'We are so excited to welcome Grace Botha, nee Sonjica, Head Girl 2009, who joins the Howick High School team to conduct and train our Choir. Age Quod Agis, Grace!' shared Howick High School.

Durban’s much-loved FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY heads to Kenya on 24 February for a two-week exchange project with Nairobi and Siaya based DANCE INTO SPACE. The exchange comes out of a large project headed by Dr. Lliane Loots (Artistic Director of FLATFOOT) and Prof. Yvette Hutchison (Warwick University, UK) that is setting up a network of African choreographers, researches and dancers called the African Disability Dance Network (ADDN). Funded by a two-year grant from UKRI – AHRC, that will be officially launching digitally on Tuesday 20 February.

Alongside a portfolio of award-winning performance work, FLATFOOT’s integrated dance work has seen it nationally spearhead work with dancers with Down Syndrome, and its numerous programmes with dancers with physical disabilities. FLATFOOT travel to Kenya to share and learn from sister dance company DANCE INTO SPACE (DIS) headed by Ondiege Matthew. DIS, whose work has seen them collaborate with artist from Birmingham Rep (UK) and whose work is supported by Amnesty International, offer a mission to share artistic skills with people from all walks of life and to create work that cross all sorts of borders – both physical, cultural and social.

Loots and Matthew met first in Nairobi in 2019 and have kept a strong connection over the lock down years and now finally get to meet in a dance studio. Loots says, “I cannot begin to say how excited I am by this opportunity to work with Ondiege. He is a man whose dance work and vison are blazing trails in Africa. While our friendship is strong, being able to move together and share creative energy is a dream. I remain so humbled by Ondiege’s agenda to create deeply humanising integrated dance practices in Africa – I am looking forward to learning from him!”

Loots travels to Kenya with three of the senior FLATFOOT dancers, Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika and Zinhle Nzama, where they will engage a full daily programme of shared classes and training and begin to work on joint choreography with their Kenyan counterparts.

In a rounding off of this exchange, Matthew and some of his DIS Kenyan dancers will travel to Durban, South Africa, to the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience (hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu Natal in 2024 to share their work with South African audience and dancers.

Pictured here: Lliane Loots and Ondiege Matthew – a “selfie’ taken in Nairobi in 2019

Supplied.

Harvard Electrical supply products which are manufactured both locally and internationally and are fully compliant with recognised safety standards and specifications.

Harvard Electrical is the only ELECTRICAL WHOLESALER in the greater Howick area.

'We had a very successful weekend in Port St Johns doing a steri campaign for #TAWI. Thanks to the TAWI team for feeding us and looking after us, as well as organising the venue and getting the dogs there, and to Ursula and Tony of Sea Castle Lodge for putting us up, it is so nice at the end of a hard days work to come back to a hot shower and comfy bed.

We sterilised 62 dogs and 1 cat, as well as Dr Lee performing an emergency ceaser on a little dog with one huge pup inside, she would have surely died if we weren't there. She was sterilised at the same time.

Tyson and Isaac also dewormed and gave rabies vaccinations on many other dogs and pups during the day, and Dr Dave Watson treated 1 dog with TVT after spaying her. A few teeth were pulled and nails clipped. It was a good weekend.' shared Dr Lee Pachonick.

More about Midmar Vet Clinic

Pictured above Dr Lee Pachonick and Dr Dave Watson in action.

Pictured below: Sterilised dogs in recovery.

All community members are invited to an information morning with our various Security companies, Neighbourhood Watch Co-Ordinator’s, CPF Sub-forums and Emergency Response companies.

Date: Saturday 18 February 2023
Time: 10h00 – 13h00
Venue: Open field opposite the Howick Community Church

The idea is to get the community to sign up with a security company and hopefully subscribe to the UCSI to help us install more cameras, as well as meet our Security companies, Neighbourhood Watch Co-Ordinator’s, CPF Sub forums and Emergency Response companies in person.

Thank you to the Howick CPF for this proactive community event.

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions

Halfway through February already … how did that happen!

