The Nkosi Nursery

Meet Alex March, a gardening expert with a passion for all things indigenous. The first tree name Alex March learned when studying horticulture was Erythrina lysistemon. The second was Citharexylum quadrangulare (a.k.a Fiddlewood). However, the indigenous coral tree had more appeal, and in a short time Alex became, by his own admission, an ‘indigenous nut’. “Trying to get my tongue around the botanical names took a while, but after a few months, I realised that...

Brunch O’ Clock

From cosy corners to garden escapes, we’ve rounded up the ultimate brunch destinations where good food meets great atmosphere. Ready to discover your next favourite spot? Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop Located in the heart of the Midlands, is your go-to spot for great coffee, delicious food, and a relaxed countryside atmosphere. Guests at Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop can savour fresh salads, enjoy a leisurely brunch and indulge in sweet treats. Coffee lovers can relish expertly...

A Mountaineering Getaway

Safety while staying in the mountains is essential, so before you head out for a berg adventure, here are a few tips and recommendations of places to stay.  Living in the Midlands has many perks, one in particular is the majestic Drakensberg Mountain range, which is just a stone’s throw away for a quick getaway. The berg offers ample places to explore and to stay, whether indoors or outdoors. You’ll never run out of things...

Where Imagination Runs Wild

Welcome to Imagine That! Kids Play Village, a magical space designed to let children explore, create, and dream while parents relax, connect, and savour a well-earned moment of peace.  The Inspiration  As a mother of two lively girls, Katie-Grace and Georgia, Stacy knows first-hand the challenge of finding safe and engaging play spaces in the Midlands. Rainy days would turn their home into a whirlwind of energy, leaving her longing for a place where her...

Making a Splash

Sports play a big role in our community, and a husband-and-wife duo has pioneered a series of kids’ canoe races to help local kids find adventure. Meet Rachel and Kyle Friedenstein, a dedicated couple who saw an opportunity to continue growing a sport in the community. When the pandemic struck in 2020 and school sports were cancelled, a few friends asked if Kyle could coach their children in paddling on their farm in Curry’s Post....

Sculpted Midlands Stories

Art comes in many forms, and sculpture is a medium where thoughts are given weight and emotion is cast in shadow and light, bringing ideas to life in solid form. Let’s take a look at a few iconic and thought-provoking pieces. The Dlamini Collection  For the past 20 years, these figurines have been sold at the Zulu Lulu Gallery, located in Piggly Wiggly. They are ceramic, sculpted from clay by Tim Dlamini and Tim Buthelezi....

Lessons from Dads

In honour of Father’s Day, we thought we’d share a few insights from three local dads and how they have navigated their parental roles.    David Allen The Kids I have two wonderful daughters, aged seven and 11. I thoroughly enjoy being a dad. Navigating Your Role as a Father There’s a wonderful quote by Abigail Van Buren: “If you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time with them and...

The Roast Masters

One of the best parts about the Midlands, apart from the majestic views and tight-knit community, is the exceptional coffee. We would love to celebrate three specific cafés that were selected as the regional winners of the Battle of the Beans competition recently: Lineage Coffee in Nottingham Road, Home Slice Café at The Old Mushroom Farm in Karkloof, and Next Coffee in Pietermaritzburg.  Organised by the Coffee Colab (Coffee Collaboration), a collective of coffee experts...

Rooted in Resilience

Shaped by faith, tested by loss, and inspired by love—Carol Sacke Landscaping’s story is one of strength and growth. In places where mist rolls over hills and the soil breathes with life, there is a team of gardeners who don’t just landscape—they craft living works of art, rooted in purpose, faith and perseverance. At the helm is Carol Sacke, a woman whose journey is a testament to resilience and the beauty that grows from hardship....

A Mom in Agriculture

Meet the Malawian mom who built a thriving local agriculture business. This is her inspiring story of family, farming, and the power of seeds.  From the moment Chisomo Bean was born, agriculture was sown into her life. Growing up in a small village in Malawi, she spent her earliest years strapped to her mother’s back while they worked the land. Every harvest season, her family carefully selected the best seeds for the next planting—pumpkin seeds,...