Win a Trip To AFRICAMPS Plus a Piggly Hamper! Spend more then R250 in any Piggly shops, share, tag & comment on Facebook! Golden Egg Hunt for the kiddies & win prizes from the lucky dip outside Wedgewood. Live Music & lots more!
News supplied by Piggly Wiggly.
Six rapidly growing Egyptian goslings have enlivened Laggan Waters, Amberglen Retirement Village, during March. They have evaded the predators that often take them when newly hatched. Egyptian geese are endemic to Africa, south of the Sahara Desert and the River Nile where they were considered sacred by the Ancient Egyptians. The adult birds pair for life and, once the goslings are hatched they are cared for by both parents.
Photos credit: Brian Wakeford
The SA Government confirmed in December 2020 that, in line with enforcement of the POPI and PAIA Legislation from 1 July 2021, every person who carries on a business, profession, or trade, whether as a sole proprietor, partnership, company, trust, or otherwise must prepare and lodge a so-called “PAIA manual” by no later than 30 June 2021, earlier for certain bodies.
This applies to every business, big or small. There are thousands of businesses that still need to prepare or submit their manuals or update old manuals and time is running out.
A head of a private body who willfully or in a grossly negligent manner fails to timeously prepare and submit a PAIA manual commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine, or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.
Don’t worry, we can help you prepare your Information Manual and lodge it for you.
A. WHAT IS AN INFORMATION MANUAL?
Our Information Manual is essentially a combination of:
(i) the so-called “PAIA Manual” * that all businesses must prepare and submit; and
(ii) the disclosures** that every person collecting personal information must make before collecting that personal information.
Notes:
* as required by section 51 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, No. 2 of 2000 (“PAI Act”);
** as required by section 18 of the Protection of Personal Information Act, No. 4 of 2013 (“POPI Act
B. WHO NEEDS O N E?
All Private Bodies, whether sole proprietors, partnerships, companies, trusts, or otherwise, who conduct any business profession or trade as well as anyone who collects any personal information relating to individuals, companies, or otherwise. We have created an easy-to-follow decision tree on the following page to assist you.
C. BY WHEN?
By 30 June 2021, possibly earlier depending on the category of Private Bodies that you fit into, being:
(i) sole proprietors, partnerships, trusts, and small private companies***, (“group A”); or
(ii) large private companies**** and public companies (“group B”).
Notes
**** Group B is currently required to lodge their Information Manuals.
*** Group A has been given until 30 June 2021 to lodge their Information Manuals. The criterion distinguishing small and large companies can be found in Government Gazette Notice No. 44003.
I DON’T RUN A BUSINESS BUT I DO COLLECT PERSONAL INFORMATION
Before collecting any personal information, you need to make certain disclosures to the person from whom you are collecting the information.
Contact us for assistance with an appropriately drafted disclosure manual, including a privacy policy.
WE ARE HERE TO ASSIST
Should you need assistance preparing or lodging your Information Manual, please contact us, we are here to help.
News supplied by Dave Prentice and Associates.
We have some upcoming events at our new training facility.
On the 20th we are having a demo for the dog sport called Rally Obedience, it's a fantastic fun and competitive sport where the owners and dogs follow a course and do a variety of obedience activities. This demo will be conducted by Edith Gallant.
On the 26th Edith Gallant is doing a talk and presentation on the history of dogs and focusing on the belgian malinois breed.
And on the 17th of April, The KZN Dog Academy in association with HDDT K9 Services and Clever K9 Proper Pooch Training is having their official opening day!
News supplied.
In our village we love local. AND while Howick is a far cry from a village, we recognise that 'our village' is a community of like-minded people who stand together in their choice to LOVE LOCAL FIRST. As part of this mission, we remain committed to the revival of local business. Join in our spirit of generosity by introducing your friends in business, to 'our village', particularly those who may not have huge advertising budgets at present. We can support their business promotions in Howick and surrounds.
VillageMedia can help you to stretch your marketing budget further!
How do we do this?
Step1 - submit your business description (up to 300 characters) to receive a *Free* database listing
Step 2 - We track the response from our browsers and if selected YOUR business could WIN an upgrade to a three-month Featured Listing trial for *Free*.
