Please note that The Piggly Coffee Shop and The Pizza Place are open for #takeaways - coffee,cake, sandwiches, pizzas etc!

More about Piggly Wiggly Midlands.

Youth Day 2021 has come and gone and our Family Fun on the Greens games saw participation of the young at heart as well as the young. The afternoon was a great success and every player took home a prize. Most prizes were generously sponsored by members and their friends and we thank them for their generosity. The prize for the most colourfully dressed went to ten year old Holly Nagel (pictured here).

Not only was there fun on the greens, there was also an element of joy knowing that much needed repairs to the thatched roof was taking place at the same time.

RESULTS
The winners of the J Leslie Smith Competition held on Tuesday, 15 June were Colin Burden and Chantal D’Hotman. The runners up were Colin Norris and Cindy Bro.(Prize sponsored by Dr Alan Sara) The winners of the Plate Event were Ann Marnoch and Grace Abrahams. Lisa Nagel representing J Leslie Smith presented the winners with their prizes.

Well done to all the winners and thank you to our sponsors.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR JUNE AT UMGENI WATERFALL BOWLING CLUB
Friday, 25 June at 09h00: Two-Bowl Trips sponsored by Woodstone Craft Café. Pre-entries are required by midday on Thursday, 24 June. Dress: Casual

Members and all players are reminded that Covid Protocols continue to apply. NO SPECTATORS.

News from Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club.

During May, Varsity College hosted a “Happy Walk” along trails at WESSA Umngeni Valley in Howick. This event was to raise awareness of the importance of exercise as a part of Mental Health and Wellness, it was attended by 52 of our students who each completed a number of loops on a 2.5km loop which went past “FreeMe” and incorporated views of the falls. All entry fee’s were paid to WESSA in aid of their conservation efforts.

News supplied.

This young lady has been a part of Funda Nenja with her dog Cry Cry for about 3 years now and is a true animal ambassador. A few months ago she came across some boys throwing stones at a chicken. She chased them away and rescued the chicken who had a very sore leg. She took it home and bandaged the leg and then returned it to it's home. The next day she went to check on it and it actually came right up to her as if it remembered that she had helped it. She saw that it was once again walking on it's leg so she removed the bandage.

Recently she has had the opportunity of coming into contact with a few more animals and her love for all animals, great and small, clearly shines through. She has an obvious connection with animals and is hoping to one day become a veterinarian. We believe she will be a fantastic vet. Well done Sisanda.

We are so proud of you.

More about Funda Nenja.

Everyone is welcome to attend a PRIDE event on the 26th of June 2021.

Part of Profits made from this event will go to a Gays and Lesbian network program based in Pietermaritzburg Scottsville so support will be appreciated. We will have people speaking about PRIDE, what PRIDE means and offering help to LGBTQ people. Dress code is white with PRIDE colours. Come with flags, be loud and vibrant.

Entry fee: R50 entrance tickets R50 for cooler bags. 

Venue: Happy Corner Lifestyle Centre.

Time: Event starts from 1pm and ends at 9pm to maintain the current curfew.

Covid 19 rules and regulations will be observed so put on a mask and respect everyone.

Everyone is welcome. Food will be sold.

More details here.

News supplied.

The Push Pop Fidget Toy is a novelty toy that helps to relieve stress and anxiety, and is helpful for ADHD and Autism. The pop fidget toys can develop brain power and the ability to cultivate logical reasoning skills, and used by kids and adults alike.

Now available at The Ugly Duckling.

Please send us a WhatsApp for more information on 071 361 2728.

With the onset of regular autumnal weather, the numbers f bowlers on our greens have increased. It is good to see some of the members who have not played since the initial Lockdown come along to practice with the thought of returning soon.

It is also good to see prospective bowlers wanting coaching. We extend a warm welcome to all of them.

RESULTS
The winners of the Halfway Toyota Howick Competition held on Wednesday, 09 June were Peter Burton, Jo Boonzaier and Dave Riall. The runners up were Colin Burden, Julia Strachan and Heather Hammond. Third prize went to Ed Speed, Colin Brown and Audrey van Coller. Margie Wheelwright representing Halfway Toyota Howick presented he winners with their prizes.

Well done to all the winners and thank you to our sponsors including The Treatery for vouchers for Coffee and Cake.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR JUNE AT UMGENI WATERFALL BOWLING CLUB
Wednesday, 16 June (Youth Day) Family fun on the greens.
Friday, 25 June at 09h00: Two-Bowl Trips sponsored by Woodstone Craft Café. Pre-entries required by midday on Thursday, 24 June. Dress: Casual. New teams wishing to enter may WhatsApp or call 071 164 3162. Please leave a clear message.

