As I sat at my desk this morning, I reflected how swiftly this year has flown by! It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in the new year, and here we are, at the end of another year. Have you allowed life to happen, or have you taken the reins, steering your course towards achieving the goals you set?

More often than not, we become immersed in helping others' pursuits—the demands of our bosses, the needs of our children, the expectations of our families—losing sight of our own dreams and needs, putting them off to a vague "someday." The realisation struck me harder this week following the sad news of a friend's passing. It's made me acutely aware of life's fleeting nature.

Many express their anticipation for retirement, planning grand adventures or ventures they've long dreamt of. Unfortunately, these aspirations often remain unrealised. We find ourselves caught in the habit of living for others or simply counting down the days, waiting for a distant "someday" that might never come. But why wait for some ambiguous moment to seize control of our lives?

There's a saying that resonates deeply: "If you believe it, the universe will serve it." However, the universe responds only when we take action. As we enter this season of reflection and giving, I extend a challenge—to gift yourself the freedom of living life on your terms.

Let's step into 2024 armed with a crystal-clear plan to conquer the goals we've set. Start by taking small yet deliberate steps toward your desired destination. If it’s a new job, ask yourself the necessary questions: Do you have the necessary qualifications? Is your CV updated? Have you sought assistance from employment agencies in pursuit of that dream job?

For those carving travel, pinpoint your ideal destinations. What are the prerequisites for that dream trip? Compile a list of essentials, then break it down further, defining each step needed to bridge the gap between your current reality and that envisioned getaway.

Until you write down and visualise your dreams and needs, they remain overwhelming concepts. And until you act upon them, you will remain in a state of waiting and wishing.

Start now; grant yourself the gift of living the life you've dreamt of. Actively pursue your desires, charting a course towards a future that resonates with your deepest desires.

Let’s work on achieving the goals you have for 2024 together!

Connect on 082 290 5640.

Jess Candler was awarded player of the match yesterday in the U19 Girls cricket week for her allround performance. She made 61 runs, bowled 10 overs for 16 runs and took a wicket and took 2 catches in the field.

The U19 Girls Week in Cape Town which runs from 10-14 December in 2023 is a platform for the nation’s top young female cricketers to display their prowess and compete at a high level.

Pictured here L-R: KZN Inland coach Richard Hlela with Jess.

The Grade 1s put in the most heart warming performance of “Honkey Tonkey Donkey” at the end of November.

Thank you to our amazing teachers for all of the warm work and rehearsals, as well as our Grade 2 and 3 children who were in the choir.

Suprema Quaero

WESSA's first Colour Run focused on Health and Wellness which took place on Saturday, 9 December 2023, included two foreign exchange students from University in Switzerland. They are currently seconded to study at Umgeni Valley. Working On Fire also took part in the event.

We live in a violent world and scientific research has shown that if violence is not halted, it can span generations with cumulative consequences. Children who are exposed to violence are at risk of perpetuating the cycle which paints a bleak picture of the future.

Funda Nenja aims to teach children an alternative way to deal with life through the medium of dog training classes using force free methods and positive reinforcement. Kindness, patience and empathy are nurtured when a child learns how to communicate with another species using no coercion and when the child experiences the unconditional love of a dog.

Broker vs Direct Insurance: Why Choose Brokers? While we may be a bit biased, there are solid reasons for backing brokers over direct options.

Here's why:

• Personalised Service: Our brokers provide expert advice tailored just for you, saving you precious time. We handle all the legwork!
• Tailor-Made Solutions: Time is money, and with brokers, you save both in the long run. We offer a wide range of custom insurance options to suit your unique needs.
• Better Value: Brokers ensure you get the best value based on your specific requirements. It's all about finding the perfect solution for you!
• Less Effort For You: With our experience and knowledge, processing claims becomes a breeze. No hassle, no stress!

Choose Cooke Fuller for insurance that truly puts you first. Your needs, your savings, your peace of mind!

Call Cooke Fuller Group Insurance Brokers & Financial Advisers today on 033 330 3601 or visit at 101 Main Street, Howick.

Bootcamp for the “new kid” on the Conservation Block - Understanding Other Effective Area Based Conservation Measures (OECMs)

Other Effective Area Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) are the “new kid” on the conservation block. Being a new tool, it is essential as a country to ensure we all have a common understanding of the mechanism and is implemented in a standardised manner across our landscape. To achieve this, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) arranged an inaugural OECM Bootcamp workshop at the end of November 2023. This Bootcamp was a gathering of almost 80 participants from national government, provincial conservation Departments and Authorities, conservation NGOs and civil society, and was generously funded by the WWF Nedbank Green Trust (through the BirdLife South Africa OECM pilot project) and the SANBI GEF 7 project.

