A small group of conservationists, food growers and environmental activists have started the Mpophomeni Conservation Group under the auspices of Midlands Conservancies Forum. They host regular walks and talks, screen environmental movies and hold discussion groups on environmental issues. Their own organic food gardens are living/working examples of sustainable living.

In South Africa, an estimated 1.5 million children suffer from malnutrition, 14 million people are vulnerable to food insecurity, 43% of households suffer from food poverty. School children who are hungry cannot concentrate or perform to their potential. There are 35 000 residents in Mpophomeni, the HIV rate is over 60%, and Unemployment about 80%.

The Global Green Grants Fund have provided funding to start this process. To begin with, low energy cooking equipment was purchased. Ntombenhle Mtambo was so delighted with the Wonderbag and Sunstove "We can do other things while our food cooks, we don't have to watch it all the time and it will save so much electricity." That evening Penz Malinga made vegetable curry on the Istofu and was amazed at how little wood it needed to cook "It's unbelievable", while Tutu's neighbours all snuggled around hers as it kept them warm indoors - no smoke!

A week later, some of the garden equipment arrived. Penz had the most fun spraypainting red symbols so they would be identifiable. Ntombenhle Mtambo is absolutely thrilled. "I have never owned so many tools, before my hands were my tools. I love them all! Now we have to go out there and educate people about how to grow food and help each other."

Members of the Mpophomeni Kidz Club (also an MCG initiative) are also excited by the abundance of tools and cannot wait to start helping in one another's gardens. The hosepipe is their absolute favourite! Penz has already planted peanuts and rhubarb, a tree tomato, peas, onions and spinach and built a compost heap.

MCG plan to inspire others in their communities to think about their lifestyles with regards to sustainability, resilience, climate change, biodiversity conservation and animal rights. Leading by example MCG intends to help and influence their neighbours , one garden at a time by hosting workshops and gardening parties (known as ilima in Zulu culture) to assist people to improve their gardens, grow indigenous plants and food plants.

The idea being that being that while they work, they informally chat about recycling, sustainable living and environmental issues. Their own lifestyles, homes and gardens will provide the inspiration to share their vision of a better, greener, kinder and more sustainable future for their community.

Next up: water tanks and gutters to harvest rainwater, fencing to stop chickens and goats from helping themselves, a brushcutter and plenty of old hay to mulch the gardens and build more compost heaps.

Ntombenhle and Tutu have approached the uMngeni Municipality to turn two areas of wasteland into community gardens. "We would like to help the community we live in. We would like to see them learn to understand the importance of nature and caring for the environment where they live in their daily lives, every day. Learning about these things will open their eyes, save money, water, energy and give them opportunities to earn money out of waste and gardening.

We would love to get rid of all the dumping sites because they cause misery for those who live near them, the rubbish blocks the storm water drains, rotting things smell bad and can cause disease. We need to teach the community that much of the waste is useful so they stop dumping and causing problems. Education is key for people to take advantage of opportunities to grow food and improve their lives. Programmes like "One Home, One Garden" fail because although they are given trees and seeds, most people do not have fences or information on how to make a garden or plant a tree. We would like to help people to start gardens and be able to sell surplus or donate to those in need.

Previously, we have approached the Municipality, but despite promises, nothing has happened. We are still standing and proud to carry on doing the things we believe are most important – growing food and helping the community."

News and pictures kindly supplied by Nikki Brighton

Harvard Electrical have a special offer you'll want to be thinking about as we near the end of Winter. A new aircon will manage rising temperatures and cold snaps equally well.

RADIANT Split Unit Aircon 12,000 BTU R4,469.00 incl VAT
* Heating & Cooling
* Independent Dehumidifying Function
* LED Motion Display
* Remote Control LED
* Automatic Restart Function
* Self-Diagnosis and Auto Protection Function
* Intelligent Control & Display Technology
* Dual Air Guide - Up & Down Air Outlet
* 24 Hour Timer, Sleep Mode
* Silent Operation
* 3 Year Warranty on Compressor, 1 Year on Unit
* Spares Available

Moyra Ventress is Durban born and bred. She initially studied Catering Management at Technikon but always had an interest in Accounts. While living on a Tea Estate in Zululand where Moyra's husband was farming, she studied bookkeeping and catapulted into a career in Accounting – now her first love.

