When it comes to sunscreen, everyone has different views and preferences. With so many differing sun protection habits and opinions, how do you know which is the best sunscreen for your skin? Between different lifestyles, plus various skin types, tones, and concerns, there’s a lot to consider when choosing a sunscreen. ISDIN South Africa, a leading brand in dermatology and known for its innovative and exemplary sunscreen range breaks down what makes a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen, to make your choice easier.

Firstly, it is important to note that “Sun damage significantly affects our skin. It can harm cells and proteins, contribute to skin cancer, and accelerate the skin’s natural aging process by up to 80%. So, whatever your age or skin type, there’s one thing that you should always include in your daily skincare routine: sunscreen,” explained Karlo Mitchell from Glenmark Pharmaceuticals.

What do Dermatologists look for in sunscreen?
Skin-boosting ingredients. To get the maximum benefit from your sunscreen, look for one with additional ingredients that boost overall skin health. The most advanced formulations now help care for your skin in other ways, adding peptides to help target signs of premature skin ageing, and antioxidants, for extra protection against oxidative skin damage.

The texture makes you want to wear it. The best kind of sunscreen is one you will want to apply every single day. And that’s where expert insights come into play. Dermatologists are always on top of the latest innovations in product texture — such as 100% mineral sunscreens that don’t leave behind a greasy, white residue and don’t burn your eyes.

The higher the SPF, the better. One of the biggest misconceptions about sunscreen is that if you have dark skin or more melanin, you don’t need to be using a high SPF. Everyone needs to be using a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30+. SPF, or sun protection factor, is a measurement of the amount of time that your sunscreen will help protect your skin from solar radiation. When making your choice, it’s best to look for a higher SPF, such as an SPF 50 or SPF 50+ sunscreen, as this increases the time it would take for your skin to burn when in direct sunlight.

Lastly, It’s broad spectrum. Meaning, it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are largely responsible for premature skin ageing, so they provoke changes in the skin, such as the appearance of wrinkles and sun spots. UVB rays are sometimes called burning rays, as they’re the culprit behind sunburn and tanning in your skin. Both types of rays can contribute to the risk of developing skin cancer. So, for the best all-over protection, be sure to choose broad spectrum sunscreens.

ISDIN will soon be releasing their highly sought-after and leading Fusion Water MAGIC SPF50 sunscreen in South Africa. This sunscreen is widely used by dermatologists as it encompasses all of the above key factors and is an ultra-light water-phase facial sunscreen. This new and improved sunscreen formulation melts into your skin without leaving a greasy residue or white cast. Skin boosting ingredients include Mediterranean Alga Extract and Vitamin E which offer antioxidant action, while hyaluronic acid provides intense hydration. It’s comfortable to wear as it’s an oil-free mineral sunscreen which won’t burn your eyes and has wet skin technology meaning you can apply this over wet skin and it will provide the same intense protection from the sun.

“Bottom line: To help protect your skin from sun damage and photoageing, a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen is a great place to start. Remember, the sun doesn’t take a day off! So, whichever type of sunscreen you choose, apply it daily, and apply it well,” concluded Mitchell.

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Meet Aphiwe Zondi, who, together with her sister Azola, joined the dog school a few years ago and has since then been a regular attendee.

We don't have many girls attending Funda Nenja, but Azola Zondi has been attending the weekly dog school for a few years now with Puppy, her much loved dog. This delightful young lady has a deep love of dogs, and the bond she shares with them is obvious for all to see. She is gentle and patient with Puppy, who despite the name, is getting on in years. Azola is a warm, friendly, and polite girl who is a valued member of the Funda Nenja family and a great ambassador for all that we stand for.

At the start of 2024, Aphiwe was invited to join the ranks of our instructors by becoming an intern as her excellent handling skills and commitment to Funda Nenja were recognised as an asset to the programme.

Aphiwe shared with us that she initially joined Funda Nenja when she saw other kids going to dog school every Friday and decided to follow suit as she was bored at home. She later came to realise that Funda Nenja cared not only for dogs but for people too, helping both wherever possible.

Aphiwe says she also enjoys the social side of the dog school, meeting new people and making new friends.

