There is a Legislation in place that requires an employer to provide sufficient fire fighting equipment and safety rules to keep their employees safe. Active Fire Services assist in making sure that your business is compliant in this regard, call 086 999 0843 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
'Huge thanks to Drakondale School of the Arts for choosing Funda Nenja as their charity to support for Valentine's day. The children were allowed to wear civvies on Valentines Day and the payment was either cash or a tin of dog food for Funda Nenja. Thank you to the matric pupils for organising this fund raiser.' shared Funda Nenja.
Pictured here L-R; Emily Pentz, Nozizwe Ntshangase, Lisa Button, Glenore Richards, Nokuthula Ndlovu and John Lecordier.
More about Funda Nenja
This past week has seen a lot of activity on the UWBC greens. Two sponsored competitionss were held during the week. On Sunday it was a privilege to host The NIBA Ladies’ Open Trips and one section of the NIBA Men’s Open Trips. In addition it was wonderful to be able to welcome so many visitors and supporters of the various teams.
Sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the day such a success.
RESULTS
On Wednesday, 09 February, the competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick was well attended. Johnny Roselt of Halfway Toyota Howick presented the prizes to the following winners: Colin Burden, Tim Waring and Ann Cacho (First prize); David Mainprize and Cindy Bro (Second Prize).
The postponed competition sponsored by Greendale Superspar took place on Saturday and was won by Michael Cain and Audrey van Coller; Second prize went op Colin Burden, Chantal D’Hotman and James Holderness.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY
Friday, 25 February: Nominated Trips sponsored by Woodstone Craft Cafe. Start time 09h00. Please be at the club 15 minutes before start of play. Entries to be in before Thursday, 24 Feb.
Saturday, 26 February. ‘Host for Hospice’ Event. Ladies Trips starting at 11h00. Entry fee includes High Tea. Wonderful prizes to be won. Enter your team asap by contacting
Lisa on 084 586 6984.
We thank all our sponsors for their continued support. This is really appreciated.
All registered players are welcome to participate on tabs in days and in all our sponsored competitions.
Coaching by registered coaches will recommence this week. Phone/Whatsapp 071 164 3162
More about Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club
Perfect conditions once again greeted swimmers at the aQuellé Midmar Mile as the disabled event got under way on Saturday morning.
Powering across the dam in a new personal best time of 23 minutes 37 seconds was Pietermaritzburg swimmer Alani Ferreira. The visually impaired two-time Paralympian was thrilled with her performance and is looking forward to using the experience as a building block for a busy year of international competition ahead.
“It was really amazing. I got to race it with my training partner [Emily Martens – who acted as a guide swimmer] which I think was the most amazing part. It’s a PB for me. The last time I did a 24.16 so I’m really happy with that time. Next up is qualifiers in April for Commonwealth Games and world champs and then hopefully competing at world champs and Commonwealths so it’s a busy year ahead,” added the 23-year-old.
Meanwhile, David Williams emerged as the fastest swimmer in the physically disabled category. Born without legs just below the kneecaps, Williams was involved in swimming [representing KwaZulu-Natal] as well as hockey and rowing before being introduced to adaptive surfing where he qualified to represent South Africa at the ISA World Para Surfing Championships in the USA.
But on Saturday it was all about a return to swimming.
“It was surprisingly good… You couldn’t ask for better conditions. It’s beautiful. I think my best time previously was high 32,” said the Durban swimmer who finished in 27 minutes 28 seconds.
“I wanted to get back into fitness and swimming and stuff and then I wanted to do it for something. One of my other friends told me about [childhood cancer charity] CHOC – you can swim and raise funds for CHOC so then I contacted them, and they sorted me in out in minutes. It was amazing to be back in the water. I loved it.”
Clearly loving his time in the water was Travis Warwick-Oliver who had his leg amputated after a motocross accident and thrives on setting himself new challenges. He completed the gruelling 16-mile charity challenge on Friday, raising money for Happy Bundles, and was then back in the dam on Saturday.
“I feel good. My friend Rudi [Craps] convinced me to do another one. He also just did 16. I feel alright. It actually feels quite nice today. The conditions were amazing – it was like a mirror out there,” he said afterwards.
“I’ve done the 8-mile once before [before the amputation]. I entered the 16-mile last year but I had surgery so I couldn’t do it, so I was happy to do it this year and I’ll definitely be back.”
In the deaf category, Sydney Olympic silver medallist Terence Parkin finished as the fastest of the men in 26.51 with Maritza Snyders quickest of the women in 33.24.
Aaron Putz won the men’s title in the intellectual impairment category, finishing in 25.18 while Cornelia Fowler took the women’s title in 33.20. Paula van Zyl took top honours in the women’s physically disabled category after finishing in a time of 28.19.
aQuellé Midmar Mile action continues on Sunday with the age category and elite events. For more information, head to www.midmarmile.co.za.
Pictured here: Martens and Ferreira with guide dog Gatsby
Photo credit: Action Photo SA
We love Midmar Mile weekend! There are always new faces, happy vibes & an air of excitement around us. We can’t wait to have you join us for a great time at Piggly Wiggly.
