Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge
Let us entertain you
Durban: Sunday 22 June

Don’t rush off after you complete this year’s Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge on Sunday 22 June, as two proudly Durban acts take to the stage in the finish area at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Rugby Stadium’s outer fields.

Veranda Panda and DJ Dlala Thukzin (Top image) are lined up to entertain participants and supporters on either side of the prize giving on race day. First up, Veranda Panda promises to enchant with their mash up, cross over of vibrant, high-energy “guaranteed to get you dancing” tunes. Sandwiched between prize giving and the lucky draws, Magic Handz, Thuthuka Zindlovu will spin the crowd right towards the big prize giveaways.

DJ Dlala Thukzin, started moulding his musical career when he realised his passion at a young age. Growing up in Lamontville, an incubator for surfers and local lifeguards, Magic Handz has an affinity with the Durban heartbeat and lifestyle, which can be felt in his tracks.

His smash hit, ‘iPlan’ featuring Zaba and Sykes is one of the most played and bestselling songs on our local airwaves, reaching the top on multiple radio stations and online platforms. Dlala Thukzin will dazzle the crowds right before race organisers dip in to reveal the winners of the Lucky Draw prizes valued of R70,000, and the gorgeous Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium MT to the value of R269 900.

The dynamite duo, husband and wife team Jane and Liam Magner will revitalise the crowds as they come through the finish line. Veranda Panda seeks to bring people together through shared musical experience, served up through their lively brand of electric violin, vocals and machines. They are a live electronic act, who produce, create and perform their own original music, with fifteen years of experience on hundreds of stages, their music articulates stories and feelings, and captures moments that speak to the heart of what it means to feel alive

Their music celebrates the melting pot of influences that have surrounded them in their beautiful home country. With echoes of Jane’s classical violin training, their shared Scottish and Irish heritage, and the rich tapestry of African rhythms, harmonies and grooves; Veranda Panda is a product of their vibrant and complex rainbow nation, expressed in the live electronic music space. They have playlisted and charted on many notable South African national radio stations, with their popular singles: Sugarbee, Chocolate Mermaid, Dopamine, Pineapple Sunday, Right Here Now and Carry Me.

The finish area will be buzzing with beats with two world class performances entertaining the crowds at this year’s Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge.

More info or if you would like to enter, visit www.spar.run.

Shweshwe Bags are purpose made to conveniently secure little items you cannot be without when you are around and about. How many do you want? They are available in the most joyful hues and fabolous prints, all handmade by Khetiwe Ndlovu in Lions River.

MUSHKA sells them at R135.00 each

Visit the shop at Piggly Wiggly - Midlands or find more MUSHKA magic online www.mushka.co.za

Have questions? WhatsApp Robyn on 082 858 9262.

Because hearing loss can develop slowly over time, it may be difficult for you to notice subtle changes.

Early intervention is essential to maintaining healthy hearing.

Regular hearing tests at Butlin Hearing will keep you on top of your hearing health so you can enjoy the sounds of your environment with ease.

Contact Claire in Howick on 033 330 3966 or Mark in Pietermaritzburg on 033 342 2330 for a FREE hearing screening, or a comprehensive hearing test, or new hearing device and let Butlin Hearing welcome you to the world of sound!

Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge
Ready to take on a Challenge with your mates?
Durban: Sunday 22 June

Moments are best shared, and what better way than making memories with a group of friends or colleagues by entering a team at this year’s Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that takes place on Sunday 22 June, finishing on the HollywoodBets Kings Park Stadium’s outer fields.

Bulk entries for ten or more people wanting to participate in the challenge closes at midnight on Friday 6 June, with individual online entries closing as the clock strikes 12 on Youth Day, Monday 16 June. If you are entering a team, your team coordinator will need to do so electronically via the online entry portal. To receive this entry portal, please send an email to our Race Office HQ requesting the link. This can be achieved by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

There is a special day organised specifically for bulk entry collections where your team leader can go along and collect your crews race packs on Thursday 19 June.

