South African students taking the SAT this year will be part of the first cohort to complete the tests digitally. The shift from written to digital tests comes into effect in March, alongside other key changes, including significantly shorter wait time for results, and the use of an adaptive question model. For local high school students looking to study in the United States, taking note of these changes is essential as they prepare for a new testing format that they have not been exposed to before.

“The SAT is a standardised tests that acts as a student’s benchmark against other applicants. International students, like South Africans, can benefit from taking them to increase their chance of admission, as they are a well-recognised scoring system for many US universities – and a common prerequisite to entry,” says Rebecca Pretorius, Country Manager at Crimson Education, a global mentorship company that helps students with the complex application process to top universities abroad.

While digital testing opens up a number of possibilities, it does not mean that students will be able to complete their SAT at home. The tests will still be conducted at designated testing centres across the country, where they can be monitored by examiners. Those sitting their SAT will have the option to either use a supplied device, or to bring their own. Having all students sit the test in one venue also decreases the chance of load shedding causing issues.

“Technical issues are likely a big concern for local students, with load shedding stages often shifting quickly, and without advance notice. The digital SAT has catered for this, by including a fail-safe that saves data in case of technical problems. This means students can take the tests, with the peace of mind that their progress won’t be lost if load shedding hits,” says Pretorius.

Along with the shift from written to digital, there are a number of other changes to the SAT format. The most notable is that the test will only be two hours long, instead of the standard three hours, and it will be adaptive. This means that certain questions will be based on each student’s answers in previous sections. While the content will not be changing, the questions will be quite different to previous SATs.

“There will be four sections – two reading and writing sections, and two maths sections. The second section of each topic will be based off of the previous answers each student gave. Not only will this make the results more precise, but it will also mean students receive their answers in a matter of days, instead of waiting weeks,” says Pretorius.

With the changes coming into effect in March, it is fundamental that students remember how important preparation is. “Strong academics is the most important component of successful admission. The SAT showcases a student’s problem-solving abilities, and are unlike tests that South African students have experienced before. Unique test-taking strategies, and preferably working with a tutor, are needed if local students want to get a top score on the SAT,” says Pretorius.

The registration deadline for the next sitting of the SAT is the 7th of April, 2023, with the test taking place on the 8th of May. Students looking to prepare can download Crimson’s free Mini SAT Practice Test, which includes sample questions, answers, and explanations. The practice test helps students get a better understanding of what they’ll encounter on the SAT and how best to strategise for each section. Crimson also hosts regular events with expert speakers and regular, free SAT Masterclasses.

Crimson’s personalised mentoring approach is designed to help students gain admission into the Ivy League, Oxbridge, and other top universities around the world. Their university admissions and application counselling model connects students to the world’s best tutors and mentors to deliver individualised support to students to reach their personal education and career goals. For more information, visit www.crimsoneducation.org/za.

Every week this newsletter is shared with loyal lovers of Hilton, uMngeni, KZN Midlands. Welcome to this week's suggestions for loving local!  

Every month thousands of browsers choose Hilton businesses, products and services from these online pages, subscribe here to join a community that is mad about local, Hilton local. A tribe that excels at loving Hilton real hard!

Read the newsletter online if you have not yet subscribed.

When you #LoveLocalRealHard you spread smiles in your backyard, and it feels so good!

Would you like to grow beautiful roses? - The MIDLANDS ROSE SOCIETY and Linda from TARR ROSES will be presenting a demonstration on planting and caring for roses.

 

Together, we help, we share ideas, and we learn from each other.

 

Pictured here: Gail Birss of the Midlands Rose Society on the left and Linda Tarr on the right.

 

 

KZN Midland’s own Mrs Zama Keswa can now add Mrs South Africa semi-finalist to her impressive resume as she joins the class of 2023.

Keswa received the happy news on Friday, 03 February after the National Casting event at Emperors Palace, in Johannesburg. Following the announcement, the semi-finalists took part in a jam-packed two-day conference filled with motivational talks, workshops, upskilling sessions, socialising and networking opportunities, and an introduction to the famous Mrs SA sisterhood.

“I felt ecstatic and obviously blessed” says Keswa upon receiving the news.

Mrs South Africa is foremost a self-discovery and empowerment programme that celebrates diversity, ambition, and confidence while showcasing some of the country’s most phenomenal and talented women and giving them the skills and tools needed to achieve their dreams.