Above our endless fun, local shopping & activities for the young and older - we have on this weekend:
- Kyle Matthews will be bringing some groovy music to your ears.
- Kean on Flowers will be bringing some beautiful flowers to feast your eyes on, and spoil your lover.
- And The Piggly Coffee Shop is baking fresh brownies for all the swimmers!
More about Piggly Wiggly in the KZN Midlands
A good bag is not only functional, but can also add some fantastic style to your every day look. Our bags are both durable and functional and are the perfect addition to any outfit. Get in contact with us to find out more or visit us in store today.
More about The Ugly Duckling
On 12 February 2022, Nadia Lewis (43), from Randburg, Johannesburg, (originally from Durban North) will take on the aQuellé Midmar Mile, swimming 1.6km to honour the memory of her son, Hanno, who passed away 8 years ago due to a rare form of cancer.
Hanno’s cancer journey
In June 2013, when Hanno was just 2-and-a-half years old, the happy and healthy boy, who was usually an endless ball of energy, struggled to make it up the driveway when playing with his dad, Tiaan (46), and developed a cough out of the blue that just wouldn’t go away.
Worried about their little boy’s health, Nadia and her husband booked the first available appointment at the paediatrician, who discovered that a mass was impacting
Hanno’s right lung and obstructing his air flow.
Whilst in surgery to remove the mass, the Lewis family learned the devastating news that their almost 3-year-old son had a very rare and aggressive soft tissue tumour called Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma.
Adding to their heartbreak, Nadia, who was 8-weeks pregnant at the time had found out days before that she had suffered a miscarriage.
Despite encountering serious complications during treatment, Hanno braved chemotherapy for 8 long months, and was due to start radiation, when his cancer metastasized to his brain.
“Hearing that our Hanno had terminal cancer shattered our hearts into a million pieces. We continued with his chemotherapy and radiation for a short while longer, until we decided to stop his treatments altogether, and focus on enjoying every moment we had left with our little man. It was the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make” – says Nadia
Surrounded by his parents, Hanno passed away on 19 July 2014, just three days before his 4th birthday; his little brother, Hugo was only 5 weeks old.
Finding purpose
In the year that Hanno passed away, Nadia began volunteering for Rainbows and Smiles, a non-profit organisation based in South Africa, which provides emotional, social and financial support to families and caregivers in need when a child of that family is diagnosed with a life threatening illness.
It is here where Nadia found her tribe, her ‘new normal’ and her purpose: ‘making a difference in the lives of these little humans fighting an unfair fight’
“When Bonni Suckling, the founder of Rainbows and Smiles, took me under her wing, I felt comfort in knowing I wasn’t alone. She understood the weight of the loss I had experienced, because her son Jed passed away from cancer, too. Her strength and the way she fights for the children we meet still moves me today” says Nadia.
Keeping Hanno’s memory alive
The Rainbows and Smiles team and their extraordinary volunteers participate in various fundraising events to support the organisation, which receives no government funding.
To keep Hanno’s memory alive, Team Rainbows, dedicates the Midmar Mile swim in particular to Hanno every year, as he had just learned to swim, 3 months before his untimely death.
What makes this year even more special is that ‘non-sporty’ Nadia will be an active participant in this year’s event, and not only cheering from the sidelines.
Admittedly a bit nervous for the swim, Nadia, is stepping out of her comfort zone to raise much needed funds for Rainbows and Smiles through crowdfunding on BackaBuddy.
Since the launch of the campaign, Nadia has exceeded her fundraising target of R12 000, raising over R26 000, which will support the organisation and the amazing work they do.
“Hanno was so young and resilient. Even through treatment he wouldn’t stop playing, running, and jumping. He was, and still is, such an inspiration to me. I can hear him in the back of my mind cheering us on. I want to make him, and his little brother Hugo proud” says Nadia
‘No one gets left behind’
Staying true to the Hawaiian word ‘Ohana’, which means ‘family’, and the Lilo & Stitch, manta ‘no one gets left behind’, Nadia will be joined by her Rainbows and Smiles collegues Bonni Suclkling, Zelda Wessels, Denise Towell and her close friend, Catherine Drysdale, as she braves her fear of ‘dark and murky waters’ for the first time.
The ladies, who have each played a role in Hanno’s life, and have provided tremendous emotional support to Nadia through her healing journey, will each wear a letter on their swimsuits, which together, will spell out ‘Hanno’.
Lilo & Stitch was Hanno and Jed's favourite movie, says Nadia.
“It is so special to have ‘Team Rainbows’ – my best friends – join me on this swim across a full dam. I know they have my back and I have so much love for them” – says Nadia
Support is always needed
Nadia hopes the public will join her, her team members, and the 14 champions swimming to raise funds for Rainbows and Smiles swimmers at the Midmar Mile this year, as the organisation is always in need of public support.
