COVID-19 POLICY-MAKING — FROM OUR POO

GreenHill Laboratories becomes the first contract laboratory in South Africa to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in sewage as part of a commercial virus risk forensic service

[Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, July 2020] GreenHill Laboratories was part of history when it became the first contract laboratory in Africa to extract and detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA from sewage early in June 2020 as part of a full-service virus risk forensic programme. The process involves taking bulk, composite samples through to a laboratory capable of meeting the needs of clients in both the public and private sectors.

The Proof of Concept was the culmination of a team effort spearheaded by Prof. Anthony Turton of the University of the Free State and Amanzi-4-All, coordinated by Mr. Neil Madgwick of Praecautio, with sampling undertaken by Mr. Kevin Lindsay of Instru-Serve. The Impuma Group, through Amanzi-4-All, was instrumental in the sponsorship of the trial.

The pilot trial took sewage samples from five wastewater treatment works (WWTW) based in Gauteng that were transported to GreenHill Laboratories in Hilton, KZN (the town where the first South African case of COVID-19 was identified).

The samples were collected using automatic samplers over a period of 24 hours to optimise statistical rigour in the results.

Under the leadership of GreenHill Laboratories’ director, Dr. Shaun Groenink, the samples were processed and analysed by principal molecular biologist, Dr. Cara-Lesley Bartlett. The viral RNA was extracted and identified based on protocols published by the Dutch KWR Water Research Institute and the USA’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is identical to the method being used in many medical pathology laboratories around the world. It is based on the N1 and N2 regions of the nucleocapsid gene of the virus. PCR is the amplification of small amounts of specific RNA (after transcription to DNA) to detectable levels that are then visualised by fluorescence.

Three of the five samples yielded detectable levels of viral RNA, with the laboratory working on procedures to increase the sensitivity of the test. The same five WWTWs were resampled and analysed with results consistent with expectations.

The Proof of Concept delivered by GreenHill Laboratories demonstrates that:
1. COVID-19 can be detected in wastewater
2. South Africa has the capability for this testing – samples do not have to be sent to other countries for testing
3. Statistically relevant sampling and timeous delivery to the laboratory are possible
4. Existing protocols and kits have been used – there is no need to develop specific kits

The establishment of a Proof of Concept facilitates the development of additional parameters, such as the quantification of viral load. This additional data can be used to monitor community-wide viral load, and assess whether various mitigation strategies are working or not.

Through collaborative partnerships, the logistical supply chain from point of sample to the laboratory can now handle national-level upscaling, and Amanzi-4-All can offer this service to any client immediately, including both the public and private sectors. There has been interest in this technology from a range of role players in North America, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia and the South African government.

Transforming the approach to managing COVID-19 in South Africa and across the continent
The capacity of this South African laboratory to detect SARS-CoV-2 in sewage expedites its application by epidemiologists, public health scientists and those charged with looking after the health and safety of students, visitors and employees. This includes predicting and monitoring potential COVID-19 hotspots to focus intervention by decision-makers and public health officials in these areas, as well as assessing the true extent of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

These new sampling and testing capabilities can provide robust information to both government and private sector decision-makers in their efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus while reopening the economy.

Rapid deployment across all sectors of society is key to limiting the pandemic’s effects
The team is currently expanding and optimising the value chain to include individual buildings, schools, mines and businesses.

Greenhill Laboratories’ Chairman Mr. Austin Hlongwane says: “I would personally like to commend the GreenHill Laboratories team for all the diligent effort that they have put into this project. Their dedication, desire to experiment, out-of-the-box thinking and personal passion is unparalleled. As a result, I am hopeful for positive outcomes in the fight against COVID-19.”

GreenHill Laboratories is honoured to be a part of this project and looks forward to participating in the management of COVID-19 in South Africa. The laboratory will continue to develop and refine these protocols and expand on their scope and application.

Pictured here: Dr Dr. Cara-Lesley Bartlett (Above LHS) with Dr. Shaun Groenink (RHS).

News supplied.

Midmar House, Howick High School's weekly boarding establishment, had a bright and cheerful revamp during the lockdown as Superintendent, Mr Mark Taylor and his family kept themselves busy by redecorating.

We also give our grateful thanks to Mrs Vorster for her donation of masks for our grade 12 boarders and to Mr Eggar for his donation if two sanitiser stands with foot pumps.

More about Howick High School.

