KZN MIDLANDS: Self-directed education through interactive creative practice, exchange of ideas and skills will mark the two-week-long Thupelo International Workshop currently being held at the beautiful Kings School in Nottingham Rd.

This workshop includes 18 artists from five different countries and give them the opportunity to work together in various discipline.
This initiative of the Cape Town-based Greatmore Studios, runs until Friday 12 April, culminating in a public open day on Saturday 13 April from 10am until 3pm during which the work will be on display for public viewing and audience engagement.
The organisers received an astonishing response from close to 80 art makers from all over the world wanting to be considered for one of the 20 spaces to benefit from this opportunity. The multi-lingual, multi-cultural participants will be working and living on campus at King’s School for the duration of the residency.

“The idea behind the workshop’s ethos is about creating space for making art without the pressures of structured conventions often accompanying the so called ‘mainstream’ institutions and is open to self-motivated visual artists who are keen to expand their ideas, exchange knowledge and experiment in fellowship with other artists. This also encourages a space for sharing skills and ideas in an innovative environment where artists feel safe to experiment and learn from one another. Since 1985, each workshop, regional or international, has had its own identity which unfolds as the workshop progresses. Because the material budget is often quite low, sharing and the use of found objects or donated materials is encouraged,” explains Witty Nyide co-ordinator for both regional and international KZN-based Thupelo workshops.

Thupelo, which is Se Sotho phrase meaning ‘to teach by example’, was initiated in 1985 in Johannesburg by David Koloane, together with the late Bill Ainsle and a group of artists. Both regional and international Thupelo workshops were initiated in response to a need for interaction between artists and are therefore artists-led. It is part of the international Triangle network of studio and workshop initiatives. Durban has hosted a regional workshop last December and is hosting an international version this April in the beautiful KZN Midlands.
Participants are: Anushka Kempken (Jhb); Crawford Mandumbwa (Zambia); Danisile Ncube(Zimbabwe); Khaya Sineyile (CT); Lara Vlaska (Germany); Mat Li (Madagascar); Ncumisa Mcitwa (Durban); Nkcubeko Balani (Grahamstown); Nomusa Mtshali (Durban); Owen Shikabeta (Zambia); Selloane Moeti (Durban); Tahina Rakotoarivony (Madagascar); Vanessa Chen (CT); Thalente Khomo (Durban); Clive Sithole (Durban); Thami Jali (Durban); Anthony Cawood (CT) and Witty Nyide (Pretoria).

The workshop culminates with an open day where the public can experience the visual conversations created during the retreat, and this will open to public viewing on Saturday 13 April, from 10am until 3pm. Entry is free and all are welcome.
If there is demand for a bus to take people from Durban to Midlands and home again for the morning, one can be organised for a nominal fee. Should you be keen to take arranged transport – please contact Witty Nyide on 076 333 3671.

News supplied.

The #MeToo campaign went viral in late 2017 and saw many high profile celebrities joining the movement against sexual harassment and the sexual assault of women.

The #MeToo movement enabled women to share their stories, thereby demanding society take note and action. One man that did take note is well-known former judge and Durban resident Chris Nicholson and so the idea of Justice is a Woman was born… Join us for this thrilling production set to open in Theaters this May.

News supplied.

HOWICK’S Pippa Griffin, born in Pietermaritzburg and raised on a farm in the Midlands, has tried her hand at various careers, having initially acquired a diploma in tourism.

She worked as a trainee chef in a Midlands restaurant for a while, became operations manager for a hunting company in Pietermaritzburg, went on to work for a game capture company in Johannesburg, then was employed as manager of a lodge in Angola.

Pippa later owned a Howick restaurant for five years, and it was during this time that she started working with her sister, Liane Aadnesgaard, in the real estate business.

Before long, Pippa had sold the restaurant and become a fulltime agent with Liane’s company, LA Properties, which was based in Pietermaritzburg before moving to Howick. It was there that the company converted to a Dormehl Phalane Property Group franchise in July 2011.

Today both sisters remain important components of the Howick branch of the fast-growing property group, although award-winning Liane is soon to step down as branch principal.

She is doing so to allow herself more time for farming on a property she owns 10km from Howick, but plans to continue to sell farms in the Midlands area.

Pippa, as current managing director, alongside Tyron Segal as financial director, will in the next few months write her PDE 5 exam, after which she will take over as principal of the Howick branch, which has 10 agents.

Pippa is excited about the prospect, especially as it comes at a time when the Howick branch continues to prosper, having taken a number of awards at DPPG’s 10th annual national awards, held in Port Edward on March 6.