One newly updated business will be selected each month for this EXTRA benefit. We look forward to working with you towards local business revival during 2021. T&Cs apply.
Call 072 654 9779 or 072 389 0727 if you have any questions.
Even a global pandemic won’t stop Mike Arbuthnot from making his annual trip across Midmar Dam. The now 88-year-old is one of the founding members of the aQuellé Midmar Mile and has participated in all 47 editions of the famous race.
This year the race may look very different – with only the elite races and the 8 and 16-mile charity events taking place with the other swimmers participating in a virtual race – but the beloved Buthie, as he’s known, is determined he’s going to swim in the virtual event.
“World War 2 began in 1939 and ended in 1945 when I was 13 years old. My formative years were about austerity, loss and a global crisis,” explained Arbuthnot, who lost his mother at the age of six. “I joined Seals Swimming Club when I was six years old and swimming has framed my whole life. Sport helps the mind, body and soul. Today, in my sunset years, we are confronted with a pandemic that has restricted, reduced and caused the world to recoil. While we await the vaccine and/or herd immunity, people are finding positivity and a way forward.”
That way forward for Arbuthnot was to keep training whenever and wherever he could, but, like for so many swimmers, it hasn’t been easy.
“Training has been difficult this year as the swimming pool was closed for many months. With lockdown, basic fitness was hard to maintain. I walked around my garden 50 times every morning to keep active.
“Since we moved to level 3, I have been able to train but my current fitness level would not usually be considered sufficient to do Midmar Mile. However, many lives have been lost, many livelihoods compromised, and I felt that in light of the global challenge and the heartache and difficulties endured by so many, I had to swim Midmar Mile in honour of that courage.”
Arbuthnot has overcome several challenges of his own in the past, including colon cancer, skin cancer a brain aneurysm and a stroke, but he’s just kept going. His daughter Tracy explained that her father will once again be accompanied across the dam by Tony Bath.
“Tony is swimming with Dad. He's had his own health issues so it's a triumph that he is swimming too,” she said.
“I'm sad to miss swimming this year myself and I'm so proud of Wayne [Riddin] and all his team that they have had the fortitude and determination to ensure the event happens, even in a different form. It's just something nice to look forward to.”
Buthie himself also expressed gratitude that he will be given the chance to swim in the virtual event.
“Sport has always given people something to strive for, something to hope for and brings people together. This year, 2021, more than ever before, this is much needed.
“I will do my best to make the event proud and if I am successful, I will most certainly celebrate with a beer or two.”
Photo credit: Action Photo SA
Supplied.
Organisers of the aQuellé Midmar Mile in 2021 have done all they can to assure a safe swim for those taking part in the virtual event this weekend.
The official race was called off at the eleventh hour after Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, who run the Midmar Dam facility, denied race organisers permission despite all Covid protocols being in place.
This meant the aQuellé Midmar Mile could only be run as a virtual event, with swimmers being able to complete the distance on any body of water across the country.
Race Director Wayne Riddin explained: “We have still put safety measures in place at Midmar Dam because we knew that swimmers would still show up today and tomorrow to complete their miles. We could not, in good conscience, leave them to their own devices, especially those who are attempting the distance for the first time.
“So we have placed lifeguards on the dam and given swimmers chips at the usual start area, so we could track when they entered the water and came out at the other end. This is purely for safety reasons so we could keep track of them and in no way constitutes an official event.”
One of the first time swimmers of the virtual aQuellé Midmar Mile, Jacques Seeliger from Johannesburg expressed his gratitude for the safety measures in place, saying: “We’re very grateful there is still assistance. The buoys are here so that we can see the distances. We’ve got safe swimmers, there are some lifeguards so we feel very comfortable and we’re very grateful that we still got the opportunity to do it.”
Doné Irving, who was swimming for the 10th time added: “With the safety buoys you definitely feel safe, that if anything happened you have the buoy in hand and you can always wave. It’s definitely necessary so we’re grateful.”
News supplied.
Zulu Lulu's Art Bar has an outside veranda seating area as well as an indoor seating area providing the perfect creative space to paint your own ceramics or choose from a variety of art activities.
