No NPO can sustain itself without a dedicated team that shares the passion and the dream of a better future. Funda Nenja is blessed with a great team of volunteers, staff members and community assistants who all work towards the common goal of a better quality of life for both the people and animals living in Mpophomeni. Our Friday afternoon dog school programme sees the coming together of all parties and together we collectively work towards our goals. Together we make a difference.

More about Funda Nenja.

25% off ALL LIGHTING at Harvard Electrical Wholesalers (excluding specials) until 29 May 2021 or while stocks last. If you are shopping for; Ceiling Fittings, Wall Fittings, Pendants, Chandeliers and Outdoor Lighting visit Harvard Electrical. This offer is valid until 29 May 2021 while stocks last.

More about Harvard Electrical Wholesalers in Howick, KZN Midlands.

In many malaria-affected countries, Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions on the movement of people and goods have led to delays in the delivery of insecticide-treated mosquito nets or indoor insecticide spraying campaigns – two of the most effective vector control measures to prevent the spread of malaria. Malaria diagnosis and treatment services have also been interrupted as many people were unable, or unwilling, to seek care in health facilities because of the pandemic – a dangerous outcome as some of symptoms of Covid-19 (fever and fatigue) are similar to the onset of malaria.

Kingsley Holgate, well-known South African-based humanitarian explorer, knows first-hand the devastating consequences of malaria. “I’ve had malaria countless times and survived, thanks only to having treatment close at hand,” he said. “It’s heart-breaking to reach a remote village far from health facilities and find a mother screaming for help, her young child dying from malaria – a death that could have been prevented by a simple mosquito net. ”

Over the past 17 years, the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, through its partnership with Land Rover, has undertaken 37 geographic and humanitarian expeditions across the African continent, providing close to half-a-million insecticide-treated mosquito nets, primarily to pregnant women and mothers of young children in the most affected regions, and protecting 1,320 million people from malaria.

Mozambique is one of the worst-affected countries in the world, with malaria the second leading cause of death. “However, its neighbours, South Africa and Eswatini, are low transmission countries; this makes Mozambique a strategic area to focus on,” explained Ross Holgate, who heads up the Foundation. “Even with Covid-19 nationwide lockdowns and thanks to the support of in-country logistical partners, we’ve been able to keep our foot firmly on the accelerator and elements of our malaria prevention work continued in Mozambique.

“Our focus was on emergency provision of mosquito nets to mothers and children fleeing the escalating IS-linked insurgency in the northern Cabo Delgado province, who were also at high risk of contracting malaria, as well as to impoverished communities affected by heavy cyclonic rains and flooding in central Mozambique, which caused a resurgence of malaria particularly around Gorongosa National Park and in the Limpopo River flood basin.”

Another of the Foundation’s partners is Goodbye Malaria, a cross-border, regional programme that aims to eliminate malaria in southern Africa. Its key intervention is indoor residual spraying (IRS), especially in the southern provinces of Mozambique to reduce the spread of malaria into neighbouring countries. Despite the Covid-19 challenges, 611,940 homes were treated last year, keeping over two million people protected against malaria – a herculean task undertaken by 2,500 locally-employed sprayers.

“If it wasn’t for the great work being done by Goodbye Malaria in stopping the spread of the disease from Mozambique into neighbouring countries, malaria would be even more rife in Eswatini, northern KwaZulu-Natal and in and around the Kruger National Park,” said Ross.

Peter Sands, executive director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, said at a meeting presenting the WHO malaria report, “The global health world, the media, and politics are all transfixed by Covid-19 and yet we pay little attention to a disease that is still killing over 400 000 people every year, mainly children. Malaria is a disease we know how to get rid of – so it is a choice that we don’t.”

Kingsley agrees: “As aggressive measures are put in place to curb the spread of Covid-19, it is essential that ongoing efforts to prevent other killer diseases such as malaria, which has been around since the dawn of time, are not overshadowed. It is unacceptable that in 2021, a child still dies from malaria every two minutes around the clock. Our future Land Rover expeditions into Africa will continue to tackle this preventable disease.”

News supplied.

Dormehl Property Group Midlands, now at 122 Main Street in Howick, has a wide selection of residential properties and farms for sale in Howick in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, South Africa.