On Saturday we held our (slightly belated) 2022 prize giving and congratulations must go to the following trophy recipients:-

Drawn Trips: Mike Scheffer, Bob Chetty & Jeanette James
2 Bowl Trips: Colin Burden, Bob Chetty & Malcolm Tait
Mixed Pairs: Peter Burton & Jeanette James
Ladies Pairs: Lisa Nagel & Wendy Smith
Men’s Pairs: Peter Burton & David Mainprize
Novice Singles: Kevin Palmer
Most Improved Player: Shared by Arlene Malloy & Pippa Griffin
Ladies Singles: Pippa Griffin
Men’s Singles: Colin Burden
Victrix Ludorum: Jeanette James
Victor Ludorum: Peter Burton

Well done to all our members who took part in the 2022 competitions and to our winners on their victories!

As for our 2023 club competitions, the mixed pairs are almost through the first rounds with the following games having been played:
Graham Sharp & Melanie Ross won against Koos Marais & Sheridan Schraader. Well done to Graham and Mel, who picked up an 8 on their 17th end which put enough of a shot difference between the teams to make catch up quite a challenge.

Colin Burden & Chantal D’Hotman won against Neil Wright and Lisa Nagel. Theirs was a very close game with the teams going into the last end peeled on 17, however Colin and Chantal picked up one shot to win.

In the drawn trips, Colin Burden, Pat Ciro & Sheridan Schraader won their game against Lisa Nagel, Grace Mainprize and Arlene Malloy.
Well done to all players on great games!

Over the weekend, we had three teams enter the NIBA Trips competition. It was a very hot, and quite humid day, with some challenging greens and strong opposition.

Steve Smith, Neil Wright & Kevin Palmer played at Collegians and won against both Lynwood and Maritzburg West but lost to Howick.

Colin Burden, Bob Chetty & Koos Marais played at Maritzburg West and lost to Maritzburg West and Howick but picked up a win against Lynwood.

Lisa Nagel, Wendy Smith & Ann Cacho played at Lynwood and lost to Lynwood and Howick but went on to win against Maritzburg West.

All the players gave their best and an enjoyable day was had by all!

The snooker club is starting to take shape with games being played on alternative Friday's and also on Wednesday evenings. As we get more players we'll formalize things a bit more and start running some competitions so watch this space for more information!

Lastly, Steve Smith who is our new greenskeeper is settling in nicely with only one hiccup…. GOATS! Only in Africa do you have to chase goats off the greens!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, 21 February : J Leslie Smith Drawn 2-4-2 Nominated Mixed Pairs. Tabs In 08h15
Friday, 24 February : SGK Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45
Wednesday, 1 March : Halfway Toyota Drawn Trips. Tabs In 13h15
Saturday, 4 March : Greendale Spar 3 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 13h15

Regular tabs in times are:-
Tuesdays at 08h15
Wednesdays at 13h15
Saturdays at 13h15.

Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact Wendy on 071 353 2866

Coaching by registered coaches is available: Contact Colin or Bernice on 071 164 3162 for further information.

More about Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club

KZN Midland’s own Mrs Zama Keswa can now add Mrs South Africa semi-finalist to her impressive resume as she joins the class of 2023.

Keswa received the happy news on Friday, 03 February after the National Casting event at Emperors Palace, in Johannesburg. Following the announcement, the semi-finalists took part in a jam-packed two-day conference filled with motivational talks, workshops, upskilling sessions, socialising and networking opportunities, and an introduction to the famous Mrs SA sisterhood.

“I felt ecstatic and obviously blessed” says Keswa upon receiving the news.

Mrs South Africa is foremost a self-discovery and empowerment programme that celebrates diversity, ambition, and confidence while showcasing some of the country’s most phenomenal and talented women and giving them the skills and tools needed to achieve their dreams.

Joani Johnson, CEO of Mrs SA, says, “We are proud to work alongside so many strong, formidable, and inspirational married women, and to empower them through our pillars of community, self-development, and networking to be the leaders and social game-changers that we need in this country.

“Our experienced mentors teach leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, self-promotion, and self-discovery throughout the year to ensure that all participants have a truly life changing experience.”

