Even a global pandemic won’t stop Mike Arbuthnot from making his annual trip across Midmar Dam. The now 88-year-old is one of the founding members of the aQuellé Midmar Mile and has participated in all 47 editions of the famous race.

This year the race may look very different – with only the elite races and the 8 and 16-mile charity events taking place with the other swimmers participating in a virtual race – but the beloved Buthie, as he’s known, is determined he’s going to swim in the virtual event.

“World War 2 began in 1939 and ended in 1945 when I was 13 years old. My formative years were about austerity, loss and a global crisis,” explained Arbuthnot, who lost his mother at the age of six. “I joined Seals Swimming Club when I was six years old and swimming has framed my whole life. Sport helps the mind, body and soul. Today, in my sunset years, we are confronted with a pandemic that has restricted, reduced and caused the world to recoil. While we await the vaccine and/or herd immunity, people are finding positivity and a way forward.”

That way forward for Arbuthnot was to keep training whenever and wherever he could, but, like for so many swimmers, it hasn’t been easy.

“Training has been difficult this year as the swimming pool was closed for many months. With lockdown, basic fitness was hard to maintain. I walked around my garden 50 times every morning to keep active.

“Since we moved to level 3, I have been able to train but my current fitness level would not usually be considered sufficient to do Midmar Mile. However, many lives have been lost, many livelihoods compromised, and I felt that in light of the global challenge and the heartache and difficulties endured by so many, I had to swim Midmar Mile in honour of that courage.”

Arbuthnot has overcome several challenges of his own in the past, including colon cancer, skin cancer a brain aneurysm and a stroke, but he’s just kept going. His daughter Tracy explained that her father will once again be accompanied across the dam by Tony Bath.

“Tony is swimming with Dad. He's had his own health issues so it's a triumph that he is swimming too,” she said.

“I'm sad to miss swimming this year myself and I'm so proud of Wayne [Riddin] and all his team that they have had the fortitude and determination to ensure the event happens, even in a different form. It's just something nice to look forward to.”

Buthie himself also expressed gratitude that he will be given the chance to swim in the virtual event.

“Sport has always given people something to strive for, something to hope for and brings people together. This year, 2021, more than ever before, this is much needed.

“I will do my best to make the event proud and if I am successful, I will most certainly celebrate with a beer or two.”

Photo credit: Action Photo SA

Supplied.

Organisers of the aQuellé Midmar Mile in 2021 have done all they can to assure a safe swim for those taking part in the virtual event this weekend.

The official race was called off at the eleventh hour after Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, who run the Midmar Dam facility, denied race organisers permission despite all Covid protocols being in place.

This meant the aQuellé Midmar Mile could only be run as a virtual event, with swimmers being able to complete the distance on any body of water across the country.

Race Director Wayne Riddin explained: “We have still put safety measures in place at Midmar Dam because we knew that swimmers would still show up today and tomorrow to complete their miles. We could not, in good conscience, leave them to their own devices, especially those who are attempting the distance for the first time.

“So we have placed lifeguards on the dam and given swimmers chips at the usual start area, so we could track when they entered the water and came out at the other end. This is purely for safety reasons so we could keep track of them and in no way constitutes an official event.”

One of the first time swimmers of the virtual aQuellé Midmar Mile, Jacques Seeliger from Johannesburg expressed his gratitude for the safety measures in place, saying: “We’re very grateful there is still assistance. The buoys are here so that we can see the distances. We’ve got safe swimmers, there are some lifeguards so we feel very comfortable and we’re very grateful that we still got the opportunity to do it.”

Doné Irving, who was swimming for the 10th time added: “With the safety buoys you definitely feel safe, that if anything happened you have the buoy in hand and you can always wave. It’s definitely necessary so we’re grateful.”

News supplied.

It is with huge disappointment that the organisers of the 2021 edition of the aQuellé Midmar Mile have been forced to make a last-minute decision to transfer all 2021 entries to the Virtual aQuellé Midmar Mile event.

This follows what itself was a late-in-the-day announcement by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife that they were turning down the Event Management Plan for the 2021 aQuellé Midmar Mile despite many weeks of attempts to convince senior management that there was no danger of the event becoming a super-spreader of Covid-19.

Race Director Wayne Riddin said: “It was brought to our attention recently that Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife was not allowing events to take place at their facilities, despite government regulations allowing events within restrictions. I personally requested an urgent meeting on several occasions but senior management was not able to make themselves available. All documentation was submitted to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, with written permissions in place from the necessary authorities. We have been locked in negotiations until yesterday (Tuesday, 2 March) to save the 2021 event.”

