'The year 2020 brought many lifestyle changes, some of which will be adopted going forward, some of which we shall be glad to see the back of.

Travel and holiday plans were cancelled or postponed, the workplace shifted into homes, we all learned new words like “social distancing” and “co-morbidities”. We also learned new communication skills, as meetings and classes had to take place virtually, even bridge has been played online.

Throughout all the turbulence I found myself becoming really proud of the way that we, South Africans, have for the most part been compliant with, and uncomplaining about, all the Covid 19 regulations.

I have great admiration for the manner in which all the agents and administration staff have coped and managed to keep the business running.

I hope that next year will bring an end to the stress and constraints that we have weathered in 2020 and that we will all look back in awe at what was achieved by resilience and optimism under such difficult conditions.

My best wishes go to family, friends, colleagues and clients for a happy successful New Year.' shared Barbara Becker, Pam Golding Properties - Midlands in KwaZulu-Natal.

Update on the female Serval that has been in our care since May. She is very secretive and only ventures out of her den area in the early mornings, late afternoons, and at night. When we do get the chance to see her out and about in the enclosure she has no issue telling the rehabilitators to back off.

We never "pet" or tame any animals under our care at FreeMe Wildlife. There is never any reason to do so. We allow the wildlife in our care their inherent right to be wild without habituation.

Her favourite spot, when you are lucky enough to see her, is high up on top of the swing, keeping a watchful eye out for any danger or people that pass by.

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

If you would like to donate towards our work, you can do so directly:

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

Businesses can also join as a Corporate Custodian;
http://www.freemekzn.co.za/become-a-custodian/ 

More about FreeMe Wildlife.

Join Women In Business for a virtual Coffee & Conversation with Paula Hall. We will be discussing how Women can help Women in the AI (Artificial Intelligence) Era.

Wednesday 11th November 2020 at 8am.

Book your virtual seat for a very interesting conversation with Paula Hall. Click here to book: https://forms.gle/XHn1HnJULHnEVGGi9

News from Women in Business.

'On Saturday, 7 November 2020, our 1st Cricket Team played their first and only  against their parents.

The parents scored 167 in their 20 overs which the 1st Team reached in their 17th over. They went on to make 183 after 20 overs. Mr Paul Rencken, Mr Leon Rennison and Mr Richard Pieters scored 24, 23 and 22 respectively. Special mention is made of Mrs Lisa Candler who faced nearly 5 overs for her 17 runs. 1st Team players Aiden Pieters, Craig Pike and Daniel Sookdhew all retired after 30 runs whilst Luke Rennison and Stuart Rencken were caught out by their dads!' shared Howick High School.

Harvard Electrical Wholesalers proudly celebrates ten years in Howick, KZN. 

Manager, Moosa Sadiq says, ‘First we had a tiny shop, thanks to great support from the local community, within six months we outgrew the space and had to move to the bigger shop next door. Since then we have quadrupled in space and staff.

Harvard Electrical Wholesalers offers a broad range of products at pleasing prices;
Outdoor lighting

Interior lighting

Light bulbs of all shapes and sizes

Ceiling fans

Designer fans by Solent

Standing fans

Industrial fans

Domestic, commercial and industrial components

Fridge & stove components

Electrical tools and accessories.

We have daily specials on chandeliers, light fittings and globes.

We serve clients from as far away as the Drakensberg, Ladysmith and Lions river and we truly value the many who have loyally supported us from day one.

Our 65 quality suppliers have been a source of consistent support for our trade. Amongst these are Bright Star Lighting, Crabtree, Ellies, Eurolux , Flash Components, Pioled, Radiant, South Ocean Cables, SPAZIO and HellermannTyton.

We welcome visits by contractors who bring clients along to browse through our showroom and collection of catalogues so they get exactly what they want.'

The HowickVillage.co.za team wishes Harvard Electrical Wholesalers many more successful years of trading and appreciate their attention to the details that keep their customers coming back, like secure parking with CCTV coverage and a security guard.

Pictured here L to R; Whitey Mbela, Moosa Sadiq, Fathima, Omar Swerd, Gideon Khenisa, Cosmas Ndlovu, Reginald Naidoo, Jesse Reddy & Shane Maharaj.

Photo credit: Jesse Reddy

News from Harvard Electrical Wholesalers.

