Happy National Pet Day!

Please also consider making a donation to animals less fortunate.

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

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

uMngeni SPCA

Calling All artists and photographers, it is time to compete for great prizes! Only R50 per ADULT entry and children enter for FREE! Celebrate Bees, Celebrate World Bee Day!

WORLD BEE DAY - Art & Photography competition

OPEN TO ALL AGES

Entry forms available on www.sabio.org.za

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

Entries close at midnight on Monday 16 May 2022!

Rising SA swimming sensation Matt Sates claimed his first World Championships and Commonwealth Game qualification time on day two of the SA Swimming Championships in Gqeberha on Thursday.

The 18-year-old, who has been setting the US college circuit alight for the University of Georgia, won the 200m freestyle title in an impressive 1:46.15 to ensure he’s up for selection for the major championships later in the year.

“It was a good one. It’s my first gala long course since Olympics so I’m still getting used to it… but the more racing I do, the faster I’ll get,” he said afterwards.

Sates admitted to struggling with a shoulder injury, which kept him out of the 400m individual medley, also swum on Thursday, as well as the 200m butterfly.

“I can’t do lots of butterfly. Even the freestyle is a little bit hard so to get the qualifying time, I can’t complain.

“It’s quite sore so I have to push through to get some qualifying times and then do rehab and everything after this meet,” he added.

Visiting British swimmer Max Litchfield was second in the 200m freestyle in 1:49.49. Later in the evening Litchfield sped to victory in the 400m individual medley – the event in which he finished joint fourth at the Tokyo Olympics – in 4:15.39, ahead of South Africa’s 10km open water champion Ruan Breytenbach, who was second in 4:27.14.

Meanwhile, Olympic semi-finalist Emma Chelius just missed out on the qualification mark for the 50m freestyle by four hundredths of a second, claiming the title in 25.08 ahead of Erin Gallagher (25.39).

“I felt really good. It’s definitely the fastest I’ve been since Tokyo so that’s always good to come back off quite an exceptional year last year and manage to get so close to that qualifying time,” said Chelius, who set a new South African record of 24.64 in the Olympic semi-final last year.

“I’m going to lead off the 4x50m relay tomorrow so hopefully I’ll have one more shot at that qualifying time. But with the 50 everything just has to come together perfectly – every minute detail. That’s what really counts. So, to be close to the qualifying time is obviously frustrating but I’m hoping it comes together tomorrow.”

In the men’s 100m breaststroke it was Brenden Crawford who got the better of US-based Michael Houlie, winning in a time of 1:01.00 to Houlie’s 1:01.56.

Rebecca Meder took top honours in the 100m backstroke in 1:02.55 to add to the 400m individual medley title she bagged on Wednesday.

Swimming at the Newton Park Swimming Pool continues on Friday and comes to an end on Monday, 11 April.

Pictured here: Sates (top) and Chelius (below).

Supplied.

Up and coming breaststroker Lara van Niekerk provided the highlight of day one of the SA National Swimming Championships in Gqeberha on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old from Pretoria smashed her own national and continental record in the heats of the 50m breaststroke, bettering her previous best of 29.88 with a blistering 29.72 seconds. Van Niekerk became the first South African woman to swim under the 30-second mark in the long course event at the end of last year, and her world-leading time on Wednesday saw her dipping well under the qualifying marks for this year’s World Championships and Commonwealth Games. 

Van Niekerk was slightly slower in the evening final but said an error at the start had cost her. She nevertheless still managed to beat 200m breaststroke Olympic gold medallist and world record holder Tatjana Schoenmaker to the title, finishing in 30.60 ahead of Schoenmaker’s 30.87 (also a qualifying time).

“I expected to PB [personal best] because my times have been really good in training,” said Van Niekerk of her record-breaking swim. “Unfortunately tonight I wanted to go faster but I messed up my start a bit. I didn’t catch my hand at the start so I literally went in in ‘Superman’ position so I came up really far behind. But it happens – rather here than the international stage so I’m happy with the morning swim.”

Also achieving a qualifying time in the morning heats was another teenager, Pieter Coetzé, who won his 100m backstroke heat in 53.96 seconds. His time in the evening final was slower (54.08), but that made little difference.