For more info visit the race website, www.spar.run

Image: It’s always better with friends. Enjoying some team-time ahead of the Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge taking place on Sunday 22 June are from left to right Nomfundo Shezi (SPAR KZN Sponsorship Controller & Events); Nozipho Mkhize (SPAR KZN Advertising & Sponsorship Manager); Natasha Jeebodh (SPAR KZN Development Design Manager); Cindy Watridge (SPAR KZN Omni Channel Retail Operations Manager) and Precious Mthembu (SPAR KZN Race Ambassador and Former SPAR Protea’s Netball star, SPAR Baby Proteas Head Coach and teacher).

Photo credit: Val Adamson

NEXT EVENT MAY 2026

Experience the unforgettable.

Join us at Art in the Country for the breathtaking Live Burn Events by Mandy Johnston, proudly presented by Brokoop Insurance Brokers.

Witness art ignite, literally, as powerful sculptures are set ablaze in a moving, visual spectacle that explores transformation, emotion, and impermanence.

Catch it live:
Thurs, Fri, Sat at 7PM | 22–25 May 2025
Harrington House, Hilton

It’s more than art—it’s an experience.

See you there!

Hand crafted, flame torch glass beads made in the Italian tradition feature in our unique sets of sparkly Fire Gem Earrings. Give mom options to match all her roles!

Stock in advert may differ from selection available in our shop.
Pay for 2 pairs of earrings and take 3!
Valid for 10 and 11 May Only.

Visit the GLASS CUTTINGS shop at Piggly Wiggly - Midlands

UMGENI WATERFALL BOWLING CLUB

The Family Fun Day which was held on Thursday, 01 May, proved to be most enjoyable. A portion of each players tabs fee went into a pot for the winners to take home. The winners were Neil Wright, Lisa Nagel, Cathy Sandalls and Koos Marais. Thank you and well done to everyone, especially our visitors, who entered into the spirit of the game

EVENTS IN MAY:
Wednesday, 14 May: Halfway Toyota Howick Drawn Trips Competition. Tabs in 13h15
Tuesday, 20 May: J Leslie Smith Nominated 2-4-2 Competition. 08h45 for 09h00
Friday, 30 May: Bosch Autoworx Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. O8h45 for 09h00 Kindly note change of date.

REGULAR BOWLS DAYS unless otherwise stated.
Times / Dress code:
Tuesday 08h45 for play at 09h00 / Casual NB Note change of time effective from 06 May
Wednesday 13h15 for play at 13h30 / Casual
Saturday 13h15 for play at 13h30 / Club Colours or whites

All registered bowlers are welcome to join us on these days. Visitors are always welcome.

Coaching by registered coaches is available.

All enquiries referring to club matters may be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Just past three months along and this new coffee shop, perfectly placed in a memory steeped zone, is growing on locals while providing visitors with good memories of Howick.

'Serving up change with everything we do. We couldn’t be more blessed to be partnered with our incredible Angels Care Centre! Next time you’re in the area pop in and have a chat, get to know what we’re about and see where you can play your part in creating change.' commented The Hall Cafe spokesperson.

This kid friendly third space invites you to relax and refuel. Choose breakfast, brunch, lunch, snacks, salads, treats or wraps! Spoil yourself to the Thursday and Friday Harvest table available from 11am, book on 075 491 2931 / 082 393 6752. You are sure to find something for everyone including deli items, frozen meals and takeaways. Pop in on your next doddle down to view the falls; gather and grow relationships with your friends and community!

Subscribe to our newsletter to WIN a R200 coffee and cake voucher from The Hall Cafe, one winner will be drawn for May and another at the end of June! Our April winner is Fiona Eggers.

'Congratulations to past pupils Nicole de Klerk (class of 2016) and Alexandra Candler (class of 2021) who have been selected for the SA Emerging Women's Cricket Team touring India next month.
Age Quod Agis!' announced Howick High School.

"Our aim yesterday was to cover Piggly Wiggly in blankets and we certainly did that!

