Film - Deliver Me - poetic meditation on the migration of a Malawian man for Encounters Film Fest

Deliver Me screening at Encounters Documentary Film Festival

Paper Cranes Collective and Ctrl Alt Shift are proud to announce that their first collaboration, Deliver Me, has been selected to screen at this year’s Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival where it will have its world premiere.  Directed by Jannous Aukema (Until The Silence Comes and The Jaguars Daughter), the film was conceived, filmed, and edited during South Africa’s LockDown level 4. Made for under R20,000 and a four-man crew, the project is a unique take on the documentary storytelling format.  

“We are honoured and very pleased to have our project Deliver Me, screen at such a prestigious festival such as Encounters, a festival that plays such a key role not only in the continental festival calendar but also for documentaries in our local industry,” said Mitchell Harper, Ctrl Alt Shift producer of the film. “The film’s collaborative nature, along with its unusual approach to story-telling and financing will hopefully readjust many to how we approach not only filmmaking but help shift our understanding of what trials many go through in a bid to survive everyday life.” 

Co-produced by companies in Durban and Cape Town, Deliver Me is a 25-minute film, a poetic meditation on the migration of a Malawian man, who has come to South Africa to find a future for himself and his family. We follow Paul Mwasi through the evening streets, restaurants, and suburbs he navigates as an Uber delivery bike rider, during the coronavirus hard lockdown in Cape Town, South Africa. We come to see that he is a man driven by love for his family, whom he remains in contact with through his cellphone, his digital lifeline to those he has left behind. His work and the conditions he toils in are solitary. In many ways, Paulʼs journey as witnessed in the film is a signifier not only of the struggles of isolation in an unknown place but more generally of the lonesome months of a world pandemic.  

The film will be available to view free at Encounters on their digital platform from 10-20 June, and is available on the African continent throughout the festival period as part of their 24/7 section. 

To find out how to watch Deliver Me, go  to Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival, https://encounters.co.za/film/deliver-me/

You can see the teaser of the film through this link: https://vimeo.com/558692412

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Powerful Generation Africa Films on Migration for Encounters and DIFF

Media Release

STEPS Premieres its first two feature films of Generation Africa Slate at Encounters & DIFF

STEPS presents the first two feature films in their latest collection, Generation Africa, to African audiences at the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival in June and at the Durban International Film Festival in July.

STEPS is a Cape Town-based media company that works with documentary filmmakers, broadcasters, festivals, organisations and individuals who are passionate about documentary as a catalyst for social change. STEPS has produced similar film projects including Steps for the Future, Why Democracy? and Why Poverty? with critical acclaim.

Generation Africa is the latest collection being produced by STEPS with 25 films in co-production with 16 countries across Africa. Generation Africa brings together a collection of stories reflecting the lived experiences of Africa’s youth through the topic of migration.

As migration continues to be a contentious political issue globally, the voices of Africans have been missing in the stories being told about the topic and this project responds by supporting African filmmakers to tell stories from an insider perspective,” explains Tiny Mungwe, producer Generation Africa, at STEPS.

The Generation Africa project also helped to strengthen documentary filmmaking in Africa by building communities across the continent and / by bringing filmmakers from Francophone and Anglophone countries together. The project provided each of the filmmakers professional support from experienced documentary film experts for story development, dramaturgy in production as well as the edit in post-production.

The first two films completed in the collection will be screened at Encounters and DIFF - two key African festivals.

The Last Shelter

Set in the Mailian town of Gao, on the edge of the Saraha desert, The Last Shelter (Le Denier Refuge) takes us into the House of Migrants, a resting place for migrants returning from the Sahara having failed to make the crossing of the Mediteranean Sea as well as those hopeful migrants still planning the crossing. In the house of migrants young people wait, share stories of the perils of the deserts and reflect on what migration means to them.

The Last Shelter is directed by Malian director Ousmane Samassekou and produced by STEPS together with Malian production company DS Productions as well as French production company, Point du Jour - Les Films du balibari. The film took the main prize at the recent edition of CPH:DOX in Copenhagen and played at other notable international festivals including Hotdocs, DOK.fest Munich and Hotdocs .

Zinder

Zinder is set in hometown of Nigerien filmmaker Aicha Macky, where she enters the hypermasculine world of gangs in Karakara district, historically a leprosy colony where the marginalized of her community now cling on to survival. With questions about the failures of state and the results of inequality in her society.

The film is co-produced with Macky’s company Tabous Productions as well as Point du Jour - Les Films du balibari.

The Generation Africa films are produced for STEPS pan-African documentary platform AfriDocs, which curates creative documentary films for African audiences available anytime, anywhere on the afridocs.net site as well as through partnerships with broadcasters across Africa. 

Generation Africa is presented with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and Deustche Welle Akademie, Robert Bosch Foundation, Bertha Foundation and Arte.

Bookings for Encounters (10-20 July) is now open on: https://www.encounters.co.za

DIFF (22 July - 1 August): Bookings will open at a later stage: https://ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za

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How to Enter the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge!

How to Enter the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge! 

Johannesburg, 02 June 2021: Entries are now officially open for the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge. On 4 September 2021, women will not be limited when they are participating in this virtual challenge.

“The incredible fortitude our country has shown over the last 18 months was the inspiration for the 2021 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge and its theme, #LiveLimitless. This year’s challenge celebrates the ways in which we have challenged, and in some cases broken down, the limits that lived in our minds before the pandemic. #LiveLimitless is calling on all South Africans to put on their running shoes once again and come together virtually to be part of a nationwide event that’s breaking borders and redefining limits!” Alison Zweers

Entries were opened on 26 May 2021 and the response from SPAR’s loyal following has been overwhelming. More than 5000 entries were placed within the first few days and unfortunately one of the few things that are limited is the amount of entries we have available. Race organisers are urging the public to enter early to avoid disappointment! 

#LiveLimitless

We have all been faced with challenges and obstacles in our lives and more specially over the last year. However, the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge is breaking boundaries and pushing limits. This year let’s overcome our obstacles and shoot for the stars. Let’s #LiveLimitless

How it Works 4 September 2021,  anytime between 06h00 and 18h00 (subject to government lockdown regulations). You can run, jog, or walk your own race, at your own pace, on your own route, at any distance, from any location you choose. 

How to Enter 

Guidance on entries and how the event works can be found at www.sparvirtualchallenge.co.za.

Once you have entered you will receive a confirmation email which will give you access to this year’s digital magazine. South African entrants will receive a virtual challenge pack with their entry containing a race t-shirt, a buff and a medal, to be collected from their chosen SPAR store or delivered to their chosen address (at an additional cost) For every entry, SPAR will donate a pack of sanitary products to a schoolgirl in need.