OECMs are a mechanism that was adopted at the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2022 to meet the (conserving) 30% by 2030 Global Biodiversity Framework Target 3, also known as 30x30. The 30x30 target specifically recognises the role of OECMs in contributing to achieving conservation security for critically important biodiversity on privately and communally owned land. OECMs provide a supported global framework for South Africa to recognise the effective conservation work done for nature outside of the traditional protected areas and to report on these alternative conservation measures. The role of OECMs (where biodiversity conservation may be a secondary objective) is not to replace protected areas (where biodiversity conservation is the primary objective), but rather to complement each other to protect and conserve important representative biodiversity (diverse species, habitats, natural – resources on land and sea) through well-connected conservation networks – benefitting both nature and people.

So, what are OECMs?
A geographically defined area other than a Protected Area, which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for the in-situ conservation of biodiversity with associated ecosystem functions and services and where applicable, cultural, spiritual, socio–economic, and other locally relevant values. (CBD Decision 14/8).

“The aim of the OECM Bootcamp was to create dialogue and have discussions to better understand this conservation mechanism in the South African context and explore the manner of implementation considering the urgency of contributing to the GBF 30x30 target,” commented Ayaka Peter of SANBI. “OECMs are essentially a recognition of existing conservation mechanisms, such as Biodiversity Management Agreements and National Botanical Gardens, Conservation Agreements and Conservation Servitudes. Several mechanisms such as biospheres, conservancies and wildlife ranching fall short of the criteria through initial assessment, although provide the conservation sector with a unique opportunity to engage these sectors in exploring ways of improving their contributions to conservation.”

The first day of the OECM Bootcamp focused on creating a collaborative learning space to introduce participants to the key concepts and provide insights from the pilot projects implemented by the Kruger to Canyon Biosphere and BirdLife South Africa between 2018 and 2023. Further discussions were had on the potential means of strengthening the OECM mechanism from a legal perspective, as well as exploring the international criteria for OECMs within the South African context. Day 2 focused on the mode of implementation, identifying the need for a standard implementation guideline, what

institutional structures are required for implementation (resources, capacity) and how we as a country ultimately report international on our OECM achievements.

Key outcomes and next steps identified from the 2-day Bootcamp included the need to create specific metrics for South African OECMs, flagging the urgent need to lodge OECMs within our legal framework recognising that finding the appropriate home for the mechanism will create improved credibility and provide a standardisation of its implementation; Working on building our capacity for implementation through training and co-developed implementation strategies within provincial structures, and strengthening partnerships across our landscape to improve coordination and implementation.

“OECMs are an exciting opportunity to add realistic conservation and biodiversity value in South Africa – as landscapes and seascapes and their respective use are complex issues. OECMs are innovative and are a new conservation approach to a country like Africa with diverse needs,” concluded Dr Kendyl Wright of WILDTRUST.

Photo Credit: South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

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Looking back, 2023 will undoubtedly go down in history as the year that South Africa's corporate and civil society "went solar" in a way never seen before. In an effort to avoid the crippling effect of loadshedding, hundreds of thousands of individuals and companies recently opted to invest in solar panels. According to a recent BusinessTech report, South Africa's imports of solar panels increased thrice from the previous quarter to an all-time high of R3.6 billion in the first quarter of 2023.

“Whilst this is good news for renewable energy, we also need to think about the long-term implications that even this ‘green energy’ will have on the environment,” cautions Dr Mark Williams-Wynn, KZN Branch Committee Member of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA). "In the coming years, we will have to deal with the recycling of millions of solar panels and batteries that are currently being imported into South Africa.”

The Challenge: Millions of discarded panels and batteries in a decade

Williams-Wynn says there’s now an estimate of between 20 million and 25 million solar panels in the country after the recent influx. Most have an expected lifespan of about 20 years and according to Williams-Wynn, South Africa should be ready for mass recycling in about a 10 to 15 years’ time. “That is when we will see thousands of panels having to be replaced with new ones, and when recycling the old products correctly will become critically important.”

He explains that one of the challenges with solar panel waste is that they are banned from landfills, as they are potentially hazardous to both human and environmental health.

