DIGITAL JOMBA! 2026 brings free screen dance from South Africa, France, Tanzania and Brazil

As part of the 28th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, running from 25 August to 6 September 2026 in Durban, JOMBA! once again presents its digital dance offering, DIGITAL JOMBA! 2026 which is accessible to global audiences online.

Over the past six years, screen dance has grown into a significant creative form, and JOMBA! continues to champion it, particularly work coming out of the global South. This year's programme features a curated line-up of digital artists, screened free of charge via the festival's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/Jomba_Dance/streams

Darkroom Contemporary (Cape Town, South Africa) feature on Sunday 30 August @ 6pm (SAST) with a special retrospective programme drawing on sixteen years of filmmaking from Darkroom Contemporary, the Cape Town-based screendance company founded in 2010 by choreographer and filmmaker Louise Coetzer and photographer and filmmaker Oscar O'Ryan. Across the selected works, the company's ongoing exploration of movement, landscape, architecture, memory and the camera comes into focus, tracing the development of Coetzer and O'Ryan's collaboration and their sustained approach to choreography as a cinematic language.

Dream's Descent (Greg Maqoma, Sara CF de Gouveia, Inka Kendzia and Motheo Moeng)

The programme includes eight screendance films: Blue Funk, Not From Here, META | m o r p h, Lacuna, The Forgotten,give/take (the act of erasure), WRPD, and I walk the street with loose parts, featuring performers including Bronwyn Craddock, Mukovhe Monyai, Farnel Smart, Mthuthuzeli November, Christopher Sherwood Adcock, Louise Coetzer and members of the Dance For All InSPIRAtions Youth Company, among others.

Louise Coetzer is a Cape Town-based multidisciplinary dance artist, filmmaker and choreographer whose practice spans screendance, site-specific performance and digital media, presented internationally across Africa, Europe, North and South America. Oscar O'Ryan is a Cape Town-based photographer and filmmaker whose documentary work has included projects for the BBC and Discovery Channel, alongside screendance works screened in France, Mexico, the UK and Finland. Together they lead Darkroom Contemporary, with O'Ryan serving as the company's Technical Director.

NGIPHAMANDLA: Life in a Womb (Zandile Sphelele Phili)

Their work is supported by the National Lotteries Commission, the National Arts Council, the Christian Ludolph Marais Trust, and the Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport.

Brazilian choreographers Davi Pontes and Wallace Ferreira screen their work Delirar o Racial (Delirium of the Racial), on Wednesday 2 September @ 6pm (SAST). This work explores spatiality beyond conventional structures of space and time. Drawing on the thinking of philosopher Denise Ferreira da Silva, the pair use methods developed in their own choreographic practice, engaging with uncertainty, and disorder to build an experimental reflection on a timeless ethics of Black life.

Pontes and Ferreira's collaborative practice sits at the intersection of dance, performance, visual art and critical thought, developed through their ongoing Repertório trilogy, which frames dance as a form of self-defense training while engaging questions of race, coloniality and the politics of the body. Delirar o Racial was commissioned by the Pivô Satélite Program in 2021.

JOMBA! DIGITAL OPEN HORIZONS returns as the festival's platform for new screen dance talent on Wednesday 26 August @ 6pm. Following an open call for submissions earlier in 2026, an independent JOMBA! jury shortlisted eight works, with the final screening selection made through a voting process concluding in mid-August. The winner of 'Pick of the JOMBA! DIGITAL OPEN HORIZONS 2026' will be announced on Wednesday, 26 August, following the screening of the jury's selected works.

Works featuring in this open platform are:

Estela Lapponi: Seliberation #3 (Brazil)

Marcia Mzindle: The Weight of Being Seen: A Refusal (Durban, SA)

Zandile Sphelele Phili: NGIPHAMANDLA: Life in a Womb (Durban, SA)

Bongani Shezi: Silent Voice (Durban,SA)

Matthieu Nieto and House of Wondar: Our Mother (France/Tanzania)

Ruth Asidi and Guga Santos: Boca da Mata (Brazil)

Gregory Maqoma, Sara CF de Gouveia and Inka Kendzia: Dream’s Descent (Johannesburg, SA)

All DIGITAL JOMBA! 2026 programming is free to view at https://www.youtube.com/Jomba_Dance/streams

For more information, go to www.jomba.ukzn.ac.za

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge Southern KZN Regional - Kokstad College: Saturday 22 August

Continuing their total domination in the region, Shayamoya Area Secondary School maintained their 100% record in the Southern KZN Regional on Saturday 22 August, the only team to have this honour in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge.

Hosted by Kokstad College, eight teams played their hearts out in the hopes of dislodging the defending champions, but Shayamoya proved to be a tour de force, claiming their fifth title on the trot since this regional began in 2022. 

Meeting travelling team, Mthatha High School in the bookend games of the tournament, Shayamoya took on the Eastern Cape team in the opening fixture of the day with the scoreline going in favour of the champs, 12 – 6. In the concluding game, the two teams clashed again in a fast-paced, exceptional final. After a fabulous intercept once Mthatha got play under way, it took Shayamoya 25 seconds to bother the scorers with captain, Kwanele Lamani netting her first point of the final.  20 seconds later, Lamani was back under the ring, slotting in her second point. 

Put your left foot in. Shayamoya Area Secondary School’s star defender, Phumela Ramkoko intercepts the ball during a round robin game at the Southern KZN Regional hosted by Kokstad College in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge that took place on Saturday 22 August. Pic by Val Adamson.

Going into halftime, Shayamoya led by 8 to 3. In similar fashion, Mthatha got the second half started, but the quick-on-their-feet midfielders quickly snaffled the ball, sending it up to Sphesethu Mantambo, who got the points rolling for Shayamoya in the second half. 

The petite centre for Mthatha, Unako Madolo with pitbull intentions kept persisting, feeding the ball up to her shooters. The visitors had a tough time in the Shayamoya circle, being closed down often by the spritely defender, Phumela Ramkoro. Mthatha’s attackers Eneya Jokozela and Buhle Noto were lucky enough to have several attempts but unfortunately had to contend with the hard-working Ramkoro or when they managed to bypass her, had the gusty conditions causing their aerial pursuits to go off target. 

50 / 50. Shayamoya Area Secondary School’s hard working Phumela Ramkoko desperately swats at the ball as Mthatha High School’s Buhle Noto clears the ball to her waiting support as teammate Eneya Jokozela watches on during the final of the Southern KZN Regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge hosted by Kokstad College on Saturday 22 August. Pic by Val Adamson.

At the final whistle, Shayamoya were victorious with the scoreline settled on 17 – 8. Mthatha who were making their third appearance in the challenge, had to settle for their second silver in consecutive years. Their first appearance in 2024, they finished fourth overall. 

In the build up to the finals, Shayamoya topped the log after their seven round robin games. Second was Mthatha with five wins, a draw in their last round robin game against Kokstad College – finishing 5 all, and a loss in their opening fixture. Third in the round robin was St Thomas Residential School who won five games and lost to Shayamoya and Mthatha. Rounding off the semi-finalists, King Edward High School from Matatiele claimed victory in four of their games, going down to Shayamoya, Mthatha and St Thomas.

In the first semi, first placed Shayamoya meet fourth placed, King Edward. In a clinical performance, Shayamoya dominated with a win of 18-2, and stamping their ticket to the final. In the second final, Mthatha went up against St Thomas. In a far more determined game, St Thomas tried their hardest to earn their first regional final appearance but were just not up to it as Mthatha managed to hold off their threats in the circle, the final score a respectable defeat of 9-6.

Durban Girls’ College will host the fourth challenge this weekend, (Saturday 29 August) with teams from around the Durban Central Regional meeting for a ‘play-full’ day of netball. 

