23rd JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience - online, free and available globally

Media Release

The Centre for Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal presents, 

23rd JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience

24 August to 5 September 2021

Access to on-line viewing is free.

Subscribe to the JOMBA Youtube channel here:

https://www.youtube.com/Jomba_Dance

The Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN) presents its landmark 23rd JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience in its second digital edition from 24 August to 5 September.

“The festival takes Border Crossings as its theme which looks at dance-makers, dance companies and performance-based artists who, in some articulated way resonate with the ideas of Border Crossings; be these geographical, emotional, physical, spiritual and performative” explains Artistic Director Dr Lliane Loots. “We are proud to host a digital space that nurtures and supports a serious artistic engagement with South African, African and international contemporary dance and dance makers.”

There are 11 platforms at this year’s festival:

Associate Professor and director of the Institute for Creative Arts at the University of Cape Town Jay Pather features as the 2021 JOMBA! Legacy Artist and will open this year’s festival on 24 August.

To complement this, Durban photographer Val Adamson offers a digital photographic retrospective exhibition of his work with Siwela Sonke featuring over 100 photos.

The South African Crossings platform features two key South African dance makers/companies -The Garage Dance Ensemble present Gat innie Grond, Wond in My Siel (Hole in the Ground, Wound in my Soul) choreographed by the remarkable young dance maker Byron Klassen. Cape Town’s Yaseen Manuel is the UKZN’s School of the Arts/Mellon Foundation’s Artist in Residence who will work in conjunction with JOMBA! (and the Drama and Performance Studies Programme) and create two screen dance films with Durban’s much loved Flatfoot Dance Company. JOMBA! is also collaborating with the Vrystaat Arts Festival, Georgina Thomson and New Dance Festival and presents two films by Sylvester Thamsanqa Majela (NEVERLAND) and Sizakele Mdi (Dust to Dust). 

“One of JOMBA!’s key mandates has been, and continues to be, connecting with our continent in offering partnerships and collaborations with some of Africa’s most prominent, cutting edge and inspiring dance makers. In this edition we are delighted to have commissioned four screen dance films in our African Crossings platform from Marcel Gbeffa (Benin), Gaby Saranouffi (Madagascar), Robert Ssempijja (Uganda), and Bernardo Guiamba (aka Pak Ndjamena) from Mozambique.”

The European and American Crossings features the historic New York based Limón Dance Company and from UK the Birmingham based ACE music and dance with their essence of Flamenco, Kathak, Martial Arts and ACE's inimitable Afro-fusion style. From Germany Hannah Ma (hannahmadance), presents ONDA - into the unknown a magnificent research type performance and art space production.

Sweden’s Cullberg presents a remarkable screen dance film from On Earth I’m Done - Mountains, Part 1 of an archaic-futuristic diptych in which the audience is transported to a place torn out of the conventional space-time continuum. She Poems created by Spanish dancer/choreographer Aïda Colemenero Dïaz is a series of beautiful short screen dance films made during her on-going travels in Africa, and thesewill close the festival.

In the Indian Crossings platform in partnership support from the Durban Indian Consulate’s Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, the Calcutta based, the Pickle Factory Dance Foundation, will  showcase 8 specially curated short dance films that speak to the zeitgeist of contemporary Indian dance making.

The Durban Digital Edge 2021 Commissions feature six Durban based dance makers who are beginning to make waves on the local dance scene - Sabelo Cele, Thobile Maphanga, Nqubeko ‘Cue’ Ngema, Cameron S. Govender, Aphelele Nyawoso, and Snethemba Khuzwayo. 

The JOMBA! Open Horizons platform provides an opportunity for dance makers to present their digital/dance film work. Adjudicators David April, Tracey Saunders, Clare Craighead and Shanelle Jewnarain have assessed the 30 submissions from across Africa, for the festival a selection of these  will be screened.

JOMBA! Talks Dance: Conversations that Cross Borders features 4 live conversations with Jay Pather, Alfred Hinkel from the Garage Dance Ensemble from South Africa, Hannah Ma (Germany), and Vikram Iyengar and Kunal Chakraborty from Calcutta (India) of the Pickle Factory Dance Foundation. 

JOMBA! Forging Alliances is an industry support programme curated by Thobile Maphanga, aimed to provide dance makers with industry specific information and includes a panel on social media and publicity, technical tips on production and music copyright.

