September was a very quiet month for the cameras. This with special thanks to members who contribute monthly, to keeping the cameras active and making the uMngeni area un-attractive to criminal element.

The poaching incidents are concerning and farming community are worried about the increase in senseless killing of wildlife.

Our older cameras are now starting to malfunction, so replacing is going to require some more capital investment. Any businesses or persons who would like to contribute to the safety and security of the uMngeni area please contact Deon at UCSI on 063 068 9562 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Incident report
01 Sep
Hilton
A vehicle in involved in a hit and run was identified and information shared to the UCSI SAPS group and HRRG Hilton Community Security initiative group.

05 Sep
Hilton
The hit and run vehicle activated a UCSI SNIPR South Africa camera. The information was sent to Hilton security group. A Red Alert member managed to find the vehicle but it sped off into the Hilton residential area. Between Hilton Community in Blue members, Security and SAPS, visuals and camera activations the vehicle was followed and searched for but unfortunately managed to escape in the back roads.

06 Sep
Mpophomeni
A suspected stolen vehicle activated a camera and the info was sent to UCSI SAPS group. Thanks to Hilton SAPS member. The vehicle was stopped in Mpophomeni area. Vehicle was recovered but not cleared off system. Driver told to go to Pound to clear paperwork.

07 Sep
Merrivale and Howick West
Poaching group report. With 3 known poaching vehicles traveling around the area, I informed the UCSI poaching group. No poaching incidents reported. Vehicles monitored only.

14 Sep
Hilton
A report of poaching was received on the Hilton group. The UCSI poaching group was informed. Thanks to response members from Magma, AET Security, Red Alert Security KZN and Knight Security Solutions; 2 poachers were stopped with a carcass. Thanks to Hilton SAPS, Ezemvelo and SPCA, both poachers were arrested.

26 Sep
Upper Dargle
Poaching incident reported. The suspect vehicle that may be involved has been identified.

28 Sep
Mpophomeni
A vehicle observed behaving suspiciously in Dalton area around ATM hotspots activated UCSI camera. As it was not charged it was a Watch and Monitor only, no stop required. The info was sent to UCSI SAPS group. AET response monitoring the vehicle from Mpophomeni to Hilton. No incidents reported. Thank you AET.

28 Sep
Hilton
A suspected stolen vehicle activated the UCSI camera. The info was sent to UCSI SAPS group. AET response stopped the vehicle. It was determined that the vehicle was been driven by the owner, recovered but not cleared off system. Vehicle allowed to leave.

Consolidated breakdown
Sep 2024

Total        Photos      Total Hits     Previous Year Hits
4 386      183            562             597

https://operations2956.wixsite.com/Umngeni Community Safety Initiative - UCSI NPC

Yours sincerely
Deon Tegg
Operations Manager
063 068 9652

The Howick High School community is devastated by the passing away of parent and School Governing Body Chairman, Mr Kevin Wright.

Mr Wright is described by fellow parents as a genuine, fun loving, family man who was warm, inclusive and kind.

His love for our school and his dedication to the development and promotion of Howick High has seen the school grow from strength to strength under his leadership.

We pray for his wife, Wendy, and his children, Rebecca, Megan, Thomas and Catie.

May your legacy live on forever at Howick High. Rest in Peace.

Our Grounds Department is currently working on many projects to upgrade and beautify various areas of our school campus.

To assist them in this endeavour, we are looking for both mini and large Agapanthus plants.

We are grateful to a number of parents who have made a donation as well as Gardenatomy Landscapers who has donated 100 plants to assist us.

If you have any in your garden that you are able to spare, we would be most grateful if you could donate them to Howick High School.

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are able to assist.

Pain Mastery - With more than 40 years of medical practice, Dr Irwin Friedman is not only involved in the primary care approach to managing persistent pain, but also an advocate for preventive care!

His extensive experience includes treating patients with complex pain conditions, conducting educational workshops, and providing individualized treatment plans that combine modern medical science, with holistic healing practices.

Dr Friedman has dedicated his career to help individuals from all walks of life, take back control of their health and wellbeing, even when faced with long-term pain conditions.