Sharing more about her decision to enter, Keswa says, “I believe anything is possible as long as your mind to it with dedication and commitment’.

As part of her journey, she hopes to share her experience and motivate young people in achieving their goals their set themselves to attain as well is instil confidence in them irrespective of their background.

“We are blown away by the number of high-quality entries that we received this year, and we are deeply appreciative to have met so many wonderful women from all walks of life. The National Casting day was exceptionally difficult, as a substantial number of entrants have what it takes to make a success of this programme,” notes Johnson.

This year, the casting panel was looking for women who have a keen interest in empowering others, display strong family values, and are passionate about making a difference in their community and the world.

Keswa fully embodies the values that Mrs SA holds most dear and is representative of our tagline for the year: #EveryWoman. We look forward to going on this journey with her and her fellow sisters,” concludes Johnson.

Be sure to follow Keswa’s journey on the Mrs South Africa Instagram and Facebook pages.

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Gloomy weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of the swimmers taking on the aQuellé Midmar Mile Charity Challenge over the last two days.

A total of 22 swimmers completed the gruelling 16-Mile Challenge, swimming eight miles on Thursday and eight more on Friday, while there were 231 entrants in the 8-Mile Challenge split over the two days, who raised millions of rand in the process.

Once again completing the 16 miles in the quickest time was Reino von Wielligh, who will also be gunning for a top-10 spot in the men’s elite race on Sunday. His combined time for all 16 miles was six hours, 12 minutes and 11 seconds, while the fastest female swimmer was Emma Carmody, whose time of 6 hours 36 minutes and 48 seconds saw her finishing second overall. Carmody will also be hoping to impress in the elite women’s race on Sunday.

“By the last four, I thought we were going to end it well, but then the wind just picked up and I think the slowest four were the last four,” explained Von Wielligh. “But that’s where you have to dig deep. The tougher it gets the more you think about why you’re doing it,” said Van Wielligh, who had a clear plan of action after his final mile of the day.

“I’m going to get a warm shower, a piece of steak and a good massage, not in that order,” he reckoned.

While this was Von Wielligh’s sixth 16-Mile Challenge, raising money for Happy Bundles, it was a first for Carmody.

“It was an incredible experience. I’ll definitely do it again,” she said afterwards. “The last four was definitely the most challenging thing I’ve ever done but I’m very glad to have finished.”

Meanwhile, among the 8-Mile Challenge swimmers over the past two days was 80-year-old Paul Lanterme, who was raising money for CANSA.

“I wanted to be the oldest person to do it. The last time I did it I was young, I was 76,” he quipped. “Also, I’ve had a couple of friends who have passed away from cancer so this is the fourth time I’ve swum for CANSA.

“To be the oldest person is actually great and tomorrow I’m swimming again with my son and grandson,” added Lanterme, who achieved South African colours for surf lifesaving and in triathlon at masters level.

Also in the group of those completing the 8-Mile Challenge was a former winner of the aQuellé Midmar Mile, Linda Adam.

Adam (then Linda Jardin) took the elite women’s title in 1976, the same year that now-race director Wayne Riddin claimed victory in the men’s race.

“I can’t believe that it’s still going after all this time and that I actually won with Wayne – and I wasn’t even a freestyle swimmer so it was awesome,” said Adam. “It was nothing like it is now… you just got in there and got out here, so it’s a massive change and hats off to Wayne, he’s done brilliantly.”

Adam completed the 8-Mile Challenge for the seventh time. “I love swimming and this year I did it with my daughter – she did it for the first time so I swam with her which was lovely,” she said.

As for her reasons for swimming in aid of Pink Drive, Adam explained: “I have so many people affected by cancer. I swim for somebody every year – that’s why I do it – and this year it’s for my husband so it’s for a brilliant cause.”

Thousands more swimmers will converge on Midmar Dam over the next two days as the main events get underway. Those still wishing to swim the aQuellé Midmar Mile can enter on the day at the dam but should arrive two hours before their race. For more details, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

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Many champions have graced the podium in the 50-year history of the aQuellé Midmar Mile and numerous characters have emerged as stalwarts of the iconic event.

