'We invite you to donate any NEW soft toys for us to deliver to Paediatric Wards this Christmas Day.'shared Pam Golding Properties Midlands.
The convenient drop off point in Howick is the Pam Golding Properties office at 3 Market Street. Call 033 330 4331.
Come along to the Midlands Veterinary Hospital OPEN DAY, happening tomorrow from 2pm until 4pm at 4 Curry's Post Road, Howick, KZN Midlands.
We will have awesome Giveaways; Tours of our latest upgrades; Balloon animals & Face Painting by The Fairytale Express and even pancakes for sale by the Methodist Church Howick.
Hope to see you all there!
Green Corridors Launches KMBC Green Concrete Pavers along with Crowd-Funding Campaign to Install in KwaMashu Schools
The Green Corridors’ KwaMashu Materials Beneficiation Centre has launched its Green Concrete Pavers along with a Crowd-Funding Campaign to install the pavers in KwaMashu and Inanda schools.
200 crowd-funded pavers have already been installed at Isithumba Creche (Istihumba in the Valley of 1000 Hills). A further 200 pavers sponsored by Barlow World (Nike) using Nike shoe waste are currently being manufactured for installation at Shayamoya Primary School in KwaMashu, where two 16m paved walkways are to be built between the two main school buildings, (when it rains this area is muddy and wet and not conducive for efficient movement around the school with time constraints between lessons.)
Green Corridors, the Durban NPO that rehabilitates and cares for green spaces in the City, is mainly funded by eThekwini’s Economic Development Unit. Its KwaMashu Materials Beneficiation Centre is essentially and research and development facility that looks at how waste products can be reused, or re-purposed as part of its bigger vision of growing a “circular economy”.
After many hours of Research, development, and testing, the KMBC is producing a green concrete paver made from 86% waste materials. These pavers are now ready to be installed in schools in the area, and Green Corridors has begun a crowd-funding campaign to help get them into the schools.
The waste used in the pavers includes community-purchased waste glass and non-recyclable toy waste, shoe waste, alien invasive plants, street-swept sand, and recycled concrete. The waste comes from non-recyclable plastics from curbside collections, (orange bags) donated sources as well as what is removed by Green Corridors’ from litterbooms, beach clean-ups, and riverine sweeps for alien invasive plants. Pavers are sealed with a hard-wearing UV stable coating to ensure no microplastics are released into the environment.
“A large focus of ours is on developing low tech, highly replicable, small-business models,” explains Jonathan Welch, Technical Expert at KMBC. “The fact that our products are made by previously unemployed and unskilled members of our local community is a testament to the City’s EDU’s vision that the green economy is an ideal way to both clean up the environment as well as create sustainable jobs.”
Brightly coloured plastics are used in the tops of the pavers for schools as a means to draw attention to the paver and stimulate conversations about its being made from 86% waste.
“We hope this in turn raises awareness of the importance to manage our waste responsibly.”
“Green Corridors is busy proving the viability of a model where multiple production facilities will be set up to produce high strength and aesthetically pleasing pavers and creating 4-6 direct and multiple indirect jobs in the process,” says Welch. “With each facility producing between 100 and 200 pavers a day, we expect there to be substantial demand for problematic waste materials currently entering the environment, thereby stimulating the collection of these materials rather than ending up in and damaging the environment.”
Green Corridors plans to build these facilities by both creating a demand for the above unique pavers at schools and facilitating the funding thereof through crowdfunding, corporate CSR projects, and donating one paver to a school for every 10 sold to the public.
“We hope to raise funds for several KwaMashu Schools in our catchment area in need of paving for children to get around the school safely and comfortably whilst being stimulated and learning about some of the challenges and opportunities presented by waste and particularly plastic in our environment,” explains Welch.
The next school in the area earmarked for the pavers is Zamokuhle School in KwaMashu.
