Flatfoot Dance Company presents its 15th anniversary celebratory season of dance theatre

“things left unsaid”

21 – 25 March 2018

 In a remarkable feet of perseverance in the arts, Durban’s inimitable Flatfoot Dance Company celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2018 as one of South Africa leading contemporary dance companies.

With an international touring reputation for excellence and a host of national awards under its belt, Flatfoot’s arrival at this momentous 15th year mark is a testament to a dedicated team of dancers and administrators. Founder and Artistic Director, Lliane Loots says; “it feels amazing to suddenly wake up and look at the calendar and see that we have been doing this for 15 years. It has been the best 15 years of my life where I have interacted with literally thousands of dancers in our community dance development programmes in KZN, and in which I have had the privilege of working with the professional dancers in the company who have journey alongside me to give Flatfoot the reputation that is has.”

Celebrating this significant moment, Flatfoot is offering Durban audiences a full-length season (21 – 25 March @ Sneddon Theatre) of new dance theatre work that is sure to solidify its longevity for another 15 years. With a reputation of edgy, controversial, beautiful and intelligent dance, Flatfoot has titled its 15th anniversary season “things left unsaid”. Diving heart first into the zeitgeist of contemporary South African identity, this remarkable season offers two new dance works by Sifiso Khumalo and Lliane Loots. 

Sifiso Khumalo has worked with Flatfoot for 12 of the 15 years of its existence and steps up, for its 15th anniversary season, to take on a magnificent choreographic role in his work “Ndlelanhle” (meaning ‘go well on your journey’). Over the past 6 years Khumalo’s reputation as an innovative choreographer has been growing with him recently having been awarded a prestigious ‘JOMBA! On the Edge’ choreographic grant for 2017. His insightful and heartfelt attention to traditional Zulu cultural identity and how contemporary modern life has shifted how we think about ourselves, is once again given air in this new work of his.

Talking about the impulse for creating “Ndlelanhle”, Khumalo says, “Growing up in Zulu culture when you leave home for a certain journey the elders would give you a special prayer or blessing. I worry that these small things have been forgotten. These words and blessing matter so much; they are a reminder that we, as black urban Zulu men and women, still have ancestors guiding us. In“Ndlelanhle” I wanted to go back to these small blessing spoken to us as young adults leaving home and to look at how these words might affect who we become.”

Khumalo’s “Ndlelanhle” also launches the professional career of Flatfoot’s newest crop of male dancers. Siseko Duba, Ndumiso Dube, Qhawe Ndimande, Sbonga Ndlovu and Mthoko Mkhwanazi have all completed a 5 year professional development training programmer run by Flatfoot (and funded by the National Arts Council of South Africa) and step onto the stage with grace, skill and dedication that will simply take your breath away. Flatfoot Dance Company felt that this 15th anniversary was indeed the right moment to reveal and celebrate the incredible journey of these Newlands and KwaMashu based dancers.

The second half of the evening present Lliane Loots’s newest offering “things left unsaid” and is part of her on-going artistic dance journey into seeking truth and honesty in her dance making. In a collaborative process, Loots has worked with Jabu Siphika, Zinhle Nzama, Sifiso Khumalo and the five new dancers to painfully interrogate the ‘things we leave unsaid’ – be these words and feelings of love or moments of social injustice and terror. Loots’s reputation for politically edge work that wraps an iron fist in a velvet glove, is once again sedimented in this dance theatre work that will make you weep for the sheer delicate beauty of it, and then will have you spinning for what it reveals.

Loots says, “Like many of my recent works, “things left unsaid” returns to what fascinates me right now and this is quite basically an earnest plea for intimacy in spite of the violence of our world. I journey with the dancers into some pretty horrifying personal and political territory and am reminded that we are all still standing – and still dancing. In the end this is a triumph of the heart; the bigness of the South African heart.”

Loots has worked alongside long time collaborators, Wesley Maherry (lighting), Karen Logan for video installations, and spoken word poet Iain ‘ewok’ Robinson who has added insightful text to “things left unsaid”.

Catch Flatfoot Dance Company’s 15th anniversary season “things left unsaid” at the Sneddon Theatre from 21 – 25 March 2018. Tickets available through Computicket and range from R65 to R85. Opening night (21 March @ 7.30pm: Heritage Day) is the special 15th anniversary celebration launch of “things left unsaid” and tickets will be sold for R100 as part of a fundraising drive for the company. The evening will include a glass of sparkling wine after the show.

For more info email Lliane Loots loots@ukzn.ac.za

Interview with SA Indoor player, Robin Jones from Pietermaritzburg - SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge

PMB Central Regional: Saturday 10 March at PMB Girls’ High
PMB Northern Regional: Sunday 11 March at St Anne’s College
Interview with Robin Jones 

“Incredible, cold, fantastic! What an experience!”

This is how SA Indoor player, Robin Jones from Pietermaritzburg, described his recent experience in Berlin two weeks ago where he competed in the FIH Indoor World Championships.

“It was an eye opener being a part of a hockey culture that is so passionate, and so professional about their sport. My hockey career has allowed me a number of years’ experience in Europe, both competing and living there to grow my skills. But being part of the World Champs this February was something special!”

The defender who has donned the green and gold jersey a total of 70 times, 54 times for the outdoor team and 16 occasions for the indoor side and has travelled far and wide for the game he loves. Collecting passport stamps from Malaysia, Russia, Belgium, Germany, the UK and Argentina to name a few on the growing list of hockey playing countries he has visited.

Rating walking down the tunnel at the Commonwealth Games, the Student Games in Russia in 2013 and of course his international debut against Japan in Argentina as three of his proudest moments in his life.

In the fifth Indoor World Cup, Jones and his team finished eleventh overall. In their pool they faced Austria, Belgium, Iran, Switzerland and Russia, ending their efforts at the bottom of the pool where they took on Kazakhstan in a thrilling playoff for eleventh and twelfth. The score at the final whistle was 6-1 to team RSA.

“We learnt a lot as a team at this tournament, but I would say that two positives for us that we walked away with, netting goals against hockey giants, Austria and Belgium. We managed three goals against World Indoor champions, Austria, and then two against the major hockey playing nation of Belgium. We scored 13 goals in total in our six games and conceded 29 and are looking forward to our next international outing!”

For now, the local hockey star is putting away his playing kit to take up the role of coach for the first team at St Anne’s Diocesan College. “I am really looking forward to this role. The shoes I am filling are big, but I am up for the challenge, replacing Carlos Pereira. It is my opportunity to give back to the sport that has allowed me so much!”