“As an organisation, we are thankful for every donation, big and small, that we receive. We meet so many people on a daily basis who are going through the most difficult time in their lives fighting cancer. If we can be there to lend a smile, a helping hand or a word of encouragement,we know it means the world to them”
“A few months ago a social worker put us in touch with a mother who was staying in the hospital ward with her very sick little girl. It was the middle of winter and she had no sandals on her feet, no toiletries, just the clothes on her back. As a small gesture, we bought her a few pairs of warm clothes and fluffy slippers, and she fell to the ground, thanking me. As I helped her to her feet, I was reminded of how important it is for us moms to look after each other. That moment will stay with me forever.” – says Nadia
Almost 1000 children are diagnosed with cancer in SA every year
The need for cancer awareness is more important now than ever, says Nadia.
“Experts say that around ⅔ of cancers remain unreported and untreated, because of the socio-economic challenges we face as a country, and the lack of awareness around early cancer detection, particularly in children. This means that many individuals don’t get the help they desperately need in time” – says Nadia
Meet ‘Team Rainbows’
Thus far, 14 champions have come on board to pledge their support for Rainbows and Smiles at the aQuellé Midmar Mile. Collectively, they have raised over R81 000 on BackaBuddy:
Raise funds for Rainbows and Smiles
Members of the public can participate in sporting events, pledge their birthdays or simply sign-up to raise funds for Rainbows and Smiles year-round, by setting up a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy here.
How Rainbows and Smiles uses donations:
• Distribution of grocery vouchers.
• Providing basic clothing needs.
• Craft days at the hospitals.
• Assistance with transport for patients and parents to and from hospital by providing funds.
• Assistance with medical expenses
• Psychosocial holistic care.
• Bead Bravery project and comfort room
• Basic medical equipment, like ports, port needles and PPE.
• Assistance basic sanitary ware like nappies, wipes and sanitary pads
• Toys and activity sets delivered on a regular basis.
• Paediatric oncology ward upliftment.
• Sponsorships of workshops where top Dr’s collaborate in the field of Paediatric Oncology.
• Awareness talks at schools and companies.
• Contributing to funerals arranged for the precious children who have passed away.
• Lastly, fuel to reach the hospitals and patients they support.
Pictured above top: Nadia holding Hanno who was learning to swim
Pictured above: Hanno holding his baby brother Hugo. 5 weeks later Hanno died.
News supplied.
Six African filmmakers will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop their fiction film story ideas and work-in-progress scripts in a three-month residency that includes attending film industry programmes in three countries in the 2022 edition of the Realness African Screenwriters’ Residency.
Now in its 7th year, the residency takes place from 3 August to 13 November, and is open to any African on the continent or living in the Diaspora.
This year’s exciting news is that the Realness Institute has partnered with the Locarno Filmmakers’ Academy (Switzerland) so that these filmmakers can attend the Locarno Film Festival, and the Academy’s creative incubation programme “BaseCamp”. In addition, one of the selected six will also attend the Academy, the festival’s industry development programme.
Following this, the cohort will spend 6 weeks at the tranquil and nurturing Nirox and Farmhouse 58 in The Cradle of Humankind, in South Africa, where they will be mentored by Story Consultants Selina Ukwuoma and Mmabatho Kau and Creative Producer, at Urucu Media, Cait Pansegrouw. Elias Ribeiro, Executive Director of the Realness Institute, will accompany the group to the Locarno Film Festival and Mehret Mandefro, Director of Development and Partnerships at the Realness Institute, will accompany the cohort to the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
From 7 to 13 November they will attend AFRIFF, in Lagos, Nigeria. Here they will have the chance to attend the festival to take meetings and present their projects to an audience of potential stakeholders. The Realness team will develop and present a two-day programme, dedicated to development, during AFRIFF’s Industry event.
Head of Locarno Filmmakers’ Academy and Project Manager for BaseCamp, Stefano Knuchel says, “After five years of an inspiring and fruitful collaboration between Realness and the Locarno Film Festival, by selecting every year one Realness talent for our prestigious Filmmakers Academy, we’re happy to deepen our exchanges by welcoming all the Realness participants in our new creative initiative called BaseCamp. The BaseCamp is a unique space in the context of film festivals, where 200 young talents from very different creative fields and from all over the world gather in a huge ex-military headquarters during the Locarno Film Festival to enjoy privileged access to the content of the Festival and also to create an utopian space, where they give shape to different forms of creations. An innovative concept that allows the experimentation of new languages and new hybrid forms of creation."
"Africa has been at the forefront of storytelling from the very beginning. We are passionate about telling our authentic stories. It is important to script our stories well for the global audience hence the partnership with the Realness Institute," says Chioma Ude, Founder and Executive Director of AFRIFF.
Finally, the most promising projects will be awarded participation in the prestigious La Fabrique des Cinémas du Monde in Cannes, receive an EAVE Producers’ Workshop partial Scholarship, invitation to TorinoFilmLab Meetings Event and Locarno Filmmakers Academy.
“We are thankful to our old partners and excited to welcome our new. Nigeria is an exciting market we have long been interested in entering so it’s wonderful that our writers will get a chance to showcase their projects at AFRIFF,” says Mehret Mandefro, Director of Development and Partnerships for the Realness Institute
Online submissions are now open for this intensive programme that is offered by the Realness Institute, the South African-based NPO that aims to develop African stories created by Africans for a global film market.