“We took nine awards and some ‘millionaire’ certificates, plus two of our agents were placed in the DPPG Top 10 overall – Liane at position four and Jennifer Gordon at No 5,” explains Pippa, adding that Liane was on a holiday, having booked it a year before, so was not able to attend the awards.

The branch’s awards this year include those for National Rental Management Office of the Year; Farms and Small Holdings Office; branch agent Jennifer Gordon as Top Achiever (Country); and, a cherry on top, Liane as top Farms and Small Holdings Agent, an award she has won for 10 consecutive years.

The branch was also applauded as second runner-up for the award for Overall National Rental Office of the Year, while Pippa was the runner-up for awards for National Rental Management Agent of the Year and Overall National Rental Agent of the Year.

Pippa has high praise for this year’s awards: “It was a wonderful event, as always. Our franchisor, Owen Dormehl, really outdoes himself with the event each year.

“It was also great to overnight in a lovely hotel, in a place I wouldn’t normally venture to. Also, the time spent there wasn’t just a good mid-week break, but a good opportunity to meet other agents and agencies within the group, on a social networking, and possible referral, basis.”

Pippa, who has been with the branch, in Main Street in Howick, for some seven years, was asked what changes she had implemented since becoming managing director, and what challenges she thought she might face in months to come.

“Both Tyron and I would like to see our company grow in Howick – in the residential market as well as in the rental and body corporate sectors,” was her reply.

“We have an amazing intern, Sindi Ngwane (Rookie of the Year agent last year), who has sold 23 properties in the last year. We are hoping to grow the portfolio in our low-income sector, as we see this as a lucrative addition to our community, to provide assistance to local clients in buying homes. We hope to introduce more interns to this business with this in mind.

“Our body corporates are also on the increase, with Tyron becoming more involved in this area. You will be surprised to hear that there are more than 35 body corporate complexes in Howick, ranging from small complexes of four to six units, up to 800-plus units.”

What moved Pippa to join the Dormehl group?

“On meeting with Owen Dormehl, via the Pietermaritzburg office, I found that his passion and dedication to the brand, his openness and professionalism, along with the training and advanced technology that was shown to us, made it an easy decision to join the Dormehl franchise family.”

Strengths of the group, she says, include continued training for interns and full-status agents, excellent head office support staff, and great computer technology.

“Our branch strength is that all our agents are well known in Howick, and our office has great street appeal – we are based at the main intersection in Howick, so everyone can see us,” explains Pippa.

“Also, we pride ourselves on personal relationships which we build with each and every one of our clients, whether they are sellers or buyers, landlords or tenants, or trustees in body corporates.

“We are professional in all aspects and definitely go the extra mile. We are an all-round branch with six interns, four of which will qualify in the next few months, and two of which will qualify in the next year.

“Our main income comes from residential sales, farm sales and rentals. We are building up the commercial and body corporate side nicely.

“We are fortunate that our area is a very popular residential area to live in, so our business has continued to grow, even with a downturn in the economy. Our farm sales have felt a little of this downturn, with regard to the issue of land expropriation without compensation.

What views on the SA property market in general?

“As Howick has the best climate to retire in, in the Midlands, I foresee our company continuing along the same path no matter what happens with the SA property market.

“Howick also has fantastic government schools, so a younger crowd is also moving into our area. This, in turn, will support our sales, rental and commercial market.”

Away from the world of property, Pippa loves playing tennis in the late afternoon a few times a week, and also enjoys time at the family farm in the Midlands.

“When I can sneak more than a weekend away, I love spending time at our beach cottage in the Transkei,” she adds.

Her motto as a property specialist is: “Communication and building relationships is king”.

Pictured is Pippa Griffin, who has gone from being a trainee chef, lodge manager and restaurant owner to the managing director, and soon principal, of one of the most successful of Dormehl Phalane Property Group (DDPG) franchises – that in Howick.

Written by Billy Suter - News supplied.

Load shedding is a dark reality, and even though it has been put on the back-burner indefinitely by Eskom, we at Knight Security Solutions (KSS) would like you to know the following information so that you are advised and aware.

Security alarm systems, access control, electric gates and electric fences are all dependent on electricity. Load shedding can however compromise the life of these security measures. Under normal circumstances, the back-up battery will power these systems for up to eight hours, BUT this time is dependent on a number of factors, such as: how many devices are linked to the battery, the age of the battery and how many load shedding events have happened during the past 24 hours. All these factors can severely affect the life-span of your back-up battery supply.

