Spirits and Spaces - Experimental Short Film by Gabriella Blumberg inspired by Roger Ballen Book

An experimental short film Spirits and Spaces, inspired by  the book of the same name by world-renowned photographer and artist Roger Ballen - his first publication in colour- enters the strange psychological terrain that defines the Ballenesque: a world that is chaotic, absurd, and deeply subconscious.

Now available to view on YouTube, the film was created as a companion artwork to the book, and directed by Gabriella Blumberg, with director of photography Gavin Pincus and creative director Marguerite Rossouw. Spirts and Spaces unfolds as a journey through a transitional interior world of rooms and spaces.

In it, a lone spirit awakens in a coffin and wanders through a sequence of 6 rooms inspired by chapters from Ballen’s book, each embodying a distinct state, as the walls breathe, shadows detach, and the world erupts into chaos around him - transforming the photographic themes into living spaces.

“Creating Spirits and Spaces felt more like making a documentary than a work of fiction - as though placing a camera within the mind of Roger Ballen,” says Blumberg. “The film invites viewers to step beyond the surface of each photograph and inhabit its liminal space.”

“This is the first photographic book and film in my long career of nearly six decades that I have expressed my world in colour,” says Ballen. “This place should be viewed not as a location that is real versus unreal, but as an uncanny spot that exists somewhere in each of our minds. Upon  viewing the film and images you will be unclear as to if whether and when you have ever been to this Ballenesque universe.”

“We are thrilled to launch the film on YouTube alongside the release of the book, allowing audiences immediate access to experience both works in dialogue with one another. Presented simultaneously, the film and book encourage us to engage with the project as a unified and immersive experience,” says Blumberg.

The film is available to watch on Youtube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2GSaneIPu8

Spirits and Spaces is published by Thames & Hudson and is available on Amazon worldwide and Takealot in SA on https://www.takealot.com/roger-ballen-spirits-and-spaces/PLID97154473

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

Ferrum has done it again, successfully defending their title, the host school walked away with their eleventh title in the Northern KZN Regional at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 23 May. 

In a fiercely fought regional final, the home team, Ferrum High School took on arch-rival Hoërskool Pionier from Vryheid. At the blast of the final whistle, the scoreline was all tied up on 1 all. 

The fast-flowing game pinballed between the two goals, Ferrum created the opening attack, earning their first set piece with only 33 seconds on the clock. Immediately, they were awarded their second short corner after another infringement in the circle by a Pionier defender. Standing firm, Pionier successfully halted the attack and responded by rocketing the ball up to a quick thinking forward who fired off the first shot that was miraculously saved by an outstretched foot of keeper, Lané le Roux. 

Deflection. An important save, Ferrum High School’s Lané le Roux desperately saves an early Hoerskool Pionier attempt in the opening minutes of the final of the Northern KZN Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at Ferrum High School on Saturday 23 May. Pic by Rogan Ward.

Ferrum continued building pressure earning another two more short corners but were unable to find holes in a tight Pionier backline. Nearing 13 minutes of play, a break down the left by Pionier’s Charissa Volschek, beating the last defender before she neatly slotted in her shot for the opening goal. The tempo around the park stepped up a level as the players on the field were visibly energised, with both teams fired up by the goal, and the supporters rallying behind their teams. 

Three minutes later, Ferrum were back on the hunt in the Pionier circle. In a tense moment in the mouth of the goals, a penalty stroke was awarded for a lifted ball. A focused Sphe Ninela, calmly dragged her flick left, just beyond an outstretched, diving Mishke de Bruyn, levelling the score.

Moving to a penalty shootout, Pionier set off first with goalscorer Charissa Volschek adding to her teams’ tally. Ferrum’s Lariska Nell knocked in her attempt with Pionier’s Anje Erasmus and Ferrum’s Ava Strydom both securing goals in the second round. With the pressure mounting, Sarah Kgonono fired in her shot as she pierced the circle finding the right post. The ball ricocheted out of reach resulting in a dash for Pionier. Ferrum’s Ninela confidently strode goalwards, veering right and knocking in her attempt under de Bruyn, securing victory for the defending champs. 

It wasn’t an easy ride for the defending champs who had to overcome two penalty shootouts on their way to victory. In their first semi-final they met Vryheid High School who made it to the finals in 2024. The final score was nil nil at full time. Nell and Ninela both knocked in their attempts while le Roux kept a clean sheet in their penalty shootout. In the second semi, Pionier met Newcastle High School who finished second last year. In the early parts Newcastle dominated by Pionier skilfully slotted in two goals, giving them the ticket to advance to the regional final. 

The two finalists were drawn in the same pool and in their earlier clash, drew nil nil after a fierce 20 minutes of play. Ferrum topped their pool winning their remaining games while Pionier drew two of their fixtures, their second against Amajuba High School who held strong against the two times winner. 

Post CoViD, Ferrum have featured in every single final, with three of their games being decided through penalty shootouts, their second shootout against Pionier who were successful in 2022. Since Pionier’s victory five tournaments ago, Ferrum have reclaimed their domination in this area with five wins. 

In the build up to the semi-finals, Mercy Chituku from Vryheid High School walked away with a gorgeous Princess Stick as she won the fun lucky draw. Umpire of the Day went to neutral representative, Eric Blandin de Chaplin who was complimented for his consistent skills throughout the day, including the final.

Only one more regional remains in the ten challenges ahead of the Grand Finals in July. Ferrum is the ninth team to have earned a spot at the main concluding event, 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) and St Patrick’s College (Ugu and Sisonke Regional).

This weekend Wembley College will host schools from Greytown, Ladysmith, Wartburg and surrounds for the uMvoti and oThukela Regional on Saturday 30 May.

Results

Final

Ferrum High School 1 (3) vs Hoërskool Pionier 1 (2)

Semi-Finals

Ferrum High School 0 (2) vs Vryheid High School 0 (0)

Newcastle High School 0 vs Hoërskool Pionier 2

Pool A

1 Ferrum High School 9pts; 2 Hoërskool Pionier 6pts; 3 Amajuba High School 2pts; 4 Sarel Cilliers High School 1pt

Pool B

1 Newcastle High School 15pts; 2 Vryheid High School 9pts; 3 Dundee High School 5pts; 4 St Dominic’s Newcastle 5pts; 5 Utrecht High School

The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) announces the project selection for the annual DFM Pitch and Finance Forum 2026

Thirty-six African film projects have been selected for the 17th Durban FilmMart Africa’s leading film finance and co-production market that will now take place from 9 to 12 October, in Durban, South Africa.

The market will present an array of projects, including 8 animation, 10 fiction features, 10 documentary features and 7 series projects in development at the Pitch and Finance Forum alongside a robust industry programme which will focus on current trends, innovations, and challenges faced by the industry.