Get creative with our mandalas and canvasses. Let your fingers enjoy our slime and dough. and keep your kids occupied for hours!! (See pictures here.)
Zulu Lulu Art Bar is located at the Piggly Wiggly Country Village in Lions River on the R103 - just 4km from Midmar Dam.
There is plenty of play area for the kids as well as a restaurant and pizza place.
Open 7 days a week.
Call 083 357 0588 to make a party booking or enquire about our party options.
Dr Hugo le Roux is a Urologist based in Pietermaritzburg. He has been working from and operating at Netcare St Anne’s hospital since 2016. In addition to his current service in Pietermaritzburg, he now offers his services for established and new patients at Lenmed Howick hospital.
His practice treats a variety of Urological conditions in men and women of all ages.
Dr le Roux has a keen interest in men’s health, prostatic enlargement, urological cancers and renal stones. His objective is to offer a comprehensive Urological service in Howick.
Consultations are offered on Wednesday afternoons at the sessional consulting rooms next to Ampath laboratory across from the main entrance to the hospital.
Bookings are made via our Pietermaritzburg consulting rooms or our website.
Please call 033-342-6360 or visit our website drhugoleroux.co.za for more information or to schedule an appointment.
News supplied.
To celebrate the fact that Godin products have been available in South Africa for 50 years, we are offering their classic cast iron fire backs at HUGE discounts.
These firebacks are placed in an open fire behind your fire grate. As your fire burns the fire backs get warm. This has two purposes.
Firstly to radiate heat and ensure a better warmth and burn from your fire.
Secondly (and in our opinion GENIUS) is to ensure that once your fire has started to cool and go out, the fire back continues to produce heat, warm the air around the smokey remains of your fire and ensure that the smoke is sent up the chimney and not into your room.
GOODBYE MORNING SMOKEY SMELL!
** please note these items are being brought in as a special
About GODIN - French Excellence
It was in 1840 that Jean Baptiste André Godin had the idea of substituting an enamelled cast iron stove for the traditional tin stove. “History will record our successes” predicted confidently, the brilliant inventor in 1880. He was right since Godin has become a generic name. If, in popular imagery, the brand is synonymous with heating and quality, it is because this visionary captain of industry has been able to give his company and his successors a permanent taste for innovation and performance.
Absolute mastery of cast iron
From the famous Petit Godin, still current, to the entire heating and cooking range, all products owe their quality to the absolute mastery of cast iron, which guarantees solid and careful manufacturing. All the products are studied and tested specifically in our establishments in Guise (02) and all benefit from the most efficient techniques in all versions and all energies.
The work of the cast is our main activity with 2 foundries integrated into the group. Through its longevity, cast iron maintains its reputation in terms of heating.
Refractory and solid, easily removable, it makes it possible to make high-quality, high-performance heat engines. Cast iron appliances store and release heat perfectly and on a regular basis.
The cast can have complex and original forms intended either for use in combustion chamber is decorative exterior trim, painted or glazed. We also use it for the manufacture of a complete range of culinary frying pans: our collection "les Cocottes"
To get your Godin products speak to the fire masters at Fires and Braais, Piggly Wiggly, R103, KZN.
These are some of the animals which have been hand raised, and kept wild, currently in care at our centre.
FreeMe Wildlife have specially designed enclosures and techniques which enable us to hand raise these animals without habituation to humans. We never "pet" or tame any animals undergoing rehabilitation. There is never any reason to do so.
We love what we do, and how we do it.
Why not join our Custodianship Program to show your support for the work we do? Anyone from kids to big businesses can join:
http://www.freemekzn.co.za/become-a-custodian/
Otherwise, if a particular story has touched your heart, and you would like to donate directly to our animal care and vet bills, you are welcome to donate directly through these channels:
FreeMe Wildlife
First National Bank
Branch code: 220 725
Account number: 6214 1246 068
PAYPAL ACCOUNT:
http://paypal.me/FreeMeWildlife
SWIFT CODE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS:
FIRNZAJJ
Contact number: 033 330 3036
More about FreeMe Wildlife
The virtual aQuellé Midmar Mile came to an end over the weekend and while there have been numerous challenges, organisers have hailed the success of the event.