Assisting sellers with comparative market analyses and market related valuations, they commit ourselves to find suitable buyers for their properties. They also strive to carefully identify the needs of buyers effectively enabling them to introduce suitable properties via the net or personally. If you cannot find a residential property, farm or smallholding to suit your specific needs in Howick or the surrounding area, drop them a line or give them a call and our Howick Estate Agents will help you find the farm or home of your dreams.

More about Dormahl Phalane Property Group Midlands.

The Ugly Duckling's Karala throws are not only beautiful, but provide a comforting warmth that’s ideal for almost every night. Cuddling up with one of these is a joy and definitely something every household needs! Visit them in store today or contact the shop at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

More about The Ugly Duckling.

Our work in Chatsworth has shown us that there are thousands of 'backyard strays' - these are cats that simply turn up in someone's backyard and the family - being nice people - start to feed them. These cats need to be sterilized urgently, as it can only take six months for one cat to turn into ten cats! So we are doing lots of mobile clinics in Chatsworth.

This last weekend, our Cats of Durban team successfully trapped and sterilized 27 cats. These were all cats that hang around the Bayview Police Station. We are very grateful to the staff of the police station, who have allowed us to manage their cats. Many thanks to our Chatsworth team leader, Farhana wahab , our trappers Maryna Matthews, Marie Foord and Miranda van Rooyen for your hard work and dedication. Another successful clinic - we aim to do many more as funds permit.

Cats of Durban provides access to discounted sterilization for stray and feral cats, in order to bring down the number of unwanted cats and kittens. Free steris are available to members only. To contact us, send a mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pictured here Dr Lee Pachonick.

More about Midmar Vet Clinic.

We thank you, Debbie!

After investing 6 years into the vison, establishment and founding of the Umngeni Community Safety Initiative (UCSI), Debbie Preston moves back into the educational space of making a difference in the lives of our youth.

The UCSI was born from the vision of Debbie Preston, then the Business Manager of Knight Security Solutions (KSS), and her husband Gary (owner of KSS). Their visualisation was to create a safer community using technology. In consultation with local municipal authorities and Safe City in Pietermaritzburg, the plan began taking shape in 2015. With insight from SA CAN (now TrackBox Technologies), the formulation of a monitored camera system in our uMngeni Municipal space began developing on paper. Persistence and the continued increase in crime drove Debbie to make this plan a reality. In late 2017 Brian Jones from TrackBox Technologies introduced Debbie to Grant Hancock, the CEO of Gatebook and SNIPR, and so the incredibly positive journey of the UCSI began!

After serious brainstorming discussions at Municipal level, it became evident that for a community project of this nature and scale to be established, it needed to be set up through a not-for-profit structure that could be run by the community, and endorsed by the Municipality. In June 2018, Debbie, together with local businessman Terence James, set up the legal structure and registered the UCSI as a Not-for-Profit Company (NPC). The UCSI has seen many successes and a vibrant, active Board of Directors over the past 3 years. The focus being the safety and well-being of our community! The support from authorities, primarily SAPS has been unquestionable, and the financial input and investment by the community from both urban and rural avenues has been instrumental in getting the UCSI network established. The UCSI continues to make headway and a positive impact on our local and surrounding communities. Partnerships with local and provincial authorities, business entities, the safety and security industry, community safety Initiatives, locally driven Community Police Forums and private individuals have been cemented since the UCSI inception almost 3 years ago. Says Brian Jones “I believe that the UCSI has and will continue to be the arrowhead community project that is the model for our nation. This unity between community, government and technology is something very positive, and with results that stand-alone, speak for themselves”.

Our gratitude to Debbie for her enormous energy and for creating an established, functional and sustainable UCSI. Our appreciation is heartfelt. We know her ultimate passion lies in education and community engagement, but we can never undervalue the considerable dynamism and value that Debbie has invested into the safety of our community space.