Moyra and her family moved to Centurion 8 yrs ago pursuing a job opportunity for her husband. She retained her interested in accounting and took on accounts that needed sorting out and organising for small and medium businesses, establishing a skill base and obtaining a feel for the small and medium business issues and accounting challenges.

The love of KZN, the pull of family and friends and a new job opportunity for Moyra's husband brought the family back KZN, and to the Midlands which they have always had a love for. A year later, settled in and loving Howick Moyra felt the need to assist small to medium businesses and from this desire "The Accounts Office" was born.

The Accounts Office aim is to be able to work one-on-one with business owners, allowing them to concentrate on their business and not on their accounts. The Accounts Office offers tailored made bookkeeping solution for your business needs. The Accounts Office work with an Auditing and Tax Consulting firm should any of our clients need this service. We look forward to meeting you.

The Giovision, Halfway Toyota and Greendale Spar sponsored competition held on 14 August was won by the team of Norman Chemaly, Barbara Wyatt and Petra Stubbs. Congratulations!

The conflict of dates involving the holding of tournaments by other clubs has now been resolved, and as a result the Moffatt Optical tournament will now definitely be held on 20 October. We hope that other clubs will join us and that there will be a full house.

The Lawnmower Shop in Howick will generously be sponsoring a new tournament to be held on the last Wednesday of each month. The inaugural tournament will be held on 28 August. Enquiries to Dave Truscott 033 239 4512

Club Duties:
Refreshments:

24 August – 30 August: Tim Waring
31 August – 6 September: Brian Ellison

Tabs: 21 August– 27 August: Dave Truscott and Terry Elmer

Tea: 24 August: Marianne van Wieringen; 27 August: Win Maher; 28 August: Petra Stubbs

Social Bowls
Every Wednesday and Saturday, tabs in by 1.30pm. Whites.
Every Tuesday morning, tabs in by 9.00 am until further notice. Casual. Visitors most welcome.

FREE Coaching takes place on a regular basis.

For any enquiries kindly contact: John Withers on 033-239 5376, Graeme Cameron on 033-330 3457, Hilary Williams on 033-3303992 or Barry Bedworth on 033-239 5445

News kindly supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club

Patrick was born in Zambia.

He was schooled in South Africa, trained as an engineer and his working career started at AECI.

As with most young men wanderlust took him travelling and once back in South Africa he was employed at Metal Box. He was head hunted by Coca Cola where he worked for 15 years in Africa and Europe. During a stint in Ireland he farmed rare breeds of cattle, pigs, sheep and ducks.

He left Coke, returned to South African and again farmed rare cattle breeds. This time in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands where his business mind, coupled with the training he'd received at Coke, led to humble beginnings as a part-time business coach.

Then Patrick discovered ActionCOACH! He is the KZN franchisee and a master coach - and from his base in The Quarry Centre he has recorded a remarkable success rate for businesses in the greater Midlands area and in Durban.

Patrick's wife Glynis manages the operations and the finances at ActionCOACH KZN. Their 13-year-old son Nicholas is a learner at Cowan House. The family lives in Hilton.

Our very own Janet Waring of Stunning Stitches has won a Royal First prize. Her quilt (pictured) won First prize at the 2013 Royal Show. This beautiful quilt was first in the Large Quilt category and was created over a three month period. She is a member of the Meander Quilters Guild. If you would like to learn the art of quilting or simply improve your skills then Janet is offering sewing lessons or will create a personalised quilt for you.

Janet of Stunning Stitches has been sewing for over 40 years and is skilled in many areas of sewing. She not only sews award winning quilts, dresses for her grandchildren and friends but also sews beautiful gowns and dresses for all occasions. Have you, your daughter or granddaughter started thinking about that special gown – wedding, matric dance, mother of the bride or any special occasion? Give Stunning Stitches a call and make an appointment to make that dream dress a reality or to book your sewing lessons or discuss your personalised quilt.

Change is the one constant in life and because Travel is an ever-changing entity it is always exciting, never dull and full of endless opportunities. Even if you have visited a place before, you know that you can return and experience it as though it were your first time. Are you planning your next trip?

