While returning veteran Roland Schoeman (Top) put in an admirable performance in his comeback, it was Chad le Clos, Erin Gallagher and Lara van Niekerk who stole the show on the fourth night of swimming at the SA National Aquatic Championships in Gqeberha, which also featured numerous other standout performances on Saturday.

Following his victories in the 200m butterfly and 100m freestyle, Le Clos continued to impress in the 100m butterfly, powering to an Olympic qualifying time of 51.37 and outgunning young Matt Sates to the title. Second-placed Sates nevertheless achieved an A qualifying time for the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan this July, finishing in a speedy 51.91.

“I’m really happy with the week. I was a little nervous… for some reason, Matt and I have these ding-dong battles in the final 10 metres and it’s always super-close but I’m delighted with the time and the result and now we try and win this race next year at the Olympic Games. Now I’m confident I can win,” said Le Clos afterwards.

“Tonight I was finessed, I was controlled, hit my strokes, hit the turn well and I thought he was coming so I just put my head down so I’m over the moon. But now we push on to the Olympics – they’ve got a lot of trouble coming their way. That’s what I can promise you.”

Gallagher (Right below) was elated to dip below the 58-second mark in the 100m butterfly for the first time since 2019. The 24-year-old stopped the clock on 57.84 seconds to secure qualification for both the World Championships and Olympic Games.

“It’s amazing to know that I’m on track. It’s quite emotional – I’m surprised I’m not crying right now,” said Gallagher. As for achieving the Olympic qualifying time, she added: “It was something that I was trying to go for. My coach said it was time to now swim a qualifying time so just to know that I’ve done it is such a weight lifted off my shoulders and I’m so, so grateful.”

Teen breaststroke sensation Van Niekerk had earlier swum the fastest time in the world this year in the 50m breaststroke heats (29.83) and went even quicker in the evening final, taking the title in 29.78 ahead of Tatajana Schoenmaker, who also achieved the A qualifying time in 30.71.

“I really like swimming the 50m breaststroke in this pool. I can always hear the crowd going wild. I think they love watching me swim the 50m breaststroke and I think it’s just confidence knowing that I broke the African record here so every time I get here and swim the 50m I’m like – this is my pool,” said Van Niekerk, who said finishing second behind Schoenmaker in the 100m breaststroke earlier in the week had spurred her on to a speedy time.

“It wasn’t an issue but I think it made me want to swim this time even more to show that I am still a very good swimmer even though I came second,” she said. “But I’m really happy for Tatjana coming first and I think once I’m rested I’ll do much better in the 100 again.”

Michael Houlie ensured he was not to be outdone in the men’s 50m breaststroke, recording A qualifying times in both the heats (27.29) and final (27.31).

“It’s good. So far this season it’s had a lot of ups and a lot of downs and this is definitely more on the up for me. I’m so grateful and blessed to have this opportunity to race here. But I just want to swim it again because I think I’ve got so much more left in me and I can’t wait to get back to work and see how fast I can go in the future,” he said.

There was a surprise A-qualification time for Duné Coetzee (Below) in the 800m freestyle. The US-based swimmer powered to victory in a time of 8:33.46.

“It’s a very big surprise. I think this is the second time I’ve properly raced the 800 so I’m super surprised and so happy,” she said. “I’m learning to fall in love with the distance races.

Earlier in the evening, it wasn’t quite the dream comeback Roland Schoeman (Below) had envisaged, beaten to the 50m freestyle title by a man 24 years his junior, but the 42-year-old nevertheless defied his years to finish second in 22.89 to Pieter Coetzé’s 22.30 (Below). Like he’d done in the morning, Schoeman’s time saw him setting a new masters world record for swimmers aged 40-44.

“It was a lot of fun and definitely some nerves before, just seeing him there so it was such an honour and I really had a lot of fun,” said Coetzé. “The time wasn’t great but it was just about trying to get the win tonight so I’m very happy,” added the teen star.

Speaking about being back at the national championships, Schoeman added: “It is special. The time is not quite where I want it to be but having been off for so long it was hard to know where I was going to be. It was faster than this morning, but I don’t think I was as smooth and relaxed as this morning. I think the more I race, the better it’s going to be.”