For more info follow the challenge on various social media platforms

Results

Regional Final

Shayamoya Area Secondary School 17 vs Mthatha High School 8

Semi-final

Shayamoya Area Secondary School 18 vs King Edward High School 2

Mthatha High School 9 vs St Thomas Residential School 6

Round Robin

1 Shayamoya Area Secondary School 21pts; 2 Mthatha High School 16pts; 3 St Thomas Residential School 15pts; 4 King Edward High School 12pts; 5 Kokstad College 10pts; 6 St Monica’s Diocesan School 6pts; 7 Bergview High School 3pts; 8 Mt Currie S.S.S. 0pts

JOMBA! FEMME FORWARD Residency honours Women's Month with new generation of Durban screen dance artists

As South Africa marks Women's Month, the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, prepares to engage with five emerging Durban-based, dance artists through the JOMBA! Femme Forward Residency 2026, one of the programmes within the festival.

Running from 24 to 29 August 2026, the residency, now in its second year, is presented in partnership with Cape Town-based Darkroom Contemporary and offers five participants intensive training and creative mentorship in dance for the screen. The programme builds on JOMBA!'s five-year history of showcasing nearly 50 dance films, and follows the residency's successful 2025 launch.

This year's cohort brings together a group of women shaping Durban's contemporary performance landscape: Aluta Nzama, Alwande Khuzwayo, Andisiwe Mbambo, Aphelele Nyawose and Siobhan Wright. Over six intensive days, the artists will develop original short dance films exploring themes of identity, resilience and lived experience, giving voice and visibility to women telling their own stories through movement.

Louise Coetzer, artistic director of Darkroom Contemporary says, “we are delighted to be partnering with JOMBA! in this specially focuses Femme Forward 2026 residency and helping to skill and grow young female film and dance makers”.

"FEMME FORWARD exists to give young female-identifying dance-makers in KwaZulu-Natal the space, skills and support to shape their own creative futures," said Thobile Maphanga , Assistant Curator,, and coordinator of this JOMBA! residency. "Coming together during Women's Month, this residency is a reminder that investing in women's artistic voices is investing in the stories our country needs to hear."

The outcomes of the residency will be shared after the Forging Futures JOMBA! Conversation that takes place on Saturday 29 August 2026 @ 2pm, at the Centre for Creative Arts Board Room, Howard College Campus (UKZN).

For more information go to: https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/

Durban to host Africa's premier hosted-buyer trade platform in October 2026

Durban, South Africa: ENGAGE Trade and Services Africa - returns to Durban from 6 to 8 October 2026, bringing together international buyers and African exporters and service providers for three days of structured business matchmaking, exhibition and roundtable, and workshop programming at the International Convention Centre.

Now firmly established as one of the continent's leading hosted-buyer platforms, the ENGAGE event combines a programme of pre-arranged B2B meetings between vetted international buyers (who are flown in to Durban and accommodated) and African suppliers, as well as sector roundtables, workshops, and relationship-building engagements. Past editions have delivered thousands of business-to-business meetings across a wide range of sectors, opening direct routes to export markets for participating companies.

Unlike a conventional trade expo, where exhibitors stand at a display hoping the right buyer happens to walk past, ENGAGE flips that model. Buyers are seated at meeting tables, and exporters are rotated through them in a structured, speed-meeting-style programme of pre-arranged sessions - so every conversation is already matched, not left to chance foot traffic. Access is not open to the public. It's a closed space, built around meetings that are curated to result in business being secured - not casual browsing.

"For African exporters and service providers, the platform offers direct, pre-scheduled access to international buyers actively sourcing goods and services from the continent, without the cost and uncertainty of prospecting new markets independently," explains Rex Bowden the founder and Managing Director of Catalyze, the specialized international trade and event agency that runs the events. "For international delegations, it offers a single, efficient gateway into African supply chains and service capacity."

Exhibiting and attending:  The platforms invite manufacturers, producers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and agents, as well as associations from across Africa and beyond to exhibit their products and services, across sectors including food and beverages, agriculture, fresh produce, natural and organic products, cosmetics, textiles and fashion, medical devices, home décor, technology, professional and business services, logistics, infrastructure, engineering and technology services.

The event is equally valuable for delegates - business owners, procurement professionals, importers, exporters, retailers, wholesalers, investors, government agencies, trade organisations, entrepreneurs and SMEs that are looking to discover new suppliers, build strategic partnerships, explore investment opportunities and gain insights into the latest trends shaping trade and services across Africa. Exhibitors and delegates alike will benefit from high-level networking, business matchmaking and opportunities to unlock new markets and grow cross-border trade.

Hosted Buyers: Qualified buyers from across Africa and International markets are invited to apply for ENGAGEs exclusive Hosted Buyer Programme, designed for retailers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, manufacturers, procurement professionals and corporate buyers with purchasing authority who are actively seeking new suppliers, products, services and strategic partnerships.

The events draw exporters, service providers, buyers, investors, corporates, development agencies and industry associations seeking new sourcing opportunities and partnerships. According to Bowden, this mix is deliberate: “African producers and exporters and their service-sector counterparts sit alongside international buyers and sourcing partners, corporates and multinationals, government and trade agencies, development partners and DFIs, and the industry associations that support the wider trade ecosystem- the full architecture of a functioning supply chain, in one room.”

"Behind our events sits a network built over years," says Bowden. "We draw on relationships spanning more than 30 countries; over 250 African exporters who typically exhibit, and more than 350 vetted buyers and partners. That converts into upward of 4,000 pre-scheduled meetings and 20,000 engagements over three days, connecting the right exporter with the right buyer."

“This event reinforces Durban and KwaZulu-Natal's position as a gateway for trade into and out of the continent, which is supported by the City's port infrastructure, logistics networks and growing reputation as a business events destination,” says Invest Durban’s Farah Goolam.

Registration is open now at www.engagetrade.africa, where full details on exhibiting, attending as a delegate, and applying to the Hosted Buyer Programme are available.

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge North Coast Regional - Grantleigh School: Saturday 1 August

Rain stopped play at the enthusiastic North Coast Regional where 11 schools were putting all the efforts into taking home the trophy in the opening tournament of the 6th SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge that took place at Grantleigh College on Saturday 1 August.

In the 21 games played, it rained goals with a total of 227 being netted. The second team from Khombindela High School were leading in the lunchtime fixture against Felixton College before umpires made the responsible call to halt play in the downpour. Only two more rounds in the pool games remained until the semi-finals.

High five. Hoerskool Richardsbaai’s Samantha Viljoen launches herself to intercept Felixton College’s Zenande Mncwabe during their pool game at the North Coast Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge that took place at Grantleigh School on Saturday 1 August. Pic by Val Adamson.

The four previous champions were all looking good to advance to the semi-finals, with Dlangezwa High School also putting their hand up to be considered. Leading pool A was one time winner, Tholokuhle High School who had 12 points with one game in hand. Tied at second place was Hoërskool Richardsbaai who raised the trophy two years ago and Dlangezwa, both sitting on 10 points. Hoerskool Richardsbaai had scored a total of 21 goals while Dlangezwa, still with a game in hand, had a tally of 26 goals.

Defending champions, and two times winner, Khombindela High School's first team found themselves level on points with one time winner, Empangeni High School both on 15 points.

 Step to it. Weighing up her options, : Sabelwe Makhanyavs from Empangeni High School plans her attack while her team mate Xoliswa Cele watches her opponents moves. Elihle Nzuza and Coco Cameron playing for Grantleigh School  keep an eye on the ball during their pool game at the North Coast Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5s Netball Challenge that took place at Grantleigh School on Saturday 1 August. Pic by Val Adamson.

Khombindela looked to be stronger, with a game still in hand, after they dominated their fixture against their neighbours, Empangeni - winning 13 to 8. Khombindela had racked up 5 goals in their three pool games while Empangeni slotted in 30 goals in their four pool games.

The tournament heads to Amanzimtoti where ‘Toti Netball Club will host the upcoming Durban South Regional on Saturday 15 August

For more information, follow the challenge on its social media channels.

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge 2026 - Date Announcement KwaZulu-Natal

Nearly 90 schools will have their court appearance at the upcoming SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge that kicks off in August.

The tournament now in its sixth year has hosted 34 regionals in the five years since its inception in 2019. The first year, the fledgling tournament started with only four regionals, quickly growing to seven areas over the following two years. The successful Challenge has now doubled in size and travels to eight areas in KZN.

