projects and offers readers a comprehensive look into the world of Kim Williams Design, who also proudly announced their four nominations as finalists in the esteemed London International Architecture and Interior Design Awards.
“Being recognised for international awards is not only a dream come true but a humbling experience. It serves as a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovative design solutions, showcasing our dedication to pushing boundaries and setting new trends. It is a huge honour, and we couldn’t be prouder of the work we have achieved to earn this acknowledgement,” says Kim.
To view and order the Noluthando Interior Décor Range - and the second edition of Kim’s book - "My Yellow Room" after its debut at Decorex, here: https://www.kimwilliams.co.za/curated-by-kim-williams/.
Invaluable Décor Insights From Decorex Cape Town 2023
Following the successful show, Kim Williams shares some valuable insights and predictions that she reflects on from Decorex Cape Town 2023:
Discover more insights and predictions about the latest design trends in Kim's Behind the Design 2022 Behaviour Report, which provides an in-depth analysis of the latest trends in interior design. Get a copy here: https://www.kimwilliams.co.za/product/behind-the-design-2022-1-by-kim-williams/
For more insights from Kim Williams, sign-up for her blog at www.kimwilliams.co.za or follow her on Facebook and Instagram @kim_williams_design.
A bumper crowd of 50 000 people, over R431 million contribution the local economy, and out of this world fashion, are some of the elements that will again make the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2023, Africa’s greatest horse racing spectacular.
The Durban July is a major event on the KwaZulu-Natal calendar and drawcard that brings people from across South Africa and beyond to Durban and is one of many events which have a huge economic impact on the city and KwaZulu-Natal, and which helps to sustain the tourism industry.
The eThekwini Municipality said it was ready to host the R5 million record stake Holywoodbets Durban July horseracing event this weekend (1 July). While the City is anticipating between 35 000 and 48 000 punters and fashionistas to converge on the Greyville Racecourse Hollywoodbets is betting on a 50 000 strong crowd.
The event is expected to generate a direct spend of R65 million, contributing a whopping R130 million to the GDP and creating 1,500 job opportunities.
“But more than the direct economic benefit, the event draws the world’s focus to the Zulu Kingdom, giving the destination immeasurable PR and destination coverage which is invaluable,” said Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Siboniso Duma.
“As the provincial government, and through our tourism promotion entity, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, we continue to work closely with tourism partners from the continent to grow this event into a truly Pan African event boosting tourism,” he said.
To further raise the visibility and brand awareness of the Zulu-Kingdom, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal has bought the naming rights to the 5th race of the Durban July, now called the Zulu Kingdom Golden Slipper.
Racing commentators have said that the event is probably the most fascinating race on the big day as sixteen aspirant two-year-old fillies line up for a closely contested race over 1400m and a prize purse of R400 000.
If you are not at the Greyville racetrack on July1, then watch Supersport on DSTV which will be covering Zulu Kingdom Golden Slipper race at around 14h25.
The safety of the thousands of residents and visitors at this event is a priority and eThekwini will deploy some 100 Metro Police officers at all strategic areas of Greyville during the Durban July.
“It is unfortunate that as we get ready for this magnificent event some of Durban’s most popular beaches have closed following a failure of sewage infrastructure in the Umhlanga area.
“Therefore, I would like to remind visitors that KZN has a 600km coastline with pristine beaches close to Durban both to the North around Ballito and southwards from Amanzimtoti.
“I hope that you thoroughly enjoy the electric atmosphere of thundering hooves pounding the racetrack, the frenzied shouts of jockeys charging to the finish line, and the roar of the crowd rising from their seats and of course the fashion that brings glamour to the event.
If you haven’t already done so, I urge all those from other provinces planning to be at the Durban July to spend more than one night in KZN. Take time before and after the race to enjoy the myriad of tourism products that KwaZulu-Natal has to offer, and create unforgettable winter memories,” concluded Duma.
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'Another Gold for the South Aftican Special Olympic Team, thanks to Sunfield's very own Jennifer Higgins.
We are absolutely thrilled to announce Jenna's extraordinary achievement at the Special Olympics. Her exceptional performance in the 100m Freestyle event has earned her a well-deserved Gold Medal! What an incredible accomplishment!
