We need your preloved Christmas items to sell at our Pop-Up Christmas Shop.

Please drop them off at any of our three locations:
7 Mansfield Road, Howick
Coffee & Life Centre, Nottingham Road
39 Hilton Ave, Hilton

6 Ways to Celebrate your Cleaners this “Thank You Cleaner Day”

In the world of work, cleanliness is like oxygen – essential, yet often unnoticed until it’s absent. Just as an exceptional experience at a 5-star hotel can be undone by a single unkempt room, a company's reputation can be tarnished by overlooked dust or grime. And, in social media, one bad experience can go viral, potentially impacting the bottom line.

According to Jeffrey Madkins, Marketing Manager at Unilever Professional, cleaners play a vital yet often underappreciated role. “Their work may go unnoticed when done well, but its absence speaks volumes. And, a spotless office isn't just about aesthetics; it's a reflection of a company's attention to detail and respect for its employees, guests and customers. It's the silent ambassador of a business's standards and values, quietly influencing perceptions and experiences every day.”

Furthermore, studies have shown that a tidy workspace can reduce stress levels, improve focus, and even boost creativity.

In customer-facing settings like restaurants and hotels, a clean environment has been linked to increased consumer spending and brand loyalty.

Given their remarkable impact, it's clear that cleaning professionals aren't just maintaining spaces – they're actively contributing to employee wellbeing, productivity, and business success, truly making them the unsung heroes at the heart of most organisations.

And, their jobs aren’t easy either. “Often the first to arrive and last to leave, their job is physically demanding. They spend long hours on their feet – standing, walking and cleaning – and this often leads to physical strain. Plus, irregular hours mean that it’s tough to maintain regular personal and family routines. Yet, they work hard, persevere and their dedication is evident in the spotless environments they create, day after day,” Madkins shares.

Madkins recommends six ways that you can show your appreciation for your cleaners and set them up for success every day, not just on ‘Thank Your Cleaner Day’:
1. Invest in Your Cleaning Staff: Consider offering your cleaners a small bonus to show the value you place on their essential work. Financial recognition will not only make them feel loved and appreciated but will also help retain these skilled professionals.
2. Provide Comprehensive Training: Keep your cleaners up-to-date on new cleaning methods, products, and safety rules. This will help increase their confidence and improve their satisfaction at work.
3. Supply the Right Products: Make sure that they have access to high-quality, eco-friendly cleaning products, like those from Unilever Professional. This will not only make their job easier and keep your environment cleaner for longer, but it will also help keep them safe.
4. Recognise and Appreciate: Remind your team to regularly acknowledge your cleaning staff's efforts through simple handwritten thank-you notes or even awards.
5. Prioritise Health and Safety: Implement measures to protect your cleaners' well-being, such as providing proper protective equipment and scheduling regular health check-ups.
6. Offer Career Development: Create pathways for advancement within the organisation, allowing cleaners to grow professionally and take on leadership roles.

The reality is that whilst technology such as Robotic cleaners and AI-powered scheduling systems can enhance efficiency, the human touch in cleaning is irreplaceable. “I believe that recognising cleaners' value improves their work satisfaction and enhances overall workplace hygiene," he adds. "So, the next time you enter a spotless office or hotel room, take a moment to appreciate the person behind that cleanliness. A simple 'thank you' can brighten their entire day – just as they brighten ours with their work."

Unilever Professional offers a range of solutions designed to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, contributing to a healthier, more productive work environment for all. For more information about Unilever Professional and their range of cleaning solutions, visit: https://www.unileverprofessional.co.za/

Supplied.

'We’re excited to introduce Sharon Manser, Sunfield's new Nursing Sister! With over 30 years of experience at Umgeni Specialized Psychiatric Hospital, Sharon brings a wealth of expertise in chronic care for individuals with severe and profound intellectual disabilities. She spent 23 of those years specializing in Infection Control, playing a key role during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sharon is deeply passionate about providing quality care, focusing on building strong relationships and sharing her knowledge. In her first few months at Sunfield, she’s already experienced the joy of working with our residents, describing it as “a lovely day with extra special people.” Welcome, Sharon!' announced Sunfield Home.

Working with ToPS (Threatened or Protected Species).

What do an Elephant and a Hyrax have in common?

No it's not the start of a bad joke, in fact the Hyrax is the Elephant's closest living relative on land! Scientists have discovered that if you trace back approximately 65 million years ago, they have the same origin.