Would you like to win two air tickets to London with taxes paid? It's easy ...... each booking made with Howick Travel before 31st October gives you an entry in the draw. The more bookings you make, the more entries you have. Please note that conditions do apply.

At Howick Travel, we pride ourselves in being Travel Professionals, offering excellent, personalized service with knowledgeable travel advice whilst maintaining a 'value for money' element. We understand that Travel is an investment and with us, your investment will be nurtured and appreciated.
In a time where the world has gotten smaller, yet so diverse, it is vital for our Travel Consultants to be up to date with what Travel has to offer as well as what the various requirements are for each and every destination that may present itself at our desk. Taking short cuts or booking via electronic means can sometimes leave a traveller stranded at some forbidden place with no one to call.

Where ever you wish to travel Howick Travel are here to help you whether it is Local or International, Business or Leisure. We will advise and book for you Cruises; Bus Tours; Flights; Accommodation; Car hire; Individual Travel or Group Travel....to name but a few!

We are fortunate to be a part of a fabulous, thriving local community and believe in supporting this community. We raise funds for and participate in fundraising events with Howick Hospice, SPCA, local schools, Howick Bowling Club as well as Save the Rhino. For Mandela Day our staff took the initiative to make food for and deliver it all to Angels Care.

We are also grateful for the support we receive from our Community.

Put on your takkies and run 10km in aid of Howick Hospice at this year's "Mandela Day Marathon".

Howick Hospice has been nominated as one of the charities to benefit from The Mandela Day Marathon which takes place on the 25th August 2013.

There are two options available, 10km or 42.2km. This 42.2km marathon reflects, in a symbolic way, the gruelling marathon that Baba Mandela had to "run" to lay the foundation for the new democratic ethos that we in South Africa are currently enjoying. This race is a way for us to rekindle our special relationship with the great icon who is the Father of the Nation.

Please support this initiative by running 10km (or 42.2km for the more advanced athlete) for a very worthy cause. The 10km race will start at 7am from the Howick Stadium and finish at The Mandela Capture Site. The cost per entry is R75 and R15 for a temporary license. This is a pre-entry event and no entries will be accepted on race day. To enter, log onto www.mandelamarathon.co.za or contact Mel at Howick Hospice on 033 330 5257. The closing date to enter is the 31st July 2013, however the date has been extended for runners running in aid of charity. First 30 entrants will receive a FREE Howick Hospice running shirt to compete in. Please send us your proof of entry to secure your shirt.

We really hope you will join in and take on this 10km challenge for Howick Hospice!!

Local author, Daphne Olivier, has always wanted to write, but nursing, raising a family, running a rose nursery and farming got in the way, and it was only when she retired that she had time to do what she has always dreamt of doing.

Her first book, The Peacock Throne, published by Wild Child Publishers, is based on a search for the treasure that was lost when the Grosvenor was wrecked on the Wild Coast in 1782. It is available at www.wildchildpublishing.com

The Kennaway Woman, published by Melange books, is a historical novel about the shipload of Irish women who landed in East London in 1857 to provide wives for the German Legionnaires who had settled in the Eastern Cape.  Although Daphne's memoir, The Way it Was, was written primarily for her family, her publisher liked it so much that it has now been published and is available to the general public. Her latest book, The Pegasus Project, is a thriller based on a genetically modified product that goes horribly wrong. All these are available from the author and the publisher at http://www.melange-books.com/

When not writing novels, Daphne writes science fiction. Several of her stories have been published in American and Canadian magazines.

Daphne is at present working on a historical novel set in South Africa during the Boer War. Although Ladysmith is central to the story, some of the action takes place in Howick. It will be a while before this one comes on the market, but the subject is fascinating and the book will be well worth the wait.