KSS has taken proactive measure to ensure your safety during load shedding.
These are:

1. KSS has increased the number of controllers in the Control Room.
Note: During load shedding the alarm signals received in the Control Room can increase up to 1000%. All security companies experience these massive spikes in signals received – it is an industry related issue caused by load shedding and an excessive amount of low battery signals and mains failure signals being received. It is very demanding on the Controllers.
Note: Panic activations take precedence over any other alarm signals during load shedding.
Request: Please can clients phone in to the Control Room and cancel all confirmed false alarm during load shedding. This will help Controllers clear the “stack”.
Note: Load shedding may affect your gate battery. This makes it very difficult for Response Officers to check on alarms when the gates don’t work due to flat gate batteries.

2. KSS has two back-up generators at the KSS Control Room ensuring that there is NEVER a loss of power.

3. KSS has a number of battery back-up options for KSS clients to ensure that you are better equipped to handle load-shedding. KSS Technicians would need to carry out an assessment to determine which option would be best suited to your security system needs.

KSS also offer basic 12volt LED lighting installations as well.

Please contact for more information on the options above:
Keshen on 0833935265 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sashen on 0828700138 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gary on 0828947628 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Remember: it is YOUR responsibility to make sure that your security systems are working.

Load shedding Tips:
• A security system back-up battery is critical, as all signals are reliant on a good working battery.
• It is important to check that your alarm is working at least every 3 months and then to have your alarm system fully serviced annually.
• Keep candles and rechargeable lights handy.
• Wire up LED lights to a 12 volt battery with a switch so that when there is load shedding, you can switch on the LED lights in your house. Solar lights are also a suggestion.
• Always have a torch in your car in case you arrive home in the dark.
• Always be cautious at night when approaching your home. Keep your portable panic button on your key ring.

Load shedding information and recent media releases from Insurance Specialists:

Article 1.
On the insurance side of security systems, please remember that “if a client’s policy is endorsed with the alarm warranty then it's their responsibility to make sure it’s working all the time - it's in their wording. I know some batteries don’t last long, but it's up to the client to make sure their battery power lasts during load shedding. If electricity is off for days and the client is not at home, it's their responsibility to get a guard or someone must be at home. If a burglary takes place and they have an alarm warranty then the alarm must go off if no one is at home” Insurance Broker, Pmb.

Article 2.
“Besides the total inconvenience - when the power goes out, your alarm, electric fences and motorised gates go with it, leaving you and your home in a vulnerable position,” explains Maanda Tshifularo, Head of Dial direct Insurance. “Most insurance policies stipulate in their contracts that the house alarm must be activated at all times when the home is unoccupied. So, if your house is burgled during a power cut, then, theoretically, your theft-related cover would be moot.”

These are easy to implement tips for those looking to ensure their safety when the lights go out:
• Get a few high-wattage solar powered lights for your garden, and a few LED lights for inside. Light is a deterrent.
• Keep your cell phone charged, or invest in a portable phone charger.
• If you need to manually open and close your gates when you get home, try to have someone come and meet you at your entrance, or arrange for an escort from your security company.
• Use padlocks, burglar bars and deadbolts to provide an extra level of home security that isn’t power-dependent.
• Put the proposed load shedding times somewhere handy so that your family will have enough time to prepare for the power outage.
• Alarm systems, garage doors and electric gates generally rely on electricity so make sure that these items all have good back-up batteries.
• Keep a torch or a solar, battery powered light that is charged beforehand in multiple, easily accessible locations around your home. Be sure to also have plenty of spare batteries.
• Invest in a backup power supply for your house – be it a generator, battery system, solar panels or a combination of these – to keep essential lights, appliances, electric gates and security systems running.
Adapted from: https://www.iol.co.za/personal-finance/insurance/load-shedding-practical-tips-to-protect-your-valuables-19294674 14 February 2019.

Article 3.
South Africans need to mitigate the risk and damage caused by load shedding by being prepared, Marius Steyn, Santam’s personal lines underwriting manager, says. "Consumers must cope with the damage to appliances brought on by power surges or risk loss through theft, or burglary as a result of faulty security measures."

Christelle Colman, Old Mutual Insure executive for high-net-worth solutions, said in her experience, the most common risks associated with load shedding are the possible damage to appliances and the security threat.

“The risk of increased opportunistic crime should be top-of-mind for South Africans, considering the load shedding schedule is made public for all – including criminals – to see,” Colman said.