Riddin continued: “We are devastated that we were unable to convince Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife of not only our intent but also our capability to run Midmar Mile safely during the pandemic. There is no doubt that the event was going to look very different this year as we made huge alterations to accommodate restrictions in place. The protocols prepared and documented would have been of the highest standard and, as is always the case at Midmar Mile, swimmers’ safety comes first.

“To have to inform our sponsors, participants and service providers of news of this nature at this late stage is unacceptable and I offer my heartfelt apologies to everyone who had put their confidence in us to stage a world-class event despite the challenges involved.”

The Race Committee has received permission from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to host the top men and women races on Sunday, 7 March and the 8 Mile and 16 Mile Charity Swim events scheduled for Thursday, 11 and Friday, 12 March at Midmar Dam.

“We have just under 160 swimmers signed up to swim their 8 or 16 Mile events either at Midmar Dam or via the virtual platform,” explained Riddin.

“These swimmers have already raised over R500k towards six major charities, one of which is Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. This figure is set to rise significantly as more funds roll in.”

Riddin has organised the world’s largest open water swimming event for 30 years and stated that “experience in this regard does not appear to have been taken into consideration. The past 12 months have had event organisers on their toes and ready to adapt. The Capital K open water swim was successfully run in Nov 2020 at Midmar Dam as a test run for processes intended for Midmar Mile and we hosted further open water swims at Cradle Moon in Muldersdrift on 29 November and 21 February. Public reports of these events sadly failed to make an impression on the senior management.”
The Race Committee is committed to making the best of a bad situation and to lessen the disappointment faced by around 4000 participants who were heading to Midmar Dam over the next two weekends.

Riddin explained: “We had fortunately introduced the Virtual aQuellé Midmar Mile for 2021 to accommodate the many overseas swimmers who would have been unable to visit us at Midmar this year so it is this platform that will now host all race entrants who would like that option. Our immediate concern is obviously for those who are unable to change their arrangements and may still arrive at Midmar Dam this weekend (6 and 7 March) to swim. We will at least monitor the Midmar Mile course over the weekend for those who may now swim their virtual mile instead.”

The Race Committee can confirm that all paid entries into the 2021 aQuellé Midmar Mile will be transferred to the virtual platform at no charge. Details will be publicised as soon as finalised in the next few days.

All virtual entries will count for the 2021 aQuellé Midmar Mile and will receive their medal in the post along with their racing swim cap, their printable certificate and an official race result. Entrants who had ordered Glodina towels and t-shirts will be contacted and delivery will be arranged. Midmar Mile will also set up an online shop for all 2021 merchandise.

News supplied.

Kinghorn and men’s winner Michael McGlynn completed a double for Durban swimmers in 2020.

“Winning the 2020 aQuellé Midmar Mile was an extremely special moment for me, it still makes me smile thinking back to that race,” said the Varsity College student who will be hoping for a repeat performance next month.

This year the aQuellé Midmar Mile has been spread over two weekends – 6-7 March and 13-14 March, with organisers putting numerous measures in place to keep all swimmers safe and ensure the 2021 event is Covid-compliant.

Rather than a mass start with hundreds of swimmers in the race, Kinghorn will be part of a group of 20 elite swimmers contesting for the title in a specially arranged event on 7 March.

“I think the 2021 aQuellé Midmar Mile experience is going to be unique in comparison to anything we have seen before. I know that Wayne Riddin and his team are going to make it safe and professional for everyone and I am excited to be a part of it,” she said.

“I would have to say that although I am the defending champion from 2020, I choose to look at each race individually and not base it on previous results or even previous days. Each open water race is a new opportunity for me as there are so many different factors that can occur on the day.

“I think with the field being a lot smaller than usual it is going to make the swim a lot harder as we will be more aware of competitors, but I think that’s what makes open water swimming strategic and unique.”
Like her competitors, Kinghorn has had to regain her fitness after a tough lockdown period, which she admits was both a physical and mental challenge.

“This past year with regards to Covid-19 has certainly been an eye-opener for me. I think adaption and mental motivation were the most important aspects that I had to follow. I found ways to train in my home pool during our first lockdown, as well as having to regain fitness with limited access to swimming pools. Being a distance swimmer, it was tough mentally and physically not being able to train the kilometres that we normally would.

