Our first dog guardian of the week for 2020 is young Sabelo Radebe. Sabelo is only 7 years old and he started at Funda Nenja at the beginning of this term. During his first puppy class he learnt the importance of giving your dog a good name and he decided to name his beautiful puppy Umngani, which means ‘friend’ in isiZulu.

Sabelo said that he came to Funda Nenja to “learn how to be good to Umngani” and “to learn Umngani how to be good to me and to learn him to be my friend”.

Sabelo takes training very seriously and is a very attentive and gentle student. After only two lessons he has already taught sweet Umngani to sit and shake paws using food rewards. He also spends a lot of time talking intently to Umngani, telling him how clever and good he is, and what he is trying to teach him and why it is important.

During one exchange, while Sabelo was totally unaware he was been observed, he told Umngani that “I will teach you to shake hands so that you can greet the people and the dogs nicely when you see them, and they will like you lots and be your friend, and to do this you must put your hand in my hand and we must shake hands like this (as he cups his hand under Umngani’s paw)... and then we know that we can be friends forever” [quote translated from isiZulu].

It is very heartwarming to watch these two boys interact as they only have eyes for each other.

Umngani is a very sweet, calm and gentle young puppy, and obviously devoted to his young handler. Sabelo says that the best thing about Umngani is that he “loves to play… I love to play ball and Umngani loves to play with the ball… we run and we chase… then we run and chase more… and then we fall down because the legs are too tired…but still we play together”. He says that he also likes “to give food to Umngani because he gets so happy when I give him the food”.

When he grows up this caring and gentle young man would like to be a “policeman... with Umngani... because Umngani can run fast and catch the bad men”.

Pictured above is Sabelo Radebeand his dog Umngani.

News supplied by Funda Nenja.

The UCSI is going well and we continue to have a positive impact in our community. The UCSI membership is growing, and we really need to encourage more local businesses, shopping centres, estates, security companies and schools to come on board. Support a wonderful, local initiative.

UCSI vehicle
The UCSI is in need of a vehicle for our Operations Manager. If anyone is able to assist with:

1. Selling a reliable, cost effective, second-hand vehicle to the UCSI
OR
2. Donating a vehicle to the UCSI (Section 18A can be issued) 
OR
3. Any other helpful, cost effective option

Please contact Frans on 063 068 9652 as soon as possible. That would be greatly appreciated.

Gantry update
The UCSI has the full CAPEX funding amount to get Gantry 14 erected on the R617 (Boston / Bulwer Road towards Mpophomeni) outside Dunning House (near Midmar Building supplies). We just need more monthly operational membership funding (OPEX) to come in. Please can we encourage residents and business entities in the Merrivale, Merrivale Heights and Howick West areas to come on board.

The UCSI also has partial CAPEX funding for Gantry 18 on Prospect Road outside Fairfield Dairy (as one enters Howick / Howick West from the N3) and for Gantry 26 outside Stockowners (as one comes off the N3 heading towards Tweedie). If there are any other businesses out there that would like to donate between R20k – R40k towards these gantries, please contact Frans.

The UCSI is a registered NPC and able to issue a Section 18A certificate for any donations made.

Operations update
The UCSI Operations Manager is monitoring numerous vehicles entering our communities on a daily basis. SAPS is contacted and checks are done. Discernment is a key skill needed in order to do this, as numerous vehicles pass through our UCSI SNIPR cameras that need following up for various reasons. This close working relationship with SAPS is key to making the right calls to action. Over the past 10 days the UCSI has followed up on 14 such vehicles successfully.

It is also critical that legitimate and credible information is loaded onto the SNIPR system. Again, this is where the UCSI Operations Manager is clinical about the information loaded, as well as checking up on the information that has been loaded by other entities that utilise the broader SNIPR network. The SAPS Crime Administration System (CAS) also feeds live into SNIPR, so vehicles wanted by SAPS for various crimes committed, are also monitored by the UCSI and SAPS dispatched accordingly.

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

Contact Frans on 063 068 9652 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information on how to join and make a contribution. Private individuals from R 50 pm and business entities from R 300 pm.

News supplied by UCSI.

And the time has finally come for this beautiful male Caracal to be released.

After a long wait in a Boma to get him used to his surroundings and break his homing instinct, we were finally able to release him back into the wild. 

A huge thank you to Dr Mike Toft for assisting us with this release and thank you to Clinton Wright (Wild Tomorrow Fund), who has welcomed this Caracal onto the Ukuwela Reserve. They have sponsored a Satellite Collar which means that we can track his progress for the next year. 

Post release monitoring is such an important step in what we do. It helps us to understand what we need to change and what we need to focus on during our rehabilitation processes.

Would you like to contribute and be involved in the work FreeMe Wildlife does? Then please join our family through the Custodianship Program, even businesses can be a part of our family.

News supplied by FreeMe .

A lot of South Africans are confused when it comes to CBD and cannabis products. And it's not surprising when, despite the law, there are plenty of people and even companies out there selling cannabis products illegally and offering misleading and unsubstantiated health advice.⁠
⁠
At The Hemp People, community and integrity are more important to us than profits, which is rare in this industry. ⁠
⁠
Our mission is to educate and empower our fellow South Africans when it comes to CBD (cannabidiol) and other hemp and cannabis products, whether or not you choose to shop our personally vetted range.