"SPAR KwaZulu-Natal is pleased to see how the Challenge has evolved over the years,” says Nelene Rampersad, Promotion, Advertising & Communication Manager for SPAR KwaZulu-Natal, sponsors of the tournament. “Our involvement goes beyond sponsorship; we believe in the power of sport to build confidence, discipline and creating a sense of belonging among young women and their peers.”

Netting the first tournament this year, Grantleigh School welcomes teams for the Zululand Regional on Saturday 1 August. Travelling down the coast, Toti Netball Club hosts teams for the South Coast Regional at Hutchinson Park on Saturday 15 August. The following weekend the Challenge moves inland to Kokstad College who opens up their picturesque school for the Southern KZN Regional. Wrapping up the August commitments, Durban Girls’ College is the venue for the Durban Central Regional on Saturday 29 August.

Thomas More College will enjoy having teams competing on their campus for the Upper Highway Regional on Saturday 5 September. The final local tournament, the Durban North Regional unfolds at Ashton International College in Ballito on Saturday 12 September. Concluding the Challenges, Pionier Hoërskool in Vryheid is ‘hoopful’ that teams participating in the Northern KZN Regional will shoot for glory on Saturday 19 September. 

Eight teams will be returning in the hopes of defending their titles. The North Coast Regional has had four champions, with Khombindela High School eager to retain the honour and earn their third title. Newcomer, Kuswag Hoërskool is the third team to hoist the South Coast Regional trophy and are keen to have a back-to-back victory. The only team with a 100% record in the challenge is Shayamoya Area Secondary School who will be determined to continue their dominance in the Southern KZN Regional. 

With home turf advantage, Durban Girls’ College will be vying for their fourth title in the Durban Central Regional. Another team on the prowl for their fourth title, Hillcrest High School have stood tall dominating the Highway area, the only other team to feature on the top step is Luthayi High School. Three teams have been crowned in the Durban North Regional, with Danville Park Girls’ High’s name engraved on the trophy twice and on the hunt for a third victory. Ferrum High School currently is the defending champions in the Northern KZN Regional, but host team Hoërskool Pionier have also had the honour of raising the regional trophy once, as have the Smurfs twice, representing Dundee High School. 

Eight weeks of action packed netball is due to unfold around KwaZulu Natal as the sixth SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge tips off next month.

For more information, follow the tournament on social media.

Celebratory Mother City Screenings following Constitutional Court Victory for Housing Justice Movement (Cape Town & Johannesburg)

Following the historic legal win for Cape Town's housing justice movement, the award-winning documentary Mother City will celebrate this victory with public screenings at The Bioscope Independent Cinema in Johannesburg and at The Labia Theatre in Cape Town on 28 July.

The screenings follow the landmark Constitutional Court ruling handed down on 2 July 2026, that the sale of the former Tafelberg School site in Sea Point was unlawful. This reaffirms the constitutional obligation of both the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town to actively address apartheid's spatial legacy through well-located affordable housing and, crucially, ordered the Western Cape government to report back to the same court on the steps taken to fulfil its housing obligation. The judgement is a watershed moment for spatial justice, recognising that where people live is inseparable from their access to work, education, healthcare and dignity.

Mandisa Shandu at the High Court win after judgement passed by Judge Gamble in 2020

Through the voices of Reclaim the City activists and the Ndifuna Ukwazi legal centre, documents a decade-long struggle for the right to live in the city. What began as a documentary about resistance has become a powerful record of a movement whose vision has now been affirmed by South Africa's highest court.

Directed by Miki Redelinghuys and Pearlie Joubert, Mother City follows Reclaim the City activists and Capetonians struggling to find housing over six years, tracing the fight to use well-located public land, including the mothballed Tafelberg site and Woodstock Hospital, for affordable housing rather than private developments. The Tafelberg case has anchored the film's impact campaign since the project began, with the filmmakers describing it as the goal that could "set a very strong precedent for prioritising public land for social and affordable housing" nationally.

Nkosikhona Swartbooi in discussion at cinema screening at the Labia Theatre, Cape Town

The Mother City team took the courageous and difficult step of self-distributing the film to create the impact they set out to make. Since its international premiere at Sheffield DocFest in June 2024, the film has screened 175 times across 36 countries (an average of more than seven public screenings a month) over 63 film festivals, 46 independent cinema runs, 41 grassroots impact screenings and 21 academic engagements. It has been subtitled into Spanish, Portuguese and French, and is now also available on the KINEMA streaming platform, and plans are for a South African cinema release in September.

The film’s mobilisation intensified around the Tafelberg hearing, and screenings have since gone on to mobilise housing and tenant movements as far afield as London, Berlin, Bogotá, Mexico  City, Budapest, Lagos and Belgrade.

Mother City Filmmakers at Encounters South African International Documentary Festival

"We always believed this film could do more than tell a story, we believed it could support the fight for access to housing in the City and in other urban centres around the world, facing similar struggles," says director Miki Redelinghuys. 

Pearlie Joubert reflects "Seeing the Constitutional Court confirm what the Reclaim the City activists have argued for a decade is an joyous  vindication, for all South Africans, for everyone who has opened their doors, their communities and their courtrooms to Mother City along the way."

The Constitutional Court ruling states: “A city’s architecture tells a story of its soul. In Cape Town, as in most, if not all South African Cities, that story remains one of division, where the echoes of apartheid spatial planning continue to reverberate through its streets and suburbs.”  

Mother City reveals in carefully observed detail the violent impact of these divisions, while celebrating the people who tirelessly work to build a more just society. 

Screenings Tuesday, 28 July at The Labia Theatre in Cape Town and The Bioscope Independent Cinema in Johannesburg  followed by a discussion. Tickets can be booked here https://www.mothercitydocumentary.com/watch.

The Centre for Creative Arts and the University of KwaZulu-Natal present 28th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience 26 August – 7 September 2026

 Moving Bodies. Speaking Truth. Choreographing Resistance.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal's Centre for Creative Arts presents the 28th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, a thirteen-day celebration taking place from 26 August to 7 September 2026. JOMBA! features internationally acclaimed choreographers, emerging artists, scholars and audiences in a festival that is one of the continent’s leading platforms for contemporary dance.

This year's programme welcomes artists from South Africa, Spain, France, Jamaica, the Netherlands, Uganda, Ireland, Nigeria, Tanzania and Brazil, presenting an extraordinary programme of performances, artist residencies, workshops, public dialogues, youth platforms and digital dance.

The theme for JOMBA! 2026 is Choreographies of Activism: Moving Bodies as Disruptive Presencing. Curator and Artistic Director Dr Lliane Loots explains: “Whether confronting histories of colonialism, racial injustice, environmental catastrophe, gendered violence, displacement, disability or belonging, dance remains one of humanity's oldest and most powerful ways of making ourselves visible. This year's JOMBA! asks what it means to move as an act of presence - and to dance as an act of activism.”

Honouring a Lifetime of Dance Activism

Each year JOMBA! celebrates a South African artist whose contribution has reshaped the country's dance landscape, and this year’s Legacy Artist is the acclaimed choreographer, curator and arts activist PJ Sabbagha, Founder and Artistic Director of the Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative. He presents Noah, the concluding work in his Noah trilogy that combines multimedia performance, dance theatre and powerful visual imagery, to reflect on climate crisis, loss, memory and survival. 

Celebrating South African Choreographic Excellence

Two of South Africa’s most influential choreographic voices, and previous JOMBA! Legacy artists, Mamela Nyamza and Vincent Mantsoe. Mamela Nyamza, presents her breath-taking ensemble work THE HERD/LESS, a visually arresting meditation on community, conformity, vulnerability and survival. 

Internationally celebrated choreographer and performer Vincent Mantsoe, whose deeply embodied practice has long bridged ancestral knowledge with contemporary performance, brings his new solo, Desert Poems, which offers an intimate meditation on endurance, spirituality and transformation.

A Global Conversation Through Dance

Jamaican guests and one of the Caribbean's leading contemporary dance companies L'ACADCO: A United Caribbean Dance perform in an exhilarating programme 1LUV. Founded and directed by the legendary Dr L'Antoinette Stines, L'ACADCO has a distinctly Caribbean contemporary dance language rooted in African diasporic histories, Jamaican cultural traditions and the internationally acclaimed L'Antech technique. This is a powerful celebration of Black creativity, spirituality and resilience. 