To support this project and help towards pavers for schools contact the Green Corridors at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or donate here https://www.backabuddy.co.za/donate/champion/green-concrete-pavers-for-schools
Pictured below: Hopewell Ngcobo - Site Manager & Nhlanhla Nyandeni -Green Concrete team leader with school paver.
Working together to enrich lives.
The service we offer members of the public, is a support base for wildlife in need of care due to human/wildlife conflict situations. These may often be accidental and unavoidable, like when mowing is needed in an area a Large-spotted Genet has decided to den.
We love what we do, and how we do it.
But we can't do it alone. Let's pull together to help our wildlife:
Become a FreeMe Wildlife Custodian - Email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Pictured here: This tiny Large-spotted Genet kitten was found by a team mowing a field. The den site irreparably damaged and the area disturbed, they brought this kitten in to FreeMe Wildife.
More about FreeMe Wildlife
After two and a half years of being locked down in isolation due to Covid-19, it probably doesn’t come as a surprise that individual wellbeing is now firmly on top of the mental health agenda.
Taking care of the human mind as well as the body not only helps maintain good health, but also keeps us happy, makes us feel in control and ensures we have the tools and support to successfully overcome difficulties and achieve what we want out of life.
Larry Soffer, the leading Mentalist in Africa explains that during the recent pandemic, both resources and options were few. Many people were forced to take things into their own hands, finding new ways to entertain themselves, especially after the lure of Netflix wore off. “I saw so many of my friends and family start baking banana breads, take up gardening, or start a new hobby like making jewellery or creating pottery. A few have since turned these side hustles into profitable businesses which is just amazing,” he laughs.
Now that we have been unmasked, and things are open and almost back to normal, Larry and many like him hope that people go back to being entertained in the ways they know and love. Even at a time when many South Africans are tightening their financial purse strings, due to the escalating cost of living crisis, the important role the entertainment industry can play in helping improve and support mental health and wellbeing cannot be overlooked.
“It really is a gamechanger. After all, they do so say that laughter is the best medicine, and you can see why. Entertainment, especially live entertainment, is the ultimate feel-good factor and the perfect way of escaping from our everyday routines. It is also about sharing elements of fun and lightness and emotional connection with a room full of others,” he adds.
Here are Larry’s five reasons why entertainment is so important to mental health and wellbeing:
1. We just can’t help ourselves
We can trace entertainment back to the first and second centuries where hand puppets, storytelling, music and dance was very much a part of the social fabric of society. Entertainment has always been a part of who we are as humans, Larry says it is because we desire fun and laughter in our lives.
2. We are wired to seek out things that bring us joy
And, being entertained delivers this in truckloads! You only need to look at a young infant to see what I mean. They get so much joy from simply watching a cartoon on TV, playing peek-a-boo with an adult or even from seeing their own reflection in the mirror. It’s all entertainment for them and it can bring them hours of fun and laughter.
3. We always need a break from reality
We get so consumed by everyday stressors that we long for those small moments or activities that relieve us from that. For some, it helps to spend time in the gym while others might want to be outside at one with nature. Entertainment is different though as it has the possibility to transport us out of our everyday mundane lives and into a world where we can experience magic and mystery, and where we can believe in the impossible.
4. Entertainment works around you
From comedians, singers and ventriloquists to dancers, musicians, and magicians, pretty much all artists had some form of online offering during the lockdown. Some were conducted in their living rooms, others on balconies or gardens, but all happened because as entertainers, we understand the need to spread joy and positivity during very difficult times.
This is the determined spirit of an artist – they simply cannot be stopped and will always find a way to express their craft. I know I absolutely loved entertaining during the lockdown, seeing packed out living rooms full of family and friends all desperate for some respite from the worry and doom.
5. As human we naturally gravitate to positivity and the desire to be uplifted
How many of us live for the weekend, so that we can plan something fun, different, and exciting over our two free days? We do it, because we get so much positive energy from a good experience or from being with good people. If you’re feeling happy and positive, you’re likely to radiate and transfer these happy feelings to someone else – like a domino effect, which is a great way of elevating everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.