Asked who he most admires, he quickly states, “Roger Federer! Just everything about him is awe-inspiring. His talent, and his morals just make him an easy role model to admire!”

“If I can make just a small impact similar to what some of my coaches have had on me; to instil a passion for sports, then I will be grateful and eternally happy! The camaraderie you get from being part of a hockey family, on top of that the skills and tactics you learn are something special. And I hope to be able to open a few of my players eyes to these possibilities.”

First up for Coach Jones is the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge that they will host in two weeks. “We have a brilliant record in this tournament with six out of seven wins for our region in the history of this popular tournament. Following that we have the St Mary’s tournament in April in Johannaesburg, so an exciting start to my career with the first team at Saints.”

Jones has been a part of the school for a handful of years, coaching the U16s in 2013 and then the second team for outdoor and the first indoor team in previous years. He also recently took on a permanent position on the St Anne’s staff, in the Life Orientation department, concentrating more on the Phys. Ed. side of the subject. Hockey being his first passion, he dabbled in cricket at school, loves to run circles on a squash court, and knocking a golf ball around when he can. And he truly enjoys finding himself on trails, running. “Being outdoors is food for the soul and I strive to encourage all my students to get off their devices and fall in love with the great outdoors.”

He grew up in East London, matriculating from Selbourne a handful of years ago and moved to Pietermaritzburg in March 2013 with his long-time girlfriend, Nadia.

“I am loving the quality of life in Pietermaritzburg, being a part of a phenomenal school that hopefully I can grow with, and I don’t plan on changing anything in the immediate future! I can say that I am really happy with how everything is going right now.”

Next on his hockey playing agenda, the all-rounder will be joining his team mates from around the country for a National Training Camp for outdoor.

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge Interview with Charllene Boshoff by Sophie Thompson

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge
Pietermaritzburg Central Regional
Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School: Saturday 10 March
Interview with Charllene Boshoff by Sophie Thompson

Meet Charllene Boshoff, a go-getter of note. This budding pupil is traversing determinedly towards a bright future that she, herself is carving.

“Do what you love, and if you love what you do you will be successful!”

This is the wunderkind’s motto. Boshoff is a sporting star from St John's DSG and will be lining up for the first hockey team, defending their title in the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge next weekend in the #Pietermartizburg Central Regional.

“This will be my second SPAR tournament and we are hoping to do well again this year, but we will see what transpires on the day!”

It is still early days in the hockey season, with the outdoor team having only just been announced. Boshoff will be sharing the role of Co-Captain with fellow team mate Christin Stubbs. “It is going to be an exciting year, we have had two trainings so far and it is a good group of girls. Our team is very young with a number of newbies, but we are focusing on building their confidence, letting their talent shine.”

Once the SPAR tournament is wrapped up, Boshoff will be packing her bags, and together with her folks, heading across to the states to follow up on a number of varsity bursary applications. “I have been in touch with a few of the top varsities in the New York area that focus on field hockey, sending them video clips of my progress and skills. A couple of them have shown interest so I am going across to catch their attention, to put my hand up and say pick me.”

“From an early age, it has been a dream of mine to get to experience life in America, you can call it a fascination. But I would also love to get to experience playing hockey in Holland after my studies. But for now, my focus is on school, prioritising my studies and gearing up for varsity in the States. Matric has been quite hectic, an exciting challenge and I look forward to applying myself to the best of my capabilities.”

Her hockey coach, Lyndal Binks Robertson shared, “It is quite an amazing story of how this young athlete has pushed herself to be better, and has improved her technical and tactical game over the last couple of months. She transformed from being an average KZN Inland U16/B player two years ago to one of the top players in the KZN Inland U18/A team last year. She, I believe, is going to be one of the most dangerous players in the league!”

Continuing, Robertson said, “The other thing I find amazing is how she, by herself, got hold of a recruitment agency in the States and has been sending them drills and videos over the last year. She has had numerous interviews with various varsities over Skype already.”

Concluding, her coach enthused, “This chick wears me out... Her positivity, her never say die attitude is something to be commended. She can run, she is strong, she can OVERHEAD far! She just doesn’t know how to slow down, she truly is fantastic and has such a positive future ahead!”

The level headed student participates in an array of sporting disciplines, hockey being her first love, waterpolo her second where she made the KZN Midlands team. She swims for the school, competing in free and breaststrokes and to keep her fitness up for hockey, she dabbles in cross country for fun.

“I also play in the school basketball team, in post position. And I am part of the indoor hockey team, as well. Sport is a big part of my life, coming from an active background with both my folks being quite competitive, my Dad was a middle distance runner, loving cross country and my Mom had a flare for the unusual preferring water skiing, with a bit of a dare devil streak performing tricks on her skis.”

“My younger brother who is in grade 9 at St Charles used to take part in rugby but prefers cricket, he really is quite brilliant at!”

“The friendships built through sports are lifelong, the bonds strong. I would say one of the main lesson I have learnt from sport is communication is key. Good communication on and off the field is key and can make a huge difference to most outcomes.

The Montrose resident has a colourful home life, sharing her life with four dogs, two cats, a pond full of koi and a number of reptiles that are part of her brother’s collection.

Paving her way to an incredibly exciting life, this youngster will be waving the Pietermaritzburg flag proudly as she prepares to take on the world with her passion, hockey.

Photos by Jonathan Burton Jonathan Burton - Photographer

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge Northern KZN Regional: Glencoe – 24 February 2018

Media Release

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge

Northern KZN Regional: Glencoe – 24 February 2018

Sarel Cilliers High School in Glencoe, Northern KZN, plays host to the first of the ten regionals of the 2018 SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday, February 24.

Ten schools from the Northern KZN region will be participating in the eighth annual hockey challenge, considered one of the top schools’ sporting events in the province. 

Defending champs and six-times winners Ferrum High from Newcastle, will be out in full force to retain their title in this heavily contested regional.  

Schools that will be trying to release Ferrum’s stronghold, include one-time winners Sarel Cilliers (Glencoe, Umzinyathi), Newcastle High School,  St Dominics also from Newcastle; Utrecht High School, Dundee High School, Vryheid High School, Pionier High School (Vryheid) and Pongola Akademie. Returning to the tournament after a number of years is Vryheid Landbou.

Two pools of five teams each will play twenty-five minutes games on two fields. Ferrum, Dundee, St Dominics, Vryheid feature in Pool A, with Utrecht, Newcastle, Pionier, Vryheid Landbou and Sarel Cilliers in Pool B. Winners of the pools will advance to a semi-final format, culminating in a twenty-minute finals to determine the overall regional winner.