Another major highlight is HEROES, presented by the acclaimed Dutch company Introdans in collaboration with Uganda's Joseph Tebandeke and Durban's FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY. This remarkable programme spans internationally celebrated choreography by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Iratxe Ansa and Igor Bacovich, alongside South African choreography by Zinhle Nzama, and the inclusive masterpiece IUNGO by Adriaan Luteijn, bringing together performers of different backgrounds, generations and physical abilities.

Tanzanian-based French choreographer Matthieu Nieto, presents PEPONI (Paradise in Swahili), the debut of the House of Wondar, created in collaboration with Tanzanian performers and South African poet and dramaturg Koleka Putuma. The work explores the idea of paradise from an African perspective, and whether hopeful futures can be imagined and created. 

Nigerian-born, Ireland-based choreographer Mufutau Yusuf, whose intimate site-responsive solo Proses on neither here nor there forms part of the KZNSA Gallery programme. Through movement, meditation and quiet physical intensity, Yusuf reflects on mortality, memory and renewal - an immersive encounter that blurs the boundaries between performance, ritual and public space.

Spanish Focus: International Collaboration and World Premiere

Following recent successful international Spanish partnerships, JOMBA! offers a focus on contemporary dance from Spain, in partnership with the Embassy of Spain in South Africa.

One of Europe's most exciting choreographic collectives Barcelona-based Iron Skulls Co., with their innovative fusion of breakdance, hip-hop, physical theatre and contemporary dance are the festival’s Artists in Residence. They will develop the world premiere of Accumulation of Unaccountable Awakenings, created with South African choreographer Tebby W.T. Ramasike. This ambitious work brings together Iron Skulls' explosive urban physicality and Ramasike's distinctive Afro-Butoh practice, creating a powerful dialogue around memory, resistance, spirituality and healing. 

Other features of the festival include: 

The JOMBA! Durban Edge Solo Grants, presented in partnership with the KZNSA Gallery, showcase two newly commissioned works by Durban artists Skyla Buchanan and Mthokozisi Mkhwanazi.

Digital artists include Cape Town's award-winning Darkroom Contemporary, and Brazilian choreographic duo Davi Pontes and Wallace Ferreira, with the acclaimed film Delirar o Racial (Delirium of the Racial).

JOMBA! DIGITAL OPEN HORIZONS, showcases new screen dance from emerging filmmakers and choreographers; the JOMBA! LIVE OPEN HORIZONS provide a professional performance platform for emerging and established choreographers, and the much-loved JOMBA! YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS, in partnership with the Stable Theatre all add to the festivals’ rich offerings.

The FEMME FORWARD Residency, has expanded its commitment to supporting emerging women-identifying dance artists in KwaZulu-Natal. This year's residency focusses on dance for the screen, in partnership with Darkroom Contemporary, with five Durban-based artists. 

JOMBA! Talks Dance are post-performance conversations on stage, while the JOMBA! Forging Futures, is a free dialogue to debate questions facing contemporary performance in South Africa and beyond. The JOMBA! KHULUMA Dance Writing Residency supports emerging dance writers, particularly postgraduate dance and performance students, by building their critical writing skills within the festival environment.

Local dancers can take part in professional workshops and masterclasses led by visiting South African and international artists. Booking is essential.

For more information go to: www.jomba.ukzn.ac.za or to book go to Webtickets. Special full festival passes at a discounted rate are available.

Felix Laband Talks to Peter

Berlin, 8 July 2026: Acclaimed electronic musician and visual artist Felix Laband is the latest creative talent to appear on Talk To Peter, a new podcast from South African arts writer and former Director of the Durban International Film Festival, Peter Machen.

Focusing on the emotional and intellectual processes behind Felix’s music, the in-depth conversation explores the ways in which Felix’s personal life and the ever-changing environment of South Africa have influenced his work. The career-spanning conversation covers a lot of ground, including the difficulties of giving up recreational drugs, a geeky discussion about remixes and covers, and why the music of Bruce Springsteen continues to resonate.

Felix Laband. Photo by Dave Southwood.

Talking about his latest interview subject, Peter commented: "I first met Felix at South Africa's National Arts Festival when he was a scrappy teenager and I was an aspiring journalist pretending to cover the festival. I remember immediately recognising a deep, punky intelligence in him, and it's that same leftfield genius that courses through his music with a shimmering grace, all these years later." 

The interview, along with a showcase of Felix’s work, can be viewed in full at www.talktopeter.com/blog-posts/felix-laband. Felix is currently signed to leading independent German imprint, Compost Records.

Peter Machen

Peter, who currently lives in Berlin, has been talking to creative people for more than 25 years. His Talk To Peter website and YouTube channel features many of these archives interviews, including with such revered names as Patti Smith, Will Oldham, Arundhati Roy, Baaba Maal, and John Pilger. Looking towards the future, coming episodes of Talk To Peter include an in-depth conversation with American photographer Roger Ballen and archive interviews with musician Matthew Herbert and REM’s Mike Mills.

Award-winning South African feature opens at Ster-Kinekor Cinema Nouveau Rosebank from 10–16 July.

Before South African audiences have the opportunity to see God's Work on the big screen, the film has already attracted international acclaim for doing something few films attempt: turning the camera back on itself.

Earlier this year, God's Work won the Radwan El-Kashef Prize for Best Film Addressing an African Issue at the 15th Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt, where it celebrated its Middle East and North Africa premiere.

Named after the acclaimed Egyptian filmmaker Radwan El-Kashef, the award recognises films that engage deeply with African realities through cinematic excellence and artistic vision.

Yet the film's greatest achievement may not lie in what it shows, but in what it asks.

Set among Durban's unhoused communities, God's Work begins as what appears to be a documentary. As the story unfolds, however, the filmmaker himself enters the frame, exposing the uncomfortable power dynamics between those who are seen and those who control the act of seeing. Rather than claiming to speak for marginalised communities, the film interrogates whether that claim is ever truly possible.

Writer and director Michael James says the project emerged from recognising the limits of observation itself.

"The camera did not grant access - it revealed distance. I realised I wasn't simply documenting reality; I was constructing it through my own perspective. Rather than hide that tension, I wanted the film to confront it directly."

That bold approach drew particular praise from internationally respected South African filmmaker Ntshavheni Wa-Luruli, who served on the Luxor jury.

"What I appreciate about this film is its fearless commitment to a unique storytelling vision. It does not seek permission from established conventions, nor does it defer to the technical formalism that has too long defined and constrained South African filmmaking."

Wa-Luruli went on to praise the film's pursuit of "an authentic cinematic voice rooted in its own cultural soil" and described it as part of a new generation of South African filmmakers "willing to experiment, to dismantle inherited structures, and to build something new in their place in pursuit of a genuine South African film identity that has long been overdue."

Producer Sithabile Mkhize believes the film's greatest achievement lies in its willingness to examine the act of representation itself. "God's Work doesn't claim to speak on behalf of anyone. Instead, it asks audiences to consider how stories are told, whose perspectives shape them, and what responsibilities come with representing lives marked by inequality. Rather than offering easy conclusions, the film invites viewers into a conversation about visibility, empathy and the ethics of looking."

The film features Thobani Nzuza, Mbulelo Radebe, Omega Mncube, Siya Xaba, Zenzo Msomi and Nduduzo Khowa with cinematography by Jared Hinde and score by award-winning composer, West-African born George Acogny.

The Luxor award forms part of an expanding international festival journey that includes selections at the Joburg Film Festival, the Durban International Film Festival, and the Zanzibar International Film Festival.

Now, after travelling internationally, God's Work returns home for its first commercial theatrical engagement.

South African audiences will have just seven days, from 10 -16 July, to experience one of the country's most internationally acclaimed independent films at Ster-Kinekor Cinema Nouveau Rosebank.

Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge - Plan your route

Durban: Sunday 28 June With 12,500 participants, along with thousands of supporters, heading into Durban for this year’s  SPAR Women's Challenge on Sunday, 28 June, organisers are urging all entrants to plan their travel arrangements and parking well in advance.