Elite women’s and men’s races were held on 7 March, with Olympian Michelle Weber and defending champion Michael McGlynn emerging as the winners before the intrepid swimmers completing the 8 and 16 mile events took to the water on 11 and 12 March, raising over R1 million for various charities.
But for the rest of the country’s swimmers, the event was a virtual one with competitors able to complete their miles at various venues across the world.
One of them was Gail Bristow, who has been at every aQuellé Midmar Mile since 1974. Determined to complete her mile as planned, she wouldn’t be kept away from the famous KZN dam and headed to Midmar for her virtual swim.
“I was always going to make the trip so when the swim changed to a virtual mile I decided to travel up from Cape Town anyway. It wouldn't be quite the same swimming in a pool,” explained Bristow, who competed in the inaugural event 47 years ago but was not awarded a medal as women were initially not officially allowed to swim.
“There are a lot of factors involved in getting up to Midmar each year so I am very grateful that I was able to make the trip and everything went smoothly. This year more than most.”
Speaking about the challenges involved in preparing for the 2021 event, the retired teacher explained: “Training was very difficult as in Cape Town we have very few outdoor pools and the indoor pools were all closed until just a few weeks ago. So I only started doing some distance swimming very recently.”
Bristow has swum the world’s largest open water swimming event is many different conditions over the years, but none could quite compare with this year’s version.
“It was a very different experience without spectators and the huge numbers. The organisers did an incredible job of keeping everything Covid compliant and safe for anyone who took part. I did miss seeing everyone at the start line but hopefully that can return next year,” she said.
“I had a really relaxed swim even though mostly on my own. Usually there are swimmers around me to follow or swim alongside. This year it was a solo swim. Conditions were a bit choppy for part of the way but it was a comfortable swim.”
As for what brings her back every year, Bristow added: “Midmar Mile is the biggest open water event in the world so it is very special. I've been swimming it since I was 14 when it first started so it will always be a special swim on the calendar.
“[Race Director] Wayne Riddin and his team organise an incredible event and for all their hard work I thank them. I will be back next year with hopefully the full event back on track.”
Meanwhile, Riddin thanked all those who took part in the event in whatever form that took. “This year has thrown all sorts of challenges our way but we’re just happy that so many people could complete their miles and earn their medals as planned.
“Our thanks go to them and all our wonderful sponsors for their understanding and patience at this tough time and we look forward to returning the aQuellé Midmar Mile to all its glory with a full event planned for 2022 as we lead up to the 50th anniversary in 2023,” he said.
Photo credit for 2020 image above: Action Photo SA
News supplied.
Join us for an evening of camp fire stories as told by Rob Caskie.
Campfires are always associated with storytelling, especially in Africa.
In the tradition of raconteurs of old, Rob loves the freedom to ease from one story to another in this format. Be it Charles Guy Gordon besieged by the mighty Mahdi in Khartoum, or brave Black South Africans going down in the English Channel with SS Mendi.
What about young George Buntting being accompanied by a Zulu chaperone for a 120 mile horse ride to catch the train to school, being told stories about the Anglo-Zulu War and becoming perhaps the greatest White authority on that war.
Many young South Africans grow up with the story of Harry Wolhuter’s famous escape from the jaws of a lion by stabbing it to death with a knife.
Deep within us all lies an innate desire to be carried along by a story developed within the theatres of our imaginations. This continent provides a canvas for the richest of stories, well worth sharing.
News supplied.
Kindly note that this professionally hosted Zoom event coming up on Wednesday evening, 17 March 2021 is priced by screen, as a fundraiser for a Cape-based family suffering the ravages of the pandemic.
The elite races at the aQuellé Midmar Mile saw Durban swimmer Michael McGlynn successfully defending the title he claimed for the first time last year while Olympian Michelle Weber regained the crown she last held in 2016.
Conditions at Midmar Dam, just outside Howick in KwaZulu-Natal, were ideal as the mist lifted to reveal glassy, flat water on the 1.6km course. Tackling a field of 20 other top-ranked women, Weber powered to the front from the start, hitting every hotspot at 400m, 800m and 1200m comfortably out in front.