More about Funda Nenja

How to Minimise Waste This Easter Weekend

Whether you're a corporate event planner or a parent hosting a family party this Easter Weekend, you'll probably have your hands full with planning and preparations.

"This year, it's equally important to work waste management into your do," says Mpendulo Ginindza, President of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA).

Countrywide Easter events can put a huge strain on the national waste management infrastructure and that's bad news for the environment. So, let’s commit to doing things differently this time around.

Planning a Zero Waste event
Planning for waste management means having the right mindset. You can be a waste-free event pro by following these guidelines from Mpendulo:
• Think Zero. Zero Waste means less than 80% of your event’s waste will go to a landfill.
• Research. Get online to learn what it takes to run a Zero Waste event or who can help you do it right.
• Educate. For larger events, make sure your team understands your waste goals and what is acceptable practice on the day. For smaller occasions, let your guests know what they can and cannot bring with them in your invitation.
• Reject. Don't hesitate to reject any vendor or product that does not live up to your Zero Waste standards.
• Reduce. Less is more! So, cut back on unnecessary items that would go unused anyway or shortly end up in a landfill.
• Reuse. Wherever possible, opt for tableware, packaging, decorations and other items that can be readily reused at your next event or stored away for next year.
• Return. Some vendors provide a variety of event items, from decorations and tableware to furnishings and equipment, that they collect or you return afterwards – sometimes even unopened consumables. Ask about your options.
• Recycle and compost. When you absolutely must use disposable items at your event, make sure they are certified as recyclable, biodegradable or compostable, and that you dispose of them in the appropriate receptacles or manner. At larger events, provide sufficient receptacles at key locations and post signs requesting their use.
• Donate. You might be done with your decorations and unused consumables but associations for the elderly, orphans or other underprivileged communities would love to reuse them to make the less fortunate happy too. Donations of unopened, fresh food are also always welcome.
• Promote. You can let your attendees or guests know about your Zero Waste policy in subtle and clever ways without looking like a stick in the mud. In today's environmentally aware society, they will most likely appreciate the gesture.
• Repeat. Whether you’re just eyeballing or seriously spreadsheeting, evaluate your waste reduction results and commit to doing even better next time.

Extra tips
• If you're hosting at an indoor or outdoor venue, check that the venue managers also follow a Zero Waste policy and offer the waste management amenities you demand.
• Compile a list of vendors with a good reputation for Zero Waste practices and let them know what you expect from them and their third-party providers.
• In today's online world, you can send great looking digital invitations and autotrack RSVPs by email, text message or shareable link. There are literally hundreds of online vendors specialising in this service and it's much easier than physical cards.
• Be authentic, when we are authentic is when we waste less.

Good, clean Easter fun

Wow, this Easter bash is going to be your best one yet, all because of your waste management skills. That's extra cause for celebration.

"The IWMSA thanks you for your efforts and wishes all South Africans a happy, safe and waste-free Easter," says Mpendulo.

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Howick High School recently hosted the U16 and U18 Midlands District Rugby trials on our stunning fields.

A number of schools participated, including Greytown, Treverton, Weston, Wembley, Wartburg, and Hermannesburg, amongst others.

It was an incredible platform for players to showcase their skills, and the level of play was impressive.

Howick High School is proud to share that the following boys have been selected to represent Midlands District teams:

U16: Ethan Galtrey, Zothani Goniwe, Letho Mbelu, Caleb Lukas, Ayabonga Mdakane

U18: Callum Moran, Tristan Heron, Thando Nkala, Elijah Wessels, Logan Reece, Jayden Trusler, Caleb Galtry

Age Quod Agis, boys!

More about Howick High

A magic morning in the Karklooof, thanks to the Karkloof Country Club A long steady climb up to the fire tower above Howick gave spectacular views over the Midlands. With a large group of super keen hikers, we broke into three groups - the fast, the ones who wanted to get home early and the stop and check out the fungi group. This hike catered for everyone!

Thank you to the three leaders for making this happen!

More about Midlands Hiking Club

In the unpredictable world of South African farming, risks abound. Let Cooke Fuller be your shield and put your mind at ease with our specialized Farming Insurance.