The ever-popular daily JOMBA! Khuluma Blog and Digital Newspaper facilitated by Clare Craighead, will involve a two-week residency of dance writing and dance criticism through a series of closed webinars/seminars for graduate dance students.

The CCA’s JOMBA! 2021 runs from 24 August to 5 September and can be navigated free of charge via the website, www.jomba.ukzn.ac.za or subscribe to the JOMBA Youtube channel here: https://www.YouTube.com/Jomba_Dance

All platforms for 2021 are free of charge and a full programme is available via the website. 

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Award-winning Cape Town Choreographer Yaseen Manuel to create work for CCA’S JOMBA!

Award-winning Cape Town Choreographer  Yaseen Manuel to create work for CCA’S JOMBA!

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of the Arts, in partnership with the Mellon Foundation’s Artist in Residence programme, is delighted to welcome Cape Town dancer and choreographer Yaseen Manuel who will be spending 3 months working in conjunction with the Centre for Creative Arts’ 23rd JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, and the Drama and Performance Studies Programme. 

Yaseen Manuel with Flatfoot Dance Company’s Sifiso Khumalo rehearsing for the 2019 JOMBA fest.

In a really difficult time for any embodied practice, with the need for social distancing and safe ways of working, Manuel will be using the Mellon residency to create two screen dance films that will premiere at JOMBA!’s second digital iteration of its festival in late August. For this, he will be working with Durban’s much-loved FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY – and in an interesting interplay of digital on-line engagements. He will also be hosting workshops and discussion sessions/seminars via zoom with UKZN’s dance students over his three-month residency. 

Manuel’’ own Cape Town history and personal Muslim spirituality and legacy features prominently in his work. The South African dance community sat up and took notice of his work when he began a series of solos in 2016/17 that connected race, religion and ideas of masculinity in choreographed evocations of deeply neglected stories and identities in the South African landscape. His recent 2019 dance work “ASLAMA”, linked the Syrian massacre to a more internal battle for self and identity that was both terrifying and beautiful!

He is a skilled dancer and teacher and while he works as an independent artist, he is also a member of the ground-breaking integrated dance company UNMUTE DANCE COMPANY. Dr Lliane Loots, artistic director and curator of the CCA’s JOMBA! festival says that she is “delighted – at this very difficult time for dance – to open space to feature one of South Africa’s most original dance-making voices and the reminder he offers, of yet still untold and underrepresented stories in our country”.

Catch the premiere of Yaseen Manuel’s screen dance films at JOMBA! which will take place on-line from 24 August to 5 September. Access to on-line viewing is free. Subscribe to the JOMBA Youtube channel here : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN9cM0WFw5j2QnYSbk1Zu6Q

Another Generation Africa Film – The Last Shelter wins at Encounters and Heads for DIFF

Another Generation Africa Film – The Last Shelter wins at Encounters and Heads for Durban International Film Fest

A second film in the Generation Africa slate of 25 films on migration, being produced by STEPS, the Cape Town-based documentary production powerhouse, has won an award at the 2021 Encounters South Africa International Documentary Film Festival.

The Last Shelter directed by Ousmane Samassékou (France/ Mali/ South Africa) won the Best South African / African feature at the festival with a citation by the jury:  “We were moved by The Last Shelter, which gave us full access to the House of Migrants, in the Malian City of Gao, a haven for African travellers. Ousmane Samassékou’s great access to the  two young protagonists, the intimacy of the observational style filming against the vast melancholy landscape of the dessert made this a favourite with the programming team. Last Shelter was successful in achieving the purpose of documentary; to cast a lens on world issues through the experiences of its subjects. “

“For me this award is doubly important,” says director Ousmane Samassékou. “Firstly, because South Africa has been a great source of help in the development and production of this film through STEP’s Generation Africa programme. It was through a workshop organized by STEPS in Burkina Faso that I learned about the migrant's home and decided to make it the subject of my film. Secondly, this is the first award that the film has received in Africa and I am very happy that it happened in South Africa.”

Produced by Point du Jour - Les films du balibari (France) in co-production with DS Productions (Mali) and STEPS (South Africa) with broadcaster, Arte GEIE, South African audiences will have a chance to watch the film at the Durban International Film Festival, online from 22 July to 1 August.