Debbie is an accomplished teacher, currently teaching at Epworth High School, and author of numerous textbooks and study guides for Shuter and Shooter. She is involved in active leadership of our youth, and in community upliftment and social justice awareness projects. Debbie has made the decision to step down from the Board of Directors of the UCSI, but remains involved in an advisory capacity. The Current Board of Directors, under the competent and invested leadership of Mr Themba Ndulini, founding member Terence James, together with Krish Ramkuber, Thandeni Zondi and Captain Myeni continue to make headway. The appointment of Shannon Naudé in August 2020, as the Director of Operations, was another positive move for the UCSI, which continues to engage and grow the UCSI network of SNIPR enabled gantry mounted CCTV cameras in our local and greater community.

Thank you Debbie for your vision, your vested interest and for all you have contributed to the UCSI and our community to date. You have touched more lives than you realise. We know this is not goodbye and that you remain invested, interested and passionate about community safety and the UCSI. Your valuable input will always be appreciated, respected and worthwhile.

Contributions from: Themba Ndulini (UCSI Chairman), Shannon Naudé (UCSI Operations Director), Kevin Wright (UCSI Board member 2019/20), Brian Jones (TrackBox Technologies), Grant Hancock (SNIPR), Renee Lanzoni (KSS) and Gary Preston (KSS).

From Debbie:

I give everything I do 110% and have been in education since 1997. In 2014 I dived into the security industry to support my husband, Gary. I always believed and still do, that teachers can do anything, but my eyes were opened and I was almost not prepared for what I was diving into. A world of petty crime, organised crime, murder, the rape of women and children, planned “hits”, threats, hi-jacking, domestic violence, gun shots, car chases, fires, suicide, lies, deceit, cheating, trespassing, vandalism, undercover surveillance, physical abuse, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, animal abuse, poaching, theft, possession of illegal or stolen goods etc.. You name it, I walked into it.

It was the impact that crime has on our community, especially our women, children and families that was the driving force behind the establishment of the UCSI. The vision that “technology feeding the right information to the right people can have a profound impact on keeping our community spaces safe” was at the forefront of what I wanted to achieve. I wasn’t really prepared for the “red tape” but managed to navigate those waters. Today we have a successful, community driven UCSI NPC working in our community space. My prayer is that the UCSI continues to make progress, grow and always strive to align itself with the intentions with which it was established; those of integrity, ownership and inclusivity.

I have to be part of the proactive solution in South Africa, and that starts at grassroots level, with our youth. I may not make a huge or profound impact, but if I can make a difference in just a few young people’s lives to go out there and be adults who are “game changers”, then I have done my job. Thank you uMngeni community for your support and investment in the UCSI – together we created something really good!

More about UCSI.

Criminals are quickly in and out of un-alarmed and alarmed premises by breaking windows and doors. External beams can allow for early warning of criminals on your premises. Contact KSS on 033 330 5911 for advice on external beams, lighting and CCTV cameras.

Copper pipes and vehicles are also targeted items.Please also don’t confront criminals.

Activate your alarm or call the KSS Control Room on 033 330 5911 for assistance.

SAFETY TIPS – Keeping your vehicle safe.

1. Lock Up
Always lock your doors when driving and keep valuables out of sight. If your window must be open, make sure it isn’t wide enough for a hand to fit through. Also make sure that all your windows are open the same distance. This will prevent your window from being smashed.

2. Space Out
Make sure there is enough space between your car and the car in front of you at a traffic light or stop street. You need to be able to see the rear tyres of the car in front of you to have enough space to drive off if necessary.

3. Be Vigilant
Be aware of loiterers or anyone approaching your car at a traffic light, stop street or in your driveway. If you feel unsafe, drive away. Don’t loiter in the carpark when you have finished your shopping or when you arrive in the carpark. Criminals are alert, you must be more alert than them.

4. Park Safe
Always park your vehicle in a secure spot – parking garages or areas with a closed-circuit camera (CCTV) – and never leave any valuables in the car.

5. Avoid the jam
Car jamming is a real thing. Make sure your car is locked when you have parked it by testing your doors. Car thieves can jam your alarm system and disappear with your car within minutes.

6. Track your car

Yes, it’s not a guarantee, but a car tracking unit greatly improves your chances of recovering your vehicle, if it does get stolen.

Courtesy of the: KZN TRAFFIC GUY (2021/04 /10)

More about Knight Security Solutions, in Howick, KZN.