One such swimmer, who has gone somewhat under the radar despite her enormous success, is Rita Townsend.

The 66-year-old is the mother of 2004 Olympic relay champion and former world record-holder Darian Townsend but has also notched up an impressive record of her own.

The Pietermaritzburg swimmer first competed in the aQuellé Midmar Mile in 1981, when she and husband Ted moved to the city.

They didn’t return to the event until the 1990s though, once their children were older, and Townsend then began her triumphant run at Midmar. Her age group victories have spanned a remarkable four decades (three in the 31-40 category, seven in the 41-50, eight in the 51-60s and three so far in the 61-70s).

Victory wasn’t necessarily Townsend’s main motivation over the years, however. “I enjoy keeping fit and following a healthy lifestyle,” she explained. “Swimming is the easiest way for me to exercise. My main aim is to keep healthy and keep the bulges at bay but I don't have the time to put in the mileage that I would like to.”

Much of Townsend’s time is taken up by teaching and coaching others and many a young Pietermaritzburg swimmer has come through her ranks.

“As a swimming teacher and coach at junior school level, I am hugely satisfied when I have instilled a love of swimming in the children I teach who go on to swimming competitively at club level or enjoy participating in our Midmar Mile,” she said.

“Competitive swimming keeps youngsters constructively busy, away from too much TV and computer games, and off the streets. Swimming at Midmar Dam and the beach over the weekends were our go-to places when our children were growing up.”

Asked what brings her back to the event each year, Townsend explained: “Partly because Midmar is right on our doorstep but mainly because [race director] Wayne

Riddin puts on such a spectacular swimming event each year. It becomes an exciting event to take part in and for spectators to be there. Also, it is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and swimmers from all over the country.”

As for the chances of winning a 22nd age group title this weekend, Townsend admits she isn’t too certain.

“I’m not terribly confident of winning this year. I didn’t win it last year. I’ve never actually won an entire decade. As you get to the top of a decade, you’re racing against people much younger than yourself… that’s how it happens. I don’t always win and that’s ok.

“This year I think I’m just going to be happy to get on the podium because I know there are a lot of good swimmers out there that are actually better swimmers than myself… the bottom line is – do your best on the day and hope you swim the straightest line so that you don’t swim any extra metres. I’m pretty sure there’ll be stiff competition out there with this being the 50th anniversary of the Midmar Mile so I’m looking forward to seeing a whole bunch of blasts from the past and we’ll see how it goes on the day.”

The aQuellé Midmar Mile takes place from 9-12 February 2023 at Midmar Dam in KwaZulu-Natal. Online entries are now closed. Those still wishing to swim can enter on the day at the dam but should arrive two hours before their race. For more details, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

Photo credits: Action Photo SA

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Your nearest branch is in Hilton, call 087 702 8542.

We’ve definitely had weather for ducks and not bowlers recently!

Unfortunately the rain seems to have been tuned into our tabs in times each day and so we haven’t been able to get on to the greens too much in the last week. Of course it hasn’t put too much of a damper on The Midlands Hillbilles who are always up for a bit of a “kuier” and a laugh regardless of the weather.

Our Hillbillies are the social bowlers in our club who join us every Wednesday, starting between 4.30 and 5pm. This is a great crowd to join if you’re just looking for a fun social game of bowls, or if you’re new to the game and want to get a bit of knowledge and experience, but without any pressure.

Aside from normal trips and fours formats, you can quite often find them playing a few rounds of Last Man Standing which always gets quite festive. The great thing about Last Man Standing is that even the most inexperienced of bowlers will still be able to play and have a really great time regardless of skills. As long as you’re not the furthest away from the jack you’re still safe!

Also, The Hillbillies are a really friendly bunch, so if you’re not sure of the rules or have never rolled a bowl there’s always someone who is willing to guide you and help you along. They definitely fit the description of a “social club with a bowling problem”. The only word of warning we can give is that the laughter and jokes do sometimes get a little loud, but then as the old saying goes, if it’s too loud you’re too old.