The other film which was screened at Encounters and will also screen at DIFF is Zinder directed by Aicha Macky, which earlier won the Ladima Foundation’s  Adiaha Award for Best Documentary Film by an African woman.

“It is a huge honour to have two films recognised at Encounters for their excellence in telling these truly compelling and necessary stories from Mali and Niger,” says Don Edkins, producer at STEPS and Generation Africa. “Both films hold up mirrors to our uniquely African stories, which are important to the global narrative of migration and futures of youth on the continent, and enable us to begin authentic and vital conversations around this.”

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 stories reflecting the lived experiences of Africa’s youth through the topic of migration.

ends

Celebrated Nigerian Producer Mo Abudu joins Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Celebrated Nigerian Producer Mo Abudu joins Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Celebrated Nigerian filmmaker, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Mo Abudu, has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, (Oscars), as one of 29 producers, and the only African and Nigerian in this category.

Abudu, who is CEO and Chairwoman of EbonyLife Media which includes EbonyLife TV, EbonyLife Studios, EbonyLife Films, EbonyLife Place, EbonyLife Creative Academy, a free film school in Lagos, made possible by the Lagos State Government, has been described by Forbes as "Africa's Most Successful Woman", listed by the US magazine Business Insider amongst the top 100 business visionaries creating value for the world, and rated as one of the "25 Most Powerful Women in Global Television" by The Hollywood Reporter. 

Speaking from Lagos, Nigeria Abudu enthused: “My passion has always been about telling our own true African stories, and this includes how African people and our stories are represented on the continent and globally. This international recognition, for which I am truly grateful, is also a sign of a shift that has begun, an acknowledgement that Africa has a robust, progressive, and burgeoning industry, filled with universal stories, with global reach. When I began EbonyLife TV, and later EbonyLife Films and EbonyLife Studios, my vision was that it would be more than just entertainment, but it would aim to realise African audiences’ desires to see a narrative that reflected our own stories. More African representation within the Academy will go a long way to help drive this vision.”

Starting her media journey in 2006 with Africa’s first syndicated talk show, called “Moments with Mo”, Abudu later launched EbonyLife TV (ELtv) in 2013, Africa’s first global black entertainment and lifestyle network on DStv producing a whopping 5000 original hours of African content. Her EbonyLife Films set up in 2015, has produced 7 films to date, including the two listed by the Academy Oloture and The Royal Hibiscus, and some of the highest-grossing Nollywood blockbusters.

EbonyLife Studios has signed co-production deals with AMC Networks (USA) to produce Nigeria 2099, an Afrofuturistic crime-drama, a three-scripted deal with Sony Pictures Television, and in late 2020 the company made history as the first African and first Nigerian company to sign a multi-deal with Netflix in Africa. Earlier this year they teamed up with Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios to co-produce at least two series and one film, all connected to the African continent.  And Sony Pictures Television announced an exclusive deal with EbonyLife Media, in which they get the exclusive ‘first-look” on all new EbonyLife-controlled scripted television projects created, originated, or developed by or for EbonyLife that are intended for global audiences.

“I am deeply appreciative of this invitation to join the Academy, and in line with my vision to support and develop African content, I will use the opportunity to network for our filmmakers, and raise awareness of the incredible value the continent’s filmmakers add to the remarkable world of motion pictures.”

-ends

Fun Outdoor (Social Distancing) Activities at Mnini Dam for the Holidays - south of Durban

Fun Outdoor (Social Distancing) Activities at Mnini Dam for the Holidays 

Just 30 minutes south of Durban’s CBD, in the heart of quiet rural uMgababa area alongside the Mnini Dam there are a number of fun outdoor leisure activities hosted all-year-round by Green Corridors and its partners.

With the COVID-19 pandemic expected to reach its peak during the July holidays, and with citizens being urged not to travel unnecessarily for leisure, there are many healthy and safe outdoor options close to home which allow families to have some good old-fashioned fun.

Calm and quiet at Mnini Dam

 Activities on offer include fishing, canoeing, boating, hiking and birding. There is also a network of trails that allow for exploring, birding, mountain biking and hiking - all enabling safe social distancing for groups in their own “bubbles.”  There are accommodation choices too for overnight and mini-break stays.

The dam itself boasts largemouth bass, tilapia and an abundance of bird life.

