Call for papers for third JOMBA! MASIHAMBISANE DIALOGUES – 24 to 26 May

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts in partnership with Warwick University (UK) and the African Dance Disability Network, calls for submissions of abstracts, papers and digital participation for the third annual JOMBA! MASIHAMBISANE DIALOGUES, a colloquium to engage in robust and meaningful conversations around contemporary dance, online from 24 to 26 May.

JOMBA!’s curator, Dr. Lliane Loots is working with Warwick’s Prof. Yvette Hutchison on a two-year UKRI – AHRC funded research project entitled Encountering disability through contemporary dance in Africa, and thus the colloquium will focus into the provocation of “Integrated dance practices: moving centres”. A host of dance, practitioners, academics and associates are expected to participate including Joseph Tebandeke, a Ugandan dancer and choreographer based in Kampala, who will be one of the key-note speakers at this edition. The actual colloquium will be presented online and open to public viewing.

This third annual JOMBA! MASIHAMBISANE DIALOGUES, hosted in the 25th anniversary year of the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, sets out to engage scholarship, pedagogy and practices into integrated dance as an embodied form with a particular African focus, without being exclusive.

The call out for papers, digital scholarship and any new integrated forms of knowledge sharing is open and closes on 4 April 2023. For more details or to download the official call-out frame of reference go to https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/masihambisane-dialogues/

Photo: Ugandan dancer and choreographer Joseph Tebandeke in full flight! Pic supplied

'Another vital asset added to our inventory to expand the array of services that we provide to our valued customers.' said Midlands Septic Services on the launch of their newest offering.

John Smithers
082 337 2049

Travis Smithers
072 776 9378

“LOVE SONG” is FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY’s first performance offering of 2023 in which they partner with the KZNSA Gallery to offer – for two performances only - a site responsive and intimate dance experience that is sure to ignite passion and beauty. Performances take place on Friday 31 March and Saturday 1 April at 6.30pm.

“LOVE SONG” collaboratively created by the full company (Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Zinhle Nzama, Sbonga Ndlovu, Siseko Duba and Ndumiso Dube) under the choreographic direction of Lliane Loots, is a mesmerising journey into the heartland of the workings of the heart and how we love. Love is explored through bonds of friendship, intimate partners, as well as the social connection we share as community.

Loots says, “at a time in our collective histories as South Africans, where so much seems impossible, we decided as a company to create a new dance work that really celebrates the power of how we connect (and maybe disconnect?) and that finds strength in the bonds we share as human beings. Far from looking away and avoiding the fault lines of our current lives, “LOVE SONG” looks at how this terrain is navigates in how we choose to love”. She goes on to say, “I have been humbled – as I always am – by the stories lovingly shared by the FLATFOOT dancers whose own choreographic journey is celebrated in this new work”.

FLATFOOT once again push themselves to embrace new ways of making and thinking dance. “LOVE SONG” will dazzle and delight as the dancer move you to be moved by them!

The KZNSA Gallery (Glenwood) will be open from 5.30pm on both 31 March and 1 April with a special dinner menu for those who want to eat, and the bar/coffee bar will be open both before and after the show. Running time if the show is 55 minutes.

Tickets are R100 (12 years and under -R80 and booking is essential due to limited seating capacity (contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Pictured here: FLATFOOT's Siseko Duba (jumping) and Ndumiso 'Digga' Dube in the up-coming "LOVE SONG"

Photo credit: VAL ADAMSON

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This past week a Trevi Mile Rainbow graced the sky when the whole college took on the Trevi Mile Run. This route that goes out and back on the stables road from Clewlow Field and has a nasty climb to end.

Kai Broom and Karijn Kooy came out victorious for Harland in times of 4:56 and 6:32 respectively. Final scores as follows: Harland 20 , Campbell 18, Jonsson 12.

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Howick High School is most excited to present, by arrangement with DALRO (Pty) Ltd, a production of the musical ‘Annie’.

Performances will take place on 28, 29 and 30 March in the Howick High School hall.

Tickets are R60 each and can be booked at the school office or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Our Grade 11 fundraising committee will be selling refreshments to raise funds for the Matric Farewell.