"We need to adopt alternative waste management solutions, such as recycling, refurbishing and repairing, or reusing them in lower-demand applications," he continues, adding that emphasis needs to be placed on the waste management of the batteries used in solar systems as well.

“I believe this to be the bigger challenge,” Williams-Wynn warns. “The batteries in household solar panels are lithium iron phosphate batteries, also known as LFP (lithium ferrophosphate) batteries. The only material in this battery that has some value when recovered is lithium. The iron and phosphate of such low value that it’s not really economically viable to try and recover them.”

Furthermore, the product is highly flammable. “And once that fire starts, it is self-sustaining,” he warns. “They don’t need oxygen to burn, and even when smothering burning batteries with foam they can continue to burn.”

The Solution: Adherence and Power of the Customer’s Voice

The success or failure of South Africa's solar waste story will depend on how responsibly we operate in the here and now, Williams-Wynn notes.

“The methods for properly disposing of and recycling panels and batteries are constantly developing and improving - but if we do nothing now, we could face a catastrophe later.

There is simply not enough adherence to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations which took effect in 2021 and hold producers (which includes manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers) accountable for the end-of-life management of their products,” he says. “There are many reasons for this, including expenses, control and enforcement, but in the end, the environment suffers - and it will be everyone’s problem in future.”

According to Williams-Wynn, both the general public and solar installers have the ability to change things.

“Customers often don't realise the collective power that they have. To ensure that our solar and battery producers are complying with the EPR regulations, we must all exert pressure on them. If that happens, South Africa will be equipped and ready when the solar waste wave strikes in a few years.”

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Former world champion and defending women’s aQuellé Midmar Mile champion Sharon van Rouwendaal has hailed the famous KwaZulu-Natal race as a truly unique event – and one she would love to return to in 2025.

The Dutch woman competed in the aQuellé Midmar Mile for the first time in 2023 and powered her way to victory, finishing four seconds ahead of American Ashley Twitchell in a time of 18 minutes 40 seconds.

Speaking about the experience, Van Rouwendaal said: “I didn’t have any expectations but I knew it was one of the biggest races ever. And then when I came, there were so many people, everybody was swimming in groups.

“I really find it cool that the television [crew] were next to us with the boat and filmed everything so that people could follow it on the shore. And then the finish was actually great when you come out of the water, with so many people cheering, so it was a great experience for me.”

At just 1.6km, the aQuellé Midmar Mile was far shorter than the Dutch star usually races which is 10km – swum over numerous laps.

“The biggest thing that was different was that it was just straight from one side [of the dam] to the other and I wasn’t used to that. Also, that if you are first to 400m or to 800m or 1200m you can win some extra prize money. I think that made the race interesting because then you get these girls who try and sprint the first 400m to get some money and I think that was really nice actually, it made the race interesting to watch.”

The 30-year-old will not be defending her Midmar title in 2024, as she is focused on the World Aquatics Championships where she is hoping to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris. This weekend she will be competing in the final World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup event of the year in Portugal along with two former aQuellé Midmar Mile champions – Twitchell (a four-time winner at Midmar) and Australian Nick Sloman.
Van Rouwendaal is eager to return to the KZN dam in 2025, however.

“I want to come back for Midmar in 2025 if I’m invited, and maybe I could give some clinics because I’m starting my own business at the moment. I’m already doing some online coaching for open water swimmers and for triathletes… to improve their technique and learn how to swim open water, so maybe I could… swim it myself, and give clinics. That would be a dream for 2025.”

Van Rouwendaal has graced many international podiums, winning the world 10km title in 2022, but had some words of encouragement for those thinking of trying their hand at open water swimming for the first time at the 2024 aQuellé Midmar Mile.

“I would say to the people that if they’re doubting… this is a race to do. You can even swim it with your friends, you don’t have to do it alone. There are so many people, so many categories, even if you’re slow it doesn’t matter, there’s always a body swimming next to you.

“So I would really recommend doing this race because it’s really fun and you just get that family vibe as well when you come out of the water.”

Entries for the 2024 aQuellé Midmar Mile, which takes place from 8-11 February, are currently open.

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

Pictured here: Sharon van Rouwendaal and Ashley Twitchell

Photo credit: Action Photo SA

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Today Jess Candler was awarded her second green cap in two days at the U19 Girls week of cricket in Cape Town for achieving player of the match once again. Today's score for Jess was three wickets for 10 runs from 4 overs. Howick can be proud of this young sports star.