"Chronic pain can be debilitating, but it doesn’t have to control your life."

Dr Friedman’s Pain Mastery Programme is designed not only as a therapeutic approach to treat chronic pain, but also as a preventive strategy that addresses the root causes of pain, before it gets a chance to worsen.

Through education, personalized treatment plans, and practical tools, participants are equipped with the knowledge they need to manage pain proactively.

At the Optimum Health Centre, the goal is to help individuals understand and manage chronic pain in a way that promotes longterm wellbeing and prevent further complications. 

Dr Friedman leads the Pain Mastery Programme - which empowers participants to overcome their persistent pain using a holistic, evidence-based approach.

The programme is unique in that it integrates medical treatments with non-medical approaches such as: movement, mindfulness, and lifestyle modifications, thus ensuring that patients can regain control of their lives.

This includes exploring how emotional and mental factors can contribute to pain, and teaching an individual how to manage these influences effectively.

For those who may not yet experience chronic pain but are at risk, the programme offers preventive strategies including posture correction, ergonomic advice, and lifestyle modifications aimed at maintaining health and thus preventing the onset of chronic pain.

"At the Optimum Health Centre, our goal is to foster sustainable transformations, helping clients achieve vitality, resilience and an enhanced quality of life"

Optimum Health Centre can all be contacted via phone on: 079 472 5309 / 066 269 8229 or via email on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Author credit: Liza Williams - Freelance Wellness Blogger (Pictured here RHS) 

Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Liza has a deeply rooted love for all things wellness and her career as a Somatologist has taken her to various parts of the world. She enjoys connecting with people and her hobbies include travel and tourism, photography, music, and aesthetics. Liza lives with her family in Nottingham Road, Midlands, South Africa.

Liza says, "No one should have to suffer from pain with a chronic health specialist like Dr Irwin Friedman around to share his expertise through the Pain Mastery programme.

Dr Friedman, or Irwin as he likes to be called, is available to be booked for community education talks, where he includes topics like - Chronic Pain Conditions.

He can be contacted through the Optimum Health Centre's website, email address or contact number... Take the first step towards a life free from the limitations of pain and enjoy optimum health."

“Every breath of fresh air we take, every mouthful of food that we take, comes from the natural world. And if we damage the natural world, we damage ourselves”
– David Attenborough

As global warming becomes increasingly evident the need for responsible action, education and advocacy for the environment becomes more essential. The Centre for Creative Arts, in collaboration with the Goethe Institute, is excited to announce the upcoming Science Film Festival with a compelling selection of short films centred on the urgent themes of science and nature conservation. Events will be hosted at various art centres, museums, and tertiary institutions throughout Durban.

“We are thrilled to present the Science Film Festival, alongside our already well-established festivals such as the recent Durban International Film Festival, JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Festival and the Time of the Writer Festival. With the Science Film Festival, we want to engage audiences with captivating narratives and ground-breaking scientific themes about the environment”, says Ismail Mahomed, the Director of the Centre for Creative Arts.

The Science Film Festival will showcase short film packages addressing the pressing challenges of global warming and environmental degradation. These packages include films from 8 countries around the world including South Africa.

Short film package 1 includes Inga Tree Model (Honduras), Stephan Harding - Rewild (South Africa), The Currency - Sensing 1 Agbogblsohie (Germany), and Ethiopia: Daily Fight for Recycling (Switzerland).

Package 2 includes Beyond Eureka World - Sustainable Fashion (Colombia), How Bicycle Tires and Inner Tubes are Made: The Path of a Schwalbe Tyre (Germany), and plan B: Treasure Hunt in Scrap – Avoiding and Recycling Electronic Waste (Germany).

Package 3 includes The Heat of Change (Nigeria), Drops of Dew (Italy), and How Bicycle Tires and Inner Tubes are Made: The Path of a Schwalbe Tyre (Germany).

Package 4 has the following films Astronomy Gastronomy (France), and Greenwashing: The Climate Killer (France).

