South Africa (20 March 2025) – Being able to step into a kitchen or bathroom to open the tap without having to think twice about whether or not water will pour out is something many of us wouldn’t necessarily consider a privilege
for many families and school children in the underserved parts of Greytown in KwaZulu-Natal
reliable and safe water is often hard to come by
A team of volunteers from Gift of the Givers brought much-needed aid
and they set the ball in motion to assist and provide water supply after learning about the circumstances of no reliable water source
particularly at the Buhlebomvoti Special School
Africa’s largest disaster response non-governmental organisation
has been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts across South Africa and beyond since its founding in 1992
the organisation has a long-standing commitment to ensuring access to clean water
Gift of the Givers has been instrumental in providing sustainable water access to communities in need
just as they have done once again for Buhlebomvoti Special School
According to the Gift of the Givers
learners of the school were forced to depend on rainwater as a source of water supply and during dry periods
educators and staff had no choice but to fetch water from a nearby river
making daily operations extremely difficult
But because no child or person should be deprived of the very basic need of clean
the charity organisation recently handed over a newly constructed borehole
The donation will make a world of difference in uplifting the school community and ensuring classes continue without disruptions
our teams distributed 139 hygiene packs to the children
The School Principal and teachers expressed their heartfelt gratitude
overwhelmed with joy at finally having a permanent solution to their water struggles,” Gift of the Givers concluded
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AVBOB celebrates a milestone by rewarding its members on a large scale
JOHANNESBURG - Locally produced movie 'Greytown Girl' opens in cinemas on Friday
It tells the true story of a girl with physical limitations who is abandoned as a baby
creating a love story that crosses continents through letters
Joining us to tell us more is writer and producer
Rani Sitaram and cast member Jack Devnarain
Matimatolo SAPS have confirmed the arrest of two suspects
in connection with the murder of a man at a tavern in the Gwinyamathe area
The Witness reports that
according to Umzinyathi District police spokesperson Constable Siyabonga Nkwanyana
a man believed to have been a caretaker at the tavern was shot and killed earlier that same day
police swiftly moved in on a specific location within the area where the two suspects were apprehended
officers seized an unlicensed pistol and a quantity of alcohol suspected to have been stolen from the tavern,” says Nkwanyana
He adds that the unlicensed firearm recovered at the scene will be sent for ballistic testing to determine if it was used in the commission of this crime or any other illegal activities
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue
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Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal
Read original story on witness.co.za
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WTA will be rebuilding SH2 (Main Street) in Greytown between Wood Street/Church Street and Kuratawhiti Street/Jellicoe Street
These works will take up to two weeks to complete
Works will be completed during the day and night
Sunday nights to Friday afternoons (no works on weekends)
A 24/7 northbound detour via Humphries Street
Southbound traffic will be able to travel on SH2 through Greytown at a reduced speed and an altered lane layout
Businesses along SH2/Main Street will remain open
We encourage people park on neighbouring streets
and use footpaths and temporary pedestrian crossings to reach Main Street
Properties between Humphries Street and Wood Street will be accessible via SH2
Properities between Kuratawhiti Street/Jellicoe Street and North Street will need to detour northbound via West Street and access SH2 via Kuratawhiti Street
View larger Greytown detour map [PDF, 317 KB]
We are completing the works one section at a time as shown in the map below
Businesses and residents within the works areas will lose vehicle access to their properties for up to five days when we are working in your section
Pedestrian access will always be available
Access to Main Street from Hastwell Street and McMaster Street will be closed during some of the works
We highly encourage you to contact customer@wta.nzta.govt.nz so we can inform you further about these roadworks
View larger Greytown works area map [PDF, 324 KB]
We have recently been able to confirm the relocation of the pedestrian crossing currently at Greytown Library/100A Main Street as part of the road rebuild
and it needs to be relocated outside Mrs Blackwell’s Bookshop/Sharlari Lingerie