“I got the qualifying time this morning so the pressure was off,” said the 17-year-old Olympian, who also finished second in the 50m butterfly. “The 50 fly was quite close to the 100 back so I felt it at the end there. I didn’t have time to do a swim down after the fly, so I definitely felt the burn. I felt comfortable going out but the backend is important, so I think that was lacking a bit. But the pressure was off so I was happy with that,” he added.

The other qualifying time of the day came from Aimee Canny, who claimed the 200m freestyle in 1:58.34.

“I was hoping to do it. We’ve been doing a lot of pace in training so I’m very happy with that,” she said afterwards. “I kind of died at the end but I think I went out a bit hard so I’m happy. I surprisingly held on for longer than I thought I would.

“I did a similar time at the Olympics so I’m glad to know I’m back where I was and the training has paid off.”

Meanwhile, just missing out on the qualifying time in the 50m butterfly was 2012 Olympic 200m butterfly champion Chad le Clos who took the title in 23.93 seconds. While he has other events to focus on, the 29-year-old veteran was happy to have at least gotten the better of his young teenage rivals, Coetzé (24.14) and Matt States (24.28), who finished second and third respectively.

“I’m happy. I thought I’d be a bit faster but it’s OK. They’re coming for me these boys, closer and closer every year,” he quipped.

Other winners on the night were Rebecca Meder in the 400m individual medley (4:49.04), Sates in the 400m individual medley (3:49.37), Matthew Randle in the 200m breaststroke (2:14.47) and Erin Gallagher in the 100m butterfly (59.78).

Swimming at the Newton Park Swimming Pool continues on Thursday and comes to an end on Monday, 11 April.

Supplied.

Pictured here Aimee Canny above and Lara Van Niekerk below. 

Come and join specialist guide John Roff on this beautiful walk through a unique part of the second largest indigenous forest in South Africa. Birds, trees, streams and flowers are just a few of the wonders that you will see on this amazing walk. Bring a picnic lunch. R150 per person.

Bookings are essential by emailing Jessica on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A new arrival...A Grey Duiker lamb. 

This lamb came in from the Amber Valley Estate and was unable to walk. There are no broken bones or injuries present and the lamb is in good condition. Our staff have suspected that there may be muscle or tendon damage that may be causing this strange behaviour, so she has been placed on a course of pain medication. 

The lamb has taken well to the bottle and guzzled down her milk. 

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

Why not join our Custodianship Program to show your support for the work we do? Anyone from kids to big businesses can join:

https://www.freemewildlife.org/custodian

Otherwise, if a particular story has touched your heart, and you would like to donate directly to our animal care and vet bills, you are welcome to donate directly through these channels:

FreeMe Wildlife

First National Bank

Branch code: 220 725

Account number: 6214 1246 068

PAYPAL ACCOUNT:

http://paypal.me/FreeMeWildlife

PAYFAST ACCOUNT:

http://www.freemewildlife.org/donate

SWIFT CODE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS:

FIRNZAJJ

Contact number: 033 330 3036

More about FreeMe Wildlife

For once, the rain held off long enough for the monthly competition sponsored by Greendale SuperSpar to take place. We extend thanks to Greendale SuperSpar for their continued sponsorship and the delicious eats they always provide.

RESULTS
The winners of the vouchers to be used at Greendale SuperSpar were Colin Norris and two prospective members, Clare Langstone (ex Bryanston Sports) and Les Johnson (ex Underberg). We look forward to welcoming them as full members of our club in the near future.

Vouchers from Nandos were won by Graham Sharp, Malcolm Tait, Peter Burton, Tim Waring and James Holderness.

