Guest reviews place Skyfall Restaurant and Wine Cellar among South Africa’s most loved restaurants

Brahman Hills in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands has good reason to raise a glass: its Skyfall Restaurant and Wine Cellar has been named a winner in the 2026 Dineplan Reviewers’ Choice Awards, presented by American Express.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of guests leave ratings and reviews on Dineplan, and this feedback determines which restaurants earn a place in the Top 100. Unlike awards decided by food critics or industry insiders, the winners are chosen exclusively from verified diner experiences, making the recognition particularly meaningful.

With thousands of restaurants across South Africa taking bookings through Dineplan, making the Top 100 is an achievement worth celebrating.

This latest accolade joins an array of prestigious international and local awards for Brahman Hills in recent years, ranging from sustainability and hospitality excellence to international spa and garden recognition.

“We are extremely proud to be recognised among South Africa’s most loved restaurants, particularly because this recognition comes directly from our guests,” says Onwaba Gonyora, Director at Brahman Hills.

“At Brahman Hills, we've always believed that a truly memorable experience is about so much more than any one thing. It's about how everything comes together. The food, the setting, the people and the small details that make someone feel genuinely cared for. It's wonderful to know that our guests appreciate the care and passion our team puts into what they do, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share their experience.”

Skyfall's role in the Brahman Hills experience is set to become even more significant as work progresses on the 22-hectare Serenity Garden.

With its winding pathways, waterfalls, quiet spaces for reflection and remarkable collection of plants and trees, the garden is being designed as a place to slow down, explore and reconnect with nature. Skyfall will offer a natural starting or finishing point to that journey, whether it's a leisurely breakfast before setting off to explore or a memorable meal after a few hours spent wandering through the gardens.

“Our vision is to create a sanctuary of serenity, wellness and excellence. A place where people can escape the demands of everyday life, reconnect with nature and enjoy experiences that make them want to return. Skyfall is an important part of that vision, and this recognition tells us we're getting something right,” Gonyora concludes.

Bid with Heart at the Midlands Hospice silent auction. Viewing and bidding from 09h00 to 15h00 on 28, 29, 30 October. Last bids by 10h00 on 31 October.

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐦 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

Each pair is individually handcrafted - we have glowing Christmas trees and adorable animals in tiny Santa hats. Because every piece is made by hand, no two earrings are ever completely identical. You won't get matched pairs, but rather a playful, perfectly complementary duo that adds personality, charm, and character to your look.

𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠: Santa Earrings are all R225.00 per pair!

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙥 082 254 4798 for enquiries.

We will courier countrywide by arrangement!

Find us at Piggly Wiggly - Midlands

Whether you’re running 6km or taking on the epic 50km challenge, bringing the family along, or simply enjoying a day out in the scenic KZN Midlands, there’s plenty more to experience beyond the finish line.

For athletes with ambitions of representing KwaZulu-Natal and potentially South Africa, it also provides a pathway towards provincial colours and the national selection process ahead of South Africa hosting the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in October 2027.

To entertain younger visitors, a fun-filled kids’ programme is planned; you'll also get to browse a curated open-air market including locally sourced fresh produce, artisan crafts, and a local fare.

A live music festival will set the tone for the day, with Jason Hartman, Scott and Sam Hartman headlining from 13h00, alongside talented local artists:
- Blackbirds: blend sultry jazz, upbeat folk, and soulful indie.
- Undivided Rootz ZA: entertain with rock and reggae music.
- Rhiannon & Vince Reid: mix acoustic storytelling with familial harmony.
- Skippy Kubheka: brings rock, blues, Motown vibes, and soulful ballads.

80 Prizes up for grabs at the WESSA Ultra Trail Festival this Saturday, 24 October 2026!

Are you joining us for a full day of adventure, entertainment, community and celebration in the spectacular WESSA Umngeni Valley Nature Reserve?