We’ve designed the new crossing so local access to shops and the library is still maintained
We have communicated directly to the nearby residents/businesses
It is expected these works will continue for an additional 1-2 weeks after the road rebuild works are complete
These additional works will be completed with a shoulder closure at night-time only
We will need to remove a total of two carparks from this area
View larger Greytown pedestrian crossing relocation [PDF, 133 KB]
If you are interested in receiving work notifications:
Sign up to our weekly roadworks bulletin(external link)
customer@wta.nzta.govt.nz
Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world
“Greytown was not the first or the only one we looked at
but it was the first one we reached an agreement with after two years of courtship,” said Rogerio Pessoa
partner and head of wealth management at Sao Paulo-based BTG
adding that additional similar acquisitions are possible
Terms of the Greytown purchase weren’t disclosed
DURBAN - It's been a deadly weekend on KwaZulu-Natal's roads
Eleven people died in head-on collision on the R622 between Greytown and Mooi River on Saturday
READ | MK Party ‘deeply saddened’ by fatal taxi crash
a minibus taxi transporting Mk Party members from Estcourt to Nkandla overturned
KwaZulu-Natal police have confirmed that the death toll from the collision on the R622 Mooi Plaza near Greytown has risen to twelve
which occurred on the afternoon of 31 August 2024
involved a head-on collision between two vehicles
leaving a devastating scene that has shocked the community
the crash took place approximately 10 kilometers from the Mooi Plaza
involving a Toyota Fortuner and another vehicle
The impact of the collision was so severe that eleven people were declared dead on the scene
Among the deceased was a family traveling in one of the vehicles
with the lone survivor being a critically injured 12-year-old boy who was placed on a manual ventilator before being rushed to a specialist hospital
The accident has drawn attention to the ongoing concerns regarding road safety in the region
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident
though preliminary reports suggest that inclement weather may have been a contributing factor
Midlands EMS spokesperson Roland Roberton described the scene as “horrific,” with emergency services working tirelessly to assist the injured and secure the area
The injured have been transported to various hospitals in the region
with two individuals in serious condition being treated at Greytown Hospital
This incident is part of a broader pattern of fatal road accidents in KwaZulu-Natal
another accident on the R74 between Stanger and the N2 claimed three lives
further exacerbating the tragedy felt across the province
six members of the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party were killed in a separate taxi accident while en route to an event in KwaDakw’udunuse
CentralNews Weekly Edition 070 | Download the latest weekly edition| Top Story: “Vaal Rand Hawks Arrest Three for Alleged Corruption in “Jobs for Cash” Scheme at Emfuleni Municipality”
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the largest independent investment bank in Latin America
is expanding its global presence with the acquisition of Greytown Advisors
This strategic move is part of BTG’s broader initiative to reach ultra-high-net-worth clients
which was finalized after two years of negotiations
BTG Pactual’s partner and head of wealth management
The bank explored several options before deciding on Greytown
which adds around $1 billion in assets under management to BTG’s portfolio
This acquisition enhances BTG’s capabilities in a region where it had previously limited access
Cultural synergy is another key aspect of this acquisition
the president of Greytown and a former professional at Banco Garantia
This alignment is expected to strengthen the integration between the two firms and enhance BTG’s wealth management services
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi | 2 May 2025 1:54pm | Wellington
Since the State Highway 2 Greytown road rebuild works began earlier this week
crews have managed to rebuild the first of four sections of the highway in under two days.
the recent bad weather has meant works have not been able to be progressed since Wednesday
contractors will be working on the site (weather permitting) tomorrow (Saturday
This will allow them to finish section two of the works as quickly as possible and restore access to affected businesses and residents
The northbound detour remains in place this weekend and will be in place 24/7 until end of next week
Road users must factor this into their plans and allow for extra travel time when driving through Greytown
NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thanks drivers and affected residents and businesses for their patience and understanding while this critical state highway maintenance is completed.