THE WINNERS, pictured here: Colin Norris, Clare Langstone and Les Johnson 

FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR APRIL
League commences on 09 April. All teams are wished good bowling.
Wednesday 13 April: Halfway Toyota Tabs In Competition. Tabs In by 13h45
Tuesday, 19 April: J Leslie Smith and Alan Sara Pre-Drawn Trips Competition: Start time: 09h00. Members ensure your name is on the list by Saturday, 16 April. Visitors from other clubs, please contact Richard on 083 269 3508.
Friday, 29 April: Woodstone Nominated Two Bowl Trips. Entries via Woodstone Trips WhatsApp group by Wednesday, 27 April. Any wishing to enter a new team may WhatsApp 071 164 3162

Visitors and prospective new members are always offered a welcome. Regular winter tabs in times with effect from 02 April are Tuesday at 08h45, Wednesday and Saturday at 13h15.

More about Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club

The Sunfield Home shop not only sells beautifully hand-crafted items made by our residents. It also sells preloved items.

You can support us by donating unwanted items to the shop to be sold. For more information please contact us on 033 330 2094 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Howick Hospice hosted their Supporters Evening on Thursday, March 24th 2022 acknowledging those who contributed to our 2021/2022 financial year.

We would like to thank those that were able to attend. And to all those that helped us throughout the year. Howick Hospice is a non-profit organisation.

We do have to ensure that we generate enough to keep us out of the red. Our amazing community has helped us achieve that over the past year and we hope this 2022/2023 year is even better.

Special thanks go to Greendale Superspar & Tops for the donation of eats, Indezi River Creamery and The Dairy Shoppe for delicious cheeses, Distell Group for refreshments, Wedgewood Nougat for Nougat Bon Bons and Angel Biscuits and Oakleigh SA for the fudge treats.

More about Howick Hospice.

Umgeni Waterfall bowling club is made up of two halves. The older experienced players who have represented their club and regions on many levels and the younger up and coming members and social players. The experienced players teach the novices, and everyone gets to play together which is also good fun. The age groups range from over 80 to 12 years. Everyone comes for the fun of playing bowls and the enjoyment of sharing time with a mix of young and the young at heart.

To promote the sport the club hosts many open social days where folks who have never played get the chance to try out their skills. The club assists visitors with the loan of bowls for the day.

As the sport is so addictive, visitors come for a day and leave with a passion for the game.

One can remain a social bowler and just enjoy the fun with likeminded people or improve and become a full member of the club and play in competitions.

Visitors and prospective new members are always offered a warm welcome.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR APRIL
Wednesday 13 April: Halfway Toyota Tabs in Competition. Tabs In by 13h15

Tuesday, 19 April: J Leslie Smith and Alan Sara Pre-Drawn Trips Competition: Start time: 09h00. Members ensure your name is on the list by Saturday, 16 April. Visitors from other clubs, please contact Richard on 083 269 3508.

Friday, 29 April: Woodstone Nominated Two Bowl Trips. Entries via Woodstone Trips WhatsApp group by Wednesday, 27 April. Any wishing to enter a new team may WhatsApp 071 164 3162

Regular winter tabs in times with effect from 02 April are Tuesday at 08h45, Wednesday and Saturday at 13h15.

More about Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club

Chad le Clos added his name to the list of qualifiers for the World Championships and Commonwealth Games at the SA Swimming Championships in Gqeberha on Friday.

The 29-year-old had looked a little sluggish in the morning heats of the 200m butterfly but powered to victory in the final in 1:55.75 to dip under the required time by almost a second.

With that he also secured his 12th consecutive national title in the event.

“I’m over the moon. I was very nervous… not nervous to race anybody but I needed to qualify,” said the 2012 Olympic champion, who is a three-time Commonwealth champion in the event.

“I made sure I took it out strong and I tried to get something from the race. I didn’t want to go kamikazi and then die at the end. I wanted to be in control, good stroke rate, tempo, good underwaters at all three turns. So it was a very important for me just to swim a solid race.

“I’m also just happy to get the qualifying time. Nationals is always a stressful time for me, I don’t know why, I get nervous and you’ve got to get that monkey off your back so now that it’s off I’m very happy.”

Le Clos was back in the pool later in the evening for the 100m freestyle, but it was young challenger Matt Sates who secured top honours there, winning in a time of 48.97 with the veteran a distant fifth in 50.86.

