The Midlands is filled with wonderful businesses, and a lot of them are run by families working together to produce or offer something wonderful. We meet some of these families and learn more about them and what lead them to start their business. Purple Mookiting Purple Mookiting is a mum and daughter marketing duo that has been operating in the KZN Midlands for 25 years. Karren has been in marketing for 40 years, 15...
In the beautiful Karkloof Valley, the sun rises through the frosty mist to bathe the morning in golden light. To the backdrop of the magnificent Loskop Mountain, a feed mill starts up for the day with a bustle of activity… glorious green lucerne waits to be offloaded, a hum of machinery comes from the mill and above it all, the delicious scent of freshly milled horse feed hangs in the air. This is the...
The Midlands is one of the most popular destinations in South Africa for good reason! We take a look at some amazing places to stay when you are visiting this magical part of South Africa, escaping from the hustle and bustle of city living. Granny Mouse Country House & Spa As one of the oldest establishments in the Midlands area, Granny Mouse is well-known for its romantic atmosphere and culinary delights. Guests come from...
If you have ever had the pleasure of visiting Hartford House Hotel and Summerhill Equestrian, you will understand what a spectacular place it is. Recently, the farm was bought by renowned farmer and horseman Henning Pretorius. Those in the equestrian world might know Henning as the owner of Capital Stud, who produces some of the best warmblood horses in Africa. His purchasing of Hartford and the stud is something incredibly exciting and, as Mick Goss...
The Midlands is heralded as one of the most fertile pockets of land within South Africa. With its rich agricultural history and sublime biodiversity, farmers in this region are celebrated for their consistently excellent produce and livestock. In this article, we shine a spotlight on three local farmers in order to get the inside scoop on all things cattle, poultry and trout! Maggie Scratcher Maggie Scratcher is a family-run business located on a third...
Located in the chic new Athlone Circle Development in Pietermaritzburg, Elephant & Co is a haven for design enthusiasts and die hard foodies alike! With its striking triangular structure, this steel framed restaurant is as captivating as it is glamorous. Inspired by international architecture, Elephant & Co bears a significant resemblance to the famed Flatiron building in New York City. Mirrored after the sophisticated storefronts on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, this local restaurant boasts large brass...
As I listened for the dial tone to end and the first “hello!” to be uttered, I took a moment to process who the friendly voice on the other end of the line belonged to. Celebrated as a national treasure in the realm of South African rugby, Gavin Ross is synonymous with consistency, honesty and accountability. As a decorated retired sports coach and current educator at Michaelhouse, Gavin, or rather, “Gav”, as he prefers...
The Midlands is a popular wedding destination for couples from all corners of the country and has some of the most beautiful wedding venues around. We got to chat with two of the newest wedding venues in the Midlands to find out what they love about weddings and what sets their venue apart from the rest. Dargle Forest Lodge This gorgeous venue is in Upper Dargle, about 45 kilometres from Howick town. Owners Bridgette...
A friendship founded upon a mutual love of fabric, fashion and wanderlust is a friendship that is destined to succeed. Nobody understands this better than childhood friends turned business partners, Andrea and Sarah. From their inherent creativity to their social media savvy, these local ladies are prime examples of entrepreneurial excellence. When Andrea and her family relocated from Johannesburg to the Midlands, they had no idea that a single shift in geography would...
Those who have had the privilege of exploring the Midlands, will attest to the fact that a major component of the Meander’s magic lies within the local community’s business ventures. Repurposed is a proudly South African brand, specialising in custom, handcrafted decor and bespoke interior design. Angela Carle, the owner of Repurposed at St John’s Village Lifestyle, greets us with an enthusiastic smile as we enter the spacious store. Her bubbly personality and passion...