Meanwhile, Minke Janse van Rensburg was once again in record-breaking form, leading the way for the swimmers with a disability. The 18-year-old powered to another world record for swimmers with Down syndrome in the 100m freestyle, bettering her own mark with a time of 1:17.61.

Kat Swanepoel swam almost a full 10 seconds under the A qualifying time for the Para Swimming World Championships in Manchester in the heats of the S4 50m backstroke, finishing in an impressive time of 50.93 seconds. 19-year-old Amkele Qamarana also achieved another A qualifier – this time in the S15 100m freestyle in a time of 1:03.51.

One more day of competition remains, with the SA National Aquatic Championships coming to an end on Sunday, 16 April.

Supplied.

 

Tatjana Schoenmaker (Top) secured the national 200m breaststroke title in the second fastest time in the world this year at the SA National Aquatic Championships in Gqeberha on Friday.

The world record holder and Olympic champion in the event cruised to victory in a time of 2:22.44 with her training partner, Kaylene Corbett, second in 2:25.40 – both A qualifying times for the Swimming World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan in July.

Schoenmaker admitted afterwards that the vocal crowd at the Newton Park Swimming Pool had her thinking she might be closer to her world record of 2:18.95, but she was nonetheless thrilled with the result.

“I was obviously hoping for a much faster time,” she said afterwards. “I think with the crowd going so crazy you assume you’re on a really good time, not that I’m not incredibly grateful for a 2:22 though. I think the excitement just made me think it was a lot faster but we’ll get there. It’s step-by-step. I think in 2021 before the Olympics I also swam a 2:22 in the heats so we’ll get there.”

Corbett’s morning time of 2:24.93 in the heats was quicker than her final, but both times were under the A qualifying mark.

“Obviously it’s really nice to get the time done in the morning. It just takes the pressure off for whatever is to come after that,” she said.

Meanwhile, also thinking he was slightly faster than the clock showed on the night was Chad le Clos who fended off his teenage challengers in the 100m freestyle. Le Clos, who won Olympic silver in the 200m freestyle in Rio in 2016, has decided to focus his efforts on the shorter event, along with the butterfly. His win on Friday in 48.97 seconds was a big step up on a fifth place at last year’s championships in a sluggish 50.86, but the 31-year-old knows there’s still a long way to go – including achieving the A qualifying time for the World Championships in the event.

“I thought it was a bit faster to be honest but it’s ok, it’s good. I’m happy with the win.

“If I want to be competitive, I have to swim 47s so let’s see… but a lot of improvements still need to be made from my side. I’m nowhere near where I need to be long course but I believe by world champs I’ll be very close to a podium in whatever races we swim, and then obviously next year we try and shock the world again,” he added of the Paris Olympic Games.

After securing the 200m freestyle title on the opening night of action on Thursday, Aimee Canny also successfully defended her 100m freestyle title.

The 19-year-old finished in a time of 54.65, just missing out on the A qualification mark but nevertheless securing the title ahead of Rebecca Meder (54.88) and African record holder Erin Gallagher (55.09).

“I obviously would have liked to have gone a bit faster but where this race is in the gala – I’ve already had three tough days – I was happy with that time,” she said afterwards. “I went out quick. I was happy with the speed I went out in and I think I’ve just got to work on doing a bit better at the back end but it was a good race.”

Meder later went on to add to her haul, claiming the 400m individual medley title in a B qualifying time of 4:50.55, with Matt Sates doing the same in the men’s race in a time of 4:22.26. Matthew Randle also completed a breaststroke double of his own, adding the 200m title to his 100m win, in a B qualifying time of 2:14.40.

Once again, numerous swimmers with a disability also achieved A qualifying times for the 2023 Para Swimming World Championships in Manchester from 31 July to 6 August.

Christian Sadie dipped well under the required S7 50m butterfly qualifying time, finishing his heat in 29.94, while Amkele Qamarana did so in the S15 50m butterfly final in 30.98.