TEFL teacher shares 20 years’ worth of lessons

Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) gave Cape Town resident Kirsten Colquhoun the opportunity to visit 27 countries by the time she was 29 – all while earning an income. After graduating with a degree in English and Psychology from the University of Cape Town, she packed her bags and set off for Thailand to begin her globe-trotting adventure, which ultimately influenced the trajectory of her life and career.

“I knew as soon as I started teaching that I wasn't going to stop, so I just didn't go back home. Since then, I’ve taught and lived in six countries, including China, Spain, and England. It’s an experience I recommend to everyone,” says Kirsten, who now develops curriculum resources and provides teacher training at The TEFL Academy, South Africa’s leading TEFL qualification provider.

Teaching abroad allowed Kirsten to save up and spend the school holidays travelling all over the world, offering a blueprint for local graduates who want to kickstart a career in teaching – or simply take a gap year in 2024. Qualified teachers can expect to earn between R190 and R560 per hour, as well as invaluable work experience.

"Throughout my time overseas, I picked up skills like public speaking and problem-solving – which was great for me professionally. Living and teaching in a foreign country is such an amazing experience for your independence. It shows you how flexible and adaptable you are. That all looks great on your CV; it shows that you’re a go-getter. There’s also the possibility of picking up another language, which is always a beneficial skill,” says Kirsten.

Her time abroad was not without its challenges. Kirsten found teaching in some rural areas difficult, since fewer people were likely to speak English. She also had to overcome her naturally shy and introverted personality to become an effective teacher. This was ultimately an opportunity for personal growth.

“Travel allowed me to become a new person. To be successful in teaching and building a life overseas, I had to discover a side of myself that could handle anything. It helps that, when you’re in a new country, you can be whoever you want to. So, I left that shy, quiet person in Cape Town and became someone who was self-confident,” says Kirsten.

Kirsten has since settled down in Cape Town with her husband and two children. Teaching abroad has significantly impacted her priorities as a mother: “It planted a seed in me about how I want my children to travel with me. I want to introduce them to different cultures and teach them how to appreciate other people and places. It changed me so fundamentally and I want them to experience it from a much younger age than what I had,” she says.

Kirsten’s advice to anyone considering taking a TEFL course is to just go for it. “Doing TEFL sets you apart from other people who don’t travel. Be open-minded and flexible. Don’t get too hung up on the details and the possible negatives. Having gone through many kinds of difficult situations myself, I can safely say that whatever happens will be worth it in the end.”

About The TEFL Academy
Offering accessible and cost-effective ways to get TEFL-qualified, The TEFL Academy provides internationally accredited and regulated online courses. The company hosts a jobs board on their website, with over 1 500 international teaching opportunities for potential teachers to pursue, across a number of countries. For more information, visit www.theteflacademy.com/za/

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Megan Webb and Jessica Candler are representing the U19 KZN Inland Girls' Cricket team at the U19 Cricket week in the Cape. Megan has been elected the team captain and Jessica has been elected the Vice-Captain. We congratulate both girls and wish them every success. Age Quod Agis!

Our Street Store is a beacon of support, providing over 70 families with quality second-hand clothing, food parcels, and toiletries through our empowering token system. Clients collect recyclable waste materials from the community and exchange them for tokens, allowing them to 'purchase' essential items.

As the festive season approaches, we recognize that Christmas might be challenging for these households. Many struggle to provide small gifts for their children or host a celebration for the family. WE WANT TO CHANGE THIS!

Please consider spreading the joy by donating a 'Christmas Gift' for a child or contributing 'Food Items' for a Christmas hamper. Your generosity will empower parents to give their kids a memorable Christmas.

Donations can be dropped off at the Love Howick Dream Centre, 19 Morling Street, Howick before the 12th of December. Let's come together to make this holiday season brighter for everyone in our community!

Or you can contribute financially at:
Bank: FNB Howick
Account Name: Love Howick NPC
Account number: 627 747 27 039
Branch Code: 220 725
Reference: Christmas

SES Hilton is a sustainable energy solutions business specializing in customizable, alternative, adaptive power and energy systems for families and businesses. You can read about some of their client's experiences here. Call 073 966 0651.

South African Para surfer Similo Dlamini will be among the thousands of swimmers who return to Midmar Dam from 8-11 February next year for the 2024 aQuellé Midmar Mile.