The programme is open to anyone who has a valid African passport. Full application criteria and how to apply can be found on the Realness Institute’s website: https://www.realness.institute/realness-residency
The highly regarded programme is presented in partnership with Urucu Media, Nirox Foundation, Farmhouse 58, AFRIFF, the French Institute of South Africa and Institute Français’ La Fabrique des Cinémas du Monde, TorinoFilmLab, Locarno Filmmakers’ Academy, Cocoon, CNC, EAVE, IFFR Pro, IEFTA , Berlinale Talents and Area51.
Deadline for submissions is 7 March 2022.
Follow Realness on Twitter @rlnsinstitute, Instagram realnessinstitute or Realness Institute on Facebook for up to date information.
Pictured here from top left clockwise:
Realness African Screenwriters’ Residency partners and mentors
Mmbatho Kau (mentor), Chioma Ude (AFRIFF), Mehret Mandefro (mentor), Stefano Knuchel (Locarno Filmmakers’ Academy/ BaseCamp), Cait Pansegrouw (mentor) and Elias Ribeiro (mentor).
About the Realness Institute
Our mission is to unearth the wealth of African stories – stories from the continent, told with an honest and unapologetic point of view by African filmmakers. Our first programme, the Realness Residency, which started in 2015, has gone on to launch 30 film projects across 16 African countries in only five years. The critical success of brave films such as The Wound, Rafiki, Akasha, I Am Not A Witch, Difret and This is Not a Burial It’s a Resurrection are a testament to the artistic and creative contribution that African filmmakers can make to the industry.
In 2019, we launched our second programme, Creative Producer Indaba. This ambitious initiative has been designed, in collaboration with international partners, to catalyse Producers across the continent, and in doing so help transform the landscape of African and international independent cinema by training them to become ecosystem builders.
In June 2020, we launched our third and fourth programmes, Episodic Lab and Development Executive Traineeship (DET).
Episodic Lab will focus on developing pitch documents with selected writers for series content of all genres. Six writers will spend three months in an online ‘writers room’. They will work with a script consultant and a creative producer to fully develop their story concepts into an episodic pitch. Along with creative training, writers will receive feedback from Netflix’s series development team and at the end of the lab, selected writers will have the opportunity to pitch to Netflix to have their series commissioned for production.
The Development Executive Traineeship is aimed at film professionals with an interest in being trained as story consultants or to gain insight into the story development process. These participants will work with writers and directors in the development of their stories with the aim of increasing the quality of work produced. The program will follow the schedule and structure of Episodic Lab and will be selecting six professionals to take the journey with us.
Our fifth programme, the inaugural Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy, in partnership with Locarno International Film Festival, is set to take place in September 2021. This Industry Academy is dedicated to the development of 10 to 12, young film professionals working in sales, traditional and online distribution, theatrical exhibition and programming for festivals, film clubs and archives. The aim is to enhance participants’ understanding of the challenges facing the film industry, at the same time allowing them to expand their personal network of contacts and develop their professional skill set.
Supplied.
The UCSI continues to quietly, but effectively, play a significant role in our community fight against crime. The support offered to Security companies, SAPS and Law Enforcement is critical in monitoring who is moving in and out of our areas. the UCSI has been able to assist SAPS and the community with valuable support and information.
UCSI Operational Stories
02 Jan: A stolen vehicle alerted in Merrivale. Thanks to KSS and Sompisi Protection for stopping and Howick SAPS for impounding the vehicle.
07 Jan: This is where we make use of our communication groups; A vehicle left a fuel station without paying; He was quickly found and returned to pay for his fuel.
10 Jan: Again our communication groups were made use of; A vehicle on fire on the N3 towards Pmb. Traffic authorities and Security groups coordinated traffic flow to keep all safe and get fire department to scene asap.
10 Jan: A stolen vehicle alerted in Hilton area. Vehicle followed and stopped in Howick, Well done Knight and Magma. Suspect apprehended and charged on Howick case for possession of stolen vehicle.
10 Jan: A report was received by Magma security in Karkloof about a vehicle suspected to be stealing timber. A search on camera showed that suspect vehicle entered the area but was not seen during time of suspected theft. However through some investigation and a bit of luck I managed to find the suspect vehicle. Karkloof security took over investigation as suspect is known.
15 Jan: Another suspicious vehicle in the Karkloof turned out to be someone taking their pet for a walk in an an-authorized area.
Please keep to authorized areas; a lot of time and some fuel was spent on this vehicle. Security companies are not there to harass you; They are looking out for you and their instruction will come from Landowners.
17 Jan: A stolen vehicle alerted in Merrivale area unfortunately was not found.
17 Jan: Another vehicle alerted in Merrivale; This vehicle was stopped in Boston by Boston SAPS
18 Jan: A stolen vehicle alerted in the Impendle area. Security companies, Magma, KSS and Ballid formed net around Dargle area. Unfortunately not found in the net work of roads in area.
25 Jan: A message was received that a domestic worker had been approached at her work residence. She sent suspect vehicle away. A good description of vehicle was given so I was able to identify and send photos to the relevant law enforcement for their information.
