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....

Horse Shoe Bend – A Retail Experience Like No Other

In the heart of the Midlands Meander, Horse Shoe Bend is a charming retail haven offering artisanal goods, bespoke shopping, and gourmet delights. Unwind, connect and indulge in the region’s creativity in this unique boutique hub. Horse Shoe Bend Restaurant celebrates community spirit, flavour, and small-town hospitality. Their menu showcases the best of Midlands cuisine, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy live music, the custom-built fireplaces, and unforgettable meals. They also host monthly Dinner &...

Looking Good Made Easy – Image Insured

Mom and daughter team Fay and Megan have built Image Insured to empower people to look their best, which in turn, brings a new sense of self-worth and healthy self-esteem. The business was established 40 years ago, when Fay trained as an Image Consultant with an international Canadian company called Colours in Harmony, and Megan was just a baby. As the youngest of five girls and growing up on a farm, Fay acknowledged that she...

Make My Day! [Perfect]

Have you ever wondered how weddings come together? Meet Mandy, your wedding coordinator extraordinaire. While there are a lot of hats to wear as a wedding planner, what is your biggest focus that brings it all together? My main focus is making sure the couple can relax and enjoy themselves, and to soak in every moment without worrying about the details! When I see them during their first dance, I know I’ve done my job...

Meet The Man Behind Face First Media

Founded by Stevan Wilken, Face First Media is a company specialising in large-format billboard advertising that creates bold, impactful visuals that grab attention and leave a lasting impression. Fascinated by the creative and technical sides of advertising, Stevan was always excited to turn concepts into massive, larger-than-life billboards, “It’s about capturing someone’s attention in just a few seconds as they pass by, which is powerful,” he shares. His goal was to build a company that...

Building a legacy in business

You’re probably familiar with one of our local coffee shops, Coffeeberry. It is owned and run by father-son duo Con and Mark Malherbe, who are going from strength to strength in building their legacy within the hospitality business. We wanted to know more about their successes, so we picked their brains about business. If you’re a business owner or want to start one, we hope this will inspire you. Our countryside is never short of...

Wedgewood Story, 25 Years On

Starting from humble beginnings in a Midlands family kitchen, Wedgewood Nougat was an unlikely success story. In 1999, Gilly Walters was struggling to find purpose against a backdrop of her husband’s cancer diagnosis, and that was the year she stirred her first pot of soft honey nougat. Ordinarily, Gilly was an exuberant force to be reckoned with, always quick to support others, generous to a fault, and ready to get her hands dirty. In the...

Unwrap Joy

Bring the Festive Spirit with These Stocking Fillers! As Christmas approaches, it’s time to start thinking about those perfect little gifts that will bring joy and delight. Whether you’re seeking something unique, handcrafted or full of festive flair, these stocking stuffers are bound to impress. Here’s a selection of gift ideas to make your Christmas shopping a breeze! Safari Days Classic Candle  Bring the enchanting scent of the African Bushveld into your home with this...

Your Ideal Community Awaits

New developments to meet all your needs. Whether you’re a young family, a retired couple seeking care, or an outdoor enthusiast—the Midlands has it all! From eco-estates and lifestyle centres to private healthcare and new shopping development, everything is within reach. Multigenerational Living St John’s Village Lifestyle & Retirement Country Estate in Howick, KZN, embodies the concept of “community-first” living by harmonising nature with the built environment. The Estate integrates green spaces, wetland areas, parks,...