"Our stories are our voices; they represent our culture, our history, our joy, our pain and our victories.  DFM is honoured to present a unique selection of African stories that will add to the successes that have gone before," says Magdalene Reddy, DFMI director. "We look forward to following the journey of these projects for years to come, as we do with all our project alumni. The DFM provides an important platform, not only to showcase the creative work of filmmakers but also to support them in building a cross-continental community, creating networks and access

The 36 selected projects will be given the opportunity to prepare for their participation at DFM with online one-on-one mentorship by leading industry experts to ensure that they are collaborator- and investor-ready when they get to Durban for the in-person pitch.

The 8 animation projects will receive additional support from industry experts through participation in the Digital Lab Africa (DLA) programme presented by DFM partner, Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct.

The 2026 DFM Official Projects:

Animated Series - Fiction               

Beast Seeker             

Producer: Danielle Retief

Director: Robyn Viljoen

South Africa               

capoZOOeira             

Producers: Mary Waweru Wanjiku, Carlos Zerpa Bravo

Director: Orlymar Paredes

Kenya, Brazil

Hadu: The Series                   

Producer: Damilola Solesi

Director: Precious Anih

Nigeria           

JUJU SOCCER                     

Producers: Oge Obasi, Somto Ajuluchukwu

Director: C.J. Obasi

Nigeria           

Nerve             

Producer: Raffaella Delle Donne, coproducer: Renee Van Reenen

Director: Tshepo Moche

South Africa               

Sunday Morning                    

Producer: Nahom Abiy

Director: Minasie Terefe

Ethiopia                      

Animated Short - Fiction                

In Her Hands             

Producer: Gehad El Akhal

Director: Hagar Basiony

Egypt              

Animated - Feature length fiction              

MIDNIGHT METRO               

Producer: Wako Sefara

Director: Lesego Vorster

South Africa               

Fiction Features

A touch of Paradise

Producer: Sarra Ben Hassen

Director: Houcem Slouli

Tunisia

Arbaa Shuhuor wu Ashara Ayam (Four Months and Ten Days)

Producer: Alsamoual Hussein

Director: Alyaa Musa

Sudan

Fairway to Freedom

Producer: Tarina Patel

Director: Jahmil Qubeka

South Africa

HOLY COW (selected at El Gouna 2025 through partnership)

Producer and Director: Asmae el Moudir

Morocco

MIETA

Producer: Neil Brandt

Director: Carla Fonseca Mokgata

South Africa

MOTHER THERESA

Producer: Shema Faustin

Director: Mutiganda wa Nkunda

Rwanda

Taht El Sama El Khadra' (Under Green Skies)

Producer: Yara Goubran

Director: Jad Chahine

Egypt

The Boy Who Spoke Static

Producer: Mathew Cerf

Director: The Agbajowo Collective

Nigeria

Vino Amargo (Bitter Wine)

Producer: David Franciscus

Director: Pablo Pinedo Bóveda

South Africa

Waslap (selected through DFM ACCESS)

Producer and Director: Batandwa Alperstein

South Africa

Fiction Series

AGAIN

Producer: Giresse Kassonga

Director: Erickey Bahati

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Daddies

Producer: Cati Weinek

Director: Sean Mongie

South Africa

Fafi

Producer and Director: Dominique Jossie

South Africa

FISI (HYENA)

Producer: Mkamzee Mwatela

Director: Sanele Zulu

Kenya

Smoke & Mirrors

Producer: Luke Rous

Director: Jozua Malherbe

South Africa

The Coven (selected through DFM ACCESS)

Producer and Director: Sihle Mthembu

South Africa

Documentary Series

Children of the Nile

Producer and Director: Tina Obo

Uganda

Documentary Features

Banat aljazira alkhadra' (GREEN ISLAND'S GIRLS)

Producer: Amrosh Badr

Director: Rogena Tarek

Egypt

DESIGNING DIVIDE (selected at Talents Durban 2025)

Producer and Director: Jessie Ayles

South Africa

Gwijo Nation

Producer: Quinton Fredericks

Director: Sesihle Manzini

South Africa

LE FIL ET LE MUR (THE THREAD AND THE WALL)

Producer and Director: Mouni Boullam

Algeria, France

MA NUIT DU DJOMELE (My Djomele Night)

Producer: Hicham Falah

Director: Barkima Nafissatou Laguempedo

Burkina Faso

Majuto si Mjukuu (Heirs of no Regret)

Producer: Mumo Liku

Director: Saitabao Kaiyare

Kenya

MDANTSANE – HOME OF BOXING (selected through DFM ACCESS)

Producer and Director: Phumlani Veto

South Africa

The Ones With The Tempered Flowers

Producer: Ivy Kiru

Director: Neema Ngelime

Tanzania

Urban Zulu: The Busi Mhlongo Story

Producer: Struan Douglas, coproducer: Vusi Mchunu

Director: Rehad Desai

South Africa

Waiting for Evolution

Producer and director: Karin Slater

South Africa

WHERE DO I BELONG?

Producer: Talal Afifi

Director: Ibrahim “Snoopy” Ahmed

Sudan

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, the National Film and Video Foundation and IEFTF.

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Sisonke & Ugu Regional - Kokstad College: Saturday 9 May

The popular SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge travels to Kokstad College where 12 schools take to the field for the Sisonke & Ugu Regional on Saturday 9 May. 

One of the biggest tournaments geographically in the challenge, teams from the south coast through to Matatiele participate in this vibrant regional. Host school, Kokstad College will have two fields running games concurrently. The 12 teams will be divided into two pools, each of the games runs for 20 minutes. There are 30 pool games, followed by the cross-pool playoffs that will feature the top two teams from each pool. The winners of each semifinal advance to meet in the regional final. 

Points will be awarded after each game: four points for a win, two points for a draw with goals, a single point for a goalless draw and then zero points for a loss. The final three fixtures allow for a penalty shootout if the games result in a draw. 

Getting the day underway, defending champs – St Patrick’s College meet travelling team, Hoërskool Suid-Natal in the opening game for Pool A. On the second field host school, Kokstad College take on Southcity Christian School in the opening fixture for Pool B. Joining St Patrick’s and Suid-Natal are Bergview High School; iXopo High School; Port Shepstone High School and St Monica’s Diocesan. Filling up Pool B are Creston College; King Edward High School; Mt Currie Secondary and Scottburgh High School. 

Five teams have had the honour of advancing to the Grand Finals representing this area. St Patrick’s are on the hunt for their third title after winning the last two consecutive years. King Edward has hoisted the trophy five times, the last in 2022. Kokstad have their name engraved three times, while Creston College had two successes in the earlier years and Suid-Natal were victorious once in 2023. 

Winding down the regionals, three more teams remain to earn their spot at the Grand Finals which takes place at St Mary’s D.S.G. at the end of July. Seven teams have already secured their spot: The winner of this challenge 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) and most recently XYZ from the North Coast Regional.

