WESSA's Colour Run to commemorate World AIDS Day 2023
Encouraging healthy lifestyles and awareness

HOWICK, KwaZulu-Natal: The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) is thrilled to announce its inaugural Colour Run event commemorating World AIDS Day 2023. Hosted by WESSA uMngeni Valley, this vibrant event, promoting healthy lifestyles, is proudly supported by the Department of Science and Innovation.

Scheduled for December 9th, the Colour Run kicks off at 7:00am at the stunning WESSA uMngeni Valley with the aim of uniting communities, raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, and celebrating the importance of leading active and healthy lifestyles.

One of the highlights is the South African National Blood Service (SANBS)'s participation. They will be conducting a blood donation drive onsite, emphasising the critical need for blood donations and urging attendees to contribute. In addition, SANBS will actively promote HIV awareness and encourage individuals to get tested, highlighting the significance of knowing one's HIV status.

Entry is free, welcoming individuals of all ages and backgrounds to join in the festivities. Participants can anticipate a kaleidoscope of colours, an electrifying atmosphere, and the opportunity to support a worthy cause while embracing fitness and fun.

"This Colour Run is not just about the vibrant hues and joyous moments; it's about coming together as a community to spread awareness, encourage healthy habits, and support those affected by HIV/AIDS," said Sifundo Sibiya, senior manager at WESSA uMngeni Valley.

Participants are encouraged to bring along their enthusiasm to make this event an unforgettable celebration.

Join us at WESSA uMngeni Valley to stand together in solidarity for a healthier, more aware society.

About WESSA:
WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for sustainable solutions, conservation, championing policy initiatives and promoting environmental awareness that lead to a healthier planet. WESSA has consistently been at the forefront of the environmental sector, driving positive change and inspiring communities. Through its diverse range of programmes and initiatives, WESSA has been instrumental in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility across South Africa.

WESSA’s Mission: Educate. Advocate. Act.
We educate, advocate and act for environmental and social justice through sustainability education, strategic partnerships, and conservation programmes to drive climate action, protect and restore biodiversity, and reduce pollution.

WESSA’s Vision: To be a trusted and highly effective organisation working for environmental and social justice in support of a healthy and sustainable planet.

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Guess who's a pure African Wildcat

Yes, we've received the test results back from SANBI, and this kitten is a Pure African Wildcat.

What does this mean? Well, each species have what is called genetic markers. Pure species match to all the genetic markers exactly. Hybrids will only match to some genetic markers, which will prove they are not a pure species. Domestic cats are interbred so extensively that even though they may be the descendants of wild species (such as the African Wildcat), their genetics no longer match up to pure wild cat species anymore. So, you might find small residual DNA from wild cat species still in domestic cats, when you match up genetic markers, they no longer match up completely to any pure wild species. Anything less that a 90% genetic match is not considered a pure species.

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

We can't do it without help though. There are a lot of animals, and just a few of us, so please consider supporting our work. Our wildlife patients need all the help they can get!

https://freemewildlife.org/support-us/

SES Hilton is a sustainable energy solutions business specializing in customizable, alternative, adaptive power and energy systems for families and businesses. You can read about some of their client's experiences here. Call 073 966 0651.

Planning an unforgettable year-end function, movie night, or a unique family get-together? Look no further! iGolf KZN offers a versatile venue that's perfect for any occasion.

What We Have to Offer:
Virtual Golf Experience
Big Screen for Movie Nights
Coffee Bar with Delicious Treats
Cozy Seating Area
Space for Game Days and Family Gatherings

Whether it's a golf-themed celebration, a cosy coffee and cake get-together, or a movie night under the stars, our venue is all yours to hire! Make your event extraordinary at iGolf KZN. Book now and let's create memories together!

You can book sessions through our online booking portal:
https://igolfkzn.co.za/book-your-indoor-golf-simulator-sessions/

For more information:
Call 079 874 6806
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sometimes being able to see someone speak can help those with hearing loss. Even those who cannot read lips can sometimes pick up context better by seeing someone speak as facial expressions and non-verbal language can “speak” volumes.

If you’re concerned about your hearing, call Butlin Hearing for a FREE hearing screening, a comprehensive hearing test, or a new hearing device.

Call Claire in our Howick office on 033 330 3966, or Mark in the Pietermaritzburg office on 033 342 2330, and let Butlin Hearing welcome you to the world of sound!