Hillbillie membership is R600 per year, and tabs fees are then R20 per Wednesday. Visitors are welcome at R30 per game and for any prospective bowlers we always have some club bowls around that can be used on the day so no need to spend money on your own bowls whilst deciding if it’s the game for you!

For any additional information please contact Wendy on 071 353 2866, or alternatively come along one Wednesday afternoon and see what it’s all about.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, 21 February : J Leslie Smith Drawn 2-4-2 Nominated Mixed Pairs. Tabs In 08h15
Friday, 24 February : SGK Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45
Wednesday, 1 March : Halfway Toyota Drawn Trips. Tabs In 13h15
Saturday, 4 March : Greendale Spar 3 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 13h15

Regular tabs in times are:-
Tuesdays at 08h15
Wednesdays at 13h15
Saturdays at 13h15.

Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact Wendy on 071 353 2866

Coaching by registered coaches is available: Contact Colin or Bernice on 071 164 3162 for further information.

Pictured here: Our club President and one of the founding members of The Midlands Hillbillies, Kevin Palmer, proudly displaying a Hillbillie trophy!

More about Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club

SAT goes digital for SA students

South African students taking the SAT this year will be part of the first cohort to complete the tests digitally. The shift from written to digital tests comes into effect in March, alongside other key changes, including significantly shorter wait time for results, and the use of an adaptive question model. For local high school students looking to study in the United States, taking note of these changes is essential as they prepare for a new testing format that they have not been exposed to before.

“The SAT is a standardised tests that acts as a student’s benchmark against other applicants. International students, like South Africans, can benefit from taking them to increase their chance of admission, as they are a well-recognised scoring system for many US universities – and a common prerequisite to entry,” says Rebecca Pretorius, Country Manager at Crimson Education, a global mentorship company that helps students with the complex application process to top universities abroad.

While digital testing opens up a number of possibilities, it does not mean that students will be able to complete their SAT at home. The tests will still be conducted at designated testing centres across the country, where they can be monitored by examiners. Those sitting their SAT will have the option to either use a supplied device, or to bring their own. Having all students sit the test in one venue also decreases the chance of load shedding causing issues.

“Technical issues are likely a big concern for local students, with load shedding stages often shifting quickly, and without advance notice. The digital SAT has catered for this, by including a fail-safe that saves data in case of technical problems. This means students can take the tests, with the peace of mind that their progress won’t be lost if load shedding hits,” says Pretorius.

Along with the shift from written to digital, there are a number of other changes to the SAT format. The most notable is that the test will only be two hours long, instead of the standard three hours, and it will be adaptive. This means that certain questions will be based on each student’s answers in previous sections. While the content will not be changing, the questions will be quite different to previous SATs.

“There will be four sections – two reading and writing sections, and two maths sections. The second section of each topic will be based off of the previous answers each student gave. Not only will this make the results more precise, but it will also mean students receive their answers in a matter of days, instead of waiting weeks,” says Pretorius.

With the changes coming into effect in March, it is fundamental that students remember how important preparation is. “Strong academics is the most important component of successful admission. The SAT showcases a student’s problem-solving abilities, and are unlike tests that South African students have experienced before. Unique test-taking strategies, and preferably working with a tutor, are needed if local students want to get a top score on the SAT,” says Pretorius.

The registration deadline for the next sitting of the SAT is the 7th of April, 2023, with the test taking place on the 8th of May. Students looking to prepare can download Crimson’s free Mini SAT Practice Test, which includes sample questions, answers, and explanations. The practice test helps students get a better understanding of what they’ll encounter on the SAT and how best to strategise for each section. Crimson also hosts regular events with expert speakers and regular, free SAT Masterclasses.

Crimson’s personalised mentoring approach is designed to help students gain admission into the Ivy League, Oxbridge, and other top universities around the world. Their university admissions and application counselling model connects students to the world’s best tutors and mentors to deliver individualised support to students to reach their personal education and career goals. For more information, visit www.crimsoneducation.org/za.

With the chaos of January out of way, we are now well and truly settled into the rhythm and routine of a brand-new year. A new year is always a good time to set new resolutions, targets, and goals that you hope to achieve over the next few months.