Dlamini, who has a congenital condition that means her right leg is shorter than the left and she needs to use a prosthetic leg, has twice competed in the ISA World Para Surfing Championship. But each February she makes sure she’s back at the renowned KwaZulu-Natal dam to take part in the world’s largest open water swimming event.

“It's becoming one of my annual 'retreats',” reckons the KwaMashu-born adaptive surfer, who will be taking part in the aQuellé Midmar Mile for the fourth time.

Speaking about her training, Dlamini explained: “I swim about two to three times a week and compete in the Dolphin Miles… Time in the water is always good and this improves my paddling which is important in surfing.”

The aQuellé Midmar Mile is an event that attracts a vast array of swimmers each year – from novices to Olympians, young to old and those who are differently abled.

Speaking after completing this year’s race, Dlamini reckoned: “Things like this where you see people get amazing times who are differently abled – this is so inspiring for me, to keep on coming back here and showing that we shouldn’t be put in a corner.

“Being differently abled doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything, just that you do things differently.”

As for those still deciding whether to take on the challenge, Dlamini added a word of motivation. “Give it a shot, be calm and just keep swimming. It's just one stroke at a time.”

Entries for the 2024 aQuellé Midmar Mile are open. For more information on the event and the preceding seeding swims, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

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WESSA's Colour Run to commemorate World AIDS Day 2023
Encouraging healthy lifestyles and awareness

HOWICK, KwaZulu-Natal: The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) is thrilled to announce its inaugural Colour Run event commemorating World AIDS Day 2023. Hosted by WESSA uMngeni Valley, this vibrant event, promoting healthy lifestyles, is proudly supported by the Department of Science and Innovation.

Scheduled for December 9th, the Colour Run kicks off at 7:00am at the stunning WESSA uMngeni Valley with the aim of uniting communities, raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, and celebrating the importance of leading active and healthy lifestyles.

One of the highlights is the South African National Blood Service (SANBS)'s participation. They will be conducting a blood donation drive onsite, emphasising the critical need for blood donations and urging attendees to contribute. In addition, SANBS will actively promote HIV awareness and encourage individuals to get tested, highlighting the significance of knowing one's HIV status.

Entry is free, welcoming individuals of all ages and backgrounds to join in the festivities. Participants can anticipate a kaleidoscope of colours, an electrifying atmosphere, and the opportunity to support a worthy cause while embracing fitness and fun.

"This Colour Run is not just about the vibrant hues and joyous moments; it's about coming together as a community to spread awareness, encourage healthy habits, and support those affected by HIV/AIDS," said Sifundo Sibiya, senior manager at WESSA uMngeni Valley.

Participants are encouraged to bring along their enthusiasm to make this event an unforgettable celebration.

Join us at WESSA uMngeni Valley to stand together in solidarity for a healthier, more aware society.

About WESSA:
WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for sustainable solutions, conservation, championing policy initiatives and promoting environmental awareness that lead to a healthier planet. WESSA has consistently been at the forefront of the environmental sector, driving positive change and inspiring communities. Through its diverse range of programmes and initiatives, WESSA has been instrumental in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility across South Africa.

WESSA’s Mission: Educate. Advocate. Act.
We educate, advocate and act for environmental and social justice through sustainability education, strategic partnerships, and conservation programmes to drive climate action, protect and restore biodiversity, and reduce pollution.

WESSA’s Vision: To be a trusted and highly effective organisation working for environmental and social justice in support of a healthy and sustainable planet.

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Guess who's a pure African Wildcat

Yes, we've received the test results back from SANBI, and this kitten is a Pure African Wildcat.

What does this mean? Well, each species have what is called genetic markers. Pure species match to all the genetic markers exactly. Hybrids will only match to some genetic markers, which will prove they are not a pure species. Domestic cats are interbred so extensively that even though they may be the descendants of wild species (such as the African Wildcat), their genetics no longer match up to pure wild cat species anymore. So, you might find small residual DNA from wild cat species still in domestic cats, when you match up genetic markers, they no longer match up completely to any pure wild species. Anything less that a 90% genetic match is not considered a pure species.

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

We can't do it without help though. There are a lot of animals, and just a few of us, so please consider supporting our work. Our wildlife patients need all the help they can get!

https://freemewildlife.org/support-us/

SES Hilton is a sustainable energy solutions business specializing in customizable, alternative, adaptive power and energy systems for families and businesses. You can read about some of their client's experiences here. Call 073 966 0651.