“But my training is going well at the moment, and I am happy with my fitness levels. Fortunately, my coach, Alisdair Hatfield, has found a few school pools for our club to train in which we are extremely grateful to have. It is also great to have the Prime Human Performance Institute supporting me with my fitness out of the pool.”

As for the challenge of defending her Midmar title, Kinghorn added: “I would definitely have to say that I am feeling excited. Both this year and last year I was just looking forward to being back at Midmar Dam doing what I love, surrounded by my competitors in the water and friends out.”

Like her fellow champion, McGlynn, Kinghorn is also hoping for a spot on the South African team to the postponed Tokyo Olympics in July.

“I do have my eye on the Tokyo Olympics, for which we will need to finish top two in the 10km at the South African Open Water Nationals at the end of March in order to go to the second qualification round in Tokyo. But for now, my main focus is on Midmar. I will be using the Midmar Mile to see where I am with my fitness and for any last adjustments,” she explained.

Meanwhile, organisers of the aQuellé Midmar Mile have reiterated that all measures are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable swim for participants with no mass starts, no spectators, masks for all swimmers at the start and finish and other protocol in place.
For those who can’t make it to the dam, organisers have announced that a virtual version of the race has been made available, in association with sponsor 30 South.
Taking place on the 13 and 14 March, swimmers can take part anywhere in the world, and in doing so, register an official 2021 aQuellé Midmar Mile time. This can be done in a pool, the ocean, dam or river, as long as the swim is in line with all current Covid-19 restrictions, and a full mile (1,6km) is completed. Head to www.midmarmile.co.za for all the details.

Photo credit; Action Photo SA

It has been four months since WILDOCEANS, a programme of the WILDTRUST, caused a stir with the launch of their ‘WE DON’T NEED OUR OCEANS’ campaign. Over this time, the environmental non-profit has shown South Africa (and the world) what life would be like without our oceans and subsequently placed a spotlight on just how much we depend on them.

The campaign, obviously controversial in its approach, reached 18 million people across social and traditional media within the first two and a half weeks of rollout. In addition, SAMA award-winning musician Matthew Mole added his voice to the chorus calling for increased ocean protection. Mole and his wife, Jess, were featured in a powerful video which forms part of a series that while stating, WE DON’T NEED OUR OCEANS, highlighted all the reasons why we do. The campaign has since evolved and the “DON’T” has disappeared in the process. This new campaign approach has been highlighted in a short video production launched today: https://fb.watch/3IBP4Deznv/.

WE NEED OUR OCEANS is a branch of the OCEAN IMPACT campaign, underwriting a 3-year project driving advanced protection of South Africa’s oceans within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). We currently only protect 5% of the oceans around South Africa within MPAs.

MPAs are a critical tool in the ocean protection toolbox, playing an important role in ensuring the survival of all ocean space. Defending the ocean's capacity to produce oxygen, sequester carbon and provide food and livelihoods for billions of people is vital. It is important to note that economic and social recovery is compatible with environmental protection and therefore, if the economic success of our country matters to you, then environmental protection should too. Increased ocean protection means insurmountable benefits, not only for us, but for generations to come.

South Africa is signatory to the Convention for Biological Diversity (CBD) target to achieve 10% ocean protection by 2020. Although 2020 is over, the need for ocean protection remains central. Over-fishing, damaging industrial activities, habitat destruction, resource extraction, climate change and pollution are not letting up and by not protecting our oceans ability to keep giving what we take, we risk a biodiversity crisis, and a subsequent ocean collapse and economic catastrophe. Science tells us that we are facing widespread biodiversity collapse starting as early as 2030.

Globally, developing countries are achieving a minimum target of 10%, and we should continue to strive for this as a minimum target to protect our beautiful country. South Africa needs to join the global community and contribute its lions share towards the target of 30% ocean protection globally by 2030.

What can you do to help?
“I am sure most people are wondering what they can do to show their support for the next 5%, taking us to 10% protection in MPAs,” said Campaign Lead Lauren van Nijkerk. “We think we have come up with a simple, quick way everyone can help.”

We need you to be one of 100 000 voices showing support for the South African Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) and Minister Creecy, increasing marine protection to 10%, by signing onto this appeal: https://oceanimpact.co.za/sa10percentappeal/.

“All you need to plug into the online form is your name and which country you reside in. Please also urge your family and friends to sign the appeal and help us reach our 100 000 goal,” said van Nijkerk.