Since their common ancestor, they have diverged greatly over time, however there are definitive similarities. Hyraxes are small, furry mammals that more closely resemble rodents than elephants, but although their bodies and behaviours are different in many ways, Hyraxes share some important features with Elephants.

The most visible is the appearance of a set of tusks, although the size of the Hyraxes tusks are quite different, and present as large vertical incisors instead, giving them their renowned grumpy look.

Their hind feet also give away their close relation. Referred to as “semi-digitigrade” (moving with an elevated heel that does not come into contact with the substrate), their bone structure leaves them both on their tip-toes, and both species also have extremely sensitive footpads.

Both the Elephant and the Hyrax have exceptional hearing and memories. While Elephants have giant brains and ears, it has been found that Hyraxes demonstrate significantly better brain functionality compared to other animals of a similar size .

Everyone knows that Elephants have the longest pregnancies of any living mammal, running between 21 and 22 months. The Hyrax doesn’t have to wait quite that long, but their gestation can last seven to eight months. This is exceptionally long for mammals of their size.

The Hyrax may be small, but he is also mighty!

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

Pictured above: The characteristic grumpy face is partly due to the tusks, partly due to a lot of attitude!

Pictured below: The bottom of each foot is bare and has a moist, rubbery pad that lifts up in the center for a suction-cup effect to help the hyrax cling to smooth surfaces without slipping. They can even “chimney” up and down tight spaces. The hind foot is referred to as semi-digitigrade, meaning they walk on tip-toes.

Positioned on the top of a hill, Millford’s formal terraced garden frames the beautiful Dargle valley. The garden has been designed formally, creating beautiful rooms to view the surrounding landscape. Although formal in structure and planting, the overall feel is overflowing with herbaceous borders filled with roses, delphinium, peonies, foxgloves, and dahlias. This garden will be on display from 19th - 20th October 2024.

Directions: From Pietermaritzburg/Hilton, travelling along the N3, take exit 107. Turn left at the top of the flyoff and continue until the T-junction (Everything Shop). Turn right onto the R103 and travel 5 km until the turnoff to the Dargle on the left. Follow the Dargle Road for 14.2km and turn right onto the district road D666. Continue up the gravel road for ±4km then turn right onto the farm road at the large stone gates signposted.

Enquire about workshops including a Sip and Sow and Bouquet Basics with Kate on 082 774 1394 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more info see Open Gardens and Events of South Africa

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/BFgPJJcJY1UViXHk/

Grade 1’s First Science Lab Adventure!

Yesyerday was a day of discovery and excitement as our Grade 1 learners explored the science lab for the very first time!

With wide eyes and curious minds, they dove into learning about the human skeleton and intestines! From bones to digestion, it was hands-on fun as they started their science journey.

We're so proud of their enthusiasm and can’t wait to see where their curiosity leads them next!

Keep exploring, young scientists.

Caelum, (pronounced ky-loom meaning the sky or heaven), is a new, exclusive, niche lifestyle estate featuring twelve 2-hectare stands of rolling grasslands, situated on a private road just off the D534, near Hilton College. Each stand offers stunning panoramic views of the Natal Midlands, extending from the Umngeni Valley to Howick and the Drakensberg Mountains. This development represents a unique blend of urban and rural lifestyles, making it a desirable location for those looking to enjoy the best of both worlds. Notably, municipal rules have recently changed, and no further 2-hectare subdivisions will be granted in this area, adding an element of exclusivity to this Estate.

Caelum provides a secure, relaxed country environment, tailored for individuals with a passion for aviation. The estate intends to feature an 800m private grass airstrip, accessible to homeowners only, offering the convenience and security of having one’s aircraft on-site whenever needed.

Caelum offers all the advantages of country living in a safe, quiet setting, yet remains close to Hilton village, Pietermaritzburg, and the Midlands. Residents are within easy reach of South Africa’s top schools, excellent hospitals, healthcare professionals, and some of the best mountain bike trails in Africa.