Our unique package combines domestic and commercial insurance, tailored to meet the distinct needs of every farmer. From your home and household contents to tractors, equipment, sheds, liability, and livestock – we've got you covered at every corner.

Worried about runaway fire risks or the transit of livestock? We've got options for that too! Explore the peace of mind that comes with Cooke Fuller Farming Insurance.

Click the link https://cookefuller.co.za/long-term.../risk-insurance/ to customize your coverage and protect your farming legacy. Act now!

HOWICK: 033 330 3601

National Water Week (20-26 March) and World Water Day (22 March)

‘Water for Peace’ is the theme for World Water Day which coincides with South Africa’s National Water Week (20-26 March). Green Corridors, the Durban NPO, that collaborates to connect people to the planet, urges citizens to be mindful of the role they play in being custodians of our water resources.

Green Corridors is motivated by numerous Sustainable Development Goals including SDG 6 which aims for clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. Green Corridors works on a number of project areas that educate and empower communities which lack resources and help them to restore natural areas for the benefit of both humans and the environment. The organisation’s Green Spaces team recycles waste caught by its innovative litterbooms on many of the City’s riverways stopping the waste from reaching the sea. Working with surrounding communities, Green Corridors clears spaces that have been used as dump sites, and restores them back to their natural states, and helps to develop market gardens in urban areas. Green Corridors’ work also includes developing natural sites for ecotourism with a goal to supporting economic development.

“We need citizens to be increasingly mindful of practices that can impact on water quality, and how this affects fellow citizens and natural resources too,” says Musa Shange from Green Corridors. “We see the ongoing devastation of our rivers and streams, and the natural spaces around by alien invasive plants and irresponsible waste disposal that contaminates water and harms surrounding communities and ecosystems.”

The recent dumping along Riverside Road near the Green Corridors material recycling facility site at Connaught Bridge is a case in point. “So much of the waste illegally dumped will end up in the Umgeni River alongside, and ultimately onto the beaches and in the ocean.”

Green Corridors stresses the importance of collective action to address water-related challenges, which are intrinsically linked to effective waste disposal. The organisation embodies this ethos through safeguarding water sources essential for local livelihoods, and importantly, tourism in eThekwini.

The UN World Water Day campaign this year explains that when water is scarce or polluted, or when people struggle for access, tensions can rise; that water cooperation needs to be at the heart of the plans for conflict resolution; and harmony can be fostered between communities and countries by uniting around the fair and sustainable use of water – including actions at the local level.

Green Corridors has partnered with numerous organisations including WESSA and Adopt-a-River with support from SAPRIPOL, PETCO and RMB, other conservancies, and eThekwini Municipality Cleansing and Solid Waste, Parks Department and Sihlanzimvelo co-ops to remove alien plants and waste to restore water health. Much of the organic and non-organic waste materials are collected through the Roadhouse Crescent Materials Recovery Facility at Connaught Bridge, and litterbooms on the rivers. This was is then processed at the KwaMashu Materials Beneficiation Centre where products such as pavers, compost and building materials are being produced from this waste

“When we cooperate on water, we create a positive ripple effect – fostering harmony, generating prosperity and building resilience to shared challenges. We must act upon the realization that water is not only a resource to be used and competed over – it is a human right, intrinsic to every aspect of life,” cites the UN World Water Day Observance Website: (https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day)

By focussing on the local needs, and fostering collective action, Green Corridors encourages sustainable water management and fair access to water, promoting a future where water serves as a stimulus for peace and prosperity.

For more information about Green Corridors go to https://durbangreencorridor.co.za/

Top image: Tourists enjoying the natural beauty in the Valley of 1000's around Green Corridors site Isithumba.

Below: Clearing Blue Lagoon of waste during a Green Corridors affiliated clean up with Safripol.

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On this World Water Day, WILDTRUST reflects on this year's theme - 'Water for Peace' and recognizes the vital role water plays in fostering stability and prosperity worldwide. Over 3 billion people rely on water, therefore safeguarding this precious resource is crucial, given the negative effects of climate change and population growth.