NZTA - Wellington Transport Alliance is reminding drivers in Wairarapa of major roadworks getting underway on SH2 in Greytown next week
A northbound closure and local road detours will be in place
and the work is being staged in four sections to reduce the overall duration businesses and residents are affected by the project
While these works are happening in Greytown
Wellington Transport Alliance will also be relocating the pedestrian crossing currently at Greytown Library/100A Main Street to outside Mrs Blackwell’s Bookshop and Sharlari Lingerie because where it is now is unsafe
It’s expected these works will continue for an additional two weeks after the road rebuild works are completed
there will be no on-street parking available
and restrictions on vehicle access to properties and businesses in the project area
businesses will remain open and pedestrian access to them will remain available at all times
More information about the Wairarapa rebuilds can be found on our website:
Wairarapa roadworks | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi(external link)
View larger detour map [PDF, 317 KB]
View larger works location map [PDF, 324 KB]
Additional work is also planned for the region in April and May that the public need to be aware of and to plan for
28 February 2023: Oscar® nominated Darrell Roodt is back in the director’s chair as his latest production has just commenced principal photography
the feature Greytown Girl is a biopic romantic drama
The key production boasts a multi-ethnic group of characters and is based in the vibrant South African-Indian context
and Emmanuel Castis have been cast in leading roles with the additional cast to be announced at a later stage
The film tells the true story of a small-town South African girl
who was abandoned as a baby with physical limitations and goes on to build her life with tremendous bravery
she falls in love with her pen pal and a cross-continental love story begins
Greytown Girl is initially set in 1960s Apartheid South Africa and builds up to the liberation of the nation as well as Meena’s self-realisation and self-love
The intimate story is punctuated by South Africa’s climax as a democracy which underpins the narrative with a distinct layer
“I am thrilled that we have commenced production on Greytown Girl
after a thorough and well-considered pre-production journey,” said director Darrell Roodt
“Our aim is to ensure that while we bring Meena’s story to the screen
that the audience is taken on a journey with nuance
“I am confident that the cast and crew of Greytown Girl
are well positioned to bring this incredible story to life in a way that will enthrall audiences” said Rani Sitaram
“The script weaves the themes of resilience
self-identity and empowerment and discrimination together in an elegant and poignant way,” she added
Gravel Road Distribution Group will manage international sales and distribution of Greytown Girl across Africa. Theatrical and VOD releases of the title are targeted for 2024
Underground Press relies entirely on your generosity
enabling us to report on the entertainment industry
Your contribution ensures millions worldwide can continue to visit our site for amazing content from around the web.*Currency in South African Rands (ZAR)
Jane and Wayne Gillingham purchased the Sacred Heart Church building on Main St
Their plan was to restore the beautiful building and hope local church groups and other members of the community would want to use it again
Catholic Centre 22–30 Hill Street,
PO Box 1937, Wellington 6140
Editor: Annette Scullion Ph: 04 496 1712
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Advertising:
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Greytown's drinking water infrastructure is at increasing risk of failure
Its only bore is in such a poor condition that Wellington Water said it was "in too fragile state to take offline to undertake an upgrade" in 2022
Residents are now being asked what multimillion dollar solution they would prefer for Greytown
The cost would be shared by all South Wairarapa ratepayers who can be connected to district water supply
The cheapest option on the table was to build an additional bore in Soldiers Memorial Park
This proposal would remove the temporary container for the existing plant from the main car park and replace it with a new containerised plant located away from the parking area
The other options were to build a new water treatment plant and bore on the old borough council yard on West St for between $5.8-6.8m
or to buy new land in the Kuratāwhiti St area and build a new water treatment plant and bore for between $6.1-$7.3m
Greytown's existing water infrastructure was at Soldiers Memorial Park
The council said the existing bore pump and motor were "in a very poor condition
The ageing treatment plant and equipment were also in a very poor condition and needed to be replaced
it is not possible to undertake maintenance of the existing pump or bore without disrupting water supply to Greytown
the bore is an an increase risk of failure
Wellington Water ran an initial engagement with the intent to build a new bore within Soldiers Memorial Park
but this was knocked back by a council committee due to the cultural and historical significance of the site
The site was bought by the Greytown Borough Council in 1919 to serve as a war memorial
There was also a view that the proposal lacked a strategic approach to investment in Greytown's water treatment and delivery
the timeframe to build was estimated to be 1-2 years
Should the council choose to pursue the old borough council yard option on West St
it would take 2-3 years to consent and build
This parcel of land was home to the Greytown Menz Shed and its future use was a bone of contention for many in the Greytown community last triennium
Some wanted the land to be sold for commercial development and others wanted it retained
The final water project option involved buying new land in the Kuratāwhiti St area and would have an estimated construction timeframe of 3-5 years