Congratulations, Jenna, on this monumental achievement! Your dedication, hard work, and passion for swimming have made you a true champion. We are immensely proud of you, and your success as you inspire others with your extraordinary talent!'
Well done Jenna, your achievements and those of your teammates are making Howick proud!
The calm quiet of sleepy hamlet, the beautiful Fort Nottingham, will be awoken to the distinctive sounds of bagpipes, drums, marching bands and all things Scottish, as the annual Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering joyously returns to the KZN Midlands – this time on Women’s Day, ???????????????????????????????????? ???? ????????????????????????.
Inspired by the world famous Braemar Gathering, the Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering is typically a day of nostalgia, heritage and ancient tradition. All the rousing spectacle, athletic prowess and hauntingly beautiful music will be celebrated in abundance – with a contemporary family-friendly local twist.
The core focus is as always the various Highland Games showcasing brute strength and stamina: tossing the caber; tug-o’-war, walk the weight, the kilted mile; hammer throw; weight over the bar and stone put.
The competitive athleticism is complemented by the grace and precision of Celtic dancing, piped bands… and of course, the rousing bag pipes. Guests are invited to get into the spirit of the occasion by wearing tartan, eating shortbread and sampling whisky!
This year’s event will feature a range of stalls of locally-sourced market wares and Midlands based merchandise; food and beverage stalls; field demos, dog events and children’s activities – including face-painting and jumping castles. In attendance will be, among others, the Pietermaritzburg and the Durban Caledonians, the First Medical and Pietermaritzburg Caledonian Pipe bands.
Inspired by the world famous Braemar Gathering, the Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering is typically a day of Scottish nostalgia, heritage and ancient tradition. All the rousing spectacle, athletic prowess and hauntingly beautiful music will be celebrated in abundance – with a contemporary family-friendly local twist.
Lenmed Howick Private Hospital was recently acknowledged by Vitanova – Bone SA for its exceptional commitment and success in facilitating femoral head donations for the betterment of patients in need. With several Lenmed Group hospitals participating in the donation programme, the facility received a certificate of achievement for donating the most femoral heads.
The femoral head plays a critical role in maintaining the stability and functionality of the hip joint. Since Lenmed Howick Private Hospital’s first successful donation to the Vitanova tissue bank in December 2021, they have continued to support the programme. By encouraging patients who go through hip replacement procedures to donate their femoral heads (the bone in their hip which is removed in surgery) to the Vitanova tissue bank instead of it being incinerated as medical waste, the hospital has managed to become the top donor in the Lenmed group.
At the tissue bank, the donated bone is tested for safety, processed and made available to surgeons for implantation in a different form. This results in providing patients with various treatment options and the opportunity to regain mobility and enjoy an improved quality of life.
“Being part of the donation programme is a testament to our dedication to improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from hip joint complications and degenerative conditions. The recognition would have never been possible without the tireless efforts of all our teams working relentlessly to ensure that we made donations to the organ transplantation programme since 2021,” says IPC and Clinical Facilitator, Jeanne Rasmussen.
For Howick Private Hospital, receiving the certificate is an honour and another way the hospital is furthering Lenmed’s mission to create healthier and prosperous communities, by fostering public awareness about organ & tissue donation and improving the lives of countless individuals.
Howick Private Hospital is part of the Lenmed Group, proudly owning and managing 18 hospitals in 4 countries in Africa.
Below: The Howick Private Hospital theatre team with the certificate awarded to them by Vitanova.
Tickets for this year’s Hill’s Pet Nutrition1000 Paws Walk raffle are available now at outlets and veterinary clinics across the Midlands.
Geoff Calmeyer, Chairman of the Hill’s 1000 Paws Walk for SPCAs steering committee said: “At just R10 a ticket, this is a fun way to stand a chance of winning some really wonderful prizes, including luxury getaways, and supporting a very worthy cause - last year the raffle brought in almost R80,000.00!”