Daniel Jonck finished 9th overall in the Lesotho Ultra 50km recently. He completed the challenging course in 8h39min and was the youngest competitor in the field. We are very proud of his achievements.

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

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One of the things we specialize in doing at FreeMe Wildlife is keeping wild animals wild. This means as little corruption from humans as possible, even when hand raising babies. We work with something known as morphic fields and morphic resonance, which is basically a blue print each species has. They inherently know what they are.

So how do we minimize imprinting on humans...? We simply do not pet, play, or tame any wildlife under our care... after all... the goal is to keep the animal authentically wild.

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

We just cannot help these little ones without your help though. There are a lot of animals, and just a few of us, so please consider supporting our work. Our wildlife patients need all the help they can get!

This little male Thick-Tailed Bushbaby is doing well so far. Since we only have the one in care, we need to be extra careful we don't imprint it on humans.

Our aim is always to keep wild animals wild, with minimal human corruption

https://freemewildlife.org/support-us/

'Join Poppy and Sam on Apple Tree Farm as they share their favourite recipes in this children’s baking book. From brownies to pizzas, every recipe is vegetarian, with instructions for vegan, gluten-free and peanut-free alternatives. Illustrated step-by-step instructions make cakes, cookies, bread and tarts simple and safe for young children to cook with adult supervision. Plus you can find the little yellow duck on each page!

More about Nuts About Books & Toys, 3 Mare Street, Howick, KZN.

Thirteen brand new cutting-edge mobile health clinics have been put in action in KwaZulu-Natal by the dynamic youth-driven movement and leading mobile healthcare provider Keready.

The launch of these new clinics represents a significant milestone in Keready's commitment to bring free quality medical services to communities in need, especially the youth.

Equipped with modern medical facilities and staffed by highly trained young healthcare professionals. These clinics offer an array of services tailored specifically to the needs of young people and their communities. This includes sexual & reproductive health services, such as family planning, STI treatment, HIV and pregnancy testing. Other services include testing for diabetes and blood pressure checks, amongst other checks that are done at the clinics.

The clinics are specifically designed to support young people in underserved areas in KwaZulu-Natal, with a particular focus on eThekwini, Umgungudlovu, Uthukela, and King Cetshwayo Districts.

“With these mobile clinics, we bring quality healthcare to the doorsteps of those in need, empowering them to take charge of their health and well-being,” says Dr Siyanda Mgangato, the young doctor overseeing the operations in the uMgungundlovu District.

“We make sure to create a non-judgmental and welcoming environment, where everyone feels comfortable seeking our services. From health check-ups to offering specifically tailored services for young people, we strive to empower youth to take charge of their health and well-being,” says young doctor Dineo Sefoloko, who oversees the Durban operations.

Saira Carim, the doctor in the King Cetshwayo District adds: “In addition to our clinic services, we also utilise popular platforms such as TikTok to connect with young people and provide them with informative and engaging content. Our 24/7 "Ask A Keready Doctor" WhatsApp line further emphasises our dedication to being available and accessible to young people when they need us the most no matter where in South Africa they are connecting from.”

The arrival of the clinics in KwaZulu-Natal follows the successful delivery of eight clinics in the Eastern Cape just a month ago, following later this month another 13 clinics in Gauteng and nine more in the Western Cape in January. The Keready team, handling a total of 46 mobile clinics, includes ten young doctors, 95 nurses, 50 communicators, dedicated drivers, and nearly two- hundred mobilisers across the 4 provinces.

To find the locations of the Keready Mobile Clinics, visit Keready's website at www.keready.co.za. For any health-related inquiries, Keready provides a 24/7 WhatsApp line at 060 019 00 00. Additionally, every Wednesday at 7 pm, Keready doctors host a live session on TikTok, accessible on the TikTok channel, @kereadysa.

Pictured here: Sinegugu Ntsibande - mobiliser, Mdu Ngxongo - driver, Dineo Sefokolo - doctor, Kholeka Ncokazi - enrolled nurse, Nosipho Khuzwayo - mobiliser.

Photo by Val Adamson

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Looking back, 2023 will undoubtedly go down in history as the year that South Africa's corporate and civil society "went solar" in a way never seen before. In an effort to avoid the crippling effect of loadshedding, hundreds of thousands of individuals and companies recently opted to invest in solar panels. According to a recent BusinessTech report, South Africa's imports of solar panels increased thrice from the previous quarter to an all-time high of R3.6 billion in the first quarter of 2023.