Lockdown sanity busters can be found in Howick at Nuts About Books & Toys. Get your book or puzzle soon, these are not just for kids but work for adults with too much lockdown time on their hands too!

Nuts About Books & Toys is very different from the average toy shop you will find in a shopping mall – sourcing unique toys and beautifully illustrated, wholesome children’s books by well-known and loved authors. Be warned, you will need plenty of time to browse in this quaint, one-of-a-kind country book and toy shop!

Rainbows have been popping up all over during the Covid-19 crisis - bright moments, shared with strangers, as many of us struggle with the current reality.

As the crisis hit, the people of Howick rose to the challenge to ensure that less fortunate folk had something to eat, contributing to many causes and projects. African Spirit is one of the organisations distributing food parcels, nourishing soup and dog food in Shiyabazali.

Before Lockdown, the crafters in the settlement crocheted, sewed, and knitted goods for sale at the African Spirit shop near the Falls – but now there are no customers and the programme ground to a halt, meaning no income for the crafters.

Many people in Howick cross the uMngeni River bridge each day to go about their business, so the idea of a rainbow gift to the whole community was born. “We want to thank the people of Howick, for helping us, our children and animals during this time. Without this help we would be hungry.” said Ignetia Tseka. Patrecia Pherane added, “Lockdown has been very depressing, the rainbow colours make us happy! My favourite colour is green, so I enjoyed making those stripes. We are proud to be part of the Rainbow Bridge of Hope.”

At dawn on Sunday (the shortest day of the year), while most people were still tucked in bed, a small team quickly stitched the rainbow together, covering the railings in cheerful rainbow stripes, with the intention of bringing a smile to all who pass by.

Next month, the rainbow strips will be removed and sewn together into warm rainbow blankets for the community. Are you keen to have a little rainbow in your life every day?

Contact Judy to buy a snuggly multi-coloured beanie or pair of gloves and contribute to making sure the crafters start to earn an income again and can get back on their feet, rather than relying on the kindness of strangers.

Order a rainbow: 072 147 5106

Follow African Spirit.

Howick local, Andrew Beyrooti, the 1st XV lock at St Charles College, has been offered a contract with The Sharks.

Present during the signing at St Charles, to congratulate Andrew was, Mr van Blerk (Principal), Mr Irons (Director of Sport), Mr du Plessis (Rugby Specialist) as well as Mr Elder (Strength & Conditioning Specialist).

St Charles' 1st XV rugby coach, Mr Jackson, had the following to say, “I am extremely happy for Andrew as he is deserving of this opportunity due to the quality of person he is as well as the dedication he has shown to the game. He is a natural sportsman, with a high cognitive understanding of the game and has the physical presence to match. He will be an asset to the Sharks and his future coaching staff due to his dependability and dedication.” Our Rugby Specialist concluded, “I’m very proud of Andrew. He has great athletic ability and he has worked extremely hard to be given this opportunity. Andrew has set the bar for many St Charles College boys and I know that he will continue to grow and impress. I’m excited to see Andrew competing in a professional environment. He has strong leadership qualities and is just an all-round good guy. I wish him all the best for next year and can’t wait to see him represent the sharks at some level!”

Well done Andrew Beyrooti, Howick is proud of you.

Mediclinic has been a trusted healthcare partner to many families for decades and, as such, we regard the safety of our patients, staff and doctors as our highest priority.

During these trying times, we understand that many potential patients are avoiding Emergency Centres or visiting their doctors for care. We recognise that the public has been told to stay at home in order to reduce the risk during the lockdown period. We are also aware of the concern that individuals may have of being exposed to the virus by coming to a hospital and, as a result thereof, urgent medical care is potentially being delayed.

We want to assure you that during the lockdown period, Mediclinic and our supporting specialists have implemented a number of measures to ensure, as best possible, each individual’s safety. You have trusted us in your times of need and we will continue to carry you through these challenging times of unprecedented crisis with expertise.

Mediclinic is striving to make our facilities as safe as possible for our community, placing our patients in the centre of every decision that we make. We have implemented screening for patients, staff, doctors and all other individuals coming to the hospital. We have separate COVID-19- and non-COVID-19-related treatment areas to further reduce the risk. Our staff have all been equipped with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment to ensure that we are able to care for all our patients, whatever their medical needs. Our procurement team has ensured the availability of stock so that each patient who doesn’t have their own may be issued with a cloth mask for the period of admission unless a surgical mask is appropriate in order to further reduce the risk of transmission. We follow the National Institute of Communicable Diseases’ guidelines when our staff members are exposed to or infected with the COVID-19 virus to protect you and other members of the public. This may entail quarantine or in extreme circumstances, the closure of a unit.