Larry inspires his audiences to believe in the impossible so that they can achieve their dreams. Follow @LarrySoffer or visit his website for more information at www.larrysoffer.com.
ABOUT LARRY SOFFER
Larry Soffer – The leading Mentalist in Africa, widely and globally regarded as one of the best in Mentalism (magic of the mind) for acts of mind-reading, metal bending and telekinesis. Having conducted performances for over 27-years, Larry is an extremely popular live show and corporate event performer.
He is locally in high demand and his exceptional reputation is spreading fast across the globe. Larry’s unique corporate and private shows are a highly interactive combination of mind reading, thought prediction, mentally moving objects – with a touch of side-splitting humour.
Larry regularly showcases his skills at booked performances and on television and radio - where he makes spoons and forks bend across these platforms, affecting people in their own homes, this includes fixing broken watches, making light bulbs burst, reading thoughts, and making TV’s and even cars switch on and off.
Every year, many companies across the world turn to South Africa’s best mentalist Larry Soffer for memorable corporate entertainment from audiences of 50 to 6,000. The combination of separate performances allows guests to experience the best of both stage and close-up entertainment, at small or large gatherings.
He inspires his audiences to believe in the impossible so that they can achieve their dreams. Follow @LarrySoffer or visit his website for more information at www.larrysoffer.com.
Supplied.
Treverton College mixed team of 4 comes first in the Expedition Africa 60km Adventure Race – Clocolan | ARWS Africa Regional Championship
Treverton College’s mixed team of four crossed the finish line first for the Expedition Africa 60 km Regional Championship at the Clocolan Adventure race on IMLA Guest Farm on Saturday, 5 November. This was race 5/5 of The Adventure Racing World Series - AFRICA Series. Regional Championship.
Adventure Racing is a multi-sport concept of combining the following sport disciplines: mountain biking, running/trekking, kayaking and navigation. This race is part of the prestigious Adventure Racing World Series - Africa Series.
For further information please visit www.Treverton.co.za and https://expafrica.net/expedition-africa-120-km-60-km-clocolan/
Pictured here: Treverton College mixed team - Jarred van Alphen (grade 11), Kai Broom (grade 11), Gary Townsend, head of Outdoor Pursuits and Chanelle Oosthuizen, junior staff member.
Welcome to the UCSI October Newsletter
uMngeni Community, where the community keeps themselves safe.
Well, October was certainly a busy month for the UCSI response team. From 4 positive vehicle stops in Oct 2021 we had 15 this October 2022. This is a substantial increase in problem vehicles
04 Oct
Hilton
A search on camera for a stolen vehicle, but timings of report and theft not accurate. Unfortunately vehicle not suspect vehicle found.
05 Oct
Howick
A vehicle involved in theft activated a camera and was stopped thanks to AET members. Boston SAPS took over case and driver apprehended
06 Oct
Karkloof to Howick
Report of a vehicle possibly involved in theft of a brush cutter. Info sent to the Howick emergency group. The Magma team in Karkloof found the vehicle and confirmed legitimate use. Thanks to the Howick response group for assistance
12 Oct
Upper Dargle
Dargle resident requested check on a vehicle that may have caused issue on the farm. I searched the cameras for the vehicle reported and another vehicle that may have been involved. Information sent to relevant parties.
15 Oct
Howick
Activation of suspect vehicle in Howick. Thanks to Knight member vehicle was found. With assistance from Magma the vehicle were taken to Howick SAPS.
17 Oct
Karkloof
A vehicle suspected in possible poaching activated a camera. The Karkloof team searched for vehicle but it was found to have left area immediately after dropping off passenger.
20 Oct
Hilton
A vehicle reported as stolen, activated the Hilton cameras. The vehicle was eventually stopped and cleared.