At WILDTRUST, we are fully committed to this cause through our 'Water for Trees' campaign. This campaign is raising funds to provide clean drinking water to communities in KwaZulu-Natal and planting indigenous trees to restore crucial ecosystem services that can help them adapt to climate change.

To get involved in this initiative and help us reach our fundraising goals, click here
https://different.org/.../wildlands.../water-for-trees/

Introducing our eco-friendly and stylish hemp bags! Made from 100% natural and sustainable hemp, these bags are perfect for everyday use while helping to reduce your carbon footprint. Our hemp bags are not only durable and long-lasting, but they also have a unique texture and look that sets them apart from traditional bags. Visit us in store today or get in contact for more!

All the best Autumn holiday road trips take a pleasant pause at The Ugly Duckling!

Worried about missing the “boing boing” of the Easter bunny, or the cracking of a frozen chocolate egg?

Make your appointment with Butlin Hearing for a FREE hearing screening or a comprehensive hearing test and, when necessary, let us assist you in choosing the hearing aid to best suit your needs. We have a range of hearing devices including the Signia Silk which fits discreetly inside the ear offering crystal clear sound in every situation.

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

BLACKWOODS Gardenette at Yard 41, Karkloof Road, Howick will be open on Saturday 30th March and again on Monday, 1st April during Easter 2024. The garden outlet will be CLOSED for Good Friday and for Easter Sunday. The highlight this year is an all-day Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday AND the BIG SHOPPER draw of a R1000 Blackwood's Voucher! 

MIDLANDS POWER EQUIPMENT - Take note of our closure dates for public holidays and Easter Weekend coming up. Should you need anything for the Easter Weekend, get it all before Thursday (28 March) at 4:30pm.
Our normal trading hours are:
Monday to Friday (7:30am - 4:30pm)
Saturday (8:00am - 12:00pm)
Sunday (Closed)

Contact us today:
2 Exchange Lane, Howick
033-3302504
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MIDLANDS HOSPICE

Just a reminder that we will be closing at 12.00 on Thursday, March, 28th. Hospice House will be closed on Friday, March 29, and Monday, April, 1.

MIDLANDS TREATERY

NUTS ABOUT BOOKS & TOYS
Weekend Trading Hours
Friday 29th March: CLOSED
Saturday 30th March:
8.30am - 1pm
Sunday 31st March: CLOSED
Monday 1st April:
8.30am - 2pm

Find us at 3 Mare Street, Howick.

Save the date for our Open Day & 70 year celebration!
💙Saturday 13 April 2024
💙2-4pm
💙Midlands Veterinary Hospital
💙We will have some fun for the whole family from Hospital tours to Tea & Cake and even some fun kiddies activities!!!

As usual time is flying past, and you can already feel the nip of winter in the air in the mornings and evenings. It certainly makes for more pleasant playing conditions compared to the heat of the summer days.

Unfortunately, there was no wintery feeling in the air at all last week Tuesday when we hosted our J Leslie Smith & Company 2-4-2 competition. Despite the heat all 22 teams had a great morning of bowls and camaraderie and a wonderful morning was had by all. Congratulations to Stephanie Crause & Rusty Ikin who won first prize, followed by Alan & Sharon Willey in second place, and also to Ann Monarch & Rowena Muir who won the plate prize. A big thank you to J Leslie Smith & Company Inc for their ongoing support and while we’re about it we’d like to mention that they will be sponsoring a full day event at UWBC on the 21st of April. This is set to be a great day of 3 bowl trips with some great prizes up for grabs. Keep an eye out for more information or contact Lisa Nagel on 084 586 6984 to enter a team.

That’s all for this week… see you on the greens!

Events to keep an eye out for…

Saturday, 6 April: Greendale Spar Drawn Trips/Pairs. Tabs in 13h15
Wednesday, 10 April: Halfway Toyota Drawn Trips 4-3-2-1. Tabs In 13h15
Sunday, 21 April: J Leslie Smith & Co Sponsored Trips all day competition (Book with Lisa on 084 586 6984)
Friday, 26 April: Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45 (Book with Pippa on 083 467 8140)

Regular tabs in times are:-
Tuesdays at 08h15
Wednesdays at 13h15
Saturdays at 13h15.

