Lara Van Lelyveld (37) originally from Howick, Pietermaritzburg, (Now living in Gardens, Cape Town), had just landed her dream job as Head of English at Curro, Century City, when the breathing problems she had been experiencing became very serious.

What started as shortness of breath, turned out to be something far worse.

In November 2020, Lara was diagnosed with Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis, a rare, life-threatening illness that causes the narrowing of a patient’s trachea, as well as inflammation and the development of tissue in the throat area.

Lara, who friends and loved ones describe as ‘bubbly and colourful’, had now gone from living an adventurous life, to losing a big part of herself; her voice and her cheerful laugh.

Since her diagnosis, Lara has been in and out of hospital countless times, to stop her throat from closing. As the cause of her condition is unknown, doctors are doing all they can to give Lara her life back.

Lara’s medical journey

In November 2021, Lara received an endoscopic dilation of the tracheal stenosis, which showed promise, but unfortunately the results were short lived and the scar tissue grew back even more aggressively months later.

In April 2021, Lara was surgically fitted with a stent, which unfortunately failed as the scar tissue began to engulf it.

In May 2021, Lara had a tracheostomy inserted to help her breathing, as doctors continue to investigate the best course of treatment for Lara.
Currently, under the expert care of Professor Lubbe, Lara’s trachea continues to close. At it’s most narrow, her trachea was a scant 1mm wide, while a healthy trachea should be between 1,5 cm to 2 cm wide. At this stage, it takes about 4 weeks for the trachea to narrow to a diameter of 3mm.

With every procedure Lara has had, the scar tissue grows back quicker and quicker, causing Lara severe discomfort and stress.

‘My dreams are indefinitely on hold’
After a 4-hour-long operation, Lara was fitted with a T shaped trach tube on 2 August 2021, which unfortunately didn't work as she was unable to breathe. She has now been given several steroid injections in her throat tissue to see if this will stop her tissue from growing. She will then receive an iron infusion as she has become anemic.

Apart from the physical pain of her procedures, and the emotional toll it has had on her, Lara has also given up a lot of life’s simple pleasures.

While she has her tracheostomy, she will not be able to swim again in fear of drowning. The chances of her returning to the classroom, the job she loves, are also very slim.

“Truth be told, I’m terrified. I can’t plan my future and so many of my dreams are indefinitely on hold. This disease has brought me to my knees. Each day is a struggle.” – says Lara

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htctMZ0DxEw&feature=emb_logo

Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
In addition to the above, Lara is also facing a tremendous financial burden, as her medical aid only covers her hospital stays, but not her specialised procedures or medications.

To assist Lara with her medical bills, her loved ones have launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, that has thus far raised almost R40 000 towards their fundraising target of R50 000, to support lovely Lara on her road to recovery.

Support Lara’s Recovery by donating here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/lara-van-lelyveld

Alternatively, donate Snapscan:
https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/Lara-van-lelyveld

For more information, please contact Zane Groenewald- 082 602 0735 - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ahead of World Ranger Day on Saturday 31July 2021 Somkhanda Community Game Reserve rangers are joining more than 150 ranger teams across Africa are gearing up for the 2021 Wildlife Ranger Challenge, a multi-million-dollar fundraising initiative culminating on 18 September and supporting thousands of the men and women on the frontline of Africa’s protected areas.

Africa’s rangers are stretched to capacity and continue to see drastic cuts in resources and an increase in poaching due to the devastating economic impact of Covid-19. The Wildlife Ranger Challenge, a 21km race across the varied and challenging terrain of Africa’s Protected Areas, will support rangers to safeguard the continent’s iconic wildlife for years to come. View the campaign film.

Find out more, donate to the cause and sign up to run in solidarity with our rangers on 18 September 2021 at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/somkhanda-game-reserve-wildlands-2021

A new survey, conducted by Tusk and NATURAL STATE with 60 field conservation organisations across 19 African countries, found that Wildlife Rangers see no relief in sight, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact Africa’s communities and wildlife. The pressures on Africa’s protected areas threaten to compromise decades of development and conservation success through:

(1) A continental-wide collapse of wildlife tourism. The Covid-19 crisis has eliminated essential funding for wildlife protection that comes from tourism .
Frankfurt Zoological Society, North Luangwa, Zambia: “The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt in Nsumbu, particularly through the continued loss of tourism and the income derived which both directly and indirectly support rangers. This reduced tourism has impacted jobs and related livelihoods and provided a challenge in linking the value of nature with the value to human life.”
Rhino Ark, Aberdares National Park, Kenya: “Tourist revenue for the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has dropped by 96%, triggering budget cuts to government [wildlife and] forest security programmes.”