21 Oct
Estcourt to Howick
Law enforcement members requested a look out for a vehicle which activated the Nursery camera giving the response team direction and time to action and stop the vehicle in Howick CBD with arrests made and vehicle impounded.
21 Oct
Notties to Howick
Law enforcement received a distress call about an inebriated person on a passenger bus carrying a firearm. The UCSI group was used to coordinate and find the passenger bus. Members of Ballid security stopped the bus with assistance from law enforcement officers and Knight security. The offender was identified and escorted to Howick SAPS.
22 Oct
Pmb area
An affiliated UCSI member had a vehicle stolen and requested us to assist in recovering. I sent relevant information to the UCSI response group to search for the vehicle. With assistance from various security companies info was shared and acted on. With in 1 hour of report we had confirmation from Magma security company that the vehicle had been recovered.
23 Oct
Hilton
A motorcycle reported as stolen activated the Hilton cameras was stopped and checked. Bike impounded for vehicle theft unit to look into.
26 Oct
Hilton
A vehicle was reported for theft of cell phone which was loaded to the camera system to locate it. The vehicle was stopped and driver questioned.
27 Oct
Howick
A vehicle was reported as stolen activated the camera system and loaded to the UCSI response team. The vehicle was found and stopped in Howick by KSS members, backed up by AET and Magma.
27 Oct
Hilton
A vehicle suspected to be involved in ATM card scamming is been watched and monitored for suspicious behavior in shopping centers.
28 Oct
Hilton
A suspect vehicle involved in a robbery activated the cameras and was loaded to the UCSI response group. The vehicle was stopped and checked, thanks to KSS and AET
28 Oct
Hilton
Another suspect vehicle used in an armed robbery was activated and loaded to The UCSI response group. The vehicle stopped and checked thanks to KSS and AET and Magma
28 Oct
Hilton
I received a request about a missing vehicle with mother and two children. I sent information to the UCSI group and Hilton group. A search was made and SAPS reported later that vehicle was found with occupants safe.
Be safe and vigilant at all times. If something feels "off" report it to your local CPF group, Security or SAPs member, no matter how small.
You could be saving a life that you will never know about.
How can you get involved?
The UCSI will not be sustainable without monthly community support from business entities, shopping centers, hospitals, schools, estates, security companies and private individuals. Please join the UCSI as a contributing member.
Contact Deon from the UCSI by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or whatsapp 0630689652
Or
Please follow the links below to go to the website where you can find a membership form to download.
You are welcome to donate monthly or once off yearly.
Affiliated members have access to ask for assistance in any reported crime involving a vehicle.
The UCSI will issue Section 18A certificates for CAPEX and OPEX donations of any amount.
Stay safe – we got this!
Yours sincerely
Deon Tegg Operations Manager
063 068 9652
The UCSI Board of Directors
Themba Ndulini (Chairperson), Krish Ramkuber and Terence James
More about UCSI
Durban-based award-winning theatre company – Empatheatre has been invited by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to present their hard-hitting play - Lalela Ulwandle (Listen to the Sea) at this year’s COP27 (6-18 November) in Egypt.
The production has been invited by the UNFCCC (The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) Secretariat to perform the award-winning theatre play Lalela uLwandle (Listen to the Sea in isiZulu) at the Capacity-building Hub of the Blue Zone of COP27 (14 November 2022, 17.40-18.40 Egypt time).
The company is currently running its critically-acclaimed work Isidlamlilo – The Fire Eater featuring the award-winning actress Mpume Mthombeni at The Sneddon Theatre, UKZN which ends on Wednesday ( 9 November).
Following this Durban season, they rush off to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt to perform their much-toured, impact theatre work Lalela Ulwandle at the “Oceans and Land” day event at the Capacity Building Hub at COP 27.