News supplied by The Hemp People.

Women Farmers getting it right.

Mpophomeni Conservation Group strive to spread environmental awareness, education, gardening, sustainability. "We are the change we want to see in to see in the world", and here is a success story.

 Lindiwe Phkiwane Ka Mkhonza and Khayelihle Mavuso received permission to use space at Mpophomeni High School to grow food.

First, they cleared lots of weeds (of course, they ate lots of the mbuya and uqadolo and the rest can be used as mulch), then they planted carrots and beans.

They will propose to supply the school feeding programme and then sell the excess organic produce.

News supplied.

The 1000 Paws Walk for SPCA is an annual event now in its 12th year. It has proven year after year to be the largest single fundraising event for the three participating branches of the SPCA, namely the Pietermaritzburg, Umngeni-Howick, and Mooi River & District SPCA branches.

The funding is used for outreach work to uplift and assist the area’s impoverished communities, where people rely on their animals for security and companionship, transport, and food. The SPCA serves the needs of all animals, from domestic pets to livestock, wildlife, birds, fish, and reptiles. No financial assistance is provided by government and all branches of the SPCA are required to raise money from their individual communities. This obviously has an impact on smaller SPCA branches in rural and indigent areas.

By joining forces, these three branches of the SPCA plan our successful multi-faceted event that also includes:
A raffle with top-notch prizes such as 5-star getaways and cruises.
A schools campaign where classes at schools across the three districts compete to raise the most money for 1000 Paws. The winning class per school is rewarded with a much-anticipated pizza party.

The 1000 Paws Walk event is extremely popular, attracting in excess of 1200 people (many with their dogs) and is based on an Australian fund-raising concept. There are two walks within the grounds of Hilton College, a 2km walk around the playing fields and a scenic 4km walk overlooking Albert Falls Dam. Families love a day in the open where kids can safely have fun with their pets, and those without dogs or who don’t want to bring them along have a fun-filled day nevertheless, with dog-focused activities, stalls, refreshments, displays and live entertainment.

More details to be revealed soon. SAVE THE DATE for now.

News Supplied.

Howick Hospice will be selling individually packaged heart shaped chocolates to raise funds to contribute towards the services offered by our organisation.

Have a Heart for Howick Hospice Chocolate @ R10 each

Please get in touch if you would like to place an order or if we could drop off order forms.

All orders to be placed by February 7th.

News supplied by Howick Hospice.

Piggly Wiggly, ‘The Heart of the Midlands’ is home to almost 30 unique shops, a myriad of activities for adults and kids and several foodie spots, and is the ideal spot for family and friends to spend the day together.

Visit our website () to see all that we have to offer.

News supplied by Piggly Wiggly Midlands.

Garry from Finely Fixed is a specialist at in-home maintenance, repairing and perfecting all the things in a home that never get fixed.
But he has other talents as well.

This is a Chalet he designed for a customer, who is renting it out as a holiday chalet.

-It's approx. 60m2
-It is one bedroom, full bathroom and complete kitchen.
-It has insulated ceilings and walls.
-Full electrics
-Fully plumbed with geyser.
-Cromadeck roofing ( that is it come pre-painted )
-Half-round outside timber CCA treated.
-All other timbers are CCA treated.

Total cost at the time the of construction and completion was R300 000.
For free quotes and assistance in design and advice contact Finely Fixed.

These Harvard Electrical Wholesalers specials are just in time for the end of Summer heat.

This offer is available till the end of February or until stock lasts.

Visit Harvard Electrical Wholesaler's showroom at 22 Harvard Street, Howick.

While much has changed over 47 years of aQuellé Midmar Mile history, there has been one constant throughout, and that’s the presence of Mike “Buthie” Arbuthnot.

The 87-year-old was one of the founders of the famous race back in 1974 and remains the only swimmer to have officially competed each year.

Arbuthnot will once again be part of the throng of thousands who will flock to Midmar Dam on the weekend on 8-9 February 2020 to take part in the world’s largest open water race.

Photo credits: Jetline Action Photo

News supplied.

Dynalogic Computer's offer computer sales and repairs, servers , networking, cloud server and backup solutions.

For CCTV surveillance systems with remote monitoring and corporate service level agreements.

Contact Dynalogic Computers if you have any problems with your computer.

News supplied by Dynalogic Computers.

Home Trends, previously known as Repurposed is  ready for your visit...

Design... Build... Furnish 

We align with a wonderful architect, Kwasani Projects Building and Civils, Cosy Couch and Leicester Floors Pietermaritzburg.

We provide a Professional, Personal Decor Service and have some amazing home decor items...

And now our Deli is open, making the most delicious home cooked meals and cakes, jams, Marmalades, Pickles...

It’s a treasure in Howick... make sure you visit.

News supplied by Home Trends.

