Maritzburg Sun (South Africa)
THEBOLLA ACKNOWLEDGES SERVICE DELIVERY CHALLENGES
Msunduzi Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla has acknowledged the service delivery challenges affecting the city and surrounding areas. He said the issues were discussed in detail during a recent strategic planning session and that a report will be tabled before...
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COMPASSION AND TEAMWORK COMBINE TO RESCUE KITTEN TRAPPED IN MANHOLE
Arecent late-night rescue by seasoned Pietermaritzburg firemen highlighted the power of compassion and teamwork when the cries of a trapped kitten drew residents and emergency services into action. In a heartwarming community effort, a...
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Limited government funding puts schools and parents under severe financial pressure
Public schools across Pietermaritzburg are hiking fees as limited government funding leaves them battling to cover rising operational costs — a situation principals say is forcing parents to shoulder an increasing financial burden while schools...
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POLICE AND TRAFFIC AUTHORITIES TIGHTEN FESTIVE SEASON SAFETY OPERATIONS
As the festive season reaches its busiest period, police and traffic authorities across uMgungundlovu have intensified safety, security and traffic operations to curb crime and reduce road crashes. The uMgungundlovu South African Police Service (SAPS)...
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WELCOME DEVELOPMENTS
The KZN Bee farmers Association has welcomed the national clampdown on fake and adulterated honey, sparked by Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen’s war against fake honey in the country. This month, shelves of adulterated honey and syrupbased honey...
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LOCAL ADVENTURERS EMBARK ON WORLD’S TOUGHEST ROW TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CONSERVATION
Four KwaZulu-Natal businessmen and thrill-seeking adventurers, two of whom are from the Midlands, are gearing up for one of the planet’s most extreme endurance tests — a 4 800km row across the Atlantic Ocean — to raise funds for the Pondoland...
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MSUNDUZI LIGHTS UP THE SEASON
The Msunduzi Municipality has geared up for the festive season with the installation of a 9.5 metre Christmas tree, decorated in green and yellow at the Carbineer’s Garden of Peace next to the Pietermaritzburg City Hall. The tree will be lit up on...
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KPCA GROUP CELEBRATES
As the Keep Pietermaritzburg Clean Action Group (KPCA) gears up to celebrate its second birthday tomorrow (Thursday), the organisation is marking many milestones. In just two years, it has grown into a 22-member team with a strong coalition of...
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CALL TO RALLY BEHIND #WOMENSHUTDOWN CAMPAIGN IN THE FIGHT AGAINST GBVF
South Africa is being swept by a rising "purple wave" as thousands of supporters rally behind the #WomenShutdown campaign, demanding that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) be treated as a national disaster. A petition launched by Women for...
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MOTORISTS URGED TO BE ALERT AS HIJACKINGS RISE
Motorists in Pietermaritzburg are being urged to stay alert following a spate of hijackings in which victims were ambushed under the guise of minor car accidents or vehicle sales. What appeared to be ordinary fender-benders or routine business meetings...
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SAVING A WILD REFUGE: FERNCLIFFE FOREST’S PUSH TO STAY WILD
Tucked against Pietermaritzburg’s green belt, a five-hectare patch of forest on the edge of Ferncliffe has become the heart of a community effort to protect one of KwaZulu-Natal’s last pieces of mistbelt forest. The Ferncliffe Forest Wilding campaign,...
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GUEST LODGES SUFFER AS SEWAGE STENCH DRIVES AWAY GUESTS
Guest lodges along Woodhouse Road in Scottsville have been battling severe sewage leaks and blocked drains for more than a week, leaving their grounds flooded, guests complaining of foul odours, and several bookings cancelled. Ward councillor Edith...
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All systems on track for matric exams
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli and Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka extended words of encouragement to the province’s matric pupils as they begin their final National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations this week. “As you begin your final exams, I...
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‘FAKE GROOM’ RAISES EYEBROWS IN THE CITY
Wedding bells or warning bells? Pietermaritzburg residents have been left puzzled — and concerned — after spotting a man dressed as a groom (and sometimes even as a bride) collecting money at busy intersections around the city. What some first thought...
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PMB GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL PUPIL REACHES FOR THE STARS
Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School (GHS) pupil Nicole Dell has taken the exciting first steps to fulfilling her dream of becoming an aerospace engineer. With A grades in mathematics and the sciences, the Grade 11 pupil was recently named the top...