Thulas' Adventures, with host Thulas Luthuli, an accredited guide, gives insightful and engaging guided walks and cycling tours around the area including a visit to the local Sangoma. For bird-lovers, there is also great birding, and for the more adventurous canoeing, and a spectacular walk up the Nsingizane River to a waterfall and pool, where, in hotter months, you can enjoy a leisurely swim.  Join him as he expands on the cultural history of the area, as well as allowing you to just enjoy being outdoors and in nature. Thulas, together with partners Green Corridors, also offers accommodation in the form of the pop-up camps – with up to eight two-man tents, a communal catering area (fully catered or self-catered), ablutions, and security. All these are booked via Green Corridors.

Thulas Luthuli - your tour guide is ready to welcome you.

Pop up camps - should you want to stay over night.

Spectacular walk up the Nsingizane River

 Mnini Dam Tourist Resort, hosts, Mlu and Sphiwe Shezi-Mqadi welcome guests all week, offering catch and release bass fishing, canoeing, picnicking and trail options. Permanent gazebos with braai facilities, a jungle gym, and grassy lawns overlooking the dam, make it a safe and fun space to relax.

Canoes for hire

Gazebos, braai facilities, lawns and a jungle gym at Mnini Dam Tourist Resort

Your hosts Mlu and Sphiwe Shezi-Mqadi are ready to welcome you to their Mnini Dam Tourist Resort

 Mlu and Sphiwe offer boat hire and launch facilities, a bar and grill, frozen braai packs, and bait, and overnight camping. When lockdown regulations allow, they also cater regularly for special events such as weddings and birthday parties.

They have recently built four warmly appointed rooms with en-suites, which they offer at a BnB rate with a full English breakfast, for those wanting a more comfortable overnight stay away from the city.

Mnini Dam Tourist Resort offers 4 double rooms with ensuite bathrooms as well as camping options should you want to stay overnight.

Mnini Dam Tourist Resort offers BnB with a full English Breakfast

Both sites enjoy committed involvement from their communities and the well-being  and security of guests is important to them. Take time to stop and chat to people on the roads,  and expect yells of delight and joyous laughter from children, as you are welcomed with open arms to this small slice of paradise.

Bookings for Thulas' Adventures activities and pop-up camp can be done via reservations@durbangreencorridor.co.za or call 031 322 6026/7.

Bookings for overnight accommodation at Mini Resort can be done via +27 83 514 1685 or piyoyomi@gmail.com

Triggerfish Launches Netflix-Sponsored Pan-African Story Artist Lab

TRIGGERFISH LAUNCHES NETFLIX-SPONSORED PAN-AFRICAN STORY ARTIST LAB

• Three months of paid skills development 

• Mentored by a story artist from Oscar-winning animated feature films

• Open to African citizens; deadline 23 July 2021

Cape Town, South Africa - June 22 2021 - Triggerfish today announced their call for entries for a pan-African Story Artist Lab sponsored by Netflix. 

Shortlisted applicants will have three months of paid skills development with international industry experts. Nathan Stanton, a story artist on Oscar-winning features like Brave, Finding Nemo and Monsters Inc, will lead the training program. 

Sponsored by Netflix and produced by Triggerfish, The Story Artist Lab builds on the success of their Mama K’s Team 4 all-female writers lab, which saw nine African women placed in the writing room for the first animated Netflix series from Africa. 

“Story artists translate screenplays into animatics, the loose first version of the movie that then shapes every step of animation that follows,” says Tendayi Nyeke, Triggerfish’s Zimbabwean-born development executive. “So having skilled story artists from the continent in control of how their stories are told is a gamechanger, not only in grooming the next African directors but also in giving pre-production artists the opportunity to establish their own voice as they bring African stories to life.”  

African citizens with concept art and/or storyboarding portfolios can apply from Tuesday, 22 June until Friday, 23 July 2021 at https://www.triggerfish.com/storyartistlab/. They must be available full-time for three months from August 2021; remote working is encouraged. 

Triggerfish featured prominently at Annecy International Animation Film Festival last week, winning the 2021 Mifa Animation Industry Award for the “pioneering role that the company has played in animation in South Africa, and Africa most widely.” 

Recent initiatives to develop the African animation industry include the Triggerfish Story Lab, a pan-African talent search that has already seen two series greenlit for the world stage: Mama K’s Team 4 for Netflix and Kiya for eOne, Disney Junior and Disney+, as well as the free Triggerfish Academy online training course. 