Colman and Steyn gave safety tips for South Africans at home during load shedding:
• Get back-up batteries for alarm systems. Double check that alarm systems are in working condition, and have back-up batteries in the event of a power failure, Steyn said.
• Load shedding causes power packs and batteries to wear out faster, Colman said, resulting in reduced functionality. This may also cause alarm systems to produce false alarms and panic signals, so units should be checked frequently.
• Have a spare torch or headlamp. Steyn advises keeping a torch in the car in the event of arriving home at night during a power outage. “Most smartphone also have a built-in torch or torch apps which come in handy during unexpected power outages,” Steyn said.
• Because the load shedding timetables are open to the public, criminals may see blackouts as an opportune time to undertake illegal activities, Colman said. Extra vigilance is especially required when arriving or leaving the home.
• Install reserve batteries for fences and gates too. Ensure electric fencing and gates still work during load shedding by installing – and maintaining – batteries, Colman said. Such batteries typically last between 6 hours and 8 hours when electricity supply goes down. “But load shedding dramatically decreases a battery’s lifespan, so it is incredibly important that these are tested or replaced.” She added homeowners should also ensure that their homes are locked up and adequately secured, in order to reduce the risk of a burglary during load shedding.
• Save Emergency contact information. People should save emergency contact information on their phones and also keep a paper copy safe and accessible, Steyn said. The list should include numbers for emergency services such as the fire department, police, and medical services. “Also, include contact information of friends and family along with insurance information.”
• Charge electronic devices. Always keep cell phones, laptops, and tablets fully charged in case of an unscheduled blackout, Steyn said. “It's also a good idea to have an emergency phone charger close by, this comes in handy during extended power outages. Remember to use devices sparingly during outages so that you don't drain the battery completely before the power returns.”
Adapted from: https://www.businessinsider.co.za/ways-to-stay-safe-during-eskom-loadshedding-2019-2 13 February 2019

It is always stressful to travel with your pet, but these tips will help make the trip easier for you:

BRING THE BASICS with you, such as food and water, bowls, leashes, a poop scoop, plastic bag etc. Unexpected delays may mean you might have to use any or all of them.

IDENTIFY YOUR PET Microchip identification is recommended. We suggest that for a journey of considerable distance (such as when relocating to another province), you might wish to place a temporary disc on your pet's collar. This would give the destination information and a cell phone contact number.

HARNESS rather than leash your dog inside the vehicle. For smaller animals, a well-ventilated crate is recommended.

KEEP HEADS INSIDE THE VEHICLE for safety's sake. If a pet hangs his head outside a moving vehicle, it can lead to injuries from flying objects, inner ear damage or even lung infections. It's safer all round to keep those heads inside.

CONSIDER BARRIERS for what is the pet carrying area, be it the back seat, the "hatch” part of the vehicle or beneath the bakkie's canopy. It is much safer especially in the event of an accident or sudden braking. It might be a good idea to water-proof seat covers with thick plastic and to do the same to floors in the vehicle for ease of clean-up if accidents do happen.

News supplied by uMngeni SPCA.

During the State of the Nation Address (SONA), the president of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the sixth democratic general elections with be held on the 8th May 2019.

Eskom would like to caution all political parties against the dangerous practice of placing campaign posters on electrical structures.

This includes electricity poles, meter boxes and mini-substations. The risk is that when someone gets close to or touches them it may result in a flash-over or electrical contact, which may cause serious injury or loss of life.

Only authorised personnel are allowed to climb or work on these structures. Section 15 (3) of the Electrical Machinery Regulations states: "No person shall encroach in person or with an object on the minimum safety clearances prescribed in sub-regulation (1), or require or permit any person to do so except by permission of the supplier or user operating the powerline”.

Attaching posters to an electrical structure is not only a contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (No.85 of 1993), but also puts the lives of your valuable employees and volunteers at risk.

Eskom cares about your safety and requests that you refrain from attaching posters to electrical structures to avoid injuries and loss of lives.

News supplied.

Harvard Electrical Wholesalers would love to see YOU inside their showroom.  Pay them a visit!

The Barn Owl is open on the Currys Post Road; the space it has created is also open, airy and welcoming. Modern simplicity merges with a farm feel. Ryan has a lot of space to fill and already has a small wedding booked for 30 March 2019!

We enjoyed hot chocolate, a cappuccino, carrot cake and a decidedly decadent chocolate fudge square. Zanele gave us her full attention, thank you Zanele! We look forward to many returns to this roomy venue to see as its untold possibilities are revealed.

We caught up with the owner Ryan and asked him some questions;

How long have you been in the coffee/food business? 'This is my second coffee business, the first was a hobby, in total around 3 years.'

Where does your passion lie food or coffee? 'Actually the people, I love how food and coffee connect people.'

Why Currys Post? 'The views! It is magical out here.'

How has the KZN Midlands received your new venue so far? 'It’s been phenomenal, I’m so grateful!'