More about Howick High School

Green Corridors recently announced the reopening of the Inanda Wilderness Park, a much-appreciated community focal point in Ward 44, at a small gathering of partners, community members and people representing local leadership, schools and the elderly.

As gatherings could not be held during the hard lockdown periods of the COVID pandemic, the site was vulnerable to vandalism, and it was thus decommissioned.

Now with a focussed strategy to inject new life into the site, Green Corridors will reignite its programmes so that the local community especially school groups, and the elderly will be able to benefit from its offerings.

The concept of the Inanda Wilderness Park is that it is a unique multigenerational park facility that focuses on the promotion of health and wellness through an important partnership with the eThekwini Municipality, Green Corridors, the University of KwaZulu-Natal and new partners Kinship Programme. It takes a therapeutic approach through the provision of occupational therapy and environmental education through programmes promoting human development, ecology and sustainable living.

“The land belongs to Inanda Seminary School, and through the IWP programme we are able to manage this underutilized open space, which would otherwise be a hotspot for criminal activity or illegal dumping,” explains Nomfundo Phewa of Green Corridors. “We are bringing people closer to the open environment to harness the therapeutic healing abilities of nature. We do this by the preservation of our biodiversity and exposing children to the open environment from an early age so they are able to value and understand the open environment. This space is conserved as a natural habitat to provide a safe recreation space for children, the elderly and visitors to the area, as well as small animals and birds.”

The site is situated at the headwaters of the Gobhogobho River and is operated by Green Corridors. The park and its programmes will be managed by Wilderness Parks Coordinator Nompilo Ngcobo and Youth Mentor Nhlakanipho Machi with support from three wilderness parks site assistants.

Green Corridors will be working closely with the local community to ensure the continued integrity of the park. Physical activities for the elderly such as exercise and vegetable cultivation will be offered in conjunction with Masisizane Service/Drop in Centre, a day facility for the elderly in this area. Learner groups from schools will be able to take part in environmental education as well as use the park for physical development programmes.

The IWP will be open Mondays to Fridays, from 07h00 – 15h00

Green Corridors always welcomes volunteers to work within its many programmes which aim to connect people to their natural environment. To become involved email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information go to www.greencorridors.co.za

Photo credit: Val Adamson

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Ever wondered what all the “nooks and cranny’s” of your outer ear are for?

Known as the pinna, this part of the ear acts as an acoustic antenna and is made of ridged cartilage covered by skin. Although its shape may look haphazard and random, the pinna's structure of “hills” and “valleys” allow us to interpret the sounds of the world around us.

If the sounds captured by your pinna aren’t loud enough for you to hear, it may be time for a free hearing screening or comprehensive hearing test with Butlin Hearing. Contact Claire or Mark in one of our two branches to book your appointment.

Call our Howick office on 033 330 3966, or Pietermaritzburg office on 033 342 2330 and let Butlin Hearing welcome you to the world of sound!

Dear artists. The Howick Arts Society’s March meeting will be held in the Amber Valley auditorium at 1:30 for 2pm on Monday 6th of March. We have an exciting presentation from Joy Preiss on Portraits. Our theme is rock formations so we are looking forward to seeing what the artists have created.

PLEASE NOTE; the Amber Valley entrance is being renovated, so entry is through Amber Ridge.

Contact 076 981 7458
Follow us on Instagram: howick_arts_society

In support of Rare Diseases South Africa organisation, our children at Heritage House Preschool, were encouraged to dress in an array of bright colours on Rare Diseases Day, which is held annually on the last day of February. These two kiddies, were undoubtedly the brightest amongst the many, who made the effort to create awareness. For those who may have a rare disease and are not aware of this organisation you may like to learn more at https://www.rarediseases.co.za/

Remember to love where you live, love local and tell your mates about the small businesses in Howick that delight and inspire you. This newsletter features more ways you can do business in your neighbourhood with amazing locals like; Dormehl Property Group Midlands, eL Intimates, Tersia Grobler (Pastoral Narrative Therapist) and more.

'In a world where you can buy anything from anywhere, first spend your money where you live, to improve our KZN Midlands neighbourhood'.

If you have some stories to share about the local businesses you rely on day after day, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Meanwhile please subscribe so we can see who is part of this local loving tribe.