Thousands of participants will take to the streets for the 36th running of South Africa’s most beautiful race, with the routes taking participants around the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium precinct and along the beachfront. The route is a fast and flat ‘out-and-back’ course starting under the shadow of the Stadium, on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finishing on the outer fields of this iconic Durban landmark.

The following road closures that will affect access into the area. The 10km race starts at 8am and the 5km at 9am on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, outside Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium outer fields.

Road Closures for Sunday 28 June

From 02:00

·       Snell Parade between Athlone Drive and the VIP entrance to Suncoast Casino.

·       Battery Beach Road between Snell Parade and Masabalala Yengwa Avenue.

·       Masabalala Yengwa Avenue between Smiso Nkwanyana Road and Isaiah Ntshangase Road.

·       The South bound lane of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue between Smiso Nkwanyana Road and KE Masinga Road.

·       Kingsmead Way and Eden Gardens Crescent. 

From 04:00

•      KE Masinga Road (the 2 left lanes) between Eden Gardens Crescent and Masabalala Yengwa Avenue.

•      Masabalala Yengwa Avenue between Argyle Road and Smiso Nkwanyana Road

•      Somtseu Road at Masabalala Yengwa Avenue

From 06:00

•      The West bound lane of Athlone Drive between Snell Parade and Masabalala Yengwa Avenue

•      The off ramp from the M4 (Ruth First Highway) to Athlone Drive (in both directions)

Road Openings

Roads will be opened as soon as possible after the last competitor has left that portion of the route and the cleaning team has ensured that there is no litter.

Most roads will be reopened by 11:30.

FREE EVENT PARKING:

Access to the Parking on Hollywoodbets Kings Park fields KP3 & KP4 will be via Smiso Nkwanyana Road into Jacko Jackson Drive. Note– once this area is full access will be limited to emergency and official vehicles only.

Access to Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium fields KP9 and KP10 will be via Umgeni Road to Isaiah Ntshangase Road and through the Virgin Active Parking area onto the fields.

Parking on these fields is free.

10km ROUTE

The START is in Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, on the North bound carriageway North of Jacko Jackson Drive proceeding North, crossing onto the South bound carriageway at Simiso Nkwanyana intersection.

Turn right onto Athlone Drive towards the Ocean.

Turn right onto Snell Parade using the shortest route towards Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World.

Turn right onto Battery Beach Road moving across to the West bound lane.

Turn left onto Masabalala Yengwa Avenue using the Ocean side lane on the South bound carriageway.

Turn left onto Kingsmead Way using the slip lane.

Turn right onto Eden Gardens Crescent (counter clockwise at the circle).

Turn right onto K E Masinga Avenue (contra-flow).

Turn right onto Masabalala Yengwa Avenue moving to the inland lane of the South bound carriageway.

At Battery Beach Road intersection cross onto the North bound carriageway of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue.

Turn Left onto the Kings Park Stadium outer fields (using Gate F adjacent to the Kings Park Archery Club)

Turn left onto the outer fields with the FINISH on the field towards the South.

5km ROUTE

The START is in Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, on the South bound carriageway north of Jacko Jackson Drive proceeding North.

Turn right onto Athlone Drive towards the Ocean.

Turn right onto Snell Parade using the shortest route towards Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World.

Turn right onto Battery Beach Road.

Turn right onto the North bound carriageway of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue.

Turn Left onto the Kings Park Stadium outer fields (using Gate F adjacent to the Kings Park Archery Club)

Turn left onto the outer fields with the FINISH on the field towards the South.

THE GREAT KZN OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE

Go outside, breathe, and feel the difference. You’ll have all the feels at the 2026 East Coast Radio House + Garden Show.  From contemporary outdoor lighting to custom braai firepits, decking to camping trailers, the Show has gone All Out!

Outdoors is in, and KZN loves to get out there. Whether it’s in your own garden, or bundu bashing over dirt roads, it clears your head and heart. This year’s Show brings you a vast range of quality patio and garden enhancements, camping trailers and twinkling garden lights, a myriad gadgets and goodies to enhance your outdoor experience. Beyond merchandise, there’s a great line-up of wonderful interactions with those heroes who protect our wildlife all the way through to those who’re out to prove their braai skills are better than yours. 

Is your patio a little tired and dated? Does your townhouse garden need embellishment? Looking for the perfect camping tracks or trailers? Investing in your lifestyle is worth every cent!

Nothing brings magic to an outdoor area like garden lights, and the Inta-Stellar Group is showing off their three core string light ranges. Upgraded with new features, they’re the answer to everybody’s “I want outdoor lights I don’t have to worry about.” Call it ‘a true set-it-and-forget-it’ solution for the outdoor entertainer.

Nothing drags down an outdoor area than lacklustre grass. Make a beeline for the Sixbar Irrigation and Lawn Specialists who focus on creating and maintaining exceptional outdoor spaces…without putting your water bill on the boil. They help you manage water efficiently, with professionally designed irrigation systems, through to back up water solutions and landscaping, too. Water management expertise meets practical outdoor lifestyle improvements. Talk to them. 

Fancy a chilly ice bath, a steamy sauna or bubbly spa on your patio? Of course you do. Porta Spa manufactures locally, installs and services them…for over 30 years. Durable outdoors or in, with a reputation for the most economical products in the industry, you’ll be happy with their seven year warranty. Come dip your toe in the water.

Looks like wood, feels like wood…but none of the upkeep? Come see, touch and walk on the premium Composite Wood at Best Deck’s stand. They import, supply and install a fully co-ordinated range of products – with sample boards in every colour and grain - including decking, wall cladding, balustrades, gates, pergolas and shade screens. They use a UV-stabilised blend of bamboo, recycled wood fibres and recycled HDPE plastic, specifically to suit South African conditions. With guarantees ranging from 10 to 25 years depending on the product, that decking will be around for the next generation.

Guess who’s cooking with gas? Builders is, with some real hotties from ALVA outdoor appliances. A firm family favourite is Alva’s Cibo Stainless-Steel Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven with a 30cm Pizza Stone, and the Alva Mojave 4 Burner Drop-In BBQ Gas Braai which integrates seamlessly into an outdoor kitchen – it’s a stainless-steel built-in unit designed for precision grilling, searing, and indirect cooking. Pair it with the superb Tramontina Churrasco 15-Piece Braai Set, the Ultimate Master Braai Kit designed for prep and serving. And to shed a little light on proceedings, Alva’s Split Pole Patio Gas Heater in stainless steel is a bright idea for nightlife outdoors.

Over cutting your lawn? Art Grass has you covered…in premium artificial grass. It’s the ultimate low-maintenance, versatile and long-term value solution that withstands our climate and water challenges. Artificial greenery and decorative plant walls are becoming increasingly popular, so have a look at Art Grass…it may be the right solution for you.

Outdoor fanatics, unite! The wildly interactive Khakibush magazine stand will be the hottest hub for everything out there, from wonderful custom braai firepits to wildlife experts, extraordinary vehicles and exceptional camping trailers. Follow the aromas…it’s Khakibush’s BraaiBoss Challenge, and for both Saturdays of the Show, you’ll watch the best braaiers in KZN having a preliminary braai-off for the title of supreme BraaiBoss! Entertainment is going up in smoke! It’s going to be highly interactive, so come and enjoy the best of the KZN outdoor lifestyle…and you could win over R100 000 worth of prizes.

With Father’s Day just around the corner - giving a ticket to someone special may just be the answer for a gift for him. Come on out to this year’s East Coast Radio House + Garden Show, and see what’s missing from your KZN outdoor lifestyle toolkit. It’s sure to be at the Show.

The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show takes place from June 27 to July 5 at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

Tickets are available online via quicket.co.za or housegardenshow.co.za or at the entrance on the day.

ART MAKES A HOME MORE HUMAN - DECORATING WITH ART

Whoever you are, wherever you live, a painting, a print, your children’s art beautifully framed, transforms a house into a home. Art complements and elevates your décor, it tells your story

This year’s East Coast Radio House + Garden Show showcases the fine art of framing, the power of statement mirrors, how recycling can be reinvention, and of course, the wonderful work of numerous talented, established, and emerging artists. From June 27 to July 5, the Durban Exhibition Centre plays host to artists from across the spectrum, a superb opportunity for homeowners to bring their walls to life, and choose bold over beige.