FreeMe had such a fun day on the 9th August, despite the diabolical weather and the decision not to hold our Open Day. Lots of people still arrived to support us and the tea and coffee, the wonderful eats prepared by Joanne's team of bakers went down a treat. It was lovely to see so many new faces, and the presence of the Hampton's from Wildcare in Richmond and Ben Hoffman from Raptor Rescue, made it plain to everyone how well we work together as a unit to save our wildlife. We would also like to thank Dynalogic for the wonderful job they have done re-designing our very old, very boring website. Please everyone go to www.freemekzn.co.za and have a squizz. We plan for it to be lot more interactive, so please let us have your comments (likes and dislikes). We have also set up a blog, which will display all our latest news and views, but will go even further and reflect the opinions and involvement of the public. We had a very excited member of the public phone in the other day to say that she had seen a Ground Hornbill and she just had to tell someone. We were equally excited. We also had a report of Blue Crane on a farm in Birnam Wood – so everyone lets join in the hunt – send us your sightings of oribi, crane, raptors, cape parrots and the like, but also your more everyday sightings. Perhaps you see a very common creature, showing unusual behaviour or have a newcomer to your feeder that has not been there before. Our environment is so dynamic, let us take enjoyment in its many different aspects. Together, we can learn all sorts of new things and share it with conservancies and other stake holders who are involved in protecting our beautiful Midlands. Please also remember to sms donate freeme to 48748 to donate your R10.00, it really is making such a difference.

News kindly supplied by FreeMe

Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela is a struggle giant and an icon of global proportion that transcends all borders and appeals to everyone across all walks of life. His historical association with uMgungundlovu District Municipality contributed and shaped the democratic, modern day South Africa that we live in today. This has made the District Municipality one of the critical nerve centres of the struggle against apartheid.

On Sunday, 25 August 2013 the marathon will start at the Manayi Hall (formerly known as Arya Samaj Hall) in Imbali, where Nelson Mandela made his last speech on 25 March 1961, and will end at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site outside Howick, where he was arrested, on 05 August 1962. It is against this reason that his historical association with the District has been coined and immortalized through the Mandela Day Marathon. In 2013 the Mandela Day Marathon has major events lined up, that will heighten and bring much deserved attraction to the event, with ambassadors, charities and prizes that will be announced.

The race starts at 07:00am and the route passes through our surrounding areas, details below indicate which roads will be effected.

It is measured that runners will run contra flow to traffic unless stated.
Start F.J. Sithole Road near Manayi Hall
Mnkayi Road Left into Mnkayi Rd
Mbhelebhele Rd Left into Mbhelebhele Rd
Sikale Road Left into Sikale Rd becomes Mthombothi
Sibhubhu Road Right into Sibhubhu Rd
Sutherland Road Left into Sutherland Rd
M70 Left onto M70
Caluza Road Right into Caluza
Dennis Shepstone Left into Dennis Shepstone running contra flow
Hillary Road Left into Hillary
Ridge Road Right into Ridge Road
Cedara Road R103 Left into Cedara running contra flow. Follow Cedara over N3 and back over N3
District Drive Left into District
Macleroy Road Right into Macleroy
Byrnwood Road Right into Byrnwood
Wilson Road Left into Wilson
Zeederberg Road Left into R613 (Bulwer/Boston Road)
N3 Follow R613 (Bulwer/Boston Road) right under N3
Zeederberg Road Left into Zeederberg Road running with traffic
Starlite Road Left into Starlite
Riverview Road Right into Riverview
Sport Field Right onto sports field and clockwise on gravel road, exiting onto Zeederberg
Zeederberg Road Left into Zeederberg running with traffic
Prospect Road Left into Prospect Running contra flow crossing N3, following Prospect
(R103) right past Midmar Dam wall running contra flow

We wish all the entrants a good run. Howick residents will be out in force supporting the athletes and driving with caution and patience.

"It's time again to don yer kilts, get on yer gear and enter the annual Howick Highlander MTB and Trail Run events," said organisers of the annual event.

It all takes place on Sunday 25 August 2013 at the Karkloof Farmers' Market just outside Howick.  The event, which is hosted by the 1st Howick Cubs and Scouts, is focused on being an affordable family event.
"You will be able to enjoy sociable routes along dirt roads and jeep tracks in the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve and Everdon Estate – places you cannot normally access. After dodging zebra and antelope you will pass some of the most breathtaking views around," said organisers.

Registration opens at 06:00. Trail runs will start from 07:00 and cover 20km, 10km and 5km distances. MTB rides will start from 08:30 and cover 40km, 20km, 10km and 2km distances.

