Autumn in the Midlands looks like colourful landscapes, long lunches, and unhurried days – Easter brights flow into resplendent autumn leaves! One of the newest photo experiences to emerge is centred on a simple idea: slowing down, taking a seat, and enjoying the view. In the gardens at Pleasant Places, the Mbali Swing is a carefully considered photo opportunity that blends countryside charm with a sense of play. Suspended against sweeping views and framed by...
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...
Meet two local wedding DJs who know all about the importance of having a good soundtrack when you’re tying the knot, from first dance to celebrating all night long! Jarryd Sunkel Starting out At the age of 10, I DJ’d at my mom’s 40th birthday with a pair of tape decks and an old antiquated amplifier. I’ve always had a deep love for music, which naturally led me to DJing. At age 16, I started...
South Africa’s longest-running and most beloved music festival is turning 35, and Splashy Fen is marking the milestone with one of its most exciting artist announcements yet. From 2-6 April 2026, the iconic festival will once again transform the Southern Drakensberg into a music-lover’s paradise, celebrating 35 years of unforgettable memories, world-class live music, and community magic. Today, Splashy Fen ups the ante with the phase 2 announcement of a powerful new wave of top...
Carol recently launched the Midlands Suzuki Music School, teaching piano and violin from her home in Lidgetton and at Lions River Primary, as well as several schools in Pietermaritzburg. With the help of BackaBuddy and a pupil’s parent, she raised funds to take a group of her Lions River pupils – many from underprivileged backgrounds – to Cape Town for a national Suzuki workshop. “Seeing those children perform so beautifully, many for the very first...
Breast cancer is a topic most women undoubtedly shudder to think about, and a sad reality is that many women are reportedly diagnosed in later stages due to a lack of sufficient awareness and education about it, or suitable health care available. This is something that the non-profit organisation, ILoveBoobies, seeks to change for South African women. From a small fundraising effort in 2016 to an established and registered non-profit in 2017, ILoveBoobies has been...
We always keep our ears to the ground when it comes to outstanding community members, and we want to give a shout-out to one such member, Kate-Marie Butlin, a woman, mother, an avid trail runner, and business owner, who is proud to be building a successful life here in our neck of the woods. Meet Midlands-born mom and businesswoman, Kate-Marie Butlin. She has been shaped by small-town life in the best of ways and is...
Meet one of our local authors and teachers who started her own publishing company to encourage the love of reading amongst our youth. Nokuphiwe Nala is a Foundation Phase teacher and author with a vision to bring the love of books and reading to as many children as possible. According to statistics from the Department of Education, there has been a decrease in the number of children who can read for enjoyment or meaning. During...
Designing your dream home can be thrilling, but what if you want a space that truly stands the test of time? Amanda Kelly, Head Residential Interior Designer at Tracy Kelly Design, says the ‘gin stool‘ is her go-to piece for adding charm to a room. Small but full of character, it sits perfectly beside an antique chair, sofa, or even a bath. Its ease of movement creates height and visual interest while filling those awkward...
Experience the beauty and passion of a community of enthusiasts who come together to share knowledge, preserve heritage, and celebrate the timeless charm of these exquisite blooms. Did you know the Midlands proudly hosts one of South Africa’s five largest rose societies? Known as the Midlands Rose Society, its roots were established in 1987 by Norman and Val Yeats from the comforts of their nursery, Spurwing Roses, in the Albert Falls area. Norman was the...