What do you love/hate about the KZN Midlands so far? 'I love the availability of great ingredients and the willingness of farmers to share them. Nothing I hate about it right now.'

What can we expect to enjoy on the share platters coming up on Friday? 'I love the sound of sharing, people chat while they eat, its loud and fun so I want the food to support that by being interesting and worth talking about.'

Ryan Solomon, you have opened the doors on something fresh and exciting by bringing The Barn Owl Coffee to the KZN Midlands, we wish you every success!

Pictured below: Zanele Zuma

Howick Covered and Hilton Covered are well-loved annual business directories focused on Howick and surrounds and on Hilton, respectively. After producing 11 successful editions together, Desirée Hickinbotham is sad to say farewell to Doreen Philip, the Philip family emigrate to Greystones, Ireland in April 2019.

The exciting news is that design will be out-sourced to local graphic designer, Kerry Pentz and advertisers can rest assured that the directories will be produced according to the original high-quality standards achieved from inception. Many will know Kerry from her business, Penzil Advertising.

Doreen and Kerry have both had more than 30 years of experience in design and Kerry has an existing relationship with our printers, who have given their unreserved approval of this handover of design attention. Welcome to Kerry!

We look forward to creating many more beautiful editions of both Hilton Covered and Howick Covered together and look forward to the synergies that result from this collaboration. 

Book online today!

Pictured L-R: Doreen Philip, Desirée Hickinbotham and Kerry Pentz

Don’t provide cover for would be criminals (cut back foliage)
Deter criminals from targeting your house by ensuring you cut back trees and bushes. Investigate installing movement sensor lights and report broken street lights.

Clear foliage away from your PIR beams
Excessive foliage and pot plants placed in front of external PIR beams will not only result in possible false alarms, but also render them useless in detecting criminal’s approaching your house. If you have invested in these external PIR beams, please ensure that they remain unobscured.

Make sure your property is clearly numbered
This will ensure that emergency services are easily able to locate your property.

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

The Dutch Reform Church is having their annual fete! Lovely morning with traditional Afrikaans treats like koeksisters and pancakes will be for sale. A Lovely Tea garden and Breakfast rolls for the early birds. There will be lots of treats and stalls.

News supplied by NG Kerk Merrivale.

The UCSI is gaining momentum and there has been a lot of community interest. The UCSI welcomes Stanley van der Merwe to the team as the Operations Coordinator. Stan is the contact person who will facilitate the Law Enforcement and other appropriate responses to SNIPR “hits” received by the UCSI ANPR SNIPR CCTV camera mounted gantries.

The great news is that the UCSI has received praise and endorsement from the uMngeni Municipality. Contact with all Municipal departments has been made as well as the Department of Transport and SANRAL. Read on further and see the encouraging support the UCSI is getting from all Law Enforcement agencies. Two security companies have now signed up as Affiliated Members to the UCSI, namely Knight Security Solutions and Ballid Security and they are contributing monthly.

BUT … We need to now grow our affiliated membership and start getting in regular monthly contributions to ensure the sustainability of the UCSI. The UCSI is also very open to receiving once-off CAPEX donations of any amount. Along with this newsletter, I have attached the monthly Affiliation Forms and the Individual CAPEX pledge forms. YOUR support will go a long way to making the community even safer. You can also download the forms from the UCSI website at www.ucsi.org.za.

Please share this newsletter with family and friends as well. NOTE: You need to be affiliated to the UCSI as a contributing member in order to receive support in the event of a crime taking place involves vehicle.

UCSI Operations Update (a quick snippet)
Monday 25 March 2019 saw Stanley van der Merwe of the UCSI NPC very busy following up on SNIPR hits from the Lower Karkloof Gantry and the Knight Security Solutions Gantry. Earlier in the day the UCSI received a SAPS Global alert about a hi-jacked vehicle entering Howick at the Lower Karkloof Road. This meant Stan had to go out looking for the vehicle (hence we need more cameras up) but he was able to locate it in a Howick shopping centre parking lot. Stan requested Howick SAPS and KSS back-up and the matter was managed professionally. The vehicle had been recovered by SAPS but not cleared off CAS. The driver was advised to follow-up with SAPS and ensure that the correct paperwork was submitted in order to remove the vehicle from the CAS system. This is good news as hits like these help us “clean up” the CAS and SNIPR databases.

