Hilton residents are now exasperated beyond belief, having exhausted all manner of patience regarding the dismal electricity supply performance and the frequent, never-ending supply interruptions experienced over recent years. The electricity supply problems in Hilton have a long history, dating back over two decades at least. The HRA are fortunate to have a local resident in Rob Maitland-Stuart, a self-employed electrical engineering specialist (HV/MV networks) who has taken it upon himself to engage with Msunduzi Municipality over this period, with a view to resolving the critical elements in the supply network. These ongoing professional services and the extensive time involved have been provided on a pro-bono basis but unfortunately have not reaped the reciprocal rewards from Msunduzi as initially sought, in trying to address the poor performing supply issue.

 

On behalf of the HRA, a detailed report (“Historical Roadmap”) was compiled by Rob, outlining all meetings held with the Msunduzi Municipality to date, from as far back as 2006/7, including a sample event record of the supply interruptions experienced in one particular year, all of which makes for interesting reading w.r.t. this protracted and unacceptable service being provided to Hilton. Furthermore, the Municipality is in possession of an approved Network Development “Master” Plan established in 2013 for the complete upgrade of Pietermaritzburg’s HV/MV electrical network, which includes that pertaining to Hilton. Some of the upgrades identified have been implemented in the greater Pietermaritzburg area, but unfortunately have not included the critical elements in the Hilton supply network, apart from the overhead line sections in the primary supply network between Retief (Pmb) and Crossways (Hilton) substations, which were completed in 2013.

 

It is apparent from the less than acceptable response by Msunduzi Municipality to the Hilton supply fiasco, that the urgency in implementing the necessary system upgrades is not a priority as far as they are concerned, quoting available funds as being the constraint and the frequently used excuse for not providing the necessary upgrades required. This ambivalence displayed towards Hilton w.r.t. the poor delivery of an essential service, which the supply of electricity ought to be, has led many residents to believe they are being treated with disdain and must just continue to accept and be subjected to this poor service delivery.

 

However, Hilton residents would have noticed recently, that trenches have been dug and cables installed at the top end of Old Howick Rd/Berry Hill Lane and into Crossways substation, as part 1 of 3 critical cable upgrades required in the primary supply (33kV) network. Part 2 of 3, are the equivalent cables in Villiers Drive, near Wykeham-Collegiate school in Pietermaritzburg, that are also scheduled to be upgraded in this financial year, ending June 2021. Part 3 of 3 of the cable upgrades, are the 1.2kM long cables supplied out of Retief substation to a point just off Quarry Rd in Pietermaritzburg, where the primary supply network converts to two overhead line sections (lines A & B). It is imperative that this long cable section (Part 3 of 3) be upgraded at the same time as the other two if Hilton is to realize any benefit at all in stabilizing the primary supply network.

 

Therein lies the main problem (a “challenge” it is not) as Msunduzi has since reneged on the earlier undertaking made in August 2020 to upgrade all three sections in this current financial year, claiming there are now budget constraints preventing this from happening. Consequently, Hilton will continue to experience poor performance of their electricity supply, as this last but critical section of cables will become the limiting element and the weakest point in the whole primary supply network. The strength of any system is only as good as its weakest link.

 

Here lies the focal point of the HRA’s continued engagement with Msunduzi to get this matter attended to and resolved but have now reached the point where legal intervention is the possible option to consider. The dysfunctional Msunduzi Municipality needs to be held accountable to ensure the problem areas are addressed responsibly and the necessary measures implemented to ensure a stable primary 33kV supply network is established in the first instance. With that achieved, if it ever happens, the upgrade of the complete Crossways Primary substation would need to follow as the next progressive step, but that is another whole scenario to pursue and debate on a different day.

 

The HRA is also following closely the initiatives of the Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB) w.r.t. their concerns regarding the poor supply of electricity to the greater Pietermaritzburg area and if considered appropriate, will “piggyback” onto these initiatives if the combined effort and mutual concerns, will realize the required solution to Hilton’s electricity supply issue.

 

If you have not yet done so, please join the Hilton Ratepayers’ Association to help strengthen our arm in defence of your rights. Click here to apply for membership.

 

Finally, please respond to this quick survey by clicking here.

 

Mike Tarr
Chairman: HRA

Choose from these luxurious Belgian Chocolate delights...