“Through storytelling, we hope to ignite a sense of responsibility and urgency in our audience regarding the environmental challenges we face globally. By highlighting both scientific and traditional conservation methods, these films aim to raise awareness and inspire activism around critical environmental and social justice issues”, says Owethu Dlamini, the Media & Communications Emerging Arts Manager at the Centre for Creative Arts.

The festival will offer diverse perspectives on conservation efforts, sparking important conversations about protecting the planet. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in discussions and workshops that foster creative thinking and practical solutions for environmental activism.

“I am very excited to be part of this event. The Science Film Festival will offer a unique experience to the Durban community and nature conservationists. This festival will create a melting pot of ideas and a platform for people to discuss crucial challenges facing our planet, which are also posing serious threats to social and food security. I have no doubt that this event will not only bring people together but will also revive the spirit of activism in our society. I am particularly looking forward to the event, especially the community visits to various organizations.”, says film festival curator Sakhile Gumede.

The Science Film Festival will take place from the 14th to the 18th of October 2024 with an Official Opening at the Howard College Theatre. The Closing Night will be at the Alliance Française featuring a celebration of the festival's highlights with more discussions and exhibitions. Admission to the festival is free. For a detailed schedule of screenings and events, please visit https://cca.ukzn.ac.za/

About the Centre for Creative Arts:
The Centre for the Creative Arts (CCA) is an interdisciplinary hub in the School of the Arts in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The Centre plays host to seven festivals, which over many years have built a strong international profile for artistic excellence and for how the arts are engaged to advance social change and to strengthen South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

About the Goethe Institute:
The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global reach. We promote knowledge of the German language abroad and foster international cultural cooperation. We convey a comprehensive picture of Germany by providing information on Germany's cultural, social and political life. The Goethe-Instituts activities in this region have a special focus on strengthening the pan-African dialogue, and on promoting mobile access to information and education.

Open call: Unrecorded Voices

Workshop and mentorship programme for AI-generated documentaries and narratives

The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), in partnership with the innovative French studio u2p050, and Playtopia Festival has announced an open call for the Unrecorded Voices, a unique workshop and mentorship programme exploring AI-generated documentaries and narratives.

This programme invites South African artists, developers, and students to dive into the intersection of art, technology, and history, using cutting-edge AI tools to create speculative documentaries based on historical events and fictional narratives.

The programme is open to South African residents, and will take place online, with a daily workshop from 29 October to 4 November at10:00 to12:00; an individual mentorship programme from 5 November to 24 November, with a final exhibition of the various creative outputs at the Playtopia Festival, the annual Indie games and immersive Arts festival and conference in Cape Town  from 6 to 7 December.

Participation is free, however space is limited. Participants will be selected via the open call applications which must be submitted by Friday, 11 October 2024 at 5pm and can be done on this application link.

About the programme:
This workshop, led by u2p050—a collective of artists, historians, and technologists—focuses on the creation of "synthetic archives" through AI-generated content that reconstructs historical moments or imagines speculative events.

Participants will learn to work with AI tools for text, image, and audio generation, developing their own AI-assisted content that highlights underrepresented or unrecorded historical events.

The programme includes philosophical and ethical discussions on AI and its potential to reshape narratives, especially in relation to underrepresented communities and social movements.

Participants will showcase their creations during the Playtopia Festival in Cape Town, Africa’s leading festival for indie games and immersive arts. This offers a significant platform to present their work to an engaged and international audience.

IFAS invites South African artists and developers involved in digital media or technology-based projects, art and computer science students to submit applications to participate. No prior programming experience is required, but applicants should be familiar with technology due to the steep learning curve.

Selected participants will gain hands-on experience with advanced AI tools such as GPT, Stable Diffusion, and ComfyUI, while collaborating on creative projects.

Participants must be available for the online workshops and flexible for the mentorship programme.

This project is supported by the French Institute of South Africa and Institut français in Paris, under the banner of Novembre Numerique (Digital November).

“Unrecorded Voices falls forms part of a broader initiative to promote digital culture through creative projects worldwide,” explains Emmanuelle Denavit-Feller, Regional Head of New Media, Film & Music at IFAS. “This initiative emphasises co-creation and aims to bridge South African and French digital art scenes, and we are very excited about the creative output that will emerge from the workshops and mentorships as we navigate and pioneer in this digital space.”

