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Success of Loggerhead turtle conservation!

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The cause for celebration as we enter 2016 is the upgrading of the global conservation status of loggerhead turtles from “endangered” to “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), based at uShaka Marine World, has played an integral part in a number of conservation projects that support the Southern African populations of these turtles, which lay their eggs on the beaches off northern KwaZulu Natal and Mozambique.

Well-known turtle expert, Dr George Hughes started his PhD research on South East African sea turtles in 1969, when he was based at SAAMBR’s Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI). His work resulted in one of the longest running (and still currently active) conservation projects on the continent; that of protecting the nesting beaches of these turtles along the East Coast of Southern Africa.

ORI scientists contributed to the identification and declaration of the St Lucia and Maputaland Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.  Not only do these MPAs offer protection to the loggerhead and leatherback turtle nests found on their beaches, but also secure core populations of many other marine species.

ORI scientists have also been actively involved in protecting turtles offshore. In the early 2000’s, Dr Sean Fennessy and colleagues noted with concern the numbers of sharks, rays and turtles that were being caught by the shallow-water prawn trawling fishery in the region.

Research on the ways in which to decrease this by catch was initiated, and successful trials with a “turtle exclusion device” (TED) were conducted in Mozambique in 2005.  Due to consumer pressure from countries to which prawns are exported, legislation requiring the use of TEDs in prawn trawler nets has been passed and is starting to be enforced in Mozambique and Madagascar.

Besides ORI’s research activities, SAAMBR’s uShaka Sea World division has an international reputation for successfully rehabilitating turtles that are stranded on KwaZulu Natal and Cape beaches. In order to increase their populations to sustainable levels, the survival of every turtle is important, and uShaka Sea World strives to rehabilitate as many turtles as possible, while endeavouring to bring the plight of the turtles to the attention of their guests through appropriate educational displays.

Even though their conservation status has improved, The IUCN has made it clear that the survival of the 10 sub-populations of loggerhead turtles will continue to be dependent on intense conservation efforts into the foreseeable future.

Loggerhead turtles are exposed to many and varied threats, and consequently conservation efforts have to be tailored to address these.  SAAMBR is proud of their contribution to the conservation of these iconic marine animals so far, and pledges to continue to play an active role.

Everyone can play a small part in this conservation effort, by placing litter in the bin (thereby reducing the chance of turtles eating plastic), and by actively supporting the maintenance of South Africa’s marine protected areas, which in turn protect the homes of our incredibly diverse marine life.

For more information go to www.ushakamarineworld.co.za

Durbanite
Author: Durbanite

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Businesses

Playtime Rentals: Rent. Play. Repeat.

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Tired of spending a fortune on toys your kids play with for five minutes, only for them to get bored? We get it! That’s exactly why Playtime Rentals was born, a smarter, more affordable way to keep playtime fun, fresh, and exciting for your little ones.

Based in Ballito and serving families from Ballito to Durban North, we provide premium, sanitized toys that you can rent instead of buy.

What We Offer:

Playtime Rentals provides a wide range of high-quality toys for boys and girls aged 3 to 7 years.

From:
– Pretend-play sets for little imaginations
– Balance bikes and ride-ons for active adventures
– Party rentals like bubble machines & toddler coasters

We’ve got fun covered, without the clutter or cost of constantly buying new toys.

How It Works:

✔ Browse our toy catalogue on WhatsApp or download it from our website
✔ Book your toys by completing the short booking form & submitting documents
✔ Pay & Play. Make full payment + refundable damages deposit
✔ Collect in Ballito or book delivery straight to your door
Then… play, return, repeat. It’s really that simple!

Why Parents love Playtime Rentals:
– Save money on toys kids outgrow
– Reduce clutter and reclaim your space
– Swap toys monthly with a fun toy rotation system
– Encourage sustainable play (less waste, more fun!)
– Keep playtime exciting with something new each month

With Playtime Rentals, your kids enjoy endless variety, and you enjoy less stress and more savings.

Check them out here:
www.playtimerentals.co.za

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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News

Springboks Crush Argentina 67-30 in Durban

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With the Rugby Championship title race hanging in the balance, the Springboks delivered a second-half masterclass in Durban against Los Pumas.

After a tense first 40 minutes ended 25–23, South Africa erupted with 42 unanswered points.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was unstoppable, scoring a record-breaking 37 points with a hat-trick, pinpoint kicks, and 134 meters run.

Pieter-Steph du Toit and Manie Libbok added tries as the Bokke overwhelmed Argentina.

