TAKE NOTE

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

HIKING TRAILS To Boost Local Tourism And Conservation

Kloof Gorge, which forms the largest part of the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve – its richness predominantly flora species which have survived the development of the surrounding area due to the difficulty of access and protection provided by sheer cliff-faces – extends beyond the reserve boundary into sections of Upper and Lower Molweni.

Sadly, the combined result of poor economic conditions and a growing population in the Molweni area is likely to negatively impact on what is left of the natural environment.

In 2020 an informal partnership was established between 1 000 Hills Tourism Association and NGOs Philangethemba Impact, Green Corridors, and Kloof Conservancy – a partnership committed to creating sustainable eco-tourism opportunities to bring tourists into the valley and thus create economic opportunities for the benefit of the community. The underlying precept is that if the community can benefit sustainably from the natural environment, then they are more likely to care for it and thereby help preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity.

Molweni Adventures has been established, and a 1,4km long zip-line is planned as the anchor tourist attraction. The Basic Environmental Assessment has been successfully completed and funders are currently being sought to enable the project to come to fruition. In the interim it was decided to create a number of trails which would bring hikers into the valley. Two basic routes were developed, an 8km round trip to the Granite Slide and a short but very challenging hike to the Nogxaza Falls.

The trails were just starting to draw tourists when the April floods came and many of the trail sections were washed away. All hiking has been suspended, but the partners in this project have come together and raised funds to buy tools and equipment – employing a team of five local workers to repair the trails. If all goes well, hikes to the Nogxaza Falls should start again in July, and to the Granite Slide in August.

FOR MORE INFO: If you can help, please email info@kloofconservancy.org.za

editor's choice

EXCITING OLIVE & OIL Revamp

For over a decade Olive & Oil, where Jacqui and her team have served Mediterranean favourites with uncompromising dedication to wonderful food and great service, has been a firm favourite with Upper Highway residents. 2022 brings a refreshing change to the brand as Jacqui revamps and rejuvenates her premises, launching a more contemporary look and introducing a modern twist to her menu. Look out for a restaurant configuration that allows for privacy and intimacy, an all-new, airy private function area, and a revamped children’s playroom. On the food front, while there are some old favourites, customers can look forward to new dishes with the freshest of ingredients served with imagination and generosity. And another plus for busy moms, bikers and business folk … breakfasts will now be served.

In Jacqui’s words, “Customers can expect a new-look restaurant with the same standards of service excellence and attention to detail in food that they have come to expect from a dining experience at Olive & Oil; a space for family and friends to celebrate, to unwind and to savour great food”.

FOR MORE INFO: 031 765 6214; hillcrest@oliveandoil.co.za

UPPER HIGHWAY Trail Marathon

A group of local Upper Highway trail runners have taken it upon themselves to bring an iconic 42km trail marathon to our local green spaces – due to take place on December 10.

Their vision is to deliver an incredible event that will showcase our wonderful Upper Highway trails, conservancies and reserves while developing a long term sustainable platform to support these beautiful green spaces – including but not limited to Everton Conservancy, Kloof Conservancy and Krantzkloof.

Event organiser, Craig Brigg, explains that all proceeds from the race will go back directly to the trail owners to invest in and maintain their trails so that they are preserved for all to enjoy. “We are in the process of securing a title sponsor, but hope to involve a number of our local businesses as sponsors and stakeholders in an epic annual event,” he says.

FOR MORE INFO: www.UHTM.co.za

JESSE’S CANINE NATION – A ManÕs Best Friend

Jesse Schultz’s passion for dogs started early, giving every dog he came across love and affection. At the age of 17 he started working at a canine boarding facility. “I would practice training techniques on my pack of dogs, and as my ambitions grew I used my passion to start my own business in 2021 – Canine Nation.”