One lucky Matric pupil stands a chance to win a year’s bursary at eta College, a leading Sport Science, Coaching and Management tertiary institution in Durban. At each of the regionals, Matrics can enter the lucky draw in the hopes of winning this great prize. The bursary will be awarded at the Grand Finals. 

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

Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge: Every Child Deserves a Champion - Race Charity Announced

‘The true measure of society is how it treats its most vulnerable members – especially children.’ Marian Wright Edelman

Durban, South Africa: 4 May 2026: The Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge is delighted to be partnering with iThemba Lethu, the official charity for their 2026 race which takes place on Sunday 28 June.

iThemba Lethu, based in Manor Gardens, serves the greater Cato Manor community. An NPO which began 25 years ago cares for vulnerable children affected by poverty, crime and gender-based violence. Their priority is the future of children, transforming hardships into tales of hope.

iThemba Lethu has been announced as the official race charity for this year’s Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge which takes place on Sunday 28 June. Pictured at the announcement are Sfundo Cele  (Financial Administrator iThemba Lethu) ; Nozipho Mkhize (SPAR KZN Advertising & Sponsorship Manager) and Nobuhle Ngcobo (Night Carer – iThemba Lethu), Picture by Val Adamson.

The organisation has three proactive programmes. Destiny for Youth which concentrates on life preparation, leadership and literacy for young people in Grades 4 – 12, they help learners discover and realise their full potential to empower them to have hope filled futures.

Their second programme is their Transition Home where iThemba Lethu cares for 12 abandoned / vulnerable little ones from newborn to 3 years old, championing the belief that early childhood is one of the most critical times in a human’s life. Their facilities, with full time loving caretakers, provide a safe place to nurture these children as they usher in a loving new chapter in their forever families.

Decades ago, iThemba Lethu pioneered the first community ‘Breastmilk Bank’, critical to the nutrition of the babies in their care. There are few natural resources more important to human immunity and health than breastmilk. In partnership with Department of Health they collect and supply this vital resource.

From each entry received for the Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge, R5 will be donated to this impactful local charity who are quietly changing little lives, striving to give them a fulfilling future they deserve.

To enter the Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge, go to www.sparwomenschallenge.co.za/durban.

To find out more about the race charity, visit iThemba Lethu’s website www.ithembalethu.org.za.

Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Team work makes the dream work

Durban: Sunday 28 June: Gather your colleagues, work mates, friends and family and enter this year’s Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge on Sunday 28 June as a group.

“This is a great opportunity for groups of colleagues, clubs, relatives and schools to make the Challenge into a real fun team experience,” says Race Director Brad Glasspoole. “We encourage people to show in true team spirit – they can dress up, wear matching outfits, walk, run, dance and sing – and add to the vibe of the day - as we gather on the road to enjoy the theme #CelebrateHer.” 

Bulk entries for ten or more people wanting to participate in the challenge closes at midnight on Friday 12 June, with individual online entries closing as the clock strikes 12 on Monday 22 June. If you are entering a team, your team coordinator will need to do so electronically via the online entry portal, and click on Bulk Entry.  

There is a special day organised specifically for bulk entry collections where your team leader can go along and collect all your crew's race packs on Thursday 25 June. 

For more info visit the race website, www.sparwomenschallenge.co.za/durban

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY presents new works in ENKUNDLENI in May

KZN’s premier contemporary dance company presents a new season called ENKUNDLENI for two performances only at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on Friday, 8 May at 7pm and Saturday, 9 May at 2.30pm.

Referencing open spaces where we gather, ENKUNDLENI offers audiences four new cutting-edge works created by company dancers, Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Siseko Duba, and Zinhle Nzama, with direction and dramaturgy by company artistic director Lliane Loots.

Siseko Duba and Sbonga Ndlovu in FLATFOOT's new season of work titled ENKUNDLENI  at Sneddon Theatre on 8th and 9th May 2026

“It’s a programme of dance that reminds us of the power of our bodies to tell stories; stories of pain and triumph, of deep self-reflections and of community,” says Loots. “These works honour the storyteller in all of us, as we see the six incredible dancers of FLATFOOT tackle the most personal and most beautiful parts of being human at this time in our difficult geopolitics”. 

The season begins with Siseko Duba’s quartet “iPupho” that dives into the powerful and mysterious terrain of dreams. The work captures the uncanny experience of awakening within a dream - where the body moves through worlds that feel intensely real, yet remain just beyond reach. Given the deep African connection to ancestral presence and dreams, this work navigates a very contemporary world of memory, self, and belonging. 

Jabu Siphika in FLATFOOT's new season of work titled ENKUNDLENI  at Sneddon Theatre on 8th and 9th May 2026

Zinhle Nzama’s duet “BRIGHTEST DARKNESS” explores the deep paradox of finding light within darkness. It is an intimate duet between a man and a woman, where these two figures navigate tension, resistance, connection, and letting go, as an act of courage rather than defeat. Ultimately, Nzama’s work offers audiences a testament to survival and triumph – beautiful and painful!

Jabu Siphika’s solo work, next on the programme, “Ngibize Siphi?” explores the search for identity through the question of one’s surname. The solo reflects a deeply personal journey of belonging, loss, and self-discovery as Siphika navigates her own fragmented amaZulu histories and the need for recognition through how we are, or are not, named. 

FLATFOOT veteran, Sifiso Khumalo ends the programme with his new work, “in transit”. Echoing a nation that sits, stands, and waits in long queues, this extraordinary male trio delves into how we stop, move on, wait to continue, and endlessly begin again and again. The work infers a deep-seated distress at the waiting on broken promises – be these local, personal, and further global politics.  

FLATFOOT partners again with lighting designer Wesley Maherry whose evocative designs see these four works sculpturally find a home on the Sneddon stage. Maherry’s lighting intensifies the narratives of each work and pulls the audience into the visions and contemporary world of ENKUNDLENI.

FLATFOOT’s ENKUNDLENI has two performances only at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, on Friday 8 May at 7pm and Saturday 9 May at 2.30pm.

Tickets are R100 each (students, scholars and pensioners pay R80). Booking is via Webtickets  - https://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=1592907018

This season is made possible through a partnership with the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre (UKZN).

Action in Autism (AiA) – World Autism Acceptance Month 2026

The rallying call for persons with disabilities is ‘Nothing About us, without us’, and so it is for our neurodiverse population.  As part of Action in Autism’s acceptance and action campaign, Action in Autism has planned a series of events and programmess to advocate for the rights of autistic people and their families during April, World Autism Acceptance month.

The organisation’s activism and advocacy are delivered through a range of key events:

Pizza and Paint and sensory sensational day – 18 April 2026

Members of the autism community are invited to attend a Pizza and Paint Day to prepare posters and banners for the silent walk on 23 April 2026.  The community is invited to bring a pizza to share.  At the same time children and young adults with autism can enjoy a sensory celebration, with a foam pit, ball pond, trampoline and oral, aural and visual sensory fun  from 10h00 to 12h00 on 18 April 2026 at the Action in Autism Centre, 105 Haig Road, Parkhill.  A guest speaker will address the gathering on the rights of autistic people to employment.  The event is free event for all in the autistic community. 