The raffle is part of the Hill’s 1000 Paws Walk for SPCAs fundraising drive that includes the1000 Paws Walk event, to be held on Sunday 9 July at Highgate Wine Estate next to Piggly Wiggly - Midlands, and a schools’ collection tin competition to see which class per participating school can raise the most money. All funds raised by this invaluable annual fundraising campaign, now in its 14th year, are divided equally between the three participating SPCAs that serve the animals and impoverished communities of the KZN Midlands, namely the uMngeni SPCA, Mooi River & District SPCA, and SPCA Pietermaritzburg.
The most ‘valuable’ raffle prize is worth almost R9 000.00, for a 2-night stay for two people, including breakfast and a 5-course dinner one night, at the luxurious Qambathi Mountain Lodge in the Kamberg. This was the chosen home-from-home of Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise while filming in the area last year.
Worth R7 580.00 is the prize for two for 2-nights at the magnificent Cathedral Peak Hotel in the Drakensberg that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.
Another prize is a two-night stay for two at The Cavern Resort Drakensberg, valued at R7 080.00, which includes all meals, teas and a guided morning hike.
One of the raffle’s most popular prizes, generously donated for the past few years, is a 1-night dinner, bed and breakfast stay at the gastronomically-celebrated Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse, valued at R6 200.00.
The raffle winners will be drawn at the Hill’s 1000 Paws Walk event on 9 July, so get your tickets now and stand a chance to win while helping the area’s animals in need.
More about uMngeni SPCA
So many things to report on for the last week!
On Wednesday, the 14th of June we hosted our monthly Halfway Toyota Drawn Trips/Pairs competition with quite a full field. A big thank you to Halfway Toyota for their sponsorship of cash prizes and well done to the winning team of Colin Norris & Sindi Hlongwane, as well as Ed Speed, Pat Norris & Jo Boonzaier who came second.
On Friday morning we celebrated Youth Day by teaming an adult with a child for two sessions of pairs games. It’s such an amazing experience to watch someone who has never rolled a bowl take to the greens and settle into the game and absolutely love it; some of the natural talent in the youngsters was phenomenal! After bowls we all enjoyed a lunch of burgers and cheesedogs on the braai and enjoyed the winter sunshine. All of the youngsters who played were treated to a prize, but special mention of Paige Smith and Aya Molefe who tied for 3rd place, Jordi Taylor who came 2nd and Dale Spires who was the ultimate winner. Thank you to everyone who was involved in making the day a success and to all the bowlers who got their children and grandchildren involved; what a fabulous way to spend a public holiday!
On Saturday we played some of the first rounds of the club singles competition where there were some very challenging games played with quite a few of them exceeding 21 ends. We’ve also had some brand-new novices take up the challenge and enter for the first time. There’s a huge difference between tabs in and playing a singles game so for a bowler who’s been playing for only a short amount of time, it’s quite daunting to go onto the green with no team mates to back you up. Well done to all who played on Saturday, and good luck to those who have made it through to the next round.
Events to keep an eye out for…
The planning for our first ever inter-club poitjie pot competition has started, and we’ve set the date for Saturday, the 5th of August. The day will start at 10am, with cooking starting at 11am and judging and tasting taking place between 5 and 5.30pm. It should be a great way to spend a day watching or playing some bowls with the wonderful aroma of poitjie pots cooking and come fires going. For more information contact Wendy Smith on 071 353 2866.
Tuesday, 20 June: J Leslie Smith & Co Nominated Pairs 2-4-2. Tabs In 08h15 (Book with Lisa on 084 586 6984)
Friday, 30 June: Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45 (Book with Pippa on 083 467 8140)
That’s all for this week… see you on the greens!
Regular tabs in times are:-
Tuesdays at 08h45
Wednesdays at 13h15
Saturdays at 13h15.
Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact Wendy on 071 353 2866
Coaching by registered coaches is available: Contact Colin or Bernice on 071 164 3162 for further information.
Pictured here: Our Youth Day participants.
More about UWBC
'We congratulate Ezra Robertson (Grade 10) and Jason Reineke (Grade 8) who were awarded medals for their top 10 positions, based on their performance in the 7 inter-school races, at the final prize-giving of the PMB & Districts Cross Country league. Age Quod Agis!' happy news from Howick High School.
Hundreds of youth hockey players were given a rousing welcome before the action got underway this week as the 2023 edition of the SASHOC Nationals was officially opened in Bloemfontein.