In a corporate environment, creating lasting change is crucial if managers want to maintain sustainable growth. Lasting change is essentially modifications that are widely accepted by and fully integrated into the organisational culture and processes, resulting in a new status quo.

Not only does it ensure that the business remains consistent in their processes and management structure, but lasting change also provides for a constant review of how you approach and prepare to tackle challenges.

Mariet Visser, coach, trainer, and the co-founder of We Do Change - is on a mission to empower others to transform and enrich their work lives with lasting change. She shares six invaluable tips on how businesses can do exactly that during this year.

1. Stay abreast of technology
The business and economic landscape is constantly evolving, fuelled by a growing emphasis on digital transformation and globalisation. Added to this are the needs and expectations of your customer which are also changing with the pace of technology. To remain relevant and retain a competitive edge, organisations must adapt and respond as quickly and efficiently as possible to meet the fast-paced changes that come with living in an inter-connected world.

2. Be deliberate and measured
Approach change in phases or incrementally, rather than all at once. This will lessen the shock and not overwhelm the organisation and its people, and thus mitigate the likelihood of change fatigue. Lasting change is more likely to be sustainable if the changes that have been introduced are accepted and adopted by the people in your organisation. This will help create a sense of positivity and excitement, and lead to increased performance and a retention of talent.

Remember to regularly reflect on the changes and refine and adjust where necessary to ensure that they are sustainable and are achieving the desired results.

3. Avoid a culture shock
The last few years have presented us with unprecedented and unusual challenges, leading to a fundamental shift in our working habits and lifestyle. Many businesses have embraced the convenience of remote work, but it is now crucial that we pause and reflect on its effects and understand and evolve our ways of working. Organisations will require a fresh collaborative approach to employee engagement, fostering connection and a sense of belonging, to accommodate these shifts.

4. Adopt a safe-to-fail manner
Lasting change can be established by gaining agreement on the opportunities for improvement, brainstorming small yet measurable experiments to achieve the desired results, and executing such experiments in a safe-to-fail manner.

These are essentially small experiments which are tested in a low risk-controlled environment, to reduce the chance of fear holding us back from trying and not getting it right the first time around. Once an idea has been tested and possibly enhanced through the testing process, applying this to a larger portion of the organisation will be easier as people will already know what potential results to expect from adopting this change.

5. Don’t leave anyone out
We already know that communication is key when implementing any form of change but so too are the people in an organisation. People want to know they have job security, and opportunities to upskill and train so they have the necessary capabilities to effectively implement and adopt the changes.

People in the organisation play a crucial role in the success of lasting changes so make sure you are communicating to all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners, who may either be affected by the change, or have influence over it. Clarity in the process creates certainty which aid in people embarking on the change.

6. Lead by example
Not doing so will severely impact the change becoming lasting or make it short-lived. Effective leadership can help to build buy-in, create a transparent and shared vision for the change, and drive successful implementation and adoption.

To achieve lasting and impactful change, it is imperative to take people on the journey, connecting them with the why and involving them in the how.

To read more about WE DO CHANGE or to engage with one of their experts visit: www.wedochange.io or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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The graduate class of 2022 is ready to kick off their professional lives, but for many, the first priority will be paying off their student loans. With the pressure to meet repayment deadlines, combined with a dwindling supply of entry-level positions, graduates are eager to jump at the first opportunity to make some money. For those who are not keen to spend the next year scraping by on an internship salary, teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) overseas presents an alternative option to earn a decent income, gain experience, and pay off a student loan, relatively quickly.

“With countries like China reopening their borders, we are seeing TEFL teaching opportunities increasing to pre-pandemic levels. Whether graduates decide to teach for six months or three years, TEFL can put them on a path to financial freedom, and help them accumulate the experience and skills they need to stand out in a competitive job market,” says Rhyan O’Sullivan, Managing Director at The TEFL Academy, South Africa’s leading provider of TEFL courses and qualifications.