“Whilst this is good news for renewable energy, we also need to think about the long-term implications that even this ‘green energy’ will have on the environment,” cautions Dr Mark Williams-Wynn, KZN Branch Committee Member of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA). "In the coming years, we will have to deal with the recycling of millions of solar panels and batteries that are currently being imported into South Africa.”

The Challenge: Millions of discarded panels and batteries in a decade

Williams-Wynn says there’s now an estimate of between 20 million and 25 million solar panels in the country after the recent influx. Most have an expected lifespan of about 20 years and according to Williams-Wynn, South Africa should be ready for mass recycling in about a 10 to 15 years’ time. “That is when we will see thousands of panels having to be replaced with new ones, and when recycling the old products correctly will become critically important.”

He explains that one of the challenges with solar panel waste is that they are banned from landfills, as they are potentially hazardous to both human and environmental health.

"We need to adopt alternative waste management solutions, such as recycling, refurbishing and repairing, or reusing them in lower-demand applications," he continues, adding that emphasis needs to be placed on the waste management of the batteries used in solar systems as well.

“I believe this to be the bigger challenge,” Williams-Wynn warns. “The batteries in household solar panels are lithium iron phosphate batteries, also known as LFP (lithium ferrophosphate) batteries. The only material in this battery that has some value when recovered is lithium. The iron and phosphate of such low value that it’s not really economically viable to try and recover them.”

Furthermore, the product is highly flammable. “And once that fire starts, it is self-sustaining,” he warns. “They don’t need oxygen to burn, and even when smothering burning batteries with foam they can continue to burn.”

The Solution: Adherence and Power of the Customer’s Voice

The success or failure of South Africa's solar waste story will depend on how responsibly we operate in the here and now, Williams-Wynn notes.

“The methods for properly disposing of and recycling panels and batteries are constantly developing and improving - but if we do nothing now, we could face a catastrophe later.

There is simply not enough adherence to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations which took effect in 2021 and hold producers (which includes manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers) accountable for the end-of-life management of their products,” he says. “There are many reasons for this, including expenses, control and enforcement, but in the end, the environment suffers - and it will be everyone’s problem in future.”

According to Williams-Wynn, both the general public and solar installers have the ability to change things.

“Customers often don't realise the collective power that they have. To ensure that our solar and battery producers are complying with the EPR regulations, we must all exert pressure on them. If that happens, South Africa will be equipped and ready when the solar waste wave strikes in a few years.”

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Former world champion and defending women’s aQuellé Midmar Mile champion Sharon van Rouwendaal has hailed the famous KwaZulu-Natal race as a truly unique event – and one she would love to return to in 2025.

The Dutch woman competed in the aQuellé Midmar Mile for the first time in 2023 and powered her way to victory, finishing four seconds ahead of American Ashley Twitchell in a time of 18 minutes 40 seconds.

Speaking about the experience, Van Rouwendaal said: “I didn’t have any expectations but I knew it was one of the biggest races ever. And then when I came, there were so many people, everybody was swimming in groups.

“I really find it cool that the television [crew] were next to us with the boat and filmed everything so that people could follow it on the shore. And then the finish was actually great when you come out of the water, with so many people cheering, so it was a great experience for me.”

At just 1.6km, the aQuellé Midmar Mile was far shorter than the Dutch star usually races which is 10km – swum over numerous laps.

“The biggest thing that was different was that it was just straight from one side [of the dam] to the other and I wasn’t used to that. Also, that if you are first to 400m or to 800m or 1200m you can win some extra prize money. I think that made the race interesting because then you get these girls who try and sprint the first 400m to get some money and I think that was really nice actually, it made the race interesting to watch.”

The 30-year-old will not be defending her Midmar title in 2024, as she is focused on the World Aquatics Championships where she is hoping to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris. This weekend she will be competing in the final World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup event of the year in Portugal along with two former aQuellé Midmar Mile champions – Twitchell (a four-time winner at Midmar) and Australian Nick Sloman.
Van Rouwendaal is eager to return to the KZN dam in 2025, however.

“I want to come back for Midmar in 2025 if I’m invited, and maybe I could give some clinics because I’m starting my own business at the moment. I’m already doing some online coaching for open water swimmers and for triathletes… to improve their technique and learn how to swim open water, so maybe I could… swim it myself, and give clinics. That would be a dream for 2025.”

