We're back and we've got 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 up for sale. Click on the link below and put the 2026 Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering in your calendar now!

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Scottish heritage and unleash your inner Highlander as the picturesque Fort Nottingham transforms into a haven of cultural celebration. Whether you have Scottish roots or simply appreciate the beauty of this remarkable tradition, the Highland Gathering promises to be a captivating spectacle that will captivate your senses and ignite your soul.

The sight of brave athletes competing in traditional Highland games will leave you in awe. Witness brawny men and women as they showcase their strength, endurance, and skill in events like tossing the caber, weight over the bar, and the famed tug of war. Feel the adrenaline surge through your veins as you choose your team, cheering them on, inspiring them to reach new heights of excellence.

But the Highland Gathering is not just about physical prowess; it's a festival that embraces the arts in all their forms. Lose yourself in the haunting melodies of bagpipe bands as they fill the air with their evocative tunes. Marvel at the grace and precision of Highland dancers, their feet effortlessly weaving intricate patterns, telling stories of love, war, and triumph. Be transported to another time and place as you indulge in the enchanting world of Celtic music and poetry.

As you explore the grounds, you'll find a treasure trove of delights for all ages. Delight your taste buds with a delectable array of Scottish cuisine, from hearty haggis to buttery shortbread, and quench your thirst with a refreshing sip of authentic Scotch whisky.

Book Here

Our vets were recently presented with a case that we see in our clinic more often than we would like. A Rottweiler had begun hypersalivating, pawing at his face and generally became restless and distressed. Our vet team quickly sedated the dog and was able to examine the mouth. This is what they saw… a large bone stuck between the maxillary molars!

This is an example of why you should not feed bones to your dog. Eating bones can also cause choking, intestinal blockages, gastrointestinal punctures, fractured teeth, and severe constipation.
Some safer snack alternatives are ice cubes frozen with pellets, raw carrot or hide chews.

Because of you, we can do what we.

For adoptions and other queries call uMngeni SPCA on 033 330 4557 during office hours or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

𝗩𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: 𝟬𝟲𝟰 𝟲𝟳𝟭 𝟴𝟲𝟰𝟲 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀.

For animal emergencies please call 082 567 8297.

Howick High School congratulates Kenzi Van Der Vliet (U16) and Charne Jung (U19) who have been selected to represent Umgungundlovu District Girls’ Cricket teams at the final round of KZN Inland trials in March.

Age Quod Agis!

Photo Caption: L-R Kenzi, Mr T Norris (coach) and Charne.

Prime numbers, outer space, and one very big mystery.

Join us for Howick High School’s production of 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time'.

15-year-old Christopher Boone is obsessed with science, and maths - he knows all the prime numbers up to 7 057 - and rubix cubes. When his neighbour’s dog dies mysteriously one night, he decides to investigate, and his discoveries turn his carefully-ordered world upside down.
You won’t want to miss this journey through Christopher’s extraordinary mind. Our cast and crew are working tirelessly to bring Mark Haddon’s beloved novel to life on stage.

Come and support the cast as we take on this award-winning play and witness a story about bravery, truth, and the stars.

Dates: 18, 19 and 20 March 2026, 18:30 start
Place: Howick High School Hall
Price: R50 pp - tickets at the school office or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

From the pavement to the poolside, we’ve got everything your feet need for comfort, safety, and endurance:
Running Shoes: For your best stride.
Walking Shoes: All-day support for every journey.
Sandals: Non-slip & great for hot days.
Practical Socks: Breathable & durable.

PLUS: Replacement boot laces to keep your well-loved gear working and feeling like new.

(Prices range from R125 to R995, as at March 2026)

Visit 40 Main Street, Howick, for your new favorites.

Call on 033 330 4129

WhatsApp on 063 157 0190

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

View our website https://bigjohn.co.za/

Visit at 40 Main Street Howick

Do you know a talented young boy who could be a future Drakie?

Parents are invited to arrange an audition for their son to join the world-renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir School, a moment that could shape his future and change his life forever.

Audition Venue: St Anne’s Diocesan College, Hilton
Date: Saturday, 7 March

This is more than just an audition, it’s an opportunity to grow in confidence, develop exceptional musical skills, and become part of a proud South African musical legacy.

Let’s discover the next singing ambassador for South Africa!

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Call: 083 232 1229

Over time, the cost of repairs, replacements, and rebuilding increases. If your insurance cover is not updated regularly, you may find that your policy no longer reflects the true value of what you are protecting.

This can lead to shortfalls at claim stage, even when you thought you were fully covered. Keeping your cover aligned with current costs helps protect you from unnecessary financial stress.

A quick review can make a big difference. Speak to us if you would like help updating your cover.

HOWICK:
033 330 3601
101 Main Street, Howick
www.cookefuller.co.za

Cooke Fuller Group - covering our community since 1981.

The 2026 Dusi Canoe Marathon took place over our half term break. This year marked the 75th anniversary of canoeists taking on the challenging paddle from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.