THEN… at 12.23pm on the same day Stan got a SAPS Global alert from the KSS Gantry of a vehicle reported hi-jacked in Pretoria West last month. Stan and I happened to be mobile and managed to pick up this vehicle as it came through Merrivale onto the N3 towards PMB. The PMB Flying Squad were immediately alerted. We were able to give the Flying Squad members updates of the vehicles location as it entered PMB. We following it to a PMB Mall where North and South Cluster SAPS Flying Squad units were able to make the arrest. This was a positive and the perpetrator and vehicle were removed from the scene by SAPS. It was brilliant and very professional. (I need to just add that 10 flying squad vehicles arrived with at least 27 SAPS Officers. As Brian Jones of TrackBox always says “we are not short on resources, we are short on knowing one another” and this is the objective of the UCSI – to make the communication of reliable information through to Law Enforcement a priority).

The UCSI NPC wishes to thank Howick SAPS, Hilton SAPS, Radio Control 10111, SAPS Flying Squad, SAPS Dog unit, KSS and all those involved for their responses and support.

On Sunday 24 March 2019 Stanley of the UCSI NPC was contacted to assist with a hi-jacking and murder in a neighbouring area. The UCSI NPC were able to facilitate a working relationship and synergy between SAPS Crime Intelligence, TrackBox SNIPR, SANRAL and numerous other SAPS entities. The crime was solved within 10 hours of being reported. Communication was key to solving this crime.

Please support the UCSI and join for as little as R30 per month. Go to www.ucsi.org.za and download the Affiliation Form to make a monthly donation.

The UCSI is also looking for CAPEX funding to get the ANPR SNIPR CCTV camera mounted gantries erected. With the support and endorsement of the uMngeni Municipality let’s make our areas safer. These area are (but not limited to) Hilton, Howick, Howick West, Howick South, Kwa Mevana, Merrivale, Merrivale Heights, Birnamwood, Mpophomeni, Karkloof, Curry’s Post and surrounds.

For more information on how to join email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The UCSI is a Not-for-Profit Company that champions empowering Law Enforcement agencies.

Thank you for your support and interest. Please help us drive membership.

Yours in good old crime fighting spirit.

The UCSI team
Debbie Preston, Stan van der Merwe and the UCSI Board of Directors

Please download TrackBox onto your phones. You can go to www.trackbox.world to read more about TrackBox and MDDR.

ABOUT MDDR
With the occurrence of violent crimes at an all-time high and theft on the rise, you need to be prepared to protect yourself, your loved ones and your belongings. That’s where MDDR comes in to save the day – and potentially your life.

Ever wondered how your loved ones could come to your aid in an emergency situation if you weren’t able to call for help yourself? Or vice versa? TrackBox have made it easier than ever with the Mobile Device Data Recorder (MDDR) App. Using the same technology as in-flight aircraft data recorders, missing persons and hostages can be tracked through their mobile phones with this ground-breaking app. It is designed to support the TrackBox Emergency app.

The app also aids recovery of stolen mobile devices that have the app installed on them. The device essentially becomes a mobile ‘black box’ that allows us to trace its whereabouts and access data recordings that provide us with further valuable insight into its location – and the thieves themselves.

MDDR has been created to function as your ‘mobile device data recorder’. None of this data is stored anywhere other than as it normally would be on your phone, it simply allows us access to that data in the event of an emergency. We then use that data as best as possible to help track you, your device or assailants in the crime committed against you.

News supplied by UCSI.

Love Howick have been very busy with many exciting projects and ventures  and are sharing all the good news with you!

LOVE HOWICK is a catalyst in bringing people together for transformation and aims to unite our community for positive change. We believe that we are better together and we endeavor to establish partnerships between key sectors of our local community to see our vision of a prosperous city emerge.

We are inviting you to join us in this exciting adventure, and  to keep up to date with the projects and events happening, as well to get you excited for what you are partnering with.

We invite you to roll up your sleeves, get excited, and get involved in transforming our community. Watch our video if you need a fresh reminder of the beauty our corner of the world has to offer!

https://web.facebook.com/495374943914966/videos/433445377589922/?t=28

News supplied by Love Howick.

Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology is geared to choke crime in the Midlands. A collaboration employing the technological strengths of SACAN TrackBox and SNIPR, spearheaded by local powerhouse Debbie Preston (founder of uMngeni Community Security Initiative NPC or UCSI) has the full endorsement of both KZN’s MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda and our Umngeni Mayor, Sizwe Sokhela. The Mayor is particularly eager to heighten safety at the Howick Falls precinct and Goddard Park as this is an area that attracts international tourism.