You can enter in a few easy steps, by entering your details, choose your pick up or delivery point and make your payment on our secure platforms. You can also help someone overcoming their limits by an additional, optional donation to the Jacaranda FM Good Morning Angels. 

Entries will close on 15 August 2021, and are limited to 75 000 participants.

This year you will again be able to not only create your own race number online, but you can also create your own certificate of completion – check out sparvirtualchallenge.co.za and follow the few easy steps.  

Entrants residing outside South Africa will unfortunately not be able to receive a virtual challenge pack due to postal restrictions and courier fees. Your entry fee will still contribute to the donation of a pack of sanitary products for a schoolgirl in need.  

For more information on the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, please see our FAQ section here: https://sparvirtualchallenge.co.za/faq/

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EVENT DIARY DETAILS: 

Date: 04 September 2021 

Time: 06h00 – 18h00 (subject to current lockdown restrictions) 

Location: Virtual Event (participants can select own route and distance) 

Website+Entries: https://sparvirtualchallenge.co.za/  

SPAR Women's Virtual Challenge 4 September 2021

SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL VIRTUAL CHALLENGE GOES LIMITLESS

SPAR ANNOUNCE R1 MILLION INVITATIONAL SPAR GRAND PRIX SERIES

Johannesburg, South Africa: The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge is back for 2021 and this year, the challenge is going limitless with entries open nationwide. Along with the virtual challenge, SPAR is also bringing back the prestigious SPAR Grand Prix series, giving some much-needed support to South Africa’s professional women runners.

Online entries are now open for the 2021 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge. SPAR is inviting women across the country to join in on Saturday, 4th September 2021, anytime between 06h00 and 18h00 (subject to government lockdown regulations). Participants can run, jog, or walk their own virtual challenge, at their own pace, anywhere in South Africa.

The 2021 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge is set to be the ultimate antidote to Covid-19 fatigue and the lockdown blues that many South Africans are feeling. The 2021 challenge theme, #LiveLimitless calls on women to recognise how many obstacles they have overcome in spite of the restrictions and limitations that we have been faced with in the past year. 

“Following the first ever SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge held in 2020, the challenge participants could never have anticipated that almost a year later, the nation would still be living with lockdown restrictions as the world continues to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic. #LiveLimitless recognises that we have done and coped with so much in the past year that we never thought we would be able to,” says Alison Zweers, SPAR Managing Director Western Cape and Namibia. 

Every year thousands of women look forward to taking part in the SPAR Women’s Challenge races and their associated fun runs. Due to the lockdown imposed in 2020, SPAR changed the game by launching their first ever virtual challenge. “By hosting the second virtual challenge in 2021, we are once again giving women something to look forward to and we are really excited that no one will have to miss out this year. The fact that we have managed to find a way for our challenge community to keep coming together is really a testament to what #LiveLimitless is all about,” SPAR Group Marketing Executive, Mike Prentice enthuses.

Ensuring a limitless future for all, the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge 2021 event will benefit the SPAR Petal’s Project. Proceeds from this year’s entry fee will be used to help the Petals project donate packs of sanitary pads to underprivileged girls who often stay away from school when they are on their periods as they lack these basic necessities. SPAR Petals donations help keep these girls in school, giving them an equal chance to compete and lead a full life. Your contribution will help to remove the limitations that girls feel during menstruation and show them that there is no area in their life in which they cannot #LiveLimitless.

“This contribution would not be possible without the support of the women across South Africa who will be joining in or without the support of our sponsors. I would like to thank Asics, Garmin and Athletics South Africa for sticking with us and making this challenge possible,” Prentice acknowledges. “Our brand ambassadors, several of whom have been involved with our events for years, also play a huge part in making the virtual challenges a success and we are so excited about the group we have on board this year.”

This year’s challenge ambassador list includes familiar fan favourites and some new ambassadors who are eager to get SA excited about the challenge. Helping spread the #LiveLimitless message online will be; Bonang Gwampi, Siphokazi Menziwa, Nolo Skiti, Nomvuzo Zongo , Mimi Mahlasela, Leilani Kuter, Rene Kalmer, Bongi Msomi, Elana Afrika – Bredenkamp, Warrior Ric, Sarina Bosman, Charné Bosman, Willem Botha, Ouma Tema, Tauné Block, Lucille Slade, Dianne Broodryk, Sophia Matlou, Philicity Reeken, Martin Bester, Chantel Struwig, Donnalee Roberts, Ivan Botha, Lindie Strydom, Robbie Kruse, Zizipho Soldati, Kesa Molotsoane, Shirnell Swartz, Khutso Theledi, Izelle Hoffman, Jo-Dee Butler, Suga, Gino Fabbri, Yolanda Bukani, Jeanie Steyn, Faith Motau, Zinhle Twala and Precious Mthembu.

“We are looking forward to seeing everyone posting online on 4 September as they complete their routes,” says Zweers urging participants to enter and take some time for themselves and reflect on the tenacity we have all shown since the start of the pandemic. “Take this opportunity to #LiveLimitless, whatever that means to you, and do not be defined by the limitations you face. To #LiveLimitless is about answering the call to adventure, and instead of being defined by your limits, changing the narrative to be inspired by them.”

Entry to the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge is R60 and as part of the entry fee, every participant will receive a virtual race pack. The race pack includes an official virtual challenge t-shirt, access to the My Virtual Challenge digital magazine, a face buff and a medal.

This year there are even more ways to join in the fun online. Participants can visit the official race website, sparvirtualchallenge.co.za to generate their own race number and finish line certificate – perfect for pre and post-race selfies! Use #LiveLimitless and #SPARVirtualChallenge when posting to join the challenge community online!

For more information and to find out how to enter, visit www.sparvirtualchallenge.co.za. Entries are limited to 75 000 participants – enter now to avoid disappointment.

EVENT DIARY DETAILS: 

Date: 4 September 2021 

Time: 06h00 – 18h00 (subject to current lockdown restrictions) 

Location: Virtual Event (participants can select own route and distance) 

Entries+Website: https://sparvirtualchallenge.co.za/  

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY presents “PARK DANCES #2” @ Durban Botanic Gardens

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY

in association with the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust

presents

“PARK DANCES #2”

with special guest Manesh Maharaj

Durban Botanic Gardens

11, 12 & 13 June @ 4.30pm

18, 19 & 20 June @ 4.30pm

COST: R100 per ticket

Following a highly enjoyable and sold-out season in the Botanic Gardens the Flatfoot Dance Company presents for “Park Dances #2” in the winter wonderland lush surroundings of Durban’s iconic Botanic Gardens for their next dance experience that allows audiences to safely watch this unique dance company in an outdoor sundowner dance experience from 11, 12, 13 June, and 18, 19 & 20 June at 4.30pm each evening.