There are very few people who read through the fine print in their insurance contracts. It is only when they need to submit a claim that they learn about a missed clause that they have not adhered to or an exclusion, which could result in a rejected claim. Understanding what you are signing for will help to ensure that you maintain the terms of the contract, and ensure that your claims are approved.

From wear and tear to non-disclosure, click here to read more on 10 things that you need to be mindful of to ensure that your claims are approved:

031 764 8200 | 3 Park Lane, Kloof
033 330 3601 | 101 Main Street, Howick

"We Look After You" | www.cookefuller.co.za 

News from Cooke Fuller Group

26-30 October is National Wills Week, a campaign that presents the opportunity for members of the public to have a basic will drafted by a participating attorney free of charge.

Be the voice of the VOICELESS and let your voice be HEARD long after you're gone. Ensure that animals in our area are protected in years to come by including the uMngeni SPCA as a beneficiary in your Will.

*Please note: Please specify UMNGENI SPCA in your Will.

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

News from uMngeni SPCA.

IT'S COMPETITION TIME!!!!!!

In a large rural township in KwaZulu Natal with over 30 000 residents, nestles a community called Mpophomeni. It is here that the significant role of FUNDA NENJA (meaning ‘learning with a dog’) has become something of a phenomenon. In just over a decade our school has benefitted the community of children, using their puppies and dogs to teach principles of discipline and respect for one another and society as a whole... We are proud to say, that FUNDA NENJA is well on its way to developing kind, compassionate and affectionate bonds between children and their dogs.. which naturally has knock-on positive psycho-social benefits.

It’s a heart-warming sight to see, as regular as clockwork, the Friday crowd of mostly barefoot children and their four-legged friends, swell to well over 100, eager to partake in our facilitator-led dog training sessions, activities, life skills and education on animal and environmental welfare. You see, FUNDA NENJA has become more than just a dog school... We also provide regular veterinary service, sterilisation, rabies clinics and a family support programme, with your donations going a long way to making this possible.

To help raise funds we are offering you the chance to win an original ‘It’s a dog’s life’ ceramic sculpture by renowned KZN ceramic artist and dog lover, Trayci Tompkins. Each Raffle ticket purchase of R100 will enter you into the draw of the delightful ruler high ‘Lady Grey on a Gucci inspired chair’ (pictured here) valued at R5 500.

Tompkins’s artworks are collected by many, have won numerous recognitions through Ceramics Southern Africa KZN and in 2019 a purchase by the prestigious Corobrick Collection in the Pretoria Arts Museum now sees her in a public museum display. You can read more about this incredible artist on http://www.traycitompkins.co.za/gallery/sculpture/
-------------------------------------------------
PURCHASE A TICKET TO WIN ‘LADY GREY’: We welcome your raffle purchase of R100 each made via EFT or Paypal.
Please use RAFFLE and your name as the reference and email through your proof of payment to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to ensure we have your entry. Please also include your cell No. so we will be able to contact the winner.

Bank: First National Bank
Branch code: 220725
Account number: 62458766197
Swift number: FIRNZAJJ

Paypal: https://www.fundanenja.co.za/donate/

You can find more details up on our website: https://www.fundanenja.co.za/donate/

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to support Funda Nenja and win a Trayci Tompkins original ceramic artwork.

UCSI success

KSS continues to support the UCSI and on 16 October 2020 assisted Hilton SAPS and the Flying Squad in the arrest of a wanted vehicle and suspects. Thanks to the effective network of UCSI SNIPR cameras in our area, the UCSI were able to alert SAPS and affiliated security companies about the entry of this vehicle into our area, and the arrests were made and vehicle impounded.

Joint Operations with SAPS

On Friday 17 October Howick SAPS held a joint operation with the aim of targeting drunken driving. RTI, Umgeni Traffic Department, Knight Security Solutions (KSS) and other security companies assisted Howick SAPS with this operation. Two roadblocks were set up and there were approximately 20 arrests made and 1 vehicle impounded.

News from KSS.

The film Sweat, currently available free as part of the online 2020 European Film Festival in South Africa, is about four days in the life of a fitness motivator whose presence on social media has made her a celebrity. The film is described by Cineuropa as ‘a rivetingly sober, incisive investigation of loneliness and intimacy in the Instagram era, a psychological profile of an influencer.’ Using Sweat as an entry point, the festival’s Special Event programme presents a Live Zoom discussion entitled Social Media and Me - Who is Winning? featuring the director of the film, Magnus von Horn, in conversation with clinical psychologist Dr. Khosi Jiyane, well-known for her contributions as the resident psychologist on Radio 702, 3Talk with Noeleen on SABC, and in other media.