Members and all players are reminded that Covid Protocols continue to apply.

Next League Matches will be played on Saturday, 26 June . Please check the notice board for selection and start time.

COACHING by arrangement. Coaching by registered coaches is available on request.

Tel: 071 164 3162

News supplied.

This week has seen fluctuating numbers on the greens. This is probably due to the icy winds which have been blowing across the Midlands after the snowfall on the southern berg. Despite the cold start to the day and the threat of loadshedding, on Saturday, an excellent number of bowlers turned out to play in the Greendale SuperSpar sponsored competition and to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow bowlers and social members. Thanks to the foresight of some of the social members, prize giving took place by candlelight and the warmth of a gas heater.

RESULTS
The winners of the Competition (on count out) were Ed Sharpe, Malcolm Tait, Helen Emberton and James Holderness. The runners up were Tim Waring, Bernice Burden and Barry Fairbrother. Third place went to Ed Speed, Pat Ciro and Jeanette James.

Well done to all the winners and thank you to our sponsors.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR JUNE AT UMGENI WATERFALL BOWLING CLUB
Wednesday, 09 June at 13h30: Tabs In by !3h15 Comp sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick. Dress casual.
Tuesday, 15 June at 09h00: Pre-Drawn 2-4-2 Comp sponsored by J Leslie Smith. Entries to be placed on list in the club or to be sent via Whatsapp to 084 586 6984 by Saturday, 12 June
Friday, 25 June at 09h00: Two-Bowl Trips sponsored by Woodstone Craft Café. Pre-entries required by midday on Thursday, 24 June. Dress: Casual. New teams wishing to enter may WhatsApp or call 071 164 3162. Please leave a clear message.

Members are reminded that registration and sanitisation must be done at least 15 minutes before the start of the each game.

League Matches to be played on 12 June. All Matches will be played at home. Please check the notice board for selection and start time.

COACHING by arrangement. Qualified coaches, Colin and Bernice Burden are available on request. Tel: 071 164 3162

More abount Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club.

Entries are now officially open for the SPAR Virtual Women’s Challenge. On 4 September 2021, women will not be limited when they are participating in this virtual challenge.

“The incredible fortitude our country has shown over the last 18 months was the inspiration for the 2021 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge and its theme, #LiveLimitless. This year’s challenge celebrates the ways in which we have challenged, and in some cases broken down, the limits that lived in our minds before the pandemic. #LiveLimitless is calling on all South Africans to put on their running shoes once again and come together virtually to be part of a nationwide event that’s breaking borders and redefining limits!” Alison Zweers

Entries were opened on 26 May 2021 and the response from SPAR’s loyal following has been overwhelming. More than 5000 entries were placed within the first few days and unfortunately one of the few things that are limited is the amount of entries we have available. Race organisers are urging the public to enter early to avoid disappointment!

#LiveLimitless

We have all been faced with challenges and obstacles in our lives and more specially over the last year. However, the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge is breaking boundaries and pushing limits. This year let’s overcome our obstacles and shoot for the stars. Let’s #LiveLimitless

How it Works 4 September 2021, anytime between 06h00 and 18h00 (subject to government lockdown regulations). You can run, jog, or walk your own race, at your own pace, on your own route, at any distance, from any location you choose.

How to Enter
Guidance on entries and how the event works can be found at www.sparvirtualchallenge.co.za

Once you have entered you will receive a confirmation email which will give you access to this year’s digital magazine. South African entrants will receive a virtual challenge pack with their entry containing a race t-shirt, a buff and a medal, to be collected from their chosen SPAR store or delivered to their chosen address (at an additional cost) For every entry, SPAR will donate a pack of sanitary products to a schoolgirl in need.

You can enter in a few easy steps, by entering your details, choose your pick up or delivery point and make your payment on our secure platforms. You can also help someone overcoming their limits by an additional, optional donation to the Jacaranda FM Good Morning Angels.

Entries will close on 15 August 2021, and are limited to 75 000 participants.

This year you will again be able to not only create your own race number online, but you can also create your own certificate of completion – check out sparvirtualchallenge.co.za and follow the few easy steps.

Entrants residing outside South Africa will unfortunately not be able to receive a virtual challenge pack due to postal restrictions and courier fees. Your entry fee will still contribute to the donation of a pack of sanitary products for a schoolgirl in need.