Images supplied: Playtopia Festival 2023 in Cape Town

Hearing loss can lead to social isolation, loneliness, and depression as a result of reduced social interactions and overall quality of life. Listening fatigue can occur when you are exposed to noisy environments for long periods, resulting in difficulty concentrating and increased stress.

For a comprehensive hearing test, a FREE hearing screening, or all your hearing device requirements, contact us in Howick on 033 330 3966 or Pietermaritzburg on 033 342 2330 and let Butlin Hearing welcome you to the world of sound!

Usborne Phonics Readers is an engaging, eye-catching series that makes learning phonics fun. Each story introduces beginner readers to a wide variety of phonemes in a friendly, rhyming tale.

Charming illustrations by Stephen Cartwright bring the stories to life, encouraging young readers to return to them time and time again.

Stock up at Nuts About Books & Toys - Find us at 3 Mare Street, Howick until mid October. Our new location thereafter will be at 60 Main Street, between Unilect and All Most Antiques. 

Call 084 555 3484

A Lifelong Commitment to Holistic Healing and Functional Medicine

Alongside his cherished family roles as father of three, grandfather of one, and happily married to his wife of forty-nine years, Dr Stephan Vosloo (Pictured here Centre RHS) is also a medical doctor with a deep passion for helping others transition from unhealthy, struggling lives to a new state of authentic, functional living. "My mission is to guide individuals toward discovering purpose, hope, and joy, while also achieving physical vitality and healthy aging."

His personal health journey has not been without challenges... Overwork, stress, food sensitivities and chronic obesity led to significant health issues including coronary artery disease, depression, autoimmune disease, cognitive decline and physical exhaustion.

It was through divine intervention and the application of fundamental principles of health and lifestyle change that he began a transformative healing journey.

Diagnosing the root causes of health struggles allowed for Dr Vosloo to adjust his lifestyle, eliminate the need for medications (except supplements) and regain mental clarity. This transformation inspired him to pursue a lifelong dream: Studying a more holistic approach to medicine.

"My journey led me to further studies at the Functional Medical University, ultimately resulting in the establishment of my own practice in Functional Medicine."

Over the last three years, Dr Vosloo has specialized in the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline and have recently qualified as a ReCODE 2 practitioner of the Bredesen Protocol for Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment. This protocol is the first scientifically proven intervention to bring cognitive improvement to as much as 84% of trial participants!

"Given that Alzheimer’s Disease and cognitive impairment are now among the fastest-rising causes of death globally, this intervention has given me renewed hope and a deep sense of purpose in offering meaningful assistance to those suffering from this disease."

Since the onset of Covid-19, he has seamlessly transitioned to offering online consultations, prioritizing continuity of care, safety and convenience for his clients... A wonderful offering which allows for anyone in the world to benefit from his expertise, guidance and services.

While virtual consultations have proven effective, he says that he understands the importance of physical examinations when necessary, and often collaborate with clients' primary healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive and holistic care.

Dr Vosloo's passion is rooted in empowering individuals to reclaim their health through proactive, personalized strategies that address the root causes of illness.

Working alongside a team of dedicated professionals at the Optimum Health Centre, they integrate conventional medical expertise with functional and integrative medicine to offer personalized assessments, interventions and patient education. Their approach ensures that clients receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care.

"At the Optimum Health Centre, our goal is to foster sustainable transformations, helping clients achieve vitality, resilience and an enhanced quality of life"

Optimum Health Centre can all be contacted via phone on: 079 472 5309 / 066 269 8229 or via email on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Author credit: Liza Williams - Freelance Wellness Blogger (Pictured here RHS) 

Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Liza has a deeply rooted love for all things wellness and her career as a Somatologist has taken her to various parts of the world. She enjoys connecting with people and her hobbies include travel and tourism, photography, music, and aesthetics. Liza lives with her family in Nottingham Road, Midlands, South Africa.