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City’s ’name and shame’ campaign draws criticism
An example of the name and shame posts the Msunduzi Municipality has been sharing on social media. The Msunduzi Municipality has launched a major ‘name and shame’ campaign targeting residents and businesses with high unpaid bills or illegal...
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BRAVE RTI OFFICER RISKS
AbraveRoad Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officer recounted a harrowing weekend ordeal in which he risked his life to protect motorists from an apparently intoxicated driver who turned the N3 into a chaotic battlefield. The rampage left multiple vehicles...
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LOCAL BUSINESSMEN TO ROW ACROSS THE ATLANTIC TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CONSERVATION
Four local businessmen and adventurers are preparing to row 4 800km across the Atlantic Ocean in a bid to raise funds for the Pondoland Conservation Trust, a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting the Wild Coast of South Africa, one of the...
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Chris Ndaliso
The bridge on Chief Albert Luthuli Street near the YMCA has become increasingly dangerous for pedestrians after metal railings were stolen by scrap metal thieves. Both sides of the bridge were left exposed after the aluminium and steel rails were...
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CENTENARIAN ‘MEATY’ BIRTHDAY
Sunnyside Village resident Funani Myaka celebrated her 105th birthday last Friday, feasting on meat — her favourite food — and cake. Myaka has limited vision and mobility; however, she still has a youthful joy and her wit is as sharp as a knife, her...
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LOCAL PUPILS HOOK THE BIG CATCH IN THE USA
After a recent five-day championship with “nerve-wrackingly” tight competition, the South African Youth Fly Fishing team, that includes two Maritzburg College anglers, brought home the country’s first podium win since 2013, by snatching up the bronze...
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Residents call for simpler dumping process at landfill site
Some Pietermaritzburg residents and environmental groups have voiced concern that red tape and charges at the New England Road landfill site are fuelling illegal dumping in and around the city. But the Msunduzi Municipality says the new system is a...
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LOCAL ENDURO RIDER FLIES
Local enduro mountain biker and South African champion, Keira Duncan, is holding his own against the elite riders of the world as he competes in the Enduro World Cup Series and is gearing up for a week of training in Slovenia for the final...
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BUREAUCRATIC BUNGLING JEOPARDISES RUSSELL HIGH SCHOOL’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Russell High School, one of Pietermaritzburg’s oldest educational institutions, is facing severe infrastructure damage — including water leaks and termite infestations — as it waits for long-promised restoration funding from the Department of Education...
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Kingfisher Lake to be rehabilitated as a wetland
The Kingfisher Lake at the KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Gardens will soon be restored to its original form as a wetland. The decision was taken to stop trying to maintain the lake as an artificial open-water body and instead allow nature to take...
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CITY TO INVESTIGATE PLANTATION CONTRACT
The Msunduzi Municipality failed to exercise proper due diligence when appointing a company to manage its forest plantations for three years, an investigation by the City’s internal audit unit has revealed. Chief audit executive Petrus Mahlaba told...
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TRIBUTES FOR YOUNG PMB CRASH VICTIMS
Aweekend that began with celebration ended in tragedy for three Pietermaritzburg families after a car crash claimed the lives of Amady Mkhize, Sphelele Mbanjwa, and Aseza Madondo in the early hours of Sunday morning. Amady Mkhize (18), a Carter High...
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TEENAGE PRODIGY
Christelle van Tonder is making waves in the golfing world, representing not only her club, Maritzburg Golf Club as the youngest member, but also her country as she takes to the continental stage and joins an elite team. What started as puttering...
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TEENS KILLED IN HIGHWAY CRASHES
What was meant to be a long weekend of celebration — marked by Father's Day and Youth Day — turned into a time of heartbreak for two Pietermaritzburg families, as their teenage schoolboys lost their lives in separate accidents on the N3 on...
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Mixed reaction to Riverwood College’s new traffic policy
Motorists will no longer be allowed to use Riverwood College’s school grounds as a shortcut between Cordwalles Road and Howick Road, following the implementation of a new drop-off and pick-up policy from this Friday. The decision, aimed at enhancing...
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Drama plays out at the
AChurchillgroup of long-time occupants of the Winston Theatre in Scottsville say they are not opposed to leaving the premises — but will only do so when they are provided with alternative housing. "It is not like we are refusing to go; we are happy to...
