Easter Travel Alert: Why ignoring fines could cost you more this long weekend

As millions of South Africans prepare to travel for the Easter long weekend, motorists are being urged to check their outstanding traffic fines before hitting the road.

Easter is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with increased traffic volumes on national highways and significantly higher police visibility through roadblocks, patrols and enforcement operations.

Barry Berman, CEO of Fines SA, says many motorists unknowingly travel with outstanding fines that can complicate their journey or result in higher costs if left unresolved.

“Enforcement increases significantly over Easter, with more frequent roadblocks and routine checks on licences, vehicle compliance and outstanding fines. Many motorists only realise they have unresolved fines when they are stopped,” he says. “Taking a few minutes to check your status beforehand can prevent unnecessary stress and additional penalties.”

He adds that unresolved fines can, in some cases, escalate to enforcement orders or warrants, carrying more serious consequences if flagged during a roadblock. This often happens where fines were missed, not received, or ignored due to concerns about scams. Using a verified platform such as Fines SA allows motorists to quickly check their status across multiple authorities and resolve any issues before travelling.

These authorities traditionally ramp up enforcement during long weekends to reduce accidents and encourage responsible driving behaviour.

Common checks at roadblocks include:
Driver’s licence validity
Vehicle roadworthiness
Licence disc compliance
Outstanding traffic fines
Speeding and distracted driving offences

With the continued rollout of automated enforcement technologies in South Africa, traffic authorities are also expanding the use of AI-powered camera systems capable of detecting offences such as mobile phone usage while driving and failure to wear seatbelts.

These systems are designed to improve road safety and increase compliance, but they also mean motorists are more likely to receive fines for behaviour that may previously have gone undetected.

According to Berman, long weekends often see a spike in certain violations, particularly as motorists travel long distances under time pressure. “The most common offences during holiday travel tend to include speeding, distracted driving, expired vehicle licences and failure to wear seatbelts,” he says.

“Many of these are easily avoidable, but when fines are ignored or forgotten, they can accumulate and create unnecessary financial and legal risk.”

Motorists should also be aware that South Africa is preparing for the broader implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system, which introduces a demerit point framework for traffic violations.

Under AARTO, drivers who repeatedly commit offences may accumulate demerit points that can ultimately lead to licence suspension.

“While AARTO is being introduced in phases, the direction of travel is clear: compliance will matter more than ever. Motorists who take a proactive approach, clearing outstanding fines, making use of early payment discounts and keeping their records clean, will be far better prepared for the realities of a demerit-based system.”

One of the most common issues motorists face is simply not knowing that they have outstanding fines. Traffic fines are issued by different municipalities and agencies, which means many drivers only discover them months later.

Platforms such as Fines SA allow motorists to quickly check their fine status across multiple authorities, access available early-payment discounts of up to 50% and resolve outstanding fines digitally.

Berman explains: “South Africans are increasingly turning to digital tools to manage traffic fines because the process can otherwise be fragmented and time-consuming. Checking your fines before travelling allows you to identify any issues early, resolve them quickly and access discounts that may reduce the overall cost.”

Berman recommends motorists take a few simple steps before travelling:

Check for any outstanding traffic fines

Ensure your driver’s licence and vehicle licence disc are valid

Confirm your vehicle is roadworthy

Plan for longer travel times to avoid speeding

Avoid using mobile phones while driving

“Most traffic fines are avoidable and easily managed when drivers stay informed,” he says.

“The goal is not just avoiding penalties, but rather to contribute to safer roads during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.”

Motorists can check their compliance status on verified platforms like the Fines SA portal at FinesSA.co.za or the Fines SA app on iOS, Android, and Huawei, helping them stay compliant in an increasingly digital enforcement environment.

About Fines SA
Fines SA is the #1 Smart Traffic Fine Platform, trusted by more than 2 million motorists and 50,000 fleet clients. With the country’s most comprehensive municipal network, verified payments, and settlement discounts of up to 50%, Fines SA makes paying fines simple, secure, and affordable.