"Don't miss the EXTREME 20km MTB route for the not so faint-hearted, which will follow the 20km trail run route down the Umngeni Valley."

Check out www.howickhighlander.co.za or www.roag.co.za for more details.

FreeMe update on the animals introduced to us over the past few weeks.

We introduced you to this Bushbuck recently and as can be seen from the attached photo - our little Bushbuck is doing well and growing. An interesting fact about these antelope is that the males are probably among the most feared by hunters. They back themselves into dense bush if hurt or cornered to protect their hind quarters and lie in ambush, darting out at any threat and doing terrific damage with their long, sharp horns. This is a little female which means that she is a much better candidate for successful rehabilitation and release then her male counterpart would be. She and Dinky, the duiker, have bonded really well and groom each other contentedly.

Unfortunately, the Secretary Bird did not make it. Our vet did a great job of cleaning the wing and we were very hopeful that it would make a full recovery, but obviously the infection from the wound had spread too far. After responding really well for a week, it started to lose ground. Thanks to the guys who sponsored the vet's bill. We really did have to try everything we could to save it.

Our four servals are growing fast and we are discussing possible releases and monitoring devices for them with a researcher from UKZN.

Other than that, we have had a rash of raptor rescues, as a lot of migrants return to the Midlands, and hungry after their flight back, they are inclined to hunt on the roads and high ways. Thanks to N3 Traffic Officials for helping Roz rescue one from the Centre Inland of the Highway just outside Howick. A mission not to undertaken lightly.

Thanks to all those who have made use of our donation sms line. Please continue to sms donate freeme to 48748 to donate your R 10.00, you cannot believe how much it is helping.

News and image kindly provided by FreeMe KZN

Britt and Rene Stubbs moved to the Karkloof valley in 1986. Britt describes the changes on their farms over the years.

Denleigh was a beef and maize farm at the time, but we developed it into a dairy farm, planting maize, soya beans, potatoes and carrots using conventional tillage methods. It soon became clear that this type of land use was leading to severe erosion, increased soil pests, proliferation of weeds on contour banks and serious wear and tear on equipment. Seventeen years ago we decided to convert to No-Till for the maize silage, cover crops and autumn pasture establishment.

The positive results have been overwhelming! We have enjoyed increased yields from healthier soils due to an increase in earthworms and a decrease in soil pests. There have been significant fuel savings as well as reduced wear and tear on equipment. In addition to the commercial advantages of converting to No-Till we have also observed positive environmental changes: improved water quality and availability; increased food sources and cover for wildlife; the return of indicator species and reduced erosion. We now enjoy regular sightings of all three crane species on the farm and have a resident pair of Blue Cranes which have been breeding here for a number of years. We hardly ever saw cranes when we first arrived in the valley, but now, with most of the large-scale farmers having converted to No-Till, the increase in crane sightings has been significant.

We took a conscious decision not to plant trees on veld which had been granted a timber permit. Choosing instead to rehabilitate 200ha of contiguous mistbelt Themeda veld to regain its biodiversity and secure the farm's water supply. Livestock was taken off the predominantly Aristida veld and a carefully managed burning regime was introduced. 26 years later there is a significant increase in Themeda cover and many other plant species have re-appeared. This area now hosts many wildlife species, including cranes, grass owls, Natal red rock rabbits, porcupines, ant bears, mongooses, genets, cervals, oribi, reedbuck and duiker.

Six years ago, we bought a neighbouring farm Bartersfield, also a beef farm which we have converted to dairy. As oribi occur here, we leave one of the four veld paddocks unburnt every year to provide cover for them. We have found that if the paddocks are not burnt in regular rotation the veld becomes moribund and overgrown, which prevents the healthy regeneration of Themeda and other plant species. Late autumn block-burning (particularly after rain) has proven to be the ideal time to burn the veld. This ensures that the fire is not too hot and doesn't damage the Themeda. Burning in spring (in the absence of early spring rains) can destroy the growing tips and seeds of the Themeda which then sets the plants back.