After the PARK DANCES#1 saw local audiences loving being back in a “theatre” environment,  PARK DANCES #2 sees FLATFOOT collaborate with Durban’s Kathak maestro Manesh Maharaj in a dancing encounter with the haunting poetry of Jalaluddin Rumi, as they celebrate the seamless confluence of ancient and contemporary African and Indian rhythms.

The  hour-long explosion of dance has been collaboratively created by the full company: Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Lliane Loots, Zinhle Nzama, Mthoko Mkhwanazi, Sbonga Ndlovu, Siseko Duba, Ndumiso Dube, and special guest Manesh Maharaj.

“We are beyond delighted to continue with our Park DANCES in collaboration with the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust and to have this opportunity to once again share this incredibly beautiful living space with audiences,” says Artistic Director Lliane Loots. “#2 is going to be a delight of the senses as we collaborate with the incredible Manesh Maharaj and his own virtuosity as one of South Africa’s most skilled Kathak dancers”.

This is a family-friendly performance and audiences may bring picnics and blankets to sit on. Entrance opens at 4pm for patrons to settle in, enjoy a picnic or a stroll around the gardens before the show begins at 4.30pm.

There is ample safe parking at the main Botanic Gardens Visitors Complex entrance. All COVID-19 safety protocols are in place, and masks must be worn. There is a maximum audience of 100 per show with demarcated areas to sit. Tickets are R100 and must be booked and paid for in advance – there are no door sales. To book contact Clare on flatfootdancecompany@gmail.com

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UKZN’s CCA & JOMBA! presents JOMBA! 2021 Masihambisane Dialogues

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts and the

JOMBA! CONTEMPORARY DANCE EXPERIENCE presents

JOMBA! 2021 Masihambisane Dialogues

2 – 4 June 2021

An open three-day dance colloquium hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts and the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Festival with support funding from the NIHSS, on Youtube, will focus on new ways of engaging dance/performance scholarship, practice, and practice-led research in innovative, provocative and interesting ways from 2 to 4 June 2021.

JOMBA! Masihambisane Dialogues aims to support South African and African (and Diaspora) dance and performance scholarship and research in an accessible and community-driven manner. An international community of dance/performance scholars have curated what promises to be an engaging dialogue around dance.

This year’s curatorial committee include Mr. David Thatanelo April - University of Pretoria (SA), Ms. Clare Craighead - Durban University of Technology (SA), Mr. Gift Marovatsanga - University of Zululand (SA), Dr. Lliane Loots - University of KwaZulu-Natal CCA (SA) [chair and organiser], Dr. Sarahleigh Castelyn - University of East London (UK), Ms. Thobile Maphanga - Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN - SA)[postgraduate student representative and colloquium administrator] and Dr. Yvette Hutchison - Warwick University (UK).

Keynote speakers include award-winning and prolific South African choreographers Boyzie Cekwana, Nelisiwe Xaba and PJ Sabbagha. Sessions includes prepared papers as well as conversations, a workshop and performances. 

A panel entitled BOXED and Its Inspirations for the Future, based on Dr. Anita Ratnam (Chennai, India) 2020 work Boxed, which was created during COVID and has become a template of how an existing crisis can inspire original dance art. Panelists include  Dr. Ratnam, Producer/Presenter, Chitra Sundaram, Series Consultant .

Choreographing violence and intimacies: exploring choreography, screendance and scenography as artistic mediums for choreographing intimacies through a performance lecture titled In the shadow of his fist, is the paper to be presented by Kamogelo Molobye, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, SA

Tammy Ballantyne Webber (Johannesburg, SA), Ntshadi Mofokeng (Johannesburg, SA), Thobile Maphanga (Durban, SA); with contribution from Kivithra Naicker (Seoul/Durban, KOREA/SA) join a conversation around “the role of the dance writer as dance goes digital”.

Dr. Sarahleigh Castelyn, University of East London, United Kingdom presents a paper entitled Intimacy as a Political Act: Contemporary Dance in South Africa 

[DE]TACH presented by Lucky Karabo Moeketsi (Gauteng, SA), explores the environmental habits that became a Black society’s norm against the spectre of the COVID pandemic and the required social distancing.

Hannah Ma (Luxembourg, Germany)  presents Why intimacy is the sphere where embodiment and integration becomes evident in the evolution of humankind in a globalised, capitalist world with contributions by respondents Nai Ni Chen (New Jersey, USA) and Nora Amin (Cairo, Egypt).

Digital Dance and domesticity: the work of female East African choreographers in a time of COVID is the paper presented by Charlie Ely (University of Leeds, UK) which looks at how the new realities of the pandemic have shaped the work of female East African choreographers, including Diana Gaya, Catherine Nakawesa and Pili Maguzo.

Mlondiwethu Dubazane (Cape Town, SA) and Nomcebisi Moyikwa (Durban, SA - University of KwaZulu-Natal) present Language is a breathable place: “that words must get out of the way for something else to come through’’ (Klonaris, 2011) in which they re-think ideas around language and the embodied self.

A workshop and paper entitled ‘When I slam my body into a wall, I know that it’s there’ authored and facilitated by  Kristina Johnstone (University of Pretoria & WITS, Gauteng, SA) reflects on the facilitation of embodied practice in a virtual space of teaching, learning and creation, specifically looking at ways of facilitating touch and the importance of creating moments of synchronicity (shared time). 

JC Zondi (China/South Africa) and Simphiwe "Fiddy" Ngcobo (Durban, SA) present Performing Uncertainties which open discussion around the relationship of film to dance making and, significantly the role of the audience/viewer in all of this.

Lorin Sookool (Cape Town, SA) in conversation with Thobile Maphanga (Durban, SA) speaks around her experience of creating her work Prayer Room (2020). She will discuss the processes and possibilities of engagement in art making during the times of COVID-19 in a session titled De-Snubbing the ‘Jack of All Trades’.

The full programme can be accessed on this link:  http://bit.ly/JombaColloquiumProgramme

It will be livestreamed to the JOMBA! YouTube Chanel and can be accessed free of charge on www.YouTube.com/Jomba_Dance  

The Dialogues will also have a closed ZOOM link for direct participants and for those who wish to apply to join and be present in the “room”.  Access to this is limited and participants need to apply to Thobile Maphanga on thobimaphanga@gmail.com.

