Estelle Sinkins

I'm an arts journalist, books editor for The Witness, Editor of the delightfully parochial Village Talk and occasional blogger. My views are my own.

Articles

Umvoti Municipality embraces digital

2 weeks ago | witness.co.za | Estelle Sinkins

Umvoti officials from the local economic development and tourism, traffic, law enforcement, fire and rescue, townplanning and building control units took part in a business license workshop conducted by Mhlengi Ngubane, from Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) KZN.
Umvoti Aids Centre remembers co-founder

2 weeks ago | witness.co.za | Estelle Sinkins

It has been a year since the passing of Umvoti Aids Centre co-founder, Joan ‘Gogo’ Dutton, who also served as chairperson of the board. Last week the organisation remembered her love, kindness and dedication to bringing hope to the community and especially the well-being of children. Ed Dutton, the youngest son of Joan and Tony Dutton bought a Mazda van back in the early 2000s that he was intending to use for his business.
Butternut bonanza for Howick woman

2 weeks ago | witness.co.za | Estelle Sinkins

In a time when the cost of food continues to rise and more families feel the pinch, one Howick woman is proving that self-sufficiency doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Sithembile Masondo, from KwaMevana, recently harvested a massive 5.6kg butternut from her home garden – one of three of the same impressive size. Though she only weighed one, the others matched it in bulk. All were grown with love and care in the rich soil of her backyard.
American NPO supports Midlands Hospice

2 weeks ago | witness.co.za | Estelle Sinkins

Tias of Arm, an American based NPO reaffirms their commitment in supporting Midlands Hospice with their food programme. Founder, Joanne Baker said she has dedicated her whole life in raising funds for the Midlands Hospice and other non-profit organisations they support in South Africa. Midlands Hospice supports 19 children with 18 of them living with HIV. Six of these children are orphans.
Tourism in Umgungundlovu given a boost

2 weeks ago | witness.co.za | Estelle Sinkins

Community tourism organisations (CTOs) in the uMgungundlovu district were each awarded R55 000 to help them use tourism as a key driver for the local economy. The beneficiaries were: uMngeni Municipality, Impendle Boston, Mpofana Municipality, Mshwathi Municipality, Richmond Municipality, Mkhambathini Municipality, Msunduzi Municipality, Pietermaritzburg Tourism and the Midlands Meander.
Raising awareness for four-legged angels

2 weeks ago | witness.co.za | Estelle Sinkins

On Friday, April 11, Piggly Wiggly will be hosting a special event to honour the work done by Angel Paws Therapy dogs and their handlers. The event coincides with national Therapy Dog Appreciation Day. Terri Evans, from Piggly Wiggly, said: “We want to create awareness of what these amazing people do with their amazing dogs and give thanks for what they do. We have had amazing sponsors, from being gifted R1 000 to the small animal clinic giving us some gifts and Peach has gifted puppachinos.
New lease of life for Ithala Centre in Howick

2 weeks ago | witness.co.za | Estelle Sinkins |Londiwe Pearl Xulu

After nearly 10 years of inactivity, Ithala Centre in Bell Street, Howick, is gearing up for a long-awaited comeback — with national retailer Shoprite leading the charge as the anchor tenant. The revival of the centre has been confirmed by Rubik Design Forge, the principal consultants overseeing the project. According to Brendan Hawkins, from Rubik, the refurbished shopping hub is expected to officially open its doors in August.
Art in the Country returns with stunning four-day exhibition

2 weeks ago | witness.co.za | Estelle Sinkins

Art in the Country is back and promises to deliver four incredible days of art and culture at Harrington House in Hilton. Speaking at the launch on Monday, Kathy Jacob, founder of the selling exhibition, said it was incredible to think that the event was now in its fourth year. ALSO READ | Local artist Dilez makes waves with meaningful debut music video“Art in the country is all about the art and not just any art,” she said, “It’s the best art.
St Cathryn's gets a major boost

3 weeks ago | witness.co.za | Estelle Sinkins

The St Cathryn’s committee is happy to announce a new sponsor for the St Cathryn’s Club Championships, to be held on April 12 and 13. Rhino Charcoal has come on board and the championship will now be known as the Rhino Charcoal St Cathryn’s Club Championships. Members would like to thank Mabondela Forestry for taking up the sponsorship. Rhino Charcoal has been part of St Cathryn’s for many years, as they have been sponsoring the nearest to pin on the 2nd and 11th holes during the monthly mugs.
Umvoti HIV/Aids and drug action committees created

3 weeks ago | witness.co.za | Estelle Sinkins |Londiwe Pearl Xulu

As part of the Umvoti Municipality’s special programmes unit, in the office of the Mayor, Councillor Gabriel Malembe, has spearheaded the establishment of a local drug action committee and Aids council.