Meanwhile, securing her second qualification time of the meet was Olympic champion and world record-holder Tatjana Schoenmaker, who swam 2:25.16 in the morning 200m breaststroke heats and followed that up with a 2:24.01 in the final. Her teammate, Kaylene Corbett, also achieved qualifying times in both races with a 2:25.41 in the morning and a 2:24.66 in the final for the silver medal.

“It burned a lot more than the Olympics,” admitted Schoenmaker afterwards. “But I just wanted to make the Commonwealth team and I can’t wait to race internationally again. Obviously this isn’t the best time, but that’s not what it’s about at the moment. It’s about getting back into racing again after such a big event so I’m happy.”

It was an emotional result for Corbett, who had to swim a time trial at last year’s championships to qualify for the Olympic Games, where she then progressed all the way to the final.

“This year I was definitely coming in with intent to try and get this time as soon as possible and not put as much pressure on myself to get a qualifying time… There are a lot of emotions being back at this pool and swimming that time really means a lot to me.

“I’m just happy it’s over and I get to hopefully be on the Commonwealth team so that’s always just a huge plus side for me – to be able to race and compete for my country,” she said.

Elsewhere, teenage star Pieter Coetzé secured another qualifying mark, in the 50m backstroke. He dipped under the required time with a 24.94 in the heats and then bettered that with a 24.74 in the final, which he won comfortably to add to the 100m backstroke title already in the bag. Coetzé also finished second in the 100m freestyle behind Sates in 50.17

“I didn’t expect to go that much quicker so I was very happy with that. It’s definitely nice to get quite a few times and not just one,” said the 17-year-old after the backstroke. I’m hoping for the 200m backstroke and maybe the 50 free – we’ll see.”

Having missed out on qualifying in the individual 50m freestyle on Thursday, Olympic semi-finalist Emma Chelius dipped under the mark during the opening leg of the 4x50m freestyle relay, reaching the wall in 24.95 seconds.

“I was hoping to go under 25 seconds, that was the plan from the start,” said Chelius. “I had much better preparation going into this evening. I warmed up at a different pool because I really battle with the cold and I’m feeling it quite a lot here. I think that was a much better start for me and it just meant I felt a lot more speed during the race and it all came together, so I was happy.”

Other winners on the night were Erin Gallagher in the 50m butterfly in 26.39, just missing out on the qualifying time by seven hundredths of a second, while Stephanie Houtman took top honours in the 1500m freestyle in 16:55.55.

Swimming continues at the Newton Park swimming pool on Saturday and finishing on Monday, 11 April.

Pictured here: Chad Le Clos (above) and Kaylene Corbett (below).

Supplied.

When next you feel like a spontaneous mid-week detour to The Old Mushroom Farm, just so you can love local real hard, quickly visit Sally's Midlands Mixes for her granola mix. Previously a full-time mother whose muesli making skills were growing disproportionately in comparison to the capacity of her home kitchen, Sally Jackson bravely stepped out as an entrepreneur during the 2020 lockdown.

These healthy, delicious, and highly nutritious products have diversified to include a gluten-free and sugar free range. The recommended serving is just thirty grams, which is two heaped tablespoons. A qualified dietician has verified this measure.

Now in her second year of business Sally has a factory, the shop, a website, staff, social media accounts and a popular business. An exciting journey to inspire all budding entrepreneurs.

The shop is open Thursday to Sunday and for the upcoming Easter weekend Sally will also be open on Monday 18 April 2022.

Pictured here; Sally and Lindo.

It's a long road ahead to COP15 in China, but we can take heart from some significant wins at the Geneva CBD meetings

Last week Wednesday marked the closing of two and half weeks of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland. This meeting was the first chance parties have had in two years to meet in person and begin detailed discussions on the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. It was also expected that this meeting would be the last before the CBD’s Fifteenth Conference of the Parties (COP15) in Kunming, China, scheduled for this September. However, as the meeting came to a close it became clear that there was, in fact, a long way to go, and as such, another meeting is needed in June due to a lack of progress.