Final Tally - 459
Blankets - 213
Ponchos - 102
Beanies - 108
Scarves - 23
Bedsocks - 5
Baby cardigans - 8
Money from the raffles - R960.00

A special mention of thanks to; Moyra who works tirelessly every week sorting the squares into some semblance of order and for the help yesterday chatting to everyone about the project, Pevensey Place from Underberg who brought us beautiful blankets and joined us for the day, the ladies of Amberfield Frail Care who inspire us all, the many helpers who helped hang up, take down, count and pack all the blankets, and to all those anonymous folk out there who donate and support us. We thank you all.' said Gill Pryke at the end of a wonderful day.

Congratulations to Thalia (Top image) who won a blanket with her guess of how many beanies were bagged for distribution.

The needles and yarn never stop producing, behind the scenes supporters are already working toward the 2026 event. You are welcome to join in too, meet other woolly crafters every Wednesday at Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop between 10am and 2pm. For more information please WhatsApp Gill on 082 254 4798.

By teaching a child how to handle their dog correctly, a loving trusting bond is nurtured. For many of the children that participate in the Funda Nenja dog school programme, love is in short supply due to challenging and harsh home circumstances. The unconditional love that the child receives from the dog has a significant therapeutic impact and of course the dog benefits too. By changing children's emotional responses to their dogs, we are investing in the future and not just applying a band aid approach to animal welfare.

Funda Nenja believes in interactive action learning which fosters social change that benefits both people and animals.

More about Funda Nenja

'Dolphins Cricket star, Alexandra Candler (Class of 2021) has made a donation of R1000 to the Howick High Astro Fundraiser campaign. She is challenging all fellow Class of 2021 past pupils to make their donation to help Howick High School #makeithappen.

Age Quod Agis, Alex!', declared Howick High School's media representative.

To make your donation visit our website for payment details:

https://howickhigh.co.za/howick-high-school-astro-fundraiser-campaign/howick-high-school-astro/

How can you help us #MakeItHappen?

Email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit https://howickhigh.co.za/howick-high-school-astro-fundraiser-campaign/ for further information

'Time to give back to our community- join us this Saturday, 17 May 2025, at Piggly Wiggly from 10am!

We’ve been stitching love into every blanket, poncho, and beanie—and now it’s time to share it all with you!

Come for the Park Run, stay for the coffee, live music, and beautiful handmade pieces.

Support our Warm Embrace cause with a cash donation or raffle entry at our stall.

Finished a piece? Drop it off at the Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop anytime this week!

Spread the word—bring your friends, family, and fellow knitters!' invites the Piggly Wiggly Warm Embrace team.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Gill Pryke, owner of Glass Cuttings at Piggly Wiggly with her husband Stephen Pryke, had long held a vision of yarn bombing Piggly Wiggly for a good reason!

In 2024 the plan took wings with a huge number of local knitters and crocheters meeting weekly on a Wednesday at Piggly Wiggly. Terry at the coffee shop and her staff were great encouragers, offering space for weekly woolly gatherings and free coffee during the first year. Then support began to roll in from all around SA with donations of wool, fabric, and fleece. Blankets were knitted, crocheted, and sewn. Increda-Peg donated pegs to assist with the massive first display of the wollen warmers. Robyn Day of MUSHKA contributed by sewing up an entire donated roll of fabric into usable blankets. Another stalwart source of completed blankets is Pevensey Place in Underberg.

Of the first event Gill said, "The final tally was 267 blankets. We still have two hundred plus squares to sew up! The winners are the 267 people who will be a little warmer this winter."

AND SO IT CONTINUES

In addition to beautiful blankets of all colours and sizes, this project is also distributing baby clothes, adult bed socks, scarves, mittens, jerseys, ponchos, and beanies. YOU are welcome to join in the fun, begin today for 2026!

uMngeni SPCA was delighted to acquire a dental machine, towards which Dr. Nicky Topp generously donated R15,000. Then came the dilemma of where it could be housed; the equipment is high-end technology and ideally requires a clean, self-contained space to maintain quality of operation. But uMngeni SPCA’s Clinic building had no available space that met these criteria.

uMngeni Chairperson Monika Holst elaborates, “We looked beyond the Clinic building and examined the possibilities within the Kennels administration building. With imaginative reassignment of space and relatively minimal costs of drywalling and electrical installations for plugs and lighting, we have nearly completed the internal reconfigurations at a very reasonable cost. From the large but impractical room historically deployed as a “library” but serving little functional purpose, we now have 2 separate offices for our Retail Manager and Inspector plus a simple but functional boardroom which seats up to 12. The Spice Box installed stylish new aluminum window frames and glass in the offices and a glass door in the boardroom at no cost, for which we are immensely grateful.”