(2) A rise in poaching. The economic stresses of Covid-19 on communities, and reduced ranger presence, has resulted in an increase in poaching, but the threat is expected to increase further with ranger capacity remaining low and as international borders open.

Conservation & Wildlife Fund, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe: “Once lockdown restrictions started easing, poachers leapt back into action - the number of traps and snares recovered increased by 8,000% between May and July 2020.”

Sergeant Nyaradzo Hoto, International Anti-Poaching Foundation, Zimbabwe; “COVID-19 has presented unique challenges to our Akashinga Program. The pandemic has significantly impacted and continues to impact, our anti-poaching operations. There has been an alarming spike in the rate of ivory-related arrests made by our team over the last year. The poachers will not rest despite the pandemic so it is up to us to maintain operations. This is proving a challenge, but one we’re resolving well as a team. We stand strong in our commitment to patrol the vast wilderness areas we are entrusted with and protect those that can’t fend for themselves against poachers.”

Edwin Kinyanjui, Senior Wildlife Community Officer, Mount Kenya Trust, Kenya; “In the past year, rangers have had to be more vigilant than ever and enhance surveillance while repeatedly putting their lives on the line. Illegal activity due to widespread loss of income is on the rise and while combating this activity, rangers are at risk of contracting COVID-19. Poaching methods are also increasingly becoming sophisticated and the justice system overstretched. We keep going because we understand that what we are fighting for is bigger than us.”

THE CHALLENGE
Launching today, ahead of World Ranger Day on 31 July, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge will bring together more than 150 ranger teams, across 20 African countries to participate in a series of mental and physical challenges, culminating in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge 21km half marathon on 18 September. The challenge brings rangers’ vital work to the fore and provides a platform for their organizations to generate crucial funding.

A global campaign #ForWildlifeRangers will use the power of ranger voices, influencers and celebrities to issue a call to arms to the public to support Africa’s rangers by donating to the Ranger Fund or by taking part in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge in solidarity, wherever they are in the world. Today, Bear Grylls kicks off the public challenge with a film describing the need for urgent action. Throughout August, celebrities will encourage the public to ‘Train Like A Ranger’ with three weeks of mental and physical challenges. The Greatest Marathon Runner of All Time had these words of support for all those taking part in the challenge:

Eliud Kipchoge, World Marathon Record Holder; “As I head to the Tokyo Olympics, I wish all the wildlife rangers across Africa the best of luck as they come together for the 2021 Wildlife Ranger Challenge. Together with the organisers Tusk and Natural State, we believe wildlife rangers are critical to a strong and sustainable future for wildlife and communities. I look forward to being back in a few weeks to support and participate in the challenge together with my Lewa brothers. Good Luck and remember, No Human is Limited.”

THE RANGER FUND
Funds raised will cover the operating costs for at least 5,000 rangers, enabling them to provide for their families, protect communities and wildlife in some of the continent’s most vulnerable areas. Tusk, NATURAL STATE, Game Rangers Association of Africa, The Thin Green Line, For Rangers, and the International Ranger Federation have partnered with 60 conservation areas to launch the pan-African challenge. The Scheinberg Relief Fund, the Challenge’s founding donor, has generously committed another $1.35m of matching funds in support of rangers, on top of the $5m provided in 2020, with the goal of raising a total of $5m in 2021. In addition, for a second consecutive year, EJF Philanthropies contributed at Elephant Platinum Sponsorship level of $100,000.

WILDLIFE RANGER CHALLENGE 2020
In 2020, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge was mobilised to tackle the crisis. $10m was raised to support over 9,000 rangers who collectively work to protect more than 4,000,000 km2 of conservation areas across Africa providing salaries, equipment and operating costs.

Kissama Foundation, Angola states; “If it wasn't for the WRC, we wouldn't have been able to cover the salaries of most of the ranger force due to serious funding cuts related to the pandemic. The effort of many years could have been lost.”