Getting ready to raise awareness around Autism are young adults, Ndumiso Zungu and Zahid Khan, from the Action in Autism Centre

Silent Walk – 23 April 2026


The public is invited to partner with Action in Autism on a Silent Walk on 23 April 2026, from 12h00 to 14h00, starting at Gugu Dlamini Park and ending at City Hall. “Approximately 50% of Autistic people are non-speaking, so during the walk, participants will communicate without spoken language, using alternative methods such as sign language, writing, gestures, and tapping, to show solidarity with those who are partial or non-speakers,” says AiA Director Diane Mariah-Singh.   ‘This is a powerful, inclusive demonstration that provides support for our neurodiverse population.  Action in Autism neurodivergent advocates and executive members, Yolanda Ziqubu and Prashant Parsunath will hand over a memorandum of demands to the City Mayor.” 

Getting ready to raise awareness around Autism are young adults, Anthony Daniel Eastwood, Isaac Jethro Munisamy and Siyathemba Shongwe, from the Action in Autism Centre.

Empowerment and Capacity Building in Person and Online Workshops of Private and Public Enterprises

Throughout the month of April 2026, Autism Advocates will be available to empower and capacitate companies on the importance of including autistic people in their workforce.  This aligns with the organisation’s Skills Development and Business Hub, a three year established programme developed to capacitate autistic people with skills to enter the open labour market or set up their own micro businesses.  

“There are too few autistics employed and Government is not meeting its target of 7% employment rate for persons with disabilities,” explains Mariah-Singh .  “This needs to change.”

For more information contact 031 5633039 or email aiadirector@actioninautism.org.za  to partner with AiA for any or all of these initiatives. 

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Durban Central Regional - 3 Schools Trust: Sunday 22 March

Just over midway in the 2026 SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, teams participating in the Durban Central Regional take to the turf for the sixth regional, at 3 Schools Trust on Sunday 22 March, hosted by St Henry’s Marist College.

St Henry’s welcomes Durban Girls’ College; Durban Girls’ High School; Inanda Seminary Secondary School; a combined team representing Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu and defending champs, Maris Stella School. 

Six schools will be vying for the title in this year’s challenge, with home team - St Henry’s taking on Durban Girls’ College in the opening fixture. The first game gets underway at 8am, with all of the 15 round robin games lasting 25 minutes. During the round robin, running time is allocated for the games, except for the final that allows for a penalty shoot-out if the concluding game ends in a draw. 

Leading up to the final, victorious teams will be awarded 4 points on their log, while teams that tie will both earn the same number of points. A goalless draw will see each team adding 1 point to their tally, while a game tied with goals will each earn 2 points. A loss registers zero points. Once all the games have been played, the top two teams will meet for the regional final. 

Four teams have already earned their spot for this year’s Grand Finals which takes place at St Mary’s D.S.G. in July. First to book their place was Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional) followed by Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional) and St Anne’s Diocesan College (PMB North Regional). Teams in the Highway area will be duelling it out the prior day (Saturday 21 March) at Westville Girls’ High School. The final four spots will be revealed as the challenge continues to travel around KZN in May. 

Three teams playing in this regional have advanced to the Grand Finals. Durban Girls’ College dominated with 14 wins since the tournament’s inception in 2011. Maris Stella broke their long standing record, earning their first Grand Finals appearance last year. Durban Girls’ High School went on to the Grand Finals three times when they participated in the Durban South Regional in the early days of the tournament. 

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.

All the games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools app, so if you can’t get to the sidelines, you can catch all the action online.

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

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Pietermaritzburg North Regional - St Anne’s Diocesan College: Sunday 15 March

A familiar name secured victory in spectacular fashion at the Pietermaritzburg North Regional, with host school St Anne’s Diocesan College holding the trophy aloft at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Sunday 15 March. 

The defending champs, St Anne’s managed to defeat The Wykeham Collegiate in the regional final, earning their twelfth title. Having won their earlier round robin game, St Anne’s walked on as favourites meeting long-time rivals, Wykeham. The final consisted of two 15 minute halves, with a 5 minute half time. The home team had a flawless first half, netting two well crafted goals. Their first was off a short corner awarded after nearly 5 minutes of play. Vice-Captain, Willow Crawford capitalised on being in the right place at the right time after their set piece didn’t quite go according to plan. 

Seven minutes later, Belle Hofmeyr added one more after a quick free hit just outside the circle was rapidly sent her way. Wasting no time, Hofmeyr, lurking just inside the circle, rerouted the pass goalwards, beyond Elam Ndakisa, keeper for The Wykeham Collegiate, knocking in the defending champs second. 

In the second half, St Anne’s still seemed to dominate with magical bursts in the Wykeham’s circle. Ndakisa was up for the challenge, a third of the way through the second half, her skill was put to the test. The first, the St Anne’s attacker was meters away from the right hand post, Ndakisa bearing down on her, the solo striker sent the ball on its way, but the ball veered right. Two minutes later, an impressive run down the left found St Anne’s in a good position with numbers in the circle. The ball was worked to the top of the D, with a St Anne’s forward extending her stick out and deflecting the ball towards the left-hand post. In desperation, Ndakisa just managed to stop the ball sliding her right foot out and edging it out of danger. 

Wykeham perked up tremendously after their great defending. With eight minutes remaining, Hannah van Wyk found herself in space, stretching her legs, charging towards the St Anne’s goals. Finding herself in a one-on-one situation, quick thinking, keeper for the home team, Lili-Anna James calmly came right out to meet van Wyk, sliding neatly, halting the brave attempt. 

With just over three minutes left in the final, Wykeham earned a well-deserved short corner, The ball flew up to the top of the circle, then was passed left under the stick of the first striker. The player to the left redirected the ball to the right where McKenzie Du Bourg was set up to fire in a shot from just inside the circle. The scoreline was now on 2-1. 

The tempo of the visitors was raised some more, with mounting pressure Wykeham again pierced into St Anne’s circle, looking severely threatening but time was not on their side, the final whistle sounded securing victory for St Anne’s. 

Leading up to the final, Courtney van Wyngaard, a Grade 11 student from Riverwood College was over the moon when she won a Princess Stick in the lucky draw prize. Delighted with her new treasure, she unwrapped it and went off to play with it. 

Young Jordan Licen from Treverton College was acknowledged for his decisive decisions with the whistle and was presented with the Umpire of the Day award. 

St Anne’s Diocesan College is the fourth team to reserve a place at the Grand Finals that will be taking place at St Mary’s D.S.G. in July. Ten teams in total from around KZN will converge for the Finals. The three teams that have secured their spot already are Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional) and most recently, St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional). 