Lalela Ulwandle explores themes of intergenerational environmental injustices, tangible and intangible ocean heritage, marine science, and the myriad threats to ocean health. Essentially this piece is an invitation to a participatory public conversation on ocean governance in South Africa (and beyond). The work was initially funded under the One Ocean Hub, the five-country hub of researchers exploring more democratic methods of engagement in ocean governance, and it is under this banner that the work will be seen at COP27.
“Finally we are bringing Empatheatre to the decision-making conference halls!” enthuses director Neil Coppen. “This means that these real stories are finally entering the United Nations, unedited and fully embodied! Through One Ocean Hub we have a spot in the Oceans and Land day event which seeks to respond to the mandate from COP to integrate and strengthen ocean-based action in their capacity-building efforts. In this context, there is a need for knowledge systems that include scientific, traditional, local, and indigenous knowledge to support decision making.”
“Our play, which has been touring South Africa since 2019 holding public storytelling events and tribunals has gathered thousands of coastal peoples' spiritual, cultural, and scientific understandings of the oceans in these critical climate-stressed times,” continues Coppen. “We have performed through droughts and floods, through pandemics and political struggles- through personal losses and through massive shifts in the way we work and practice.”
Lalela Ulwandle (Listen to the Sea) which features Alison Cassels, Mpume Mthombeni and Rory Booth is directed by Neil Coppen, and written by Coppen, with contributions from Helen Walne, Gcina Mhlophe, Mpume Mthombeni, Dylan McGarry, Taryn Pereira, Kira Erwin. The UFC (Urban Futures Centre) at DUT has been deeply involved in the production from the outset under the leadership of Dr Kira Erwin.
Catch Empatheatre’s Isidlamlilo – The Fire-Eater features Mpume Mthombeni, at The Sneddon, UKZN, Durban for 2 performances only on 8 November at 7pm and 9 November at 11am before they head to Egypt to present Lalela Ulwandle. Bookings are with
https://tickets.computicket.com/event/isidlamlilo/7201674.
Supplied.
Earwax, also called cerumen, is made by the body to protect the ears and has both lubricating and antibacterial properties. Untreated wax buildup can lead to hearing loss, irritation, pain in the ear, dizziness, or ringing in the ears.
You don’t need to clean the wax out of your ears unless you have an abnormal condition. Your ears naturally push the excess wax out as required. However, if you have an earwax blockage, you’ll want to have it professionally removed.
If you’re battling with your hearing, contact Butlin Hearing for a hearing screening, a comprehensive hearing test, or new hearing device.
Call Claire in Howick on 033 330 3966, or Mark in Pietermaritzburg on 033 342 2330 to book your appointment, and let Butlin Hearing welcome you to the world of sound!
More about Butlin Hearing
So many exciting things happened this past week, so let’s start with Monday and work our way through the week…
On Monday the 14th Steve Smith started work on moving the bar from its current spot to the snooker room. A little bit of demolition to the outside braai and a lot of high-pressure cleaning and the space is coming along beautifully. It’s definitely going to be a very popular place once it’s all complete.
Tuesday the 15th brought beautiful weather for our monthly J Leslie Smith 2-4-2 competition. It’s always such an enjoyable competition with such a great format and as usual was well supported with 24 players on the day. The overall winners were Bruce Tucker & Steve Smith, with runners up being Chantal D’Hotman and Lisa Nagel. The plate event was won by Ed Sharpe and Cindy Bro. Well done to our winners and all who played and thank you to our sponsors for a fantastic day. (J Leslie Smith winners pictured top.)
Wednesday the 16th saw more work on the bar area, as well as lots of cleaning and maintenance going on around the grounds. Between Kevin Palmer, Steve Smith and Bundy Mather there really are some amazing things going on. Unfortunately the weather interrupted our afternoon tabs in session, but cleared up in time for a fun game of last man standing for our Midlands Hillbillies.
Another exciting moment on Wednesday was the arrival of our new shirts! Thank you to Tara Van Rensburg of Grey Matters Marketing for the fabulous design. They certainly have made quite an impact on the greens! (Picture here, Club President, Kevin Palmer, models a new shirt.)