Interest in this tournament, piloted in KwaZulu-Natal, has extended to four other provinces: the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State and Gauteng with a total of 28 regionals tournaments played across the country.

“There is a fantastic growing interest in hockey and especially these tournaments,” says Les Galloway, Tournament Director, “We have aimed this at young women in high school, and have made the event fun and festive with good hockey, team spirit and sporting friendliness being a key drivers.”

Along with supporting the development of the players, the tournament also aims to grow new umpires. Each school brings their best umpire to represent them on the day to gain experience. Some of these umpires are then invited to participate at the Grand Finals, giving them further opportunity to hone their skills.

Winners of the Northern KZN Regional will participate in the Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN School Girls Hockey Challenge that takes place at St Mary’s DSG in Durban on 21 and 22 July.

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page.

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FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY hosts Swiss choreographer in a groundbreaking exchange that opens up challenges within dance, diversity and disability!

MEDIA RELEASE

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY hosts Swiss choreographer in a groundbreaking exchange that opens up challenges within dance, diversity and disability!

In an exchange that has taken almost 2 years to set up, Swiss choreographer Jürg Koch, has arrived in Durban to work with Flatfoot Dance Company and various local guest dancers in an unprecedented exchange. With support funding by Pro Helvetia, Jürg is spending 3 weeks in Durban to explore dance teaching and choreographic practices that are based on ideas of diversity especially as they relate to the inclusion of differently abled dancers into mainstream theatre dance.

Jürg’s own dance history has seen him work extensively with UK based CandoCo – Europe’s first professional integrated dance company working with dancers with disability. He taught, for ten years, at the University of Washington (Seattle) before heading back home to Switzerland and the city of Bern, where he now works as a freelance teacher and choreographer.

His connection with Flatfoot is a natural fit as Flatfoot’s own integrated youth dance work, spanning over 10 years, has been seminal in shifting national perceptions around who can dance. Flatfoot’s mandate to open up access to dance and the arts, has seen them work in conjunction with the Open Air School in a youth dance programme called LeftFeetFIRST!, and more recently they have started South Africa’s first Down syndrome youth dance company.

In a three way collaboration Jürg and Flatfoot are also joined by the Wentworth Arts and Culture Organisation’s (WACO) Dance Movement headed by Jarryd Watson. The final outcome of this exploratory dance residency will be on show at the Loft Theatre on Thursday the 1 February @ 5pm. Tickets are limited and so booking is essential. Tickets can be booked by calling 082 875 6065.

This final performance is also the culmination of a two day colloquium that Flatfoot’s artistic director, Lliane Loots, has set-up to coincide with Jürg’s visit. Loots, working in association with The Playhouse Company, has created a two day feast for dance teachers and performers to allow further exploration of the politics and practice of integrated dance practice. This colloquium features special guests, Unmute Dance Company (Cape Town), Dr. Gerard Samuel (UCT), Moving Into Dance (Johannesburg), Gladys Agulhas (Johannesburg) and disability activist and filmmaker Liza Aziz (amongst others).

Loots says that the intention of the colloquium is to “push the shared knowledge and practice-based learning around integrated and disability dance in South Africa - with a focus on revising the idea of dance as a tool for ‘living democracy’ - a term that Flatfoot Dance Company uses to describe its impulses in dance education and community dance engagements”. She goes on to say that integrated dance “is also a growing impulse towards diversity in terms of performance  practice and the hope is that we are all challenged to think bigger and more inclusively”.

The colloquium takes place at The Playhouse Complex on 31 January and 1 February and costs R300 (lunch and tea included). Limited places available and booking essential: 082 875 6065

Reminder - Durban FilmMart Project Submission for 2018 Closes on 12 December 2017

Media Release

Durban FilmMart Project Submission for 2018 Closes on 12 December 2017

Project submissions for the 2018 Durban FilmMart (DFM) which takes place during the Durban International Film Festival , South Africa close on December 12, 2017.

The Durban FilmMart is a joint project of Durban Film Office, the eThekwini Municipality’s  industry development unit, and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), which strives to support and stimulate the growth of African film and develop connections between African film makers and the rest of the world.

“With two recent Durban FilmMart projects  Inxeba (The Wound) (SA) and Train of Salt and Sugar (Mozambique) having been selected as Best Foreign Language Films for the next Academy Awards, we are seeing the impact that the support of projects in development has on the industry on a global level,” enthuses Toni Monty, Head of the Durban Film Office

The Durban FilmMart, now in its 9th year, comprises an exciting four day programme of workshops, seminars, and networking sessions and is attended annually by approximately 600 film-makers, distributors, broadcasters, agents and other film industry representatives.

Over the years the DFM has supported the development of over 170 African co-production projects, many of which have been developed into fully-fledged film products with cinema and festival release.

Ten documentary and ten fiction feature length film projects will be selected from the submissions, and these projects will undergo a two-day packaging and mentoring programme followed by two days of one-on-one meetings with a panel of film financiers, buyers and distributors from across the globe.

The Durban FilmMart is open to full length feature and documentary films projects with Africans in the major creative roles (writers, directors and producers) that are looking for co-producers, financiers, sales agents and funders. All film projects submitted are reviewed by a selection committee for consideration. All projects must have both a producer and director attached to them, and must be submitted by December 12, 2017.

“As we head into our ninth year, it feels like the DFM has really matured,” says Toni Monty. “We are seeing more and more of our alumni projects being completed and doing extremely well on either the festival or cinema circuits. It is really heartening to see that the effort and energy put into this programme continues to bear great fruit for the growth of the industry on the continent. We look forward to seeing some interesting projects submitted this year.”

For more about the Durban FilmMart 2018, project submission criteria and how to submit your project, visit www.durbanfilmmart.com.

For further enquires contact: info@durbanfilmmart.com or call   +27 31 311 4243

-ends

Nolwazi Magwaza

Versfeld & Associates

PR for DURBAN FILMMART/ DURBAN FILM OFFICE

Overstone presents - Coffee and Cake with Nibs Van Der Spuy

Legendary world acoustic guitarist Nibs van der Spuy will perform at Overstone Cottages, Overstone Farm near Wartburg, KZN Midlands, on Sunday, December 3, from 11h00.

This is one of many music concerts planned for the cottages, set within an exquisite working farm, with its beautiful 170 year old gardens, great walks with opportunities for cycling and birding.