KwaZulu-Natal Swimmer Chad Ho will be chasing an elusive eighth title when he takes on a strong international field at the famous aQuellé Midmar Mile, taking place near Howick from 8-9 February.

The two-time Olympian last won the race in 2016, when he also set the record for the fastest time of 17 minutes flat. But he’s determined to add title number eight to his impressive haul of accolades which includes a 5km open water world title.

“Winning is always the main priority and I am confident in my ability to win my eighth title,” said the race’s most successful swimmer. “However, it will come down to race day and if it is my day.”

Ho’s first taste of victory came in the 13 years and under category, which he won back in 2004, and since 2008 he’s finished in the top 10 in the main race every year, including his run of seven titles from 2010 to 2016.

“I don’t think there are any secrets to success in open water swimming. It is all about who performs on the day, who is in their best condition, who has picked the best line and the water conditions during the race. It's anyone's race, which is what I love about it.”

The 29-year-old added: “The international swimmers definitely add a competitive edge, they push you harder and it makes for great viewing for the spectators. In saying that, it is also not something I allow to cloud my focus. I can only control my swim and how I do on the day, so I choose to remain focused on that.”

While the mile distance isn’t contested at the Olympics, Ho explained that the aQuellé Midmar Mile still forms an important part of his preparation as he looks to qualify for his third Games.

“Midmar allows me to assess my current progress. It is not the distance I need to qualify for but it is an opportunity to race. Every opportunity to push yourself before the Olympics is a good one,” he explained.

The first step in achieving that qualification for Tokyo 2020 will be finishing in the top two at the national championships in Jeffrey’s Bay in March.

“It is every professional athlete's dream to compete at the highest level of competition. To say I have not only been to one, not two, but three Olympics is an indescribable feeling. This is what I spend every day working towards, and knowing my efforts paid off, in the end, will make it all worth it.”

But first, he’ll be looking for another Midmar win and training has been ramped up to give him the best possible shot at that.

“Training has been going well. We are currently in a period of doing high mileage and have been for about two weeks now. Some days are really tough and I am finished at the end of the day, but it is what is required to compete at the level I am aiming for.”

Ho has been lining up on the banks of the KZN dam since the age of six, so the event is of particular significance to him.

“Midmar is an event whereby family, co-workers and friends can come together and take part in an event as a team or even as support for any individuals taking part,” he explained.

“For me personally it is a family-orientated weekend. I don’t get to have my family by my side at races very often and this is the one event that allows for that. I have been doing Midmar since the age of six and it has always been a significant event for myself and my family.”

Dubbed the world’s largest open water race, the aQuellé Midmar Mile sees over 12,000 swimmers covering the 1.6km distance over two days of racing. Entries close on 26 January. For more information, head to https://www.midmarmile.co.za/how-to-enter/

Photo credit: Jetline Action Photo.

News supplied.

Nuts About Books & Toys is located at 3 on Mare – a lovely upmarket little shopping centre in the heart of Howick, KZN.

They are stockists of educational toys, puzzles, games, crafts, novelty toys, books and more. Popular brands include Lego, Melissa & Doug, Big Jigs, Think Fun, Top Trumps, Top Model, Hooligans Kids Clothing and Sylvanian Families.

Pop in and buy these excellent books for teaching little ones good values and morals.

Reasonably priced at R49 each!

News supplied by Nuts about Books and Toys.

FreeMe Wildlife Rehabilitation KZN was established in 2006 in response to the growing need for a dedicated Centre which could care for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife in KZN midlands.

Would you like to contribute and be involved in the work FreeMe Wildlife does?

Then please join our family through the Custodianship Program, even businesses can be a part of our family .

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

News supplied by FreeMe .

Midmar Building Supplies (MBS) a building materials trade depot for all your building needs.
As part of the umbrella company Midmar Group, MBS is the retail and wholesale outlet for building materials.
Whether it be providing material for large contractors or for home improvements, MBS will be sure to be your building materials solution from start to finish.

We provide concrete products that are directly produced in our Midmar Concrete Products (MCP) yard located next to the store. We source the raw materials needed to produce our concrete products directly from our quarry, Midmar Crushers. Due to this value chain, MBS products can be sold at more affordable rates while still maintaining an extremely high level of quality.

We stock a range of hardware that includes tools, bathroom and plumbing items, paint and paint accessories, electrical and lighting, garden and outdoor equipment, as well as doors, windows and more.

News supplied by Midmar Building Supplies.

For ten years Funda Nenja has enriched the lives of many dogs and people, living in the vicinity of Mpophomeni near Howick. Initially focusing on the Mpophomeni area, the work is now extending further afield.

Ten years is a good time to pause, reflect, reconsider and where appropriate, chart new directions. For this reason Funda Nenja has embarked upon an evaluation process.Anyone is welcome to participate in the evaluation.

How would you like to assist with, or inform, the developing Funda Nenja programme? Do join the evaluation process. We invite you to share your story, your insights and what inspires you about Funda Nenja.

Feel free to post directly onto our FaceBook site or, if you would like to share a personal insight, do call the Evaluation Coordinator, Dr. Jim Taylor (Cell: 0824580976) or email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

News supplied by Funda Nenja.