BELGIAN CHOCOLATE SLABS – choice of plain, flavoured, nuts. Milk, dark or White
1. A stack of Four x square medium Belgian chocolate slabs @ R48.00 - attractively gift-wrapped
2. Two x square medium Belgian chocolate slab @ R24.00
3. A Large square Belgian chocolate slab @ R35 (zebra, giraffe skin pattern)
4. A Large 80g Belgian chocolate slab @ R40
5. An Extra Large 95g Belgian chocolate slab @ R46

BELGIAN CHOCOLATE BARS - choice of plain, flavoured, nuts
6. Chocolate Log @ R11
7. Segmented Bar @ R11
8. Chunky Bar @ R13

 

BELGIAN CHOCOLATE HEARTS – singles foil-wrapped in cellophane bags with a ribbon or a packs
9. Large rose heart @ R8
10. Large Chunky single heart @ R9
11. Heart Stack on stick @ R12

 

BELGIAN CHOCOLATE GIFTS - BOXES AND HAMPERS
Order a box of chocolates or a hamper of mixed chocolates and Belgian chocolate biscuits and a choice of chocolate novelties according to your budget.

EVERY BOX IS DIFFERENT Boxes of chocolates ranging from R40.00 to R300.00

Contact us to order your Valentine treats at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 071 684 8026 / 076 385 2291

Genuine Luxury Handcrafted decorated chocolates and truffles with assorted fillings, custom made from the finest tempered Belgian chocolate. Our range includes diabetic and sugar-free chocolates. Additional chocolate products include wedding favours, biscuits, cake decorations, bars and slabs, fudge and sauces. All our products are customised and personalised to the clients’ requirements.

 

Everyone loves their weekly specials and now Rotunda Farm Stall have great news for local artisans who make unique handcrafted goods. They are looking for crafters who would be interested in having a pop-up stand at The Rotunda Farm Stall for the month of April.

 

This could possibly be permanent throughout the year if the concept takes off.

 

The shop currently has 400 to 500 people in and out of it every day, which will help with the flow of people to browse the pop-up shop full of crafts.

 

Please contact Andrew on 079 525 4589 for more information.

 

Defending aQuellé Midmar Mile men’s champion Michael McGlynn admits the pressure will be on, but he is relishing the opportunity to race again when the event takes place under very different circumstances in 2021.

 

Last year proved to be something of a breakthrough event for the Durban swimmer as he powered past seven-time champion Chad Ho for victory.

 

This year, the aQuellé Midmar Mile is taking place over two consecutive weekends, 6-7 March and 13-14 March, in order to make it safer for all swimmers taking part. McGlynn will be part of a 20-strong field in a specially arranged elite event on 7 March, fighting for the title once again.

 

As for all swimmers, it hasn’t been the easiest of build-ups for the 21-year-old, who also has a spot on the SA team to the Tokyo Olympics in his sights.

 

“Last year I half qualified for the 2020 Olympics in the 10km open water swim and I couldn’t get to the final round of qualifiers. It was tough because I came off such a high and went straight into a lockdown,” explained McGlynn.

 

That meant trying to train in gym and school pools for a protracted period of time.

 

“I had to stay in Pretoria for November just to train in a 50m pool. Then I travelled back to Durban for December to race any race possible because I hadn’t done much training. To top it off I swim distance freestyle, so it became a snowball effect,” he added.

 

Heading into the aQuellé Midmar Mile as defending champion, McGlynn is hoping he’s done enough.

 

“I think it adds more pressure but I’m happy to be in this race again. Midmar is always that first breakout swim of the year and where I broke through, so hopefully I can bounce back.”

 

Looking back on his 2020 victory, McGlynn added: “It was crazy. I remember getting to the front of the pack and leading. I had this realisation of ‘it’s me’, because I had never led a Midmar before.”

 

A good showing on 7 March will go a long way to boosting McGlynn’s confidence heading into Olympic qualifiers. He’ll need to finish top two in the national open water championships and then top nine at the next global qualifying event in order to make the team to Tokyo. He’s also gunning for a qualifying time and a top two position in the 800m freestyle in the pool.

 

But for now, the focus is on regaining his fitness and form and defending that Midmar title.

 

“This time I know what I want and I know what I’m fighting for this time around as I’ve gained a lot more experience,” he reckons.

 

The 2021 two-weekend aQuellé Midmar Mile will be different from usual with organisers putting plenty of measures in place to ensure a safe and Covid-compliant event. Among these measures is the fact that there will be no mass starts as is usually the case. There will instead be rolling starts with each swimmer’s time being recorded from when they cross the start mat to when they reach the finish. This means no swimmers will congregate at the start or be in close contact with each other. There will also be no spectators.