We must make a shift from what needs to be done, which science has made clear, to how it can be done. Our oceans need us to take this step. It is evident now more than ever – WE NEED OUR OCEANS.

Campaign Video – WATCH: https://fb.watch/3IBP4Deznv/

Pictured here: Potato Bass at Sodwana Bay captured by Bryan Hart.

News supplied.

Dear UCSI Supporters

The UCSI continues to quietly, but effectively, play a significant role in our community fight against crime. The support offered to SAPS and Law Enforcement is critical in monitoring who is moving in and out of our areas. November 2020, December 2020, January 2021, and February 2021 have again been productive and the UCSI has been able to assist SAPS and the community with valuable support and information.

UCSI Operational Successes
9 November 2020 The UCSI was involved in assisting SAPS Flying Squad, SAPS K9, Hilton SAPS, SACAN TrackBox, KSS and Magma with vehicle information in the uMngeni area. This resulted in the arrest of two suspects wanted far the theft of vehicle in Scottburgh earlier in the day. Another stolen vehicle was also recovered, and SAPS used the information to follow up on tracing more suspects. This was a great team effort and congratulations to all involved.

12 November 2020 The UCSI was advised about a suspicious vehicle in the area and loaded the details onto the UCSI SNIPR system. Howick SAPS, KSS, Nottingham Road SAPS, Mooi River SAPS, Ballid Security and SAPS Highway patrol were advised. The vehicle was located later that day in the Estcourt area. Arrests were made by SAPS and the vehicle was impounded.

20 November 2020 Hilton (UCSI camera) A vehicle entered the Hilton area and was picked up on a UCSI camera as wanted for four cases of fraud in the Midlands and Durban areas. Hilton SAPS and KSS were notified and located the vehicle in Hilton. The driver was detained by SAPS for further processing and the vehicle impounded.

30 November 2020 Hilton (SAPS requested the listing of a vehicle through the UCSI) The vehicle was picked up an hour later by a UCSI camera entering Hilton. Hilton SAPS were informed, and the vehicle was located. The vehicle and driver were taken to Hilton SAPS for further processing.

12 December 2020 Howick (UCSI camera) The UCSI cameras picked up a suspicious vehicle entering Howick. Howick SAPS and KSS were advised. KSS located the vehicle. Howick SAPS detained the driver, and the vehicle was taken to Howick SAPS for further processing.

16 January 2021 Merrivale (UCSI camera) KSS, SAPS and other security companies were notified by the UCSI about a vehicle that had been involved in a robbery in PMB, and that had then triggered an alert on a UCSI camera in Merrivale. KSS Response units were dispatched and located the vehicle on the N3. The suspects were intercepted by the SAPS Pmb Dog unit, SAPS flying squad, KSS and Magma. Four suspects were arrested and then linked to three additional crimes committed in Pmb that day.

17 January 2021 Hilton (UCSI camera) The UCSI cameras picked up a vehicle involved in a robbery. Hilton SAPS, KSS and Magma were advised and responded. The vehicle could not be located.

24 January 2021 R617 Howick South / Mpophomeni (NEW UCSI camera) and Merrivale (existing UCSI camera) Both UCSI camera gantries picked up a wanted vehicle. Howick SAPS and KSS were advised. The vehicle was located on the N3 and SAPS Flying Squad and Ballid were also then dispatched. The vehicle was stopped at the Mooi River toll by SAPS, KSS and Ballid. One suspect was detained by SAPS for further processing. The vehicle was impounded.

7 February 2021 Hilton (UCSI camera) The UCSI camera picked up a stolen vehicle entering the Hilton area. The vehicle then went onto the N3 and exited at Merrivale where it was again picked up by a UCSI. Hilton SAPS, Howick SAPS, Mpophomeni SAPS, KSS and Sompisi Protection Services were advised. The vehicle was intercepted in Mpophomeni and Mpophomeni SAPS arrested two suspects. The vehicle was impounded.

7 February 2021 Curries Post (UCSI camera) The UCSI camera picked up a vehicle wanted in connection with theft, entering Howick. Howick SAPS and KSS were advised. The vehicle was located in the Howick Falls precinct. The driver and vehicle were escorted to Howick SAPS for further processing.

Affiliated security companies
The UCSI welcomes Sompisi Protection Services from Mpophomeni, who have joined Knight Security Solutions (KSS) and Ballid Security as subscribing security companies to the UCSI.