Van Rouwendaal has graced many international podiums, winning the world 10km title in 2022, but had some words of encouragement for those thinking of trying their hand at open water swimming for the first time at the 2024 aQuellé Midmar Mile.

“I would say to the people that if they’re doubting… this is a race to do. You can even swim it with your friends, you don’t have to do it alone. There are so many people, so many categories, even if you’re slow it doesn’t matter, there’s always a body swimming next to you.

“So I would really recommend doing this race because it’s really fun and you just get that family vibe as well when you come out of the water.”

Entries for the 2024 aQuellé Midmar Mile, which takes place from 8-11 February, are currently open.

For more information and to enter, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

Pictured here: Sharon van Rouwendaal and Ashley Twitchell

Photo credit: Action Photo SA

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As World Aids Day approaches on 1 December 2023, Keready, a youth-led health movement, accelerates its mission to provide factual information to the youth about HIV. Recognising the pivotal role of early detection and treatment in enhancing individual health and preventing virus transmission, Keready utilises their social media channels and 46 mobile health clinics across four Provinces (Gauteng, KZN, EC and WC), to dispel myths and provide education, prevention testing and treatment.

Dr Tutula Singata, a young Keready doctor in Gauteng, asserts, "The key to one’s health is always prevention, and to best understand how one can avoid contracting a disease. So education is important, as is dispelling the myths that often surround HIV. For those who are sexually active HIV testing can empower you beyond measure. It's absolutely crucial to know your status for your own peace of mind and to protect your partners. Get tested, it’s easier than you think."

Keready offers free, confidential HIV testing, with immediate results, dispelling myths and fear surrounding the testing process. In KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Saira Carim assures, "Testing is a sign of strength. It’s a responsible step towards a healthy future. Then if you need go on treatment you can start and take control of your health. HIV is not a death sentence anymore, you can live a long, healthy life while on treatment."

Emphasising prevention, Keready promotes condom usage. Condom use amongst the youth shows significant variations, highlighting the need for consistent and reinforced education around its importance. This includes emphasising the need to use a condom each time you have sex. Provision of free condoms is a pivotal part of the initiative with Keready’s 46 mobile clinics acting as crucial access points. Keready also promotes PEP and PrEP to youth: PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication that can be taken after potential exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from taking hold. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication that can be taken on an ongoing basis to prevent the transmission of HIV.

Eastern Cape Keready doctor Dr Asanda Shabalala, affirms this, "Meeting the youth in their own environment with prevention, like PEP and PrEP can help reduce HIV infection in a community. It’s about early defence and sustained prevention."

Keready reaches beyond HIV testing, addressing the broad spectrum of sexual health by offering contraceptive counselling, STI testing and treatment, and pregnancy support services. This is all offered in a language that appeals to young people – straight talking without the jargon and judgement direct from young health professionals to youth.

With such endeavours, Keready endorses thorough education as a fundamental strategy against HIV and reinforces its commitment to empowering young South Africans in making informed health decisions. Not just ahead of World Aids Day, but throughout the year, Keready stands at the forefront, advocating for proactive youth participation in the fight against HIV/Aids.

Pictured here: #Keready Dr Dineo Sefoloko - Photo by Val Adamson.

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Sparked by social media shares of a similar style, our Mayor Chris Pappas and the team at uMngeni Municpality undertook to design and paint a zebra stripe themed speed bump. Following on from the resurfacing of the uMngeni river bridge's road surface, this arty take on a necessary traffic function has been well-received. The Howick community is hoping to see more and following close behind are supporters in Hilton.

To our municipality, 'Thank You and well done. It is a time to get back to basics, but to do them better.'

A beautifully illustrated bingo game featuring 64 breeds of cats from around the world. Spot all kinds of cats - from Tonkinese to Siamese, from Bengals to Birmans - mark them off on your card and ... BINGO! Cat Bingo brings a fun and educational twist to the traditional game as players learn the names, colourings and characteristics of their favourite breeds. Contains 64 superbly illustrated cat tokens, one playing board, 12 bingo cards and brightly coloured counters for you to mark up your card. Included is a leaflet of information on each of the cats.

Grab your set at NABS, 3 Mare Street, Howick.

This weather!!! There’s something to be said for the dedication of bowlers. Come rain or shine, they’re always keen to roll!