Whether you’re taking on the trail, walking the route, cheering on a runner or simply looking for a great day out, there’s plenty to enjoy beyond the finish line. Read more via our newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/wessa.co.za/wessaultratrailfestival2026

Festival tickets available at the door (see newsletter for details)

Race entries are open, visit the link below for more information and entries:
https://kzntrailrunning.co.za/.../wessa-ultra-trail.../

Prizes include:
3 x Karkloof Canopy Tour vouchers valued at R895 each
3 x R300 Groundcover Leather Company vouchers
40x Nelson Mandela Capture Site admission
X1 two-night stay at uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve chalet
X1 two-night stay at Otters Den Self Catering Cottages
X1 two-night stay at Glen Eden Lodge
X2 High tea experiences at Midlands Fable
X3 WESSA Premium Memberships
X6 Boschendal WESSA wine
X10 Chocolate Heaven vouchers
X4 WESSA 100 wine glasses
X6 WESSA-branded cutting boards

Midlands Hospice is excited to introduce our Wheelie Bin Initiative, a community-driven project that combines practical support with meaningful education.

These bins serve as collection points for preloved clothing, shoes, toys, tools, books, and other household items. These items are then sold in our shops to generate funds for our home-based care.

Shout-out to the Michaelhouse Community Partnerships Trust team, who received two of our Donation Drive Project Blue Bins.

They will collect donations as the @michaelhouse1896 students get ready to finish of their 2026 year.

We would love to get more bins to schools, businesses and communities to help us get this initiative off the ground. Special thanks to our sponsors PMB & District Community Chest for making this project a reality.

If you would like to find out more about our Donation Drive Project please contact Meghan on 033 330 5257

This Saturday, 24 October 2026, we are hosting the inaugural WESSA Ultra Trail Festival at the spectacular WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve.

Whether you’re running 6km or taking on the epic 50km challenge, bringing the family along, or simply enjoying a day out in the scenic KZN Midlands, there’s plenty more to experience beyond the finish line.

For athletes with ambitions of representing KwaZulu-Natal and potentially South Africa, it also provides a pathway towards provincial colours and the national selection process ahead of South Africa hosting the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in October 2027.

To entertain younger visitors a fun-filled kids’ programme is planned, you'll also get to browse a curated open-air market including locally sourced fresh produce, artisan crafts, and a local fare.

A live music festival will set the tone for the day, with Jason Hartman, Scott and Sam Hartman headlining from 13h00, alongside talented local artists:
The Blackbirds: blend sultry jazz, upbeat folk, soulful indie.
Undivided Rootz ZA: entertain with rock, and reggae music.
Rhiannon & Vince Reid: mix acoustic storytelling with familial harmony.
Skippy Kubheka: brings rock, blues, Motown vibes, and soulful ballads.

At the heart of the festival is the inaugural WESSA Ultra Trail Run, featuring five distances from 6 km up to 50 km.

The range of distances offers experienced trail and ultra runners the opportunity to take on a serious challenge, while also creating an entry point for those wanting to experience trail running over a shorter distance.

This year’s event also marks an important milestone for trail running in KwaZulu-Natal. The festival is incorporating the inaugural KZNA Trail and Mountain Running Championship, introduced by KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA), creating a new platform for provincial competition, talent identification and excellence within the province’s growing trail-running community.

Click here to register for the Trail Run. Select a distance from 6km to 50km.

Run, race and win!

There’s even more waiting for our trail runners! With 80 prizes up for grabs, your WESSA Ultra Trail Festival entry could come with an extra reward.

From adventure experiences and weekend getaways to WESSA merchandise, memberships, vouchers and more, prizes include:
Karkloof Canopy Tour vouchers
Groundcover Leather vouchers
Mandela Capture Site admission
Two-night stays at uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve, Otter’s Den Cottages and Glen Eden Lodge
High tea experiences at Midlands Fable
WESSA Premium Memberships
Boschendal WESSA wine and WESSA 100 wine glasses
WESSA-branded cutting boards
Chocolate Heaven vouchers

That’s 80 chances to take home something special. So lace up, choose your distance and join us on 24 October!