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Results Durban Central Regionals - Durban Girls' College wins 16 May

Media Release

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban Girls’ High School: Sunday 16 May

Continuing their legendary record, Durban Girls’ College defended their tenth title in the Durban Central Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Sunday 16 May at 3 Schools Trust.

College is the only team in the history of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge to have won this regional every year since the tournament’s inception in 2011. In this year’s final, they met age old opponents Durban Girls’ High School.

Manager for Durban Girls’ College, Bell Meek who has been part of every victory, stated simply after the win, “The girls played beautiful hockey today.”

In their first encounter during the Round Robin, Girls’ High held College for 18 and a half minutes, defending like trojans, before letting College get in the first goal. With the seconds counting down, College managed to knock in a shot from the top of the circle, beyond the valiant attempt from Girls’ High’s keeper. The dress rehearsal for the final ended on 2-0 to College.

In the main game of the day, 70 seconds into the final, College were awarded their first short corner. In their set piece, the ball travelled quickly from the top of the D to Julia Burnett, situated on the penalty spot. She tried to turn and flick but Akum Mkhwanazi, keeper for Girls’ High was savvy to her intentions and was right behind her not allowing her any room.  College continued to persevere, with their next attempt hitting the right post and in the flurry in the goals, Girls’ High calmly cleared the ball over the baseline, allowing for College to earn another short corner.

In their second set play, College tried the traditional, uncomplicated pass to the castle with the ball then being fired in. First wave, Cortney Whitfield from Girls High was bravely charging down the rocket, putting her body on the line and saving her team from the second attempt. 

With just under 5 minutes of play, College got into some free space, dashing into the circle with a beautifully timed reverse stick shot that went clanging into the right post and rebounding back into play. Erin Watson who was on hand in support, was gifted the rebound ball and neatly took her chance slotting in College’s tournament-winning goal. 

Girls’ High worked nobly at the back defending four more short corners. But the hosts also took the game right up into the visitor’s circle with several well-crafted attacks. Here they met a strong back line who quickly worked the ball out of their danger zone and returned the play up to the midfield. 

Three quarters of the way through the final, the small, dynamite package of Burnett ignited play as she bolted down the sideline, zipped along the baseline and balanced herself to let off a cracker but was met by Mkhwanazi who continued her sterling performance, and booted out the attempt. 

In the final short corner, College tried yet another creative set piece but were unable to pierce through solid defense of the home team who really put their hearts, and their bodies on the line. The game ended with only the one goal being netted, and a well-deserved victory to the visitors. 

College join four other teams who have been crowned regional winners in the Take Two of the milestone celebratory tenth year of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge. Danville Park Girls’ High won the Durban Central Regional, Wembley College took the title in the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional, St Mary’s D.S.G. from the Highway Regional, and most recently Grantleigh College won the North Coast Regional. 

For more info, like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

Results

1 Durban Girls’ College, 2 Durban Girls’ High School, 3 Maris Stella, 4 St Henry’s Marist College, 5 INK Team, 6 Inanda Seminary 

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Grantleigh College Results: Saturday 15 May

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Grantleigh College: Saturday 15 May

After a two year break, Grantleigh College reclaimed the North Coast Regional title of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge for the fourth time on Saturday 15 May.

Host school, Grantleigh met defending champs, Felixton College in the regional final. Felixton dominated the opening period of play but never quite got into the Grantleigh circle to fire off a shot. After 5 minutes of defense, Grantleigh managed, for the first time, to get into Felixton’s half but the surge was short lived as a number of infringements allowed Felixton back into the Grantleigh 22. 

With majority of the action in the first period taking place in the midfield, Grantleigh managed to break the defensive shackles and make a run for the Felixton goal. Nearing 8 minutes of play, Grantleigh earned a long corner. A Felixton defender didn’t manage to keep her distance from the start of the set piece and was directed to the sin bin for 2 minutes. This resulted in the first short corner of the game. 

Grantleigh’s first short corner attempt went to the castle, with a thundering shot being fired in but only going as far as a dashing first wave’s right boot. In the re-take of the short corner, Grantleigh changed up their attack, with the ball pinballing around the top of the circle, but were unable to capitalize.  

Felixton had a slight breather after 90 seconds of play in their danger zone, the ball was cleared for the host’s second long corner. Grantleigh took advantage of the last few seconds of a 10 strong Felixton team, rocketing in the ball from just outside the circle in the hopes of finding a team-mate’s stick along the way. A lucky Josie Reilly was in the right place at the right time and managed to ricochet the shot into the Felixton net taking her team 1-0 up. 

Captain for Grantleigh, Jessica du Plessis attempted to increase the lead 5 minutes later but an alert Senamile Mhlaba from Felixton magnificently charged down the shot. With 3 and a half minutes left of play, Grantleigh was awarded their third short corner but the Felixton defenders didn’t allow them any room, getting the ball out neatly. 

As the game neared full time, Carla Janse van Rensburg found herself on the Felixton post with no defender marking her. Receiving the ball, she tried to chip in a sneaky shot, but an on-her-toes Mhlaba hugging the post, punched it away easily. 

In the earlier Round Robin game between the two teams, the hosts netted two goals with Josie Reilly and Michaela Hagemeier scoring for Grantleigh.

This is the fourth Regional in the Take Two of the celebratory tenth year of the tournament. Grantleigh join Danville Park Girls’ High who won the first tournament in the Durban North Regional. Second regional winners from the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional were Wembley College, followed by St Mary’s DSG in the Highway Regional. The fifth tournament, played the following day, was hosted by Durban Girls High School with teams from around Durban CBD taking part in the Durban Central Regional with Durban Girls’ College taking the title.

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram. 

Results

1 Grantleigh College, 2 Felixton College, 3 St Catherine’s, 4 Empangeni High School, 5 Richards Bay Christian School, 6 John Ross College

ENDS

JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience Call for Submissions for New Digital Platform - “Open Horizons”

JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience

Call for Submissions for New Digital Platform - “Open Horizons”

The Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN) presents the 2021 JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience as a virtual event with performance, workshops, and online engagements from 24 August to 5 September. Applications are now open for JOMBA! “Open Horizons”, formerly known as the “Fringe”, which now offers a long and a short form platform for the submission of screen dance/digital dance work.

From the 2019 Something's not right choreographed by Carla Mostert and Rafe Green pictured here

“This remains an open access platform for any and all contemporary dance makers to apply and showcase their work at the festival,” explains Lliane Loots, Artistic Director of the Festival. “We invite professional, experimental, and young choreographers, dancers and dance companies to apply for participation on either (or both) with digital dance or screen dance work.”

The festival is looking for work that is located within the broad spectrum of contemporary dance, with preference being given to South African and African submissions. 