We have found that the reedbuck, bushbuck, duiker and, to a lesser extent, the oribi have adapted very easily to feeding on the ryegrass pastures which we have established. The quality winter forage which is available to them has resulted in year-round breeding amongst the reedbuck. The oribi still only breed on an annual basis. We believe that the increase in jackal activity in recent years (as well as caracal and dog hunting to a much lesser extent) has had a major impact on the oribi population.

What a privilege it is to farm in harmony with the Midlands wildlife.

Charlie MacGillivray, adds: There is no doubt that in my 39 years of farming on Gartmore, the advent of No-Till farming has been one of the most gratifying experiences.

It is our privilege to share the beauty and integrity of our piece of paradise with others and the Karkloof Conservation Centre - the hides are merely the start of making possible. Whether you twitch or tweet, there is something for everyone on Gartmore!

This beautiful home in Amber Valley comprises of 2 bedrooms, study or 3rd bedroom, 2 bathrooms (tiled to the ceiling), very cleverly thought out kitchen, lovely open plan living area finished off with a slow combustion fire place for those cold winter days and nights, and an extra length double garage. The house is free standing and has good space around it and to finish off a gorgeous view!

Amber Valley is situated to the north of Howick, just off the Karkloof road, overlooking numerous dams and streams and nestled comfortably into the surrounding countryside. All this, and only 2km from Howick's full range of amenities.

Howick is a quaint rural town on the Johannesburg to Durban route (just off the N3 highway) and a comfortable 25 minutes from Pietermaritzburg.

Amber Valley also offers many facilities including, frail care, dining room, coffee shop, pub area, snooker room, hair dresser, library, astro-turf bowling green, tennis courts, croquet lawn as well as 2 indoor heated swimming pools.

Take a stroll in the beautiful game estate and enjoy viewing the abundant bird life and free roaming game.

For more information contact Tiffiny Hancock.

Bridges of Hope for Children was established to provide love, care and a home for orphaned, abandoned and abused children, infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in rural KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

Each child that comes to us is welcomed into our family as a special and important member. Some children are placed back with family members or suitable foster parents, and some remain with us long term. Our desire for each little one is that they are given the best family that God has for them.

Our preschool is starting to fill up with children from the nearby housing area. We are delighted to be able to make a difference in our local community. We use the Konos Curriculum which is biblically based on Godly character formation. Our children have the benefit of extending their social circle, and our community's children by receiving teaching in areas that are not generally covered in local schools, such as computer literacy and music. Both Zulu and English are learned and practiced by the children to give them the best possible advantage when they move on to higher grades.

Our house received a much needed facelift this month. An enormous thank you to Albert, Peter & Dwayne Vergos and his team for the painting!

The Methodist Church Sunday School children joined with our children for a picnic on the farm. The tractor and trailer ride was the highlight of the day!

We are thrilled with our new Mamamimi wood burning bread oven, so generously donated to us by Paul Elliot! We are baking all our own bread, and have started to generate much needed income by selling freshly baked bread to the locals.

Another blessing this month was the birth of 2 litters of pedigreed Labrador puppies . They are being showered with love and attention.

News and Pictures supplied by Bridges Of Hope.

At a glamorous occasion in Pietermaritzburg, Penelope Malinga was announced as a winner in the KZN Youth Achievers Awards - organised by uMvithi and aimed at exposing young people to positive career, educational, entrepreneurial and recreational opportunities - in recognition of her 'selfless efforts in making a difference in KwaZulu Natal'. Penelope was nominated in the Environmental Category by the Midlands Conservancies Forum (MCF).

Judy Bell, Chair of the MCF "We are very proud to be associated with the Mpophomeni Conservation Group, which Penz is a founding member of. Credit is due to the inspirational people who started this initiative to motivate others to consider environmental issues. It is right that Penz has been recognised by this Award. We look forward to even more exciting things in the future from this exceptional group."  Penelope describes herself as a self-appointed guardian of wild places, tree and bunny hugger. She recalls the inspiration, "one day a friend introduced me to the uMngeni River gorge below the Howick Falls, it was like nothing I had ever seen, heard, or felt before. I knew I was home."

Last year she was part of the team who walked the length of the uMngeni river, inspiring many to take up the cause of protecting our rivers. Penelope particularly enjoys working with the youth, passing on her passion for wetlands and a respect and connection to our precious rivers.