Honeyguide Foundation, Tanzania states; “Covid struck and with it brought uncertainty and the risk of losing more than just our goals, but everything that has been invested in over the past four years. The Wildlife Ranger Challenge restored hope and helped the rangers to realize that they were not alone; that their fellow rangers throughout Africa were all experiencing the challenges.”

#ForWildlifeRangers • WildlifeRangerChallenge.org

A ranger’s job is diverse. Here they are fixing the water pump which pumps water to the Gumbi Community. Pictured (L-R) Sibusiso Mathe and Mike Gumbi.

News supplied.

The last few weeks of turmoil, exacerbated by the global pandemic, have challenged South Africa's resolve but SPAR and the communities they serve remain resolute in their aim to make a difference in the lives of others.

The pain and the strife have been amplified by COVID-19 and the measures to curb the spread of the disease against the backdrop of a bitterly cold winter.

SPAR is committed to doing good in the communities it serves, whether contributing on a grand scale or through small tokens to show they care.

This is highlighted by several initiatives by SPAR retailers, ambassadors and the group as a whole to help communities in need.

"On our own, the challenges we face may seem insurmountable, but as a community we can solve the problems together and contribute to a prosperous future," said Brett Botten, CEO SPAR Group. "We are living in unprecedented times. People talk of the new normal but what we are experiencing is far removed from normality. No matter the circumstances, if there is one truth we have learned through all of this, it is that we are better together."

Chief among the initiatives is the #Takeabreak campaign, which is aimed at COVID-19 frontline healthcare workers. The impact of the pandemic is nowhere felt more than among the frontline workers. Frontline workers are under immense pressure working longer hours and double shifts without pause.

In the hope of providing some solace, SPAR will provide 10 000 frontline workers with vouchers to the value of R50 each, which they can use for a 10-minute break with a cup of coffee, chocolate or a piece of cake from any SPAR store.

SPAR has reached out to major private hospital groups, government hospitals and emergency services in Gauteng that will receive #Takeabreak vouchers.

Raising awareness of gender-based violence in South Africa, SPAR Women's Virtual Challenge ambassador Leilani Kuter walked 67 kilometres for Nelson Mandela Day.

Other South African women can also play their part by merely entering the 2021 SPAR Women's Virtual Challenge. For every entry, a pack of sanitary pads will be donated to help keep a girl in school through the SPAR Petals Project. The Petals Projects advocates for a shame-free education for all young women.

The theme for this year's SPAR Women's Virtual Challenge aims to encourage not only women but South Africans in general to #LiveLimitless. SPAR hopes to encourage communities to reach out to each other and those in need, and in the process, help each other to live without limits.

This year you will again be able to not only create your own race number online, but you can also create your own certificate of completion – check out sparvirtualchallenge.co.za and follow the few easy steps.
Entrants residing outside South Africa will unfortunately not be able to receive a virtual challenge pack due to postal restrictions and courier fees. Your entry fee will still contribute to the donation of a pack of sanitary products for a schoolgirl in need.

For more information on the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, please see our FAQ section here: https://sparvirtualchallenge.co.za/faq/

Announcement video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I691zBf1Mag

At nearly ninety, retired nature writer Hattie Bloom prefers the company of birds to people, but when a fall lands her in a nursing home she struggles to cope with the loss of independence and privacy. From the confines of her 'room with a view' - of the car park! - she dreams of escape.

Full of wisdom and warmth, The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home is a gorgeously poignant, hilarious story showing that it is never too late to laugh - or to love.

Get your copy of this novel by Joanna Nell from Nuts About Books and Toys in Mare Street.

As part of its aim to grow and nurture young talent, Sofnfree announced an exciting Youth Month initiative where one talented and aspiring TV presenter, videographer and journalist could bag a backstage pass to the South African Music Awards (SAMAs). Sofnfree is also this year’s sponsor of the SAMAs Female Artist of the Year Category.

The leading haircare brand has announced that the winner is Yolanda Buthelezi, 25, from KwaZulu-Natal, who will get the opportunity to meet, interact and interview the nominees and winners while building her media resume.

“The Sofnfree brand champions the freedom of self-expression, and through this Youth Day initiative, wants to empower an aspiring young person in the arts industry, giving them the tools and confidence to express themselves,” says the Sofnfree brand team.

“Our youth holds the key to the exceptional entertainment industry in the future, and the brand team is delighted to provide one young, aspiring person a chance to fulfil their dreams, and maybe even walk their own red carpet one day.”