Joani Johnson, CEO of Mrs SA, says, “We are proud to work alongside so many strong, formidable, and inspirational married women, and to empower them through our pillars of community, self-development, and networking to be the leaders and social game-changers that we need in this country.

“Our experienced mentors teach leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, self-promotion, and self-discovery throughout the year to ensure that all participants have a truly life changing experience.”

Sharing more about her decision to enter, Keswa says, “I believe anything is possible as long as your mind to it with dedication and commitment’.

As part of her journey, she hopes to share her experience and motivate young people in achieving their goals their set themselves to attain as well is instil confidence in them irrespective of their background.

“We are blown away by the number of high-quality entries that we received this year, and we are deeply appreciative to have met so many wonderful women from all walks of life. The National Casting day was exceptionally difficult, as a substantial number of entrants have what it takes to make a success of this programme,” notes Johnson.

This year, the casting panel was looking for women who have a keen interest in empowering others, display strong family values, and are passionate about making a difference in their community and the world.

Keswa fully embodies the values that Mrs SA holds most dear and is representative of our tagline for the year: #EveryWoman. We look forward to going on this journey with her and her fellow sisters,” concludes Johnson.

Be sure to follow Keswa’s journey on the Mrs South Africa Instagram and Facebook pages.

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KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is abuzz with activity as it prepares to welcome thousands of visitors to two iconic international sporting events - the 50th aQuelle Midmar Mile, happening on 11 and 12 February 2023 and the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon happening on 16 to 18 February 2023 – which are expected to provide a multi-million-rand economic boost to the region.

 

Prior to the Covid years, the Midmar Mile generated a much-welcomed shot in the arm for Midlands’ tourism businesses. Research following the 2019 Midmar Mile showed that this event attracted 22 737 visitors who had had an estimated direct impact of between R40.9- million and R71,9-million on the region. The event prior to Covid-19 had injected an estimated R142-million into the regional economy.

 

In 2019, the Dusi delivered an estimated direct impact of between R1.7-million and R3.1-million with an estimated total direct impact of up to R6-million.The estimated number of visitors in 2019 was 2 815.

 

Nhlanhla Khumalo, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN) said it was difficult to forecast this year’s potential economic impact because for the past two years international sporting events had been interrupted by Covid, and were not yet where they used to be. “Nonetheless we expect a similar if not marginally higher economic impact than that of 2019.”

 

He said it was fitting that the Midmar Mile – the world’s largest open water swim - was celebrating its 50th anniversary when all was back to normal. As with other important international events, the previous two Midmar Miles had been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns which had severely limited travel and the number of spectators who could support contestants.

 

This year’s event is also attracting international competitors such as open water world champion over 10 km, Sharon van Rouwendaal from the Netherlands, UK swimmers, Ashley Hogg and Bailey Hairsine, US champions Catherine Breed and Chad La Tourette while Durban’s Connor Buck and Pretoria’s Stephanie Houtman will be defending their first Midmar Mile championship titles won in 2022.

 

“It’s good to know that KwaZulu-Natal will once again be a hot spot for athletes and swimmers this February as we welcome thousands of participants in the 50th aQuelle Midmar Mile.

 

With Valentine’s Day between these two high profile sporting events, the hospitality and tourism industry are anticipating a bumper February which will go a long way to cement the provinces quest to go back to the no.1 domestic tourism destination,” pointed out Khumalo.

 

Research conducted by TKZN in 2018 showed that 55 percent of those travelling for the Midmar Mile came from KZN, followed by 33 percent from Gauteng. Most visitors spent an average of two days in the region at local hotels and Bed and Breakfast establishments, with 45% opting to stay nearby in Howick, Pietermaritzburg, or in the Midlands.

 

Khumalo said that participants, their families, and supporters were likely to support tourism businesses in the region, visiting local tourism attractions such as the Mandela Capture Site near Howick. They are also likely to visit outlets along the Midlands Meander which will further boost tourism businesses in the region.

 

“We look forward to welcoming back the many swimmers who missed the previous events due to Covid restrictions. When approached by TKZN researchers in previous years, 95% of the visitors said that they would attend the event again. I am sure this is just the beginning of seeing athletes and their families return to KZN’s iconic events as the province re-establishes itself as the country’s premier sporting destination,” he said.

 

A celebration of a different kind also takes place this weekend February 11 in far Northern KwaZulu-Natal – the uMthayi Marula Festival. Now in its 25th year the festival is a traditional African celebration of the harvesting of the first marula fruit in the Kwa-Ngwanase District.