Thursday and Friday the club was a hub of activity. Lots of members popping in to collect shirts. Some practicing happening on the greens, continuing work in the bar, a major tidy up in the tea room.
It’s been such an amazing transition to watch as the club house and grounds have been improved and repaired over the last few months and we must say a HUGE THANK YOU to all who have been involved.
Saturday the 19th was the long awaited Frank Lambert Trophy for the men. A team of ten was entered and played against Maritzburg West at Howick Bowling Club. What nail-biting stuff! Despite very wet and challenging conditions, every man on the green played like a star. A special mention must be made of Ed Sharpe who was the fours team skip; the outcome of the entire day essentially came down to his last bowl and man oh man did he rise to the occasion! And as for the yells of jubilation from the supporters… you might have thought the Springboks have scored a try! It really was a game to remember.
The overall win on Saturday then sent the gents off to play at Collegians Club against Howick Bowling Club on Sunday morning. Once again, the men gave it their all and there was some really great bowls to watch. Unfortunately, Howick edged us out on Sunday and took the win.
Sunday afternoon was the ladies turn; a team of ten ladies took to the greens to play in the Sanders Trophy against Lynwood Club at Collegians. The spectators certainly got a treat with some of the bowls they were watching. Whilst our ladies didn’t make it through to the next round and bearing in mind that almost half the team have been bowling for less than two years, they really must be commended on holding their own against a very strong Lynwood team. Well done ladies!
And so that brought and very busy and very exciting week to a close but looking forward to what the next week brings!
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Friday, 25 November : SG Knott Construction Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Pre-entries required. Start time 09h00
Wednesday, 07 December : Halfway Toyota Drawn Trips. Start time 13h15
Tuesday, 13 December : J Leslie Smith Drawn 2-4-2. Start time 08h15
Saturday, 17 December : Greendale Spar 3 Bowl Trips. Start time 13h15
Regular days and start times are Tuesdays at 08h15, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 13h15.
Visitors are always welcome.
Coaching by registered coaches is available. Phone 071 164 3162.
More about Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club
Nuts About Books & Toys is very different from the average toy shop you will find in a shopping mall – sourcing unique toys and beautifully illustrated, wholesome children’s books by well-known and loved authors. Be warned, you will need plenty of time to browse in this quaint, one-of-a-kind country book and toy shop!
Call 033 330 7979.
What a busy week!
Our monthly Halfway Toyota Drawn Trips competition was played on Wednesday, the 9th November under very grey skies. A huge downpour stopped play early but the game was enjoyed by all nonetheless. Well done to the winning team of Ed Speed, Jeannette James and Pat Norris (pictured top), and also to Ann Cacho and Koos Marais who came second.
On Friday afternoon, the finals of the UWBC Ladies Pairs was held, which saw Lisa Nagel and Wendy Smith play against Pippa Griffin and Maria Wallace (pictured bottom). What a fun game, and some amazing shots by all players. At the end of the day Lisa and Wendy came out on top to win the finals. Congratulations to them both!
Saturday afternoon brought our Greendale Spar 3 Bowl Trips competition. It was fabulous to see such a large turnout and what a vibe. Some great music playing in the background, a couple of hips swinging on the greens in time to the music and lots of laughter! What a great afternoon! Congratulations to Steve Smith, Barbara Hook and Colin for winning the competition (Pictured RHS), and also to Des Blackford and Lisa Nagel who came second.
As usual at UWBC we haven’t just been playing bowls. Maintenance and upgrades are continuing under the watchful eyes of Kevin Palmer and Steve Smith. Our outdoor seating area has been upgraded and our poles for our floodlights have been bolted and concreted in. This week we’ll be starting work on a new braai area and moving the pub. Definitely some exciting things in the pipeline there!