Defending champion Robyn Kinghorn went well wide and it cost her, while 18-year-old Tori Earle followed Weber’s lead.
The Rio Olympian cruised to victory untroubled, finishing in 19 minutes and 40 seconds with Earle second in 19:55 and Carli Antonopoulos winning the running battle at the finish for third spot in 20:12.
“It went very well. I saw the conditions were really flat and I decided I’m going to dive off the pontoon, just take a few easy strokes, and get the feel of the whole vibe of the day. Then after that I just put my head down and went and got faster and faster, so it was a good race, I’m happy.
“I wasn’t sure where everyone else was, or how far they were behind me. I did see someone on the very right-hand side [Kinghorn] but I just said to myself: ‘No, it’s fine, I’m just going to keep going.’ You don’t want to get too tense in open water because there’s so much going on – and there’s the fear of the dark water – it’s very easy to get overwhelmed. You just have to stay calm, enjoy it and have fun and do your best. That’s all you can do.”
Weber’s last victory in 2016 also came in an Olympic year, and with the 24-year-old looking to qualify for the Tokyo Games, she was thrilled with Sunday’s win.
“It’s so strange because I won it in 2016 which was Olympic year and then I didn’t win it last year so it was like a weird superstition thing. Now the Olympics have moved to this year so I’m very happy that I won this year – it’s just a mental thing.”
Meanwhile, a disappointed Kinghorn, who finished fifth, added: “Congrats to Michelle – she had a brilliant race. It’s definitely hard coming back as a defending champion and having a race like that. I wasn’t too happy with it, but it happens and you move on from it.”
McGlynn certainly felt the same pressure as he dived in as defending champion in the men’s race. Following a similar pattern to the women’s, he led from start to finish, hitting all the hotspots in front and crossing the line in 17 minutes 55. The tussle for the other places was a much fiercer one out in the water and on the slipway at the finish. Danie Marais eventually finished in second in 18:25 and 18-year-old Connor Buck in third six second later.
“Obviously the pressure was huge. It’s very different coming here the second time and trying to win compared to when you have no title and you’ve got nothing to lose,” admitted McGlynn. “But God gave me the strength and I just kept the faith that I would not fall apart and just keep it together really.
“This race is becoming more of a sprint. I’m not looking for any records or anything like that but it’s great to defend and walk away happy. It’s great to have the pressure off.”
Not since Chad Ho’s incredible run from 2010 to 2016 has there been a back-to-back winner of the men’s race, and McGlynn was thrilled to be the first since then.
“I know there’s been a bit of a gap recently with guys winning one and then not defending. I just wanted to really show that I can do that as well and thank you to everyone for the support.”
Speaking about the race itself, McGlynn added: “I went a bit off course actually, like I did last year. But I got back on track and just took it from there. My arms and legs were burning, but I’m just thankful that it’s done.
“The last three or four hundred metres I was really tired. But I didn’t want it to be over. I wanted to feel the pain because I actually wanted to remember this one. I think last year the hype afterwards kind of ran away with me but after a year I’m a bit more mature to deal with all the emotions that come with it this time.”
Second-placed Marais reckoned: “It was every man for himself. When you’re on that pontoon, you’re on your own – there’s no teamwork or anything. Midmar is all-out from beginning to end and I think I was just lucky to get second at the end.”
For full results, head to https://results.finishtime.co.za/results.aspx?CId=35&RId=3219
Pictured above: Michelle Weber leading the women's race.
Pictured below L-R: Ladies top three and Mens top three.
News supplied.
Yesterday Funda Nenja welcomed their first 2021 intake of new participants to the dog school programme. The dogs were split into puppy and adult groups before lining up for registration and then proceeded to the veterinary clinic where each dog received a rabies inoculation and deworming treatment. Every handler was given a packet full of educational leaflets to take home and then enjoyed their first class with their instructors.
Funda Nenja helps these young people learn how to handle their dogs humanely and how to care for them properly.
While 2020 was a tough year all round, Michelle Weber had to endure more than most. The former aQuellé Midmar Mile winner lost her mom early in the year and then had her sport taken away from her when the nation went into lockdown and she was unable to swim or compete at the Olympic Games she had been targeting when the event was postponed.