About Yolanda

The talented presenter was born and raised in Ulundi and is an ambitious final year BCom Marketing student. She is passionate about modelling, TV presenting, and emceeing. She has been a guest presenter on SABC1 lifestyle show, HotSpot Seli and presented for Soweto TV.

“TV presenting is something I want to get into because I love telling people’s stories,” says Yolanda. “I love learning what motivates people, and I’m always inspired by people who go for their dreams, want to do better and never give up – whether it’s selling fruit on the side of the road or making big business moves.”

Yolanda’s favourite TV personality is Bonang, and as a child, she loved Zola 7. “Growing up, I idolised Zola for being able to change lives, and at the time, every girl wanted to have the class and tenacity of Bonang. I also look up to women like DJ Zinhle who are chasing the bag from all angles,” says Yolanda.

How to follow the SAMAs

The SAMAs, now in its 27th year, received more than 1 100 entries for 2021, a record in its history, and five nominees in the Female Artist Award category have been announced. These are Sho Madjozi, Reign Afrika, Bucy Radebe, Nomcebo Zikode and Hle. Previous winners in the category include Zahara, Shekhinah, Zonke, Ami Faku, Sho Madjozi and Amanda Black.

This year the award ceremony takes place virtually and will be broadcast on 31ST July 2021 on SABC1. For more information and to follow the conversation, head to the SAMA Facebook and Instagram pages.

IF your business has been affected by the rioting last week, SEDA may be able to offer some help, as confirmed by our Women in Business CEO, Ali Engelbrecht.

SEDA can be contacted via WhatsApp in this regard on 081 715 9474. Supply the following information in your WhatsApp; Full Name | Name of business | What you sell | Address | What happened | What you need | Pictures if any.

May your heart not be hardened

May your fists remain unclenched

May your mind not seek to hate

May your compassion remain intact

May your eyes find light

in a place full of darkness

May good always conquer evil

For what is broken can be mended

What is lost can be rebuilt

May the foundations be of

Love Grace and Mercy

To build the peace we seek

So

Instead of building fences

May they new bridges be

I know your heart is hurting

I know your eyes have set tears free

Emotions flying very high

You are allowed to feel

But

I will not lose my humanity

I will not give away my peace

For if I keep my chin up

My eyes fixed on hope instead

They didn't loot my spirit

They didn't burn my peace

My soul is still well,

My heart still beating strong

Then we have conquered darkness,

Which means, my friends

We won

RUBY RISING

Ruby Rising is an expression of women finding their place in this world and owning their space. As "Rubies" are precious jewels so are women in their contribution to their families, society and the world at large. May they rise to meet their challenges.

Love Howick is coordinating a joint operation to restore our local businesses back to normality ASAP. Our first cleanup to deal with the immediate mess was incredible with much support from the generously Howick community.

We are now requesting businesses to let us know of specific needs they have and where they need assistance to get their businesses up and running again to please complete the following form:

https://forms.gle/NcA3jtg4Kt1U4FBg6

Lets help our business recover, we can Rebuild Howick!

Many bowlers must have breathed a sigh of relief when Covid19 Levels dropped back to Level 3 allowing all formats of bowls. This in turn allows clubs to, once more, hold sponsored competitions.

The club’s Men’s and Ladies’ singles finals were played on Saturday with Ed Speed beating Colin Burden by a narrow margin. Lisa Nagel played Jo Boonzaier with Lisa coming out as the winner.

Picture here Singles Finalists: Colin Burden & Ed Speed (above) ; Jo Boonzaier & Lisa Nagel (below).

FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR AUGUST
Saturday, 07 August: League Match Away to Hilton
Wednesday, 11 August at 13h30: Halfway Toyota tabs in sponsored competition.
Saturday, 14 August at 13h30: Greendale Superspar tabs in sponsored competition
Tuesday, 17 August at 09h00: J Leslie Smith sponsored 2-4-2 competition. Pre-entry required.
Friday, 27 August at 09h00: Woodstone Craft Café 2 Bowls trips. Pre-entry required as per usual.

GENERAL
Regular play will continue as per usual. Tuesday and Wednesday (Dress Casual) and Saturday (Dress Whites) play commences at 13h30. Please be at the club by 13h15 at the latest. Play on Tuesdays commences at 09h00. Please be at the club by 08h45 at the latest.
Members are reminded to please check the club’s notice boards for details regarding internal and external competitions including NIBA comps.