The Durban Art Gallery promises a wide and wonderful diversity of work, giving visitors the opportunity to engage with contemporary art and artists. The Gallery will showcase six artists, each of whom brings different concepts and execution to the Show. It’s fresh, exciting art from this group who work in different mediums and genres, from paint to charcoal to lipstick, and self-portraits to abstracts. Each artist is exploring their personal relationship with the human and natural world. Come to the Durban Art Gallery stand, and connect with the work of Bandile Ncanana, Njabulo ‘Vezi’ Mngwengwe, Mlamuli Shozi, Ayanda Mkhize, Lindokuhle Mthembu, and Nhlanhla Shozi.

Mlamuli Shozi - Lioness On The Hunt

On the road again are Jodie and Ryan Loubser, travelling artists. They move around the country, painting, exhibiting and selling their art. Jodie says, “It's a good and busy life, and our studio changes constantly.” And that’s where you, visitors to the Show, come in. The Loubsers will be there, each exhibiting their own distinctive style of art, largely in oils. Jodie paints water lily landscapes and chandelier interiors mainly, and Ryan is known for his Fractionism, Quiver Trees, landscapes and Multi Visions. They love to do commissions for homes, so find them and have a chat about your home and style.

Soekie Human of Ermelo has a very different artistic style. The past 22 years have seen her developing a very distinctive style in both oils and impasto acrylics. With warm, rich colours and loose brushwork, Soekie’s celebration of nature is evident in every painting.

Contemporary art complements or even creates contemporary homes. Sarita Gous has been painting for 15 years, creating modern ocean and cloudscape oil paintings inspired by nature, light, and atmosphere. She’s inspired by the feeling and energy of the sea and sky, and how they shift and move in subtle, powerful ways: “I aim to create a visual portal - offering spaces of calm, reflection, and reconnection within the home,” says Sarita.

A painting, drawing or artwork may be exquisite, but framing spells the difference between mediocre and magical. Thirtieth time exhibiting at the Show, Natal Art Craft Industries (NACI) has been in Durban for over 60 years. They’re renowned for their custom frames using recycled polystyrene, framed or laser cut mirrors, framed prints, glass art, décor items, and canvas wall art. They’re offering exclusive show specials, including everything up to 60% off, and 20 percent off custom framing vouchers redeemable in their showroom until the end of August 2026.

Lazarus Kufakunesu is not only the Patio Guru, but a legendary soapstone sculptor and more. He produces canvas paintings, steampunk art, fine art, and patio furniture. "No scrap belongs in the scrap yard," believes recycler extraordinaire Lazarus, as he transforms old car parts, horseshoes, garden tools, and scrap drums into handcrafted masterpieces. His outdoor furniture and light pendants are well worth a trip to his outdoor stand N8.

From young, vibrant, emerging artists to those with decades of experience, there’s a canvas, a sculpture, a print or more, that’s perfect for that beckoning spot on the wall. Listen carefully…it’ll talk to you, and you’ll know it’s for you.

The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show takes place from June 27 to July 5 at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

Tickets are available online via quicket.co.za or housegardenshow.co.za or at the entrance on the day.

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge uMvoti and oThukela Regional - Wembley College, Greytown: KZN Saturday 30 May

Back again, Wartburg Kirchdorf School successfully defended their title and hoisted the uMvoti and oThukela Regional trophy for the eighth time at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that Wembley College hosted on Saturday 30 May. 

Wartburg met Greytown High School in a fiercely fought final where they managed to win the game 1 nil. 48 seconds into the game, Wartburg secured their first set play. The ball was sent to the top of the D, redirected to the player on the post who attempted to net their first goal. The result was a retake due to an unfortunate foul halting the shot. 

Wartburg had to dig deep as Greytown’s defenders blooped four more times in the circle giving the defending champs five takes of their short corner set pieces. Nearing 4 minutes into the game, Iminathi Mnqayi finally broke the cycle and netted the tournament winning goal. The ball was sent up to Mnqayi, wasting no time she zapped a shot off, finding the back of the box. 

A second before the final hooter sounded, Greytown kept everyone on the edge of their seats as they earned their second short corner of the game. In the all or nothing corner, Wartburg held their composure and managed to neatly clear the ball from danger, securing their eighth title. 

There was no one team that dominated the day, with all teams having a mixed bag of results. At the conclusion of the pool games, both Hamilton College making their second appearance and Greytown High School were all squared up on points, goals for and goals against. A quick penalty shoot-out ensued where Greytown were victorious 1 nil to finish second in the pool. 

Watching it go. Both Wartburg Kirchdorf School’ Shalom Matsika and Wembley College’s keeper, Stacy Sims-Handcock watch the ball roll dangerously close to the goals during the deciding 8 second penalty shootout in the uMvoti and oThukela Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that Wembley College hosted on Saturday 30 May, Pic by Val Adamson.

In the first semi-final, first in pool A - Wembley College met second in pool B – Wartburg. At the blast of the final whistle, both teams were level on nil nil. The game decider moved to a penalty shootout. After the first round, both teams had slotted in two goals out of their three attempts. A sudden death followed. Wembley went first but were unable to convert while Wartburg’s Phiwo Ntobela charged into the circle, meeting Wembley’s keeper, Stacy Sims-Handcock, rolling off the convergence, Ntobela scooped the ball in just before the dreaded 8 second whistle claiming the first slot for the final.

In the second semi-final, first in pool B – Domino Servite School met second in pool A – Greytown. In similar fashion – the final whistle sounded with no goals being scored and the decided then proceeded to a penalty shootout. In a marathon, the longest in the sixteen years of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, Greytown eventually won in a riveting round of ten shootouts. Sbonga Ngwane netted the first of the third round of sudden death, taking her teams tally up to four. Ngwane charged in, balancing herself midway, attempting her first shot. Domino’s keeper, Emma Schobben defended easily but unfortunately, the ball rebounded in Ngwane’s favour, wasting no time to knock in the ball under Schobber. Domino’s Mayenzeke Mlaba bravely made a run with the ball but was greeted by a determined Sinothando Ngwenya who resolutely knocked the ball well out of play, obtaining their pass to the final. 

Stand in umpire, Talia Kotze from Wembley College was acknowledged for her hard work with the whistle and was awarded the title of Umpire of the Day. She happily stood in for Ladysmith High School and oversaw the three penalty shootouts. Shalom Matsika from Wartburg could not contain her excitement when she won a Princess stick in the fun treasure hunt lucky draw. 

Wartburg is the final team to advance to the Grand Finals being hosted by St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof in July. They will meet Our Lady of Fatima, (Durban North Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); St Anne’s Diocesan College (Pietermaritzburg North Regional) and St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional); Grantleigh School (North Coast Regional); St Patrick’s College (Ugu and Sisonke Regional) and Ferrum High School (Northern KZN Regional).

Results

Final

Wartburg Kirchdorf School 1 vs Greytown High School 0

Third place playoff

Wembley College 1 vs Domino Servite School 0

Fifth place playoff

Hamilton College 3 vs Hermannsburg School 0

Semi-Final

Wartburg Kirchdorf School 0 (3) vs Wembley College 0 (2)

Domino Servite School 0 (3) vs Greytown High School 0 (4)

Standings

1 Wartburg Kirchdorf School; 2 Greytown High School; 3 Wembley College; 4 Domino Servite School; 5 Hamilton College; 6 Hermannsburg School; 7 Estcourt High School

LET THE FUN BEGIN! ENTERTAINMENT, FUN AND FOOD AT THE EAST COAST RADIO HOUSE + GARDEN SHOW 2026

The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show 2026 promises a whole lot more fun and fascination than you can handle! Get your family to the Durban Exhibition Centre June 27 to July 5… and prepare to be entertained!

There’s a load of colourful and intriguing entertainment and activities lined up for visitors young and not so young, at this year’s East Coast Radio House + Garden Show at Durban’s Exhibition Centre. The motto? The more the merrier!

From June 27 to July 5, the Show will pop the lid off a new brand of entertainment, so expect the unexpected. It’s carnival time. There are oodles of mega surprises, the likes of which you haven’t seen before. No matter whether you’re junior, senior, or somewhere in between, come empty handed, and we’ll keep your hands full with multiple Show attractions, interactions and activations.