Festival Entry Fees: (Cashless)
Adults: R100 per person
Pensioners: R70 per person
Children 8 years and up: R50 per child
Children under 8 years: FREE
Children’s Day Programme with WESSA Education Staff: R100 per child for a day pass

Click here to contact WESSA

“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” — Jack Welch

Howick High School was proud to host its annual Speech Night & Prizegiving Ceremony in the school hall last night. Amidst celebrating academic and co-curricular achievements, we officially announced the appointment of our Head Prefects for the upcoming year.

We extend our warmest congratulations to our new student leaders:
• Head Girl: Tristan van der Walt
• Head Boy: Matthew Robertson
• Deputy Head Girl: Kelly McLeish
• Deputy Head Boy: Rourke Guy

We wish Matthew, Tristan, Kelly, and Rourke every success, wisdom, and strength as they step into these vital leadership roles. We are confident they will serve Howick High School with pride, integrity, and enthusiasm!

Congratulations to Jade Harvey and Kelly Harvey, who competed in the 1.15m Youth Under 25 category at Maple Ridge.

Jade and Tigger secured 1st place in the Day 2 A2 Speed Class and won the Day 3 class, taking the overall championship title!

Kelly and Capital Kenzo showed great resilience, finishing 10th and 7th on Days 2 and 3 respectively, despite Kelly spraining her wrist the day before the competition.

We are incredibly proud of both riders and their achievements. Well done, girls!

Top & Below left: Podium smiles & Jade on Onduno Walfaction aka Tigger.

Below RHS: From Left - Joy Hawkins, Jade Harvey and Gia Reyneke.

Make the festive season extra delicious with a handmade Advent themed Belgian chocolate treats from Chocolate Sensations Hilton!

Imagine opening a little window of pure chocolate bliss every day in December… because Christmas is just that much sweeter with chocolate!

Handmade to delight. Perfect for gifting (or keeping all to yourself!).

ORDERS CLOSE 25 NOVEMBER 2026!

Don’t leave your Christmas magic to the last minute. Place your order now and make the countdown delicious!

PRICING An assortment of small single Christmas items bonbons, pralines, truffles and novelty chocolates is available in:

- packs of 6 or more chocolates to add to your own Advent calendar

- Single chocolates @ R7 each.

- Centre square slab @ R25 (with filling)

- Filler packs of 24 chocolates for your own Advent calendar

- Advent box of 24 chocolates (limited stock)

- Complete Advent Calendar box @ R250

Order from Gwynne on 071 684 8026

Midmar Honorary Officers have had a busy weekend.

A new boom gate has been installed on the entrance road to Morgenzon Campsite, by Midmar Honorary Officers, for better campsite control and safety. This is part of the early steps to upgrade Morgenzon.

Get involved: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pictured here: Rob Hardwick and Iris Pfeiffer

Congratulations to Jason Keough on a fantastic performance at the KZN Mountain-Biking XCO Championship held at Cascades Bike Park on Sunday, 18 October 2026.

Tackling an exciting, long, and technical feature-filled course, Jason powered through to earn an impressive 3rd place overall in the Youth Men's category.

This podium finish brings a very long, challenging, but thoroughly enjoyable Cross Country Olympic season to a brilliant close.

Well done to Jason on an awesome season finale - Aqe Quod Agis!

Bright, joyful protection that stays in position - for little adventurers who love the sunny days out!

Choose from -
Bucket hats with elastic or a toggle to keep hat in place: R 105.00
Emblem bucket hats with a toggle to prevent being blown off: R 115.00

WhatsApp Robyn on 𝟎𝟖𝟐 𝟖𝟓𝟖 𝟗𝟐𝟔𝟐
Shop at Piggly Wiggly - Midlands

Dear Karkloof Country Club Members and Visitors

Please read this carefully, as we need every one of our members and day visitors to protect the land access that we are so privileged to enjoy.

There were three incidents on Saturday 17 October and Wednesday 21 October on private property.
• The first involved two members’ dogs that were not a lead, that then pursued and caught wildlife (the animal was then released unharmed)
• The second involved the intimidation of an employee by day visitors
• The third involved a member that drove their vehicle onto private land, past no entry signs, then parked on this land, and walked their dogs off lead (three offences at once).