How can you get involved?
The UCSI will not be sustainable without monthly community support from business entities, shopping centres, hospitals, schools, estates, security companies and private individuals. Please join the UCSI as a contributing member. There are still some critical gantries that need to be erected – primarily in the Merrivale and Mpophomeni areas. There are also two “holes” to close in the Hilton area.

Contact the UCSI by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website at www.ucsi.org.za for more information on how to join and contribute. Private individuals from R50pm and business entities from R300pm.

The UCSI is also able to issue Section 18A certificates for CAPEX and OPEX donations of any amount.

Stay safe – we got this!

Yours sincerely
Shannon Naudé (UCSI Director of Operations)

The UCSI Board of Directors
Themba Ndulini (Chairperson), Thandeni Zondi (Vice-chairperson), Debbie Preston (Secretary), Krish Ramkuber, Terence James and PJ Myeni.

News supplied by UCSI.

'LOVE your people HARD - in the end that is all that matters. Be kind, kinder than you think you need to be. Be grateful for everything you have, but especially for your humans. Be gentle. Take moments to just be, be with your thoughts, your heart, and your soul. Allow your mind to settle and remember just how lucky you are and realize what is important. Encourage those around you to be 100% them, without judgment, without shame, and with love.

Focus on making your light as bright as it can be, then focus on lighting others. Set souls on fire to let them be the best they can be and your fire will be fueled. Love and be loved, and live this life knowing it is short.

We hope to light many fires in the souls of the little people we dedicate ourselves to. We will continue to show up, and share our faith and fire for those who are in need. We need to keep creating HOPE, in a world that seems to keep breaking. Thank you to every single person who has shown us kindness, who has supported us, who believe that what we do is important. YOU are what keeps us all going. We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, filled with LOVE and Kindness.

We will be remembering and celebrating the lives of beautiful Alice and Tony Richter, who both have reminded us to LOVE fiercely, to fight for your humans, and to inspire people around us. You will both be missed immensely but you will continue to inspire people and bring change to many people's lives. Our condolences to every single person who feels their loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.' shared by Angel's Care Centre.

Caroline Richter, the wife of Tony and mother of Alice,  has requested that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Angel's Care Centre or to Singakwenza. 

Music for Flute, Trumpet, Cello, Sax and Piano at  Puddles Cottage, Kamberg: Sat 13, Sun 14 Feb at 11

This Valentine’s weekend enjoy a fabulous outdoor morning concert of fine music for flute, trumpet, cello, sax and piano, in a magnificent spacious garden in the beautiful Midlands.

An eclectic programme of beautiful music – many with a gentle theme of love – can be enjoyed on the expansive garden lawn in the heart of the Kamberg Valley in the Midlands.

Friends Maggie Deppe (piano and oboe), Cathy Peacock (trumpet) Sabine Baird (flute and sax) and Nigel Fish (cello) have all missed performing while in Lockdown, so jumped at the chance of creating a Valentine’s weekend pop-up concert at the invitation of a musician friend, Agnes Jerman of Puddles Cottage in the Kamberg.

The carefully-chosen eclectic and varied programme includes the haunting theme from Cinema Paradiso (E Morricone); the lively Libertango (A Piazzolla); Prince of Denmark’s March / Trumpet Voluntary (Jeremiah Clarke); Trumpeter’s Lullaby (L. Anderson); Polonais and Badinerie (JS Bach); Meditation for Thais (J Massenet); Modjadji (John Walton); Lonehill Creek Spring (M Hyde); Taurus the Bull (Garry Wilkinson) and Danza Alegre (M Moszkowski).

Maggie Deppe is a piano and oboe tutor at the Deutsche Schule Durban and is currently studying church music in Halle, Germany. Cathy Peacock is sub principal trumpet with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, KZN Youth Orchestra tutor and conductor and leader of Platform Jazz. Sabine Baird plays principal flute with the KZN Philharmonic orchestra and is a flute teacher at the Deutsche Schule Durban; and Nigel Fish has been a member of orchestras in Durban, Cape Town and Aachen, Germany. At present, he is a cello teacher in and around Pietermaritzburg.

Strict Covid protocols will be observed: Only 45 patrons permitted per concert; patrons will be socially distanced in a large outdoor venue; masks to be worn at all times.

Tickets R120 includes juice and snacks.

Bookings Agnes Jerman on 082 683 1583 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The venue is Puddles Cottage, Vaalekop Valley, Kamberg Road, Rosetta.