“We have had two very successful, but small concerts here on the farm, with Nibs, Rowan Stuart, Andy Turrell, Charles Webster and Kaiti Faul, and we are keen to make it into a regular occurrence to generate interest in this part of the Midlands,” say sisters and organisers Phillippa Gordon and Caroline Gordon.  “Durbanites and folk from Maritzburg, seldom hesitate to hop in the car and drive to Notties for a craft beer and saunter around the craft shops, and often this side is thought to be too far. But it’s not. Here’s an opportunity to bring the children, grannies and grandpas to come enjoy a relaxing day listening to music, being outdoors and feeding one’s soul.”

Fires will be lit for those wanting to braai. There are lovely walks, and while there are no formal trails, there are plenty of places to cycle.

Local NGO Singakwenza (www.singakwenza.co.za), has been nominated beneficiary of this event, so a portion of the proceeds will be going to them to assist with the amazing work they do in early childhood development.

Tickets are R75, which includes coffee and cake. Under 12’s are free. Buskers wanting to perform can also get in free. Gates open at 11am and Nibs will start playing at 11h30.

The Overstone Farm is on the D82 road near Wartburg about 68kms from Pietermariztburg . It is about 1 hour 15 minutes from Durban.

To book call 083 290 1153 or email  info@overstone.co.za. For directions and more about Overstone Cottages go to www.overstone.co.za.

Josh's Big Year: A Story Of Hope

From a broken, suicidal, autistic teenager, who dropped out of school at 15, to a passionate young adventurer, comes a remarkable 300-page self-published coffee table book, Josh’s Big Year which was launched today (November 14) in Durban. Josh Crickmay's publishing debut is a celebration of courage and triumph of the human spirit.

In 2012 15-year-old South African school pupil Josh Crickmay, unable to cope with the demands of the classroom dropped out of school. What followed was a deep and debilitating depression kindled by the belief that he would never be able to fend for himself. Severely suicidal, Josh landed in hospital and was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome or High Functioning Autism.

Certain that unless they did something radical, they would lose their only child, Josh’s parents Andrew and Kathy, quit their jobs and embarked on a quest to give Josh a reason to live and to function in life without a formal education. They did this by building on and kindling Josh’s interests in birding, photography and writing.

 For an entire year they travelled to every corner of Southern Africa and spent seven weeks in the Amazon and Andes in what is known in birding circles as a “Big Year” which involves identifying as many bird species as possible in a single year, inspired by the movie of the same name.

The entire project represents Josh’s own work from photography to layout and design. His writing is a delight, honest, self-effacing and laugh out loud funny in places but sobering and tear-filled in others.

Ernie and Liesl Els had this to say: “This book has a transformative effect; like turning on a flashlight in a dark room. For readers the book serves as a delight for the senses – visually, thanks to the diverse and brilliant photography, and emotionally, through the way in which the book navigates Josh’s emotional journey”.  This sentiment is shared by founding art director of Getaway magazine James Berrange who said “the effect this book is going to have can hardly be imagined”.

The book took nearly 3 years to write, with the first edition completed when he was 16. The book is hoped to impact and give encouragement to a world where one in 68 people are thought to be on the Autism spectrum. 

Josh’s plan is that Josh’s Big Year will be the first in a series of books as he video blogs his adventures and highlights conservation issues.

The book can be purchased online at www.joshcrickmay.com . It is an ideal corporate or family gift for Christmas or special occasions.

DigiFest 4 - Annual Arts and Design Digital Festival

The Durban University of Technology’s fourth annual DigiFest takes place from 6 to 11 November, featuring a series of live art activations, innovations, exhibitions, discussions, workshops, music, poetry, dance and drama as well as craft and street food markets.

DigiFest 4, is a public event that looks to celebrate the creative spirit through multimedia projects from disciplines such as visual and performing arts and promotes a collaboration across art, science and technology.

“The theme this year is “glitch” which informs the content of the fest that will engage, contest, celebrate and question the idea of malfunctions, technical mishaps and imperfections in systems,” says Dr Rene Smith Festival Director and Executive Dean: Faculty of Arts & Design. “Curated projects will speak to the disruption and subversion of formats, spaces, places and technologies. It is about questioning and going beyond traditional notions of art in an interdisciplinary, multimedia world, where design and creativity merge and interact with science and technology broadly.”

Opening night takes place on 6 November and will highlight a collaborative live audio visual performance coordinated by Johannesburg-based electronic artist, cultural activist and producer, Marcus Neustetter and featuring a selection of local artists. Sue Gollifer, the chair of the ISEA international board, will be introducing ISEA as a precursor to ISEA2018 (International Symposium on Electronic Art), which takes place in Durban next year. The Alumni and Development Department will be running a competition to pledge support for the Missing Middle campaign.

In a new fashion, the festival will host a series of events across venues in Durban. The KZNSA Gallery in Glenwood comes alive on November 7 with DUT Fine Art Department exhibition, and an installation by Bongumenzi Ngobese, examines elements of sounds, which address issues of context through video. The night features a special performance by Zimbabwean multi-media artist Robert Machiri.

An evening of style takes place at the DUT Brickfield Campus on November 8, with a multi-media fashion experience featuring leading innovations in the fashion and textiles department  joined by a special guest DJ to be announced. B-Tech students final portfolio exhibitions will be on display and student run pop-up shops will have jewellery and craft on sale.

A breakaway session on November 9 at the Green Camp, a creative hub of urban farming and green rehabilitated art in Umbilo, features the premier of the film entitled ‘Street art and mural art as visual activism in Durban” by artist Mook Lion. “A Sketch” is an installation of bricolage video work by Glenn Adendorff and Rob Da Banka closes the night with vinyl loops.

The City Campus explodes with creativity on Friday, November 10 from 10am with a host of prominent speakers in the world of arts, design and digital media. In the courtyard students entrepreneurs showcase their products and innovations. Exhibitions open throughout the afternoon and feature projects from various departments including graphic design, jewellery, interior design, journalism and video technology as well as individual exhibitions from range of young local artists working in the digital arts.

The Talk Fest at the City Campus that day includes speakers Sheetal Cross (RSA) – Virtual Reality, Kirstin Wiedow (Namibia) NUST-DUT Polar Project, Mari Pete (RSA) – Glitches in ELearning, Prof Oliviera (Brazil) – LabInter Project, Tegan Bristow (RSA) Fakugesi Festival, Arjon Dunnewind (Netherlands) - Frankenstein in the Garden of Eden.

The Makerspace hosts a workshop that will allow a fixed number of participants the opportunity to collaborate and build doodle bots. This session will open to all on a first come basis, and submissions can be done via digifest@dut.ac.za.