New wastewater and stormwater connections would be needed for each option
The council froze new connections to wastewater this year because the Greytown wastewater plant is at capacity
people were asked whether the project should be funded through a district-wide targeted rate or a mix of this and a Greytown targeted rate
the most expensive option would add up to $146 to the annual rates bill
The cheapest option would add up to $80 per year
Greytown ratepayers would pay up to $275 for the most expensive option while residents living in the other South Wairarapa towns would pay up to $80
The project is listed in the council's Enhanced Annual Plan for this year and is partially budgeted for
the council would host a public event at Soldiers Memorial Park on Saturday
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
the council says it is still safe to drink and improvements are being made
Residents are expected to stop using sprinklers and irrigation systems under the restrictions as the area faces dry weather and increasing demand in water use
which took over South Wairarapa's water maintenance last year
has revealed that the town is suffering huge water losses
The trail was glowing in the beautiful morning sun
and so were the faces of many of the parkrunners in the heat
and paced down the trail on another stunning Wairarapa day
Fifteen of these were first timers to Greytown Woodside Trail:
Thank you for coming along to indulge our corner of the world
and for those who were continuing their travels
We hope you treated yourselves appropriately afterwards
Though the run was particularly tough for me on Saturday
I was on an absolute high for the rest of the day
Highlights include a wonderful chat (after accidentally partially pacing) a visitor who was on her way to the Hawke’s Bay after the event
smooches with the extremely handsome Badger Jack (settle down
and a much-needed catch up with Jack’s equally handsome dads
A well-timed reminder that parkrun isn’t just about the park or the run
but also about the community and whānau you build
It's only right that use this to cleverly segue into promoting volunteering (especially if you’re not able to participate in the parkruns)
and further segue into thanking those who gave up their time to help us out this weekend:
and hope to see you on the trail again soon
© parkrun Global Limited (Company number: 09411750)
No part of this site may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the permission of the copyright owner
Dry weather has forced two towns in the Wairarapa into water restrictions
Featherston and Greytown will have to comply with level two water restrictions which will mean a ban on sprinklers and irrigation systems for residential households
The South Wairarapa District Council said the decision was made due to increasing demand on water over the past fortnight and the impact that dry weather has had on the Waiohine River levels
Residents are able to water their garden - but a handheld hose is required and must not be left unattended
Council spokesperson Stefan Corbett said the restrictions have been put in place to reduce the risk of having tighter rules down the track
He said despite water restrictions only applying to residential properties
local businesses should also be taking steps to reduce their water usage
we can hopefully avoid further restrictions," he said
"Small changes such as taking shorter showers
not running the tap while brushing your teeth and only doing full loads of washing can all make a real difference"
More information about saving water can be found on Wellington Water's website
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The limits are being enforced because of significant and sustained demand this month
The Regional Council is warning that the current La Nina weather pattern along with climate change could lead to further restrictions on how much water can be taken from rivers in the area
How much blame can be laid on tree species
Hamilton City Council says the city's water use is climbing daily and residents are being urged to reduce water usage
and Masterton from April through until mid-June
View larger map [PDF, 365 KB]
These will be road rebuild works and will require the highway to be excavated and constructed with three layers of structural asphalt
Because it is not safe for vehicles to drive on an excavated work site
“We have allocated $8 million to complete the road rebuilds this season
This is a significant investment to improve the region’s highways,” Ms
She says feedback from the community has been clear
“People want to see the highways in much better shape
This is exactly what this work aims to deliver but it will be disruptive.”
Hilliard says people should think of it like maintaining your house
“Road resurfacing is a bit like repainting
It renews the road and makes it more weatherproof.”
Like replacing rotten weatherboards or failing cladding
it requires more work and takes longer to complete
you have a much longer lasting and durable fix,” Ms
View larger graphic [PNG, 267 KB]
on Monday 28 April and will continue until Friday 9 May
Hilliard says a northbound closure and local road detours will be in place
“Work crews will be working around the clock
The work is also being staged in four sections to reduce the overall duration businesses and residents are affected by the project.”
“While these works are happening in Greytown
we are also relocating the pedestrian crossing currently at Greytown Library/100A Main Street to outside Mrs Blackwell’s Bookshop and Sharlari Lingerie because where it is now is unsafe
It’s expected these works will continue for an additional one to two weeks after the road rebuild works are completed,” Ms
Wairarapa roadworks
View larger map [PDF, 317 KB]
View larger map [PDF, 324 KB]
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi works to create transport solutions for all New Zealanders – from helping new drivers earn their licences
to leading safety campaigns to investing in public transport