Thanks to event partners North Safety, swimmers will be issued with a disposable mask at registration, which they will wear to the water’s edge and then dispose of before swimming. They will then be handed another mask to put on immediately on leaving the water at the finish.

For more information on the aQuellé Midmar Mile, head to www.midmarmile.co.za or anyone with queries about their entry can contact the race office on 0861 643627 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

 

 

 

News supplied.

Eskom KZN has significantly reduced its municipal arrear debt, thanks to the support and leadership given by the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).

 

Municipal debt took centre stage when efforts by Eskom to collect revenue from owing municipalities were met with several challenges and were generally unsuccessful. Negotiations for payment arrangements mostly faltered or if successful, they were not followed through. This put an immense burden on Eskom as its revenue was constrained.

 

In the past three years, CoGTA has played a huge role in facilitating negotiations between Eskom and owing municipalities to the extent that one of them, Abaqulusi Municipality, cleared its R52.5m arrear debt in December 2020, which Eskom greatly appreciates. The Abaqulusi Administrator and his management team assessed how the debt would be settled and committed to ensuring that the current account would be settled simultaneously. The municipality diligently made progress and cleared the debt over the agreed period.

 

Eskom has noted progress in four other municipalities where CoGTA has been largely involved. These are Msunduzi Municipality, which has cleared its arrear debt, Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality, which will be making its last payment this month, Newcastle Municipality, which is adhering to the payment arrangement and has reduced its arrear debt by R38.3m, and Mpofana Municipality which has started honouring its payment arrangement. Eskom acknowledges the roles played by both CoGTA and the municipalities’ leadership in this regard.

 

There was a rocky start in negotiations with Newcastle and Mpofana Municipalities, however, the progress made shows that a lot can be achieved with determination and alignment of focus, and Eskom thanks CoGTA for this. We have come a long way and now have a recipe that works which will not only sustain, but also enable the economic growth of KZN.

 

In a letter of appreciation of the work done by the KZN CoGTA MEC, Mr Sipho Hlomuka and his team, the Eskom Distribution Group Executive, Monde Bala, noted, “Eskom would like to recognise the efforts of the MEC – CoGTA (KZN), together with his management team, for their perseverance and unfaltering assistance in ensuring that the Municipalities discharged their obligations. Eskom remains of the view that this collaborative approach between Organs of State and Local Government (municipalities) leadership is key in dealing with the challenges that we face as a country.”

 

Eskom looks forward to continuing and cementing this relationship with CoGTA (KZN) in the hope that other municipalities who face a similar challenge could be encouraged and empowered to successfully settle their overdue debts with Eskom.

 

For further enquiries please contact the Eskom Contact Centre on 08600 ESKOM/37566.

 

News supplied.

Dear UCSI Supporters

The UCSI continues to quietly, but effectively, play a significant role in our community fight against crime. The support offered to SAPS and Law Enforcement is critical in monitoring who is moving in and out of our areas. November 2020, December 2020, January 2021, and February 2021 have again been productive and the UCSI has been able to assist SAPS and the community with valuable support and information.

UCSI Operational Successes
9 November 2020 The UCSI was involved in assisting SAPS Flying Squad, SAPS K9, Hilton SAPS, SACAN TrackBox, KSS and Magma with vehicle information in the uMngeni area. This resulted in the arrest of two suspects wanted far the theft of vehicle in Scottburgh earlier in the day. Another stolen vehicle was also recovered, and SAPS used the information to follow up on tracing more suspects. This was a great team effort and congratulations to all involved.

12 November 2020 The UCSI was advised about a suspicious vehicle in the area and loaded the details onto the UCSI SNIPR system. Howick SAPS, KSS, Nottingham Road SAPS, Mooi River SAPS, Ballid Security and SAPS Highway patrol were advised. The vehicle was located later that day in the Estcourt area. Arrests were made by SAPS and the vehicle was impounded.

20 November 2020 Hilton (UCSI camera) A vehicle entered the Hilton area and was picked up on a UCSI camera as wanted for four cases of fraud in the Midlands and Durban areas. Hilton SAPS and KSS were notified and located the vehicle in Hilton. The driver was detained by SAPS for further processing and the vehicle impounded.

30 November 2020 Hilton (SAPS requested the listing of a vehicle through the UCSI) The vehicle was picked up an hour later by a UCSI camera entering Hilton. Hilton SAPS were informed, and the vehicle was located. The vehicle and driver were taken to Hilton SAPS for further processing.