James Willers achieved the required A qualifying time in the S15 50m butterfly in 31.89. There were A qualifying times for visually impaired swimmers Alani Ferreira in the SB13 100m breaststroke (1:23.43) and Cornelle Leach in the SB12 100m breaststroke (1:31.52).

Swimming action continues at the Newton Park Swimming Pool in Gqeberha until Sunday, 16 April.

Supplied.

Danny de Wet played for two iconic South African 80’s bands: éVOID & Petit Cheval - he followed that as a venue owner and marketeer at major record companies (signing Prime Circle and promoting The Parlotones), whilst being an original member of Wonderboom… driving the group for their first thirteen years.

A drummer/drama, who also plays guitar and sings, Danny has now added ‘author’ to his arsenal (releasing ‘Sex, Drums & Rock ‘n Roll… in Africa’ - the 650-page definitive, printed account of the history of SA Rock) and he is excited to launch his book at The Knoll historic guest farm in Hilton/Pietermaritzburg on Thursday 27 April 2023 at 19h30.

Special guests will celebrate the occasion with Danny, who is ‘stoked’ (to use a KZN word) to once more share a stage with Roly Struckmeyer; a friend since the early years of Wonderboom - Roly toured with the band as a solo artist, after his stint with Arapaho.

The ongoing 'Danny’s Never Ending Acoustic/Storyteller Book Launch’ shows are based on an acoustic three-piece act, featuring two phenomenal young musicians in guitar wiz Damian Kruger and Julian Guillot, who’s euphonious vocal prowess belies his tender age.

Renditions of classic South African and worldwide hits (The Rolling Stones, REM, The Cure, Bob Dylan etc), which are pertinent to the stories and anecdotes in the script, are perfectly juxta-positioned against Danny’s captivating tales of glorious excess and his quirky original songs like “Hairy Armpits Will Never Change The World”, a song written for Therese Owen, the well-known and respected KZN music journalist.

In Maritzburg for the first time, Danny’s trio has been blowing audiences away throughout our beloved country.

They have performed all over Gauteng and travelled far and wide… appearing in unusual locations like the Magoebaskloof and then all the way from the Magaliesburg down to Hout Bay - the trio also went down a storm at the Splashy Fen Festival last year. 

The addition of two of Maritzburg’s cultural forces (who keep live music and literature thriving in the City of Flowers) completes the performance line-up – balladeer and acoustic guitarist Charles Webster who anchors the vital MITH (Music In The Hills) movement and the publisher of the book, Ian MacFarlane (owner of Top Reads), who, as a part of the Petit Cheval touring entourage, first met Danny way back in the 80’s!

Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift won’t be in attendance because… erm… Danny has never ever met either of them!

Come and enjoy kick-ass acoustic tunes, brilliant stories and bad jokes!

DISCLAIMER: NO-ONE IS QUITE SURE HOW MANY SIDES THERE ARE TO DANNY’S BRAIN (especially fans who saw his OTT antics in Wonderboom) BUT ALL AGREE THAT HE IS A FANTASTIC STORYTELLER!

All the pre-event information available here.

Hoping everyone had a blessed Easter, especially our friends at Siyabonga - Helping Hands for Africa.

Thank you to all the Laddsworth families that made such an amazing effort in this year's Siyabonga Easter egg collection, with a total number of 6254 eggs being handed over and distributed last week.

"The great gift of Easter is hope" Basil C. Hume.

Thank you Siyabonga - Helping Hands for Africa for the hope you bring to these kids.

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge
Pietermaritzburg North Regional
St Anne’s College: Saturday 22 April

Midway through the fixtures of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, St Anne’s College hosts the fifth regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on their astros on Saturday 22 April.

The action at the Pietermaritzburg North Regional will unfold on the two astros at St Anne’s College, with teams meeting in high energy 25 minute games that will only run one way. Six teams will be taking each other on in a round robin format. They are Grace College; Howick High School; host school and defending champs, St Anne’s College; The Wykeham Collegiate; Treverton College and Voortrekker High School.

Featuring in the first and last round robin games, St Anne’s meets Grace College at 8am and then Treverton College in the game before the regional final. The regional final gets underway at 12.15, where the two top placed teams will meet for the second time that day.