27 Jan: A suspect vehicle that was been investigated by Ballid security activated a camera in Merrivale Cedara area. A joint operation of Ballid and various security companies managed to apprehend suspects assisted by SAPS.
27 Jan: A stolen vehicle activated Camera in Howick. It was followed and stopped in Hilton by Security members. SAPS impounded while waiting for owner to be notified.
28 Jan: A hijacked vehicle from Amberfield triggered a response from all security companies and SAPS. I managed to find a photo of hijacked and a suspect vehicle. Information was shared to response groups and with joint intelligence and short chase through Hilton, Merrivale, Sweetwaters and Mpophomeni both vehicles were recovered. a short time later. Suspect vehicle impounded.
A great response from our Affiliated Security members who assist all Law Enforcement in responding to Your information shared by UCSI
Thank you to some of our sponsors:
Thank you to Stockowners office block, corner of Tweedie rd and N3 off ramp for the use of a safe and secure office to operate the management desk from. There are a couple of offices empty at moment, I would love some more Neighbors.
Fairfield Farm, Fairfield Dairy, Greendale Spar and "The Greater" Ambers for their funds contribution
If you are a donor to UCSI in any form and you do not receive an email direct from UCSI please contact me. I would love to hear from you and more importantly, say a personal Thank You. Details below.
Affiliated security companies
Knight Security Solutions (KSS), Ballid Security, Sompisi Protection Services and Magma Security.
If you would like your security company to to be affiliated please contact Deon, details below.
Affiliated community groups:
Hilton CPF & Community Security, HDLA, Midlands Safety & Security and Lions River Fire Protection.
If you would like your Community group to to be affiliated please contact Deon, details below.
How can you get involved?
The UCSI will not be sustainable without monthly community support from business entities, shopping centres, hospitals, schools, estates, security companies and private individuals. Please join the UCSI as a contributing member. There are still some critical gantries that need to be erected – primarily in the Merrivale and Mpophomeni areas. We are funded by the community for the community.
Contact Deon from the UCSI by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or whatsapp 063 068 9652 for more information on how to join and contribute. Private individuals from R50pm and business entities from R300pm. Affiliated members has access to ask for assistance in any reported crime involving a vehicle.
We will even use our contacts to assist with off camera incidents as well.
The UCSI is also able to issue Section 18A certificates for CAPEX and OPEX donations of any amount.
Stay safe – we got this!
Yours sincerely
Deon Tegg Operations Manager
The UCSI Board of Directors
Themba Ndulini (Chairperson), Krish Ramkuber and Terence James
Please follow us on https://www.facebook.com/Umngeni-Community-Safety-Initiative-UCSI-NPC-2254674914795820
More about UCSI
There are a lot of myths and mistruths about hearing aids - one of them being that hearing aids will make everything too loud.
While this was often true with analog hearing aids, with digital signal processing, hearing instruments can be tailored to meet your individual needs better than ever before!
If you’re in need of a hearing screening, a comprehensive hearing test or a new hearing aid, contact Butlin Hearing at one of our two branches located in Howick and Pietermaritzburg. Call Claire in the Howick office on 033 330 3966, or Mark in the Pietermaritzburg office on 033 342 2330 to find out how we can be of assistance to you.
Butlin Hearing - welcome to the world of sound!
'With our heads in the blue sky and our feet planted firmly on the ground, we’re changing the world without ever forgetting to be kids.
This is Our Generation.' ~ our generation
Now in stock at Nuts About Books & Toys in Howick, KZN Midlands you will find the OUR GENERATION dolls and of course... Scented Stationery, because everybody loves those gorgeous fragrances!
The 49th edition of the aQuellé Midmar Mile crowned two first-time champions on Sunday as Stephanie Houtman and Connor Buck emerged victorious in the elite races.
Just a week ago, Houtman wasn’t even planning to compete but made the last-minute decision to head to the famous KwaZulu-Natal dam for the event.
It was Tory Earle who took an early lead in the women’s race, reaching the 400m and halfway points in front. But Houtman steadily worked her way to the front by the 1200m mark and powered ahead to win in 19 minutes 37 seconds.
Finishing 13 seconds back was her TUKS training partner Samantha Randle, with 17-year-old Mykae Forrest hot on her heels in 19:51.
“It was a good race. I was actually really happy with it,” said an elated Houtman afterwards. “Towards the start it was very bundled, everyone was on top of each other and then towards the first buoy everyone started spreading out and I started finding my rhythm and I just went for it.
“A week ago I wasn’t actually going to come but then Wayne [Riddin] persuaded me to come and just to see what happened. So we decided to fly down yesterday and come and swim.”
The men’s race saw two-time defending champion Michael McGlynn taking an early lead before 19-year-old Connor Buck took control. Buck reached the 400m mark in front and simply extended his considerable lead from there.
By the time he reached the finish in 18:18, he was a remarkable one minute and 20 seconds in front of McGlynn who took second spot. 16-year-old Ross Paterson then just edged out Ross Hartigan for third spot in a frantic sprint for the line, finishing in 19:41.