ABOUT TRIGGERFISH
Triggerfish is a premium content animation studio based in Cape Town and Galway, home to crew with a love for animation and a drive to keep improving. 

The 25-year-old studio is currently producing three Africa-set TV series: Mama K’s Team 4 for Netflix; Kiya for eOne, Disney Junior and Disney+; and the anthology Kizazi Moto, for Disney+. 

Triggerfish’s first two films, Adventures in Zambezia and Khumba, sold nine million cinema tickets globally. Triggerfish also produced the upcoming feature Seal Team, starring Oscar winner J.K. Simmons and Emmy winner Matthew Rhys; and animated the Academy Award®-nominated Roald Dahl adaptation Revolting Rhymes as well as much-loved Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler adaptations such as the 2021 Annie Award winner The Snail and the Whale, 2020 International Emmy-winning Zog, the BAFTA-nominated and Annecy-winning Stick Man, and the Rose d’Or-winning The Highway Rat, all produced by Magic Light Pictures. 

Triggerfish also services AAA-rated and mobile games for the likes of Electronic Arts, Unity and Disney Interactive, and is also developing a diverse slate of film and television projects for most of the world’s biggest studios. 

ABOUT NETFLIX

Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with 208 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

 MEDIA QUERIES TO:

Joy Sapieka

Publicist
Triggerfish Animation 

https://www.triggerfish.com/

Molotsane the Epitome of How to Live Limitless

Kesa Molotsane will continue her proud association with the SPAR Women’s Challenge, from leading in the front during race day to shining in the virtual space. 

The 2017 SPAR Grand Prix winner may miss the excitement of live racing on spectator-lined streets but refuses to allow pandemic restrictions to limit her love for the road. 

Molotsane, who has represented South Africa on the international stage in track and cross country, has been named SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge ambassador.

The 29-year-old does not only excel on the road, the track, and off-road but is ploughing her experience back into the sport as the recently appointed vice-chairperson of the Athletics SA Athletes’ commission.

Molotsane is an example of what it is to #LiveLimitless, having overcome school bullying to become one of South Africa’s top distance athletes and strong female role models. 

“My biggest limit was having the whole class turn their backs on me in Grade 7. I believe that it was bullying on a different level,” said Molotsane.

“I overcame that by understanding that not everyone will be as considerate as you are. I was open to learning and treating experiences as learning curves and not as failures.”

Molotsane is also a strong advocate of menstrual hygiene education and providing young girls with sanitary products at school. 

“I believe with all my heart that girls deserve to be in school as much as boys. Young kids often cannot go to school because they are on their periods, and free sanitary towels allow these girls to stay in school and live limitless.”

Molotsane does not only talk the talk but will once again be leading from the front when she lines up for the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, which will be held on 4 September 2021.

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/

Announcement video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I691zBf1Mag

– ENDS –  

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/  

Ailey - film review @Encounters by Tammy Ballantyne

AILEY film review

Encounters Film Festival 2021

(AILEY is featured on the 23rd edition of Encounters South African International Documentary Festival 10 - 20 June 2021)

Blood memory the anchor in AILEY – a documentary on Alvin Ailey, Encounters Film Festival 2021

Review by Tammy Ballantyne

Etched in the deep tissues of my mind is the tour of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) to SA in 2015. Seated in the Teatro at Montecasino, the performance washed over me, as I revelled in Rennie Harris’s “Exodus”; Robert Battle’s “Takademe”; “Polish Pieces” by Hans van Manen; “After the Rain” by Christopher Wheeldon and the final rousing iconic signature Ailey work, “Revelations”.

It wasn’t just the virtuosity or the acclaimed technical prowess of this company which struck me; it was the proclamation of pride in identity, of the dancers’ realisation of their own (his/her)stories, of that deep well of Ailey’s gifted vision to tell black American stories of hope, joy and tribute.

This was the second visit of AAADT to SA, the first having been in 1998, when Mandela was in the audience. Ailey himself is an essential connection to the history of SA contemporary dance; his work has inspired and encouraged many of our own dancemakers to find unique and different ways of telling our stories and holding a light up to the past. Two of our own gifted dancer/choreographers, David Matamela and Mamela Nyamza, received scholarships to train with the Ailey School in New York.