In all cases Magma Security was dispatched and actively removed the people and dogs from the property. The trail network was then closed to walkers and runners at the request of the landowner.

The Karkloof Club has documented land access agreements with the landowners and the rules associated with the use of this land are clearly signposted at all entrances, communicated on groups and social media, published on the website, and documented to members when collecting their memberships.

The disappointing and unacceptable part here is that in the incidents above the perpetrators acknowledged that they were aware of the rules and chose to ignore / break them.

As a result, significant sanctions have been imposed on the people concerned.
• The club members have been banned from the club and access to all land for a period of 12 months
• The day visitors have been banned for life
• A Criminal case has been opened with SAPS in one case
• The people involved have also written apologies to the landowners concerned

The land access rules are not up for debate or discussion. They are a requirement of the many landowners whose properties we are privileged to use. The properties are not recreational areas; they are commercial farms and plantations where commercial agricultural activities take place daily and on a large scale.

Some of these activities like burning, harvesting and transportation can be dangerous to untrained public. All we ask is that you always obey the signage, as this is firstly what the landowners want and secondly, the respectful thing to do.

We have agreed the following with our landowners.
• Future offenders will be banned – follow the rules
• Criminal charges will be laid where applicable
• Security companies working for the club and the landowners will monitor compliance and remove offenders from the property, or call the police where required.
• The club and landowners will actively pursue criminal cases
• Where vehicles are involved, they will be wheel clamped or towed away
• If dogs off leads continue to be an issue, we will have no choice but to ban dogs
• We will continue to take serious action and impose long bans on people that disrespect the rules, however it needs to be known that if this becomes a culture of disrespect then trail closures will become a reality.

The land use rules will continue to be communicated regularly.

The real issue here is that these issues are created by a few people that cannot follow the rules and respect the landowner’s requirements. Please can everybody that uses the trails and land help each other by making sure that others you see on the trails and land are compliant. We urge you to contact the club immediately on the number on your board or armband and report issues. The club can then dispatch security to deal with the offenders.

We have agreed with the landowners that the trails will be open for use for everybody from Friday 23 October.

Thank you to all the wonderful people out there that enjoy being outside and on the trails. We hope that you continue to enjoy the trails, roads, and activities on these amazing tracts of land that we access. We have access to some of the most spectacular and beautiful land in the country here, and that’s special.

Thank you

Andrew Nicholson
Chairman

NFVF-backed film development lab offers six documentary teams a route from a concept to an investment-ready project - and onto the world stage at documentary markets.

Mayibuye Doc Lab has announced its call for projects for the 2026/27 South African edition, inviting South African filmmaking teams to submit compelling documentary projects in development or early production. The second edition of the lab is hosted by Ehozini Retreat (Durban) and funded by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) PESP. Applications are now open and close on 13 November 2026 at 23:59SAST.

Mayibuye Doc Lab is a hands-on development lab for creative documentaries: films with a strong authorial voice, a compelling narrative with a clear dramatic arc, and the potential to move audiences at home and abroad. Six projects will be selected. Over four months, each team - writer/director, producer and impact producer - will move from concept to a complete, investment-ready project package: a narrative treatment and draft script, a production and financing plan, and a distribution, marketing and impact strategy.

The Lab combines online workshops, a story writing residency and group sessions to strengthen each project's story and visual approach, producing and financing strategy, and distribution, marketing and impact strategy. The mentorship in the lab will be guided by an experienced mentorship team and guest facilitators from the local and international industry.

Completing the Lab is the beginning, not the end. Through the Post-Lab Alumni Programme, Mayibuye alumni can network with colleagues across the continent and carry their projects to the international industry via partnerships with numerous documentary markets in 2027.

“We are looking to support filmmakers with character-driven stories, innovative approaches to documentary filmmaking and new perspectives. Our lab will create space for the key creative team on the project to invest time into deepening their storytelling, strengthen their project package and connect with collaborators to take the films to audiences,” says Tiny Mungwe, Programme Manager, Mayibuye Doc Lab

“We welcome applications from filmmakers with some experience or training in filmmaking. Applicants should have at least a completed short film (fiction or non-fiction) even if it hasn’t been screened at a festival or broadcast,” says Mitchell Haprer, Project Manager, Mayibuye Doc Lab.