Visitors are always welcome. Coaching by registered coaches is available.

For more information contact Sharon on 082 900 5944.

Photo: Winners of the JLS Monthly 2-4-2 competition, Rusty Ikin & Stephanie Crause pictured with Lisa Nagel of JLS

More about Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club

A victorious day for the 1st Boys' Hockey team as they were the overall winner of the Boys' competition at the Treverton Co-Ed Hockey Festival.

The day began with a 3 - 0 win against Harrismith High School, followed by a 2-1 loss to Treverton. Taking into account Friday's results, Howick made it through to the final against Treverton.

In an exciting and evenly contested game, Howick scored a goal in a short corner as the buzzer went to signal the end of the match, winning the final 1 - 0.

Morgan Sparrow received the trophy for the most goals scored in the boys' competition and Tapiwa Mukono and Captain, Darryn Whitehead received the trophy for Boys' Players of the Tournament.

We take this opportunity to thank Treverton for hosting the festival and everyone who came to show their support. Thank you to Timber Solutions for our awesome new shirts. We congratulate our team and their coaches, Mrs Hayley Salzwedel and Mr Nathaniel Napier on a successful start to their season.

Age Quod Agis!

Not even the Easter bunny needs large hearing aids!

Butlin Hearing offers a range of hearing devices including the Signia Silk which sits inside the ear canal offering a superior hearing experience, without the bulk of the “old fashioned” hearing devices.

Treat yourself this Easter to a FREE hearing screening, comprehensive hearing test, or new hearing device from Butlin Hearing.

Contact Claire on 033 330 3966, or Mark on 033 342 2330, and let Butlin Hearing welcome you to the world of sound!

Support local, at this, our inaugural Exhibition, featuring both new and established Midlands Artists, at the stunning Taste Buds Farm Stall venue. (Lions Gate Estate, Corner of the D128 and Main Dargle Road)

There is no entrance fee.

Browse the various Artists, (and purchase a piece or two of unique art), while listening to live music. Rhiannon & Vince, the dynamic Dad and Daughter duo will be performing for our pleasure.

Enjoy a delicious meal or have a drink at the pub.

10% of the proceeds will go to the Funda Nenja Charity, an amazing group of people with an innovative approach to animal education for under privileged communities.

Looking forward to seeing you there!!

Call 078 760 5436.

Eskom is aware of transformer OSB273, in Osizweni, Newcastle, which failed due to overload on 07 November 2023. The transformer supplies electricity to 73 legally connected customers, and of these, only 24 (33%) are paying for the electricity they consume.

Eskom is experiencing a significant increase in transformer failures in residential areas due to meter tampering, illegal connections and vandalism of Eskom’s infrastructure. The existing infrastructure has been installed to cater for supply requirements of Eskom’s legal customers. The transformer that is supplying electricity to Osizweni failed due to overload caused by a high number of bypassed meters and illegal electricity connections.

Due to the increasing number of the transformer failures, replacement thereof without addressing the root cause has become unsustainable, costly, and unsafe for Eskom’s technicians and members of the public, more specifically the innocent children.

Therefore, before the transformer can be replaced and supply restored, an audit must be conducted, and the network normalised. The community members who are found to have tampered with the metering installation will be issued with remedial fines and illegal connections will be removed and/ or normalised.

Eskom will require 75% of the customers to be in good standing before the transformer is replaced. As per the NERSA published tariffs, the customers that have bypassed the meters have to pay a tamper fine of R6052.60, where at least R3000 upfront payment must be paid with a balance payable as and when the customer purchases an electricity token.

Eskom has had engagements with the community leaders in this regard and will continue to work with the community until the matter is resolved. Communities are urged to cooperate with Eskom teams on the ground by granting them access to the Eskom metres in their homes when audits take place.

Eskom wishes to encourage the public to report information regarding illegal electricity sales, fraud, meter tampering and all other electricity-related crimes to the Eskom Crime Line: 080011 27 22. Reporting can be done anonymously.

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