In preparation for the 18-day festival, participants attended an opening ceremony over the weekend to launch the highly anticipated annual event, which showcases South Africa's rising hockey talent.
Among those who addressed the players at the official opening were Southern Free State Hockey chairperson Louise van der Merwe, representing the host province, as well as SA Schools Hockey (SASHOC) chairperson Wendell Domingo and SASHOC marketing representative Clarika Strydom.
They were also motivated ahead of the tournament by various guest speakers including former Proteas cricketer Ryan McLaren.
The top-flight annual schools hockey tournament, featuring world-class organisation and hospitality, will host players in three age groups.
The event opened with the U-18 tournament, to be played between 25-30 June, and will be followed by the U-13 competition, being played between 2-5 July, and the U-16 event, to be contested between 7-12 July.
With organisers offering world-class facilities, A-section games will be played at the Kovsies Astro university ground. The B-section matches will be played at Grey College and Eunice High School for Girls.
Getting the action underway, there were standout performances across the board over the first three days of competition in the pool stages of the U-18 tournament.
Host province Southern Free State were leading a closely contested battle in Pool A of the girls’ A-section, going unbeaten in their opening four games to top the standings with 10 points. In Pool B, Western Province were at the summit of the log with nine points.
In the boys’ A-section, Southern Gauteng and Western Province were leading the charge in Pool A, with both teams winning their first four matches and taking 12 points each. Similarly, KZN Coastals were top of the Pool B table, also with 12 points after four wins.
In the girls’ B-section, Western Province were in control of Pool X with 10 points, while Eastern Gauteng and Southern Free State had raked in nine points each in Pool Y. Southern Gauteng and Northern Gauteng led their respective pools, with nine points each, in the boys’ B-section.
Ensuring the SASHOC Nationals is well supported, the national federation has been backed by multiple partners for the 2023 edition of the annual event.
These include sponsors Sportsmans Warehouse (retail partner), Grays Hockey (ball and umpire shirt supplier), Trompie Sport (sports facilities partner), and renowned brands SPAR, iKhokha and Airlink.
Matches will also be streamed live on the SuperSport Schools app, ensuring hockey fans, family members and friends can follow every minute of action throughout the tournament.
Pictured here: Despina Brooker (Sportsmans Warehouse), Dean Stokes (Trompie Sport), Nicole Birch (Sportsmans Warehouse), Wendell Domingo (SASHOC Chairperson), Tiaan van der Merwe (Trompie Sport), Marlene Gunter (SPAR), Kobus Bresler (Grays Hockey)
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'We arrived in Phoenix on Saturday morning for our monthly steri clinic to find the marquee hadn't been erected for us. How funny because #PACT always make sure we have one as shelter, mostly from the sun and this time we didn't have our amazing awning either as we had a near mishap where the roof rack had broken and it had nearly fallen off, so it had been removed for safe keeping while a new roof rack is installed.
Luckily two gazebo's were quickly found and put up and we continued with the dogs that had been booked in, 9 in total.
We then did the cats on Sunday and got through a whopping 38 steri's!!!
Plus a few cats just needing vaccinating. By the time we had packed up it was dark and we headed home, exhausted but satisfied with another succesful clinic. Thanks to everyone at #PACT for organising and fund raising for these clinic's which save so many more unwanted pets.' shared Midmar Vet Clinic.
Ashburton Aloe Festival – 1 and 2 July - Lower Mpushini Valley Conservancy, Ashburton
The popular Ashburton Aloe Festival will once again take place in the beautiful bushveld of the Lower Mpushini Valley Conservancy, Ashburton East, on 1 and 2 July.
Just 10km East of Pietermaritzburg the Festival offers a packed programme of outdoor activities, market stalls, talks, demos and walks around nature, and nature conservation.
The festival takes place at 5 venues in the Valley:
The Ashburton Training Centre will host the Ashburton Market which will be open over the weekend from 9am - 3pm with over 80 stall holders, with a food court, live entertainment, children's crafts, and snare walks led by Conservancy game guard, the legendary Lucky Makuyana, (aka Hardlife).