Rest assured that if you or a family member require any form of medical care during the coming weeks and months, the Mediclinic Emergency Centres and hospitals, as well as all our supporting doctors, are, as always, ready to treat and assist you. We want you to feel comfortable seeking out care, rather than placing your health at further risk through delayed treatment.

Should you require any information regarding symptoms or other queries, you are welcome to call the Mediclinic COVID-19 hotline on 0860 24 00 24 or visit our website (www.mediclinic.co.za) for further information.

We would like to thank you for choosing to place your trust in our expertise. Our teams are here to assist.

Kind regards

Koert Pretorius

KSS is proactive and is involved with special operations with SAPS on a continuous basis. With the recent spike in crime, KSS is out there working with SAPS, community groups and community members. KSS Officers have also affected more arrests over the past 10 days.

Remember - Your security starts with YOU. What have you done and what measures have YOU taken in order to safeguard your home and business?

How vigilant are you really? Do you leave items in view from the road with doors and windows open? Are you working from home and have a laptop lying on the dining room table?

Please be aware – there is a lot of opportunistic crime where criminals are taking advantage of people being slack about their security while at home.

Technical advice
Do you have an electric fence and would like it monitored so that early warning activations can be responded to? KSS can do this for you.

Would you like CCTV cameras installed that also trigger an intruder alert? KSS can do this for you.

KSS Client Care
Please note that KSS caters for the individual and does not just blanket our clients under one monthly rate. KSS takes the following into account: If you are a pensioner, working full-time, a one-income household or if you have been retrenched or are struggling financially. KSS knows that everyone is different and circumstances change.

KSS Patrols
KSS has increased patrols in all areas and increased the number of vehicles on the road. KSS has posted in previous newsletters that the Armed Response units with two (2) Armed Response Officers in them, were split so that KSS could have more vehicles, visible patrolling, eyes and Response Officers on the road.

Where KSS had four (4) vehicles on the road, we now have eight (8) vehicles. KSS has the most vehicles and Response Officers in the Howick, Howick West, Merrivale, Merrivale Heights and surrounding areas, and back-up is never far away.

More about Knight Security Solutions.

'Please be careful driving up Main Road in Howick towards Greendale side. Outside the Methodist Church there is a massive pothole that takes up half the lane. We have requested that it is repaired urgently.

We painted a white line around it this afternoon to warn those motorists who may not know about it.' shared Janis Holmes on Facebook.

Thank you Janis, your effort is appreciated as this has been a growing problem.

Karkloof Conservancy is opening up a 10.6km walk and a 4km walk.

R30per adult and R15per child.

Booking in advance is compulsory.

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

BOOKING PROCEDURES FOR WALKS:
Booking in advance via email is compulsory, as the walks are on working farms, on private land. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The office is open on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8 am - 4 pm. So please be patient with response time.

Walkers welcome 6 am - 2 pm

When booking please indicate: How many people, which day and what time you wish walk and give us your telephone number.

Cost: R30 per adult, Children under 12 R15, Children under 5 Free

Your booking will be confirmed with a reference number. You will need this number as proof of the booking. Please use the reference number and your name when paying via eft or paying cash/using the honesty box situated outside the office door. Please ensure you sign the indemnity form and register on your way in and out so we know you have returned safely.

Banking details: Preferred method of payment: EFT
Karkloof Conservation Centre
FNB Howick 220725
Account No: 62045693860
Reference no: this will be given to you when you make a booking

Please note: You are on private property. This is a working farm.
Please stay on the path and or road, do not wander off. Do not drink from the river.
Let us respect the birds and animals in their natural habitat. This is their home and you are a guest. Do not approach the Cranes or any other bird or animal.
Let's keep our noise levels down and not litter.
Also, no fires are permitted. Be careful of cars, trucks and tractors etc on the road.
No walkers after 2 pm. So please adhere to the booking guidelines outlined, to avoid disappointment.
Wear suitable clothing, take your own hat and water. Follow the arrows.
Visitors are asked to take personal responsibility for social distancing and for following hygiene protocols
Your support helps us maintain the facilities we love to share with others. Thank you.