More about Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club

Our Africa, Our Ocean, Our Future.

In the first-ever virtual event of its kind on the continent, a youth driven marine group called Youth4MPAs in partnership with WILDOCEANS, and supported by World Surf League PURE, The Pew Charitable Trusts and Oceans5 has launched an African Youth Summit focusing on unifying youth across Africa, engaging with global marine experts and amplifying their young voices to advocate for protection of its oceans.

Watch the official video launch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9omR2omE00Q

Established in 2018, Youth4MPAs has been instrumental in growing a voice of change for South African oceans and its protection. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are critical because they are able to defend the oceans capacity to produce oxygen, sequester carbon and provide food and livelihoods for billions of people. They are also important for the future because they can protect depleted, threatened, rare, and endangered species. In addition, MPAs generate economic benefits such as revenue from nature tourism and ecosystem services, making nature another economic sector in its own right.

South Africa has already protected 5,4% of its waters. The National Plan committed to protecting 10% by 2020 which has not been achieved yet, with hopes for this milestone in 2021. This will go a long way in contributing to the global ocean target of protecting 30% of our oceans by 2030 (30X30). Scientific research indicates that the effective protection of at least 30% of the global ocean is needed to reverse adverse impacts, preserve fish populations, increase resilience to climate change, and sustain long-term ocean health. Protecting at least 30% of the global ocean is the minimum to maintain a healthy and sustainably managed ocean and achieve socioeconomic goals.

The African Youth Summit, is set for 19-20 August 2021 and is primarily aimed at building ownership and stewardship by the youth (for the youth), of the global 30 x 30 initiative.

“We are deeply rooted in empowering and educating rural and urban youth communities, providing them with the necessary tools and voices to support and action blue solutions around Africa’s vast coastline” says AYS Co-ordinator, Kajal Lechman.

This Summit will provide a platform for inter-disciplinary and intergenerational interactions and engagements that will help build capacity to further engage in the 30 x 30 message, not only within our circles, but on international platforms, and with key decision makers. Leading marine scientists, Dr Jean Harris, Prof Moenieba Isaacs, Karen Sack, Dr Jennifer O'Leary, Prof Rashid Sumaila and Prof Mandy Lombard will be among the keynote speakers to join and provide vital insight and experience to the conversations during the event.

“The summit reinforces the importance of ensuring the active participation of youth leaders as we collectively work to conserve our blue planet,” said Masha Kalinina, senior officer for The Pew Charitable Trusts. “Today, more than 80 countries have joined the call to action to protect at least 30% of our global ocean by 2030. The support of individuals and networks of African Youth means that their voice can build on this momentum to secure a robust agreement for the high seas and to set targets to conserve our marine environment over the next decade.”

The Summit is particularly important in that it will build and expand new and already existing networks and relationships across Africa and remain a legacy for future generations of ocean advocates. It will also promote unity and patriotism among Africa’s youth that will greatly assist in the development of meaningful conversations with local communities, to build mutually beneficial relationships between marine ecosystems, Africa and her people.

Themes of the Summit will focus on the following:
• Deciphering the science behind 30X30 to help youth improve on their knowledge and facilitation of meaningful discussions.
• Reconnecting humans to nature by building stewardship and ownership of the global ocean conservation agenda.
• Creating a unified voice for African youth by building strong relationships and networks.
• Becoming ambassadors of change by connecting African youth to the ocean through education.
• Giving African youth a space to create a call to action for world leaders in preparation for upcoming events like COP15 and the IUCN Congress.

“As an active youth movement, with the vision of generating youth voices that educate and create awareness about ocean health, protection, and sustainability - we are inspired to forge an African network of young people that take charge in shaping the future of our oceans.” said Merrisa Naidoo, Youth4MPAs spokesperson.
WILDOCEANS Project Manager, Rachel Kramer, also added that: “Young people represent the largest population group on the African continent. The youth have the potential to become a formidable force if they are equipped with the tools to engage in the ocean conservation conversation. We believe that engaging youth fulfils their right to participation and ensures the continued survival of Africa’s magnificent marine biodiversity and the ecosystem services the ocean provides. This is the ocean they will ultimately inherit – we all need to do our part in better-protecting it.”