Its cutting-edge app, available on iOS, Android, and Huawei, provides real-time visibility and readiness for the AARTO and Demerit system, delivering peace of mind, compliance, and savings for individuals and businesses. For fleets, Fines SA simplifies compliance, reduces costs, and provides nationwide reporting across 250+ municipalities.

Fines SA holds a 4.5-star Google rating from over 3,000 reviews, reflecting its reliability and customer trust.

For more information, visit the website.

Mark and Lorraine Meadows, the owners of Nightingales Home Based Caring Services, and Colleen Hoffman spent a morning at Amber Valley this past week where they enjoyed getting to meet the residents and introducing their services. The team expressed appreciation to the greater Ambers community for this great initiative.

For more information about Nigtingales, please call the office on 033 330 4313. Or chat directly with Mark 082 301 4270 or Lorraine 072 602 7505.

Congratulations to Jayden Davis (Grade 12) and Jason Reineke (Grade 11) on their selection for the first ever Junior Adventure Racing World Championship in Canada later this year.

As part of their preparation, they will be competing in the EXP Africa Lite race over 200km, from tomorrow through to Sunday. This will be an event that they use as preparation for the World Champs. This is a demanding event which comprises a 9 km hike/run, 40 km Mountain bike, 30 km paddle, an additional 80 km Mountain bike and a 54 km hike. There are also rope sections in the race and it is all self navigated using map and compass, starting from Mountain Splendour Resort and finishing at Alpine Heath.

At Treverton, Outdoor Education is at the heart of everything we do, our heart is adventure!

We wish them all the very best as they take on this incredible journey and represent us with pride.

The Director-General of European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), Charlina Vitcheva, will deliver the keynote address and participate in a high-level panel at the Ocean Innovation Africa Summit in Durban.

Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA), in collaboration with eThekwini (city of Durban), hosts the OIA Summit 2026 at Durban’s International Convention Centre from 23 to 25 March. The significance of this annual Summit is reflected in last year’s attendance, of 593 delegates, 59 countries including 28 African Nations.

The Summit welcomes Ms Vitcheva, both as a keynote speaker where she will speak to the theme of the Summit, and as a panellist on Blue Finance for Resilience : shifting from aid dependency to sustainable local capital. Ms Vitcheva is responsible for EU policy on maritime affairs and fisheries, working to promote a healthy ocean, sustainable fisheries, a thriving sustainable blue economy, and vibrant coastal communities across Europe and with international partners.

Her department is also responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating the common fisheries policy which helps to support Europe’s food security, and leads the co-ordination of the European Ocean Pact which brings together the EU’s ocean-related policies, including maritime security, international ocean governance and ocean observation.

The OIA Summit is no ordinary conference – “it’s an innovative, and important shift from the traditional conference format, designed to move past conversation into real, co-ordinated action with the right people and organisations,” says Alexis Grosskopf, co-founder of OIA. “Ms Vitcheva’s participation will help bridge policy, investment priorities and practical pathways to scale regenerative ocean solutions across Africa. She brings a depth of experience and expertise across all spheres of the OIA focus, from finance and innovation, to science and implementation.”

Charlina Vitcheva said “The European Ocean Pact is our blueprint for the protection and sustainable use of the ocean. International cooperation is one of its fundamentals. Through strong international partnerships, including under Global Gateway Strategy and initiatives like BlueInvest Africa, we want to work with partners across Africa and beyond to promote sustainable ocean governance, support local value creation and unlock investment in ocean solutions. Because protecting the ocean and building prosperity for coastal communities must go hand in hand.”

Themed Accelerating and Scaling Out Regenerative Blue Economy Action the Summit focuses on an audience of policymakers, practitioners, innovators, community leaders, investors, researchers and development partners. It will spotlight key pathways across Science-to-Business, Technology, Investment, and Policy for the uptake of African-developed solutions. It will focus on regenerative blue business models and nature-positive growth; blue finance pathways, from aid to local and blended capital, marine protection, economic expansion and community stability, pan-African innovation ecosystems.