Another exciting development is our partnership with the newly established Midlands Sharks Supporters Club. We’re certainly looking forward to enjoying many a great rugby game on our big screen with some avid supporters!
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, 15 November: J Leslie Smith Drawn 2-4-2. Start time 09h00
Friday, 25 November: SG Knott Construction Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Pre-entries required. Start time 09h00
Regular days and start times are Tuesdays at 09h00, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 13h30.
Visitors are always welcome.
Coaching by registered coaches is available. Phone 071 164 3162.
More about Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club
This newsletter features; Midlands Veterinary Hospital's Open Day, senior living options at Wicken Way in Hilton and a number of upcoming events in Howick, KZN. Read more.
In a world where you can buy anything from anywhere, aim first to spend your money where you live, to improve Howick and the surrounding KZN Midlands neighbourhood.
If you have some stories to share about the local businesses you rely on day after day, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Meanwhile please subscribe so we can see who is part of this local loving tribe.
Pictured here: Bulbuls or 'butterbums' are everywhere at the moment, this capture shows a very hungry baby preparing to receive a meal from mum.
Gary and the Team wish to inform all our clients that the merge of KSS to AET is no longer taking place.
Gary and the KSS Team will continue to ensure that the quality, communication and commitment to client safety as well as community safety and well-being maintains the high standards that they have aspired to over the past 33 years. Gary, Renee, Sashen and Pat, along with the rest of the KSS Administration, KSS Operations (Controllers, Armed Response, K9 and Guarding) and KSS Technical teams continue to deliver the service that we are all accustomed to. There will be no compromise on this!
Please contact the Team on:
Gary (Owner): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 082 8947 628
Renee (Business Manager): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 063 2921 240
Sashen (Manager Technical): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 082 6736 773
Pat (Manager Operations): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 082 6132 995
Local 24/7 Control Room: 033 330 5911
More about Knight Security Solutions
Over the past few weeks, I have had several clients experience issues with resignations or pending resignations.
Once an employee enters an employment contract a resignation is the only mechanism they have at their disposal to terminate the employment contract.
First and foremost, if an employee indicates they are resigning ensure that you get the resignation in writing. If they are troublesome employees going off about how they intend to resign present them with a notepad and say “Can I have that in writing please”. The Basic Conditions of Employment Act requires a literate person to present their resignation to the employer in writing. Having a written resignation also prevents a later dispute where the employee claims that he did not resign.
If an employee has tendered their resignation and wants to retract it, the employer is under no obligation to entertain the retraction. In terms of the law a resignation is seen as a unilateral act, which means the employee does not require the employer’s permission for the resignation to take effect , and therefore, after the resignation is tendered what’s done is done and an employee does not have the right to return or retract it. My advice would be to acknowledge the resignation in writing as soon as possible after it is received.
Very often when faced with a disciplinary enquiry employees quickly tender their resignation with immediate effect. Again the employer is not obliged to accept the resignation without notice. The employer can insist that the notice period remain in effect and the disciplinary hearing continue. Even if the employee does not present themselves to work the employer can continue with the disciplinary hearing in their absence. This may seem like a lot of energy to waste when the employee is already wanting to leave. In cases of serious misconduct such as theft, fraud and sexual harassment you may want to set a precedent that sends a message to other employees that one does not merely get away with running from the problem.
What recourse do you have when an employee resigns with immediate effect and leaves for another job without working their requisite notice? Very little can be done here, labour law does not have a remedy for this disloyal behaviour. Some employment contracts are drafted with a clause stating that the employer will not pay the employee accumulated leave out in lieu of notice not worked. This is a controversial practice that is usually practised in the hospitality industry and experts are divided as to whether it’s permissible or not. My personal opinion is if it was permissible to take an employee’s leave in lieu of notice the Act would have allowed for such. The Act states an employer needs to pay an employee’s accumulated leave to them upon termination. The other recourse is to sue the employee for damages ,however, damages need to be proved and this could result in a lengthy civil litigation battle. A new school of thought is to include a damages clause upfront in employment contracts that should an employee fail to work their notice period they will pay the employer a set amount recommendations are that it should equal a month’s salary, a controversial move.