Liza says, "My mother was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's in her sixties. She leaves behind a great legacy and I feel privileged to play a small part in the lives of others on this journey, through wellness education.

I enjoyed Dr Vosloo's gentle approach & having him on our doorstep in the Midlands is wonderful!

Genetic testing, which is his subspecialty, is definitely something I would consider.

The world celebrates Alzheimer's Day in September 2024 under the theme: Time to act on Dementia / Time to act on Alzheimers. A timely reminder that health and wellness professionals like Dr Vosloo provide world-class treatment, which can help prevent cognitive decline."

Howick High School is proud to share the 2025 Senior Leadership group who were announced at the Valedictory Assembly this morning:

Jenni Beard
Doug Arnott
Mignon du Toit
Lungelo Gwabuzela
Nikita Enslin
Christopher Jacob
Madison Guy
Luke Jacob
Tyra Harry
Kwenzokuhle Mkhwanazi
Khanya Ikaneng
Mfuneko Myeni
Nokwanda Mnikathi
Vuyo Ntanjana
Chloé-Ann Napier
Logan Reece
Emily Patrick
Ezra Robertson
Abigail Weber
Troyden Wilby

Age Quod Agis - we wish you every success!

Giovision expert offer a wide range of home appliances and expertise to the Natal Midlands and the surrounding areas at competitive prices.

We service tvs, vcrs, dvds, sound systems, radios, soundbars and microwaves. We tend to always have a look and quote no matter how small or cheap the item is.

We also install all the mentioned items as well as full entertainment systems from a basic DSTV to the more complicated HD installations.

We stock all appliances from irons and kettles to washing machines, fridges and even beds. No item is too small or too hard to find and if you have seen it we will always try our best to order and match prices.

We are accredited DTSV installers as well as Accredited Samsung service agents covering from Mooi River through to Pietermaritzburg.

Call 033 330 4330, 072 445 3977 or WhatsApp 081 784 9681.

Tonya Koenderman to dazzle KZN Midlands audiences this October

Hot off two sold-out performances at the 2024 Hilton Arts Festival, Tonya Koenderman, celebrated as "one of the hottest properties on the cabaret circuit," is set to captivate the KZN Midlands once again this October. With five performances scheduled in Pietermaritzburg, Howick, and Hilton, Koenderman’s shows promise to be an unmissable blend of glamour, humour, and world-class entertainment.

Show Dates:
• 18 Oct - The Wykeham Collegiate, Pietermaritzburg: Private performance of “Growing Old Disgracefully”
• 19 Oct - The Old Mushroom Farm, Howick: Public performance of “Born To Diva”
• 20 Oct - Amberglen: Private performance of Songbirds of the Golden Era
• 25 Oct - The Knoll, Hilton: Public performance of “Growing Old Disgracefully”
• 26 Oct - Epworth, Pietermaritzburg: Private performance of “Born to Diva”

For tickets to the Mushroom Farm and The Knoll: WhatsApp 082 379 8070 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About the Shows...
Born To Diva
A musical extravaganza featuring dazzling costumes and thrilling performances, Born To Diva showcases Koenderman's interpretations of iconic divas such as Tina Turner, Shirley Bassey, Bette Midler, Celine Dion, Edith Piaf and Liza Minnelli. The show includes timeless hits like "Diamonds are Forever," "Simply The Best", “No Regrets” and "New York, New York," alongside Koenderman’s cheeky twists on songs like “A Few of My Favourite Things.” Critics have raved about the show, calling it “Sizzling!”, “Captivating,” and “Top-class cabaret.” Born To Diva has enchanted audiences across South Africa and beyond, receiving standing ovations and rave reviews. (“Songbirds of the Golden Era” is an adaptation of Born to Diva for a private audience)
Growing Old Disgracefully

Having sold out twice at the Hilton Arts Festival this year, Growing Old Disgracefully is a hilarious-yet-poignant exploration of ageing. Do you put your car keys in the fridge? Do you walk into a room and forget why you went there in the first place? Are your arms starting to resemble bat wings? You are not alone! Come enjoy a glass of wine or six with this pint sized dynamo and enjoy a show filled with laughter and just a few tears. This performance is sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a few new laugh lines (apologies in advance!).