Bring a sun hat and blanket!

Pictured here; Maggie Deppe (Photo credit to Val Adamson.)

Yesterday Funda Nenja welcomed their first 2021 intake of new participants to the dog school programme. The dogs were split into puppy and adult groups before lining up for registration and then proceeded to the veterinary clinic where each dog received a rabies inoculation and deworming treatment. Every handler was given a packet full of educational leaflets to take home and then enjoyed their first class with their instructors.

Funda Nenja helps these young people learn how to handle their dogs humanely and how to care for them properly.

Support this amazing initiative.

While 2020 was a tough year all round, Michelle Weber had to endure more than most. The former aQuellé Midmar Mile winner lost her mom early in the year and then had her sport taken away from her when the nation went into lockdown and she was unable to swim or compete at the Olympic Games she had been targeting when the event was postponed.

But Weber has managed to rise above the challenges and is relishing the prospect of finding out what the next few months hold, starting with the aQuellé Midmar Mile this Sunday, 7 March.

Weber will be one of an elite field of 20 swimmers to tackle the women’s race, and she’s excited to see how it all pans out.

“Last year my mom passed away so it’s been a very difficult year trying to get through that, and trying to get through the Games not happening and still trying to find the motivation to train,” she admitted. “I’m definitely in a lot better headspace now. The thing that I just decided is that I love the sport and no matter what happens, I’ll still compete and just have fun anyway.”

As for all swimmers around the country – and the world – training has been a tricky task.

“Under lockdown, a lot of the time I couldn’t train. As soon as the pools were open for national squad members I started swimming but honestly not much. I tried to sneak into the ocean and some dams a couple of times but the water was freezing here in the Cape so that didn’t last too long either.

“It’s definitely been a strange year but I’ve made the most of what I could do and the Olympics is going ahead now, we’ve got nationals booked for next month and I’m so happy that Midmar is going ahead. So with the prep that I could do, I’m feeling pretty happy.”

Weber first competed at the aQuellé Midmar Mile at the age of 11. She’s finished in the top eight on each of the 13 occasions she’s competed, winning the 13 years and under category in 2009 and 2010, and the senior title in 2016, while finishing fourth in last year’s race.

This time, without the usual crowds around the elite swimmers, the 24-year-old is expecting a different sort of race.

“It’s going to be a strange year, not having all the participants there but I’m so happy that our event is going on as scheduled – it’s just a sign that no matter what happens, open water will still exist and I think it’s amazing that Wayne [Riddin] has put everything together so a massive thank you to him and everyone that’s involved.

“I think you can expect a much closer race whereas in the past there was a huge gap between the swimmers. I think you’ll find that a lot of us might even finish together, so it’s going to be interesting and definitely something to watch.

“I’d like to swim fast and see how I race against my competitors before nationals – it’ll be a good way to show where I’m at right now.”

Find out exactly where she’s at in terms of training and racing will be vital as Weber targets a second Olympics, having competed in the 10km Open Water event in Rio in 2016.

“I’m definitely trying to get to the Olympics this year. It seems to be going ahead so I’ve been training really hard and I’m in a pretty good place and in good shape so I hope that I do make it – fingers crossed. I did it four years ago so I’m going to try again, put my head down and train really hard.

“Midmar fits into that well – just in terms of getting a race in and getting in the open water and racing some fast swimmers. It’s such an iconic swim as well – I’m excited to see what’s going to happen.”

The full field for the women’s elite race, which will take place at 8.30 am on Sunday 7 March, is Madison Alberts, Kaitlyn Albertyn, Carli Antonopoulos, Tatum Botha, Emma Carmody, Jessica Carmody, Sasha-Lee Corris, Lise-Mari Davidson, Victoria Earle, Amber-Leigh Fairon, Mykae Forrest, Bailey Forrest, Shreya Govender, Bailey Held, Robyn Kinghorn, Katie-Peta Marcelino, Emily Martens, Luchelle Oosthuizen, Aimee Roux, Michelle Weber.

The full field for the men’s elite race, which takes place at 9.15 am on Sunday 7 March, is Connor Albertyn, Luc Brand, Connor Buck, Chad Ho, Luca Holtzhausen, Nathan Hughes, Ashley Joshua, Nathan Kleyn, Matthew Lock, Danie Marais, Michael McGlynn, Christopher McGlynn, Ross Paterson, Cameron Pennell, Leshen Pillay, Shane Ramsay, Matthew Sates, St John Spoors, Sven van de Linde, Reino von Wielligh.