Nine tries, relentless pace, and a roaring Kings Park crowd — this was Springboks rugby at its finest.

The bonus-point win puts South Africa right back in the hunt for the Rugby Championship crown.

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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Attractions

What’s On at Westown Square, Shongweni

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Discover the heart of KZN at Westown Square in Shongweni – a vibrant, growing destination where shopping, dining and lifestyle come together in perfect harmony.
Here, local craft, artisanal homeware and unique products find a home, bringing the very best of our region to life.

At the centre of it all is The Town Square, your gateway to The Barn & Makers Market. Stroll through an eclectic mix of locally sourced art, beauty, fashion, homeware, food and
drink — all set alongside some of the region’s finest restaurants and exciting concept eateries.

More than just a market, The Barn is the beating heart of Westown. It’s where the community gathers each week for live music, entertainment, and a celebration of local talent.
#ItsTimeForTheWest

LOCAL IS LEKKER and we’re celebrating all things Heritage this month, in this beautiful province of KZN that we call HOME! There’s something for everyone, so follow us on social media to keep up to date.

THIS WEEKEND!
OPENING OF THE PADDOCK at Westown – 27 September

Westown is excited to celebrate the opening of The Paddock– a unique new place and the ‘home’ for Westown Trails. It’s fun for the whole family, whether you’re on horseback, on your mountain bike, running or walking. Our network of marked trails, suitable for a variety of sporting codes, enhances and extends the spectacular outdoor character the area is renowned for.
* Time: Hub Opens – 06:00
Official Start – 07:00
* Venue: The Paddock at Westown
* Cost: No cost and complimentary bike and wash service from Cycle Science Shongweni

SPRINGBOK RUGBY IN THE BARN
Come & support The Bokke at the Westown Square Fan Park in The Barn at Westown.
⁠⁠Catch the live action on the big screen – our DJ will be in the house for the pre-match warm-up and post-match fun.
Saturday 4 October – SA vs Argentina
*Time: 15:00
* Venue: The Barn at Westown Square
Pre-match fun in the Rugby Kids Zone:

* The Garvz Sport Activation (13:00 -16:00) & Kids Activities (14:00 -16:00) including:
Baby Bok, toddler soft-play area, face painting, balloon sculpting and crafts activities

PASSION PAINT & SIP – 1 October

Release your inner artist with an evening of fun and creativity. This guided class is open to all, no matter your competency level. Be prepared to be surprised at what
you can create!

Date: Wednesday 1 October
Time: 18:30
Venue: The Barn at Westown Square
Cost: R250 pp incl. a complimentary drink & all materials to make your own work of art.
Booking: Quicket or WhatsApp Kirsty on 083 2555 736

OCTOBER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME – Follow our social media pages
Westown Square is THE PLACE TO BE this October, with a School Holiday Programme to delight kids of all ages!!

FREE MOVIE NIGHT AT WESTOWN – 3 October
Bring your picnic blankets and camp chairs for a free outdoor movie night under the stars.
Food and beverages will be sold – no food/ beverages may be brought into the venue.
* Date: 3 October
* Time: 18:30
* Movie: How to Train Your Dragon
* Venue: The Bowl at Westown Square
* Cost: Free

BLASTER WARS – the ultimate interactive fun for kids aged 5 – 13 years. Jump into action-packed group games, bouncing from one awesome game to the next, all with hands-on
safety. Activities include:
​•​Blaster Wars fun battles and blaster games
​•​Target shooting challenges
​•​Fun races and games for all ages
Date: 7 & 8 October
Venue: Grass Area/Lawn on Level 4
Time: 11:00 -13:00
Cost: R120 per child
Bookings: Tel: 066 236 8100 or email: info@blasterwars.co.za

FRIDAY FLASHBACK
Get a jump-start on the weekend with our vibrant weekly Westown Wind-down. Turn after-work drinks into a full night out at Westown Square, as we dial back the clock, with our weekly 80s-themed Friday Flashback retro music experience with DJ Spike & James VN on the decks and Happy Hour food and drink specials.
Date: Every Friday
Time:  16:30-21:30
Cost: Free entry

SUNDAY SOUNDTRACK VIBES
Join a line-up of Durban’s hottest musicians, every Sunday afternoon, from 12:00-15:00 in The Barn at Westown Square. Choose a bite and beverage from a diverse selection of eateries and settle in for the afternoon.

– Sunday 5 October
A regular favourite at Westown Square, Angel is in the house for this Sunday’s session.
– Sunday 12 October
Popular songbird Carmen Rodrigues is back at Westown Square for a laid-back chill
interlude.

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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