Galago Farm which is nestled in the heart of the valley alongside the Mpushini River, and is a bird watchers’ paradise offers tea, home baked cakes and light meals at the soup bar in the peace and tranquillity of the Conservancy Tea Garden. They host a range of interesting talks on beekeeping, birding and butterflies and gardening for wildlife; as well as guided trails that focus on grasses and the ancient story of rocks. There will be demonstrations on basket-making and soap-making. Indigenous plants will be on sale and a variety of children's activities and art. On Saturday there is a campfire, stories, and night walk and on Sunday afternoon piano music under the thorn trees.
Mawingo Farm offers self-guided trails through the gorgeous bushveld to 'The Donga' one of the ancient drainage lines that occur in the incised valley. There are two guided trails at this venue on Saturday, one focussing on birds and one on the rocks and ecology along the way.
At Impala Bend one can enjoy amazing views over the valley including the giant Aloe Candelabrum in full flower. The Allan Wilson Shellhole MOTH’s will have a range of delicious breakfast and lunch options available on the deck at 'The Waterhole' pub. There will be several conservation talks here including a bird ringing demonstration. and in the late afternoon (with a sundowner) a special treat is to watch the wildlife feeding.
Rocky Wonder Aloe Nursery has a display garden of 200 species of aloes making a colourful splash in the bushveld setting. This is a good opportunity for photographers to capture the wild flowering aloe Candelabra, from where the Aloe Festival takes its inspiration. A wide variety of aloes are available to purchase at 20 percent discount, and visitors can picnic in the nursery and surrounds and enjoy the various stalls that support this venue including wildlife art and handmade miniature pottery gardens.
The entry fee is R50 per person, R30 for pensioners and R20 for children under 12. Strictly no dogs are allowed. All funds raised go to support the anti-poaching activities of the Lower Mpushini Valley Conservancy and Mpushini Protected Environment.
For the full programme see the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AshburtonAloeFestival2023/
For more information contact Pandora on 072 6928124 or Heather on 083 665 8010.
In a world where traditional career paths are becoming increasingly rigid and limiting, and in a country with a dramatically high unemployment rate, many South Africans are seeking alternatives that offer greater freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to work towards their own dreams. Enter Shea Karssing, a seasoned freelance writer based in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, whose newly released book, Freelance Like a Boss: How to quit your 9-5 and take control of your life, is set to revolutionise the way South Africans perceive and pursue freelancing.
Shea's journey from a side-hustler to a thriving freelancer serves as an inspiration to those who aspire to break free from the constraints of a conventional work environment. She embraced the freelance lifestyle six years ago, and has never looked back.
Driven by her passion for empowering others and her unwavering belief in the potential of the freelance economy, Shea penned Freelance Like a Boss with a particular focus on the South African market, where entrepreneurship and self-starters are so desperately needed.
The book offers a comprehensive guide to building a successful and prosperous freelance business. It is a treasure trove of invaluable insights, practical tips, and personal anecdotes. Karssing's writing style is relatable, honest, and at times irreverent, making it an engaging and enjoyable read for freelancers at any stage of their journey. Whether you are considering freelancing, just starting out, or in need of some inspiration and guidance, this book is your go-to resource. The book covers a wide range of topics essential to freelancers' success, including helping readers identify their marketable skills, shedding excuses that may be holding them back, and establishing a solid business structure. She provides valuable advice on setting pricing, negotiating contracts, understanding legalities, managing finances, tax obligations, setting boundaries, and optimising time management.
With Freelance Like a Boss, Shea aims to give readers the tools they need to forge their own paths towards financial freedom, flexibility, and meaning. She emphasises that freelancing is not just a means to an end but a lifestyle that empowers individuals to take control of their professional lives, enabling them to spend more time with their loved ones, pursue personal interests, and live life on their own terms.
“Think of it as your cheat sheet, your trusted freelance friend who offers guidance and support,” Shea says.
For those who have long yearned for a career that allows them to break free from the shackles of a traditional nine-to-five job, Freelance Like a Boss is here to turn your aspirations into reality. It serves as a roadmap to becoming a home-office hotshot, empowering you to take charge of your professional destiny.