Despite the somewhat frustratingly slow pace of the meeting, there are some significant gains that 30x30NOW was encouraged to see. The first was an emerging consensus on 30x30 and a wide consensus that this goal is a centerpiece of the overall agreement. Throughout the Geneva meetings, it was abundantly clear that there is overwhelming global support for the 30x30 goal and its inclusion in Target 3 of the new global biodiversity framework. Over the course of the meetings, support grew, and at closing, there were 91 members of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People - and a number of other countries agreeing to the target - although sadly South Africa is still absent from these groups.

The meetings provided an opportunity for any outstanding concerns or mislaid confusion on 30x30 to be cleared up, and by the meetings’ closing it was clear amongst parties that Target 3 is a global one that, understandably, not every country will be able to contribute to in the same way, but together the world could reach effective 30% protection of land and seas by 2030, with some contributing as well by improving areas under conservation management and including new areas beyond protected areas. With this clarity, a number of countries that had previously been nervous about the target submitted their support

In addition to this, we were encouraged by new support for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities’ (IPLCs) rights and engagement. Explicit language was included in Target 3 on the important role that IPLCs must play in achieving 30x30 and the need to protect their rights. This theme was echoed in other targets, and an especially heartening development was the call for IPLCs to be included as an explicit recipient of increased funding. Something many South African communities who are working hard to protect their natural environment will be pleased to hear.

However, 30x30NOW would be remiss if it did not acknowledge some of the shortcomings of this meeting. There was a categorical lack of urgency. The COP15 is now two years delayed, meaning we have lost two years of a ten-year plan to protect nature, the lack of negotiation and compromise on display at the meetings was disappointing at best, and dangerous at worst.

This should have been the arena for countries to come together to table national positions, air concerns, offer compromises and solutions, look at the science and agree on wording for the new global biodiversity framework, instead, it looks as though we have come away with a text that requires significant amounts of work.

While the South African delegation agreed in principle to the 30x30 target they raised ongoing concerns during the meeting, particularly about accessing the resources needed to achieve the 30% target. We remain hopeful that these issues can be ironed out before the next meeting so that South Africa will be comfortable getting behind the global target and continue to be a global champion for conservation.

It is our hope that over the coming weeks' Minister Creecy and her team will continue to recognise that this is a global target that can enhance South Africa’s plans for development and protected areas, and will move to commit, along with the over 28 countries in Africa and 90 countries worldwide, to this fundamental target, not least as thousands of South Africans also support this ambitious, but vital goal which we are already contributing significantly to.

ACTION: To join the 30x30 NOW campaign’s public call to South Africa’s leaders, click this Change.org Link to place your name on an Open Letter to Minister Creecy: https://www.change.org/Support_30x30NOW

Photo credit: Casey Pratt

Supplied.

March 2022 was a very quiet month on the Umngeni cameras. I put this down to great response and information sharing over the past few years. Umngeni area may be getting a reputation as a "no go" zone for criminals.

This, however is not an time to get complacent and stop our vigilance.

A few incidents to report

02 March 11h20
Howick/Merrivale
A report of robbery by two suspects masquerading as Police members. A suspect vehicle image was shared to the response group. Unfortunately vehicle was lost in Merrivale. Suspect vehicle was loaded to snipr. This is where our sharing of information plays a big part. Security company and SAPS in Stanger stopped the vehicle, the next day, and found multiple stolen properties with fraudulent SAPS identification. Suspects detained.

2022/03/04 16:29:41
Hilton
A stolen vehicle activated cameras in Hilton area. Off duty member of Knight Security found vehicle in Quarry spar parking. With back-up from other KSS members and Magma security. Vehicle, driver and passenger detained and taken to Hilton SAPS for processing.

2022/03/07
Merrivale
A HINO truck reported as stolen activated a camera in Merrivale area. Knight Security member found and stopped the truck in Howick. Investigation turn up that the truck had been recovered and was still to be removed from the SAPS system.

2022/03/08
Howick
Another truck reported as stolen activated a Camera in Howick. Knight security member stopped the truck and upon investigation found that vehicle had been recovered but owner had not sent information to Impound for processing.

2022/03/21
Hilton
A reported vehicle activated cameras in Hilton area. Magma member found vehicle in centre parking area. The vehicle and driver were taken to Hilton SAPS for processing.