Last week Tuesday we had twenty teams playing in chilly wet weather when they competed in our monthly J Leslie Smith & Company nominated pairs. Despite the wet weather conditions there was still much laughter on the greens, and everyone enjoyed their morning of bowls. We congratulate the following teams on their successes:-

1st Prize: Edwin Holhs & Ray Bester
2nd Prize: Craig Whitby & Cindy Bro
3rd Prize: Egon Von Mayer & Patrick Carter-Brown
Plate Prize: Dave & Grace Mainprize

Thank you to J Leslie Smith & Company for their continued support and well done to Travis who ventured onto the greens for the very first time as part of the sponsors team. We’ll make a bowler out of him for sure!

After last week’s competition in the rain, we’ll be playing the Dormehl Phalane Nominated 2 Bowl Trips this Friday in extreme heat. The dedication of bowlers really is something else!

That’s all for this week… see you on the greens!

Events to keep an eye out for…

Friday, 24 November : Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45 (Book with Pippa on 083 467 8140)

Regular tabs in times are:-
Tuesdays at 08h15
Wednesdays at 13h15
Saturdays at 13h15.

Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact Wendy on 071 353 2866

Coaching by registered coaches is available: Contact Colin or Bernice on 071 164 3162 for further information.

Photo Caption: Edwin Hohls and Ray Bester with Travis Deacon from J Leslie Smith & Company

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'Our ECO Club undertook a wildflower walk in September, guided by Nicky Brighton. This was a wonderful opportunity to observe the start of the Spring season. '

The club walked to the top of Beacon Hill, learning about the various wildflower species along the way. The hillside was blooming with the bright reds and yellows of fire lilies (Cyrtanthus), Gazanias and Senecios, and purple/blues of Asters, Vernonias, Clerodendrums and Pentasias. Little ground orchids (Eulophia) were flowering too.

The burning of fire breaks is an important part of grassland maintenance in South Africa, and against the blackened backdrop, these flowers looked quite vivid.

We thank Bridget Ringdahl for introducing us to Nicky Brighton and both ladies for assisting us with this excursion.' shared Howick High.

'Funda Nenja provides a safe space for kids and their dogs where they can have fun together while both are learning new skills.

Twelve year old Nondumiso Nxumalo and Spike are in our senior class having made good progress through the lower levels. Nondumiso is a quiet, reserved girl and it has been heartwarming to see her grow in confidence and comfortable enough to show her enjoyment of the weekly lessons.'

Please support Funda Nenja in the work they do.

Only six weeks to Christmas… and with so little time left of 2023 we’re packing in the last few of our monthly competitions before a quieter December month.

On Wednesday the 8th of November we had a lovely afternoon playing in our Halfway Toyota Drawn Pairs competition where the format is 4-3-2-1. Although not a preferred format for some bowlers (in their defense the maths can get tricky when 1st shot is 4 and 4th shot is 1) it’s certainly interesting in terms of scoring as a team can pick up 10 shots in one end. This can definitely lead to some very high scores which, believe it or not, can run into 3 figures. Luckily we didn’t have any run away scores in our competition, but we must congratulate Koos Marais & Bruce Tucker on a comfortable win, as well as Colin Brown and Mabel Tully who took second place. Thank you to Halfway Toyota for their ongoing sponsorship and support!

On Saturday, 11th November we had 14 players brave the extreme heat to battle it out in the Greendale Spar drawn pairs competition. A quick comment on the fact that the youngest of our members chose to relax in the shade rather than face the high temperature… the youth of today! Well done to all the players who chose to play despite the heat, and congratulations to Mary Steytler and Melanie Ross on their win, as well as second and third place winners Koos Marais and Neill Birdsey and Barry Fairbrother and Arlene Malloy respectively. Thanks must go to Greendale Spar for their sponsorship as well as the delicious teatime sarmies.

In other news, our first road frontage sign has gone up with F&F Build It being a proud supporter of Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club. They have been wonderful in their generosity towards our club and we say a big thank you to their whole team for their ongoing support. For anyone who is looking for a great advertising opportunity with signage on the main road, please feel free to get in contact with Colin Hall on 082 920 6306.

That’s all for this week… see you on the greens!

Events to keep an eye out for…

Friday, 24 November: Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45 (Book with Pippa on 083 467 8140)

Regular tabs in times are:-
Tuesdays at 08h15
Wednesdays at 13h15
Saturdays at 13h15.

Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact Wendy on 071 353 2866

Coaching by registered coaches is available: Contact Colin or Bernice on 071 164 3162 for further information.

Pictured here: Mary Steytler & Melanie Ross, winners of the Greendale Spar drawn pairs competition.