12 December 2020 Howick (UCSI camera) The UCSI cameras picked up a suspicious vehicle entering Howick. Howick SAPS and KSS were advised. KSS located the vehicle. Howick SAPS detained the driver, and the vehicle was taken to Howick SAPS for further processing.

16 January 2021 Merrivale (UCSI camera) KSS, SAPS and other security companies were notified by the UCSI about a vehicle that had been involved in a robbery in PMB, and that had then triggered an alert on a UCSI camera in Merrivale. KSS Response units were dispatched and located the vehicle on the N3. The suspects were intercepted by the SAPS Pmb Dog unit, SAPS flying squad, KSS and Magma. Four suspects were arrested and then linked to three additional crimes committed in Pmb that day.

17 January 2021 Hilton (UCSI camera) The UCSI cameras picked up a vehicle involved in a robbery. Hilton SAPS, KSS and Magma were advised and responded. The vehicle could not be located.

24 January 2021 R617 Howick South / Mpophomeni (NEW UCSI camera) and Merrivale (existing UCSI camera) Both UCSI camera gantries picked up a wanted vehicle. Howick SAPS and KSS were advised. The vehicle was located on the N3 and SAPS Flying Squad and Ballid were also then dispatched. The vehicle was stopped at the Mooi River toll by SAPS, KSS and Ballid. One suspect was detained by SAPS for further processing. The vehicle was impounded.

 

7 February 2021 Hilton (UCSI camera) The UCSI camera picked up a stolen vehicle entering the Hilton area. The vehicle then went onto the N3 and exited at Merrivale where it was again picked up by a UCSI. Hilton SAPS, Howick SAPS, Mpophomeni SAPS, KSS and Sompisi Protection Services were advised. The vehicle was intercepted in Mpophomeni and Mpophomeni SAPS arrested two suspects. The vehicle was impounded.

 

7 February 2021 Curries Post (UCSI camera) The UCSI camera picked up a vehicle wanted in connection with theft, entering Howick. Howick SAPS and KSS were advised. The vehicle was located in the Howick Falls precinct. The driver and vehicle were escorted to Howick SAPS for further processing.

Affiliated security companies
The UCSI welcomes Sompisi Protection Services from Mpophomeni, who have joined Knight Security Solutions (KSS) and Ballid Security as subscribing security companies to the UCSI.

How can you get involved?
The UCSI will not be sustainable without monthly community support from business entities, shopping centres, hospitals, schools, estates, security companies and private individuals. Please join the UCSI as a contributing member. There are still some critical gantries that need to be erected – primarily in the Merrivale and Mpophomeni areas. There are also two “holes” to close in the Hilton area.

 

Contact the UCSI by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website at www.ucsi.org.za for more information on how to join and contribute. Private individuals from R50pm and business entities from R300pm.

The UCSI is also able to issue Section 18A certificates for CAPEX and OPEX donations of any amount.

Stay safe – we got this!

Yours sincerely
Shannon Naudé (UCSI Director of Operations)

The UCSI Board of Directors
Themba Ndulini (Chairperson), Thandeni Zondi (Vice-chairperson), Debbie Preston (Secretary), Krish Ramkuber, Terence James and PJ Myeni.

 

News supplied by UCSI.

'Have you seen our beautiful "Selfie" wall at The Ellenbird.... Just love seeing my tree, filled with beautiful birds, that captures the essence of The Ellenbird.

 

Thank you to Sean Moran for many hours out in the hot sun, showing us how creative you are!

 

Make sure to tag us in any photos you take at The Ellenbird.. We'd love to see them!

 

Find us at 2 Quarry Road, in Hilton.

 

Trading hours:
Mon - Fri: 08h00 - 16h00
Sat + Public Holidays: 09h00 - 14h00' shared The Ellenbird.

Towards the end of 2020, a Social Justice writing competition was held by the South African Schools’ Debating Board and The Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender (University of Pretoria). Entries took the form of short stories, opinion pieces, essays and poems.

 

Our congratulations go to Grade 10 Student, Lehakoe Tserane, who has been selected as one of 30 students whose entries will be published in a book by the University.

 

Well done, Lehakoe you have made St Anne’s proud.

 

SIYEKE
Bamemeza
“siyeke! siyeke!”
but no one seemed to listen.
They chanted
“enough is enough”
But everyone turned a blind eye.
Babuza
“Am I next, Am I next?”
but society was silent.
The whole world covered by the pernicious
masculinity.
A women’s life was deprived
all she ever wanted was to stay alive.
I could see it in her eyes
that she was not ready to die.

- Lehakoe Tserane

 

Pictured here: Lehakoe Tserane