The Long Form welcome works between 5 and 8 minutes long, which will be streamed on the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience’s YouTube channel.

The Short Form welcomes works that are 1 to 3 minutes long and will be streamed on Youtube as well as its social media channels, in a lower res format, to enable wider accessibility, and can be shared across various social media platforms.

For both these platforms a panel will select three “Pick of the Open Horizons” which sees three Long Form dance-makers being awarded after the festival, R3 500, R2 500, and R1 500 respectively, and three Short Form being awarded R2 000, R1 500 and R1 000 respectively.

All criteria and information about submissions as well as application forms can be found on this link: https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/open-horizons/

Submission closes on Friday 9 July at 4pm (SAST).

Queries can be submitted via email to jombafestival@gmail.com.

Ends

Fixtures for the Durban Central Regional Durban Girls’ High School Sunday 16 May

Fixtures for the Durban Central Regional

Durban Girls’ High School Sunday 16 May

Coming up to midway in the fixtures of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, Durban Girls’ High School host the Durban Central Regional at their 3 Schools Astro on Sunday 16 May.

Girls High welcomes five teams from in and around the CBD, including Inanda Seminary, the INK team, St Henry’s Marist College, Maris Stella and Durban Girls’ College.

Getting the day underway, St Henry’s will meet the INK team in the first game of the regional. All games will have a duration of 20 minutes, with play going only one way. A win notches up four points, a draw with goals earns two points and a goalless draw adding one point. 

Concluding the round robin tournament, the two top teams will meet each other in the regional final. If, by the end of the 20 minutes, the teams are all level, then the game will move to an exciting 8 second penalty shoot out to decide the overall winner.

One team has completely dominated this area, the only team to have a 100% record in the ten years of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Challenge. Durban Girls’ College is the solitary name to have been engraved on the trophy since the tournament’s inception in 2011. In the take two of the tournament’s milestone celebratory ‘tenth’ year, five schools will be keen to change this history, and see their name included. 

The winner of the Durban Central Regional joins Danville Park Girls’ High, winners of the Durban North Regional, Wembley College from the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional, and St Mary’s D.S.G. from the Highway Regional.

Please note, no supporters are allowed pitch-side under the current government regulations.

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

Fixtures for the North Coast Regional Grantleigh College: Saturday 15 May

Fixtures for the North Coast Regional Grantleigh College: Saturday 15 May

The fourth regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge heads to the picturesque pitch of Grantleigh College for the North Coast Regional on Saturday 15 May. 

With hometown advantage, Grantleigh hopes to reclaim their title in this regional that sees six schools taking to the turf. Joining them on the day are defending champs, Felixton College, John Ross College, Richards Bay Christian School, St Catherine’s and Empangeni High School.

Half of the teams taking to the astro have been crowned in this region. Empangeni High School have four wins to their name in the early days of the tournament, with hosts Grantleigh winning three times and most recently, Felixton College lifting the trophy twice. 

Each school will get a good run after a year’s break, with five games in total in the round robin format. After the fifteen games, the two teams topping the leaderboard will get a chance to play for the honour of regional champion in the Take Two of the tournament’s milestone celebratory ‘tenth’ year.  

The games will be 20 minutes long, with play running one way only. Successful teams will earn themselves 4 points for a win, if teams draw with both teams slotting goals, they will get 2 points, and for a goalless draw only 1 point will be added to their scorecard. In the final, if the games are level, both teams will head to the spot for a three player penalty shoot out. 

So far, three tournaments have rolled out in quick succession with Danville Park Girls’ High taking the first win in the Durban North Regional. Wembley College from took the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional, St Mary’s D.S.G. from the Highway Regional. The following day Durban Girls’ High School hosts schools for the Durban Central Regional. The remaining tournaments all play out in the next month.

Please note, no supporters are allowed pitch-side under the current government regulations.

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

Results Highway Regional SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge- 9 May

Wrap Up for Highway Regional

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Curro Hillcrest: Sunday 9 May

St Mary’s D.S.G. have done it again, claiming the Highway Regional title for the ninth time after a spectacular display at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge at Curro Hillcrest on Sunday 9 May.

Photo by Val Adamson

Throughout the day, Saints played a magnificent flowing and controlled game, dominating all of their games and knocking in 27 goals in their six games. In the regional final, they met host school, Curro Hillcrest, who played out of their boots in the round robin stages, earning themselves a berth against the defending champs. 

Heading into the final, both teams went head to head in their last round robin game. St Mary’s camped out for majority of the game in the Curro half, and peppered Curro’s keeper with wave after wave of attacks. Asanda Makhunga stood tall in the goals, denying Saints surges. Four fantastic goals did manage to sneak beyond Makhunga giving the visitors a 4-0 win in the game. 

In the final, Saints continued their relentless advances but Curro’s defenders held strong. The first charge at goal was 31 seconds into the game, two St Mary’s players drove downfield, with a powered pass gliding just out of reach of the support player running onto the ball, and rolling out of play. 

Nearing 4 minutes, Gemma Wood confidently strode into the Curro circle, stepping into a perfectly crafted reverse stick shot that flew into the net, giving Saints their first goal. Curro knuckled down, and with their sticks to the turf pushed back for over 8 minutes, not allowing any of the constant barrages through. In the period of Curro’s resistance, home team defender, Karla Roberts was a wizard with her stick on the baseline, magically stopping, not one but three rockets smacked in during three consecutive short corners. Roberts, situated on the baseline, quietly halted the balls flight, controlling and clearing it quickly out of the danger zone.

With the clock on 12 and a half minutes, Louisa Combrink hit the ball in for their sixth short corner, from the castle, they shifted play wide, with a quick tap pass finding Combrink who was now posted in front of goals. The wily player, finding a hole in the defense, slapped the ball in for St Mary’s second. 

Their third goal was also a set piece during a short corner. Combrink sent the ball to the castle, and again, they shifted the ball wide and then the ball moved into the centre of the circle, finding Dominque Carbonel who neatly pocketed in another goal. Concluding the game, the fourth goal pinballed around the circle until landing with Daniella De Oliveria who managed to gently tap in out of Makhunga’s reach.

Coach for St Mary’s Nolwazi ‘Chicken’ Nkabinde stated after the game, “It is really good to be back. We missed the action, and this tournament. My girls displayed fantastic skills today, something they can be proud of after the break. And we want to say thank you to our competitors, without them today would not have been possible. Well done to all for a brilliant day of hockey.”

Highway’s St Mary’s join Danville Park Girls High School from the Durban North Regional and Wembley College from Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional as regional winners.

This weekend the tournament heads to Richards Bay where Grantleigh hosts the North Coast Regional, and then back to Durban for the Durban Central Regional where Durban Girls High School hosts teams at their 3 Schools Trust. 