The Estate boasts a range of essential services to ensure a high quality of life for its residents. Water is supplied from the Maidstone reservoir, backed by additional tanks to ensure a consistent supply. Electricity is provided on a single-phase system, with an emphasis on off-grid living. Eskom can be used to charge batteries to maintain a 20% minimum charge on cloudy days, facilitated by 20-amp breakers. Environmentally friendly sanitation is handled via septic tanks. Homes will feature designs that balance functionality with stylish appeal, blending into the natural landscape whilst maximising the potential of each site. The Estate architect has compiled Design Guidelines giving direction to the Caelum aesthetic, whilst enabling homeowners the freedom to design and craft a home that is unique to their lifestyle and taste. The Guidelines are intended to define the identity of the Estate, rather than limit. These parameters should allow for designs of excellence which will contribute to the overall cohesive nature of the development.

To preserve the open feel of Caelum, minimal fencing is encouraged to allow for wildlife movement. The entire 25-hectare Estate is fenced and homeowners are required to fence and maintain 4000 square meters around their homesteads. The balance of each property will remain unfenced and will be regarded as commonage, the upkeep and maintenance of which will be the responsibility of the Homeowners Association.

Caelum fosters a harmonious community, governed by a Homeowner’s Association (HOA). The HOA enforces a reasonable code of conduct, promoting peaceful co-existence and respect among residents.

To give some background on the choice of the name, Caelum arose from an overflowing sense of wonder and gratitude inspired by the vast, open skies that stretch seemingly endlessly over this piece of land. It is a place where the heavens seem to meet the earth, evoking a profound feeling of space, tranquillity and possibility.

With panoramic views, that “big sky” feel, and proximity to key amenities, Caelum offers discerning individuals a harmonious blend of rural charm and modern conveniences, making it an exceptional place to call home.

For more information call 033 342 8108.

Needing to step away for the holidays or plan your next event? Join us at Lythwood, where you will truly get the feel of the Midlands! Take advantage of our Midweek Special running for October 2024 ONLY, get 30% off all accommodation between Mondays and Thursdays. With Wi-Fi and solar there to back your experience, you can comfortably rest or host your celebration in ease.

CONTACT US
Call: 082 681 3934
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Location: Farm 37, Lidgetton West, KwaZulu-Natal Midland

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!

'Have you heard!? At the end of the week we will be hosting our third annual Flower Show & Garden Market! We have some wonderful local nurseries & small businesses joining us this year that we can’t wait for you to enjoy.

We also have stalls for Hospice & The Piggly Wiggly Warm Embrace to raise funds for these amazing organisations.

If you have heard Ayanda before, you know he is a vibe! He will be on the Trumpet Saturday.

On Sunday we have Michelhouse Jazz Band & Marimba band bringing great vibes!

There will also be a Summer Hat Competition - wear your best flower crown or decorated summer hat with flowers and you could win some awesome prizes.

Tell all your friends, we can’t wait to celebrate another festive weekend with you!' invitation from Piggly Wiggly.

Are you avoiding hearing devices because they’re big and unsightly?Signia offers “nearly invisible” hearing aids like the Silk Charge & Go.

Contact Butlin Hearing to find out more about the range of Signia hearing devices that we offer.

Call Claire in our Howick office on 033 330 3966 or Mark in our Pietermaritzburg on 033 342 2330 and let Butlin Hearing welcome you to the world of sound!

UNLIMITING DREAMS

CEO of The Unlimited Child Wins 2024 Santam Women Of The Future Award

Candice Potgieter, CEO of The Unlimited Child, has been crowned the winner of the prestigious 2024 Santam Women of the Future Award in the Social Entrepreneur category. This win not only celebrates Candice's remarkable leadership but also shines a spotlight on The Unlimited Child’s commitment to early childhood development in Southern Africa.

The Santam Women of the Future Awards, presented in association with FAIRLADY and TRUELOVE magazines, are renowned for identifying and honouring women entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to South African society and economy through their innovation, resilience and leadership.

"While I am deeply honoured to receive this award, the true heroes for me are the incredible female micro-entrepreneurs in our communities who care for our youngest and most vulnerable members of society,” says Candice. “These women, trained by The Unlimited Child to become world-class early childhood development practitioners, dedicate their lives to ensuring that children who might not have had access to quality education are now school-ready and prepared for a brighter future. I am incredibly humbled by their unwavering commitment, resilience, and the remarkable leadership they demonstrate every day. I truly believe each one of them deserves this award, and for that reason, I dedicate this win to them.”

The Unlimited Child is currently the largest Early Childhood Development non-profit organisation in South Africa and the fastest-growing in Africa. To date, they have trained 12,000 childminders to become practitioners and fully-fledged micro-enterprises. Over 5,500 ECD centres have been supported with the best toys and resources and more than 2.1 million children across six countries have been reached.