Read the newsletter online.

And BOOK your annual Howick Covered print advert for Edition 9, coming out mid-winter in 2023.

#LoveLocalRealHard

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1st - Howick
2nd - Estcourt
3rd - Management Services Coastal

Congratulations to our #topperformers for February 2023. This counts as the first month of the new year for awards.

We had a bit of a quiet week last week at UWBC.

No competitions but we did have some great tabs in sessions.

On Wednesday evening our Hillbillies played “Lord of the Rings”; the game is set up with three rings drawn on the green around the jack at different distances. Each ring has a point allocated to it and the players score according to which ring their bowl ends in. All the Hillbillies had a fantastic time, with Steve Smith finishing in first place with 50 points, followed by Clint Nortje on 46 points and Shayne Knott on 41 points. Well done to all who participated!

On Saturday afternoon we hosted a bowls themed 40th birthday… what a party! After a very basic intro session, we had 6 full rinks of non-bowlers on our greens, trying their hand at “old man’s marbles”. So much laughter and fun and some natural talent too! After bowls the partygoers had dinner in the clubhouse, followed by a bit of “tekkie squeaking” on the dance floor. Everyone had an awesome time and there were many guests who have found out just how fun and challenging bowls can be.

For information on hiring our clubhouse for functions, please contact Wendy on 071 353 2866.

On Friday Night we’ll be hosting our Friday Night Lights 4-3-2-1 competition. Entry fee is R70 per player including a beef or chicken burger between sessions. There’s a cash prize of R350 for the winner and R150 for the runner up. Space is limited to 24 players; to enter please contact Wendy on 071 353 2866. For those wanting to spectate and not play burgers are R40 each.

Our quiz evening is only a few days away! Put your thinking caps on and join us on Saturday, the 18th of March at 5.30pm. Anyone is welcome to enter at a cost of R50 per person which includes dinner of vetkoek and mince. Teams are limited to a maximum of 4 people, however you do not need to enter a full team as we can make teams up as needed. For more information or to enter, please contact Wendy on 071 353 2866.

Another event coming up is an all day competition on the 21st of March which is being sponsored by J Leslie Smith & Co, as well as Oakleigh Funeral Home. This will be open 3 bowl trips, starting at 8.30am at a cost of R420 per team, including tea and lunch. The first two sessions will be 12 ends,, followed by a final session of 14 ends. There are some nice cash prizes up for grabs, as well as session prizes and a raffle which will be drawn on the day. To enter a team, please contact Lisa on 084 586 6984.

That’s all for this week… see you on the greens!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Friday, 17 March : Friday Night Lights. Tabs In 17h15
Saturday, 18 March : Quiz Night 17h30
Tuesday, 21 March : J Leslie Smith & Oakleigh Funeral Home Open Trips. Tabs In 08h15
Friday, 31 March : Dormehl 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 Caption: Our partygoers getting a quick intro session from Steve Smith. 

We have baskets galore for both decorative and functional purposes. Clear up some clutter in the home by placing any loose items into our gorgeous woven baskets! Get in contact today or visit one of our stores for more at The Ugly Duckling.

What have we been up to at UWBC for the past week?

Wednesday the 1st of March was our monthly Halfway Toyota competition; we had a relatively small field of 16 players but still some great bowling to watch. Congratulations to the winning team of Ed Speed and Jo Boonzaier, as well as to the runners up who were Colin Burden and Mary Steytler.

Friday the 3rd of March was a really fun evening of Friday Night Lights. This was the second time we’ve played on a Friday evening and what an awesome time we had. The format was 4-3-2-1, with two sessions of 8 ends, followed by a bring and share braai. There was lots of laughter and merriment and some amazing shots delivered. The winner of the R500 cash prize, was Peter Storm with a score of 26. Second prize went to Rob Andrew with 24 shots and third was Barbara Hook on 22. Well done to the winners and thank you to all those who joined us to play, spectate and braai; we’re looking forward to growing this competition which will be played on the first and third Friday of every month starting at 5.15pm.