Ms Vitcheva’s presence at the Summit is significant for OIA 2026 bringing deep policy experience to stimulate fresh thinking, debate, and innovative solutions to the challenges faced globally around the regeneration of ocean health and management of the blue economy.

“As the host city, we are honoured to welcome Charlina Vitcheva to the Summit,” says His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Cyril Xaba. “For Durban, a coastal city deeply connected to the ocean economy, having a global leader responsible for maritime affairs and fisheries in Europe engage directly with African innovators, policymakers and investors helps open important opportunities for regeneration, and growth.”

For more information or to register, go to: www.ocean-innovation.africa

We love your furry friends!

Piggly Wiggly is proudly pet-friendly.

For everyone’s safety, please keep your dogs on a leash while visiting and kindly clean up after them. Thank you for being responsible pet parents.

Water bowls are available around Piggly Wiggly, especially on hot days, to keep your pups cool and hydrated. And don’t forget, the Coffee Shop even has a special dog menu so they can enjoy a treat too.

We can’t wait to welcome you and your four-legged family members.

Our dream: 25 boxes of Easter eggs to share with the children.

You can drop off your Easter egg donations at:
• Any of our 3 Preloved Shops
• Hospice House
• The trolley at The Avenues Pick n Pay

Together, we can turn a simple chocolate egg into a moment of happiness and hope. Thank you for helping us show these children just how special they truly are.

Looking for a simple way to get involved?

Support Sunfield Howick by donating quality pre-loved goods to our charity shop.
We are always looking for:
• Kitchen appliances
• Pots & cookware
• Crockery & cutlery
• Bric-a-brac
• Novels
• Linen & towels

These items sell quickly and help raise essential funds to care for our Intellectually Impaired Adults.
If you’ve been meaning to declutter, this is your sign! A small clear-out at home can make a big difference at Sunfield.

We congratulate the following leaders who have been voted as House Captains by their peers for 2026:

💙 Shafton - Marcus Robertson and Jenna Toohey
💛 Allemans - Tyler Checkley and Dominique July
💚 Oatlands - Elijah Wessels and Zinhle Makhathini
❤️ Everdon - Rhys Tillett and Isabella Hutton

"If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader." — Dolly Parton

We're back and we've got 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 up for sale. Click on the link below and put the 2026 Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering in your calendar now!

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Scottish heritage and unleash your inner Highlander as the picturesque Fort Nottingham transforms into a haven of cultural celebration. Whether you have Scottish roots or simply appreciate the beauty of this remarkable tradition, the Highland Gathering promises to be a captivating spectacle that will captivate your senses and ignite your soul.

The sight of brave athletes competing in traditional Highland games will leave you in awe. Witness brawny men and women as they showcase their strength, endurance, and skill in events like tossing the caber, weight over the bar, and the famed tug of war. Feel the adrenaline surge through your veins as you choose your team, cheering them on, inspiring them to reach new heights of excellence.

But the Highland Gathering is not just about physical prowess; it's a festival that embraces the arts in all their forms. Lose yourself in the haunting melodies of bagpipe bands as they fill the air with their evocative tunes. Marvel at the grace and precision of Highland dancers, their feet effortlessly weaving intricate patterns, telling stories of love, war, and triumph. Be transported to another time and place as you indulge in the enchanting world of Celtic music and poetry.

As you explore the grounds, you'll find a treasure trove of delights for all ages. Delight your taste buds with a delectable array of Scottish cuisine, from hearty haggis to buttery shortbread, and quench your thirst with a refreshing sip of authentic Scotch whisky.

Book Here

Please come and support our raffle tomorrow (21 March 2026) at Piggly Wiggly, in-front of Glass Cuttings. All the money goes to buying wool to make more blankets. With Winter coming we are seriously knitting up a storm. Your donations are much appreciated!