About Tonya Koenderman
Tonya Koenderman has been a leading figure in South African entertainment for years. She had the great honour of being the only local artist to star in the Sun City sensation, “Beyond Belief”, which ran for 16 months at the Sun City Extravaganza - in which again she impersonated the legendary Liza Minnelli, her favourite artist. She also impersonated Liza in the look-alike, sound-alike show, “Stars in your Eyes”, which ran for two seasons at the Carousel. Tonya has worked extensively for Sun International in numerous extravaganzas throughout South Africa and has performed across the globe, from Australia to Morocco. Her extensive career includes a variety of solo cabarets, such as “A Night In Paris”, “Liza with a T”, and “When Jazz Was King”. She is also a sought-after performer in the corporate scene, captivating audiences from Investec to Virgin Active.

Produced locally by KZN Midlands music aficionado Charles Webster, these performances are set to bring the glitter and glam that have made Koenderman a top national and international performer, to the KZN Midlands. Don’t miss the chance to experience Tonya's magic live this October!

Supplied.

South Africa, get ready for an unforgettable musical experience! International rock sensation Goo Goo Dolls are bringing their world-renowned energy and iconic hits to our shores for the very first time. Known for chart-topping classics like “Iris,” “Slide,” and “Black Balloon,” the band promises to deliver a show that fans won’t want to miss!

Goo Goo Dolls is a Grammy-nominated American rock band that has captivated audiences worldwide for decades with their heartfelt lyrics, powerful melodies, and unforgettable performances. Their album Dizzy Up the Girl catapulted them to global fame and remains a classic in modern rock history.

Whether you’ve been a long-time fan or recently discovered their timeless tunes, this is your chance to sing along to all their greatest hits, live in South Africa. Expect a night of powerful performances, amazing atmosphere, and unforgettable memories! Tickets are selling fast, so don’t wait – head over to Webtickets to secure your spot at one of the biggest rock events of the year.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness this legendary band on African soil. Get your tickets now and be part of an extraordinary musical journey!

Book here: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1549515392

ABOUT GOO GOO DOLLS:
Formed by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac in Buffalo, NY during 1986, Goo Goo Dolls have quietly broken records, contributed a string of staples to the American songbook, connected to millions of fans, and indelibly impacted popular music for three-plus decades. Beyond selling 15 million records worldwide, the group has garnered four GRAMMY® Award nominations and nearly a dozen platinum & gold singles combined and seized a page in the history books by achieving 16 number one and Top 10 hits. As a result, they hold the all-time radio record for “Most Top 10 Singles.”

Thus far, A Boy Named Goo [1995] has gone double-platinum, Dizzy Up The Girl five-times-platinum and Gutterflower [2002] and Let Love In [2006] both went gold as Something for the Rest of Us [2010] and Magnetic [2013] bowed in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200. Their music continues to reach new audiences around the world and rack up platinum and gold statuses – including the recently platinum-certified “Slide,” “Black Balloon” and “Better Days” – and has been covered by everyone from Taylor Swift to Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers.

Among a string of hits, “Iris” clutched #1 on the Hot 100 for 18 straight weeks and would be named “#1 Top 40 Song of the Last 20 Years.” On the heels of going viral on TikTok, the track recently achieved seven-times-platinum status and re-entered the Billboard charts, yet again proving the timelessness of Goo Goo Dolls’ illustrious catalogue.

Here's an interesting fact about the origins of Funda Nenja's logo.

When we briefed the graphic designer 15 years ago, we requested that the choice of dog depicted should be representative of a typical township dog. We were delighted to learn that the inspiration for the dog silhouette used on the final version was that of Dizzy, a much loved companion of Nikki Brighton, who was, and still is, a great supporter of Funda Nenja.

Dizzy was a perfect choice and is now immortalized as the "Funda Nenja dog".

When a loved one passes, please contact Oakleigh Funeral Home at any stage for advice - we will walk alongside you. The first step is to notify a medical professional to issue a Notification of Death before reaching out to a funeral home.