But Weber has managed to rise above the challenges and is relishing the prospect of finding out what the next few months hold, starting with the aQuellé Midmar Mile this Sunday, 7 March.
Weber will be one of an elite field of 20 swimmers to tackle the women’s race, and she’s excited to see how it all pans out.
“Last year my mom passed away so it’s been a very difficult year trying to get through that, and trying to get through the Games not happening and still trying to find the motivation to train,” she admitted. “I’m definitely in a lot better headspace now. The thing that I just decided is that I love the sport and no matter what happens, I’ll still compete and just have fun anyway.”
As for all swimmers around the country – and the world – training has been a tricky task.
“Under lockdown, a lot of the time I couldn’t train. As soon as the pools were open for national squad members I started swimming but honestly not much. I tried to sneak into the ocean and some dams a couple of times but the water was freezing here in the Cape so that didn’t last too long either.
“It’s definitely been a strange year but I’ve made the most of what I could do and the Olympics is going ahead now, we’ve got nationals booked for next month and I’m so happy that Midmar is going ahead. So with the prep that I could do, I’m feeling pretty happy.”
Weber first competed at the aQuellé Midmar Mile at the age of 11. She’s finished in the top eight on each of the 13 occasions she’s competed, winning the 13 years and under category in 2009 and 2010, and the senior title in 2016, while finishing fourth in last year’s race.
This time, without the usual crowds around the elite swimmers, the 24-year-old is expecting a different sort of race.
“It’s going to be a strange year, not having all the participants there but I’m so happy that our event is going on as scheduled – it’s just a sign that no matter what happens, open water will still exist and I think it’s amazing that Wayne [Riddin] has put everything together so a massive thank you to him and everyone that’s involved.
“I think you can expect a much closer race whereas in the past there was a huge gap between the swimmers. I think you’ll find that a lot of us might even finish together, so it’s going to be interesting and definitely something to watch.
“I’d like to swim fast and see how I race against my competitors before nationals – it’ll be a good way to show where I’m at right now.”
Find out exactly where she’s at in terms of training and racing will be vital as Weber targets a second Olympics, having competed in the 10km Open Water event in Rio in 2016.
“I’m definitely trying to get to the Olympics this year. It seems to be going ahead so I’ve been training really hard and I’m in a pretty good place and in good shape so I hope that I do make it – fingers crossed. I did it four years ago so I’m going to try again, put my head down and train really hard.
“Midmar fits into that well – just in terms of getting a race in and getting in the open water and racing some fast swimmers. It’s such an iconic swim as well – I’m excited to see what’s going to happen.”
The full field for the women’s elite race, which will take place at 8.30 am on Sunday 7 March, is Madison Alberts, Kaitlyn Albertyn, Carli Antonopoulos, Tatum Botha, Emma Carmody, Jessica Carmody, Sasha-Lee Corris, Lise-Mari Davidson, Victoria Earle, Amber-Leigh Fairon, Mykae Forrest, Bailey Forrest, Shreya Govender, Bailey Held, Robyn Kinghorn, Katie-Peta Marcelino, Emily Martens, Luchelle Oosthuizen, Aimee Roux, Michelle Weber.
The full field for the men’s elite race, which takes place at 9.15 am on Sunday 7 March, is Connor Albertyn, Luc Brand, Connor Buck, Chad Ho, Luca Holtzhausen, Nathan Hughes, Ashley Joshua, Nathan Kleyn, Matthew Lock, Danie Marais, Michael McGlynn, Christopher McGlynn, Ross Paterson, Cameron Pennell, Leshen Pillay, Shane Ramsay, Matthew Sates, St John Spoors, Sven van de Linde, Reino von Wielligh.
It is with huge disappointment that the organisers of the 2021 edition of the aQuellé Midmar Mile have been forced to make a last-minute decision to transfer all 2021 entries to the Virtual aQuellé Midmar Mile event.
This follows what itself was a late-in-the-day announcement by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife that they were turning down the Event Management Plan for the 2021 aQuellé Midmar Mile despite many weeks of attempts to convince senior management that there was no danger of the event becoming a super-spreader of Covid-19.