Sometimes an employer would prefer the employee not to work their notice, and an example of this is when your employee is leaving to your opposition. It’s not ideal having the employee around with ample time to access your company’s proprietary information. In such instances, an employer can ask the employee to leave early but will be required to pay the employee in lieu of the requisite notice that was to be worked.
If an employee asks to work a shorter notice period and you agree, ask them for the request in writing. Have a written agreement drawn up to the effect that it was a request by the employee and that you as the employer agreed to the shortened notice period. An agreement protects you as the employer from a later dispute regarding not paying the requisite notice.
If you have any staff or labour law issues feel free to call me for a chat, rather make an informed decision than land in hot water either at the CCMA or with The Department of Employment and Labour.
Call 087 073 6940 or 083 305 6219 for assistance from Infinity HR Consulting.
CONGRATULATIONS TO LISA NAGEL & PIPPA GRIFFIN!
These ladies are our super stars and did an amazing job of representing UWBC at the KZN Preliminary Masters Singles this past weekend.
They each had a game on Saturday that ended in a tie breaker which was so exciting to watch! Unfortunately play was stopped at the beginning of the third round due to a sudden hailstorm but by the end of the day Lisa finished with one win and one loss whilst Pippa finished 2 games down.
They were back on the greens on Sunday morning where they both won their first and second games of the day, followed by a loss on their third games.
Overall, Lisa came third in her section having won 3 out of 5 games
Pippa’s section had 2 withdrawals on Sunday morning so her Saturday games fell away. Overall Pippa came second in her section with 2 wins out of 3 games.
Well done to both and thank you to those members who were able to make it on the days to show support.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, 09 November : Halfway Toyota Drawn Trips. Start time 13h15
Saturday, 12 November : Greendale Spar 3 Bowl Trips. Start time 13h15
Tuesday, 15 November : J Leslie Smith Drawn 2-4-2. Start time 09h00
Friday, 25 November : SG Knott Construction Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Pre-entries required. Start time 09h00
Regular days and start times are Tuesdays at 09h00, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 13h30.
Visitors are always welcome.
Coaching by registered coaches is available. Phone 071 164 3162.
More about Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club
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WILDSERIES together with the Karkloof Conservancy have staged the Three Cranes Challenge for over a decade. Through the years runners have been fortunate enough to run through majestic and ancient trails and enjoy beautiful scenery for three days while raising funds for the conservation and biodiversity work of the WILDTRUST and the Karkloof Conservancy in the Karkloof area.
This unique trail running event has raised over R1 million since its inception. The funds have been used to support the conservation efforts of both organisations and for the Conservancy, specifically the operations of their interpretation centre and bird hides. The centre and hides are built around Crane breeding sites and teach people about the importance of conserving grasslands and other habitats where Cranes breed. These funds have also enabled the development of Dartmoor Game Reserve through support from the Karkloof Nature Reserve.
As the WILDSERIES evolves, a joint decision has been taken for the Karkloof Conservancy to take over the management of the Three Cranes Challenge from 2023.
This will ensure that this unique trail running event will continue to contribute to the fundraising efforts of this critical conservation project.
WILDTRUST and the WILDSERIES wish the Karkloof Conservancy all the best in continuing to build on their legacy project and remain in the wings to offer assistance in the best interests of conservation of the three (Blue, Crowned and Wattled Crane).
The Three Cranes Challenge is going to be held on 23rd - 26th March 2023. Please keep an eye on the Conservancy’s website and social media pages for further details.
WILDTRUST and the WILDSERIES are currently working on the events for 2023 and will announce the Grandslam events and dates by late-November. Please follow the WILDSERIES social media pages and visit https://wildseries.co.za/ for updates.
Photo Credit: Phonix Capture
Supplied.