For the kids, it begins at the gate. Wind through the indoor and outdoor Show stands and halls, keeping an eye out for the juggling stilt walkers and talented duo of hip-hop dancers, eye-catching characters like the floral Blooming Beauties and the bright Living Lamps. Hunt down the extraordinarily mobile Dolly with her Trolley. She’s the Show’s half human, half AI waitress. Real Magic Productions has waved its flamboyant wand, and pulled so many funtastic things out of the bag!

Whimsical fairies, pirates, elves and mythical creatures will welcome little ones to the Neverland-inspired themed Kids’ Zone.  There’ll be face painting, temporary airbrush body art, Melissa & Doug interactive play spaces, meet and greet photo opportunities, and craft stations. This is the Show’s imagination station, keeping the kids busy for hours.

This year’s Show will blow young minds. The entire South Plaza is a colourful and crazy play zone, edge-to-edge with Nick’s inflatable everything… picture gigantic blow-up slides and cubes, soft and bouncy activities for safe landings, every young kid’s dream.

Hirsch will be showcasing the most advanced appliances and tech globally, but this year, they have much more: a Nintendo Activation Area where kids can meet characters Mario and Luigi. For the adult in you, come and view the latest Porsche x SMEG appliance range… you won’t want to miss the real live iconic Porsche 911 parked in the hall.

From eateries to action, there’s plenty to keep adults engaged. Choose your favourite chef demonstrating something delectable at Hirsch’s Demo Kitchen, or head for Edgars House of Red master classes to learn the perfect way to get your beauty routine down pat.

Not to be missed is the Mobiclaw Rescue Experience, bringing a dynamic, interactive rescue and emergency response experience to the Show for visitors of all ages. Be first in line for the thrilling Jaws of Life Challenge… lift an egg without cracking it… using the Jaws of Life. Guaranteed to push your boundaries!

What’s to eat? Plenty. For evening and weekend visitors, the Show puts the ooh into food with a wide array of gourmet street food. Drink, eat and be merry at all the foodie stalls. The Gin Garden is a delightful barstool away, with colours and flavours of a host of gins, and live music from your favourite musicians. For Burger fans, Filthy Moustache is your vibe; for Mexican, go Lawmans, and Korean, go Krazy Korean. Ole Smoki has a glorious range of smokehouse goodies, and on the pretty side, go pink with Sophie’s Café and its sweet and savoury treats. There’s something lip-smacking for everyone.

Interactivity is the name of the game this year, and you’ll be able to get the right answers from Builders’ DIY experts. Don’t miss out on the spectacle of Khakibush’s BraaiBoss Challenge – the preliminaries – every Saturday at the Show, where hot-shot braaiers fight it out for the title of Braai Boss 2026.

Entertainment is always an integral part of the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show. Only this year, it’s bigger, better and bolder! Plenty to do, see, and marvel over. It’s a day or night out, and we’ve got you entertained.

The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show takes place from June 27 to July 5 at the Durban Exhibition Centre. 

Tickets are available online via quicket.co.za or housegardenshow.co.za or at the entrance on the day.

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Northern KZN Regional - Ferrum High School: Saturday 23 May

Nearing this year’s conclusion, the penultimate tournament heads to Ferrum High School in Newcastle for the Northern KZN Regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 23 May. 

This is the ninth tournament in the set of ten challenges that travels around the province. Nine teams will be taking to the turf at Ferrum. Divided into two pools, host school Ferrum will be joined by Amajuba High School; Hoërskool Pionier and Sarel Cilliers High School in Pool A. Heading up Pool B are Dundee High School; Newcastle High School; St Dominic’s Newcastle; Utrecht High School and Vryheid High School. 

The games will be a demanding, quick fire 20 minutes running time that get underway at 8am. The first two teams to tip off are local teams Newcastle taking on St Dominic’s followed by the home team meeting Amajuba. After all the pool games have been concluded, the top two teams from each pool will play in a cross-pool playoff, with the two winning teams clashing for the honours of the regional champion. 

Points will be awarded to each team after each fixture: a win adds four points to the log, while a draw with goals adds two points and a goalless draw only increases the tally by one point. A loss results in zero points. 

Four teams have had the honour of raising the trophy in this area, with Ferrum on the prowl for their eleventh title. Pionier has earned the title twice while Sarel Cilliers and St Dominic’s both have their names engraved once on the trophy. 

Matrics participating in the challenge will have the opportunity to win a year’s bursary at eta College, a leading Sport Science, Coaching and Management tertiary institution in Durban. The bursary will be awarded at the Grand Finals which takes place at St Mary’s D.S.G. at the end of July.

The winning team from this regional will advance to the Grand Finals in July, meeting the nine other victorious teams from the various other challenges. The Northern KZN Regional winner will meet Our Lady of Fatima, (Durban North Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); St Anne’s Diocesan College (Pietermaritzburg North Regional) and St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional); Grantleigh School (North Coast Regional) and most recently, St Patrick’s College (Ugu and Sisonke Regional).

The tournament wraps up next weekend with the tenth challenge, where Wembley College greets their opposition from Greytown, Ladysmith, Wartburg and surrounds for the uMvoti and oThukela Regional on Saturday 30 May.

For more information, follow the tournament on Facebook: SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament and Instagram  sparkznhockey or TikTok spar.kzn.hockey or use the hashtags: #ChixWithStix  #HeartoftheCommunity #SuperLocal #MyKZNSPAR #MySPAR 

JOMBA! FEMME FORWARD Screen Dance Residency 2026

The 2026 JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s award-winning Centre for Creative Arts, calls for applications for its JOMBA! Femme Forward Screen Dance Residency, which takes place during the festival from 24 August to 29 August.

Besides presenting edgy live contemporary dance, as well as workshops, talks and its dance-writers - and female-focused residencies, JOMBA! also supports, hosts and nurtures a digital dance platform that has an open call for submissions to be featured at the festival.

Darkroom Contemporary Artistic Director Louise Coetzer with company dancer Tania Mteto. Image by Oscar O’Ryan.

This year’s continuation of the JOMBA! Femme Forward Residency focuses on the development of female-identifying dance artists who are eager to develop their digital screen dance practice.  Having screened almost 50 dance films over the past 5 years JOMBA! is dedicated to investing in the craft of screen dance making and following the 2023 screen dance residency run by Mozambican duo Pak Ndjamena and Ivan Barros JOMBA is thrilled to be partnering with Cape Town based Darkroom Contemporary Dance Theatre to execute this year’s 6-day residency.  

The residency offers space for 5 female-identifying dancers / dance makers aged between 18 and 35 years who have some dance training and have a keen interest in upskilling themselves to become digital screen dance creators. 

This JOMBA! Femme Forward Screen Dance Residency is being run in partnership with  Darkroom Contemporary Dance Theatre (Cape Town, South Africa),  a project-based company which was founded in 2010, and formed as a vehicle to reimagine dance through its innovative approach to staging and presenting contemporary works.

Founders Louise Coetzer, a dancer and choreographer, and Oscar O’Ryan, a photographer and filmmaker, bring together expertise from their respective fields to form a dynamic partnership. Their projects provide platforms and create opportunities for skills development and exchange among all artists involved. They focus on the use of new technology and digital media frame their artistic approach. Similarly does interdisciplinary exploration, with project collaborators including visual artists, musicians, designers, filmmakers and digital artists.

“We remain deeply committed to creating accessible, inclusive spaces for dance-makers,” says JOMBA!’s Project Manager, Thobile Maphanga. “The Femme Forward Residency is about amplifying young female-identifying voices in dance, and this year specifically in screen-dance, giving them the tools and confidence to tell their stories in powerful new ways, making their work accessible to wider global audiences.”

“We are excited to collaborate with JOMBA! on this residency,” says Louise Coetzer of Darkroom Contemporary Dance Theatre. “Screen dance opens up fresh possibilities for choreography and creativity, and we want participants to experiment, take risks, and discover their own unique voices in the digital space.”