A small flock of about six Spur-winged geese has congregated on the shore of Laggan Waters. They are a common bird of African wetlands and are the largest waterfowl on the continent. They nest in vegetation near the water or in low trees.

Photos by Brian Wakeford taken at Amberglen Retirement Village.

Congratulations to Hi-Q Howick on their 5th birthday, they are celebrating with cake today!

'It has been an incredible journey.

Six years ago, on 1 April 2015, we were faced with what we hoped was an April Fools' joke, but wasn't. Suddenly, and unexpectedly jobless, we sold our home in Jhb and moved our lives back home - to Howick. Determined to land back on our feet, we explored various and many options.

Then conversations between long time friends and the acquisition of a building we had always admired made us realise that our dream could become a reality. On 29 April 2016 Hi-Q Howick opened for business!

There were times that we doubted our decision, and times that we wanted to give up, but we are immensely proud of what we have achieved and what Hi-Q Howick has become!

We acknowledge, however, that none of this would have been possible without the support of this wonderful community of which we are now so grateful to be a part. ❤

From Braam, myself Gary, and the Hi-Q Team, THANK YOU sincerely for supporting us on our incredible journey.

PS Feel free to pop in for some Birthday cake to celebrate our Birthday with us! ?? (Thursday!)' shared Gary.

More about Hi-Q in Howick, KZN.

Update on the Serval kitten (isiZulu : Indlozi) 

On arrival, this little female was thin and weak, she has been kept inside the clinic to carefully monitor her food intake, weight, and behavior.

Now fully stable and eating solids only, she has been moved to an outdoor enclosure where she can begin to explore. It didn't take long for her behavior to change and her confidence to grow. 

This enclosure is kitted out for young small predators and provides a safe space for them to practice skills and grow. Once this Serval is a little bit older, she will be moved to a larger enclosure.

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

When a new homeowner moves into a house, please remember that KSS will do a FREE service on any existing alarm system, and link-up the alarm to the KSS Control Room. Please share this information with new homeowners in your area. Call 033 330 5911.

More about Knight Security Solutions.

It is 997 CE, the end of the Dark Ages, and England faces attacks from the Welsh in the west and the Vikings in the east. Life is hard, and those with power wield it harshly, bending justice according to their will – often in conflict with the king. With his grip on the country fragile and with no clear rule of law, chaos and bloodshed reign.

Into this uncertain world three people come to the fore: a young boatbuilder, who dreams of a better future when a devastating Viking raid shatters the life that he and the woman he loves hoped for; a Norman noblewoman, who follows her beloved husband across the sea to a new land only to find her life there shockingly different; and a capable monk at Shiring Abbey, who dreams of transforming his humble abbey into a centre of learning admired throughout Europe.

THE DAWN OF A NEW AGE
Now, with England at the dawn of the Middle Ages, these three people will each come into dangerous conflict with a ruthless bishop, who will do anything to increase his wealth and power, in an epic tale of ambition and rivalry, death and birth, and love and hate.

Get your copy of this Ken Follet book at Howick's Nuts About Books and Toys shop in Mare street.

These three siblings have be apart of our family for many years already. This little boy is in Grade RR at Angels Care and his two sisters are at Thembelihle Primary School, they all walk a few Kilometers to school each day. His sisters make sure he is at school on time and then continue their walk to school and they fetch him to take him home. The oldest sister is only in Grade 3.

This is just a reminder that family is everything and that we need to hold on to what and who we love. Be grateful, be kind, be honest and make a difference where you can.

Without our sponsorship, nutritional and health care programmes these children would have no one to care for them. They have a bright future thanks to every single person who supports our Centre and School and of course our staff. Gosh but these kids have so much to teach us.

More about Angel's Care Centre.

All kids love a soft toy and The Ugly Duckling has a to-die-for range. Our toys are top quality and not your average toy store designs, so stop by to see what we have on offer! You can also contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

More about The Ugly Duckling.

Howick High School were pleased to welcome and host Maritzburg College for cricket matches one afternoon during the past week. This match saw Alexandra Candler take on captaincy, Alex is the first girl in Howick High School's history to captain the 1st Cricket team. Congratulation to this pioneering young woman.

More about Howick High School.