The call is open to South African projects with South African key creative teams. It targets filmmakers at NFVF Tier 2 or Tier 3 looking for accelerated growth, and first-time documentary filmmakers with a track record in other formats - fiction, commercials or episodic - are welcome and encouraged. Each project must be ideally represented by a writer/director, a producer and an impact producer, available for the full programme.

Applications can be submitted through the online application form: HERE, and close on 13 November 2026 at o 23h59 SAST. Participants will be expected to be available on the following dates: Online workshops: 1–11 December 2026; eHozini (KZN) Writing residencies: January 2027 and online· Group sessions: January–February 2027 Mayibuye Doc Lab covers the cost of travel, accommodation and food for the on-site residency.

Top image: Scene from the first edition of Mayibuye Doc Lab which took place at Ehozini Retreat in 2025.

There's a lot more to The Midlands Adventure than just the racing! The weekend kicks off on Friday evening with a welcome braai, a chance to meet everyone, catch up with friends and get ready for the adventures ahead. Saturday is all about getting outdoors, with 5km, 10km and 15km trail runs, walking options, and the first stage of our two-day MTB and gravel event. Then it's back together for a proper potjie dinner on Saturday evening! Sunday brings another day of cycling, with 20km and 45km options for those joining us for just one day.

And don't worry, there's plenty happening for those who aren't running or riding! We're talking yoga and Pilates sessions, a riverside birdwatching walk, great food, local breweries and an event village to explore.

The Friday braai and Saturday potjie are included for our two-day riders, with tickets available for everyone else. So bring the family, invite a few friends and make a proper weekend of it in beautiful Nottingham Road!

We're getting everyone together from 6-8 November for a weekend of trail running, walking, MTB and gravel riding, with distances for all fitness levels!

There is R30 000 in prize money up for grabs!

All happening at Waterwoods Equestrian Estate in Nottingham Road.

Round up your crew and get your entries in!

www.midlandsadventure.co.za

With immediate effect, the Karkloof trail network is CLOSED to all runners, walkers and dog walkers until further notice.

This morning, a member was walking their dogs off lead on the trail network, in direct breach of club rules. The dogs were seen chasing down a buck. As a direct result of this incident, the landowners on whose property our trails run have required us to close the network to all foot traffic and dog walking, effective immediately.

We are extremely disappointed that the actions of one individual have affected so many members who respect the rules and look after this special place. Our access to these trails exists entirely through the goodwill of the landowners, and incidents like this put that access at risk for every one of us. The club is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness.

What this means for you:
• No running, walking or dog walking on the trail network until further notice
• Trails remain open for mountain bikers only
• Security will be monitoring the trails, and anyone found on foot or with dogs will be asked to leave

We will keep you updated via our WhatsApp Channel, Facebook and Instagram.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

The Absa Karkloof Country Club Team

Limited-time GROUP DISCOUNT for Vusi Mahlasela and Guy Buttery LIVE CONCERT in KZN MIDLANDS

📅 Sunday, 25 October
🕒 15:00
📍 Schlesinger Theatre, Michaelhouse
🎟 Standard tickets: R250
🎟 Groups of five 20% off - Groups over ten 25% off (a discount code will be applied accordingly)
All bookings on Quicket - https://qkt.io/vusiguymidlands

Upscaling? Downscaling? Just moving along?

uMngeni SPCA pays a fair price for used furniture. We sell it on to raise funds to support our work caring for animals.

No commission, no fees, no waiting for payment and we'll collect free of charge!

We will View Agree on a price Collect Pay by EFT & provide an invoice.

Call or WhatsApp Esmé on 074 663 8433

Donate for good! Drop off sellable books, clothing, ornaments, crockery, cutlery, garden tools and kitchen and household items at our SPCA goodwill shops, or at the SPCA Centre on Main Street, Howick.