The day culminates with the popular PechaKucha, a gathering of inspired minds who presents ideas, thoughts, dreams and creative insights. This year some of the speakers include Llwellyn Makhanya (Photographer), Richard Gevers (Civic Data Activist), Mark Stuart (Developer), Brad Vause (Musician, app developmer), Zwelisha Giampietri (Multi-media designer), Sihle Mthembu (Journalist), Bylwansta (Designer and Rapper) and more.

On Saturday, November 11 the Steve Biko Campus becomes the focus with live performances in the form of poetry and open mic sessions, a cross-platform theatrical piece entitled Duped and a hip hop battle closing the evening with a great line-up of music by ByLwansta, Gaba, Rude Boyz, Moonchild, Sibot and Toyota and Sparks Bantwana.

A highlight of the DigiFest 4 this year is The Digital Battle, which will take place at the DUT Gallery on November 11. This Digital Battle is a live head-to-head design tournament where participants flex their skills in front of an audience and compete for some great prizes. The  competitors will engage in a battle of their choice including 2D design, animation, character design and video editing. Entries are now open and close on November 8, head over to www.designbattles.co.za/durban.html to sign up.

“We are pleased to be presenting DigiFest 4 again this year, as it provides a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their work, and to collaborate with professionals and other creatives,” says Steve Jones, Festival Manager. “We aim to build an event that stands tall on the Durban calendar and engages the highest level of the work from around the world to be presented.”

All are welcome and entrance is free with exception of 11 November events at Steve Biko where tickets will be free for students and R40 for the public.

The full programme can be found on the website digifest.dut.ac.za.

Instagram: dutdigifest_

Twitter: @DigitalArtFest

Facebook: DUTDigiFest

Action in Autism Skills Transference Workshop

Most people with autism struggle with verbal and non-verbal communication, sensory processing difficulties, social interaction and asserting themselves in a fast-paced, highly interactive and social world. Action in Autism, a non-profit organisation currently based in Sydenham, will address these difficulties through a highly-intensive 2-day workshop for parents, professionals and those who interact regularly with people with autism. These workshops offer skills and techniques to support a person with communication, social interaction, and sensory difficulties. When employed by those who interact with autistic people on a daily basis, these supports help enormously to ease the stress and anxiety of social interaction and participation, and increase the likelihood that a person with autism will be encouraged to tackle potentially overwhelming social situations more easily.

Hosted bi-annually by a fabulous team of six professionals, a parent and a young person with autism, the workshop is held over two days and includes both theoretical and practical components, as well as opportunities for networking. The team of professionals comprises of a clinical psychologist, educational psychologist, two speech therapists and a specialist in augmentative and alternative communication systems, an occupational therapist,and an educator.

All parents and professionals are invited to join Action in Autism’s next Skills Transference Workshop on Friday 13 October and Saturday 14 October, to be held at the Moth Hall, King Dinuzulu Hospital in Durban. 

The workshop cost of R850 per person and covers course materials, refreshments and meals. Please contact the Action in Autism office on 031 207 4858 or send an email to info@actioninautism.org.za for a registration form. Places are limited to 40 people per workshop.

For more information about Action in Autism, the Skills Transference Workshops, or other services and support offered by the organisation, call 031 207 4858 or email info@actioninautism.org.za.

South Africa's official selection to the 90th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars) is INXEBA/ The Wound!

This is not a press release we generated - but we so want to share this - the 2014 Durban FilmMart project - is SA’s official entry for the 90th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars) in Foreign Language Film category.

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture is proud to announce that the feature film, INXEBA/The Wound has been selected as South Africa's official entry for the 90th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars) in Foreign Language Film category.

The NFVF assembled a South African Academy Awards Selection Committee, comprising of professionals from the various fields of the film making value chain. The committee sat over three days to view the 6 films submitted and ultimately selected INXEBA.

INXEBA tells the story of Xolani, a lonely factory worker, who joins the men of his community in the mountains of the Eastern Cape to initiate a group of teenage boys into manhood. When a defiant initiate from the city discovers his best kept secret, Xolani’s entire existence begins to unravel.

The selection committee was looking for an authentic South Africa story with a predominantly non-English dialogue. The committee applauded the film as master piece in terms of script, directing and performances that are believable and captivating. The film premiered at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, the most difficult festival to get into, and has been sold to 30 territories to date which is evidence of its global appeal.

"Congratulations to the creators of INXEBA. It is important for the content we produce to disrupt and propel audiences to introspect and the film’s focus on important aspects of our culture and traditions, while addressing topical issues of identity, masculinity and sexuality does just that. And I hope that we as South Africans will engage constructively around these issues.” said Peter Kwele, NFVF Head of Marketing and Communications.

The NFVF and the South African Academy Awards Selection Committee wishes the team behind the film best of luck.

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Sharlene Versfeld

Versfeld & Associates

Local Film - Deep end wraps up filming in Durban

After 29 days of filming in Durban, local film production company Arclight, begins the next stage of their journey with the post-production on their surf-flick Deep End in the in the City.

 Filmed in Durban on a fairly healthy budget of R4 million, with a completely local crew, Deep End is funded by the DTI and KZN Film Commission with production house investment as well.

 The film is directed by well-known award-winning director, Eubulus Timothy who is chairperson of the Durban Filmmakers Guild, vice chairperson of Writer’s Guild Of South Africa, and a recipient of the prestigious Harley-Merrill Screenwriting Award (Hollywood). Jacintha Timothy of Arclight Distributors, an established Durban-based film and television production company, is producing the film.

 “Deep End is essentially a coming of age, surf love story,” explains Jacintha. “It’s a warm, exciting, family movie that will resonate across the board with audiences.”

 The film centres around a beautiful 20 year old Indian girl, Sunitha who comes from a traditional Durban family who defies her father, to become a competitive surfer. On the beaches she discovers a whole new world of inter- racial love, ethnic diversity, arranged marriages, conflict and friendship.  Her father’s heart is eventually softened by her skill for the sport and near death experience. And in the end she wins her struggle for self-expression and self-fulfillment in a society that supports conformity, gains her father’s approval and the man of her dreams. 

 The film stars Cape Town based actor Greg Kriek as Cory, the main love interest, and Durban-born, Cape-Town based Carishma Basday as Sunitha. Kriek has over 40 screen acting credits to his name and will soon be seen in the next installment of Universal Studios' Tremors as  "Dutch", in 20th Century Fox's Maize Runner: The Death Cure, Pureflix's Samson as one of the leads "Caleb" and also stars as Tony Sinclair in the upcoming biopic Serengeti Rules from Oscar winning production company Passion Pictures.

 Well-known SA actress Carishma Basday, a presenter on the popular Mela magazine show on SABC3, has many film and commercial credits to her name. Equally at home on stage and screen Casrishma has featured in films 31 Million Reasons (directed by John Barker) and starred in her first leading role as the love interest of famed comedian Riaad Moosa in Material directed by the award-winning Craig Freimond. 