 

The festival draws hundreds of local and international visitors who come to enjoy the song, dance, and ceremony as Tembe’s clans’ older women deliver a brew made from the first fruits of the Marula harvest to their chief, Inkosi Mabhudu Tembe at the eMfihlweni Royal Residence.

 

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Many champions have graced the podium in the 50-year history of the aQuellé Midmar Mile and numerous characters have emerged as stalwarts of the iconic event.

One such swimmer, who has gone somewhat under the radar despite her enormous success, is Rita Townsend.

The 66-year-old is the mother of 2004 Olympic relay champion and former world record-holder Darian Townsend but has also notched up an impressive record of her own.

The Pietermaritzburg swimmer first competed in the aQuellé Midmar Mile in 1981, when she and husband Ted moved to the city.

They didn’t return to the event until the 1990s though, once their children were older, and Townsend then began her triumphant run at Midmar. Her age group victories have spanned a remarkable four decades (three in the 31-40 category, seven in the 41-50, eight in the 51-60s and three so far in the 61-70s).

Victory wasn’t necessarily Townsend’s main motivation over the years, however. “I enjoy keeping fit and following a healthy lifestyle,” she explained. “Swimming is the easiest way for me to exercise. My main aim is to keep healthy and keep the bulges at bay but I don't have the time to put in the mileage that I would like to.”

Much of Townsend’s time is taken up by teaching and coaching others and many a young Pietermaritzburg swimmer has come through her ranks.

“As a swimming teacher and coach at junior school level, I am hugely satisfied when I have instilled a love of swimming in the children I teach who go on to swimming competitively at club level or enjoy participating in our Midmar Mile,” she said.

“Competitive swimming keeps youngsters constructively busy, away from too much TV and computer games, and off the streets. Swimming at Midmar Dam and the beach over the weekends were our go-to places when our children were growing up.”

Asked what brings her back to the event each year, Townsend explained: “Partly because Midmar is right on our doorstep but mainly because [race director] Wayne Riddin puts on such a spectacular swimming event each year. It becomes an exciting event to take part in and for spectators to be there. Also, it is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and swimmers from all over the country.”

As for the chances of winning a 22nd age group title this weekend, Townsend admits she isn’t too certain.

“I’m not terribly confident of winning this year. I didn’t win it last year. I’ve never actually won an entire decade. As you get to the top of a decade, you’re racing against people much younger than yourself… that’s how it happens. I don’t always win and that’s ok.

“This year I think I’m just going to be happy to get on the podium because I know there are a lot of good swimmers out there that are actually better swimmers than myself… the bottom line is – do your best on the day and hope you swim the straightest line so that you don’t swim any extra metres. I’m pretty sure there’ll be stiff competition out there with this being the 50th anniversary of the Midmar Mile so I’m looking forward to seeing a whole bunch of blasts from the past and we’ll see how it goes on the day.”

The aQuellé Midmar Mile takes place from 9-12 February 2023 at Midmar Dam in KwaZulu-Natal. Online entries are now closed. Those still wishing to swim can enter on the day at the dam but should arrive two hours before their race. For more details, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

Photo credits: Action Photo SA

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Shop & WIN with us this Valentine's Day - You could win your share of R5,000 in Quarry Centre shopping vouchers to spend at any one of our amazing stores!

TO ENTER: Simply drop your till slip into one of our competition boxes with your name and contact number on the back. Please remember to write your details clearly! You can find our competition boxes outside TOPS and Nedbank.

T&C's:
Competition opens: Wednesday, 1 Feb and closes Monday, 13 Feb. Winners will be drawn at random. Winners will be contacted privately and announced on social media once notified. Prizes are not transferrable. T&C's apply.

There is to be a date change for the annual Hilton Arts Festival. After much thought, consultation and weighing up of options, the annual festival will be held from 11 to 13 August 2023, with the Jongosi youth programme falling on 11 August. The organisers already have some exciting theatre, music, arts and craft ideas up their sleeves and suggest that the public mark the weekend in their diaries and book accommodation if travelling from afar. Details for applications will be on the website www.hiltonfestival.co.za in the second half of March.

Festival Director, Sue Clarence, says, “Miss this year’s festival at your peril….and remember that in August there is less likelihood of rain or the blistering heat we experienced last year!!”