On Saturday the 4th of March we played our monthly Greendale competition. We had a nice field of 24 players and all who took part thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Thank goodness the rain came down at tea time when we were all inside! Well done to Bruce (visiting all the way from Underberg), David Mainprize and Pat Ciro on their win.

On the 18th of March we’ll be hosting a fun quiz evening starting at 5.30pm. Anyone is welcome to enter at a cost of R50 per person which includes dinner of vetkoek and mince. Teams are limited to a maximum of 4 people, however you do not need to enter a full team as we can make teams up as needed. For more information or to enter, please contact Wendy on 071 353 2866.

Another event coming up is an all day competition on the 21st of March which is being sponsored by J Leslie Smith & Co, as well as Oakleigh Funeral Home. This will be open 3 bowl trips, starting at 8.30am at a cost of R420 per team, including tea and lunch. The first two sessions will be 12 ends,, followed by a final session of 14 ends. There are some nice cash prizes up for grabs, as well as session prizes and a raffle which will be drawn on the day. To enter a team, please contact Lisa on 084 586 6984.

That’s all for this week… see you on the greens!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Friday, 17 March : Friday Night Lights. Tabs In 17h15
Saturday, 18 March : Quiz Night 17h30
Tuesday, 21 March : J Leslie Smith & Oakleigh Funeral Home Open Trips. Tabs In 08h15
Friday, 31 March : Dormehl 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 Caption – Friday Night Lights winners Barbara Hook, Peter Storm & Rob Andrew (L to R) 

Water Tanks Are An Essential Component In Ensuring Ongoing Food Security

Food security has been a global concern for some time now, with about a tenth of the world's population suffering from acute hunger. The figures, and the footage that flash across our screens, is heart wrenching but lurking behind them lies another closely related threat – that of water insecurity.

Unknown to most, the agricultural sector is by far the largest consumer of water, needing about 70% of freshwater to survive but supplies are dwindling fast. Thanks to climate change, more parts of the world, including the likes of South Africa, are experiencing prolonged droughts and less predictable access to water.

On the flip side, global meat production has almost doubled since 1980, and we know that requires about twenty times more water than the production of cereals, vegetables, or fruits. Added to this is a world population keeps increasing, which in turn increases the demand for meat, fresh fruits, vegetables, and off course clean water.

“Consumers, especially those in developing countries, are the first to be hit by a crisis of any kind, but the scale and magnitude of water insecurity, and the corresponding affects to hunger and poverty is likely to be colossal,” warns Mannie Ramos Jnr, a champion of water as the most important currency in Africa and the COO of Abeco.

The dichotomy is definitely disturbing but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Some countries have already started to adopt new irrigation technologies to help save water that would otherwise evaporate, divert water that would otherwise be used downstream, and induce increased water use by improving the profitability of irrigation. As a pioneer in water storage solutions, Abeco have been working hard to do their bit, considerably increasing water productivity in the agriculture sector by storing plenty more green and blue water.

Water continuity through water storage can close the risk gap

According to Ramos, storing water in tanks for agricultural purposes is not new, nor is it an option but simply a necessity. As previous water crises in South Africa have shown us, the need to plan and track water consumption and save for continuity of service is essential. Water storage is almost an insurance plan, safeguarding, farmers, retailers, and everyday consumers from the risks of potential water interruption.

“Water is not only essential for agriculture but can also improve a farmer’s ability to grow food, raise livestock and produce cash crops. Hens especially detest changes to their routine and a sudden interruption to their daily water consumption can stop them laying eggs for up to two weeks, which can be devasting for an egg farmer,” explains Ramos.

Although rainfall in South Africa has always been unpredictable, by using a combination of rainwater harvesting and innovative water storage solutions, farmers can benefit from year-round supply and reduce their reliance on other water sources. Innovative reverse osmosis, UV systems, fine filters and agitator systems ensures that the water storage tanks are clean and safe to re-use when cleaning machinery or feeding livestock.

These water saving interventions can be costly for sure but the return on investment is a small price to pay, in comparison to the potentially devasting effects of doing nothing. “More research and investment into these technology solutions needs to be a high priority for every agricultural industry or the gap between demand for water, and the supply thereof will continue to widen, ultimately affecting food security,” he adds.