“I didn’t expect that at all,” admitted Buck afterwards. “Obviously to take the win I knew I would have to build up a bit of a lead in the beginning. I had a good start, I knew I had a lead so I just didn’t look back. I had no idea the lead had built up to that much.
“If you told me 10 years ago when I did my first Midmar that one day I would be standing here as a champion, I definitely wouldn’t have believed you.”
McGlynn, who has recently recovered from Covid and a chest injury and wasn’t able to train as planned, was full of praise for Buck.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect,” he said. “I know what I can do when I’m in shape. Obviously I would have loved to win, but it’s the first time I’m not disappointed with second. I’m okay with that. Today second was the best that I could do so I’m happy… I got out in front in the beginning but Connor was just better prepared than me so well done to him.”
Earlier in the day, Kelly Wynne-Jones emerged as the surprise winner in the girls 13 and under category. Visiting from England, this was the teenager’s first time swimming the aQuellé Midmar Mile and she took wrong line, ending up on the bank well down from the official finish area. But she still had the time to head back in the right direction and crossed the finish in 24:21.
“I’ve never done it before so I wasn’t sure where to go,” she said afterwards. “I’ve also never really done a competition in a dam – I normally just do it in the pool but it was good. I liked it.”
Finishing as the top boy in the 13 and under category was Jedrick Geleta who stopped the clock at 21:23.
Meanwhile, Gary Albertyn was in impressive form in the men’s 51-60 race. Having completed the 16-mile charity challenge on Friday, Albertyn claimed victory in his age group in a time of 21:11, beating the 31 to 40s and 41 to 50s in the process.
“I was feeling it a bit this morning, but it went well. The water was nice and calm so I had to just put my head down and go,” said Albertyn, who has now completed a whopping 142 miles after all his charity swims. “When you get into the race adrenaline takes over and then you get going.”
On a day filled with impressive milestones, other notable performances came from Ingrid Trusler, who took the women’s 61 to 70 title in 24:44 and Derek Fyfe who, swimming his 30th aQuellé Midmar Mile, claimed the men’s 81 and over title in 35:27.
Gail Bristow, who finished third behind Trusler, completed her 48th consecutive Midmar Mile after having a knee replacement in December.
“Every year one’s just very grateful to be here in one piece,” she admitted. “It was a lovely race. Nice, flat water. I’ll come back next year hopefully a little bit fitter for the 50th anniversary. I had another knee replacement at Christmas so now I have all my bits in order and I’ll hopefully be fitter for next year.”
Photo credit for Stephanie Houtman above: Roxanne Martin
Photo credit for Gary Albertyn: @ActionPhotoSA
The total hasn’t been tallied up yet as donations are still flooding in before the March 31 cut-off, but already over R1.5 million has been raised by swimmers taking part in the 8 and 16-mile charity events at the aQuellé Midmar Mile.
Over 150 swimmers completed their two-day 8 and 16-mile challenges in perfect conditions on Friday before thousands of regular competitors converge on the famous KwaZulu-Natal dam over the weekend.
Among them was former African triathlon champion Dominique Donner, who celebrated her 50th birthday by completing her eighth 8-mile swim. The renowned swimming coach completed each of the eight miles swum by the Crawford North Coast schools relay team, which included her nine-year-old daughter, Rachael.
“It’s been fantastic. The spirit of the kids was amazing, they raised over R30,000 within 10 days. We’ve got until the 31 of March to perhaps get to R40,000,” said Donner.
“This is my eighth year of doing eight miles. I’m originally from Cape Town and back in the day we didn’t really travel to do the Midmar Mile although I regret that now because it would have been great to be here from the beginning. It’s an amazing event,” she added.
Also celebrating a memorable milestone was Janet Viedge who finished her 10th 8-mile swim, raising money for breast cancer charity Pink Drive.
Having started 10 years ago with three friends, Viedge explained: “We always said we’d do five, and then 10. Unfortunately due to various reasons they couldn’t carry on but I did so here I am.
“It’s been great. I wasn’t very fit this year so yesterday was a little bit tough but today was great – I loved it. Muscle memory is an amazing thing. The conditions were just great. It was flat and just really good.
“I enjoy raising the money – we do it as a group with a swimathon in Maritzburg which is very well-supported. So I enjoy that, I love the camaraderie and being at the dam with everybody so it’s been fantastic,” she added, after being handed a celebratory bottle of champagne.”
Joining the celebrations was fellow Pink Drive swimmer Rose Chite, who completed her fifth 8-mile challenge.
“It takes a bit of craziness to bring you back but the camaraderie brings us forward, makes us do what we do and it’s for the greater cause so I’m very happy doing it and I’ll do it again,” said Chite.
“When it comes to the second day you really have to dig into yourself to get it done but we’re here now, we’ve done it and I think I’m proud of myself.”
Race director Wayne Riddin commented: “We’re very happy. The big focus for these two days has been the charity fundraising… They’ve gone over 1.5 million all together so it’s very encouraging for the first year coming out of Covid.
“The team spirit showed here when Janet Viedge finished her 10th year of doing eight miles and raising funds for charity is what it’s all about… It’s about completing the 8 or 16 miles and we’ve very happy that the weather played its part. That’s made a big difference,” added Riddin, also making special mention of Jo-Anne Barnard who has raised over R60,000 for CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation and Georgie Butcher who has brought in over R50,000 for Save the Rhino.