 “We are thrilled that Arclight managed to secure significant funding to be able to film this delightful uniquely Durban story,” said Toni Monty, Head of the Durban Film Office. “As the City’s industry development unit, we are constantly looking at ways in which we can encourage production houses to make use of the City as we offer such a wealth of locations and a myriad settings. Arclight has taken advantage of these, and we look forward to seeing the fruits of their love and labour on the big screen.”

 Speaking on location on Durban Beachfront Jacintha, who also produced the second season of Durban Beach Rescue, says post-production will be done another Durban-based company -  The Other Theatre Company.

 “We have enough local talent to be able to make films in Durban,” enthused Jacintha, “but we need to give people a chance to gain the experience. So it has been fantastic to be able to do this in our home town.”

Issued by Nolwazi Magwaza / Sharlene Versfeld

For the Durban Film Office

Flatfoot Dance Company and INTRODANS collaborate with Downs Syndrome Dancers

Durban-based, Flatfoot Dance Company and Adriaan Luteijn from the Netherlands-based  INTRODANS Dance Company, together with four dancers with Downs Syndrome, are blazing a new trail for dance in South Africa, with their performance  of “Cardiac Output” at this year’s 19th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance on Sunday, September 3 at 6pm.

The four young adult dancers with Downs Syndrome, Kevin Govender  and Michaela Munro (both from Queensburgh), Charles Phillips (from Westville) Karl Hebbelmann (from Pinetown), who auditioned earlier this year have been working regularly over the last 5 months with Flatfoot dancers Thobile Maphanga, Sifiso Khumalo, Zihle Nzama and Jabu Siphika, and then intensely for the last three weeks with Luteijn.

‘We have been working with the Durban Downs Syndrome Society to initially audition dancers for this work, but also in an endeavour to develop a relationship with dancers who are wanting to perform and create,” says Lliane Loots, Artistic Director of JOMBA! and the Flatfoot Dance Company. “This is art project, not a therapy project. It is a project in which these dancers have made a commitment to making a profound piece of art. A meaningful work of art that can make a difference to us all. One that challenges the societal norms of who has access to create and who does not. We are all deeply excited about the work. It has been life-changing for us all, and we look forward to seeing it performed in front of an audience on Sunday.”

Choreography is by Adriaan Luteijn, artistic manager of INTRODANS’s educational department, Introdans Interactie. He is known for his work that explores and extends the usual expectations of art by working with elderly dancers, autistic dancers and others in an effort to “involve as many people as possible to the art of modern dance, not only for people who can find their way easily to the theatre, but for those that cannot.”

Luteijn says that professional dancers learn so much about themselves and their artform by dancing with people who are differently abled, and vice versa. “It is amazing to see how our guest dancers grow stronger in their self confidence, and, of course, the audience applause does the rest.”

The medical term “cardiac output” is used for the amount of blood pumped through the heart per minute. The choreography is about matters of the human heart which can influence the cardiac output. The first version of “Cardiac Output” premiered in March last year in Amsterdam.

“Cardiac Output” will close this year’s JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience on Sunday, September 3 at 6pm at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, UKZN.

Tickets are available at Computicket or at the door. 

Exciting opportunities for Choreographers and Dancers in JOMBA!'s Fringe and Youth Fringe programmes

The 19th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, which opens tonight  (Wednesday, August 23) and runs until Sunday, September 3, 2017 includes the much-loved JOMBA! Fringe programme featuring 10 new works by South African choreographers and dancers, and the delightful Youth Fringe,  with works by professional dance-makers performed by youth groups.

The Fringe, which takes place on Tuesday, August 29 at 7.30pm at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, is an open performance platform that provides an opportunity for choreographers (some new to choreography and some professional dancers) to present their work in a professional environment with the support of a full technical team.

“This is one of the ways in which the JOMBA! festival offers assistance in developing dance and choreographic talent by offering open professional performance spaces,” explains Lliane Loots Artistic Director of festival.

The JOMBA! Fringe features works by Jabu Siphika and Flatfoot Dance Company’s Advanced Dance Development Programme (ADD FLATFOOT) (Durban), Bonwa Mbontsi (Pietermaritzburg), Jarryd Watson andDANCE MOVMENT (Durban), JC Zondi (Pietermaritzburg), Kristi-Leigh Jean Gresse (Durban), Lucia Walker(Johannesburg), Qiniso Zamandla Zungu (Johannesburg), Thobi Maphanga and Shelby Strange, Kirsty Ndawo and Horror Collective (Durban), Yaseen Manuel (Cape Town) and Vusi Makhanya KwaMashu School of Dance/Dusi Dance Company ( Durban).

The JOMBA! Youth Fringe, which takes place on Sunday, August 27 at 2.30pm at the Open Air Theatre at UKZN, is a celebration of over 20 KZN based youth dance groups and the incredible dance work that they are doing.

The line-up for this year’s JOMBA include Birthmark Dancers - Choreographer: Lerato Maphumulo (Umlazi E-Section, DBN), Tuck n' Tumble - Choreographer:  Thobi Maphanga (Glenwood, Durban), Super Troupers - Choreographer:  Bonwa Mbontsi (Slangspruit Primary School, PMB), LiveArt -  Choreographer:  Bonwa Mbontsi (Epworth, PMB), Phakama Youth Company - Choreographers:  Sandile Mkhize and Nkhanyiso Kunene (Durban Central, DBN), Break-Thru Junior Elite Dance Company -  Choreographer:  Gabriel Masango (Durban), Junior KwaMashu School of Dance Theatre - Choreographers:  Thandeka Maqebula, Sabelo Gumbi and Tebogo Mncwabe (KwaMashu) , KweSethu Project. Choreographers:  Thandeka Maqebula, Sabelo Gumbi and Tebogo Mncwabe (Ntuzuma), Mtapo Project - Choreographers:  Thandeka Maqebula, Sabelo Gumbi and Tebogo Mncwabe (Inanda), Mofu Project - Choreographers:  Thandeka Maqebula, Sabelo Gumbi and Tebogo Mncwabe (Endwedwe), Amagugu (Danville Girls' High Dance Development Programme) - Choreographer:  Musa Hlatshwayo (Durban North), Mzansi Arts Development Ensemble - Choreographer:  Lucky Nonhlanhla Cele (KwaMashu), Siyakhula Dance Project (Flatfoot Dance Company) - Choreographer: Sifiso Khumalo (KwaMahsu),Project Hheshe Nsizwa (Flatfoot Dance Company) Choreographer: Jabu Siphika (Umlazi), Project Dudlu Ntombi (Flatfoot Dance Company) Choreographer - Zinhle Nzama and Thuli Khumalo (Umlazi), Waterloo Dance Programme (Flatfoot Dance Company) - Choreographer: Jabu Siphika (Waterloo), LeftFeetFIRST! (Flatfoot Dance Company) - Choreographer: Sifiso Khumalo (in partnership with the Open Air School), and William Clarke Gardens Dance Programme  (Flatfoot Dance Company) - Choreographer: Thobi Maphanga and Gcina Shange (Sherwood).