In this day and age when social media has occupied such a dominant part of our modernised lives, and with COVID lockdowns doubling the amount of time people spend on social media, this is a timeous exploration of how we manage our use of social media. How real are the social media personas we present to the world? Does social media distort our sense of who we are, and alienate us from a meaningful relationship with the world and, crucially, with ourselves? Where is it all headed?

For more about Sweat and the festival films visit www.eurofilmfest.co.za. Join the Live Zoom discussion at 18.00 on Monday 16 November, log in on the Special Events page for access.

The European Film Festival 2020 is a partnership project of the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa and 12 other European embassies and cultural agencies in South Africa: the Embassies of Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Wallonie-Bruxelles International, the French Institute in South Africa, the Goethe-Institut, the Italian Cultural Institute, and the British Council. The festival is organised in cooperation with CineEuropa and coordinated by Creative WorkZone.

Photograph supplied: Photo©Natalia Łączyńska ©Lava Films

News supplied.

'Please help us by donating any of your unwanted household items for our pre-loved store section at our monthly Mini Market.
Next Mini Market day: 26 & 27 November 2020.

9am - 2pm at Sunfield Home Howick.' shared Sunfield Home.

CASH ONLY

*Please note when you visit the Market you may park inside the Sunfield property.

One of the films in this year’s European Film Festival is I am Greta the new documentary on Greta Thunberg, the Swedish teenager whose quiet yet laser-sharp focus has generated massive public attention on climate change, and inspired a generation of young activists. The film will be screened online in South Africa, from 12 to 22 November, and will be augmented by a number of climate action activities including a live discussion on Friday, 13 November at 18:00 (SA Time).

Climate change is undoubtedly one of the greatest crises humanity has ever faced. In 2015, 196 countries signed the Paris Climate Accord to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow global warming. There are many who say the Paris Climate Agreement does not go nearly far enough to address the urgencies, or the imperative of climate justice. Another question is how effective the commitments are in practice. Signing a non-binding Agreement is one thing, but implementation is another – especially here in the world’s most unequal country, where an internal Global North way overproduces and overconsumes our fair share of the continent’s emissions. This hard-to-hear reality underscores the importance of both climate action and climate justice organisations and watchdogs. They monitor progress or shortcomings, and hold governments, corporations, the wealthy and multilateral transgressors accountable.

Sharpening the spear
The festival’s climate programme includes screenings of the I am Greta documentary and awareness discussions in schools and community centres around the country and the live Zoom event Climate Justice South Africa: sharpening the spear. This Zoom event brings pertinent experts together for a series of short presentations articulating the status of local climate change impacts, and outlining mitigation strategies, initiatives, and ways forward for South Africa.

In a presentation entitled From Climate (in)Action to Climate Justice, an author of numerous books and articles, Professor Patrick Bond of the University of the Western Cape School of Government, will offer an overview of climate politics and projects in South Africa. His critiques are razor sharp, and tackle the UN, national and municipal governments, corporations and activists, in turn.

From the renowned advocacy and activist group Earthlife Africa, Ulrich Steenkamp’s presentation on Energy Democracy is framed against the democratic rights of the citizens of this country, the need for access to clean energy, and for participation in decision-making processes.

Avena Jacklin of the Pietermaritzburg-based NGO groundWork/Friends of the Earth South Africa addresses Environmental Protection Urgencies. She connects the dots from climate to the devastating water crises – droughts and periodic floods – and the importance of reshaping management of this basic resource.

The younger generation is whose future is most at stake, as explained by Ayakha Melithafa from the Africa Climate Alliance. What innovative approaches do the youth bring to advocacy efforts and awareness campaigns, how does Youth Activism feed into policy and legislative processes so that South Africa is able to address the challenges with integrity, fairness and justice? What ecological and social rights do we need to recognise what must be ensured for future generations?