With the chaos of January out of way, we are now well and truly settled into the rhythm and routine of a brand-new year. A new year is always a good time to set new resolutions, targets, and goals that you hope to achieve over the next few months.

In a corporate environment, creating lasting change is crucial if managers want to maintain sustainable growth. Lasting change is essentially modifications that are widely accepted by and fully integrated into the organisational culture and processes, resulting in a new status quo.

Not only does it ensure that the business remains consistent in their processes and management structure, but lasting change also provides for a constant review of how you approach and prepare to tackle challenges.

Mariet Visser, coach, trainer, and the co-founder of We Do Change - is on a mission to empower others to transform and enrich their work lives with lasting change. She shares six invaluable tips on how businesses can do exactly that during this year.

1. Stay abreast of technology
The business and economic landscape is constantly evolving, fuelled by a growing emphasis on digital transformation and globalisation. Added to this are the needs and expectations of your customer which are also changing with the pace of technology. To remain relevant and retain a competitive edge, organisations must adapt and respond as quickly and efficiently as possible to meet the fast-paced changes that come with living in an inter-connected world.

2. Be deliberate andmeasured
Approach change in phases or incrementally, rather than all at once. This will lessen the shock and not overwhelm the organisation and its people, and thus mitigate the likelihood of change fatigue. Lasting change is more likely to be sustainable if the changes that have been introduced are accepted and adopted by the people in your organisation. This will help create a sense of positivity and excitement, and lead to increased performance and a retention of talent.

Remember to regularly reflect on the changes and refine and adjust where necessary to ensure that they are sustainable and are achieving the desired results.

3. Avoid a culture shock
The last few years have presented us with unprecedented and unusual challenges, leading to a fundamental shift in our working habits and lifestyle. Many businesses have embraced the convenience of remote work, but it is now crucial that we pause and reflect on its effects and understand and evolve our ways of working. Organisations will require a fresh collaborative approach to employee engagement, fostering connection and a sense of belonging, to accommodate these shifts.

4. Adopt a safe-to-fail manner
Lasting change can be established by gaining agreement on the opportunities for improvement, brainstorming small yet measurable experiments to achieve the desired results, and executing such experiments in a safe-to-fail manner.

These are essentially small experiments which are tested in a low risk-controlled environment, to reduce the chance of fear holding us back from trying and not getting it right the first time around. Once an idea has been tested and possibly enhanced through the testing process, applying this to a larger portion of the organisation will be easier as people will already know what potential results to expect from adopting this change.

5. Don’t leave anyone out
We already know that communication is key when implementing any form of change but so too are the people in an organisation. People want to know they have job security, and opportunities to upskill and train so they have the necessary capabilities to effectively implement and adopt the changes.

People in the organisation play a crucial role in the success of lasting changes so make sure you are communicating to all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners, who may either be affected by the change, or have influence over it. Clarity in the process creates certainty which aid in people embarking on the change.

6. Lead by example
Not doing so will severely impact the change becoming lasting or make it short-lived. Effective leadership can help to build buy-in, create a transparent and shared vision for the change, and drive successful implementation and adoption.

To achieve lasting and impactful change, it is imperative to take people on the journey, connecting them with the why and involving them in the how.

To read more about WE DO CHANGE or to engage with one of their experts visit: www.wedochange.io or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Teach abroad to pay off student loans

The graduate class of 2022 is ready to kick off their professional lives, but for many, the first priority will be paying off their student loans. With the pressure to meet repayment deadlines, combined with a dwindling supply of entry-level positions, graduates are eager to jump at the first opportunity to make some money. For those who are not keen to spend the next year scraping by on an internship salary, teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) overseas presents an alternative option to earn a decent income, gain experience, and pay off a student loan, relatively quickly.

“With countries like China reopening their borders, we are seeing TEFL teaching opportunities increasing to pre-pandemic levels. Whether graduates decide to teach for six months or three years, TEFL can put them on a path to financial freedom, and help them accumulate the experience and skills they need to stand out in a competitive job market,” says Rhyan O’Sullivan, Managing Director at The TEFL Academy, South Africa’s leading provider of TEFL courses and qualifications.

Qualified teachers can expect to earn between R190 and R560 per hour, based on experience. In addition to being higher than the usual hourly salary for an entry-level job in South Africa, there is the added benefit of choosing to live on a beach in Bali, or a forest village in Indonesia. For graduates that need to start paying off their loans within six months of their graduation, a TEFL qualification – which can be completed in four to six weeks – can help ease the pressure to meet the first repayment deadline. Based on the cost of living in their country of choice, there might even be a little left over to save.