Everything, however, rises and falls on leadership. And, it’s Candice’s leadership over the past eight years that has fuelled this NPO’s remarkable year-on-year growth. When Candice joined The Unlimited Child, the programme had reached 400 ECD Centres, serving over 30,000 children. Today, in addition to their monumental expansion and reach, they have won the Best Programme & Curriculum Award for Africa & the Middle East, and have partnered with the Lego Foundation on a play-based research project. They are also collaborating with Sesame Street/Takalani Sesame and Anglo American in addition to forging a partnership with National Treasury through the Jobs Fund. No small feat for any organisation – big or small!

Candice adds that they're not hitting the brakes any time soon. “The truth is that we’re just getting started! We have a massive transformative purpose to shift lives. So, we’re gearing up to expand our reach beyond our continent so that we can unlimit the dreams of children across the world. After all, there are few missions as important as nurturing the potential of our children, for they are the architects of our shared tomorrow," she concludes.

For more information on The Unlimited Child or how to get involved, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About The Unlimited Child
The Unlimited Child is a leading international non-profit organisation working in Africa and The Middle East. Founded in 2008 in South Africa, The Unlimited Child has committed to driving early childhood development in underserved communities, having served over 2 million children since inception and created over 10,000 micro-entrepreneurial opportunities. The Unlimited Child provides evidence-based programmes and support to ensure that children have access to quality early education, stimulating environments, and caring interactions. By empowering children in their early years, The Unlimited Child aims to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for all.

Supplied.

The Christmas Collection from Glass Cuttings includes a delightful range of stocking fillers for the season ahead. Hang them near a window to catch the sunbeams or add to your tree decor.

Price per item
Christmas Tree R105
Angel R115
Holly Dove R120
Santa Dog R120
Santa Cat R125

Visit the GLASS CUTTINGS shop at @pigglywigglymidlands

WhatsApp Gill on 082 254 4798 to order.

"Love for a dog during childhood is one of the deepest and purest emotions we are ever likely to have, and it remains with us for the rest of our lives. For some people, their first experience with love is with a dog. The fact that the dog returns the love so fiercely, so openly, so unambivalently, is for many children a unique and lasting experience."
(Quote by author, Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson)

This is particularly pertinent to many of our Funda Nenja children from challenging home backgrounds. Developing an affectionate bond with a dog is a magical experience and we like to think that the Funda Nenja dog school programme provides a weekly therapeutic session for many of our kids.

'At our Speech Night and Prizegiving Ceremony on Friday, 11 October 2024, our Senior Leaders were announced:
Deputy Head Boy - Logan Reece
Deputy Head Girl - Nokwanda Mnikathi
Head Boy - Ezra Robertson
Head Girl - Madison Guy

We wish them a year filled with strength and achievement - Age Quod Agis!' news from Howick High.

The monthly competition sponsored by Greendale Superspar was played on Saturday afternoon. Despite the intense heat there was an excellent turnout of members.

The winners of the competition were Pat Norris and Lisa Nagel, both of whom went home with generous vouchers from Greendale Superspar. The runners up were Colin Brown and Malcolm Tait. Thank you to Greendale Superspar for their continued sponsorship.

Our next competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith Inc Attorneys will be held on Tuesday, 15 Oct.

Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club is situated in Main Road and is easily accessed from both the N3 and the R103. Bowls is a sport for all ages. We welcome experienced and novice bowlers from 7 years to 97 years of age. Registered bowlers are available to help you become proficient at the game.

For contact details see below.

WHY PLAY BOWLS?
Lawn Bowls is a sport with outstanding health and skills benefits.

It is a target sport, a game of strategy and you are never too old or too young to start or stop playing.

The following amazing physical and mental health benefits can be achieved.
· 1.Motor skills - improve eye, hand and foot coordination, timing, rhythm, a sense of depth perception and direction.
· 2.Physical – fitness, core stability, flexibility, mobility and muscle tone.
· 3.Psychological - Emotional control, focusing, concentration, positive imagery, relaxation,
self- motivation and most of all goal setting.
· 4. Social Skills- respect, sportsmanship, communication, cooperation, tolerance, teamwork and unselfishness.

Bowls is also a good activity for team building.

If you and/or your children are interested in learning to play, for further information please contact Bernice Burden on 071 164 3162

More about UWBC

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.