Results

Regional Final

St Anne’s Diocesan College 2 vs The Wykeham Collegiate 1

Round Robin Results

1 St Anne’s Diocesan College 16pts; 2 The Wykeham Collegiate 12pts; 3 Howick High School 8pts; 4 Treverton College 3pts; Riverwood College 0pts

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Pietermaritzburg Central and North Regionals Saturday 14 March & Sunday 15 March

Action-a-plenty awaits schools from the greater Maritzburg area in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge with Epworth School hosting the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional on Saturday 14 March and St Anne’s Diocesan College welcoming schools for the Pietermaritzburg North Regional on Sunday 15 March.

The busy weekend of hockey will see 12 schools taking to the turf in the hopes of being crowned regional champion. On Saturday, joining Epworth School on their astro are Alexandra High School; Carter High School; Maritzburg Christian School; Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School; Russell High School and St John’s D.S.G. 

On the prowl for their fifth title, Epworth School looks forward to defending the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional on their astro on Saturday 14 March for the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge. Lining up for the host team are Cara Macfarlane and Siphokazi Mpontshane. Pic by Val Adamson

Sunday sees five schools head to St Anne’s for the annual contest. The guest schools are Howick High School; Riverwood College; Treverton College and The Wykeham Collegiate. 

The weekend’s fixtures have all teams meeting in a round robin format, with games in the Central Regional lasting 20 minutes, and 25 minutes in the North Regional. A victorious team will earn themselves 4 points on the log, while drawn games – both teams will share the points. If both teams have the same number of goals, they will each earn 2 points while a goalless draw will add 1 point to your tally. A loss registers zero points. 

There have been five schools that have had the honour of representing their regions at the Grand Finals since the tournament’s inception in 2011. The top ten schools from around KZN converge on St Mary’s D.S.G. in the hopes of being crowned overall champion in the challenge. Both hosts schools are defending champs.

Leaders of the pack. St Anne’s Diocesan College’s Hannah Schwegmann (vice-captain), Holly Hofmeyr (captain) and Willow Crawford (vice-captain) prepare to defend their title in the Pietermaritzburg North Regional at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge. The only matrics donning the St Anne’s kit this year, the trio will be welcoming teams onto their turf on Sunday 15 March. Pic by Val Adamson

The two home teams will be walking on to the fields as defending champs. St Anne’s have lifted the regional trophy 11 times while Wykeham Collegiate have three. In the Central tournament, Girls High have their name engraved on the trophy seven times, followed by Epworth with four wins and St John’s three successes. 

Two teams have already secured their spot at the Grand Finals in the 2026 edition. First to qualify was Our Lady of Fatima waving the Durban North Regionals flag and joining them is Amanzimtoti High School from the Durban South Regional who were victorious last weekend. 

Matrics present on the day should keep an eye out for eta College. The leading Sport Science, Coaching and Management tertiary institution in Durban is offering a year’s bursary at eta College, which one lucky player could win. The bursary will be awarded to a lucky young lady at the Grand Finals.

All games at these two tournaments will be livestreamed by SuperSport Schools, so if you can’t make it to the sidelines to support, you can still catch all the action online. 

For more information, follow the tournament on Facebook: SPARSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament and Instagram  sparkznhockey or TikTok spar.kzn.hockey or use the hashtags: #ChixWithStix #HearthoftheCommunity #SuperLocal #MyKZNMySPAR 

Africa Positions Regeneration at the Heart of the Global Blue Economy Agenda

Durban, South Africa: Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA), in partnership with eThekwini Municipality as host city, will hold its 2026 summit in Durban, from 23 to 25 March at the International Convention Centre.

The Summit is aimed at positioning Africa at the forefront of the global shift from a sustainable to a regenerative blue economy, and brings together policymakers, investors, scientists, entrepreneurs, development finance institutions and community leaders to accelerate implementation, unlock capital and investment, and coordinate tangible action across the continent’s ocean economy.

Photo supplied by Durban Tourism

As host city and main partner, the eThekwini Municipality demonstrates its active leadership in advancing the blue economy by looking towards how to strengthen coastal management, support maritime and port-linked innovation, and align local development strategies with climate resilience and ocean sustainability objectives. By hosting OIA 2026, eThekwini reinforces Durban’s position as an important continental hub for ocean innovation, investment, and policy leadership.

“As climate pressures intensify and ocean degradation accelerates globally, our continent stands at a defining moment,” says Alexis Grosskopf Founder of OceanHub Africa and spokesperson for Ocean Innovation Africa .“With more than 38 coastal and island states and a rapidly expanding ocean economy, Africa has a unique opportunity to lead a regenerative model, one that restores ecosystems, strengthens long-term stability and drives equitable economic growth.”

Photo supplied by Durban Tourism

Unlike traditional conferences, Ocean Innovation Africa operates as an ongoing action platform. 

“We’ve structured the Summit to move past conversation and into real, coordinated action with the right people and organisations,” explains Grosskopf.

The 2026 Summit, will focus on regenerative blue business models and nature-positive growth; blue finance pathways, from aid to local and blended capital, marine protection, economic expansion and community stability, pan-African innovation ecosystems and solution-oriented workshops and curated Business-to-Business matchmaking and investor meetings and dialogues.

Following the public summit, a smaller, invitation-only Ocean Impact Retreat (25–27 March) will convene select stakeholders to deepen alignment across finance, policy, science, innovation and delivery infrastructure. While not open to the broader public, this working session is designed to ensure that momentum generated at the summit translates into practical next steps.

The global ocean economy is valued in the trillions of dollars annually, yet overfishing, habitat loss, pollution and climate change are undermining both ecological stability and economic security. Incremental sustainability is no longer sufficient.

“Africa is setting a new global benchmark for the ocean space and OIA 2026 is designed to coordinate such action - we bring finance, policy, science and entrepreneurs in the same room to ensure that commitments move into implementation. Africa has the opportunity to build a regenerative blue economy from the outset - one that restores ecosystems, strengthens communities and delivers economic growth within planetary boundaries.”, says Grosskopf.

By convening African and international stakeholders under a regenerative framework, OIA aims to move beyond commitments towards coordinated implementation and measurable outcomes.

“We expect that investors, policy-makers, and innovators will join forces and co-ordinate strategies to tackle priority bottlenecks, drive practical collaborations, scale solutions, and reinforce Africa-led regenerative framing within global ocean dialogues.”

With increasing global attention on ocean-climate solutions and post-2030 development pathways, OIA 2026 positions Africa as both contributor and leader in shaping the future of the blue economy.

For more information or to register go to:   www.ocean-innovation.africa

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Durban North Regional - Crawford La Lucia: Sunday 1 March

Securing their seventh title in the Durban North Regional, Our Lady of Fatima return as champions in the opening fixture in the 16th year of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at Crawford La Lucia on Sunday 1 March.