The current target is to place 26 cameras focussed on access and egress points in the uMngeni area as soon as possible. The bigger Hilton businesses, who have already been approached, are massively supportive and this area is set to have seven cameras installed in a short time. Some existing SNIPR enabled cameras in the outlying areas are already feeding live through to the UCSI NPC system. To ensure longevity, growth and maintenance of this initiative – private residents are invited to contribute from as little as R30.00 per month, with businesses, schools, shopping centres and other such entities being encouraged to contribute as little as R300 per month (depending on size), to be affiliated to the UCSI NPC and benefit for this local crime prevention network. Visit www.ucsi.org.za to find out how.

The Greater Ambers (Amber Valley, Amber Ridge, Amber Lee, Amber Lakes), Amberglen and Yard 41 celebrated the installation of their gantry with SNIPR cameras mounted on Monday, 11 March, when more than 60 people turned up to celebrate.

On Tuesday, 12 March Debbie Preston addressed a gathering at Howick High School highlighting progress to date and she shared that a similar project has been set up in the Boston, Bulwer and Underberg area where, because of these cameras being used, crime has reduced notably.

Pictured L-R; Debbie Preston and Stanley van der Merwe

A major challenge in conservation is influencing people’s behaviour – to maintain biodiversity by modifying human actions. As humans we have to start living our lives sustainably, we have to realise that biodiversity is the key to the earth’s survival and thus our own.

Vervet monkeys, people either hate them or love them. The truth is, we depend on them and MUST learn to live with them, but Vervets must remain wild. Vervet monkeys are protected by both national and provincial legislation and injuring or killing them is a punishable offence. They are NOT VERMIN. This term refers to alien animal species such as the rat, Rattus norvegicus, feral pig and even the house cat! Indigenous problem animals must be assessed and dealt with by the provincial conservation authority.

Vervets play an important role in our ecosystem. They are arboreal creatures dependant on forests for food and shelter. The Vervet troops in an area will be descendants of an ancient group that has survived over eons of time.

• Vervets feed on fruit, flowers, pollen, nectar, bark, gum, roots, seeds, grasses, insects (all stages in the life cycle) and birds eggs and act as pollinators as they forage from one plant to the next.
• Vervets remove parasites from each other, and other animals and thus prevent disease.
• Vervets are major seed dispersal agents ensuring the continued survival of the forests. Forests absorb carbon dioxide, essential for our fight against climate change, and give off oxygen, which we humans need to breathe.

Humans have caused the problems we experience with Vervets and for this we must take responsibility. It is strongly advised by conservationists NOT TO FEED Vervets, as this causes them to loose their inherent fear of people – an instinct they need for survival. They then become a nuisance to neighbours damaging property and posing a threat to others who do not understand wild animal behaviour. Vervets will protect their babies from any threat and protect their food source, even if it is in your house!
Conservationists have found that capturing problem Vervets or troops of Vervet monkeys just relocates the problem to another area. Destruction of the animals is a short term solution, because a new troop will soon move into the area. Wild Vervet monkeys left to themselves are not a problem and the troop sizes are a lot smaller that in suburbia when they are scavenging off our waste or are being fed.

Remove the availability of food and water and Vervets can be reconditioned to stop interacting with people. Primates have a good memory, so exercise patience and all residents in the area should adopt the same measures:

• Never feed Vervet monkeys
• Never try to catch a Vervet for any reason. If one gets trapped leave doors and windows open and move out of its way
• Do not leave fruit out and secure all food and pet food out of sight
• Do not eat in front of Vervets, do not let children eat outside when Vervets are in the area
• Vegetable scraps should be buried in the compost
• Secure Rubbish bins
• Remove bird feeders
• If you grow vegetables rather support the farmers’ market or monkey proof your vegetable patch
• Put screens on your security gates and burglar guards
• Monkeys gaining access to your house using a telephone line can be discouraged by placing a hose around the line – the monkeys grabbing the hose will swing upside down and they don’t like it
• Do not teach dogs to attack Vervets, monkeys will keep clear of big dogs
• Do drive slowly in areas where monkeys cross the road
• Do teach children Vervet monkey dos and don’ts.
• Plant indigenous trees that will provide alternative food sources for Vervets and birds.

Above all respect all forms of life, as biodiversity is key to sustainability!

Sources: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife publications and Monkey Helpline website

Image: K de Pinna

The two defending champs stood firm in gloomy, grey weather at the first two regionals of the ninth year of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge.

Yesterday, 13 schools took to the wet pitch at St John’s D.S.G., which hosted the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional and at The Wykeham Collegiate which hosted the Pietermaritzburg Northern Regional.