Teams will score 4 points if they are victorious, 2 points each if they tie their game with both teams netting the same amount of goals, 1 point each if the game concludes in a goalless draw and zero points for a loss.

Two teams have represented this region at the Grand Finals, they are one-time winners, The Wykeham Collegiate and St Anne’s College who have their school’s name engraved on the regional trophy nine times.

The winner of the Pietermaritzburg North Regional will be the fifth team to earn a spot at the Grand Finals this year, they join Danville Park Girls’ High School (DBN North Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional), together with two teams who will be crowned in the upcoming Durban South Regional (15 April) and Durban Central Regional (16 April), at the concluding tournament that will take place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on the 22nd and 23rd of July.

For more info like the tournament's Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey)

 

Pictured here: Ready to defend their title, St Anne’s College players Brooke Veenstra (left) and Andiswa Gwala (right) can’t wait to welcome teams to the upcoming Pietermaritzburg North Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that they will host on Saturday 22 April on home turf.

Photo by Val Adamson.

School holidays are here and it's the perfect time to give your kids' dental health some TLC! Our holiday dental special includes a dental clean and consult for just R500! Plus, you could stand a chance to win a family photoshoot.

Don't miss out on this amazing offer! Book your appointment today!

Book an appointment at one of our 10 branches nationwide, where our professional and dedicated team will guarantee that you leave with a smile.

In Hilton you will find Family Dental Care at The Quarry Centre.

Call 033 343 1677.

'Wishing all a happy Easter. See you on Wednesday, 12th of April for business as usual and MiTH in the evening.' from the team at La Popote Cafe

 

Hilton Build It will close for the Easter weekend from 7-10 April inclusive, then resume normal trading hours from Tuesday 11 April.

 

Midlands Hospice will close on Thursday, 6 April at noon, on Good Friday and on Easter Monday. Connect again from Tuesday 11 April. 

 

nino's Hilton's trading hours over Easter are as follows:
Friday 7th April - 8am - 3pm
Saturday 8th April - 8am - 3pm
Sunday. 9th April - 8am - 3pm
Monday 10th April - 8am - 3pm

 

 

Powered Up are closed Saturday, 8 April 2023.

 

'Just like that, term 1 is over! We spent our last day of term 1 completing our Easter art and having a super fun day. We made eggs, bunny ears, and adorable cards to send home for Easter. We painted, ate yummy snacks, jumped on the jumping castle and played beautifully with our friends.

That's a wrap!!!! Have a great Easter everybody.' from Hilton Gardens Childrens Academy.

'For many years a couple from America have visited us at Piggly Wiggly. Each time they bought something to remind them of their holiday here.

 

Late last year they asked if we could make 3 panels for their front door. Something South African. So we made Proteas and a Sunbird.

 

After making them we sent them by courier. After just 3 days they arrived and are now installed in the southern state of Georgia!

 

We are all delighted.

 

During the day the light shines through and at night the windows change colour due to a blue globe at the entrance.' 

 

More about Glass Cuttings

 

 

Carmen has always loved animals and has wanted to be a vet since she was very young. She graduated from Onderstepoort in 2016 and did a year's community service in the Eastern Cape during 2017 where she treated most species of animals but her true passion lies in treating dogs and cats.

She worked in London for 2 years gaining experience but never lost her love for South Africa and moved back permanently in 2020. She is very pleased to be joining the Vet House team and looks forward to meeting you and your fur-babies soon.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport announces the opening of the N3 between Hilton and Cedara after long hours of closure following a multi vehicle crash this afternoon.

 

The vehicles have now started to move amid long backlogs of traffic on the N3 northbound (Johannesburg bound).

 

Various government response emergencies have had to work tirelessly to ensure the reopening of the freeway.

 

The road was opened after the recovery of all the five bodies of the deceased, assisting survivors on scene and transporting critical patients to health care facilities for urgent medical attention.

 

This multi disciplinary team has had to work hard in removing the wreckages of five trucks, eight minibus taxis and twenty-two light motor vehicles which were involved in the pile up.