Tickets for the Fringe are through Computicket or at the door from one hour beforehand.  Entrance to the Youth Fringe is free. For the full programme go to www.cca.ukzn.ac.za and click on JOMBA.

Free Workshops for dancers and dance-makers at JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience

23 August – 3 September 2017

 JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience will host four open workshops at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Dance Studio (Howard College Campus) between 23 August and 3 September, as part of the festival’s efforts to share knowledge and skills to local dancers, choreographers and dance teachers.

The 19th annual JOMBA! festival, which is hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts (within the College of Humanities),  includes a packed line up of local and international guests, who will in assist in facilitating workshops, that are open to the public.

The first workshop is facilitated by Kossi Sebastien Aholou-Wokawui from steptext dance project in Germany. Kossi is a dancer and dance teacher from Togo and he will take dancers into the world of ‘AFRO-AFRICAN’ technique. He defines ‘AFRO-AFRICAN’ technique as an African dance of modern expression, it is a synthesis of traditional dances of West Africa, Western contemporary dance and Caribbean dance (Haiti/Cuba). He says that this technique is an ongoing dialogue with the cosmos and nature and works mainly on rooting, breathing and the mobility of the spine, giving special importance to improvisation and musical accompaniment, all styles/techniques and abilities are welcome. This workshop takes place on Thursday 24 August, from 4 to 6pm.

Memela Nyamze from Cape Town will facilitate a workshop drawing on the politics of the “BODY” on Saturday 26 August from 10am to 12 noon. Nyamza radically deconstructs the normative expectations of who qualifies to be a dancer. In this workshop dancers will explore dynamic ways of communicating with your bodies by simply using physical techniques, the mind, the soul, and the past and the presence in the most symbolic way. Dancers of all abilities and levels, and who are 18 years and older may attend this.

On Tuesday 29 August from 5 to 7pm,  Standard Bank Young Artist for Dance 2017, Thandazile “Sonia” Radebe from Johannesburg, will facilitate an open level workshop combined technique class that will explore some of Radebe’s working methods in her creation of SABELA, all abilities and levels welcome.

Finally on Saturday 2 September from 10am-12noon, Adriaan Lutijn teacher/ artistic manager  of INTRODANS – from Arnhem in Holland will take participants through the daily routine of this modern ballet company, in a practical way. He will use the repertoire of the performance of INTRODANS on the festival as an inspiration. Dancers of all backgrounds in dance are welcome at this workshop.

These workshops are offered free of charge to participants but booking is essential as places are limited. The workshops are open to dancers 16 years and older (unless otherwise specified) .

Bookings can be done on 082 875 6065 (during office hours only) or e-mailjombafestival@gmail.com at least 2 days in advance of the workshop

For more information contact Lliane Loots on lootsl@ukzn.ac.za

Red Bull Kas’Lami rocks Kwa-Mashu, KZN

South Africa / Kwa-Zulu Natal / Culture / Music / Red Bull Kas’Lami

The fourth edition of Red Bull Kas’Lami rocks Kwa-Mashu

The fourth edition of Red Bull Kas’Lami took over KwaMashu this weekend and, according to the organisers, was a resounding success. The three-day programme celebrated local township heroes, while embracing the wider cultural landscape of KZN’s second largest township.

It was not only the township dwellers that attended the event, but people came from around KZN to enjoy the mind blowing line up performers. 

The Kas’Lami event, meaning “My Hood”, aims to showcase local performing artists that have emerged from South African townships: paying tribute to their humble beginnings and their epic, inspirational journeys to success.

The festival started on Friday, 4 August 2017 at Artizen lounge with the screening of a film, featuring success stories of Durban-born talents.  The screening, which was open to the public was, followed by a Q&A session. On Saturday 5 August 2017, an info session was held by Rude Boyz and SoKool at Big Box Park, who engaged with upcoming talent and shared insights about the colourful South African music industry.

Sunday turned out to be the highlight of the festival, with a music concert at Artizen Lounge,  attended by hundreds of people.

“This years Red Bull Kas’Lami was one of the best productions of any event I have seen in Ekasi,” said Gagasi personality, DJ Mario Munday, who was afeatured DJ.

The concert boasted a killer lineup, which included remixer DJ and Metro FM award winner – Culoe de Song! Durban’s Gqom kings –  Distruction Boyz, and performances by DJ Kabila, EM Ex, DJ SoKool, Bhunu Brill, Snapbvck, Menace, Malusi, Urban Angel and DJ Lag.

This was the fourth year that the festival travelled to different South African townships. Red Bull Kas’Lami started in Tembisa in 2014, before moving on to Umlazi in 2015, featuring Umlazi-born international DJ superstar, Black Coffee. Polokwane had a taste of the Kas’Lami magic in December 2016 where Da Capo and King Monada were headline artists at Polokwane Shisanyama.  

Red Bull Kas'Lami returns to KwaZulu-Natal (KwaMashu) for its fourth edition

(eThekwini, South Africa) Celebrating township culture, Red Bull Kas’Lami, returns to KwaZulu-Natal for a three day creative explosion from Friday, 4 August till Sunday, 6 August 2017. 

Kas’Lami, meaning “My Hood” aims to showcase local performing artists that have emerged from South African townships: paying tribute to their humble beginnings, their power in overcoming struggles along the way and their epic journeys to success.

The three-day programme not only celebrates local township heroes. It embraces the wider cultural landscape of music, fashion and art, which are featured in a variety of pop-up happenings.

This is the fourth year that the festival is travelling to a different South African township. Kas’Lami started in Tembisa in 2014, before moving on to Umlazi in 2015, featuring Umlazi-born international DJing superstar, Black Coffee. Polokwane had a taste of the Kas’Lami magic in December 2016 where Da Capo and King Monada were headline artists at Polokwane Shisanyama.  