Please note: Wool donations are also very welcome!

To find out more about this project chat to Gill on 082 254 4798 OR join in every Wednesday at Piggly Wiggly, and knit to do your bit!

At the KZN Triathlon Championships, Jason finished 6th overall (4th in his age group), while Kayleigh placed 9th overall and claimed 1st in her age group. They then travelled to Johannesburg to compete in the SA Cross Triathlon, where Jason delivered an outstanding performance to finish 2nd overall and 1st in his age group, and Kayleigh secured 3rd in her age group.

We are incredibly proud of Jason on his selection to the South African Youth Team for the African Triathlon Cup a truly special and well-deserved achievement.

Education is an Adventure!

For further information please visit www.treverton.co.za

We have noted a recent increase in opportunistic theft within our area, with copper pipes currently being one of the primary targets. These incidents typically occur when criminals take advantage of unlocked properties, open access points, poor lighting, or unattended materials.

We urge all residents and businesses to remain vigilant by securing their property, limiting access to exposed plumbing where possible, and ensuring alarm systems are active and in good working order. A proactive approach and attention to basic security measures can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a target.

If you are considering upgrading your current alarm system or adding additional security measures to your property, our team is here to assist. We can assess your specific needs and recommend reliable, effective solutions to better protect your home or business.

Contact us today to discuss how we can enhance your security.

KSS Control Room: 033 330 5911

Gary: 082 894 7628 (Business Owner)

Sashen: 082 673 6773 (Technical Manager)

Hot Items
Appliances | Clothing | Copper Pipes | Electrical Cable | Flood Lights | Gas Geysers | Laptops | Livestock

The long weekend marathon is almost here!

With just two shopping weeks left until Easter, kicking off three epic long weekends right through to Freedom Day and Worker's Day, it's time to get your chill-wear sorted!

Ditch the stiff outfits and slip into ultimate comfort. Whether you’re braaing, hitting a festival, or just lounging at home, our legendary Meelbroeke paired with a fresh set of Crocs is the official South African uniform for relaxing.

Don't wait until the last minute!

Pop into Big John Clothing Company at 40 Main Street, Howick to grab yours.

Ordering from afar? Get your orders in now so we can courier them countrywide in time for the holidays!

WhatsApp on 063 157 0190

Finally, the secret to beating the limescale in a kettle is out! If you have tried the vinegar and bicarb tricks before with no luck, it is time for the "Lemon Method". Tested, and proven to be a total game-changer.

The Process:

Slice up a whole lemon into quarters.

Pop it into your kettle.

Top the kettle up with water to the max and boil it.

Let it sit for an hour, then boil it again.

Once it has cooled a little, gently brushed the base with a soft nylon brush.

The "gross" splotches vanish instantly!

Bonus Eco-Tip: Don’t pour that lemon water down the drain! Decant to use as a natural weed killer in the garden.

90% of Lost Children Are Found Within 30 Minutes.

That statistic should both comfort you and wake you up.

Most lost children are found quickly. But the ones who aren’t? They usually made one mistake.

And here’s the uncomfortable truth:
It’s often the exact thing most parents teach them.

We tell our kids:
“If you get lost, come find me.”

It sounds logical. It sounds empowering.
It’s WRONG!

The Mistake Most Lost Children Make:
When children realize they’re separated, they do three things almost automatically:
They panic.
They wander.
They try to find you.
Every step makes them harder to locate.
From a search standpoint, movement creates chaos.
Parents retrace their steps.
Security scans zones.
Staff lock down areas.
Search works best when movement stops.

When a child keeps walking, they move outside the original search radius. Helpers are looking where they were last seen — not where they’ve wandered.

Stillness increases probability.
Movement expands the problem.

The first lesson is not “go find me.”

It’s this:
Stop. Stay. Yell.

