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/

Celebrate Women's Day while Making a Difference at Action in Autism's "Bridgerton Under South African Skies" A Women’s High Tea

This Women's Month, the community is invited to step into an afternoon of elegance, connection and purpose at Action in Autism's annual Women's Wellness Day Fundraiser, Bridgerton Under South African Skies High Tea, taking place on Saturday, 15 August 2026, from 14:00 to 16:30 at 105 Haig Road, Parkhill, Durban North.

Established in 2005, Action in Autism (AiA) is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for the rights of autistic people. Through innovative educational programmes, skills development and family support services, the organisation works to promote acceptance, empowerment and inclusion for autistic individuals and their families.

The annual Women's Wellness Day is one of Action in Autism's signature fundraising events. More than just a high tea, it is a celebration of women and an opportunity to pause, reconnect and prioritise wellbeing. The event also raises vital funds that enable Action in Autism to continue providing essential programmes and support services throughout the year.

Carers and educators from Action in Autism get dressed up in their annual Women's Wellness Day Fundraiser, Bridgerton Under South African Skies High Tea, taking place on Saturday, 15 August 2026.

A special focus of this year's event is to provide complimentary tickets for single mothers of autistic children. These women often devote themselves tirelessly to caring for their families, with little opportunity to prioritise their own wellbeing. In recognising their strength and unwavering commitment, the event aims to offer them an afternoon of rest, appreciation and connection.

"Raised by a strong woman who became my rock, I honour her, and all autism mothers who rise through exhaustion, stand firm in meltdowns, face judgement with courage, and keep hope alive. This Women's Wellness Day, we celebrate resilience. You are our Rock!" says Bongiwe Nyoka, an autistic adolescent.

Through the generosity of sponsors and supporters, Action in Autism hopes to make this opportunity possible, giving these mothers a meaningful reminder that they, too, deserve care, recognition and support.

"We believe every woman deserves the opportunity to feel valued, celebrated and supported," says Action in Autism’s Director Diane Mariah-Singh. "By attending this event or partnering with us as a sponsor, the community is helping create meaningful experiences for women while ensuring autistic individuals and their families continue to receive the support they need."

The event is expected to welcome approximately 200 guests, including autistic individuals, family members, community leaders, business professionals, donors and supporters. Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme, Bridgerton Under South African Skies, with their own creative interpretation through their attire.

Tickets are now available. Businesses and individuals are invited to support the event through financial sponsorships, donations of products or services, or contributions towards the complimentary tickets for single mothers. Major sponsors will receive recognition through event promotions. All donations are eligible for a Section 18A tax deduction certificate.

Whether attending the High Tea, sponsoring a guest or partnering with Action in Autism, every contribution helps create a more inclusive community where autistic people and their families can thrive.

For ticket bookings, sponsorship opportunities or more information, please contact info@actioninautism.org.za

Event at a Glance

• Event: Bridgerton Under South African Skies High Tea

• Date: Saturday, 15 August 2026

• Time: 14:00 – 16:30

• Venue: 105 Haig Road, Parkhill, Durban North

• Dress Code: Your interpretation of Bridgerton Under South African Skies

• Tickets: info@actioninautism.org.za

• Sponsorship enquiries: aiadirector@actioninautism.org.za