For more info on the tournament, like their Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

Highway Regional

Curro Hillcrest: Sunday 9 May

1 St Mary’s DSG, 2 Curro Hillcrest, 3 Thomas More College, 4 Hillcrest High School , 5 Westville Girls High School, 6 Kloof High School

Results Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional Wembley College: Saturday 8 May

Media Release

Wrap Up for the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional

Wembley College: Saturday 8 May

A joyous performance by host school, Wembley College saw them winning the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 8 May.

Photo by Rogan Ward

Wembley College’s Captain Sarah Barber (right) takes a shot at goals as Wartburg Kirchdorf is Lisa Lea Engelbrecht defends, during the finals of the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at Wembley College in Greytown on Saturday 8 May. Wembley claimed their 1-0 victory in an exciting penalty shootout.

Wembley College won the inaugural tournament in 2011 but have since not managed to top the podium. In the regional final they took on the 2019 Defending Champs, a young Wartburg Kirchdorf team. Wartburg who have dominated this region with six wins, were luckily to have advanced through to the regional final after a spectacular performance by Domino Servite on the turf, the Tech Officials did the counting for goal differences to see who would be the team to feature against Wembley.

At the whistle, Wembley showed their intention as they charged from the middle into Wartubrg territory. A revitalised and focused Wartburg then got into gear and turned over the play and took the game straight down to Wembley’s circle. 40 seconds into the game, and the umpire blew the first short corner, for Wartburg. Wartburg’s first attack was not successful, with the keeper booting out a soft attempt. Two minutes later, Wartburg had their second short corner, but again were unable to capitalise. 

Play pivoted Wembley’s way with a few chances up at the Wartburg goals, but a Wartburg solid defence, and missed Wembley opportunities meant the scoreline was still on zero each. Nearing ten minutes of play, a fast solo-break by Ncuthukazi Dlatu from Wartburg chasing towards the Wembley keeper, with only one player to beat, agonising watched as the ball got away from her and shot out of play over the line. 

The remainder of play bounced between the two teams 22s, with Wembley claiming more possession than Wartburg. Both teams were unable to net any of their chances in their opponent’s circles until Wembley desperately knocked the ball from close to the 22 and managed to find a Wartburg foot. As the clock ticked to zero, the umpire signalled a Wembley short corner. With pressure mounting, Wembley pushed the ball out to the top of the D and fired off a hurried flick that was easily defended and cleared. Full time with the scoreboard not having moved.

The game moved to a three-person penalty shootout. First to go was Dlatu for Wartburg who fired off her shot as soon as she set foot into the circle, with the ball whizzing past the right post not giving much work for Wembley’s keeper, Sinegugu ‘Sne’ Ngcobo. Next to go was Wembley’s Vice Captain, Leah Tedder who tried valiantly but was unable to shake Wartburg’s Marissa van der Spuy defence.  Wartburg’s Lise-Lea Engelbrecht was unable to bypass the brave charge of Ngcobo who determinedly booted the ball well out of play. Kristen Steyn kept her ball close to her as she advanced for Wembley, just managing to skirt around van der Spuy and with a tight angle tapped the ball into the Wartburg goal, giving her team the big break. Wartburg’s Khanya Mhlophe’s attempt went much the way of Dlatu, as she stepped into the circle, fired off a shot that was easily deflected by a waiting Ngcobo. 

“The girls came into the tournament with the desire to win today, and they did it. It is a really good feeling. And this is the first time since 2011, so makes it very special for us!” said a delighted Wembley coach, Gareth Larkan. 

Wembley earning the win, 1-0 and the Regional Title for the second time in the Take Two of the Milestone celebratory tenth year. They are the second team this year to be crowned, joining Danville Park Girls’ High School from the Durban North Regional. 

The highly contested Highway Regional followed the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional on Sunday at Curro Hillcrest where St Mary’s D.S.G. took the honours, with another five more regionals rolling out in May, and the final two taking place in early June. 

For more info on the tournament, like the Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

Results for SPAR KZN Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge

Umvoti 

Wembley College: Saturday 8 May

1 Wembley College, 2 Wartburg High School, 3 Domino Servite 4 Greytown High School

Fixtures: uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Media Release

Fixtures for Second SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Wembley College; Greytown: Saturday 8 May

Fixtures for the second tournament of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge have been announced for the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional on Saturday 8 May.

A fabulous four teams will take to the turf at host school, Wembley College this year. Joining Wembley are Domino Servite and previous regional winners Greytown High School and Wartburg Kirchdorf School.

A round robin format sees six games being played, each game lasting 30 minutes with a five minute break between matches. Following on from the round robin, the top two teams will meet to reveal the overall regional winner.

Of the four teams featured on the day, three have ventured to the Grand Finals in previous years with Wartburg Kirchdorf dominating this area in the ten year history of this SPAR KZN hockey tournament. Greytown High School technically are the defending champs, having lifted the trophy in 2019. 

In an action-filled month of hockey, Danville Park Girls’ High from the Durban North Regional took the top honours in the first tournament this past weekend, and teams from the Highway area take to the turf on Sunday 9 May. Five more tournaments take place around KZN on the remaining weekends in May, and the final two of the ten regions rolling out in early June.

For more info on the tournament, like the Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls' Hockey - Fixtures for Highway Regional Sunday 9 May

Looking forward to the upcoming SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, Curro Hillcrest’s Nikita Gironi (Captain) and Asanda Makhunga (Vice Captain) look forward to welcoming teams for the Highway Regional on their turf this Sunday (9 May).

Pic by Rogan Ward

Fixtures for Highway Regional

Curro Hillcrest: Sunday 9 May

In the third of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, teams from around the Highway area will congregate at Curro Hillcrest on Sunday 9 May.

Host school, Curro Hillcrest will get the ball rolling in the first game of their tournament where they face Kloof High School. Joining them on the turf on the day are Hillcrest High School, St Mary’s DSG, Thomas More College and Westville Girls’ High School.

In one of the most competitive regions in KZN, the six teams will battle it out in the hopes of dethroning St Mary’s DSG who have had a stronghold raising the regional trophy on all but one occasion over the last nine years. Fifteen quick-fire games, with a duration of 20 minutes, will result in the two top teams meeting to conclude the round robin tournament.

Scoring points on the day, a win will earn a team 4 points, a draw with goals 2 points, a goalless draw only 1 point. In the final, if the game ends with a draw, three players from each team will head to the circle for a deciding 8 second penalty shoot-out.

