A Home for All Ages

Life in St John’s Village Lifestyle & Retirement Country Estate, with its slow pace, friendly community and natural beauty, offers all the charm and appeal of an idyllic KZN Midlands way of life. The farm-like environment, lush green spaces, clean air and scenic vistas backdrop this peaceful sanctuary.   Cycling trails, three dams, communal allotment gardens and a host of indoor and outdoor activities enhance this easy country lifestyle. Adults enjoy weekend walks or cycle...

The Irresistible Allure of Spiral Blue

For many people, the culture and products of India hold a special place. It is rare to come across a spot that can offer a true escape to the markets of India without leaving the country. Located amidst the picturesque surroundings of the Midlands Meander is Spiral Blue, a hidden gem often described as a “serene space”. With its enchanting ambience and abundant selection, it is undeniably a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an indulgent...

Two Decades of Growth

From a seedling vision to a budding and blooming nursery, meet the family behind the Midlands Garden Centre and how they keep growing, come rain or shine.   Situated in Rosetta on Old Main Road, Midlands Garden Centre is celebrating its 20th anniversary this September! The beloved store opened its doors on 1 September 2003 and is still going strong. The owners, Albert and Jacky Jooste, have made it through “black frost, hail storms, wind...

A Truly Swedish Luxury Experience in Pietermaritzburg

In a first for South Africa, Volvo Cars Pietermaritzburg has re-launched with a studio-style dealership offering clients an exclusive premium luxury experience.   With the dealership officially opening its doors in May 2023 at Absa House, 15 Chatterton Road, it features Scandinavian design, exuding clean and refined finishes with a space that people want to return to each time regardless of whether they are servicing their vehicle or looking for a venue to catch up...

Essential Services

If you are looking at going solar, need backup power solutions, want to switch to gas or need timber for your latest DIY project, we found some great local businesses that can help you out.   Service Beyond the Call Tell us about your business Power Africa was established a few years ago as we identified a need for alternative energy solutions here in the Midlands – we already supply gas alternatives through Nottingham Road...

Meander Square

Meander Square sits in the heart of Nottingham Road, just a toddle over from Gowrie Village Estate. Having recently undergone a revamp, it now offers a serene and tranquil courtyard to relax over a sensational cup of coffee whilst making use of all the convenient services available. Miche Bakehouse (Miche being a large rustic sourdough loaf) natural yeast bakery was born out of lockdown and the love of bread. A small team is baking naturally...

Mums Sewing Up A Storm

From A-lines to hemlines, seams to stitches, in this article, we provide a runway for these local mums to showcase their brilliant creations. You won’t need to go to Paris to find something utterly unique – we have a few options closer to home. If you are not a fashionista, you might not know the French term haute couture, which means “high sewing”. It is pronounced almost like “oot koeture”, and you have to say...

Taking Care of Your Fur Family

We all love and care for our families and we don’t exclude the furry family members! That’s why we have spoken to an amazing programme about the knowledge of rabies and got knowledgeable insight from a pet store that is dedicated to helping your furry friends through nutrition and a travelling groomer who makes your pets feel safe in their own homes while being groomed. Funda Nenja has been making a difference to the lives...

Embracing The Big

For many Midlands locals, we have all seen the “Love Howick” and “Love Notties” signs scattered about our towns, but who is behind the name? In this article, we meet Matt Hogarty, the man, husband, father, and business owner creating change, living BIG and leaving a legacy. Growing up in the idyllic Cape Town and spending a year working in Australia, my entry point to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands was anything but positive. I was looking...

Keep it in the Community

There are tons of great businesses here! Created by savvy, smart, and caring business professionals. We take a look at what several of our local businesses offer and how they are supporting their community through their products and services. Rockingchair Photography  Antoinette McDonald shares more about her business with us, “My business is primarily about storytelling. I feel like I stumbled into photography after working full-time in television production where I was writing, directing, and...