If you haven't been here before. We are 15km up the Karkloof road, on the right-hand side. At the entrance to Gartmore Farm

In case of Emergency phone Charlie: 082 809 2590 or Jacquie: 083 4093 278

YOUR VISIT WILL BE ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN HEALTH RISK AND WE TRUST YOU UNDERSTAND THIS CAUTION.
MASKS ARE TO BE WORN AT ALL TIMES

Hiking Trail Info
Yarrow Falls Walk - Long Version Approx 10.6km | Cost: R30pp Adult. R15 for children under 12 years

Directions:
Park your vehicle at the Karkloof Conservation Centre and sign in. Follow the markers.
Walk down the grass path, parallel to the Avenue of Liquid Amber trees.
When this path comes to an end wander onto the dirt road that leads you down towards the river. Cross over the bridge and walk towards the first homestead. About 2.9km from the Gartmore farm gate. Stay on the road.
Just past the first house on your left, you will see a paddock gate with a small sign that says F8.
Go into this paddock (if the gate is open please leave it open and if closed, please leave it closed) and follow the dirt road/track down to the small stream, through the glade of trees. Stay on this road and when it forks keep right.
Follow the dirt road through the field, down to the river.
Walk along the brush cut path parallel to the river, until you get to the Yarrow falls.
Careful here it is very rocky, there may be hidden rocks in the grass.
This is where you can enjoy the river and your picnic.
Walk back the same way.

Route Description: Predominately flat, meandering farm roads, dirt tracks and grass paths. There are a few rocks to look out for around the river/falls area. This is a working farm so the shale road can get quite busy with trucks and tractors. Take care. Do not drink from the river.

Difficulty rating: Farm/field road uneven ground (bring a walking stick if need be), little to no shade. Easy to moderate, no hiking experience needed. But you need to be fit enough to do 10km.

No water to drink - take your own, bring a hat.

Yarrow Falls Walk - Short Version Approx 4km | Cost: R30pp R15 for children under 12 years
Route Description:
Difficulty rating: Farm/field road uneven ground (so bring a walking stick if need be), little to no shade. Easy, no hiking experience needed. Bring your own water and a hat. Do not drink from the river.

Directions:
Drive down the Ave of Liquid Amber trees, towards the river. Cross over the bridge and look for the first homestead on your left. Approx 2.9km from the Farm Gate. Just past the first house, you will see a paddock gate with a small sign that says F8. Before the main house entrance (second house on left). Park your car here (not in front of the gate).
Follow the road down to the small stream, through the glade of trees. Stay on this road and when it forks keep right. Keep right. Follow the road through the field, down to the river.
Walk along the brush cut path parallel to the river until you get to the Yarrow falls. Careful here it is very rocky. There may be hidden rocks in the grass. This is where you can enjoy the river and your picnic. Walk back the same way.

We are so excited to announce that our Hilton branch has moved back into the vibrant space of The Quarry Shopping Centre. We first opened our Hilton office at The Quarry back in 1994 in the first shop on the Spar side of the centre. We fondly remember having Pam Golding there to celebrate our opening with us. Sadly we couldn’t celebrate our new opening in the same style under the current circumstances, but we do look forward to seeing our clients in the hustle and bustle of the centre and we welcome all visitors to pop in for a quick visit on your way past. You can find us in our new home at Shop 45 (next to Clicks), from 1st July onwards.

Our contact details remain the same: 033 343 1233 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. More about Pam Golding Properties.

The UCSI NPC is looking to employ a dynamic, motivated community-orientated individual to fulfil the role of Operations Manager.

Who is the UCSI?
The uMngeni Community Safety Initiative (UCSI) is a WHOLE community SAFETY project, established to create safer communities, deflect crime and promote socio-economic prosperity through the use of effective ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) SNIPR CCTV camera surveillance and providing intelligence information to Law Enforcement Agencies.

The UCSI is a registered Not-for-Profit Company (NPC) whose focus is on the pro-active monitoring of vehicles entering and exiting our uMngeni communities. The UCSI works alongside all Local and Provincial Law Enforcement Agencies as well as affiliated Security Companies.

The UCSI embraces synergy and collective efforts in fighting crime. The UCSI is driven by our communities, for our communities and operates in our communities. The UCSI is endorsed by the uMngeni Municipality.