Danville Park Girls’ HIgh from the Durban North Regional lifted the trophy victoriously in the first tournament in the milestone celebratory tenth year. Teams from the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional meet the day before the Highway Regional at Wembely College and then the remaining seven regionals roll out in quick succession around KZN in the next five weeks.

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

Results of Durban North Regional Crawford La Lucia: Sunday 2 May

Wrap up for Durban North Regional Crawford La Lucia: Sunday 2 May

A victorious Danville Park Girls’ High School claimed their third title in the Durban North Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Sunday (2 May) at Crawford La Lucia.

In the concluding game of the regional finals, they met local rival Our Lady of Fatima in a close final. Danville got out of the starting blocks eagerly taking the play up to Fatima’s 22 a few times but were not able to find holes in the Fatima defense. Five minutes into the game a chance shot was a result from a run up the left for Fatima but the attempt met the determined gloved hand of the Danville keeper, Chelsea Steyn. With Fatima now in Danville’s danger zone, a second attempt got close to goals but whizzed past with no blue stick able to punch it goal-wards.

Mid-way through the final, Paige Horn from Fatima burst free of her defender and had a blistering dash into the circle but was unable to capitliase.

Nearing the final whistle both teams dished out loads of turn over passes and both managed to intercept plenty of wayward passes. Danville managed an impressive passage of play up the left, with short sharp passes bouncing between open players but again they didn’t manage to penetrate the Fatima 22. 

Fatima’s response was a near fire by Sarah Bright who pounced on an opportunity on the line, right next to the post but was unable to avoid a diving Danville goalie. 

At the final whistle the score was level at nil nil, resulting in the game going to the deciding penalty shoot out. Danville was first up but Savanah Ferrier was unable to find the back of the net. Fatima’s Sarah Bright netted the first goal, taking her team 1 nil up. Danni Mumford from Danville then comfortably equalized. Horn was the second player for Fatima and dragged the ball left falling to her favourite reverse stick, slotting the ball in neatly for Fatima’s 2nd goal. Sian Davies leveled the scores with a no-nonsense slap sending the ball into the right corner of the box. With the pressure mounting, Chelsea Peterson from Fatima faded to her left, and released a superb reverse stick shot that flew wide of the goals. 

In sudden death, Horn went first for Fatima with her attempt running right this time getting smothered by the Danville keeper, resulting in a re-take. Horn then switched her attack and glided in to the circle, veering left and taking to her reverse stick shot that skidded unsuccessfully past the upright. Davies, in almost a repeat of her first attempt, cruised into the circle and sent the ball in to the right corner again for her second goal and earning her team the title.

Coach for Danville Park Girls’ High School, Calvin Price said after the game, “It is so good to be back. The objective of course is to win and today the luck went our way. One on ones are not our best but we managed to score when needed. The girls played so well the entire day and I am so proud of them with their win. And on behalf of our girls, I would like to say a big thank you to SPAR and Tournament Director Les Galloway for getting the tournament back on track this year.”

This coming weekend sees the tournament gather momentum for its second and third regional taking place. The first on Saturday 8 May at Wembley College for the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional and then the Highway Regional taking place on Sunday 9 May at Curro Hillcrest. 

Results

1 Danville Park Girls’ High School, 2 Our Lady of Fatima, 3= Crawford La Lucia, 3= Reddam House uMhlanga, 5= Ashton International College, 5= Northlands Girls High, 5= Curro Mt Richmore, 8 Crawford North Coast 9 Reddam House Ballito

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge - Durban North Regional Fixtures: 2 May

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Fixtures for Durban North Regional

Excitement mounts as the first regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge gets underway this Sunday (2 May) at Crawford La Lucia. 

Nine schools take to the turf for the Durban North Regional with the first whistle being blown at 07:25. The first fixture sees Our Lady of Fatima DCS taking on Reddam House uMhlanga. Fatima were the overall winners in the celebratory tenth year in 2020 and are out to reclaim and retain the title in the tournament’s ‘Take Two’ of their milestone year.

The nine schools will be split into two pools with Pool A consisting of Our Lady of Fatima, Ashton International College, Reddam House uMhlanga, Crawford North Coast and newcomers Reddam House Ballito. Pool B is led by host school, Crawford La Lucia, Danville Park Girls’ High School, Northlands Girls’ High School and Curro Mt Richmore. 

This regional is always enthralling with the competition being action packed on the turf. In previous years, four teams have progressed to the Grand Finals to take on the other nine regional winners. Over the ten years, the teams that hoisted the trophy are Our Lady of Fatima, Danville Park Girls’ High, Ashton International College and Crawford La Lucia. This year the challenge consists of only the regionals, with the Grand Finals returning next year. 

For more info like the tournaments Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

Photo by Rogan Ward

Crawford La Lucia's Hockey team represented by left to right Alison Beck (Captain), Laikén Brisset (Vice Captain) and Janke Keyser (Vice Captain) are ready to welcome 9 teams for the Durban North Regional - the first since last year's lockdown, on Sunday 2 May.

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Take Two of the Tenth Year

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Take Two of the Tenth Year

The hugely popular SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge is back on track this year, with a take two of their milestone tenth year. 

Having only progressed halfway through the fixtures last year, before CoViD paused play in the tournament’s celebratory year, it will be extremely exciting for the girls to get back onto the turf. It is full steam ahead for the annual girls’ hockey tournament with the ten regional tournaments rolling out in a quick-fire six weekends. 

The month of May is choc-a-block full of action with eight of the regionals taking place. Tipping off the season, Crawford La Lucia hosts the Durban North Regional on Sunday 2 May. The second tournament travels inland to Wembley College in Greytown for the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional on Saturday 8 May. Curro Hillcrest will see teams from the Highway area taking to their turf on Sunday 9 May. 

The fourth tournament heads up to Richards Bay for the KZN Northern Coastal Regional with Grantleigh hosting on Saturday 15 May. Back in Durban, the fifth tournament heads to the newly laid turf at Durban Girls’ High School’s Three Schools Trust for the Durban Central Regional on Sunday 16 May.  The following weekend, the action moves inland again, this time to Newcastle to play on the brand new astro at Ferrum High School on Saturday 22 May. 

The last two tournaments in May are a double-header in Hilton on Saturday 29. St Anne’s College welcomes teams participating in both the Pietermaritzburg Northern Regional and Pietermaritzburg Central Regional.

Kingsway High School will host the ninth challenge at the Three Schools Trust for the Durban South Regional on Sunday 6 June. Rounding off the 2021 season, King Edward High School will host the tenth and final regional on Sunday 12 June hosting teams from the Southern KZN 

The only difference in this year’s fixtures is the absence of the much-loved and highly anticipated Grand Finals. It will be back in all its grandeur next year. 