Warm weather and medium-to-full river levels made the course both challenging and exciting. Michaelhouse was well represented on the famed river by boys, parents, and Old Boys. Six Michaelhouse boys entered the event, and all made it safely to the finish with many wild stories to recount from the journey.

Congratulations to Robert Short, Ivan Nel, Jake McDonald, Duncan Roberts, Sam Hoy, and Jamie Grantham for successfully completing the 2026 Dusi. A special mention goes to OMs Alan (Tatham, 2015) and Andrew Houston (Tatham, 2011) for earning gold with a 6th-place overall finish, as well as to Ross Leslie (Founders, 2020) and Jack Edmonds (Tatham, 2021), who placed 13th overall.

2026 Michaelhouse Results:
• 23rd: Duncan Roberts and Mr Stuart Roberts
• 47th: Jamie Grantham and Mr Paul Snyman
• 90th: Robert Short and Ivan Nel
• 92nd: Sam Hoy and partner (Jack Sternberg – Kearsney College)
• 128th: Jake McDonald and partner (Mr Greg Bath)

There is a Summer Blouse Parade on the go in the Midlands!

Now in store, after almost 5 years of waiting for 𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒆 100% 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂!

100% Cotton Voile Blouses with Collar, Sleeve Detail & Side Slit
Paisley in Blue & White | Seasons in Blue Green & Orange on White | Wildflower Garden Sprigs on White
R 398 each

WhatsApp Robyn on 𝟎𝟖𝟐 𝟖𝟓𝟖 𝟗𝟐𝟔𝟐

The FreeMe Wildlife Experience...

At the end of month two of her training, FreeMe Wildlife Experience student, Carlene, was tasked with preparing an enclosure for a species in care.

Carlene chose to prepare an enclosure for a White-tailed Mongoose. In order to do this correctly, she had to research the species. Where is it found in the wild? What type of habitat does it prefer? Is it diurnal or nocturnal? How does it hunt or forage, and what does it hunt or forage? Which senses does it use? Where does it sleep? Does is need to burrow, dig, or climb?

To rehabilitate an animal correctly, three things need to be focused on - its physiology (how its body works), its ethology (how does it behave naturally in the wild), and its psychology (what negatively effects it, and what helps to keep it calm and happy). The correct captive environment is therefore critical to the patient's physical and mental well-being, and ultimately its recovery process.

Well done, Carlene, for understanding the needs of your chosen species, and for providing a stimulating, simulated natural environment that will make it feel comfortable.

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

WHY CHOOSE US?
Because quality, service, and trust matter! At GioVision, we’re your one-stop shop for all things electronic and home essentials.

Accredited DStv Installers
Top appliance & bed brands
Expert electronic repairs
Home appliance & electronic spares
Top-class customer service

We don’t just sell – we solve!

Cell: 061 521 6217
Website: www.giovision.co.za
Visit us in Howick today!

Our One Welfare model sees us supporting both people and their companion animals as their well-being is interlinked. Home visits and food hampers for those in need allows our outreach staff to nurture meaningful relationships with the community.

Our social worker recently shared the following with us:
"Most of the time, the home visits are a cheerful event for many of our families as these people are mostly home due to loneliness, unemployment or facing other social issues. Funda Nenja's social welfare services offer people time to share their problems and to receive advice on different coping skills."

Food hampers for both the families and their dogs are always greatly appreciated and help ease their current hardship.

Kindness, compassion and respect for people, together with practical support, can result in social change and a greater capacity for improved animal welfare.

Shave, Spray, Donate!

Join us at Piggly Wiggly on 14 March from 07:30 – 12:30 for the Shavathon! Shave, get sprayed, and donate to support a great cause.

Every little bit counts – come be part of the change!

Rabies case confirmed.

This is a White-tailed Mongoose which contracted rabies in the Underberg region. A special thanks to all involved in reporting this case, and to Wildlife ACT - Focused Conservation for assisting in catching and transporting the animal through to FreeMe Wildlife.

After placing the Mongoose in quarantine and under constant observation, the animal steadily deteriorated to the point where it was severely neurologically incapacitated. At this point we decided to humanely euthanize the animal, thank you Dr Dave Gibbs for assisting, and sent it through to Allerton Veterinary Laboratories for rabies testing, which came back positive.

Be careful when dealing with wildlife (or any animal), that behaves abnormally.

Interesting info...

Canine rabies (rabies in domestic dogs) in South Africa has a history tied to introductions from outside the country, rather than originating natively in wildlife.

The earliest confirmed outbreak of canine rabies in South Africa occurred in 1893 in the Port Elizabeth area (now the Eastern Cape). It stemmed from an infected dog imported from England in 1892 (a Terrier shipped to the Cape Province). This led to an outbreak that was eventually controlled, but it marked the first documented introduction of the disease in domestic dogs.

Phylogenic studies show that current dog, Jackal, and related rabies viruses in southern Africa derive from this introduced canine-origin virus.