Requirements of the position are:
o Mature person with previous management experience
o Ability to perform operational, administrative and PR functions
o Good command of spoken and written English
o Ability to speak in public
o Computer literate
o Drivers licence
o Locally based

Please send a CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Applications close Monday 29 June 2020 @ 12 pm

Successful applicants will be contacted telephonically for an interview.

Working with ToPS Species (Threatened or Protected Species).

Update on our female Serval.

This cat is completely wild (just the way we want them). We just managed to snap this picture before she went into hiding again. On arrival this little one was quite thin, her sibling had died of emaciation, we were concerned about how long it would take her to recover. However, she has completely surpassed our expectations. She is growing strong and is capable of eating whole prey foods, her climbing skills are excellent and when she hides you can't find her at all. There is no doubt in our minds that she is going to do just fine after release.

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

Would you like to be a part of our family, inspiring an educated empathy for our wildlife and the environment?

We would love you on board as a Custodian...and yes, businesses can join too as a Corporate Custodian.

http://www.freemekzn.co.za/become-a-custodian/

More about Free Me Wildlife.

Karkloof Conservancy has noted the arrival of winter over the last few days, -8 degrees was recorded at 6 am one morning over the past weekend in the KZN Midlands. These photos were taken at 10.30am in the morning.

More about Karkloof Conservancy.

The future of recycling is in your hands, literally!

Waste management and recycling has taken a huge step sideways since December 2019 when the pandemic first began. On the local front many plants will close as sorting recycling by hand while maintaining COVID-19 health and safety standards is virtually impossible. Recycling businesses that remain active are plotting a new way forward and need your active commitment to a healthier planet for them to survive.

There is only one solution for household and business waste going forward, you must sort into categories, place into clear plastic bags, and drop or arrange collection once done. This is critical as a single mistake in sorting can close a recycling plant!

Guide to the separate categories for your recycling;
Paper (old books, newspapers, magazines all with staples removed)
Board (cardboard, boxes)
Glass (containers - jars and bottles no metal lids)
Plastics hard (containers – bottles – plastic lids)
Plastics soft (shopping carry bags, bread bags)
Milk cartons (lids off and pack separately, cleaned, and squashed flat)
Metal (Food and drink cans, metal lids removed form bottles)
Tetra Packs (foil-lined containers e.g. milk and juice boxes)

Important notes:
• Remove all caps and lids and place in correct categories
• Empty all contents and rinse (bottles and jars)
• Flatten all plastic and paper containers/boxes
• Ensure that bottles are not broken

It is important to note that there are items that must go to your “Other Waste” bin as these will not be accepted or collected by Central Waste;
Chemicals: medicine, paint, solvents
Organics (Food leftovers, vegetable and fruit peels, garden waste are meant for your composting system and if you do not have one find a neighbour who does!)
Clothing
Disposable nappies
E-waste e.g. cell phones
Batteries
Polystyrene

While some components of the waste listed above are recyclable, they are not processed by Central Waste.

Complimentary Service for Confidential Shredding
Central Waste offers a confidential shredding service, this is available free for paper collections that exceed 1 cubic metre. Your papers will be collected and shredded at no charge if you live in Hilton, Howick, Merrivale or Pietermaritzburg. A Certificate confirming that your documents have been confidentially shredded is available if you need one.

More about Central Waste.

We are happy to announce that our offices are now open and ready to operate under the Regulations of Alert Level 3. We would like to take this opportunity to assure you that we have initiated strict safety protocols and checks in order to protect and prioritise your well-being and ours. These are outlined below.

While we are now able to re-open our Pam Golding Properties offices, our agents and staff are still encouraged to work from home where possible in order to limit the spread of the Coronavirus.

With this in mind, a workplace plan and safety measures have been put in place in accordance with health and safety guidelines as published by Government.

Our offices will be open Monday to Friday at the following times:
Pietermaritzburg 09:00 to 16:30 (t) 033 342 8108
Hilton 09:30 to 15:30 (t) 033 343 1233
Howick 09:30 to 15:30 (t) 033 330 4331
Nottingham Road 09:30 to 13:30 (t) 033 266 6000

Thereafter, meetings can be arranged by appointment between the hours of 9am and 7pm, Monday to Sunday, as stipulated under the Guidelines.

As far as possible, meetings with clients will continue to be conducted via telephone and/or video call. With regard to in person client meetings at properties for valuations, listing and viewings, this is only done by appointment and safety protocol measures will be followed. Please note that we have been advised that all showhouses are strictly prohibited at this stage.