However, in the case of an accidental or sudden death, it’s important to inform the South African Police Service (SAPS) first. Once the appropriate steps have been taken, you can then proceed with further arrangements.

 Contact Oakleigh Funeral Home on 033 330 3400 or 086 1111 380 (24 Hrs).

Our 1st Cricket XI are kitted out in their T20 shirts generously sponsored by TWK Agri along with a pair shorts for travel and warm up sessions.

Thank you TWK Agri for your continued support of our sports teams.

Photo credit: Mrs L Candler

A special thanks to the members of the public who reported this, The Hawks, the PMB Stock Theft Unit, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, PMB SPCA, Umgeni SPCA, and the FreeMe Wildlife team. This is how many it takes to assist in a case like this, a Tiger cub, kept in a make shift wire enclosure, in a backyard in Pietermaritzburg.

The cub was confiscated, brought through to FreeMe Wildlife to be held temporarily as evidence, and a case has been opened by the Pietermaritzburg Stock Theft Unit.

The support for this little Tiger cub has been overwhelming and very touching. There has been a lot of concern about the future of this cub, so we hope that sharing its present state will help set minds at ease. The cub is now under the direct protection of the highest conservation body in this country, the DFFE (Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment), and is being kept at the highest security facility under their control, the Pretoria Zoological Gardens.

While this cub remains evidence in an ongoing court case, it must remain in the custody of the DFFE and cannot, for its own safety, be released to a private sanctuary. The future of the cub will only be decided once the outcome of the court case is final. 

FreeMe Wildlife would not support the rescue of an animal from the illegal wildlife trade only to see it become part of it again. We are working closely with, and support, the wildlife authorities of this province, and this country. We would like to remind the public it is the same authorities that rescued this cub in the first place.

Top image: Understandably, a grumpy kitty. This Tiger cub, a 4-5 month old male, was confiscated recently after it was found being kept in a make shift wire enclosure in a backyard in Pietermaritzburg.

Pictured below: Great teamwork in bringing this cub to FreeMe Wildlife late at night! Left to right: Elishia and Irene (FreeMe Wildlife), Nontu and her accomplice (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife), and Kevin (uMngeni SPCA).

Snowfalls have been heavy in many places around the country, seeing roads close and emergency services overwhelmed with accidents and people stranded.

Please keep up to date with Telegram and WhatsApp reports. Limit travel to essential trips only.

At this stage the N3 remains closed and the R103 is dangerously wet with snow laden trees threatening to break and fall on the road.

N3TC Emergency Contact is 0800 63 43 57.

EMERGENCY TIPS - STAYING WARM IN A SNOWSTORM
A severe snowstorm has stranded over 1,000 cars throughout KwaZulu-Natal, with multiple road closures leaving many motorists in peril. *The N3, R74, R617, and other major routes are closed due to hazardous conditions.* Disaster teams are working tirelessly to reach stranded motorists, but efforts are hindered by widespread car blockades. If you're affected, seek shelter at the nearest community hall, school, church, or municipal building.

If you're stranded due to severe weather, prioritize warmth and safety. Recognize hypothermia symptoms - clumsiness, drowsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness - and contact 112 immediately if you or someone experiences these. *To stay warm, use improvised insulation methods like plastic bags as shoe liners or balling them up to place between your body and outer jacket. Additional warmth tips include layering clothing, staying dry, keeping your head and neck covered, sharing body heat, staying hydrated, and avoiding overexertion.*

If you don't have equipment, use newspapers or paper for insulation, create a makeshift blanket with clothing, find shelter (even a vehicle), or stay active by moving your arms and legs.

Conserve energy, stay informed, and follow evacuation instructions. Remember, safety is paramount.

*IMPROVISED INSULATION METHODS:*
- Plastic bags as shoe liners or body insulation
- Newspapers or paper for insulation
- Clothing as makeshift blankets
- Car heating system (with caution)

STAY SAFE, STAY WARM!
Above from #KZN News/Traffic Updates - WhatsApp Group

Image from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge