On September 3rd, 80 years ago, the very first Wakefields Real Estate office opened its doors…

 In this era of disposability, 280 characters for a Tweet, and a Whatsapp message rather than a conversation, any business celebrating 80 years is a rare phenomenon. Wakefields can claim that. Longevity equates to quality, and it certainly means that the public, through eight decades, has continually supported and appreciated the ethos and authenticity of the brand. From one single Wakefields branch, there are now 31 throughout Kwazulu-Natal.

For Keith Wakefield, Chairman of Wakefields, it’s a birthday of some real significance. His grandfather – the founder - his father, himself, and now, his children, have all been part of the province’s property landscape through all its changes, its highs and lows…and its excitement. The family’s love of property is the hallmark of the Wakefields brand.

“If I had to say what I consider to be the most significant thing that happened to the property market over the past 80 years,” says Keith, “it would be when the Banks, rather than Building Societies, began lending money. The way Building Societies were structured, meant buyers could wait up to 12 months before the funds were allocated! And that was for an approved loan! This move into the loan market by the banks – and the competitiveness which ensued - completely altered the way property was bought and sold.”

September 3, 1939. The start of WW2…and the day Wakefields entered the world of property. Eighty years. That’s quite something in today’s world.

Happy 80th birthday Wakefields!

News supplied by Wakefields.

Polliwiggles welcomed Spring day by making their own Spring day crowns and planting seeds.

Polliwiggle Pre-School offers quality pre-primary education for children ages 3 months to 6 years old.  Grade RRR to Grade R.  Quality affordable education for your child. 

News supplied by Polliwiggle Pre-School.

Sbonelo Ngubane and sweet Socksie have been attending the Friday afternoon classes at Funda Nenja since 2017. Socksie is one of the few older dogs that attends our programme. Sbonelo says that Socksie “is too old… she has always been here… I can't remember being alive in the world when she wasn’t alive with me” Although Socksie is not as old as twelve year old Sbonelo, she is definitely a golden oldie.

Sbonelo says that Socksie was given her name because “she has brown socks on her legs”. He says that “my mother calls her Socks but I call her Socksie because it is a better name and she loves it more”. Indeed, Socksie definitely knows her name and is totally devoted to Sbonelo. Each time he mentions her name, she cocks her head to the side and stares up adoringly at him.

Sbonelo lives with his mother, maternal grandparents and younger brother. He says that his mother “loves Funda Nenja and says that I must come to Funda Nenja always so that I can spend time with the dogs and the good children”. Sbonelo started attending Funda Nenja after his father died because “my mother said that I must come here so that I keep out of trouble and away from the bad children on the street”.

Sbonelo says that “I love Funda Nenja because I can come here to learn how to look after Socksie... and also get help for her when she is sick… and I can learn to be good”. Sbonelo is a very responsible, gentle and kind young man, who is very sweet and patient with his older dog, walking slowly with her to and from school and always touching and reassuring her during class. Sbonelo says that the thing he most loves about Socksie is that “she loves me”. She does indeed!

When he grows up, Sbonelo would like to be a “soldier with a dog… my father was a soldier, but he died because he didn’t have a dog to care for him”.

Pictured above Sbonelo Ngubane and  Socksie.

News supplied by Funda Nenja.

The President's award is about embarking on a significant journey which will challenge and stretch you physically, emotionally and spiritually, what you learn will equip you during this time and throughout life.

The President's Award mission is, with the assistance of adult volunteer leaders, is to empower young people between the ages of 14 and 25, by providing a balanced, non-competitive framework for self-development that will increase their self-esteem and enhance their capacity to achieve in whatever context they find themselves: enabling them to become responsible active citizens within their communities.

At Wessa the children will be doing a combination of hiking, cycling, survival skills, stargazing and e–STEAM projects along the journey, ultimately enriching their lives, creating memories and giving them skills along the way.

Contact Wessa Umngeni Valley for more information about their President's Award programs.

A fantastic interhouse competition took place on Friday, 16 August in the blistering heat. We congratulate the winning house, Allemans! Thank you to all the competitors for the spirit in which they competed and for giving their all in each event. Age Quod Agis!

Pre-sports day records broken:
Sr girls long jump – A de la Mare
Sr boys long jump – D Caswell
Jr girls javelin – M Cotton
Sr girls shot put – A Candler
Jr boys 1500m – M Finch
Jr girls 400m – M Cotton

Sports Day records broken:
Boys sugar relay – Oatlands
Girls sugar relay – Everdon
Sr girls 100m – A Burnie
Sr girls 200m – A de la Mare
Jr girls shot put – M Cotton
Jr boys 800m – M Finch
Jr girls relay – Allemans
Sr boys relay – Oatlands.

Awards:
Elizabeth Houghting Girls' 200m - M Cotton
Mist Belt Senior Boys' 1500m - M de Klerk
Patersen Senior Boys' Javelin - A Wicks
Craig Wishart High Jump - R Pike
Pre-sports day points - Everdon
Jnr Champion - B de Klerk & M Cotton
Snr Chamions - C Tyrer & A de la Mare
Winning House - Allemans

News supplied by Howick High School,

Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) through Dalro.

A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop Of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 30 years. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, and Aladdin) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world.

The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" - after his co-worker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!

One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows, Little Shop Of Horrors the charmingly tongue in cheek comedy has been produced worldwide to incredible success. Produced by Michaelhouse with St John’s D.S.G., this production follows the Upstagers’ “The Crucible,” which ran to great success at the Schlesinger Theatre in July. With direction by William le Cordeur, music direction by Abri Venter, puppets by KickstArt’s Greg King, a professional live orchestra, lead actors played by Drakensberg Boys Choir old boys and large professional technical team, Michaelhouse hopes to bring laughter to Balgowan with a man-eating plant and a fun-loving cast.

News supplied.

People of all walks of life are waking up to the potential benefits of CBD for a wide range of issues like pain, inflammation, and anxiety.

At The Hemp People, our mission is to inform and empower you to take control of your health and happiness. Here are our top five things to know before you try CBD:

1. What CBD is & where it comes from:
CBD stands for Cannabidiol (pronounced cann-a-bid-EYE-ol). Cannabidiol is one of dozens of cannabinoids found in the cannabis family. CBD is non-psychotropic, meaning it won’t get you high—unlike THC, which is actually the only cannabinoid that will. So what exactly does it do?

2. What it does:
While we’re still in the early stages of understanding CBD’s effects on the body, studies so far have pointed primarily to its anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties. It also appears to have benefits for those with cancer, epilepsy, PTSD, as well as addiction. But how is it possible for one molecule to do so much?

3. How & why it works:
Our bodies have a natural receptor system that helps our cells communicate with each other to self-regulate. It’s called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and it’s made up of two types of receptors found in our brains, immune, and central and peripheral nervous systems. CBD binds to these receptors.
While scientists are still figuring out exactly how the whole process works, what we do know is that CBD promotes the normal function of our own ECS, which is why it may have such wide-ranging benefits. How do we know how much we need, though?

4. How much to take:
Everybody is different, so CBD affects us all differently. Different kinds of CBD products also have different levels of potency. Generally, as long as you’re taking CBD from a trusted brand, it really comes down to experimentation with the amount and type of CBD that works best for your body. If you want to use it to treat a specific condition, it's best to talk to your doctor first as there are some contraindications as well as potential drug interactions. However, we shouldn’t think of CBD as a prescription drug, and here’s why:

5. CBD is not a "Quick Fix"
Any meaningful change takes time and consistency, and the same is true of CBD.
Balance looks different for everybody and it can take time to work out your optimal dosage and to start to feel the benefits, though many people experience it immediately.

Like yoga, meditation, or any holistic practice or supplement, CBD is a lifestyle shift with whole body benefits. It’s important to take a look at other aspects of your lifestyle, and commit to making positive changes all round.

News supplied by The Hemp People.

Please report any crime, no matter how small, to your local SAPS and Security Service Provider. If you have items stolen it is important that you open a case and get a CAS number. Reporting crime to the South African Police Services is very important and unfortunately many people feel that it often isn’t worth the effort. Yes, it will take up some of your time, but it is also your duty to those around you to do so, because by not reporting your crime you are allowing a criminal to continue with their activities.

The SAPS will open a case docket and investigate the crime, effecting arrests of suspects and presenting the case to courts for prosecution.

The Process:
• When a person has been a victim of crime he/she can contact the police by dialling 10111 or visit their nearest Police Station. If a Police Official attends the crime scene, he/she will obtain a statement from the complainant and witnesses if possible.
• The Police Official will then go to the Police Station and register the case in the SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS) and give the complainant the reference which is called a CAS number.
• The complainant must ensure that he/she retains this CAS number as a reference for future enquiries regarding the criminal case.
• If the complainant visits the local Police Station to report the crime he/she will be attended to in the Community Service Centre by a Police Official. The Police Official will first interview and then take a statement from the complainant and register the reported crime into the CAS file.
• The complainant will then be given a CAS number which must be used for all enquiries regarding the reported criminal case.
• The completed case docket is then allocated to a Police Detective who will carry out the investigation and all enquiries can then be directed to this detective.
• The Detective in charge of the particular case will complete the investigation and present the docket to the relevant court for prosecution.
• The complainant will be notified by the Detective when he/she is to attend the court hearings.

The local SAPS contact numbers are:
SAPS Howick 033 239 9340
SAPS Mpophomeni 033 238 0078
SAPS Hilton 033 845 6500 / 033 845 6521
Radio Control (Hilton) 10111

There are many local organisations, Security Service Providers, NHW groups and community members trying to make a difference and reduce crime. Please play your part by reporting crimes responsibly and opening cases with SAPS so that all these efforts are not in vain. Please also be sensible and responsible about your use of social media when reporting crimes.

You can also contact Knight Security Solutions 24/7 on 033 330 5911.

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

Due to popular demand, Eat at Andrew's are hosting a dinner on both Thursday and friday this month (29 and 30 August)
The theme is Italy!
Three course, R200pp, BYO drinks.
BOOKINGS ONLY
Doors open at 18:30
Call: 0662548112 for bookings.

News supplied by Eat at Andrew's.

Pop into Harvard Electrical Wholesalers for these specials  valid until 11 September 2019.

“FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND, WE HAVE CCTV AND A SECURITY GUARD”. To avoid the taxi rank, please use Bell Street. Drive past the “Former Shoprite Building”, take the first left, and first left again and you will find us on the complex on the left.

News supplied by Harvard Electrical Wholesalers.

Here's an awesome special to get you out on the golf course.

Swing into Spring Special 

Sunday 1st September!!

2 Players including cart hire will cost you R500.

Booking essential - only 40 Players can be accommodated.

News supplied by Sakabula Golf Course.

Heritage House PreSchool love their annual visit to The Howick Pet Shop.

Pets always light up the countenance of children.

News supplied by Heritage House PreSchool.

Howick High School’s Sports Awards were presented at a gala dinner held on the evening of 22 August and they were pleased to welcome Mr Shaun Meiklejohn, a past Comrades Marathon winner who has completed 30 Comrades races amongst others, as their guest of honour. Staff member, Mr Simon Mbuyazi, who has completed 10 Comrades Marathons, was honoured have his green number presented to him by Mr Meiklejohn at the event.

The audience of pupils, parents and guests were entertained with ballroom dancing by Educator Mr Zondi and his sister along with a group of Grade 9 pupils whilst Grade 12 pupil, Blessing Shiyanbola, 'wow-ed' them with his amazing display of freestyle soccerball skills. Howick High School was also delighted to receive a new electronic scoreboard generously donated by Varsity College and the new school mascot suit, donated by the Fisher family was introduced.

The Top Sportsman and Sportswoman awards were presented to Callum Tyrer and Kelly Kendall and all award recipients are congratulated on their achievements.

Pictured above: Principal, Mrs Farquharson with Mr Shaun Meiklejohn and Sports Director, Mr Kajee at the Howick High School Annual Sports Awards ceremony.

News supplied by Howick High School.

Zanele Njapha (24 years old) is a young South African author, passionate about empowering young people as well as writing fiction.

Her novel An Eye for Love is a delightful escapist romance about a young lawyer whose life is turned upside down by a charming man. Her session on Saturday morning will focus on encouraging aspirant writers to find their voice and overcome obstacles.

R100 per morning or afternoon session, or R300 for entire weekend.
Book on Quicket

News supplied by Midlands Literary Festival.

Dear Howick Town Management,

I'm actually not surprised that there was no response to my mail dated 14 June 2019. Neither was there a response after my letter was published in the Village Talk shortly after.

One thing's for sure, neither you nor any of your teams were out fixing potholes nor rallying the doughnut eating traffic troopers from the N3. Taxi's still drive in town like this is the new Kyalami but that's fine as they own the roads and law does not apply to them.

How far does beautiful Howick have to go into oblivion before you will take action? The municipality is the laughingstock on social media after a post on Friday
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/howickbuzz/permalink/2387345491487289/)
this at the cost of those who have been forced to replace tyres and have various repairs done due to your potholes. Yes they're yours as none of us residents want them!

I recently had to get a mag repaired and found today that an engine mounting on my vehicle is broken. According to the advisors I consulted, this is due to a few too many potholes, no vehicle is designed to handle so many impacts. I am honestly not sure how anyone should drive in Howick and not hit any of these donga's though as they often cover the entire road. See attached pictures of Mansfield Rd.

May I please get a response as to who I can claim from for the damages I incurred due to the poor town management and lack of road maintenance?

Maybe a poll should be done on social media to ascertain how many other people suffered from your lack of caring and commitment......

Kind regards,

Robert Cronjé

19 August 2019 

Dear Howick Town Management Team,

I'm a new resident to this beautiful place which I assume was much prettier back in the day when one could actually take in the view of the town while driving. Now one feels like a drunk the way you have to swerve to avoid the potholes.

These days you are lucky if you make it out alive with all the road conditions, I frequently travel down Mansfield Rd and have told my loved ones to send the search party to the potholes first to look for my car there should I not return.

Furthermore, when will the traffic department start fulfilling their actual function and stop sleeping in their cars next to the highway? It is becoming an everyday occurrence that someone almost gets killed at the traffic lights by vehicles overtaking those who stopped at red lights. And they get away with it.....

Can you please start addressing these matters to secure the safety of all of us living in Howick?
Kind regards,

Robert Cronje

Letter dated 14 Jun 2019.

Enrol your children in Wessa's Spring Camp.

R900 for 6 days

Dates 23 - 28 September 2019.

Ages 5-7 and 8-12.

uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve in Howick.

News supplied by Wessa uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve.

The UCSI has made its mark on crime in the Howick, Hilton, Merrivale and surrounding areas. The gantry mounted ANPR SNIPR cameras are proving to be successful and under the professional management of the UCSI, the right information is getting to the Law Enforcement Officials and affiliated Security Companies to effect the arrests or assist with investigations. With over 26 successes and assists since March 2019, the UCSI has also been able to guide and assist numerous SAPS investigations from all over the Midlands.

To date nine (9) UCSI gantries have been installed with donations from the local business community and entities. Howick has been the area where the support and uptake from the community has been most favourable with all 4 access / egress routes now being covered by ANPR SNIPR CCTV mounted gantries. Along with other community role-players (SAPS and NHW) crime in general has been reduced in the Howick area. We now need to focus our efforts on getting the other strategic locations in Howick West, Merrivale, Merrivale Heights, Cedara, Birnamwood, Hilton and Mpophomeni covered.

A huge thank you to the surrounding areas of Curry’s Post and Karkloof for also coming on-board and joining the UCSI network. Mention must be made of the affiliated security companies in our area that have aligned themselves to making a positive change in our communities. Ballid Security, Knight Security Solutions and PMB Security are all contributing to the success of the UCSI and working together to make the Midlands a safe place. Has YOUR security company invested in your community and your safety? The UCSI wants to work with ALL security role-players to make our uMngeni Municipal area a safer place.

June and July were once again successful months for the UCSI, as we continue to grow and make inroads into dealing with crime.

These successes are attributed to dedication and hard work, but it costs money to set-up and keep the UCSI SNIPR camera project going. The UCSI needs to grow its financially contributing membership and the community is encouraged to come on-board. You can go to the UCSI website at www.ucsi.org.za or visit and like our awesome Facebook page. For as little as R50 per month for individuals and R300 per month for business entities you can become part of the solution.

The UCSI would also like to thank the following entities that have contributed to the establishment of the 9 gantries in our local areas. They include: Greendale Superspar, Greendale Acres centre, Howick High School, Howick Prep School, Natal Forest Nursery, Amber Valley, Amber Ridge, Amber Lee, Amber Lakes, Amberglen, Yard 41, Harvard House, Mediclinic Howick, Eagle Ridge Estate, Amberfield, Howick Village Pharmacy, Protea Gardens, Karkloof Security, Knight Security Solutions, Colenbrander, Shell Hilton, Smarter Business, Hilton Harcourt’s and Life Hilton Private Hospital.

There are numerous other contributors that have donated and will be mentioned when their gantries have been erected. There are another 9 gantries imminent and these will help grow the UCSI network, making it even more effective. If you would like to make a capital donation towards a gantry in your area and have your business name on the signage please email the UCSI at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The areas needing the gaps filled urgently are Merrivale urban, Merrivale rural, Howick West, Hilton and Mpophomeni. Capital contributions of R20 – R30k will go a long way to getting these areas covered. The UCSI is a registered not-for-profit company and is able to award a Section 18 A certificate for any donations made. The UCSI is also BBBEE level 2.

The UCSI Board of Directors wishes to thank the uMngeni Municipality for all the support to date. This public-private partnership is proving to be a success and leading the way in active crime-fighting in communities. The UCSI is a flagship project that can be considered as paving the way in “best practice” for other Municipal areas.

News Supplied by UCSI.

 Lyn and her  husband  are avid dog lovers and introduce their home care, as just that, a home away from home with much love for your little darlings.

Lyn has years of experience in hosting beloved pets. 

Bo-Flah only take small breed dogs under 10kgs.
Also, experienced in obedience training, canine and feline behaviour and past breeding.

All Vaccines need to be annually documented and proof thereof produced on appointment.

When you need your pets taken care of consider BO-FLAH Doggy Day Care for your pets.

News supplied by Bo-Flah Doggy Day Care.