In a replay of the 2025 final, Fatima took on defending champions, Ashton International College in the concluding game. Having put on a very methodical performance throughout the day, Fatima met a determined Ashton who were keen to keep the trophy they had doggedly won in a hard-fought battle. This year was no different; Ashton put up a valiant fight, faltering Fatima’s dominance. For the first time that day, Fatima’s keeper, Kayla Driver, was on her toes as Ashton edged play into Fatima’s circle on several occasions but were just unable to make any impact.

Charge. Turning around the play, Zoey Seppings from Our Lady of Fatima defends scuppering Ashton International College’s Emmerson van Zijl valiant attempt to break the solid Fatima defence during the final of the Durban North Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place on Sunday 1 March at Crawford La Lucia.  Pic by Val Adamson

 On the other end, Stella Fourie was perfectly poised, slotting in Fatima’s first goal as she pierced her opponent's circle after 150 seconds, quickly gathering herself and punching in a feisty shot, slotting it into the left-hand corner beyond Ashton’s last line - Isabella Baxter. Two minutes later, Fatima’s Charly-Rose Boyle charged down the centre of the field, finding some freedom to drift right as she entered the circle. At pace, she attempted a spirited shot that flew right of the post.

After 12 minutes of play, Rachel Da Sousa was stationed on Ashton’s post. Yet another attack from Fatima found their forwards on the baseline, quickly moving the ball goalward. Da Sousa was there on hand to pounce on the pass, confidently knocking it in identical fashion to Fourie’s earlier goal.

The final eight minutes, Ashton bravely retaliated, with several surges into Fatima’s circle spurred on by vice-captain, Emmerson van Zijl threatening runs, but the advances were shut down by a composed defence. The final whistle blasted with Fatima victorious with their two class goals.

In the build up to the final, Ashton met Reddam House uMhlanga. Reddam who have been growing in stature at this tournament have regularly featured in the top four in recent years. Reddam held Ashton to a nil nil draw after full time. The game being decided in a penalty shootout. After three rounds, the scoreline was level with both teams netting one goal each. The tempo raised with the game now going into a round of sudden death. Reddam were first to go with their attempt sadly going wide. Capitalising on her earlier goal in the penalty shootout, Kimberly Johnson ran the ball in for Ashton, sliding left scooping the ball in, just beyond the travelling Reddam keeper Kaela Magjee, claiming their spot in the regional final.

In the second semi, Fatima met long time rival, and previous regional winners Danville Park Girls’ High. In a display of pure dominance, Fatima bamboozled Danville with an emphatic win of 5 nil.

Eighty two goals were scored in total after 23 games in suffocating heat, with Fatima netting 21 goals in their pool games and seven in the medal games, while Ashton earned 17 in their pool games and another two in their silverware games.

Umpire of the Day was awarded to hard working Tyler Tomset representing Ashton. In the build up to the finals, one young player from each school had the opportunity to win a Princess hockey stick in a fun lucky draw. Participating for the first year in the Ashton first team, Grade 9 Caylea Duncan earned herself the magnificent prize.

Fatima is the first of ten teams to book their berth at the Grand Finals taking place in July. This coming weekend, teams from Amanzimtoti, the Bluff and Queensburgh take to the turf at 3 Schools Trust for the second fixture in the challenge, the Durban South Regional.

Results

Final

Ashton International College 0 vs Our Lady of Fatima 2

Semi Finals

Ashton International College 0 (2) vs Reddam uMhlanga 0 (1)

Our Lady of Fatima 5 vs Danville Park Girls’ High 0

Pool A

1 Ashton International College 13pts; 2 Danville Park Girls’ High 13pts; 3 Crawford La Lucia 5pts; 4 Reddam House Ballito 2pts; 5 Curro Salt Rock 1pt

Pool B

1 Our Lady of Fatima 16pts; 2 Reddam House uMhlanga 12pts; 3 Durban North College 5pts; 4 Northlands Girls’ High School 4pts; 5 Crawford North Coast 1pt

South African Feature God’s Work Selected for Joburg Film Festival

God’s Work, the uncompromising South African feature directed by Michael James, has been selected to screen at the 8th edition of the Joburg Film Festival on Sunday, 8 March at 16:15 at Artistry in Sandton.

Set within an abandoned inner-city building, God’s Work confronts homelessness not as abstraction, but as lived economic exclusion. Hunger, addiction, fractured memory and systemic neglect shape the interior and exterior worlds of men pushed beyond society’s margins. Stark social realities collide with surreal psychological landscapes, creating a film that resists easy categorisation.

Still from the film God’s Work

The film embraces a hybrid cinematic language — blending documentary textures, staged encounters, archival material and symbolic imagery — to question how cinema frames lives that exist outside systems of access and visibility.

“South Africa’s deepening social fractures are no longer peripheral,” says Producer Sithabile Mkhize. “People are being steadily removed from opportunity, recognition and support. God’s Work offers a direct encounter with these realities.”

Director Michael James describes the film as an act of bearing witness:
“This film is ultimately an exercise in empathy. Cinema allows us to dismantle distance — to attempt to see one another without mediation or judgment.”

Still from the film God’s Work

Early responses have described God’s Work as “a film that does not ask for sympathy but demands reckoning” and “a powerful confrontation with the human cost of inequality.”

The film features emotionally grounded performances from South African talents Thobani Nzuza, Mbulelo Radebe, Omega Ncube, Siya Xaba, Zenzo Msomi and Nduduzo Kholwa. Cinematography by Jared Hinde captures the textured physicality of the setting, while George Acogny’s haunting score deepens the psychological and emotional tension of the narrative.

God’s Work is produced by Maverick Entertainment, Amafrika Films and Mojo Entertainment, with support from the KZN Film and Tourism Authority, the Durban Film Office and the National Film and Television Foundation.

Producers: Sithabile Mkhize
Executive Producers: Toni Monty, Gary Springer
Co-Producer: Marco Orsini

God’s Work screens Sunday, 8 March at 16:15 at Artistry, 22 Fredman Drive, Sandown, Sandton.
Tickets: webtickets.co.za
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1072745582?fl=pl&fe=sh

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY 2026 Schools Touring Programme HISTORY IS A HOME ADDRESS

A choreo-poem inspired by the poetry of Mongane Wally Serote
(For Grade 8–12 learners)

In 2026, FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY invites schools across KZN to host FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY as they offer a powerful and moving touring dance-theatre experience that brings poetry, history, and embodied learning into the classroom. HISTORY IS A HOME ADDRESS is a newly created choreo-poem inspired by the writings of renowned South African poet, cultural activist, and public intellectual Dr Mongane Wally Serote.

FLATFOOT Dance Company Pic by Val Adamson

Loosely inspired by the title of one of Serote’s most recent poetry collections, HISTORY IS A HOME ADDRESSresponds to his enduring invitation to reflect on memory, belonging, and the political histories that shape who we are. The dance work asks a vital question for today’s learners: do the words of an anti-apartheid poet still resonate in contemporary South Africa—and how do young people carry history in their bodies today?