2022/03/26
Mpophomeni
A truck reported as stolen activated Camera in Mpophomeni area. Knight Security member with assistance for Sompisi and Mpophomeni SAPS stopped the truck. Truck was confirmed recovered, by Honeydew SAPS and allowed to continue journey.

2022/03/26
Karkloof
Magma members requested a search on a possible suspect vehicle involved in a house robbery in Karkloof area. Vehicle was found and loaded to Snipr. Movement has been tracked but no further suspicious behavior to date.

Be safe and vigilant at all times. If something feels "off" report it to your local CPF, Security or SAPs member, no matter how small.
You could be saving a life that you will never know about.

How can you get involved?
The UCSI will not be sustainable without monthly community support from business entities, shopping centers, hospitals, schools, estates, security companies and private individuals. Please join the UCSI as a contributing member.

Contact Deon from the UCSI by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or whatsapp 063 068 9652 for more information on how to join and contribute. Private individuals from R50pm and business entities from R300pm. Affiliated members have access to ask for assistance in any reported crime involving a vehicle.

The UCSI is also able to issue Section 18A certificates for CAPEX and OPEX donations of any amount.

Stay safe – we got this!

Yours sincerely

Deon Tegg Operations Manager
082 496 9208

The UCSI Board of Directors
Themba Ndulini (Chairperson), Krish Ramkuber and Terence James

It is booking season for Howick Covered Edition 8, the upmarket, annual print publication with a high retention value in which your Howick business simply has to be seen!

Areas included in our pages are Howick, Merrivale, Merrivale Heights, Karkloof, Currys Post, Lidgetton, Lions River and the Dargle.

Circulation is 10,000 and distribution includes home delivery in Hilton and Howick as well as through distribution stands while stocks last. 

What our advertisers say...

'Thank you for all you do for my business, it certainly is paying dividends having HowickVillage.co.za and Howick Covered as my advertising choice!'  Angela - Petal Accounting.

'My advert paid for itself in no time at all. And the client was a collector, boasting all five editions of Howick Covered as her go-to for services.' Cliff Owen, Grace Roofing.

View rates & book now.

EXTRA, extra...passionate photographers are invited to email their photographs taken in Howick or surrounds for consideration as cover images to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Photo credits and contact details of photographer will be published. Claim the limelight, you deserve it!

For answers to any question call or WhatsApp Desirée on 072 654 9779.

An elderly couple has dinner at another couple's house, and after eating, the wives leave the table and go into the kitchen. The two gentlemen were talking, and one says, 'Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I would recommend it very highly.'

The other man asks, 'What is the name of the restaurant?'

The first man thinks and thinks and finally asks, 'What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love? You know... The one that's red and has thorns.'

'Do you mean a rose?'

'Yes, that's the one,' replied the man. He then turns towards the kitchen and yells, 'Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?

More from Oakleigh Funeral Home

This writer was about to have dinner when she turned on a lamp only to notice an attractive coil on the lounge carpet. Wondering for a split second if it was a scarf, a cap or beanie she should tidy up, she quickly acknowledged that it was not one she had ever seen before.

‘’There is a snake in our house, get out!” she advised her husband.

While contacting the efficient and enthusiastic snake handling group in the KZN Midlands with a racing heart and one eye on this very relaxed and unmoving coil, the suggestion from the group was that it looked exotic. Again, could it be an item of clothing or accessory? It still had not budged, even though we had walked within striking distance at least two or three times each while the room had been unlit.

The first snake catcher to respond calmly reminded us to stay away, be still, but keep a handle on the position of the snake while he shared the location information with the group. This ‘attractive designer print coil’ continued to snooze in comfort, going nowhere soon, or so he thought.

Our hero of the day, Matt Myhill from Curry’s Post confirmed he was enroute. He promptly identified our guest as a 700mm healthy male puffadder who had just shed and was therefore particularly bright and beautiful. Also, a rare house guest, usually only rescued from sheds and outbuildings.

Matt advised that at this time of year snakes are on the move, Pietermaritzburg has just had a remarkably busy week of relocations.

As South Africa has a shortage of the antivenom used to treat patients bitten by dangerous snakes such as cobras, mambas, and puff adders, at present, this is not a suitable time to take any chances with snakes.