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Study Abroad Programme
AViterbo group of 15 students from University in La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA, visited Pietermaritzburg this week. The cohort, which included postgraduate and undergraduate students, was part of a transformative Vietrbo's Study Abroad Programme, which...
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Residents urged to help preserve legacy of Wylie Park
The Friends of Wylie Park (FoWP) are appealing to the public for urgent assistance to maintain one of Pietermaritzburg’s most tranquil green spaces. For nearly 30 years, this dedicated group of residents has worked tirelessly to care for Wylie Park...
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Growing poaching crisis threatens future of Botanical Garden
The KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden (Pietermaritzburg), a sanctuary of indigenous plant life and biodiversity in the heart of Pietermaritzburg, is facing a growing crisis — poaching. But this is not limited to wildlife. Increasingly, rare...
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DASSIES WREAK HAVOC in Wembley gardens
Rock hyraxes, also known as dassies, have been tunnelling through the suburb of Wembley, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. A resident who did not want to be named, said the Jack Russellsized creatures have devastated her once-lush...
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Collegians Sports Club continues ٪if ght٪over٪raw٪sewage٪overfl٪ ow
The persistent issue of raw sewage overflow at the Collegians Sports Club continues to escalate, with the situation worsening each year, according to club manager James Royden-Turner. Royden-Turner, who has managed the club for six years, said...
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Local surgeon CHANGING PERCEPTIONS
Dr Sindiswa Ntloko (pictured) is one of only three black female vascular surgeons in KwaZulu-Natal and is building a career in a highly specialised and traditionally maledominated field. Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, Ntloko studied medicine at...
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Ashburton residents living in fear of speeding trucks
“Iwant to live without fear. I don't want to be slaughtered.” These are the words of Sheila Stead (78), a Lynnfield Park resident, who has been living along the infamous R103 since 1965. Her home, which is estimated to be 200 years old, is located...
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Retief Street business owners frustrated by illegal hawkers
Business owners in Retief Street have voiced their frustration over illegal hawkers who ply their trade in front of their shops resulting in fewer walk-in customers and less attention to their merchandise. However, the vendors argue that they have...
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KwaZulu-Natal Museum to move to historic St Anne’s Hospital site
Parts of the historic St Anne's Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, including the nuns' convent and some hospital wards, will be preserved as the site is redeveloped into the new KwaZulu-Natal Museum. Several sections, however, such as the maternity ward,...
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Mixed reaction to City’s 24 hour traffic enforcement plan
The Msunduzi Municipality has announced plans to combat illegal drag racing, drink-driving, and serious after-dark accidents by implementing a 24 hour traffic enforcement system. This initiative aims to enhance law enforcement and reduce the increasing...
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Residents demand answers for crippling tariff increases
The Msunduzi Association of Residents, Ratepayers and Civics (Marrc) CEO Anthony Waldhausen lambasted the City's R27 million sponsorship of Royal AM Football Club, a team currently under liquidation, and the R3 million spent on a New Year's...
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Uncollected refuse raises a stink
Piles of uncollected refuse, bin bags ripped apart by waste-pickers, dogs and monkeys, and an overwhelming stench from rubbish that has not been collected for more than a week has infuriated residents of Pietermaritzburg. Some residents have resorted...
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Bisley advances on
Bisley Nature Reserve has taken a significant step forward in combating poaching and criminal activity with the launch of its dedicated 24/7 response call centre. This initiative aims to curb the bushmeat trade and strengthen security within...
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Centenarian Old Collegian graces SCHOOL’S ATHLETIC GALA
Maritzburg College’s annual inter-house athletics championship held at the Msunduzi Athletics Stadium on Monday had a very special moment when 102-yearold Old Collegian (OC) Pieter Swanepoel joined pupils, parents, and staff for the day. According to...
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Girls’ High and Maritzburg College CELEBRATE TOP ACHIEVERS
Maritzburg College’s Jonathan Werth and Jandré van Huyssteen, along with Girls’ High School’s Nasiha Osman, stood out when the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results were released yesterday. Osman achieved eight distinctions and described the...
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Mayor’s plea: ‘Pay your debts’
Msunduzi Municipality Mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla took to national television yesterday urging city residents, businesses and government entities to make arrangements to repay the R7 billion collectively owed to the city in unpaid utility bills. Speaking...
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Pietermaritzburg couple set the dance floor on fire
Pietermaritzburg’s JulieAnne Vanveenendaal and her dance partner and husband Stefan Vanveenanadaal were crowned SA Adult Ballroom Champions at the recently concluded annual SA National Dance Championships held at Durban’s DLI Hall. The event, which...