FLATFOOT Dance Company Pic by Val Adamson

Created collaboratively by choreographer Lliane Loots and the six dancers of FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY (Jabu Siphika, Sifiso Khumalo, Zinhle Nzama, Siseko Duba, Sbonga Ndlovu and Ndumiso Dube), the choreo-poem draws on Serote’s iconic early anti-apartheid poems alongside his later writing. Through movement, spoken word, and evocative physical theatre, the dancers explore personal and collective histories, asking what we remember, what we forget, and what continues to live on in our bodies and hearts.

High school audiences are immersed in a rich theatrical experience that weaves poetry, dance, and storytelling into a “spoken-word dance choreopoem”. Celebrated poems such as City Johannesburg and No Baby Must Weep are re-imagined through contemporary African dance, offering learners an embodied encounter with South African literary and political history. The performance honours Serote’s profound contribution to South African culture while making his words accessible and relevant to a new generation.

FLATFOOT Dance Company Pic by Val Adamson

 More than a performance, HISTORY IS A HOME ADDRESS creates space for dialogue and reflection. Each school presentation includes a facilitated post-performance discussion with the dancers and choreographer, allowing learners to engage critically with the themes of history, identity, protest, and belonging. An extended package also offers a practical dance workshop, encouraging learners to respond physically and creatively to the ideas explored in the work.

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY is KwaZulu-Natal’s iconic African contemporary dance company, with a national and international reputation for excellence. With numerous awards and international tours, FLATFOOT promises to bring world-class contemporary African dance directly into school spaces—making live performance, critical thinking, and embodied learning accessible to young people.

FLATFOOT Dance Company Pic by Val Adamson

The tour takes place from 10 February to 30 April 2026 on weekdays (with negotiated options on Saturdays). There are two options available for schools: a one-hour performance and discussion at R35 per learner, and a two-hour package which includes, the performance, discussion and an hour’s workshop at R50 per learner.

FLATFOOT will work with schools to accommodate preferred dates and times, subject to availability. Contact  lootsl@ukzn.ac.za for any further queries and for bookings.

This creation of this programme is funded by PESP, the National Arts Council of South Africa, and the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust.

SANParks Honorary Rangers’ Comrades Marathon Race4Charity Fundraiser a Massive Win for Conservation

The SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR) have demonstrated how the legendary spirit of the Comrades Marathon can be harnessed to protect South Africa’s natural heritage. Through the Comrades Marathon Association’s AmaBeadiBeadi charity initiative, and with the incredible support of Race4Charity runners and donors, the SHR has raised vital funds that will go directly into projects safeguarding South Africa National Parks (SANParks).

As an official charity of the Comrades Association’s AmaBeadiBeadi charity drive, members of the SANParks Honorary Rangers, KwaZulu-Natal Region (l-r) Gavin Abel, John Gale and Brenda Huntley of the SANParks Honorary Rangers.

An incredible amount of R1 588 165 was raised, most of which will be invested directly from the KwaZulu-Natal Region of the SHR into critical SANParks conservation, ranger support and anti-poaching initiatives in national parks across the country. 

Funds raised by the SANParks Honorary Rangers are allocated to procuring or supporting priority conservation needs that have been identified by SANParks through a wish list system. 

The funds raised from the 2025 Race4Charity campaign will be allocated as follows:

•               Kruger National Park: Renovation and upgrade of anti-poaching facilities and kennelling for K9 anti-poaching dogs, and the training of two new dogs for K9 units. This will assist in strengthening anti-poaching measures in Kruger National Park.

•               Mountain Zebra National Park: Procurement of wildlife monitoring, research and protection equipment, including 3 cheetah collars, 1 lion collar, and 3 camera traps.

•               Richtersveld National Park: Installation of new security cameras to strengthen protection measures for endangered succulents, which are vulnerable to poaching.

•               Table Mountain National Park: Assistance with the renovation and upgrade of dog kennels at the K9 unit.

•               Project Embrace: Support for rangers and their families at the frontline of conservation through trauma and stress management programmes and life skills training.

Speaking on the value of the initiative, following the handover from the Comrades Marathon Association on Friday 22 August, Ian Catt Treasurer of the KwaZulu-Natal Region of SANParks Honorary Rangers and Chairman of the SHR Comrades organising committee, said, “The Comrades Marathon is not only a race of endurance, but is also a race of generosity in many ways. Every runner who chose to run for SHR, every person who donated, and the Comrades Marathon Association itself, have helped us take a significant step forward in protecting our wildlife and supporting our rangers and the onerous tasks of protecting our conservation area. These projects will have a direct and lasting impact on conservation.”

Looking ahead, 2026 will mark the 99th anniversary of the Comrades Marathon, a milestone that SHR is proud to be part of. “We are deeply grateful to the Comrades organisers for giving us this platform, to the athletes who carried our cause along the route, and to every runner and supporter who donated,” added Catt. “Together, we are ensuring that the parks, people, and wildlife of South Africa continue to thrive for generations to come.”

For more information, email comrades@sanparksvolunteers.org or visit www.sanparksvolunteers.org.

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Screenings of God's Work - DBN/CT and JHB

A full-length feature film – God’s Work - which makes its debut at the Durban International Film Festival this year and is inspired by the director spending time at the Denis Hurley Centre with members of the homeless community over lockdown, has a free screening at the DHC on Saturday 26 July at 1pm. 

“It makes me feel incredibly uncomfortable…. In all the right ways,” said an emotional audience member after seeing the movie at the SA premiere on Sunday (20 July) night – a packed to capacity auditorium at Suncoast. “Your response has been amazing. Throughout the screening, you could hear a pin drop,” marveled co-producer, Marco Orsini.

Billed as “a portrait of resilience, a meditation on memory, and an unflinching gaze into the unseen lives of those discarded by the world, is a visually arresting South African debut feature by Durban-based award-winning director Michael James, produced by Sithabile Mkhize which has its SA Premiere at this year’s Durban International Film Festival.  

Inspired whilst filming a documentary about homeless shelters at the Denis Hurley Centre in Durban during the pandemic, God’s Work doesn’t ask for pity, it demands attention. It confronts the viewer with the brutal poetry of life on the margins—and the stubborn humanity that persists there.

God’s Work was written and directed by Michael James in his first full-length feature film.  James was inspired to make it, while volunteering at the Denis Hurley Centre during lockdown. The DHC working with the Municipality and other NGOs and faith communities, organised emergency shelters for 1,500 people across Durban. The centre itself hosted 100 sick and disabled homeless men in its building situated between Emmanuel Cathedral and the Grey Street Mosque.

Over lockdown, James spent time chatting to the homeless men at the DHC, who shared their stories with him. Coming out of these conversations, was the idea to tell their stories on film. To their delight, he worked with them to make a 20-minute video which they conceived and wrote, called No Kings on the Streets. (It can still be seen on the Denis Hurley Centre You Tube channel.)  