We would like to thank all of our clients for their continued support and we wish you all good health, success, and enhanced emotional well-being as we start this new chapter of “unlock”.

Belinda Driemeyer
Principal
Pam Golding Properties, Pietermaritzburg & KZN Midlands

'The time to get back to work has arrived. The GARDENATOMY Team return this coming week as we see our lowering to Level 3 of the lockdown. We're ready, well-rested and eager, and anticipate some interesting times ahead in getting gardens back to their former glory through our Garden Care Program service as well as landscaping contracting using all manner of hard and soft materials to create stunning living spaces and aesthetically appealing surroundings. Can't wait!' shared Gardenatomy in their excitement to garden in and around Howick once again. As permitted in Level 3.

Groundcover is more than just a leather shop selling shoes and handbags it is a place where commitment to staff and community is taken seriously.
Situated along the scenic Curry’s Post road the historic shop selling the sought after genuine leather goods may be all you notice if you pop in on a sunny day. Smiling Thuli, the sales lady usually offers customers advice and a smile. The smell of tanned leather is likely to leave a deep impression and if you look out of the window you will see a herd of Nguni cattle grazing on the hill.

But around the corner, the busy leather workshop is a hive of activity as this is where the shoes, are manufactured, up the wooden and Nguni hide stairs you may find Amanda McCarthy checking her emails and trying to sort out customer queries.

Groundcover was her husband Justin’s vision and together they worked very hard to build the brand and establish the workshop and shop, tragedy struck when he was killed in a tragic bicycle accident a few years ago, Amanda was left to make the business work.

It may have been a temptation to pack up and leave, but for this Midlands stalwart, Amanda felt she was too deeply connected to the land and to the families who have built up the business with her, the business had become them, Amanda McCarthy was not going anywhere.

One of her beliefs is that her staff’s children should get the best access to education possible and often you may see the Groundcover delivery vehicle stopping off at the local schools in Howick fetching the children after school.

The staff at the shop and at the factory may not be paid enormous salaries but the friendly attitude and perks make up for a traditional setting; they know they are valuable members of this industrious little company. Amanda said: “We grew up in the Apartheid era and we knew it was wrong for certain people to have access to all the benefits.

We felt that we really ought to make a difference, so we left the country after University and joined a cultural development project in Lesotho, where the idea was to teach the local people how to make leather goods.

“Our idea was to empower people by sharing skills. We had a wonderful time and at that time we focused a lot on hand-stitching and giving people skills they could adapt.

“When we decided to come back to South Africa and we decided to settle in the Midlands, we thought Groundcover would be a vehicle to teach people skills to create their own micro-businesses, but our focus moved to uplifting our immediate community. Our staffers needed housing and their children needed schooling and so our focus changed.

Some people make shoes to make profits, but we like to think that we make shoes to build community. They employ 25 people and they sell their shoes through other outlets.

Amanda said they liked to make decisions together with their staff and if someone was off sick, the others pulled their weight, because they knew if they got sick they would also be supported.

A strong part of their ethos is after-sales service and shoes can be re-soled. One of the initiatives that Justin started was to make shoes for those people who battled to find shoes because of their strange feet. Podiatrists refer clients to their shop to get comfortable shoes made up.

Amanda said their shoes were supported by locals because they knew the shoes were made by a local business “with heart”. She added: “The process has become more mechanized but we still make sure we stick to the principles of good leatherwork.”

The little historical sales shop is a tourism drawcard. It is an Oregon pine and tin house. They bought and re-assembled it on their property in 1994. It originally came from England as a house kit over 100 years ago and was ordered by a colonial farmer who needed a home. It arrived in Delagoa Bay and was transported to Creighton by ox-wagon to the Smiths who owned it originally. The McCarthy’s bought it 80 years later and it re-assembled it as their shop and showroom in Curry’s Post.

Another beautiful feature at Groundcover is the exquisite sculpture in the garden of the Grimm’s - Elves and the Shoemaker done by Karkloof sculptor Abbo Hall. It is a fine and detailed permanent sculpture that captures some of the magic of the story and of the labour and dedication that goes into making fine handmade goods.

The latest addition is The Barn Owl, a beautiful artisan Coffee Shop situated in front of the Groundcover Shop. It also does cakes and light lunches. Lately, it has broken into the niche market of small weddings, ideally suited to this with its beautiful location, and attractive interior.

More about Groundcover Leather Company.