For more information on the SPAR Virtual Women’s Challenge, please see our FAQ section here: https://sparvirtualchallenge.co.za/faq/

News supplied.

The monthly Woodstone Two Bowl Trips Competition was won by the team of Colin Burden, Julia Strachan and Jo Boonzaier with a total score of +17. In Second place were Peter Burton, Tim Waring and David Mainprize. The winners of the Plate Event were Ray Bester, Olwen Gibb and Nicky Wallis.

Well done to all the winners and thank you to the sponsors who entered two teams. Please support or sponsors, They need you!

PROPOSED EVENTS FOR JULY AT UMGENI WATERFALL BOWLING CLUB subject to sport being permitted. Members please watch for notices placed on the club’s WhatsApp group.

TUESDAY, 6th: 2-4-2 Drawn Comp sponsored by J Leslie Smith. Pre-entry required by
03 July.

SATURDAY, 10th: Greendale SuperSpar Tabs In Comp

WEDNESDAY,14th : Halfway Toyota Howick Tabs In Competition

FRIDAY, 23rd: Woodstone Two Bowl Trips.

Members and all players are reminded that Covid Protocols continue to apply. Please abide by these rules which are clearly displayed on the club notice board.

NB No coaching will take place over the next two weeks.

Pictured here: Mark and Sheridan Schraader with the Woodstone Teams.

News supplied.

Kesa Molotsane will continue her proud association with the SPAR Women’s Challenge, from leading in the front during race day to shining in the virtual space.

The 2017 SPAR Grand Prix winner may miss the excitement of live racing on spectator-lined streets but refuses to allow pandemic restrictions to limit her love for the road.

Molotsane, who has represented South Africa on the international stage in track and cross country, has been named SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge ambassador.

The 29-year-old does not only excel on the road, the track, and off-road but is ploughing her experience back into the sport as the recently appointed vice-chairperson of the Athletics SA Athletes’ commission.

Molotsane is an example of what it is to #LiveLimitless, having overcome school bullying to become one of South Africa’s top distance athletes and strong female role models.

“My biggest limit was having the whole class turn their backs on me in Grade 7. I believe that it was bullying on a different level,” said Molotsane.

“I overcame that by understanding that not everyone will be as considerate as you are. I was open to learning and treating experiences as learning curves and not as failures.”

Molotsane is also a strong advocate of menstrual hygiene education and providing young girls with sanitary products at school.

“I believe with all my heart that girls deserve to be in school as much as boys. Young kids often cannot go to school because they are on their periods, and free sanitary towels allow these girls to stay in school and live limitless.”

Molotsane does not only talk the talk but will once again be leading from the front when she lines up for the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, which will be held on 4 September 2021.

Entries will close on 15 August 2021, and are limited to 75 000 participants.

This year you will again be able to not only create your own race number online, but you can also create your own certificate of completion – check out sparvirtualchallenge.co.za and follow the few easy steps.

Entrants residing outside South Africa will unfortunately not be able to receive a virtual challenge pack due to postal restrictions and courier fees. Your entry fee will still contribute to the donation of a pack of sanitary products for a schoolgirl in need.

For more information on the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, please see our FAQ section here: https://sparvirtualchallenge.co.za/faq/

Announcement video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I691zBf1Mag

These two Southern Ground Hornbill have been seen around the Conservancy for the last 6 weeks, which is very exciting for us.

The Southern Ground-Hornbill was Birdlife SA Bird of the Year last year. It is an iconic bird, endemic to Africa. It can be identified by its beautiful black and red colouration and is the largest of all hornbill species. I have included a chart below to help identify between male and female and their stages of development.

They face multiple threats including habitat loss and poisoning and as a result have been classified as ‘Vulnerable’ globally by the IUCN since 2010 and are ‘Endangered’ in South Africa.

If you happen to see them while you are in the area (or anywhere for that matter), please send us an email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or send me a message on facebook with their location, date and time of sighting as we forward this information on to the Mabula Ground Hornbill project who are doing amazing work with the conservation of these beautiful birds.

More about Karkloof Conservation Centre.

Working with ToPS Species (Threatened or Protected Species).

And the results are in...

The Blue Crane is a male and the Grey Crowned Crane is a female.

These two juveniles will soon be introduced into floater flocks of their own species.

Floater flocks consist of non-breeding cranes and their numbers can reach into the hundreds. Here, the youngsters will learn to socialize with their own species and find a mate. Once a mate is found, the pair will split off and settle into their own territory. 

Next up, we will be working with EWT and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to ring these cranes for post-release monitoring.