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LOCAL ENDURANCE ATHLETES PREPARE TO TACKLE
While many people are winding down for the December holidays, three Pietermaritzburg businessmen are preparing to tackle the world’s most gruelling water race — the World’s Toughest Row. The team, named Ocean Mavericks, comprises Martin Hall, JP...
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Heroic jeweller laid to rest
Described as courageous and a gentle giant, jeweller Lefteri Galanis (40) was laid to rest after friends and family from around the world paid tribute to him at his funeral which took place at Hilton College on Saturday. His funeral was attended by...
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Active citizens show desire to transform the City
Step by step, inch by inch, the Keep Pietermaritzburg Clean Action Group (KPCAG) is creeping through the city, beautifying gardens and restoring bridges, buildings and pavements and challenging communities to take charge of their areas. Citizens have...
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Storm leaves a trail of destruction
Aheavy storm that hit parts of Pietermaritzburg on Sunday afternoon left a trail of destruction, damaging homes, schools, and a hospital as well as inflicting injuries and causing power outages. The storm also claimed the life a man after he was...
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PMB’s BMX youth continue to climb
Emily Eloff and Chad Carroll continue to make both their families and their city proud as they rake in top rankings as BMX riders. Recently back from a win at the South African BMX Championships in Cape Town, Emily (8) now holds the top spot as South...
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No water-shedding in Msunduzi - Mayor
Fears of an imminent drought have intensified as uMngeni-uThukela Water sounded the alarm and implemented water curtailment measures, warning that urgent action is needed to prevent a severe crisis. Over the weekend, these restrictions led to...
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SAPS Equestrian Unit boosts security in Bisley Nature Reserve
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Mounted Unit has begun patrolling the Bisley Nature Reserve (BNR) after a dramatic week that included the rescue of escaped animals. Last week, a zebra wandered out of the reserve through a damaged section of...
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Photo: Nqubeko Mbhele | SEE
Pictured at the Umeda Showgrounds are the Themba Njilo Foundation Pride of Africa dancers who will be performing at the Maritzburg Show on October 20. Back row: Mxolisi Mkhize (left), Themba Njilo and Lungelo Muthwa. Front row: Ntombi Zondi (left),...
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Macabre discovery of cattle skulls in Scottsville
Mystery surrounds how more than 100 stinking, decomposing cattle skulls landed up in and around a Scottsville stream. Members of the B-Secure Security Group made the macabre discovery last Thursday while taking part in a clean-up organised by the Keep...
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‘Fuze’s Gourd’
As the country celebrates Heritage Month, the KwaZulu-Natal Museum is honouring the month by hosting events such as history quizzes and a significant lecture commemorating King Cetshwayo. It is also showcasing some of its unique and oldest artefacts...
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Big names join star-studded line-up for Pietermaritzburg Show
Top South African DJs have signed up to join a host of other stars that have been billed for the Pietermaritzburg Show taking place from October 10 to 20 at the Showgrounds. The uMgungundlovu District Economic Development Agency (Umeda), who are the...
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Feast for book-lovers in the Midlands
“M any of us are looking for hope. We want to believe that tomorrow will be better than today. A municipality is an important partner to ensure that people feel hopeful. "There are many problems, and the system is designed to fail more than succeed....
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Last survivor of 1956 Women’s Day march speaks at St Anne’s
Women are fighting a completely different battle today compared to the fight that culminated in the historic 1956 Women's March, commemorated every year on Women's Day. Speaking to 18-year-old matric pupils — the same age Sophia Williams-de Bruyn had...
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Pelham couple search for cat shooter
AGray, Pelham couple, whose eight-month-old kitten was shot and left struggling to walk are looking for the animal abuser who fired the shot that almost killed their pet. Cuan and Ilana Smith said they cannot understand what would compel a person to...
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Broken promises anger Lynnfield Park and Ashburton residents
Residents of Lynnfield Park and Ashburton are angry as well as apprehensive that promises made earlier this year to widen the bridge linking their communities and to control speeding trucks remain unfulfilled. This negligence has turned the bridge into...
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Local woman receives top honour
Pietermaritzburg businesswoman and accountant, Nompilo Gumede, has landed a spot as one of South Africa's 100 influential women. She believes it is her passion for helping others that got her there and attended the ceremony at Sibaya Casino, north of...
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