So... canine rabies did not originate in South Africa but was introduced multiple times - first in the late 19th century from Europe (England), and more enduringly in the mid-20th century from neighboring northern regions (Mozambique and across the Zambezi). These introductions, amplified by ecological and human factors like colonization and dog movements, established the endemic canine rabies seen today in parts of South Africa. Control efforts focus on dog vaccination to break transmission.

So think again before we blame wildlife for spreading this disease.

After euthanizing the White-tailed Mongoose, an adult male in his prime and had good body condition, the carcass was sent off for rabies testing to Allerton Veterinary Laboratories. 

The result... positive. 

A sad end to a beautiful creature, but everyday, we work with highs and lows in all we do at FreeMe Wildlife with the focus on inspiring an engaging and educated empathy for our wildlife and the environment.

Howick Prep School is so privileged to have 2 HPS families that have been chosen as finalists in the 2026 Blackwood's Sunflower Superstars competition.

Congratulations goes to
Blake & Ella Muscat
Megan & Lucy Schmidt

As a School, let us vote for our children, they have worked so hard to grow their blooms and continue to fly our flag high.

___________________________________________________

As a community YOU can vote too!

Sunflower Superstar Finalists Announced!

What a season it’s been! After months of planting, growing and sharing sunflower journeys, we’re thrilled to announce our 7 Sunflower Superstar finalists.

Despite heavy rain, hail and plenty of insect visitors, these young growers (with help from their families) showed incredible dedication. Their sunflowers brightened homes, complexes, schools and classrooms, were shared as cut flowers and spread sunshine wherever they grew.

Now it’s your turn to get involved 

VOTING IS OPEN!

Take a look at our finalists and cast your vote for your favourite Sunflower Superstar via the link below.

The final winner will be contacted directly and announced on our social media platforms in the first week of March.

A huge thank you to every family who took part. Your photos, stories and sunny blooms truly made this competition special. And thanks to our amazing sponsors of Sunflower Seeds, Kirchhoff Seeds and Raw Living

Vote here: https://forms.gle/qvuJufeymKW7PdCp6

Hello Howick Community!

As many of you may know, Brett, our friendly carguard at the Fallsview Centre in Howick, has been a familiar face in our community. Unfortunately, he recently faced an unimaginable tragedy with the loss of his beloved wife, Rita, on 25 February 2026, after a brief illness.

Brett is now left to care for their young 8 year old son Nicolai, who's still in junior school. Relying on tips as a carguard, Brett is navigating this tough time without any funeral cover or policies to help ease the burden.

If you are able and willing to help, please consider making a donation to the Back-a-Buddy campaign that has been set up to support Brett and his family. Your generosity can make a meaningful difference during this difficult time.

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/brett-family

Thank you for your kindness, and let's come together to support one of our own!

Luna Paige: Die Reisigers - The Knoll, Hilton
(Afrikaans Musical Theatre)

Beste Musiekproduksie / Best Musical Production: Momentum Aardklop 2025

80-minute show (with 20-minute break) | Doors / Deure: 18:00 | Show / Vertoning: 19:00 | Early Bird Tickets: R160 | Door tickets / Kaartjies by die deur: R175| Whatsapp Charles: 082 331 7271 | Bookings strongly advised / Besprekings sterk aanbeveel | The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

Luna Paige sing oor die “groot reis” en die immer ontwykende eindbestemming. Sy verken ruimtes waar beweging, stilte van gees, selfliefde en aanvaarding harmonie bring. Sy stel gehore bekend aan die musiek wat sy tydens haar Suid-Afrikaanse én Europese reise, onder meer die Spaanse Camino, geskryf en by die huis getoonset het. As anonieme voyeur het sy soms wel in gesprek getree en saam gewonder oor die groot verskille, maar, belangriker, oor die groot ooreenkomste wat alle reisigers op hierdie wonderbaarlike planeet aan mekaar bind. Aangebied deur Charles Webster Music.

Luna Paige sings about life's great journey and the ever-elusive final destination. She explores spaces where movement, silence of the mind, self-love, and acceptance bring harmony. She introduces audiences to the music she composed and arranged during her South African and European travels, including the Spanish Camino. As an anonymous observer, she occasionally engaged in conversation and reflected on the great differences, but more importantly, on the significant similarities that connect all travellers on this wondrous planet.

Presented by Charles Webster Music.

Yesterday we did our monthly steri clinic in Mpophomeni for FundaNenja, where we sterilised 14 dogs. Dr Lee also treated a dog that had been in a fight and the owner brought him to the clinic because he couldn't put his very swollen leg down.

The dogs here are usually in pretty good condition and are easy to handle, thanks to the dog school and on going education from Funda Nenja. We had two young dogs from the same household who were covered in ticks, when Vuyo spoke to the owners, they had come from out of the area. They were educated on parasite control, so hopefully once they recover from their surgery, they will be treated for ticks and will feel so much better.