“Accounts was then moved into the Inspector’s office and the staff room facility shifted to another area. We were well on our way to reimagining our design plans which will include a Dental Room. During the first internal reconfiguration, one contractor mentioned that after working in the ceilings, we should take a closer look at the Kennel building’s roof.”

Subsequently, several respected local builders examined the wooden truss support structures and the cladding. All the reports were devastatingly unanimous. The wooden roof truss structure is rotten and the corrugated iron cladding severely rusted. It is beyond repair. Replacement is the only option.

After months of restructuring and implementing cost saving measures, the Society’s income streams are beginning to cover their basic operational costs. But not this scale of repair and replacement.

Thus, uMngeni SPCA is facing a significant once-off financial challenge.
Funds must be raised for a completely new roof and necessary internal upgrades and finishes for the extended clinic facilities - Cost R265,000.

Vice-Chair Vanessa Remmington explains the campaign’s concept’s base, “We looked back into history and have borrowed from the pioneer’s tradition of co-operative commitment. The classic example is when a farmer in the area needed a new barn or just a barn roof erected, the entire community arrived on site for a day or more, to tackle and complete the project. All able-bodied men formed the work crew; while the women pooled resources to keep an eye on the youngsters and share the cooking of the meals for the sustenance of all on site. The task was accomplished lickety-split and, more importantly, community “gees” cemented and entrenched.

This concept of communities working together for the good of the whole can be summed up in our local lore of “Ubuntu”.

And so, the idea for our Kennels Roof Raising Fund was laid!

This lump sum will cover the costs of a new Kennel roof and some upgrades in the Clinic.

The Amberfields Social Club Committee, represented by Pauline Dalton, Dot Penny and Monica Ashe (Chairperson) recently raised and presented a whopping R10,000 to the welfare organisation. They have happily agreed that will be the first donation for the Roof Raising Fund. Thus, their challenge to all other residential estates and businesses in Hilton, Howick and surrounds, is now to meet or better their donation, specifically for this fund.

A barometer on the uMngeni SPCA’s Facebook page will track donations as they come in.

How to donate: uMngeni SPCA, Nedbank Branch Code 198765 Account Number 113 379 1700 Reference ROOF and your Name and Mobile Number. If possible email POP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mother's Day gifts galore are available just up the road for Howick shoppers, visit Piggly Wiggly!

More designs by Liza! Moms are falling in love with these delightful Tray covers and Pot stands. They show off nature's magnificence. Celebrate your magnificent mom!

Tray covers are R195 each
Pot stands R255 each

Visit us at @pigglywigglymidlands on the R103.

Browse our store online at www.mushka.co.za

Call or WhatsApp Robyn on 082 858 9262

IS ART DEAD?

How this generation is rediscovering the beauty of art in nature

Are art and sculptures relics of a bygone era, or does this generation simply engage them in a different way?

Research suggests that millennials and Gen Z value participatory and engaging museum experiences, often seeking out art that fosters social interaction and personal connection.[1] It’s no surprise then, that art – once confined to hushed galleries and velvet ropes – is now breaking boundaries and finding new life in unexpected places. Tyron Selmon-Butler, Art Curator from Art Eye Gallery says that while traditional brick-and-mortar galleries are still very much sought after, younger audiences are also looking for experiences that are more immersive, interactive, and unconventional. And one of the most powerful settings for this reimagined way of engaging with art? Nature.

According to Selmon-Butler, there is perhaps no place in South Africa that captures this movement better than Brahman Hills in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Nestled in rolling countryside, Brahman Hills is home to an internationally award-winning garden; a sprawling 5.5-hectare sanctuary broken into 26 themed “garden rooms.” But these aren’t your average flowerbeds. They’re dotted with monumental sculptures crafted by emerging South African artists, each telling a story about culture, myth, environmentalism, or womanhood.