Tournament Director, Les Galloway from Schoolgirl Sport said, “We have really missed the action. It has been just over a year since the curtain came down on us, and I cannot wait to see the girls back on the pitch enjoying these wonderful SPAR tournaments.”

Making a welcome return, Varsity College continues their phenomenal support of girls’ hockey. Varsity College Scouts will be on the lookout at all of the tournaments for any shining stars, in the hopes of offering them a bursary.

All CoViD protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of all participating. And due to current CoViD regulations and protocols, no spectators will be allowed.

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow the tournament on Instagram.

ENDS

Recycling Project Demonstrates the Value of Super Collaboration

Recycling Project Demonstrates the Value of Super Collaboration

Durban, South Africa: In a combination of passion for the environment, a drive for economic opportunities, and the need for people to make a living, a number of civil society organisations, government structures, businesses and informal waste pickers are working together to do clean-ups, recycle and repurpose waste material that benefits all, in what promises to be a workable prototype for the City of Durban.

For several years, informal waste pickers, known as the Roadhouse Crescent Recyclers, which now number 24 people, have been working in and around Durban North and North Coast Road collecting paper and cardboard waste. They eventually began to assemble under the Connaught Bridge over the Umgeni River near the Bird Park. Here they sought a safe and shaded space to be able to sort, pack, and then await commercial paper recyclers to collect.

Alongside their efforts to eke out a living, came the unwanted dumping of potentially recyclable waste as residents and businesses in the area erroneously believed they were either supporting the recyclers, contributing to the recycling or that it was a legal waste site.  But in fact, these “contributions” merely turned the site into an illegal dumping ground and eyesore for ratepayers, and the pickers were the target of the local community’s frustration.

In stepped a number of concerned organisations, one of them being Green Corridors, with a vision to provide solutions and support that could benefit all. A local area co-ordinator, Musa Shange, supports this collaboration and works with the various stakeholders. Siphiwe Rakgabale, Green Corridors’ litter-boom and clean up coordinator, who has also worked with waste collectors around Durban, and who has known the Roadhouse recyclers for some time, and Jonathan Welch, technical consultant and project manager of the Green Corridors KwaMashu Materials Beneficiation Centre (KMBC) provide technical support for this complex “eco-system”.

They work with the Green Corridors’ Green Spaces teams along with vital knowledge and implementation partners such as Adopt-a-River, WESSA, and Umgeni Estuary Conservancy (under which the site falls), who together supervise 10 enviro champs under DUCT’s Amanzi Eyethu Nobuntu programme, the eThekwini Municipality’s Solid Waste and its Parks Department, the local ward Councillor Shontel De Boer, concerned individuals and businesses along with sponsors such as SAPRIPOL and PETCO to clean up and remove waste from green spaces, and waterways. This waste is sorted and is then goes to recycling and repurposing projects such as its own KwaMashu Materials Beneficiation Centre, the NPO’s pilot programme which is working towards creating products from plastic waste that can be monetized.

Recently, with generous assistance from locally-based business Logtrans, the area under the bridge was levelled off, the illegally dumped waste removed, the area fenced off to ensure control of the site, and a security guard assigned to the area. Green Corridors has sourced funding for a container to use as an admin space for the site. Already discussions are on the way to set up a paper baler that will help the local recyclers to bale their daily collections for sale to commercial recyclers.

Green Corridors already has several programmes in informal settlements with its litterbooms on tributaries into main waterways trapping waste, which is collected, sorted, and transported to its materials beneficiation centre for repurposing.

“The Connaught Bridge collaboration is a work in progress, and going forward we hope to also have exciting solutions for the use of the plastics which would not usually be recycled because they are either too dirty or contaminated,” says Jonathan Welch. “By doing this, we create more value for these materials, which then supports a smaller informal economy, such as that of waste collectors.”

Around 300 people are currently being trained and deployed, under DUCT’s catchment-wide Amanzi Ethu Nobuntu programme, under supervision by organisations like Green Corridors and Adopt-a-River, to monitor river water quality and ensure cleanups take place regularly and the waterways and banks are cleared of alien invasive plants such as water hyacinth and waste.

“Our ultimate aim is to support these recyclers to establish a viable formal cooperative they can lead and operate, providing a key link in value chains that re-use waste materials and build a sustainable circular economy,” says Musa Shange.

For more information about Green Corridors visit https://durbangreencorridor.co.za

-ends

World Autism Month: Silent Bring and Share

World Autism Month: Silent Bring and Share

“People with special needs should be accepted into society along with everyone else. The value of a person shouldn’t be solely fixed by his or her skills and talent or lack of them. It’s how you strive to live well that allows others to understand your awesomeness as a human being.”

Naoki Higashida, autistic non speaking author

April is World Autism Month. Life can be isolating and lonely for people who cannot express their basic needs or experiences in a way that the rest of the world understands. Over 50 % of autistic people are non speaking or partially speaking, and the Autistics Worldwide Facebook Group have put out an appeal that, as an Autistic or as an ally, this April should be about acceptance rather than awareness, and to leave out the puzzle pieces, burden talk, the colour blue and miracle cures from the dialogue.

Action in Autism, a non-profit organisation that strives to improve services and resources for autistic people and their families, is asking people to respect, acknowledge and accept neurological and communication differences, and to join Autistic people, their caregivers and families, educators and concerned professionals for a silent Bring and Share, from 10am to 12am at the Action in Autism Centre, 105 Haig Road, Park Hill, on Saturday 10 April. Those attending will be encouraged to use only alternative means of communication – signs, gestures, pointing, tapping or drawing – for the duration of the event. Following the two hours, Disability Rights Lawyer and Academic Willene Holness, as the keynote speaker for the day, will address those in attendance. There is no prescribed fee, but a donation of R50 per family would be highly appreciated. Action in Autism does not receive funding from government, and relies on donations and support from the community for the continuation of their Early Intervention programme, Adult Skills and Business Hub and support and advocacy services.

The central focus of Action in Autism is to improve the quality of life for people with Autism Spectrum Condition and their caregivers. The organisation builds partnerships between Autistic people, and provides information, services, learning and research to the community. The organisation’s flagship programmes are its Early Learning Intervention Centre and Walk-in Resource Centre, and the Shahumna Centre, a Skills Transfer and Business Hub for Autistic adults. Speaking is not the only form of communication. Honour and accept those who have communication and social difficulties, and join the Autistic community at the Action in Autism Centre on 10 April.

If you would like to support Action in Autism through donations in cash or kind or through volunteering, or if you would like to join the Silent picnic, please call 031 563 3039, or email info@actioninautism.org.za.

Ends.