Join us in building an environmentally active and conscious youth movement across the African continent.

For Our Africa, Our Ocean, Our Future. Because We Are One Ocean!

Take the first step for Ocean Protection by joining us on the 19-20 August 2021.

Register here: https://africanyouthsummit.com/

Follow us on social media here:
• Official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9omR2omE00Q
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanYouthSummit/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africanyouthsummit/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AY_Summit

News supplied.

The children from Heritage House Preschool took up the challenge to donate food and bedding to our local SPCA, with great enthusiasm! Quote as said by the uMngeni SPCA on their Facebook page "The cutest SPCA supporter award goes to Heritage House Preschool for your kindness and donations!"

More about Heritage House Preschool.

'As I drove around Howick this morning, I saw piles of ashes where roadblocks used to be, on the streets after burnt tires and on the rubble of shops burnt. This poem formed in my mind:

The ashes will sing...

The ashes will sing songs for what was the shop that hired a man that raised a family,

The ashes will sing songs of those that became the human shield for livelihoods threatened.

The ashes will sing songs about ages of anger, hunger and more anger.

The ashes will sing about lost family nights around the fire.

The ashes will sing about the elephants that fought and made the grass suffer.

The ashes will sing a song for those that lit the candles and pushed back the darkness.

Because only ashes remain after the fury of hate burns...'

Makhubalo The Storyteller

Dear KSS Clients and community

This Newsletter comes from a place of HUGE gratitude to our staff, our community and all security services who have worked together tirelessly over the past 9 days.

Also, thank you for the prayers and kind messages of support for Gary while he has been incapacitated with his broken leg and recovering in hospital with covid.

KSS has amazing Management Team who are all able to deal with any community requests – such as additional Security Guards, CCTV camera installations, CCTV camera repairs, alarm installations, quotes, risk assessments etc... Please may we request that you contact Renee, Sashen and Pat for anything that you may need. Here are their contact details:

Renee: 063 292 1240
Sashen: 083 612 0603
Pat: 082 613 2995

As a KSS Management Team we would also like to acknowledge our staff – our entire staff – who have all pulled together. We are so grateful to each and every single one of them. We would also like to highlight the commitment made to our clients and community by some of our staff.

Our KSS staff commitment – a brief insight into some of the stories.
• Dan, a Response Officer, who pulled a double shift with sore ankle – which we later found out was broken and he just never gave up. He is currently having it surgically repaired at Life Hilton Hospital. We pray for a speedy recovery.
• Percy, Wonderboy, Abraham and Lance who helped curb the looting in the CBD and helped some of our clients retrieve and save their stock from their businesses.
• All the KSS Controllers who worked through the chaos and were calm and held it together. They were proactive, caring, purpose driven and professional.
• Robert and Warren who manned the main Control Room on that shift – we have no words. WOW!
• To Ezra and Elton who manned the satellite Control Rooms that we set up to ensure we had 24hour contact and support with our clients and community. These proactive, satellite Control Rooms ensure that no matter what (physical threat or covid) KSS will ALWAYS deliver.
• Richard, a Response Officer, who walked to work from Mpophomeni because the road was blocked.
• Vincent, who was hurt physically fighting off looters in the CBD and just persisted. He is recovering well.
• Gugu from KSS Operations Admin for helping sort out and co-ordinate food parcels for our staff.
• Isaiah for ensuring that our Security Officers were able to be transported to and from sites.
• The Operations staff, Security Guards and Response Officers who work double shifts.
• Our Technical Teams for being ready to assist, repair and install to ensure peace of mind.

KSS is also grateful in return to our community. Thank you to:
• Those members of the community who ensured that we had enough food so that we could feed our staff.
• Those of you that made sure that we had enough dog food for our K9 unit.
• Shan Cade for her undying dedication to ensuring that we deliver the best customer care to our people.
• The community groups for assisting with operations and patrolling.
• To Magma, SSS and Sompisi Protection Services in Mpophomeni for working shoulder to shoulder with our KSS Teams.
• To Howick and Hilton SAPS, POP, Flying Squad, uMngeni Traffic Department and the SANDF for stepping up and working alongside security services and the community.
• To those who called KSS for help and assistance, and in turn reciprocated with support, appreciation and kindness.