 

Through an integrated government’s response, various interventions are being made including setting up shelter in uMngeni Town Hall and activating an emergency contact centre.

 

Various social partners are also mobilized and are also assisting the affected motorists and public transport commuters.

 

The taxi industry is also providing alternative transport to public transport commuters who may wish to continue with their journey to their respective destinations.

 

Commenting on the road reopening the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Sipho Hlomuka has commended the hard work by various emergency services.

 

We acknowledge the magnitude of this horrific accident and the trauma felt by all those involved is unbearable. We once again wish to send our deepest condolences to all the affected families and wish a speedy recovery to all those who sustained injuries.

 

Some motorists have been stuck for hours and lost alot of time in traffic.

 

We however wish to salute all the emergency response teams for a job well done under such unfavorable weather conditions.

 

As provincial authorities, we are hugely disappointed with the fatal crashes recorded during this Easter weekend.

 

We appeal to those who will be continuing with their journey and those who are still going to embark to be on high alert and ensure maximum adherence to traffic regulations.

 

To those who still wish to locate their family members or get a status update on the road are urged to contact the emergency contact centre number on 033 940 8484. (SANRAL - 10/4/2023)

 

 

Jenny Hammond responded with, "And a huge vote of thanks to the Hilton residents who immediately did all they could to assist the stranded travelers."

 

St Michael's Ambulance Service member from the scene said, "Wow what a crazy night! Another opportunity for the human race to prove that people are so special. Thank you Midlands Community."

 

Local resident Cathy Berry's comment affirms the need and appreciation for these combined efforts, "True story. Bill and I dropped Avi off yesterday and were stuck in traffic a couple of KMs from the Hilton offramp from 16.00 until just before midnight. (Good thing we like each other)! We had someone come to the car with sandwiches and water and an offer of blankets."

 

"Thank you for every single one who dropped off blankets, food, water, tea, coffee, milk, baby nappies, soap, toothpaste and everything inbetween. We live in one incredible community who stand together in time of need." Hilton Buddies representative. 

 

"I sit in the quiet of the Hilton Town Hall. Trying to comprehend the devastation of what has happened, the loss of lives, the trauma of the survivors, a new baby that lost their mom today! 

Whilst people sleep to wake to the reality of this nightmare tomorrow morning I sit with gratitude to every single person, business, road official, security group personal, citizen, civic group that stepped up to show the real meaning of Ubuntu today.

It is is hard to comprehend the amount of love that the uMngeni and abroad community has for complete strangers! Blankets, food, tea, coffee, sanitary wear, toiletries, baby needs.

Amongst the chaos and loss of today, there is hope, hope for humanity, hope for our country.

Sending love and strength to all victims and families of those that didn't see the end of today. May they Rest In Peace." reflected Councillor Kate Janse van Rensburg.

Thank you to every big-hearted person for fruit, soup, sandwiches, water, coffee, tea, innumerable basic essentials, warmth and care given generously. What remained unused is beng collected for a Winter drive.

Photo credit: Hilton Buddies

Join us this Easter Weekend at La Rose Driving Range! Perfect time to teach your pro-player-in-the-making how to take a few swings! Great bonding experience and perfect for your child's motor skills!

We have clubs for use for both adults and kiddies.

Spend your Easter Weekend locally, in Hilton! Need to contact us?
Call: 082 445 6441
Location: Farm No. 4, D494 3245 Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal

Jarred van Alphen and Kai Broom completed the Drakensberg Grand Traverse in 2022, a hike of 250 km within 10 days. This was an incredible achievement, especially since the boys carried their packs each weighing 21kg.

The Drakensberg Grand Traverse is the highest, hardest, and longest hike in South Africa. It stretches 250km of the Drakensberg escarpment from the Sentinel Car Park in the North (near Harrismith) to Bushmans Nek in the South (near Underberg). Hikers climb over 11000 vertical meters, ascending as high as 3480m above sea level and sometimes descending below 3000m; the average altitude throughout the walk is 3000m/a/s/l. We will also summit the five highest peaks along the escarpment, namely: Mont-aux-Sources (3281m), Champagne Castle (3377m); Mafadi (3450m), Giants Castle (3319m); and Thabana Ntlenyana (3489m).