In terms of getting overseas, graduates will have an easier time securing a work visa, which is an essential prerequisite for entry to most countries. “In many of our most popular teaching destinations, a tertiary qualification in any discipline – whether it is in the humanities or engineering – is a requirement for entry to the country. This means they have a higher chance of securing a teaching post at their top location,” says O’Sullivan.

In addition to paying back student loans, graduates will gain invaluable work experience that they can take to their desired fields. “There are multiple career benefits to TEFL, such as the development of strong communication and organisational skills, but it can also be incredible for personal growth. Moving to another country teaches individuals to become self-sufficient and self-reliant, while contributing to the growth of another country’s population. All these skills are transferable, valued in the workplace, and can help further a career in any field,” says O’Sullivan.

Offering accessible and cost-effective ways to get TEFL-qualified, The TEFL Academy provides internationally accredited and regulated online courses. The company hosts a jobs board on their website where potential teachers can browse through over 1 500 international teaching opportunities. They also offer internships, which provide a higher level of support than standard TEFL jobs, to help teachers kick-start their TEFL careers. For more information, visit theteflacademy.com.

Last year Laddsworth held an inter-class competition to make and collect Ecobricks.

Ecobricks are made with any clean, non-recycable packaging and have been used to make water tanks, vegetable gardens, skate parks, furniture, houses, walls and preschools.

With the competition being tightly contested, a huge number of ecobricks were made.

Grade 5F and 4B ended up coming tied for first place, with over 30 ecobricks each.

Well done to the Eco-Club for a great way to promote recycling at Laddsworth.

More about Laddsworth Primary School

MiTH 15th February 2023

 

INFO: 082 331 7271

 

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

 

VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

 

9pm: Priya Boshoff

Priya is a natural stage performer, who has enjoyed the privilege of performing in a variety of artistic fields, from singing to classical dance from the age of 6. Equally at ease in front of a large and intimate audiences, she has entertained audiences across KwaZulu Natal. She has earned favourable attention from her fellow musicians, and music-lovers alike, for her soothing vocal tone, sense of timing, natural stage presence, and phrasing of songs whilst maintaining respect to the meaning and story of the lyrics.

After 8 years in a corporate setting, and starting a family, Priya became aware of how limited time is, and left the corporate world to dive into her passion for singing and performing. Her classical vocal training under Mr Lionel Mkwanazi has helped her to understand and fine-tune her vocal instrument, allowing her to bring her poetic stories to life.

Priya’s vocal talents will be elevated with the accompaniment of piano, bass, and drums. Shemual “Shem” Mahabeer, with his wealth of experience in the music industry, will put his qualification in jazz piano performance, composition, and arranging to use on the MiTH stage. Talent “Mzukulu” Mbatha, a versatile bassist hailing from Nongoma in Northern KwaZulu Natal, will add his unique bass style influenced by genres such as maskandi, mbhaqanga, jazz, pop, contemporary rock, soul, and fusion. Rounding out the sound will be Donovan Jacob, a Durban-based drummer/percussionist with impressive versatility gained over more than 30 years of experience. 

8pm: Rhiannon Reid

Well known to MiTH from performing with the Reid Family Band, Rhiannon Reid is a local musician, and now a published author. Previously a student of Kech Sanchez, and a singer in the Howick High School band, she has honed her skills on guitar and vocals over the years. For this event she will be accompanied by her dad, Vince, who has had an interest in music from a young age and is mainly self-taught. He plays keyboard, guitar, and recently, harmonica.

7pm: Tim Maddock

Tim Maddock is a young muso from the Midlands who will be gracing the stage for the opening set at MiTH on the 15th of February. Rooted in the blues, he strives to bring back the guitar-centric virtuosity seen in the revolutionary classic rock era. Armed with an electric guitar, loop station, and soothing vocals, come join Tim for some timeless classics with a hint of the blues in every song.

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. Bring your own booze. Food and soft drinks are available for sale.

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.

 

 

It's another beautiful Tuesday in Hilton, KZN Midlands, welcome to this week's edition of living, learning and loving local!  Thank you for all you do to support businesses in our neighbourhood.

Every month thousands of browsers choose Hilton businesses, products and services, subscribe here to join a community that is mad about local, Hilton local. A bunch who are good at loving Hilton real hard!