KSS moving forward – Just a quick snippet:
We have purchased 3 new Isuzu 1 ton bakkies that will be arriving next week. These will facilitate better durability on our dirt and potholed roads. Keep an eye open for them.

KSS Incidents 12 – 20 July 2021
11 - 12 July 2021   KSS Response Teams responded to clients and businesses in the Howick CBD, Howick West and Merrivale areas, while also assisting in Hilton. KSS Controllers managed the situation and communicated with clients and business owners accordingly. Numerous CBD shops and businesses were affected and KSS continues to work with them in ensuring that security measures are repaired and installed. Several arrests were made by SAPS, POP and various security service providers. Many shops and businesses were spared thanks to the valiant efforts on the ground. We extend our thoughts and prayers to those affected and will endeavour to support and help rebuild our community shops and businesses.
16 July 2021   05:01   Monzali Drive (Hilton) The KSS Control Room received a fence activation. A KSS Response Team was dispatched. The KSS Officers reported that a vehicle had driven into the fence. The driver and passenger were taken to Life Hilton Hospital. SAPS were formally advised.
19 July 2021   08:15   Saligna Road (Merrivale) The KSS Control Room was advised about a break-in. KSS Response units were dispatched. KSS Officers reported that a gas bottle and speaker had been stolen. SAPS were formally advised. A case was opened.

From Gary and myself, we are eternally grateful to our amazing families, friends, staff and the community for everything you have done to support us. THANK YOU.

Stay safe. Stay alert. Be kind and let’s rebuild our community together.

KSS – you are safer with us!

Kind regards
Debbie Preston - on behalf of Gary and the outstanding KSS Team

Nelson Mandela said, " Our children are the rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation. They will be the leaders of our country, .....those who care for and protect our people.........History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children."

Funda Nenja follows a One Welfare approach to social change, believing that the welfare of humans and animals is interlinked and only by addressing both needs can we expect a better life for all.

Please support our programmes in any way you can. Check out our website for the various donation options www.fundanenjanja.co.za

This is a great time to support local and to thereby be instrumental in the recovery of KZN's economy post the July 2021 riots. Local shop Mushka is open at Piggly Wiggly again from 20 July 2021 AND if you cannot get there you can shop online.

MUSHKA's own range of pants and flowing tops are suitable for all ages, as well as our signature sheepskin slippers, which are and always will be the ultimate winter must-have! From the sublime and ethereal to the essential and markedly meaningful, a piece from Mushka is a hallmark of worth in any home or wardrobe.

MUSHKA offers a distinctly unique clothing range, home décor and gifts.

We are so sorry that we have been so quiet. To put it lightly we have been overwhelmed with every emotion. Our hearts have broken, we have been angry, we have friends that have lost everything, we have watched our town burn, it’s people cry, we have been to scared to leave our homes and sad that our beloved country is going though this. The most overwhelming feeling of all though is pure love for the beautiful people that make up our community, the sense that we will get through this and grow from this. We have come together to find food and to look after our neighbors, friends and community. I am PROUD to be a South African, WOW what incredible people we have that make this country one of the best. We have managed to source enough food to keep the children who rely on us fed for some time and collections and drop off have been happening (unfortunately details cannot be shared to keep our buildings and staff safe). We are so excited, nervous and dam determined to open on Monday. Thank you for the support and we ask if you have anything to spare it will go a long way to keep tummies full, in a time many will go hungry (more than ever before). Please reach out. We will rebuild and become stronger together, it wont be easy but we have hope for better. #hope #help #heal

Love Howick and other partner entities are starting a Jars Of Hope campaign for the vulnerable in our community, with the looming food shortage. The Jars are filled up with nutritious, non-perishable soup ingredients, for example:
½ cup rice
½ cup soup mix
½ cup lentils or beans or splt peas
1 unwrapped stock cube
1 packet soup powder

Made-up Jars Of Hope or ingredients to make Jars can be dropped off at our Love Howick Offices located at 72 Main Street, Howick or brought to the various clean-up points happening around Howick on Saturday, 17 July (see our previous post for details). These Jars will be collected and distributed to verified needs by Love Howick and affiliated bodies.

If you would like to make a financial contribution towards these Jars, valued at R50 each, please see our banking details below:
BANKING DETAILS
Bank: FNB Howick
Account number: 627 747 27 039
Branch Code: 220 725
Reference: JarsOfHope
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

For more information, visit our website at www.lovehowick.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.