Since their achievement in 2022, Jarred and Kai have wanted to challenge themselves further. Initially, they wanted to run the whole DGT; however, they were advised not to as their bodies are too young. A decision was made to run just half of the Traverse, starting from the Northern Berg at the Sentinel Car Park and running through to the Central Berg at Monks Cowl.

Pierre Jordaan, a seasoned Traverse Trail Runner, accompanied the boys as a guide. Starting at 03h00 on Monday the 27th of March, the team ran 75 km. Overnighting in Didima Cave. The day was tough as this was the boys' longest hiking day ever, previously Jarred had only covered 40km in a day’s hike, and Kai had only covered 60km in a day’s hike.

The route contained many ascents and descents, which combined with the distance and time, took an effect on the team’s knees and legs. Tuesday the 28th of March, saw the boys starting at 06h00 and beginning the final 25km descent down Grays pass to Monks Cowl.

Overall the trip was incredible, covering 100km. Running a half Traverse is the most difficult challenge that Jarred and Kai have accomplished. The physicality of the run, combined with the time spent running on Day 1, which was 18 hours, made this a challenging yet rewarding expedition.

Supplied.

Nightingales Home Based Care Services invite applications for a SANC registered Nurse to join our team in a Supervisor/Client Liaison role.

 

Attributes required; a caring nature, a genuine love for the elderly, compassion, professionalism and excellent communication skills.

 

Candidates must have their own car and valid driving license to fulfil this flexi-time weekday role with rotational weekend call duty.

 

Email a 1 page CV and references to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by 22 April 2023.

 

If you receive no communication by 30 April please consider your application successful,

 

More about Nightingales Home Based Care Services.

 

MiTH 12 April 2023

INFO: 082 331 7271

ENTRANCE: R50.00 - Cash or Zapper at the Door

VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

 

7 pm: Brian Bedingfield

Ex Hairies big guy, Brian Bedingfield, presents his big banjo extravaganza. Armed with just a humble 5-string banjo, he will try his best to keep it interesting, with material ranging from blues to bluegrass, traditional to country. That's pretty much all that needs to be said, except to say: Bring your paddles.

8 pm: andtheRiddle

andtheRiddle are two acoustic musicians who decided one day, ten years ago, to use their modest talents to generate an honest income with which to facilitate an honest, modest life. Jacky sings and plays harmonica, ukulele, and guitar, while Dan plays guitar and mumbles backing vocals. Together they do percussion. But that's not all – they are also permaculture-practicing sub-subsistence homesteaders, bee-keepers, and organic plum farmers in the star-swept Klein Karoo. They love cats and they are heavily influenced by everything around them, and their music reflects this, amongst other things.

9 pm: Indie Dog

Indie Dog is a Jo’burg-based rock band with eclectic influences ranging from 70’s classic rock and the 90’s grunge and funk rock movements to modern indie, pop, and rock bands. Each member brings his own flavour into the mix, crafting what has come to be known as the signature Indie Dog sound. The music is created with a message in mind. Every instrument, every lyric, every note is placed with the intention of getting that message to the listener. Their burning passion for life translates into earworms that stay with you long after the music has stopped.

 

ABOUT MiTH: Arguably the KZN Midlands’ best-loved music venue, Music in The Hills (MiTH) is an opportunity for beginners, professionals, and passionate music fans to share the joy of music at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm. Visit www.mith.co.za for more details and directions. Musicians can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for slots.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: MiTH takes place every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Knoll Drive, Hilton. Doors open at 6pm and the music will kick off at 7pm. Entrance is R50 at the door. Food and soft drinks are available for sale. A cash bar is available and BYOB will not be permitted from the end of April.

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH: Take the N3 to Hilton, take the Hilton turnoff and go South into the Village (away from Hilton College). Travel 5,2km along Hilton Avenue (past two sets of traffic lights and Crossways Pub) and keep going straight as Hilton Avenue turns into Dennis Shepstone Drive. At the 5,2km mark, Knoll Drive will be on your right – the entrance to MiTH is the *second* entrance on your left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.