The first team to secure their spot in the 2019 Grand Finals, and for the eighth time, continuing their dominance in this area, were the defending champs, St Anne’s College. Taking on the host school, The Wykeham Collegiate in the regional final, the fast-paced game had Saints dominating, ending with 4 well-crafted goals to nil. Treverton College played out of their socks, finishing their round robin on level points with The Wykeham Collegiate. Treverton needed 5 goals in their final game against Howick High to advance to the final on goal difference. However, they only managed to net 2.

In this regional final, it took St Anne’s 3 and a half minutes to net their first goal with feisty Lusanda Mtshali opening her teams account with a scramble at the goals. Scoring the second goal for Saints was Kiara McLuckie who was camping at the near post, slotting in a nudge over the keeper’s outstretched stick.

Emma Griffin knocked in the third goal after a sneaky glide of a pass from near the post, skid past the keeper and found Griffin’s stick slapping it in. Sealing the win with only 4 seconds remaining, Grace Kitshoff knocked in a determined shot from the center of the circle, running the ball down the middle, through several defenders and through the last line of defence, slotting a simple but handsome goal.

Head Coach for Saints, Robin Jones said, “We had a slow start after a lot of our players attended the matric dance last night. Girls are a little bit tired today, but I am very happy with the way we progressed. I thought our best game was the last game of the day, which is very satisfying. I am very proud of the girls; there were some really good goals scored.”

“Emma’s goal against Voortrekker is the standout goal for me. It is something we have been chatting about; getting the ball from one side to the other. We started on the left, moved the play to the right and then finished it on the left. So that was very satisfying to see the girls moving the ball around. We only had one goal scored against us and that was in the Treverton game early on. I think they deserved that goal against us, it was a really good goal that they caught us napping but overall, we are very happy with how the day went.”

Down the hill, defending champs Epworth and hosts St John’s D.S.G. met in the gold silver game for the central title. One times winners, St John’s dominated the 20-minute game with over 17 minutes played in the Epworth half. Epworth managed to break with two appearances in the St John’s D. The second one was the game changer. As time frantically ticked down, Epworth earned themselves a short corner in the final 90 seconds. As game time was up, the ball was accidentally lifted, with umpire re-awarding Epworth with a second short corner. The vice-captain, Summer Rutherford moved in from pushing the ball in, standing firmly near the post. The ball came rocketing towards her from the castle, with Rutherford calmly nudging the ball in a brilliant piece of set play.

Umpire of the Day for the northern tournament was Conor Killeen representing The Wykeham Collegiate and Epworth’s Sibusiso Malinga who has officiated at this regional before.

The next two tournaments take place this coming weekend with the Durban North Regional happening at Crawford La Lucia and the Durban Central Regional at the 3 Schools Trust Astro hosted by Durban Girls’ High School.

For more information on the tournament like the Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

Results
Pietermaritzburg Central Regional
1 Epworth, 2 St Johns, 3 Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High, 4 Carter High School, 5= Russell High School, 5= Alexandra High School, 7 Maritzburg Christian School

Pietermaritzburg Northern Regional
1 St Anne’s College, 2 The Wykeham Collegiate, 3 Treverton, 4= Voortrekker High School, 4= Howick High School, 6 Grace College

Photo by Rogan Ward above:
Wet wet wet! In very wet conditions, Howick High’s defender Caitlin Vermeulen bravely attempts to block The Wykeham Collegiate Captain and midfielder, Jade Brandis as she fires in a shot during their round-robin game at the Pietermaritzburg Northern Regional of the ninth SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at TWC yesterday (3 March). St Anne’s won this regional 4-0 against TWC.

News supplied.

Madison Da Costa spent her Christmas and Birthday money on food, blankets, bowls, collars and leads for the SPCA animals. The uMngeni SPCA is so grateful for your generosity Madison.

Supplied.

Vuyo Lakani has been attending Funda Nenja since he was 11 years old and worked his way up to the senior class and the Demo Team.

At 18, he is now an instructor for the advanced class. He says that he loves being an instructor and that the best part of it is “translating the language between dog and child” and "helping the children to understand the dog and how to respect, be kind and a good friend to your dog”. He says that his attitude towards dogs and animals has definitely changed since attending Funda Nenja and that he has learnt to be “disciplined and respectful to animals and people”.

Vuyo has had two dogs, Best and Scorpion, but as much as he would love to have another dog, he currently doesn’t have one because “my parents don’t have a fence on their property and I need to get a proper fence built before I can get a dog”. He says that the most important thing that he has learnt over the years at Funda Nenja is “how to properly take care of your animals” and that “a dog is your friend”.

Thank you Vuyo for your valuable contribution to the dog school program, and for sharing your knowledge with your learners.

News supplied by Funda Nenja.