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

SWIFT CODE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS:
FIRNZAJJ

Contact number: 033 330 3036

More about FreeMe Wildlife

Join us at The Darling Dachshund Coffee Shop, 78 Main Street, Howick. for another fantastic evening of fun, music & food.

Capital Brass, a 5 piece brass band that will be providing the Show. It's a treat to hear this kind of a band play.

So dress in your best German outfit, bring your own beer and lots of good cheer and join us on the 25 June.

Note: The time has changed due to the new regulations and there is limited space available.

BOOK your seats early to avoid disappointment! (Please note, your booking will only be valid once payment has been made in advance).

Date: 25 June 2021
Time: 6pm for 6.30 start.
Cost: R150 per person includes entrance & dinner. BYOB Other refreshments will be available to purchase.

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL!

WhatsApp Kaylee on 0721380767

The global pandemic has locked down our youth during a time of their lives where they are desperately looking to spread their wings.

The past 18 months have tested the country’s resolve and demonstrated the incredible resilience of all sections of the South African society.

While the South African youth’s wings have been clipped temporary, they have shown that they may be locked down, but they will not be held back.

As part of the 2021 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge’s campaign, we encourage South African women to #LiveLimitless and break down the barriers in their lives and redefine the limits that may exist.

“What seemed impossible to us before has now become daily life—working from home and caring for our children at the same time? Impossible before, and now an average day,” said Alison Zweers, Managing Director of SPAR Western Cape.

“Making deals and holding meetings online? A strange and unknown concept that we now take in our stride. What further proof could you need to show that limitations are purely mental and how living without limits is truly possible.”

This year's theme has a strong focus on the youth, and we will be supporting the Petals Projects, which advocates for a shame-free education for all young women.
There is a stigma and shame attached to their menstrual cycle for many young girls in South Africa. Due to the lack of access to simple hygiene products, they must make the difficult decision between embarrassment or education.

Entry fees for this year’s Virtual Challenge will support SPAR’s Petals Project, which aims to donate packs of sanitary pads to underprivileged girls removing one of the limitations to their education.

SPAR is also proud to partner with three young South African women who embody what it means to #LiveLimitless.

Chantel Struwig, Zizipho Soldati and Shirnell Swartz are three exceptional young women that refused to allow the challenges and limitations they had to deal with from an early age to define them. Instead, they have broken these shackles turning their challenges into opportunities.

Struwig, born with a purplish-red mark covering most of her face, has become a vocal and virtual birthmark awareness advocate. Embracing her birthmark, the BCom Fashion student has overcome a negative self-image and encourages others to do the same using her social media platforms.

The 26-year-old Soldati is an award-winning filmmaker, content creator, social media influencer and aspiring model. Soldati has not allowed a rare condition that causes very short limbs, called Phocomelia of the lower limbs, to put a limit on her dreams and ambitions.

Swartz has excelled as a short speed skater representing South Africa at the Special Olympics, which has helped her discover her superb talent. She first got involved with Special Olympics South Africa when she was 13 years old at Casa De Sol School, where she found short speed skating.

This year you will again be able to not only create your own race number online, but you can also create your own certificate of completion – check out sparvirtualchallenge.co.za and follow the few easy steps.

Entrants residing outside South Africa will unfortunately not receive a virtual challenge pack due to postal restrictions and courier fees. Your entry fee will still contribute by donating a pack of sanitary products for a schoolgirl in need.

For more information on the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, please see our FAQ section here: https://sparvirtualchallenge.co.za/faq/

Announcement video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I691zBf1Mag

From left to right: Shirnell Swartz, Zizipho Soldati, and Chantel Struwig.

News supplied.

With just days to go, an exciting new venue has been chosen for this year’s Hill’s 1000 Paws Walk for SPCAs, taking place on 20 June from 8am to 2pm.

This vital fundraising event for the three Midlands’ SPCA branches will now be held at Highgate Wine Estate on the R103 in Lions River.

Strict COVID protocols will be in place under the guidance of the event’s health and safety consultants, with numbers limited and sanitiser and cleaning crews on hand throughout the event.

The entry fees remain the same as for the 2019 Hill’s 1000 Paws Walk: R40 for (human) adults, R10 per dog (all ages) and children under 12 enter for free.

Please come along and help raise much-needed funds for the three Midlands’ SPCAs on Sunday 20 June.

Don’t forget it’s Father’s Day, so take Dad a mug of hot coffee in bed before you all head out!

Contact the event PRO and steering committee member Gaynor Lawson on 082 55 88 928 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.

In Dlalanathi's Child Protection training with community members, we ask participants to map the safe and unsafe spaces in their community. This activity serves to raise adult's awareness in a very concrete way of where there may be risks to children's safety, and opens up a conversation about what could be done to mitigate risks. It also enables people to see the resources and strengths that already exist in the community and work from that strength-base.

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

Workplace Discipline …. But I am Justified!

Those that know me will know I always say, “Winning at the CCMA depends on what you have done before you appear at the CCMA.” Many of my clients enter into debates with me when they have reached the end of their tether and are ready to dismiss an employee for very justified reasons, however, have not followed the appropriate procedure and their plans are likely to fail followed by severe repercussions at the CCMA.

For a dismissal to be considered fair in terms of the law the principles of substantive fairness (a fear reason) and procedural fairness (the correct procedures) need to be followed. Very often the employers are justified in their reason for dismissal but have not followed the correct procedure. Only satisfying one of the fairness requirements will result in the CCMA finding against the employer and deeming the dismissal unfair. The CCMA will award in favour of an employee in the case of an unfair dismissal which could result in the employer having to reinstate or reemploy the employee (even if they have stolen from you) or compensating the employee up to 12 months’ salary or if the dismissal deemed an automatically unfair dismissal up to 24 months’ salary.

There are three ways of legally terminating an employment contract being dismissal for misconduct, dismissal for incapacity, and dismissal for operational requirements and each of these has its own very specific procedure that is required to be followed.

Misconduct:
Misconduct is an action taken by an employee that breaches your rules. For minor offences, the employer should issue warnings and for repeated offences of a similar nature, the employer would apply progressive discipline in an attempt to change the employee’s behaviour. After progressing from warnings to final written warnings the employer will progress to a disciplinary hearing as all avenues have been exhausted. In the case of serious misconduct, where the employee’s actions have resulted in the trust relationship between employer and employee being broken down the employer can proceed to a disciplinary hearing at the first occurrence of such an act, examples of these offences would be sexual harassment, theft, fraud and assault (There are maybe others). There is a common myth that employees are entitled to three warnings before they are dismissed, this is not the case and when you progress to a disciplinary hearing depends entirely on the circumstances surrounding the misconduct as well as the employer’s individual policies and procedures.

Incapacity:
Incapacity refers to the employee’s inability to provide the services rendered in their contract. There are two forms of incapacity - poor work performance and ill health.

Incapacity Poor work performance is where the employee is unable to meet the requirements of their position. The employer is obliged to assist the employee to try and meet the standards required, through training, evaluating, providing guidance to help the employee achieve their objectives. The employer should document all discussions with the employee, provide clear objectives and provide the employee with a reasonable period of time to correct his/her behaviour. If the employee is unable to achieve their objectives the employer may proceed to an incapacity hearing. Incapacity is deemed a no-fault dismissal, where the employee cannot achieve their objectives. Where an employee simply will not perform their duties, this needs to be treated as a misconduct.

Incapacity Ill-health is where an employee is legitimately ill and cannot present themselves to work to fulfil the role the employee is contracted to do. In terms of legislation, the employer must investigate whether the incapacity is permanent or temporary, whether there is any accommodation that can be made to the employees' job to allow them to attend work, whether there is another position that the employee can be accommodated in within the organisation. Where the employee has been injured on duty the onus is greater on the employer to find alternatives for the employee. Should the employer be unable to find alternatives for the employee the employer may proceed to an incapacity ill-health hearing and this could potentially lead to dismissal of the employee.

Retrenchments
Retrenchments are another form of dismissal, based on financial, structural and technical factors facing employers where a reduction in the workforce is required. It’s not merely a case of calling in employees and stating we are in financial difficulty and have to get rid of staff or just closing a business. A very specific process needs to be followed, where employees have to be invited to consult (all the requirements with regards to notifying employees and which criteria to consult on as legislated in the Labour Relations Act). My advice is if you are considering retrenchments get professional assistance don’t go into this process alone, if you get it wrong the financial implications of awards at the CCMA are huge and it could ultimately lead to your cash strapped business closing down for good, the CCMA will have no sympathy if you had not followed procedure. Due to the nature of how the CCMA operates an employee will allege an unfair dismissal the employer is presumed guilty until proven innocent, it’s in your best interest as an employer to have evidence in place that you followed the necessary procedures, and that dismissal was fair.

Should you be facing any of the above situations and require advice or would like to chat more about these concepts please get in touch. We also offer Workplace Discipline training to employers should you be interested in such training please let us know.

More about Infinity HR Consulting.