The book is available wherever you buy books! You can learn more about the book and where to get it here: https://sheakarssing.com/book/.
GOING WILD WITH HOPE – KINGSLEY HOLGATE SETS OFF ON LEGENDARY 41ST EXPEDITION.
Africa’s renowned explorer Kingsley Holgate and his expedition team set off on a challenging new humanitarian and geographic odyssey on Wednesday 21 June, this time to reach some of the wildest and most isolated regions on the African continent.
Less than a year after completing the gruelling 35,000-kilometre, 30-country ‘Hot Cape – Cold Cape’ transcontinental journey from Cape Agulhas on the southern tip of Africa to Nordkapp in Norway’s Arctic Circle, the 77-year-old explorer is stil not ready to hang up his expedition boots. Instead, he and his team are on a quest to highlight the importance of conserving Africa’s iconic wildlife and remaining natural landscapes and draw attention to the needs of local communities living alongside these remote protected areas.
“During 40 expeditions to all 55 countries in Africa over the past 30 years, we’ve grown to deeply appreciate Africa’s unique biodiversity and iconic wildlife, which are now under immense threat,” said Kingsley. “The continent-wide decimation of endangered animals such as elephant and rhino and the destruction of vast tracts of pristine forests, wetlands and grasslands that are home to thousands of other wildlife species don’t make the headlines anymore; it’s become too much doom and gloom.”
“For many years, we’ve been asking the question: where can one find hope for Africa’s critically needed wild spaces and irreplaceable fauna and flora, as well as the communities that depend on them? Thankfully, there are powerful and positive stories emerging from across the African continent – uplifting narratives that need to be told. Through this new expedition, we hope to draw attention to the incredible work that’s being done.”
In a unique collaboration with the conservation NGO African Parks, Afrika Odyssey – the 41st Kingsley Holgate geographic and humanitarian expedition – is a legacy journey-of-purpose with a ‘conservation, culture and community’ theme. Estimated to take 18 months, the expedition will follow an adventure-filled, chapter-by-chapter route on a challenging journey into the wild heart of 12 diverse African countries.
Departing from South Africa on 21 June after a vibrant African send-off from the Lesedi Cultural Village in the Cradle of Humankind, the Afrika Odyssey expedition aims to showcase the inspiring revival of 22 national parks under the management of African Parks and encompassing 20million hectares under protected area status, which form the backbone of the continent’s biodiversity and benefits many thousands of people.
It will also be the first, real-life test on African soil for Land Rover’s new Defender 130. The expedition’s two long-wheel-base expedition Defender 130s will be tackling an estimated 30,000 kilometres over some of the harshest terrain and off-road routes on the African continent.
“This expedition is going to be one of our most challenging journeys ever attempted,” said Ross Holgate, Kingsley’s son and the expedition’s leader, who has also explored every country in Africa and beyond, including a round-the-world expedition to track the Tropic of Capricorn and a world-first journey from Cape Town to Kathmandu in Nepal across the deserts and high Himalayan mountain ranges of Asia.
“It’s not just the long distances we’ll be travelling on dirt roads, goat tracks and probably no tracks to reach all of the Parks that are, understandably, in very isolated regions and in difficult-to-reach terrain,” Ross explained. “We’ll also be tackling dense Congo forests, heart-in-mouth, seat-of-your-pants river crossings, vast desert and rocky mountain terrain where water and fuel will be hard to come by, and wetlands that are near-impassable, especially in rainy seasons. The logistical issues of this expedition are extreme, to say the least.”
Starting in the ancient Namib desert of Iona National Park in the south-west corner of Angola, the journey will encompass Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, Rwanda, DRC, the Republic of Congo and Central African Republic, South Sudan and Chad in north Africa, and conclude in Benin, west Africa.
The Afrika Odyssey expedition will document ancient indigenous cultures, traditions and historic places of interest on its continent-wide journey. And, in the words of often unheard indigenous communities who depend on the survival of Africa’s natural landscapes, the expedition will record authentic and powerful stories of hope to create an enduring archive of positive, grassroots narratives in support of conservation from across Africa.