Penny Rees, fellow river lover is very excited about her achievement. "Penz - from the days that we walked the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve with kids in tow, to your work in Mpophomeni pulling the community together and healing the streams, from your Zulu dance lessons, to duck diving in muddy pools, from all the grey hairs you gave me climbing down holes and up huge boulders, from the uMngeni River walk, to witnessing your singing debut, we have walked a long road together (sometimes quite literally!) I cannot tell you how happy I am for you and how proud I am - you SO deserve this award - go forward from this day with your head held high.

Penz is an impressive young woman, her love for Mother Earth, her enthusiasm, ethics and sense of justice, her ability to work with folks of all ages and from all walks of life, and her sense of fun and radiant smile (resulting in our Mayday nickname for her - Chakide) have been an absolute pleasure to witness, and I look forward to many more years working together with Penelope Malinga - Bayete!"
Penelope is a positive role model, unafraid to speak up on issues of animal rights, fairness, racism, feminism and environmental causes. This means she is not always understood in her community.

Little sister Nonthokozo says "People often refuse to help her with testing the water, but now I think they will see what a difference she is making and help." Her mum, Thembeni, adds proudly "She always loved nature, I remember her coming back from school completely wet and saying she had fallen in the river." Penelope adds "Ja, people think I am a little weird, but it is my 'weirdness' which won me this award!"

At the Award Ceremony, the Environmental category was announced last, causing Penz' heart to thump when her name was called out. "I was getting ready to start clapping for the winner when they said it was me. I have never won anything in my life and yet tonight I am KZN Young Achiever in the environment category. Aweeeemah!"

Penz concludes: "I am proud of living in Mpophomeni and want to do all I can to alert people to the fact that we need to look after the small river, uMthimzima that runs through the township and into Midmar dam. Our actions have a big impact on the water quality of millions of people. I think this award might be a platform to make an even bigger difference.""I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Earth I walk on, the water that replenished my spirit, the Sun for lighting my way during day and the moon and stars by night, also the air that found a home in my body becoming a soul."

News and pictures kindly supplied by Midlands Conservancy.

With the very mild winter so far, we really are living in one of the best places in the country. This was borne out by the SABC2 Television Crew who spent the morning at FreeMe a couple of weeks ago. They were in the Midlands to make an episode for the Station's "Mooi Loop" programme which runs on Wednesday nights at 19h30, and they were amazed at the diverse beauty of the area, the gorgeous weather and the incredible number of attractions which are on offer. So if you want to see some familiar sights and faces (and one's you never knew existed) tune in to SABC2 during the first two weeks of August.

Our four baby serval and the little duiker from Greytown are thriving and keeping us all on our toes. Israel had the duiker on the lawn and was stimulating her to poop, when we suddenly saw him tearing after her in hot pursuit, as she decided it was time to play. For those of you who haven't met Israel, he is a tall, lanky lad and this was one of times when we blessed his extremely long legs.

FreeMe has now been dragged screaming and protesting into the technological age as our Centre Manager is particularly challenged in this area, and now has a sms donate line, to make life simple and easy for those wanting to help out. With so many positives on the horizon for FreeMe from December onwards on the financial side, we are going to make one big push to get us over the next five months until they come to fruition. So people this is how simple it is. You type in the words donate freeme, in upper or lower case and with a space between donate and freeme and nothing else and send it to 48748 and you will have donated R 10.00 to us and will receive an automatic acknowledgement to this effect. It requires no going to the bank, doing efts, filling in debit order forms, etc., and if a thousand people do it, it will more than make up the backlog we face every month.

Make it a fun family thing and teach your kids and grandkids the art of charitable giving. Use it as a punishment for swearing or breaking your diet with a chocolate bar or as a forfeit in games, etc. Use your networking skills to challenge your friends to meet your donation, and before we know it FreeMe will be wallowing in money (from our lips to God's ears). If we have touched your lives in any way or helped with an injured animal, use this to say "thanks, we appreciate it". Thanks also to Wakefields for their initiative of holding a book sale for charity at their offices on Sunday. They are one of our most charitably minded businesses, always giving up their time to help in any way they can. You guys really rock!