Qualified teachers can expect to earn between R190 and R560 per hour, based on experience. In addition to being higher than the usual hourly salary for an entry-level job in South Africa, there is the added benefit of choosing to live on a beach in Bali, or a forest village in Indonesia. For graduates that need to start paying off their loans within six months of their graduation, a TEFL qualification – which can be completed in four to six weeks – can help ease the pressure to meet the first repayment deadline. Based on the cost of living in their country of choice, there might even be a little left over to save.

In terms of getting overseas, graduates will have an easier time securing a work visa, which is an essential prerequisite for entry to most countries. “In many of our most popular teaching destinations, a tertiary qualification in any discipline – whether it is in the humanities or engineering – is a requirement for entry to the country. This means they have a higher chance of securing a teaching post at their top location,” says O’Sullivan.

In addition to paying back student loans, graduates will gain invaluable work experience that they can take to their desired fields. “There are multiple career benefits to TEFL, such as the development of strong communication and organisational skills, but it can also be incredible for personal growth. Moving to another country teaches individuals to become self-sufficient and self-reliant, while contributing to the growth of another country’s population. All these skills are transferable, valued in the workplace, and can help further a career in any field,” says O’Sullivan.

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 where potential teachers can browse through over 1 500 international teaching opportunities. They also offer internships, which provide a higher level of support than standard TEFL jobs, to help teachers kick-start their TEFL careers. For more information, visit theteflacademy.com.

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As new owners of Stage House, we each hope to add a little bit more of our creative flare, we have always had a keen interest in interior decorating and something which we are passionate about. We have all each had different experiences in the working world that can contribute significantly to growing Stage House.

Our goal is to grow Stage House in many different areas of the shop and keep supplying great service. We look forward to getting to meet new and old clients and cant wait to make your house a home.”

Meet the Melle’s, a family duo!

Jess - A creative person at heart, who loves to make things beautiful. An entrepreneur is what I love to be. I love chasing sunsets and adventures in new places, sharing a picnic with my fiancé is an all time favourite. I cant wait to let my creativity flow with Stage House and see where the journey takes us. (Pictured top left.)

Cassie - Actually a qualified teacher, mom of a beautiful 6 month old baby girl, a wife to Gareth Melle the owner the Top Carpets Nottingham Road. Passionate about making your homes beautiful, a lover of plants, animals, the beach and exploring new places. (Pictured top right.)

Jeanne - A sewing fanatic and a mean potato bake maker. The one who can always plan with anything. A lover of family time, getting to spend time with all my kids from far and wide is my favourite thing. (Pictured top rmiddle.)

More about Stage House

Our trail team has made some small changes along the River Walk at Karkloof Country Club.

A short section of trail has recently been built that gradually takes you down to the Woodhouse Falls from the contour road above.

We received feedback relating to the initial trail built here that it was a little too steep in some areas. We appreciate the feedback!

After scouting for a new route our team took to their tools; closed the original trail and opened up something new. It offers an easier course down the steep slope, and a stunning view of the Woodhouse Falls as you make your way down the trail.

We would love to have you break in the new trail! Bring your friends and family along with a picnic (dogs on leash are most welcome too!) and enjoy sitting on the river bank.

The walk is 9km in distance. The route takes you past Woodhouse Falls (top falls picnic site) and the bottom picnic site that boasts a spectacular view of the Karkloof Falls. The route starts and finishes at the Karkloof Country Club. Trail users are required to have a day pass or annual membership. Day passes can be purchased at the Bike Shop at the country club.

The Karkloof valley booms with life, you will certainly see a lot of beautiful wildflowers, happy insects and an array of birds along the way (don’t forget to bring your binoc’s!)

We look forward to seeing you!

For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Intrepid swimmers taking on the aQuellé Midmar Mile’s Charity Challenge dived into action at the KwaZulu-Natal dam today.

The hugely popular race has raised millions of rand for charity over the years, but one woman has been particularly prolific in adding to that significant total.

Cape Town swimmer Joanne Barnard has raised over R600,000 in the last 10 years. Having participated in the world’s largest open-water swimming event just for fun for the first time in 2009, Barnard decided to start fundraising in 2014. She chose to focus her efforts on childhood cancer foundation CHOC, one of the official charities of the aQuellé Midmar Mile. The foundation’s mission is to save lives through early detection, and it provides comprehensive support programmes for families affected by cancer.