The expedition team will also provide humanitarian support to communities alongside all 22 African Parks through malaria prevention and education for pregnant women and mothers with young children in high-risk malaria areas; eye-tests and reading glasses for poor-sighted, mostly elderly people; and conservation-focussed education for school children to instill a passion for protecting Africa’s iconic wildlife.
Carrying a Scroll of Peace and Goodwill for Conservation to all 22 parks in 12 countries, the team will collect messages of support from traditional leaders, local community beneficiaries, park rangers, conservation partners, government envoys, VIPs and other supporters met all along the way.
“Thriving and dynamic wild spaces have always been the genesis of life-giving water, clean air, food, health and income for humanity. Without them, millions of people are destined to lives of poverty, malnutrition, sickness and inequality,” said Kingsley. “But it doesn’t have to be this way and this expedition aims to showcase the inspirational potential of Africa’s wild places and people.”
The expedition’s name ‘Afrika Odyssey’ and logo has special significance, as it is a revival of the very first big expedition undertaken by the Kingsley Holgate family in 1993, when they became the first South African expedition team to travel from Cape Agulhas to Alexandria in Egypt along the wild waterways of Africa. 30 years later, they’ve been revived to celebrate this 41st geographic and humanitarian journey for Kingsley Holgate, Africa’s renowned and much-loved modern-day explorer.
To keep abreast of the expedition’s journey, follow the Kingsley Holgate Foundation Facebook page, as well as updates and stories published by Africa Geographic and African Parks.
Pictured here top: Ross Holgate (right) with Kingsley Holgate explain the route to the Afrika Odyssey to the media at the launch
Pictured here below: Afrika Odyssey Expedition humanitarian work includes provision of reading glasses (Left); Afrika Odyssey Expedition malaria prevention - women in high risk regions benefit (Centre); 97yr old Himba Chief Mutili Mbendulu signs the Scroll of Peace & Goodwill (Right)
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'A Fantastic win for our very own Bronwyn. Congratulations on Winning Gold in the 100m Backstroke!
We are thrilled to share the exhilarating news of Bronwyn's exceptional achievement at the Special Olympics! Her outstanding performance in the 100m Backstroke has earned her the prestigious Gold Medal! What an incredible feat!
Bronwyn Ramathula, your dedication, commitment, and passion have truly paid off. You have proven yourself to be a force to be reckoned in the pool, showcasing your remarkable skill and talent. We couldn't be prouder of your well-deserved success!
Keep making waves and shining brightly in all that you do!' announced Sunfield Home.
Bronwyn and Jenna Higgins have both been making waves in the pool at the 2023 Special Olympics in Berlin. The day before this big win saw Bronwyn earn a Bronze Medal in the 100m Breaststroke and Jenna achieve a Bronze Medal in the 100m Butterfly. 
Winter is warmer with beanies and ear warmers from MUSHKA at Piggly Wiggly on the R103. These are the answer for chilly days. Mushka has stocked up with gorgeous winter warming stock, Made Locally with Care.
Thank you to #GiantsCupAnimalWelfare for organising a three day steri clinic in the Underberg/Himeville area where 39 dogs and 13 cats were sterilised. We set off on Tuesday to a very crisp morning and snow on the mountains.
Thanks very much to Les and Raina Shaw for accommodating us at #NorthEndSelfCateringAccomodation and giving us a delicious hot meal and glass of sherry at the end of each busy day. Was so lovely to come back to a hot shower and comfy bed.
We were in a different location each day so as to reach as many people as possible, was great to see so many township dogs coming in.
More about Midmar Vet Clinic
Since 2010 Harvard Electrical Wholesalers has grown three fold, thanks to the support of their loyal client base. This rapid growth has allowed Harvard Electrical to move to larger premises in Howick. They believe in offering excellent customer service, a wide range of diverse products at very competitive prices and most importantly, they listen to their clients.
Harvard Electrical supply products which are manufactured both locally and internationally and are fully compliant with recognised safety standards and specifications.
Harvard Electrical is the only ELECTRICAL WHOLESALER in the greater Howick area.
Angle Grinders, Multimeters, Impact Drills, Cordless Drills, Hand Tools, Indoor Lighting and Outdoor Lighting products are on special for 16 & 17 June 2023.