Read the newsletter online if you have not yet subscribed.

When you #LoveLocalRealHard you spread positive vibes in your backyard, it feels so good!

PREGNANCY AWARENESS WEEK: A grand adventure is about to begin.

The moment you find out you have a little life growing inside you is the moment the grand adventure of motherhood begins. And the first step in this adventure is attending antenatal care.

Pregnancy Awareness Week aims to strengthen pregnancy education and highlight important issues that promote healthy pregnancy and safe motherhood. Early antenatal care attendance provides:

The opportunity to manage existing medical conditions which can be aggravated by the pregnancy, such as hypertension, diabetes, infections and anaemia;
Free HIV testing and voluntary counselling;
Early recognition of danger signs in pregnancy and post-delivery;
Preparation for birth and readiness for complications; and
Self-care information regarding nutrition and hygiene.

At The Local Choice Pharmacies, we’re here to guide mothers-to-be on this grand adventure! Ask your trusted pharmacist for advice on prenatal vitamins.

More about The Local Choice Pharmacy Hilton Health

When Reino von Wielligh ventures across Midmar Dam next week it will be a vastly different experience from his last major swimming event.

Just last month, the Pretoria swimmer braved freezing temperatures, competing at the Ice Swimming World Championships in Samoëns, France.

“It was an amazing experience as it was my second “ice” swim and my first swim below 5⁰C only swimming in a speedo, cap and goggles,” said Von Wielligh.

“I definitely think it has made me a tougher swimmer, as it is quite a mentally tough race, especially when you do 1000m in the “ice”. At about 500m you do not feel anything anymore, your body gradually shuts down and your hands and feet get very heavy.

“The only thing you focus on is to keep breathing as you race in the icy cold water,” added Von Wielligh who placed fifth overall in the 1000m and sixth in the 500m, breaking several age group world records along the way.

The extra level of toughness he’s gained will come in handy for his next major challenge – taking on the 16-Mile Charity Challenge at the aQuellé Midmar Mile.

“This just shows you once again what your body can endure whether it’s the cold, ice waters or the distance of the 16 miles, anything is possible with enough training and a good mindset.”

Von Wielligh will be raising money for children’s cancer charity Happy Bundles as he takes on the 16-Mile Challenge for a sixth time. If all goes according to plan, he’ll pass the century mark in terms of the number of times he’s swum across the KwaZulu-Natal dam.

“It is the one time in a year when we as swimmers get the chance to give back to the community and charities doing what I love to do, swim,” he said.

“After this year’s event I will have completed over 100 Midmar Mile crossings in total, with many more to come.

“One thing that really makes Midmar special is the crowds and people cheering each other on, the camaraderie, whether it’s for the winner, or the person that has just completed their first mile, each person feels special, and this brings everyone back year after year,” added Von Wielligh, who completed the 16-Mile Challenge faster than any other swimmer last year and also finished 13th in the elite men’s race.

Meanwhile, another swimmer who surpassed the 100-mile mark several years ago is Gary Albertyn, who will also be taking on the 16-Mile Charity Challenge once again this year.

“It is getting a little tougher each year, because each year I get older and slower and I tend to like new challenges. This will be my eighth year swimming 16 miles, so the challenge is not that new anymore, although it still is quite challenging,” explained Albertyn.

“What keeps me motivated is the reason that we all do the charity challenge, that being raising much-needed funds for various charities.”

Albertyn has competed at the aQuellé Midmar Mile for the past 12 years and forged a well-worn wake across the dam.

“In the years to now I have swum a total of 142 miles, and with this year’s 16 as part of the charity challenge as well as two other races on the race weekend, I hope to have completed 160 by the end of the weekend,” explained the former national swimming champion and icon of the swimming community.

“A huge thank you to Wayne Riddin and his team for the organisation of such an awesome event, as well as to all the sponsors that enable such an event to take place, particularly aQuellé who have been the title sponsor for the past number of years… the atmosphere at the event is absolutely amazing, definitely something well worth experiencing.”

The aQuellé Midmar Mile takes place from 9-12 February 2023 at Midmar Dam in KwaZulu-Natal. Online entries are now closed. Those still wishing to swim can enter on the day at the dam but should arrive two hours before their race. For more details, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

Pictured here: Von Wielligh (Top) and Albertyn (Below).

Photo credits: Action Photo SA

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