“The amount that I’ve managed to raise since 2014, including this year, will be just on R610,000. I’m probably going to be able to push it to R620,000 so it’s been quite amazing. It’s been a real, real journey,” explained Barnard, who is taking part in the 8-Mile Charity Challenge once again this year. That means crossing the famous KwaZulu-Natal dam four times on day one and another four times the following day.

Barnard’s target for this year is R130,000 and she has already raised by far the most of any swimmer taking part in this year’s aQuellé Midmar Mile.

Asked how she manages to raise so much each year, Barnard explained: “I have my own accounting business so I have quite a nice database of clients and what I do is I harass them and I send them mails and I send them letters and ask for money.

“I obviously give them the whole background of CHOC and the importance of the charity. I think that I can put my success down to the fact that I’ve made them aware of it. Any stories that come through about CHOC I share with them, and having a good relationship with my clients also helps. In the beginning I used to be quite shy to ask for money and now in my 10th year if they are slightly unsure, I just keep on pushing and telling them it’s for the sick children, so they need to help.”

Barnard said knowing the money is going to such a meaningful cause means she never struggles with finding the motivation to keep fundraising.

“In the last few years what happens is that when we get our CHOC bags with our costumes and everything, what they do is the children actually write us a little note and they address it to you. Then they will say – thank you so much for doing this for us. And that in itself is such a huge motivation.

“For me, I have my health and I know that there are so many children that are ill and their families get torn apart. So that just motivates me to keep going and to raise the funds and I know that every single cent actually goes towards helping these children and their families.”

As for her advice to those who may still be deciding whether or not to take part in the 50th aQuellé Midmar Mile this weekend, Barnard reckoned: “If you enjoy swimming and you love the water, just do it. Just get in there, and join in.

“It is the most unbelievable experience that you will have. Thousands of people getting in the water and not everyone swims it to win it… Join us and come and have some fun. It’s going to be an awesome year.”

The 50th aQuellé Midmar Mile takes place from 9-12 February 2023 at Midmar Dam in KwaZulu-Natal, with the 8- and 16-Mile Charity Challenge being swum on 9 and 10 February and the main events on 11 and 12 February. Online entries are now closed. Those still wishing to swim can enter on the day at the dam but should arrive two hours before their race. For more details, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

Photo credit: Action Photo SA

Supplied.

And into February we go, with a relatively quiet week!

Our mixed pairs club competitions are almost through the first rounds. During the course of the week the following games were played:-

Graham Sharp & Melanie Ross won against Koos Marais & Sheridan Schraader. Well done to Graham and Mel, who picked up an 8 on their 17th end which put enough of a shot difference between the teams to make catch up quite a challenge.

Colin Burden & Chantal D’Hotman won against Neil Wright and Lisa Nagel. Theirs was a very close game with the teams going into the last end peeled on 17, however Colin and Chantal picked up one shot to win.

Well done to all players on great games!

The snooker club is starting to take shape with games being played on alternative Friday's and also on Wednesday evenings. As we get more players we'll formalize things a bit more and start running some competitions.

Friday Night Lights is also starting to come along nicely with our next game coming up this Friday at 5.15pm. That’s definitely going to be a fun one.

Our new greenskeeper is settling in nicely with only one hiccup…. GOATS! Only in Africa do you have to chase goats off the greens!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, 8 February : Halfway Toyota Drawn Trips. Tabs In 13h15
Saturday, 11 February : Greendale Spar 3 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 13h15
Tuesday, 21 February : J Leslie Smith Drawn 2-4-2 Nominated Mixed Pairs. Tabs In 08h15
Friday, 24 February : SGK Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45

Regular tabs in times are:-
Tuesdays at 08h15
Wednesdays at 13h15
Saturdays at 13h15.

Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact Wendy on 071 353 2866

Coaching by registered coaches is available: Contact Colin or Bernice on 071 164 3162 for further information.

Picture here: Our new greenskeeper in action chasing goats!

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