Why Stillness Wins:
Think like a search team.
If a child stays put:
Parents can retrace steps.
Security can scan systematically.
Helpers converge to one fixed location.
The search radius remains small.

If a child keeps moving:
The search area expands.
Adults pass each other.
Missed connections multiply.
Minutes stretch into hours.
Stillness keeps the math on your side.

Teach Them Who to Approach:
The second mistake we make as parents?
We say, “Find an adult.”
Not any adult. Not the nearest stranger. Children need a filter.
Teach them to look for, if at all possible:
A mother with children.
Caregivers who already have kids with them are statistically among the safest people to approach in public settings. They are visible, stationary, and more likely to engage quickly.
It’s a clear, concrete instruction.

Children don’t process vague categories like “safe adult.”

They process visuals.
“Find a mom with kids” is visual.

A Phone Only Helps If the Number Is Known:
We often assume phones solve everything.
They don’t — unless your child can use one. Even young children can memorize a 10-digit phone number with repetition.
But you must train it.
Practice it like a song.
Sing it in the car.
Chant it at bedtime.
Turn it into rhythm.
Repetition becomes recall.

In an emergency, recall matters more than theory.

The Code Word Rule:
One more layer of protection.
Choose a private family code word.
Something only your household knows.
If someone approaches and says:
“Your mom sent me.”
Your child asks:
“What’s the code word?”
No word.
No go.

This simple rule eliminates manipulation attempts instantly.
It gives your child agency without requiring them to evaluate character.

Real Safety Is Training — Not Luck!

We don’t get safer by hoping.

We get safer by practicing.

Teach:
• Phone number
• Code word
• Stop, stay, yell (Help I am lost or Parents name)
• Find a mom with kids

Multiple skills.

Simple instructions.

Clear visuals.

Five minutes of training can replace hours of panic. This isn’t about fear. It’s about preparation.

Because when a child gets separated, the clock starts.

And what they do in the first minute determines what the next thirty look like.

That’s real protection.

Credit: Compiled advice from child safety experts including CJ Scarlet (Badass Parenting), Gavin de Becker (The Gift of Fear), and Search and Rescue (SAR) protocols.

Cape Parrot Birding Event – Join Us in the Dargle Forests!

We’re heading into the beautiful Dargle forests in search of the critically endangered Cape Parrot — and we’d love for you to join us!

When:
Saturday afternoon, 2nd May
Sunday morning, 3rd May

The Cape Parrot is South Africa’s only endemic parrot species and is listed as Critically Endangered. These vibrant green beauties rely heavily on indigenous yellowwood forests - making their conservation more important than ever.

We’re looking for volunteers to spend a few hours with us wandering through the forest, listening for their distinctive calls, and observing sightings. No expert skills needed, just enthusiasm and a love for nature!

Call to book: 082 460 1815
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Come be part of something special and help us protect one of our rarest forest treasures.

On Monday Howick Pre-Primary was so excited to welcome 'The Incredible Dog Show' to school.

The children were delighted to watch Lloyd and his beautiful dogs in action. What a treat!

The FreeMe Wildlife Experience...

At the end of month two of her training, FreeMe Wildlife Experience student, Carlene, was tasked with preparing an enclosure for a species in care.

Carlene chose to prepare an enclosure for a White-tailed Mongoose. In order to do this correctly, she had to research the species. Where is it found in the wild? What type of habitat does it prefer? Is it diurnal or nocturnal? How does it hunt or forage, and what does it hunt or forage? Which senses does it use? Where does it sleep? Does is need to burrow, dig, or climb?

To rehabilitate an animal correctly, three things need to be focused on - its physiology (how its body works), its ethology (how does it behave naturally in the wild), and its psychology (what negatively effects it, and what helps to keep it calm and happy). The correct captive environment is therefore critical to the patient's physical and mental well-being, and ultimately its recovery process.

Well done, Carlene, for understanding the needs of your chosen species, and for providing a stimulating, simulated natural environment that will make it feel comfortable.

We love what we do, and how we do it...