There will be a free screening of God’s Work this Saturday, 26 July, at 1pm at the Denis Hurley Centre and all are welcome to attend.  Audience members will have a chance to celebrate the homeless men who appear as extras in the film, and also hear from the Producer, Sithabile Mkhize as well as the Director.  Also present will be the homeless men Zwelithini Ndadane and Lucky Dlungwane who acted as paid consultants during the filming process so they could advise James to ensure that the story was told in an authentic way.

After the screening on Saturday, at which the director and producer will be in attendance, there will be a chance for people to talk in small groups with the homeless people present and hear their voices directly.   

The film is set in the heart of Durban, A derelict building offers a fragile sanctuary to a group of homeless men surviving on society’s margins. Blurring the line between reality and fiction, the film follows Simphiwe played by SAFTA award-winning actor Thobani Nzuza (eHostela, Uzalo, DiepCity), and his crew as they navigate addiction, poverty, performative politics, and the lure of fleeting fame.  With Simphiwe (Thobani Nzuza) fighting demons only he can see, and moving performances by a strong supporting cast, Mbulelo Radebe, Omega Mncube, Siya Xaba, Zenzo Msomi and Nduduzo Khowa, the film is a raw exploration of survival, brotherhood, and the human desire to be seen before disappearing.

"This is not just a film about homelessness, it’s a story about power, loss, resistance—and what it costs to stay human in a world that’s abandoned its soul,” says Producer Sithabile Mkhize.

“The Film should make audiences feel discomfort,” says Dr Raymond Perrier, Director of the DHC. “And yes, something must be done. Leaders need to speak out, and the politicians and religious leaders need to listen, and respond, and support all of us endeavouring to make a difference,” he said. 

Good to Know:

Durban - Denis Hurley Centre 26 July at 1pm (FREE)

Watercrest Sterkinekor Sunday, 27 July at 5pm  

Johannesburg - The Bioscope (Johannesburg) on Saturday, August 2 at 12 noon  

Cape Town - Labia Theatre (Cape Town) on Sunday, 3 August at 12 noon  

For more information follow on social media : Facebook and Instagram: godsworkthefilm or website https://www.godsworkthefilm.com/

I heart Market - Easter Vibes Saturday, 5 April 2025 9am - 2pm

The next I Heart Market takes on full Easter “holiday vibes” at Northlands Primary School, Durban North on Saturday 5 April from 9am to 2pm.

This month’s market experience features loads of cool stuff for Easter celebrations: with kiddies' outfits, table decorations, jewellery, plushie and crochet toys, ceramics, soaps, gifts, sweet and savoury treats, and a range of delicious goodies to complement one’s Easter spread

The market will have an Easter Egg Hunt for the youngsters in the quad at 9.30am and 11.30am, and there will be loads of fun for the kids.

The market takes place indoors in the air-conditioned school hall and outdoors. There is a dedicated kids' play area (and pram park) to keep little ones occupied while parents shop and relax.

Entry is free, and friendly dogs on leashes are welcome. Safe parking with car guards is available within the school grounds and surrounding precincts.

For more information follow on Facebook and Instagram: @iheartmarket.

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I heart Market - March Magic Saturday, 1 March 2025 9am - 2pm

It’s March Magic at next month’s I Heart Market—Durban’s favourite artisanal retail experience that takes place at Northlands Primary School, Durban North on Saturday, 1 March, from 9am to 2pm.

With its focus on products that are home-made, handmade and made-with-love approach, the market offers a vibrant experience to find local treasures and inspired creativity, while enjoying community connectedness in a relaxed environment.

More than just a market, I Heart Market is a vibrant, community-driven experience as shopping here makes a big impact on the local small business economy, with every trader offering something truly unique for shoppers.

Visitors can discover a carefully curated showcase of local talent and craftsmanship with an inspiring selection of fashion, décor, design, jewelry, and delicious food and refreshments. 

The market takes place both indoors in the air-conditioned school hall and outdoors on the school grounds, ensuring a comfortable shopping experience for all. A dedicated kids' play area and pram park keep little ones entertained while parents shop with ease.

Entry is free, and friendly dogs on leashes are welcome. Safe, monitored parking is available within the school grounds and surrounding precinct.

Stay updated or for more information follow on Facebook and Instagram: @iheartmarket.

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Workshop and mentorship programme for AI-generated documentaries and narratives

The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), in partnership with the innovative French studio u2p050, and Playtopia Festival has announced an open call for theUnrecorded Voices, a unique workshop and mentorship programme exploring AI-generated documentaries and narratives. 

This programme invites South African artists, developers, and students to dive into the intersection of art, technology, and history, using cutting-edge AI tools to create speculative documentaries based on historical events and fictional narratives.

Playtopia Festival 2023 in Cape Town

The programme is open to South African residents, and will take place online, with a daily workshop from 29 October to 4 November at10:00 to12:00; an individual mentorship programme from 5 November to 24 November, with a final exhibition of the various creative outputs at the Playtopia Festival, the annual Indie games and immersive Arts festival and conference in Cape Town from 6 to 7 December.

Participation is free, however space is limited. Participants will be selected via the open call applications which must be submitted by Friday, 11 October 2024 at 5pm and can be done on this  application link.

Playtopia Festival 2023 in Cape Town

About the programme: 

This workshop, led by u2p050—a collective of artists, historians, and technologists—focuses on the creation of "synthetic archives" through AI-generated content that reconstructs historical moments or imagines speculative events.

Participants will learn to work with AI tools for text, image, and audio generation, developing their own AI-assisted content that highlights underrepresented or unrecorded historical events.

The programme includes philosophical and ethical discussions on AI and its potential to reshape narratives, especially in relation to underrepresented communities and social movements.

Participants will showcase their creations during the Playtopia Festival in Cape Town, Africa’s leading festival for indie games and immersive arts. This offers a significant platform to present their work to an engaged and international audience.

IFAS invites South African artists and developers involved in digital media or technology-based projects, art and computer science students to submit applications to participate. No prior programming experience is required, but applicants should be familiar with technology due to the steep learning curve

Playtopia Festival 2023 in Cape Town

Selected participants will gain hands-on experience with advanced AI tools such as GPT, Stable Diffusion, and ComfyUI, while collaborating on creative projects. Participants must be available for the online workshops and flexible for the mentorship programme.

This project is supported by the French Institute of South Africa and Institut français in Paris, under the banner of Novembre Numerique (Digital November).

“Unrecorded Voices falls forms part of a broader initiative to promote digital culture through creative projects worldwide,” explains Emmanuelle Denavit-Feller, Regional Head of New Media, Film & Music at IFAS. “This initiative emphasises co-creation and aims to bridge South African and French digital art scenes, and we are very excited about the creative output that will emerge from the workshops and mentorships as we navigate and pioneer in this digital space.”

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