Now that the risk of infection has lessened and he has finished his course of antibiotics, it was time to remove the bandage, glue the broken scute into place and allow the wounds to dry out and continue the healing process.

Why do we use "Super Glue"? Super glue is a superb way to seal and protect wounds while they are healing. It is a waterproof substance and is not permanent, leaving a clean and secure area. This is veterinary grade glue. 

We are housing this Tortoise in a sterile environment, and giving him a varied diet to build up his immune system while he is on the road to recovery. We will be sure to keep you updated on his progress. 

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

Why not join our Custodianship Program to show your support for the work we do? Anyone from kids to big businesses can join:
http://www.freemekzn.co.za/become-a-custodian/

Otherwise, if a particular story has touched your heart, and you would like to donate directly to our animal care and vet bills, you are welcome to donate directly through these channels:
FreeMe Wildlife
First National Bank
Branch code: 220 725
Account number: 6214 1246 068

PAYPAL ACCOUNT:
http://paypal.me/FreeMeWildlife

SWIFT CODE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS:
FIRNZAJJ

FreeMe Wildlife's contact number: 033 330 3036

Defending aQuellé Midmar Mile men’s champion Michael McGlynn admits the pressure will be on, but he is relishing the opportunity to race again when the event takes place under very different circumstances in 2021.

Last year proved to be something of a breakthrough event for the Durban swimmer as he powered past seven-time champion Chad Ho for victory.

This year, the aQuellé Midmar Mile is taking place over two consecutive weekends, 6-7 March and 13-14 March, in order to make it safer for all swimmers taking part. McGlynn will be part of a 20-strong field in a specially arranged elite event on 7 March, fighting for the title once again.

As for all swimmers, it hasn’t been the easiest of build-ups for the 21-year-old, who also has a spot on the SA team to the Tokyo Olympics in his sights.

“Last year I half qualified for the 2020 Olympics in the 10km open water swim and I couldn’t get to the final round of qualifiers. It was tough because I came off such a high and went straight into a lockdown,” explained McGlynn.

That meant trying to train in gym and school pools for a protracted period of time.

“I had to stay in Pretoria for November just to train in a 50m pool. Then I travelled back to Durban for December to race any race possible because I hadn’t done much training. To top it off I swim distance freestyle, so it became a snowball effect,” he added.

Heading into the aQuellé Midmar Mile as defending champion, McGlynn is hoping he’s done enough.

“I think it adds more pressure but I’m happy to be in this race again. Midmar is always that first breakout swim of the year and where I broke through, so hopefully, I can bounce back.”

Looking back on his 2020 victory, McGlynn added: “It was crazy. I remember getting to the front of the pack and leading. I had this realisation of ‘it’s me’, because I had never led a Midmar before.”

A good showing on 7 March will go a long way to boosting McGlynn’s confidence heading into Olympic qualifiers. He’ll need to finish top two in the national open water championships and then top nine at the next global qualifying event in order to make the team to Tokyo. He’s also gunning for a qualifying time and a top two position in the 800m freestyle in the pool.

But for now, the focus is on regaining his fitness and form and defending that Midmar title.

“This time I know what I want and I know what I’m fighting for this time around as I’ve gained a lot more experience,” he reckons.

The 2021 two-weekend aQuellé Midmar Mile will be different from usual with organisers putting plenty of measures in place to ensure a safe and Covid-compliant event. Among these measures is the fact that there will be no mass starts as is usually the case. There will instead be rolling starts with each swimmer’s time being recorded from when they cross the start mat to when they reach the finish. This means no swimmers will congregate at the start or be in close contact with each other. There will also be no spectators.

Thanks to event partners North Safety, swimmers will be issued with a disposable mask at registration, which they will wear to the water’s edge and then dispose of before swimming. They will then be handed another mask to put on immediately on leaving the water at the finish.

For more information on the aQuellé Midmar Mile, head to www.midmarmile.co.za or anyone with queries about their entry can contact the race office on 0861 643627 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Photo credit: Action Photo SA

News supplied.

Eskom KZN has significantly reduced its municipal arrear debt, thanks to the support and leadership given by the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).

Municipal debt took centre stage when efforts by Eskom to collect revenue from owing municipalities were met with several challenges and were generally unsuccessful. Negotiations for payment arrangements mostly faltered or if successful, they were not followed through. This put an immense burden on Eskom as its revenue was constrained.