Jesse’s goal is to improve the health and wellness of every one of his clients’ dogs, and get a B-Com in business management while doing it. Canine Nation offers socialisation classes, walking sessions and obedience training – a form of communication between you and your furry companion taught through commands. “We help create these communication skills as well as a strong relationship between you and your dog,” says Jesse, who shares four simple tips for dog owners.

1. Get to know your dog’s needs

Every dog is different, and getting to know what they need to thrive at an individual level and acting on it consistently will enhance your relationship and create a happy dog.

2. Set boundaries

Setting boundaries for your dog is healthy and natural. Set them and stick to them.

3. Exercise your dog

Exercising your dog can help to prevent behavioural issues and many health issues as well.

4. Be patient with your training

Training takes time and consistency. Keeping your training sessions short can help with this.

FOR MORE INFO: Contact Jesse on 079 133 2310

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS Of Creative Spaces

The East Coast Radio House & Garden Show is back and will be celebrating its 40th birthday bash in carnival style – toasting four successful decades of creative spaces that have led the way locally in inspiration, innovation, entertainment and craftmanship.

A host of your show favourites will also return – including the Home Grown Design Fair, Outdoor, Garden and Lifestyle area, Foodie Fair, and Hirsch’s excellent show deals.

Find a signature piece for your home, get inspired for your next big renovation project, or bring friends and family to experience a myriad of entertainment and tantalising treats – including plenty of giveaways, special offers, big competitions and more.

FOR MORE INFO: From June 24 to July 3 at the Durban Exhibition Centre; www.housegardenshow. co.za; W @housegardenshow

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

FEED THE BABIES FUND Charity Golf Day

Join us on Tuesday, July 5 for some fun at Kloof Country Club. The format will be a four-ball better ball, shotgun start. The cost to participate is R500 per person or R2 000 per four-ball and includes green fees and prize-giving dinner – but excludes the cost of a golf cart.

FOR MORE INFO: To book or fi nd out more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Sandy on 031 201 4682 or on marketing@feedthebabiesfund.org.za

FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD – And Our Community

“Food has been my love language ever since I can remember,” says Karyn Smith. “From my humble beginnings selling boerewors rolls and burgers at the motor cross track, a boutique food store at Shongweni Market and owning the tuck shop/coffee shop at a local high school, to catering for weddings and large functions all over the country.”

When the flooding fi rst hit I saw the diffi culties encountered by staff at school and at home, and started arranging cooked meals and food parcels for them. “Once the devastation in the communities started to fi lter through, the requests for help just snowballed,” says Karyn.

“We were doing soups, sandwiches, meal parcels and food hampers … and then clothing – which was so generously donated by the kids from Curro High School,” says Karyn, adding that over 1 500 food hampers were distributed in the fi rst week and giving thanks to Judy Maher, Carey Roberts, Janine Magree, Debbie Punnick, Michelle Haarhoff, Merle Westcott, Nicole Coetzee, Sanele Gasa, Mike and Leanne Egling and Lindani Ndlovu – their tireless Uber driver. “Cherie Metzler formed a group called The Kitchen Angels, where

GET INVOLVED!

we co-ordinated the collections, drop-offs, cooking and meal preps.” 120 hampers and some cases of water to distribute even came from as far away as Johannesburg. “This absolutely blew us away and we are so grateful,” says Karyn.

Food and meal hampers were also directed at the rescue workers who worked tirelessly during this time. “I have such an amazing network of superheroes I can call friends!” says Karyn – who is inspired by our community’s ability to come together in times of need.

Karyn also helped supply food and warm beverages to the patrollers at various stations in and around the Hillcrest area during the looting last year – for those who worked the night shifts. “As long as we have the resources and people need it, we will continue with this,” she says.

FOR MORE INFO: Contact Karyn on 082 828 2223 if you can help

CALL US FOR REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE ON MOST EXISTING WATER FILTERS!

Watermate specialises in rainwater collection and filtration, supply and installation of most water filters and related products, and water storage tanks.