A total of 15 swimmers completed the gruelling 16-mile event, with Reino von Wielligh completing the challenge in the shortest combined time of 6 hours 9 minutes 50.
Matt Pelser was quickest of the 8-mile swimmers in 3:10.35 with 15-year-old Emily Martens finishing quickest of the women in an impressive time of 3:16.40. All three will be back to will contest the elite races on Sunday.
aQuellé Midmar Mile action continues on Saturday with the disabled swimmers setting off at 8am before the standard entry swims with a rolling start begin at 9am.
Those still planning to enter can do so at the dam on the day. Log on to www.midmarmile.co.za for all the details.
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Over 150 intrepid swimmers took on the gruelling 8 and 16-mile charity challenges at the aQuellé Midmar Mile on Thursday.
While the majority of them, including the school teams taking part, will complete the challenge on Friday, the trio of Terry Heller, Ryan Redman and Ross Duncan achieved the incredible feat of swimming 16 miles on just one day.
Meanwhile, looking forward to finishing his 16 miles on Friday is Reino von Wielligh, who will then go on to be one of the main contenders in the men’s elite race on Sunday. Von Wielligh, who is seeded third for the race, was not always a fan of open water swimmer.
“My first open water swim was at another event at Midmar dam, and I was so scared that my dad, who does not swim at all, had to enter and swim the first 200m with me. When he got out, so did I and I never completed my first race,” admitted the Pretoria swimmer.
“Then a few years later, I think I was 11 years old, I had overcome my fear of swimming in a dam and I completed my first Midmar Mile. Since then, I have never missed a year and this is my 18th consecutive Midmar Mile as well as my fifth 16 mile charity swim.”
Speaking about the main race on Sunday, Von Wielligh added: “I have put in the work at training with my TUKS distance teammates and listened to my coach [Rocco Meiring], thus I am confident that I can give it my all and provide great competition to my opponents.
“If I go off last year’s race some of the main competition would be Michael McGlynn and Connor Buck, as well as some of my fellow TUKS teammates Connor Albertyn, Matthew Randle and Richardt Beineke to name a few.”
19-year-old Buck finished third in last year’s race and is also eager to put his hard training to the test.
“With regards to my training, everything has been going as planned over the last few months and I am feeling good heading into this year’s Midmar Mile,” said Buck.
“Over the last few years at Midmar I have always been able to improve on the previous year’s performance. Last year I had a great race and finished third so I would be delighted if I could improve on that swim.”
Buck also pointed to several of his training partners as well as two-time defending champion Michael McGlynn as the men to look out for on Sunday.
“The Midmar Mile is a very high-intensity race from start to finish and it usually comes down to the wire so I don’t think I could narrow down my main competition to just one or two people,” he said.
“With Midmar being such a fast-paced race, I think it’s very important to get a decent start and to stay in contention with the main pack in order to give yourself the best chance possible.”
As for what has been bringing him back every year since the age of 10, when he crossed the dam for the first time, Buck added: “The fact that there are so many competitors that take part in the race creates an extraordinary competitive atmosphere, especially on the start line when everyone is tense. The race also has enormous prestige, being one of the most well-known open water swims in the world.”
Those still planning to take part in the aQuellé Midmar Mile this weekend can enter at the dam itself. For all the necessary information, head to www.midmarmile.co.za.
Pictured above: Connor Buck
Pictured below: Reino von Wielligh
Photo credit: @ActionPhotoSA
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Both Tory Earle and Samantha Randle have edged closer to taking the aQuellé Midmar Mile title in recent years, so both will be eager to go one step further in the women’s elite race on Sunday.
Earle finished second to Olympian Michelle Weber in the 2021 event and has switched up her training since moving from Durban to Pretoria where she’s studying chemical engineering.
“This year my training has been a little different because I recently moved to TUKS and have been training under Rocco Meiring and Pieter Louw. I am excited to see how it feels to race after training at altitude,” said the 19-year-old.
Randle, who finished second in 2020 behind Robyn Kinghorn, has also been training hard for the upcoming race.
“We’ve been in heavy training at the moment and I’ve been doing lots of distance training, so I’m looking forward to see what I can do at this year’s Midmar,” she said.
While Weber won’t be contesting the race this year, 2020 champion Kinghorn will be in the women’s field along with Carli Antonopoulos, who powered to third place in last year’s race.
Earle admitted: “To be honest I don’t actually know who will be there but everyone in the elite race is strong competition. You can never underestimate anyone. All I can do is concentrate on my own swim.
“Open water is so unpredictable. I always go into a race just wanting to improve and to have a good swim. So that is what I hope for this weekend.”
Randle added: “I’m always just hoping for the best and there’s a lot of good competition participating so it will be interesting to see how we all swim the race… I like to just try and follow my own line and focus on my own race.”