Race Director Wayne Riddin said: “It was brought to our attention recently that Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife was not allowing events to take place at their facilities, despite government regulations allowing events within restrictions. I personally requested an urgent meeting on several occasions but senior management was not able to make themselves available. All documentation was submitted to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, with written permissions in place from the necessary authorities. We have been locked in negotiations until yesterday (Tuesday, 2 March) to save the 2021 event.”
Riddin continued: “We are devastated that we were unable to convince Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife of not only our intent but also our capability to run Midmar Mile safely during the pandemic. There is no doubt that the event was going to look very different this year as we made huge alterations to accommodate restrictions in place. The protocols prepared and documented would have been of the highest standard and, as is always the case at Midmar Mile, swimmers’ safety comes first.
“To have to inform our sponsors, participants and service providers of news of this nature at this late stage is unacceptable and I offer my heartfelt apologies to everyone who had put their confidence in us to stage a world-class event despite the challenges involved.”
The Race Committee has received permission from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to host the top men and women races on Sunday, 7 March and the 8 Mile and 16 Mile Charity Swim events scheduled for Thursday, 11 and Friday, 12 March at Midmar Dam.
“We have just under 160 swimmers signed up to swim their 8 or 16 Mile events either at Midmar Dam or via the virtual platform,” explained Riddin.
“These swimmers have already raised over R500k towards six major charities, one of which is Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. This figure is set to rise significantly as more funds roll in.”
Riddin has organised the world’s largest open water swimming event for 30 years and stated that “experience in this regard does not appear to have been taken into consideration. The past 12 months have had event organisers on their toes and ready to adapt. The Capital K open water swim was successfully run in Nov 2020 at Midmar Dam as a test run for processes intended for Midmar Mile and we hosted further open water swims at Cradle Moon in Muldersdrift on 29 November and 21 February. Public reports of these events sadly failed to make an impression on the senior management.”
The Race Committee is committed to making the best of a bad situation and to lessen the disappointment faced by around 4000 participants who were heading to Midmar Dam over the next two weekends.
Riddin explained: “We had fortunately introduced the Virtual aQuellé Midmar Mile for 2021 to accommodate the many overseas swimmers who would have been unable to visit us at Midmar this year so it is this platform that will now host all race entrants who would like that option. Our immediate concern is obviously for those who are unable to change their arrangements and may still arrive at Midmar Dam this weekend (6 and 7 March) to swim. We will at least monitor the Midmar Mile course over the weekend for those who may now swim their virtual mile instead.”
The Race Committee can confirm that all paid entries into the 2021 aQuellé Midmar Mile will be transferred to the virtual platform at no charge. Details will be publicised as soon as finalised in the next few days.
All virtual entries will count for the 2021 aQuellé Midmar Mile and will receive their medal in the post along with their racing swim cap, their printable certificate and an official race result. Entrants who had ordered Glodina towels and t-shirts will be contacted and delivery will be arranged. Midmar Mile will also set up an online shop for all 2021 merchandise.
News supplied.
Now that the risk of infection has lessened and he has finished his course of antibiotics, it was time to remove the bandage, glue the broken scute into place and allow the wounds to dry out and continue the healing process.
Why do we use "Super Glue"? Super glue is a superb way to seal and protect wounds while they are healing. It is a waterproof substance and is not permanent, leaving a clean and secure area. This is veterinary grade glue.
We are housing this Tortoise in a sterile environment, and giving him a varied diet to build up his immune system while he is on the road to recovery. We will be sure to keep you updated on his progress.
We love what we do, and how we do it.
Why not join our Custodianship Program to show your support for the work we do? Anyone from kids to big businesses can join:
http://www.freemekzn.co.za/become-a-custodian/
Otherwise, if a particular story has touched your heart, and you would like to donate directly to our animal care and vet bills, you are welcome to donate directly through these channels:
FreeMe Wildlife
First National Bank
Branch code: 220 725
Account number: 6214 1246 068
PAYPAL ACCOUNT:
http://paypal.me/FreeMeWildlife
SWIFT CODE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS:
FIRNZAJJ
FreeMe Wildlife's contact number: 033 330 3036