Failure to plan, is planning to fail

With the right water policies, the world can successfully meet the challenges posed by increasing water scarcity, not only improving water and food security, but also making a large dent in the 4.7 billion people currently at risk of hunger. Abeco is already encouraging positive action, working with some of South Africa’s biggest companies like Jumbo Brands, Nestle, Tiger Brands, RCL Foods, Spar and Distell to ensure long term food and water security in South Africa.

It is a monumental task for sure, but the risk of not doing anything is far worse, effectively thwarting the United Nations Sustainable Development goal of ending global hunger by 2030. Instead, an estimated 530 million people will be at immediate risk of hunger by 2050, including 155 million in sub-Saharan Africa and 140 million in South Asia.

“Water insecurity could also affect nutritional quality, which is a subcategory of food insecurity. Without water to cook healthier foods like grains and beans, people are left with no option than to rely on unhealthy, and often more expensive ready-to-eat processed foods,” warns Ramos.

The case for improved water supply and sanitation and better management of water resources is unambiguous in its significance. Not only can it boost the economic growth of a country but more importantly, it can contribute greatly to reducing hunger and poverty. And it simply starts with a water storage tank!

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Giving is one of life's greatest joys. Here's how you can do your bit for the helpless animals of uMngeni:

Include us in your Will
Sponsor a kennel for R200 a month (remember, it's tax-deductible)
If you are thinning out in the garden, our Main Centre will happily accept what you might have thrown away
Donate books, clothes and any good-quality second-hand items to our charity shops
Buy dog food, clothes, and household items at our charity shops
Don’t forget to pop something into an uMngeni SPCA collection at the supermarket

EFT:
uMngeni SPCA
Bank: Nedbank
Branch: 198 765
Account: 1133791700

Zapper: https://zapper.com/url/dUDVseEK4z

THANK YOU TO OUR INCREDIBLE COMMUNITY FOR ALL THAT YOU DO

Jason Keough participated in the Ilovo Wartburg Classic Mtb and Trail Series (1st ROAG Quattro Series Event for 2023 season.) this past Saturday 25th February 2023.

This was a double points event. (First race of the 2023 season and second to last for the 2022 season. Last event in 2 weeks time.) He had an absolutely awesome ride, finishing on top of the podium in his Sprog Boys age category in the 25km race. Finished 3rd in his new Sub Junior Age Category. He was the 4th rider home overall in the 25km event.

Well done Jason.

More about Howick Preparatory School

Treverton College school boys youngest to compete and first in their category at the Expedition Africa-Mnweni-Drakensburg 120 km Adventure Race

Treverton College Matric students, Kai Broom and Jarred van Alphen, aged 18 and 17, came first in the two man team category in the Expedition Africa 120 km Adventure Race which was held on Saturday. They were also the youngest competitors in the 120 km event.

John Collins who is one of the top Adventure Racers in the world was part of the 4 man (Merrell Songlines) team which came first in the 200 km race. Both he and his brother, Mark Collins are alumni of Treverton College.

Kai Broom says “This was a 12-24hr 120km adventure race. It consisted of 4 legs, the first one was a 40km track, we had to summit the berg and back down, we had to find the check points along the way and if you didn’t you obviously got disqualified. The second leg was a 20km bike ride to a dam, then the third leg was a 12km paddle across the dam and of course finding the check-points. The last leg was a 25km cycle back to the finish. It took us sixteen hours and five minutes to finish the race. We did have a few issues - we got a little bit lost in the forest, it rained a lot and there was lots of lightning and we got drenched. Jarred also got a few cramps but nothing we couldn’t handle, it was super fun. It was a challenge but we managed to finish top of our category and second overall.”

This extreme adventure race route was designed to take roughly 12 hours for the top teams to finish and 24 hours for the last team to finish. The first trekking leg had 2 170m of altitude gain and loss alone. The Expedition Africa-Mnweni-Drakensburg 120 km Adventure Race forms part of the Africa Series which is part of the Adventure Racing World Series and for the first time ever Adventure Racing World Champs will be held in South Africa in the Eastern Cape in October.

For further information please visit https://expafrica.net/expedition-africa-drakensberg/

Pictured here L-R: Jarred van Alphen and Kai Broom

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