The Residency will focus primarily on developing dance filmmaking skills (from conceptualisation, pre-production planning, filming to editing considerations). The outcome will be a short screen dance film, created individually by each participant. Included in the residency will be access to dance workshops by choreographers visiting the festival, assistance in forging a professional image and instilling good work ethic that will aid the young makers to promote their future work.  The residents will also have access to the full festival programme and have the opportunity to meet and engage with professional companies and choreographers that are visiting the festival.

The selection will be done through an application process that requires the applicant to motivate why they want to be a part of the residency.  Participants will be expected to be available for the full 6-day duration (24-29 August 2026) with the outcomes of the residency presented at the JOMBA! Forging Futures platform on Saturday, 29 August 2026.  There is no cost to participate, and a nominal stipend is paid to support residents with transport and food for the 6 days. Applicants must reside in and around Durban.

For more information about the application criteria and selection process, go to https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/jomba-femme-forward-screen-dance-residency-2026/.

Applications can be made here https://forms.gle/8BcWYQVZgyPx4twf7 . Applications close on Monday 22 June 2026 at 5pm.

Applications Now Open for the 2026 JOMBA! YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS Platform

Applications are officially open for the 2026 JOMBA! YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS Platform for the 28th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience (24 August - 6 September), hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts in Durban.

Pinetown Girls High Dance Group with choreography by Lettie Nzama at the 2025 JOMBA! Youth Open Horizons. Photo by Val Adamson

In a celebration of young talent the much-loved YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS returns to the Stable Theatre, Durban, on Sunday 30 August at 2pm. This vibrant platform is a joyful, non-competitive space where dancers under 16 - across every dance style - come together to share, learn, and connect. From hip hop and pantsula to Zulu traditional dance, ballet, contemporary, and beyond, it’s a stage dedicated to honouring the next generation of movers and dance-makers. 

FLATFOOT's Project Hheshe Nsizwa (Umlazi) with choreography by Siseko Duba and Zinhle Nzama at the 2025 JOMBA! Youth Open Horizons. Photo by Val Adamson

"The YOUTH OPEN HORIZONS Platform is one of the most joyful parts of our festival,” says Lliane Loots, Artistic Director of JOMBA!  “This is where we see the spark of tomorrow’s dance-makers igniting on stage. To watch young dancers share their passion in a space that celebrates diversity and creativity is really inspiring. This is not just about performance; it’s about creating a dance community, nurturing confidence, and giving our young artists the chance to perform in front of a packed auditorium with an appreciative audience – it is truly life-changing.”

The festival is able to host 12 dance groups. Applications can be made on here: https://forms.gle/7EnrZzG7SXdawT6D6

The deadline for applications is 29 June 2026.

For more information about JOMBA! go to https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/

17TH EDITION OF THE DURBAN FILMMART RESCHEDULED WITH NEW DATES SET FOR 9 - 12 OCTOBER 2026

Durban, South Africa: After careful consideration, the Durban FilmMart (DFM), Africa’s best loved film finance and co-production market, has decided to move its 17th edition to 9 - 12 October 2026 due to significant funding challenges.

The viability of hosting the DFM event in July 2026 has been considerably impacted by the current global financial crisis which directly affects funding for film and the arts in general. Significant changes in key funding partnerships and the ongoing reduction of local year-on-year funding opportunities presents challenges for planning and strategic growth. 

The Durban FilmMart Institute, a non-profit organisation, plays a pivotal and significant role in driving African and diaspora film professionals to convene, do business, build relationships, exchange ideas and shape the future of filmmaking. 

“Rescheduling the market has been a difficult decision but one that the board and management had to take because we remain committed to the pan-African film ecosystem we serve,” says Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute. “Despite the uncertainty we face with limited long term, multi-year support for the annual event, we believe that the space we create for African film professionals must exist and that it is essential to those who believe in the power and impact of African independent film. We encourage all those who never miss a DFM to move with us and join us in October for what they have come to cherish.”

Those attending this year’s edition are set for a series of uncompromising conversations under the theme: Shifting Worlds: Turning Towards Ourselves. Inspired by the words of Ousmane Sembène, often referred to as the "father of African cinema” who said, “Why be a sunflower and turn toward the sun? I, myself, am the sun,” the 17th edition of the Durban FilmMart will be the space for discussions that advance alternative film funding pathways, revise models for distribution, consider equitable co-production frameworks and create authentic partnerships.  DFM 2026 will encourage looking within to forge relationships and design new strategies that will brace a world in flux and endure the economic and social structures that are changing and destabilising the film industry. 

An anchor in the international co-production market calendar and with a continued focus on African cinema, all DFM market activities including the Pitch and Finance Forum for live action, documentary and animation, Talents Durban and the Industry Programme made up of panel discussions, masterclasses and think thanks go ahead as planned. Industry, attendees, stakeholders and partners are encouraged to spread the news and show their support by attending the market during its new dates in October 2026.

More information on this year’s theme can be found on the Durban FilmMart Institute’s website, https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/

Delegate registration and programme details will be announced in due course.

The 17th edition Durban FilmMart is funded by the Durban Film Office, eThekwini Municipality, Ford Foundation and the National Film and Video Foundation.

Opportunity for Choreographers in JOMBA! Live and Digital Open Horizons Platforms

The Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) has opened submissions for the 2026 JOMBA! OPEN HORIZONS Platforms, an integral part of the annual JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience - South Africa’s premiere contemporary dance festival which runs from 27 August to 8 September 2026 in Durban.

In its commitment to present bold, experimental, and inclusive dance, JOMBA! offers the live and digital curated OPEN HORIZONS platforms as an opportunity for dance-makers to showcase new works in a safe, and supportive environment.

JOMBA! DIGITAL OPEN HORIZONS aims to showcase screen-dance and dance film, focussing on work that is created specifically for the screen.

SIMUNYE - Breeh Cele (South Africa) (Pick of the Platform - JOMBA! Digital Open Horizons 2025)

JOMBA! invites submissions (5–10 minutes in length) from local, African and international choreographers that engage the moving body in relation to the camera, editing, framing, and digital space, where choreography extends beyond the stage into cinematic forms.

“We are looking for works conceived as screen-based choreographic experiences, where movement, lens, time, and environment are integral to the making of the film,” explains JOMBA! Artistic Director Lliane Loots.

The Space Between Us - Maulid Owino (Kenya) -JOMBA! Digital Open Horizons 2025

“We welcome innovative, experimental, and critically engaged practices within the contemporary dance idiom, including interdisciplinary and hybrid forms that push the boundaries of how dance is created, perceived, and circulated in digital space.”

Selected works will be screened publicly on the festival’s YouTube channel as part of the official programme. An award of R2000 is given to a jury-selected “Jury Pick of the Platform.”

Radix - Mario Gaglione (Italy/South Africa)   - JOMBA! Digital Open Horizons 2025

JOMBA! LIVE OPEN HORIZONS is a platform offered to live short-form dance works (6–8 minutes). The festival is looking for works that sit within the contemporary dance idiom, that are bold, experimental, and can include interdisciplinary approaches to live performance. Choreographic voices that explore innovation, risk-taking, and fresh perspectives will be at an advantage. “We want performances that can engage audiences in new ways and contribute to the beautifully evolving landscape of African contemporary dance,” says Loots.

ISPA programme in ECHOS OF GREATNESS - choreography by Gabriel Youngstar

An award of R2,500 is given to a jury-selected “Jury Pick of the Platform” work.

Both platforms are not funded, and therefore, no travel or accommodation support is provided.

Festival Director Dr Lliane Loots says: “We remain deeply committed to creating accessible, inclusive spaces for dance makers, the OPEN HORIZONS platforms are vital incubators for boundary-breaking choreographic voices, and provides a solid foundation from which to springboard new works into the world.”

SISUKAPHI - 2025 Winning work with choreography by Mfundiseni Ndwalane

All platforms have limited slots, and the selection process is competitive. Applicants are encouraged to submit their entries early to ensure full consideration.

For more information about JOMBA! go to https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za

Applications can be made on:

Digital https://forms.gle/ntqRy9uj23htX53QA  The deadline is 20 July 2026.

Live https://forms.gle/2PVJaZUeH7tFVuRh7  The deadline for submissions is 29 June 2026.

Enquiries can be emailed to jombafestival@gmail.com .