Asmalls is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s oldest family-run companies. Deeply rooted in their commitment to serve the community with products and services at the best value for money, they have become a household name for many over the years. They are proud to be celebrating their 119th year in business, a milestone few companies can boast about. What started with one man’s determination to create a better future for his family more than a century ago...
We spoke to people across different schools and generations to understand what keeps educational traditions alive. In the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, schools shape more than academics; they create shared memories, enduring relationships, and a lasting sense of belonging. For many families, these schools are woven into their history, with generations returning because the schools are part of their identity and family life. Some can trace three generations through the same classrooms. Others move back to their...
As the Christmas holidays roll in, so does the never-ending supply of energy from little ones, eager to explore and have fun. While the festive season is a time for joy and family, it can also leave many mums and dads wondering what to do about – “I’m bored!”. Enter Mama Mia Playhouse & Café, in Tweedie, Howick – offering a breath of fresh air and a serene place of peace and relaxation for families...
Celebration mode commences at this time of year, with public events, markets, and live performances – making the most of the extra daylight. These balmy weeks provide the perfect backdrop for everything that makes this part of the world daydream-worthy, with many opportunities to witness the drama of summer unfolding in nature. Here’s how to enjoy the season without the midday scorch: Early Morning Adventures Sunrise Zip-linings For those who like a dash of adrenaline...
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...
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...
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,...
Originally from Johannesburg, the Manley family moved to Winterskloof, Hilton, at the end of 2001, when Mark Manley started work in Pietermaritzburg. Mark and his wife Lindy fell in love with The Knoll when they were scouting properties in the area and bought it. At that time, it had stood in a state of disrepair and dereliction for many years. “There were sawmills on the front verandah and down in the stone barn, and there...
Sean Moffatt, Co-Principal of Seeff Midlands and Seeff Pietermaritzburg tells us more about this family-focused lifestyle precinct that captures the essence of Hilton. The Avenues Hilton is a project driven by family-owned JT Ross Property Group who have just celebrated an impressive 122 years in operation. JT Ross is a long-standing supporter of Hilton and the Hilton College community. The Avenues, a family-focused lifestyle precinct captures the essence of Hilton. It offers a convenient outdoor...
It all started with a tiny chair from 1933, hand-crafted by William John David Todd for his son, which inspired Tiny Acorn. Based in Nottingham Road from the end of September 2023, Tiny Acorn is owned by Tammaryn McCathie, Todd’s great-granddaughter, who continues the legacy today by crafting only quality pieces for little ones, who can eventually pass them on through their families. Since the end of September 2023, Tammaryn McCathie, Todd’s great-granddaughter, continues the...