This year’s three day event will kick-start on Friday, 4 August with film screenings of success stories of Durban-born talents followed by a Q&A which will take place on Friday at Artizen Lounge in KwaMashu from 6pm . Saturday features an info session by Rude Boyz and SoKool at Bix Box Park from 6pm. Both events are free and open to the general public. Kas’Lami wraps up in true Red Bull style on Sunday, 6 August with a foot-stomping concert at the Artizen Lounge in KwaMashu starting at 12 noon. The power line-up of entertainers includes producer, remixer DJ and Metro FM award winner – Culoe de Song! Durban’s Gqom kings –  Distruction Boyz, with performances by DJ Kabila, EM Ex, DJ SoKool, Bhunu Brill, Snapbvck, Menace, Malusi, Urban Angel and DJ Lag.

Red Bull Kas’Lami gives people a platform to celebrate greatness in their own neighbourhoods. The KwaMashu version promises an action-packed weekend, which will showcase the very best of one of KZN’s liveliest townships.

“I am delighted to be coming to perform in KwaZulu Natal, and looking forward to exposing the people of KwaMashu to this lifestyle,” says musician, Culoe De Song. “These events have proved to be so popular within “the hoods” as people can look within to see the incredible talents that emerges to make great successes. We hope that this year’s event proves even more inspirational for local talent, and that it not only provides an opportunity for good fun, but also a reminder that fabulous things can emerge from one’s “hood.”

Tickets for the concert on August 6 are available from Computicket at R100 and R150 for VIP or online www.computicket.co.za. No tickets will be available at the gate. For more information go to www.redbull.com/za or follow on Instagram: @RedBullZA;  Twitter: @RedBullZA, Facebook: Red Bull.

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GEARING UP TO BLOW THE WHISTLE AT THE GRAND FINALS - Haylea Heyns

The winners of the annual SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge are about to be crowned, and 18-year-old umpire from Wartburg, Kevin Engelbrecht, prepares to blow the whistle at the Grand Finals taking place in Kloof later this month.

The tournament is in its seventh year and kicked off in Pongola in February this year, travelling to 10 regions around KZN and seeing almost 80 high school girls’ first teams battle it out on the turf. At each of the regionals an up-and-coming young umpire was selected, and Engelbrecht was one of the “Most Promising Umpires” to be invited to referee at the Grand Finals, where he represents the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Region.

Engelbrecht comes from a long lineage of hockey players and many of his relatives belong to the Wartburg first team and have played in the tournament’s finals for a number of years. Engelbrecht has been umpiring for 4 years and likes hockey for its “necessity of skill and hand-eye coordination as opposed to physical strength required in rugby or athletics.” He attributes his umpiring talents to the numerous leadership positions held throughout his schooling career together with his calm demeanour on the field. 

Engelbrecht is studying a BCom through Unisa and plans to join his family retailing business on completion of his studies. Items on his bucket list include umpiring a Tuks / Maties hockey match at Stellenbosch, travelling throughout South Africa as well as visiting his favourite football team, Liverpool, at their home stadium - Anfield.

Engelbrecht attended Wartburg Kirchdorf School and says the best thing about living in Wartburg is the peacefulness; “Everything is just very relaxed with no bustling traffic, and most people know each other so there are good community relationships.” If he could meet anybody in the world, dead or alive, Engelbrecht says he would like to meet his great-great-great-grandfather who came to South Africa as a missionary from Germany. 

The SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Grand Finals take place at St Mary’s DSG on the 29 and 30 July 2017.

SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge

The top ten first teams converge at St Mary’s DSG to battle it out at the Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge on 29 and 30 July.

The format for the finals will be pool games with the ten teams being split into two pools. Games will be 20 minutes one way, with four points being awarded for a win, two points for a draw with goals and a single point for a goalless draw. 

Only one team has made an appearance in all seven of the Grand Finals, Durban Girls’ College has a sterling record with three consecutive golds, two silvers and a fourth place. They look to be the favourites in Pool B. College are joined by newcomers St John’s DSG and Amanzimtoti High School and King Edward High School who both are making their third appearance at the tournament. King Edward made a name for themselves last year after they impressively held the stronger teams to draws in the pool games. 

Pool A sees defending champions St Mary’s DSG taking on previous 2011 winners, St Anne’s College, Grantleigh College, Wartburg Kirchdorf School and Our Lady of Fatima. The two saints teams are in good form after a vigorous school season but they will be up against the formidable German precision from Wartburg and the determined teams of Fatima and Grantleigh. 

Overseeing the games will be a handful of the Most Promising Umpires selected at the various regionals, together with a blend of a handful of more experienced whistle blowers who will assist in grooming the up-and-coming regional umpires.

Travelling from Dundee is Que Mdletshe, the MPU representing the Northern KZN Regional. Kevin Engelbrecht will be travelling with his team from Wartburg. Engelbrecht is part of a keenly strong hockey family with his relatives Elona and Michelle both participating for Wartburg. Alana Marais will be representing the Pietermaritzburg region. Local Durban umpire, Angelique Kellerman is no stranger to the tournament, having played and captained Durban Girls’ High School when she was still a scholar. Bryan Riddle, who is a Grade 11 student from Thomas More College has been working hard to further his umpiring career and will be using this tournament to start making a name for himself.

Complementing the most promising umpires are Sonika Visser who also appeared in the first tournament as an MPU. Pam Daniel, like Kellerman, made her way through the ranks as a talented player and an MPU for Westville Girls’ High and now is a graded umpire. Engelie Maas has become a regular at both the regional and final tournament. Lastly, Greg Beavon will be rounding up the list of umpires. 

Seventh Appearance

Durban Girls’ College- Durban Central Regional Winner - Gold (2013, 2014, 2015), Silver (2012, 2016), Fourth (2011)

Sixth Appearance

Ferrum High School – Northern KZN Regional Winner – Fifth (2012, 2015), Sixth (2011), Tenth 2013, 2014)

St Anne’s –Pietermaritzburg North Regional Winner - Gold (2011), Bronze (2014, 2015, 2016), Fourth (2013)

St Mary’s DSG – Highway Regional Winner - Gold (2012, 2016), Bronze (2011, 2013), Fourth (2015)

Fifth Appearance

Wartburg Kirchdorf – Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional Winner - Eighth (2013), Ninth (2014), Sixth (2015), Fifth (2016)

Third Appearance

Amanzimtoti High School – Durban South Regional Winner - Tenth (2015, 2016)

King Edward High School – Southern KZN Regional Winner - Eighth (2015), Sixth (2016)

Grantleigh – Northern Coastal Regional Winner - Eighth (2011, 2016)

Second Appearance

Our Lady of Fatima – Durban North Regional Winner – Fifth (2011)

First Appearance

St John’s DSG