In the past three years, CoGTA has played a huge role in facilitating negotiations between Eskom and owing municipalities to the extent that one of them, Abaqulusi Municipality, cleared its R52.5m arrear debt in December 2020, which Eskom greatly appreciates. The Abaqulusi Administrator and his management team assessed how the debt would be settled and committed to ensuring that the current account would be settled simultaneously. The municipality diligently made progress and cleared the debt over the agreed period.

Eskom has noted progress in four other municipalities where CoGTA has been largely involved. These are Msunduzi Municipality, which has cleared its arrear debt, Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality, which will be making its last payment this month, Newcastle Municipality, which is adhering to the payment arrangement and has reduced its arrear debt by R38.3m, and Mpofana Municipality which has started honouring its payment arrangement. Eskom acknowledges the roles played by both CoGTA and the municipalities’ leadership in this regard.

There was a rocky start in negotiations with Newcastle and Mpofana Municipalities, however, the progress made shows that a lot can be achieved with determination and alignment of focus, and Eskom thanks CoGTA for this. We have come a long way and now have a recipe that works which will not only sustain, but also enable the economic growth of KZN.

In a letter of appreciation of the work done by the KZN CoGTA MEC, Mr Sipho Hlomuka and his team, the Eskom Distribution Group Executive, Monde Bala, noted, “Eskom would like to recognise the efforts of the MEC – CoGTA (KZN), together with his management team, for their perseverance and unfaltering assistance in ensuring that the Municipalities discharged their obligations. Eskom remains of the view that this collaborative approach between Organs of State and Local Government (municipalities) leadership is key in dealing with the challenges that we face as a country.”

Eskom looks forward to continuing and cementing this relationship with CoGTA (KZN) in the hope that other municipalities who face a similar challenge could be encouraged and empowered to successfully settle their overdue debts with Eskom.

For further enquiries please contact the Eskom Contact Centre on 08600 ESKOM/37566.

News supplied.

Organisers of the aQuellé Midmar Mile have assured swimmers that they are putting every possible measure in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable event.

Flexible dates, no mass starts and masks at registration and the finish are just some of the measures put in place for this year’s event.

Race Director Wayne Riddin explained: “The safety of our swimmers has always been our top priority at the aQuellé Midmar Mile and considering the current circumstances and the COVID-19 pandemic, this is even more the case.

"We know swimmers may be nervous and so we are assuring them that we will take care of them every step of the way. The 2021 event has certainly produced some challenges for us as an organising committee but we are confident that we have come up with innovative solutions to meet these head on.”

Usually held in mid-February, the 2021 aQuellé Midmar Mile has been postponed to March and will be held over two weekends – 6-7 March and 13-14 March. This means less swimmers converging on the dam at once and a more flexible approach to proceedings. There will be no mass starts as is usually the case. There will instead be rolling starts with each swimmer’s time being recorded from when they cross the start mat to when they reach the finish. This means no swimmers will congregate at the start or be in close contact with each other.

Thanks to event partners North Safety, swimmers will also be issued with a disposable mask at registration, which they will wear to the water’s edge and then dispose of before swimming. They will then be handed another mask to put on immediately on leaving the water at the finish.

Designated Covid-19 Compliance Officers will be stationed at key points at both the start and finish areas. It will be their job to ensure entrants sanitise hands at allocated points, remain socially distanced, and are wearing masks.

No spectators will be allowed at the aQuellé Midmar Mile. Instead, if a minor is swimming, their parent or guardian will have to wait for them in the allocated car park after registration is complete.

“These are just some of the measures we have put in place for the 2021 event. We are also being incredibly flexible in terms of entries,” said Riddin. “There won’t be the usual events, splitting up men and women and the various age groups. This means that families can swim together and don’t need to head to the dam on consecutive weekends. If anyone has any questions over their existing entries and how these changes affect them, they can contact our race office on 0861 643627 or simply email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

“As for the competitive side of things, we will collate individual results over the course of the two weekends and release these according to the usual categories. We will also hold separate elite races for the pro swimmers with a much-reduced field for those gunning for the men’s and women’s titles,” added Riddin.

“We hope this puts our swimmers’ minds at ease as we look forward to a successful event next month and trust that we can hopefully return to our normal, wonderfully social atmosphere in 2022.”

For more information on the race and to enter, head to www.midmarmile.co.za 

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