This is the fourth time Randle is competing at the aQuellé Midmar Mile, and explaining what brought her back, the 23-year-old said: “It is always run so spectacularly by everyone involved and is one of the largest open water events and you can see why. It’s a beautiful location and a lovely dam to swim in and me, my family and friends always have such a fun time participating.”
Earle agreed: “I am so thankful for what an amazing job [Race Director] Wayne [Riddin] and his team do in organising Midmar. It hasn’t been easy to race in the last couple of years and I am grateful that Wayne is always looking after the open water swimmers.”
Meanwhile, in the Girls 13 and under category, Amelia Vincent from Eunice High School in Bloemfontein, goes into the event as the top-ranked swimmer while Durban Girls High School’s Jenna-Mae Lally is ranked second.
At the other end of the age spectrum, 80-year-old Beth Lordan is seeded sixth in the 71 and over category and will be looking to complete her 23rd aQuellé Midmar Mile while 62-year-old Gail Bristow is back to swim for an incredible 48th time. The Cape Town swimmer has completed every edition of the race, however the first one was done unofficially as there were no women included in the event at that time.
Those swimmers still planning to enter the aQuellé Midmar Mile this weekends can do so at the dam on the day. For more information, head to www.midmarmile.co.za.
Pictured above: Samantha Randle
Pictured below: Tory Earle
Photo credit: @ActionPhotoSA
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Two-time defending aQuellé Midmar Mile champion Michael McGlynn has confirmed he will be gunning for a third straight title this weekend.
McGlynn powered to a second consecutive title in 2021 before qualifying for the Olympic Games and finishing an impressive eighth in the 10km open water event in Tokyo.
This year hasn’t quite gone according to plan, but the Durban swimmer is still determined to put in a good showing in the men’s elite race.
“I started the new year with Covid and a chest injury, so my training hasn't been great,” he admitted. “But I would like to try and defend again because I really love this race and it's so exciting.”
McGlynn will be up against a men’s field that includes the likes of 19-year-old Connor Buck, who finished third in 2021, and TUKS swimmer Reino von Wielligh, seeded third for this race.
“I just want to focus on myself, but I believe there are people out there training hard,” said the 22-year-old.
McGlynn’s title last year was won in smooth conditions while 2020’s race was contested in much choppier water. He reckons he doesn’t mind either way for this year’s event.
“Whatever happens, happens. I don't really know which I prefer because I like flat water, but choppy conditions suit me as well,” he said.
McGlynn added that he learned a lot from his trip to compete in Tokyo, and while he hasn’t decided what comes next this year after the aQuellé Midmar Mile, he’s eager to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
“After competing at the Olympics, it’s definitely opened my eyes and helped me to see what's out there. After placing eighth in the 10km marathon swim, the best finish for a South African, I started to believe in my abilities more.”
Those abilities will surely be on display this Sunday, 13 February, when the men’s elite race gets under way at 12:15pm, with the elite women’s race scheduled just before that at 11:30am.
For those still planning to enter the aQuellé Midmar Mile, more details and information are available on www.midmarmile.co.za
Photo credit: @ActionPhotoSA
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Our nesting Grebes are still on the nest but the Lesser Moorhen eggs have hatched and have two or three chicks, still need to confirm. They are about 4 days old. Come and see them at the Wattled Crane hide and let us know how many chicks you can spot! It not very often one gets to see a Lesser Moorhen, let alone one with chicks.
More about Karkloof Conservancy
A great amount of interest has been shown in our “Host for Hospice” High Tea Ladies Trips which is to be held on Saturday, 26 February. To date we have had a good number of teams enter but would appreciate Participation of Corporate Teams. Local businesses are invited to enter. See details below for contact details.
On Sunday, 13 February, Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club will be hosting the NIBA Ladies Trips, plus One Section of the Men’s Trips. We look forward to welcoming these players to our club. Play will commence at 08h30.
RESULTS
The Greendale SuperSpar trips had to be abandoned due to the unrelenting rain. The refreshments provided by Greendale SuperSpar were enjoyed by the members who enjoyed a social time at the club. The competition has been postponed and will be played on Saturday, 12 February.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY
Wednesday, 09 February: Drawn Trips Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick. Tabs in by 13h15. Dress: Casual
Saturday, 12 February: Tabs in Competition sponsored by Greendale SuperSpar Tabs in by 13h15, Dress: Whites or Club colours.
Sunday, 13 February: NIBA Trips all day.
Tuesday, 15 February: Drawn 2-4-2 Competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith. Start time 08h30. Please be at the club by 08h15. Entries to be in by Saturday, 12 Feb. Dress Casual.
Friday, 25 February: Nominated Trips sponsored by Woodstone Craft Cafe. Start time 09h00. Please be at the club 15 minutes before start of play. Entries before Thursday, 24 Feb.
Saturday, 26 February. ‘Host for Hospice’ Event. Ladies Trips starting at 11h00. Entry fee includes High Tea. Wonderful prizes to be won. Enter your team asap by contacting Lisa on 084 586 6984.
We thank all our sponsors for their continued support. This is really appreciated.
All registered players are welcome to participate on tabs in days and in all our sponsored competitions.
Coaching by registered coaches will recommence this week. Phone/Whatsapp 071 164 3162
More about Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club