Until temperatures settle at a lower range, keep your doors closed in the KZN Midlands and if by chance you do find a snake in your home, please reach out to this incredibly knowledgeable group of snake catchers.

Matt Myhill will put you in touch, call him on 082 777 9208.

Probation: A Critical Step Often Forgotten by Employers

What is Probation? Probation is a critical part of confirming continued permanent employment. The probation process is set in The Code of Good Practice – Dismissal in Schedule 8 of the Labour Relations Act which allows for the employer to evaluate an employee’s performance and suitability in a new role while providing the employee with support, guidance or training to attain the objectives of the role.

So why then is probation so important? Firstly, a job interview is a ‘marketing exercise” and so often “what you see is not what you get” when the new employee arrives at the workplace. Probation is a mechanism to measure and correct the issues that may arise at the early stages of employment. Secondly, should all go pear-shaped and the employee cannot deliver the standard required and continues to work and behave in a manner incompatible with the requirements of the organisation the employer has a less onerous “out” of the employment contract than if the employee achieved the requirements at the end of the probation period with no hiccups, or the probation process was overlooked or not executed and the employer picks up problems later. In saying the probation process is less onerous than the incapacity process, does not imply that a fair probationary procedure should not be followed.

Steps to follow for a successful probationary process:
1. A probation clause – have a probation clause drafted in your employment contracts. Take note of the clause and as an employer action the probationary process outlined below. Please remember that a probationary period length needs to be reasonable – i.e., a cleaner would not require 6 months to achieve their job outcomes and a scientist would not take 3 months to settle into their position, the probationary period needs to be justified by the complexity of the role.
2. Have your ducks in a row as an employer, set the outcomes and expectations with new staff early (remember probation can also be used in cases of promotion). A job description and expected outcomes are critical for a new employee to know and understand the expectations of them, have these ready for when a new employee starts. Induct and orientate your new staff member so they understand their role and the business, although they may come highly qualified for the position they will still need to get used to the finer nuances of the company.
3. Set regular probationary reviews, a process where the employer sits with the employee and discusses their attainment of objectives. This is a two-way process the employer provides feedback on the employee’s adjustment and attainment of goals and the employee is required to give feedback and ask for assistance (or offered assistance) where objectives are not being met. The employer is expected to guide, train and coach the employee to attain standards. This is an ongoing process and reviews generally occur once a month, sometimes more frequently if need be.
4. Should the wheels fall off after the employer has tried to assist the employee, the employer can convene a probationary hearing where both parties make representations regarding the employee’s suitability to the role, thereafter the employee may be dismissed if the employer has clearly shown that the employee has not met or is not likely to meet the required standards after the interventions in point 3. Should the issues be minor, but the requirements not met by the end of a probation period, the employer can elect to extend the probation period.
5. It’s important to note that should you employ an employee, and it becomes clear they have misrepresented their qualification or experience and this does not relate to adjusting to the role, but they don’t have the expected baseline to fulfil the role and you have the necessary proof of such misrepresentation or dishonesty the employer can revert to a disciplinary hearing for misconduct.
6. A word of caution, many employers are still in favour of using fixed-term contracts to “try-out” new employees with the promise if they perform well they will be employed permanently – this defeats the object of a fixed-term contract. By nature, the definition of a fixed-term contract is for a fixed -period, examples of the legitimate use of such contracts are maternity leave replacements, illness replacements, a short-term increase in the volume of work, seasonal work, or a fixed-project. Fixed-term contracts used as a probationary mechanism imply further employment, and when the employee performs badly, and their fixed-term contract is not renewed but the employer created an expectation of future employment the employer can land in hot water at the CCMA for creating a reasonable expectation of future employment and therefore be found guilty of effecting an unfair dismissal.
7. The probationary review process needs to be followed objectively and be documented an employer cannot just terminate the employee’s services when a probationary period is over without any reviews or probationary hearing as this will also be deemed an unfair dismissal.

If you have any queries or would like assistance with the probation process, please feel free to contact me.

Call 087 073 6940 or 083 305 6219.

More about Infinity HR Solutions