All the member states participating in this European Film Festival are signatories to the Paris Agreement. South Africa is a signatory. Now that the United States is going to rejoin Paris, once Donald Trump vacates the White House next January 20, a global-to-national-to-local scan is vital. Greta Thunberg teaches us how to do this through the idealistic eyes of the youth, and we must turn a laser glare to addressing this greatest crisis humanity has ever faced, especially since the “Just Transition”, “decarbonisation” and “Build Back Better” refrains are still being heard from the South African presidency. This Live Zoom discussion is a reminder of the climate catastrophe and a call to action, to all of us. Access the event at 18.00 (SA time) on Friday 13 November through a link from the Special Events page on www.eurofilmfest.co.za.

This event is dedicated to the memory of Fikile Ntshangase, the anti-mining activist who was assassinated on 22 October. Ntshangase was the deputy chairperson of the Mfolozi Community Environmental Justice Organisation (Mcejo), which has stood steadfastly against the Tendele Coal Mine’s expansion in the Somkhele village area.

The European Film Festival 2020 is a partnership project of the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa and 12 other European embassies and cultural agencies in South Africa: the Embassies of Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Wallonie-Bruxelles International, the French Institute in South Africa, the Goethe-Institut, the Italian Cultural Institute, and the British Council. The festival is organised in cooperation with CineEuropa and coordinated by Creative WorkZone.

Photograph supplied: I Am Greta Poster

On Tuesday, 3 November 2020, the Class of 2020 attended a farewell luncheon in their honour, held under the gorgeous trees in Founders’ Lane. We enjoyed interacting with the matrics, who looked elegant and dapper in their Garden Party attire, and celebrating them for the wonderful young adults they have become. Age Quod Agis!

News from Howick High School.

Dot Mallett planted this Protea five years ago. It is a Protea Pincushion - Leucospermum cordifolium “VLAM”. It is the largest red pincushion available.

Photo credit: Brian Wakeford

News from Amberglen Retirement Village, Howick, KZN.

We are delighted to share the announcement of the Senior Leadership for 2021:

Head Boy: Ziyanda Ndlovu
Head Girl: Sara-Leigh Meyer
Deputy Head Boy: Steven Whitwell
Deputy Head Girl: Rachel Tyrer

Alexandra Candler, Ruth Fisher, Carmel Lombard, Megan Pike, Langelihle Sehlabaka, Zama Sibanyoni, Owethu Sumayili, Dylan Caswell, Stuart Fairhurst, Liam Feely, Simphiwe Nkuna, Matthew Scott, Riolyn Sookdhew, Arthur Wade.

News from Howick High School.

Since 2010 Harvard Electrical Wholesalers has grown three-fold, thanks to the support of their loyal client base. This rapid growth has allowed Harvard Electrical to move to larger premises in Howick. They believe in offering excellent customer service, a wide range of diverse products at very competitive prices and most importantly, they listen to their clients. Their specials are winners, hands-down.

SPECIALS:

Prepaid meter single phase at R345 - we supply tokens for these prepaid meters

LED tubes 1,2m at R45 and 1,5m at R59 - 12 months guarantee

LED Bulbs 10W at R30 and LED Bulbs 12W at R35 - 12 months guarantee

News supplied by Harvard Electrical Wholesalers.

Do you know a boy who is in Grade 3-7, based in the KZN Midlands, and is musically talented? Come audition for a life-changing experience.

Auditions take place at Epworth High School on Saturday, 31 October from 10h00 until 12h00.

Join the Drakensberg Boys Choir School.

With current market conditions preventing Sunfield Home Howick’s usual fundraising fairs and events, the Residents have rolled up their sleeves, put on their takkies and taken to the grounds to help raise funds to cover their Home’s needs.

It all started with an idea that is quickly gathering momentum. People have registered from not only throughout South Africa, but it is now spreading internationally too.

Anyone can participate and you can do your 65kms as a walk/run/cycle/paddle or even a 65km road trip! It doesn’t matter how you do it and they’d love to see a pic of you on their Facebook page participating in any way you choose.

Take your dogs, take your kids, you can even ride your pony! You can match the Residents and do the 65kms in 65 days, or you can do it at your own pace, in your own space.

The Residents challenge you to join them and would love it if you sponsored one of them too. It’s only R150 per entry and ALL of it goes directly to the Home.

Simply go to www.Sunfield.co.za/our-events to register.

Sunfield Home Howick is a permanent “Home away from Home” for over 100 intellectually impaired adults. It is a Section 21 NGO in the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands town of Howick and it is governed by a committed Board of Directors who volunteer their services. Residents have a wide range of disabilities and rely completely on the Home for their care and well-being.

News from Sunfield Home.