Selmon-Butler, who collaborated with Brahman Hills on almost all of their sculptures, sees the outdoor sculpture movement as more than a passing trend. “These sculptures are not just art pieces,” he says. “They are anchors of meaning; some are playful, some are confronting, some are hauntingly beautiful. But each one invites the viewer to pause, to feel, to ask questions. Nature already awakens our senses, and when you pair that with art, it becomes very personal and very powerful.”

For Onwaba Gonyora, Director at Brahman Hills, the art-meets-nature ethos is a deliberate evolution of the brand’s purpose. “In 2017, we set out with a bold vision to become South Africa’s leading wedding venue. That vision turned into reality,” says Gonyora. “However, as we’ve grown, so has our inspiration. We’ve moved beyond events to creating something timeless; a destination rooted in creativity, wellness, and natural beauty. The awards we’ve received, and the fact that visitors travel from around the world just to walk in our magnificent gardens, proves that sculpture and outdoor art are not only relevant, but they’re also deeply desired in 2025.”

Why is art in nature so appealing?

According to Selmon-Butler:
• There’s something liberating about encountering art in the open air. No hushed whispers. No gallery rules. No four walls. Just you, nature, and a piece of work that, if only for a moment, makes you stop walking and start thinking.
• It’s not about prestige. It’s about connection. It's about finding meaning in a world that often feels too fast, too filtered, too virtual.

Gonyora sums it up: “We didn’t just want to create a pretty garden; we wanted to offer something soul stirring. For weddings, retreats, or just a weekend escape. Our sculptures remind us of who we are, what we value, and what’s worth preserving. That’s art. And that’s timeless.”

So, if you're wondering whether art still has a place in 2025, the answer is waiting at The Brahman Hills Gardens.

The "Hanneke" by Sandro Trapani: A 4.5-meter-tall figure pouring water into the dam, symbolizing environmental preservation.

"Medusa" by Sandro Trapani: A bronze sculpture hidden in a grotto, inviting viewers to confront themes of resilience and complexity.

"Leda and the Signet" by Joyce Carreira: A reinterpretation of myth, capturing the bond between humans and nature.

"Strike a Woman, Strike a Rock" by Ben Tuge: A tribute to the strength of African women, prominently placed near the lake.

"Stargazer" by Louis van den Heever: A two-meter-tall figure reaching for the sky, embodying childhood wonder.

"The Giant" by Louis van den Heever: A five-ton concrete and steelhead emerging from the earth, serving as a stark warning about environmental neglect.

WE HAVE A LOCKSMITH TRAINING SCHOOL IN PIETERMARITZBURG
Get a NQF level and work anywhere in the world as a locksmith. Phone our qualified assessor today to find out more about our training courses at the Locksmith Training School.

Visit our website if you would like to read more about us: www.lockandkey.co.za/locksmith-training-school

Tel: 033 345 3236

Cell: 082 550 2861 or 065 853 9642

A dynamic pair of twin sisters stole the spotlight at the prestigious Toyota Easter Show, held at the Kyalami Equestrian Centre. The talented young riders competed in the highly-contested 1m Showjumping class, which drew 72 individual entries from across the region.

Kelly Harvey (top image), one of the twins delivered a standout performance, clinching 1st place with a flawless round and a lightning-fast time of just 40 seconds. Her precision, control, and speed earned her the top spot on the podium in a field packed with skilled competitors and seasoned equestrians.

Jade Harvey (Image below), also made a remarkable impression, competing with grace and skill. Together, the sisters demonstrated not only individual talent but also the power of shared passion and sibling camaraderie in the equestrian sport.

The Toyota Easter Show continues to be one of the most anticipated events on the equestrian calendar, bringing together top riders and horses in a celebration of skill, sportsmanship, and community.

The sisters’ performance has marked them as rising stars in the showjumping world, and the equestrian community eagerly awaits their next competition.

Education truly is an adventure.

For further information please visit www.treverton.co.za