AILEY, a moving visual journey through Ailey’s life and process of creating was explained by director Jamila Wignot in a panel discussion on the documentary: “ We started with his voice; the poetry, the personal and the witness testimony. I wanted to use a visual language; there are no static frames, it is always moving…strip away the talking and let the movement do the talking.”

The documentary takes us on a journey from the studio where Rennie Harris is creating a new work to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the company to black and white archival shots of Ailey’s childhood in rural cotton-picking Texas and his mother, to old footage of Ailey’s choreographic works interspersed with brief interactions with seminal company members over the years and their poignant and vivid memories and observations of this man who gave them all a voice.

George Faison, previously an Ailey dancer, speaking in the film and also on the panel, talked of first seeing Ailey’s work and how “he entertained my thoughts and dreams that a black boy could actually dance, could escape…The history, our story was there.” Judith Jamison, who became Ailey’s muse for many works, danced with the company for 15 years, became the artistic director and is now Artistic Director Emerita shares how Ailey validated her “African-American-ness; her church…prowess and fluidity.”

Harris emotionally speaks of “the dancer as physical historian who holds the past, present and future information stored in the body.” This is ultimately the anchoring of the documentary – in Ailey’s own complex and lonely history as an only child moving constantly with his mother in search of work; of his discovery of the Ballets Russe de Monte Carlo at age 14; of seeing the great Katherine Dunham and black male dancers on stage who elevated Afro-Caribbean rhythms, blues and spiritual music to the forefront; of his focus on the black American identity having to navigate spaces and shifting geographies.

“We speak on behalf of those who cannot; give voice so we can be recorded and archived. We can take the power and control who gives access,” said Gregory Vuyani Maqoma in the panel discussion. For too long, black histories have been told by white historians and Ailey found a way to change this. However, the struggle of the lonely artist and the violence of silence around this loneliness and Ailey’s solo battle with HIV AIDS and eventual death in 1989, hangs solemnly over the film; all the things that were unsaid, the shame and stigma of living with AIDS in that era, is unpacked beautifully and textually by the critical voice of Bill T. Jones (never an Ailey dancer but a sometime collaborator): “There was this shame of your ‘dirty life’, you had to edit out that history. He was alone but he participated in the editing.”

Wignot’s desire to make “a love letter” to Ailey is realised in this breath-taking documentary that takes us into the lived experience of this extraordinary man who insisted on declaring “I am”. This remains deeply significant today as Harris reminds us that “we are still feeling the same way today; as a culture we are unwanted.” The shots of the work being created in the studio, remind us of the grim reality of black Americans every day, but through this, we remain connected to Ailey’s insistence of not focussing on the oppressed voice, of acknowledging struggles but looking always for the beauty in what Wignot calls ‘the intact human community”.

 To book click here

Credits:

World premiere Sundance 2021

A film by Insignia Films, Just Films Ford Foundation, +ImpactPartners

Jamila Wignot (director)

Jamila Wignot and Lauren De Filippo

Annukka Lilja (editor)

Daniel Bernard Roumain (original score)

#virtuallyeverywhere

SPAR Believes SA Youth Should be able to #livelimitless

SPAR BELIEVES THE SA YOUTH SHOULD BE ABLE TO #LIVELIMITLESS

The global pandemic has locked down our youth during a time of their lives where they are desperately looking to spread their wings.

The past 18 months have tested the country’s resolve and demonstrated the incredible resilience of all sections of the South African society. 

While the South African youth’s wings have been clipped temporary, they have shown that they may be locked down, but they will not be held back. 

As part of the 2021 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge’s campaign, we encourage South African women to #LiveLimitless and break down the barriers in their lives and redefine the limits that may exist. 

“What seemed impossible to us before has now become daily life—working from home and caring for our children at the same time? Impossible before, and now an average day,” said Alison Zweers, Managing Director of SPAR Western Cape.

“Making deals and holding meetings online? A strange and unknown concept that we now take in our stride. What further proof could you need to show that limitations are purely mental and how living without limits is truly possible.”

This year's theme has a strong focus on the youth, and we will be supporting the Petals Projects, which advocates for a shame-free education for all young women. 

There is a stigma and shame attached to their menstrual cycle for many young girls in South Africa. Due to the lack of access to simple hygiene products, they must make the difficult decision between embarrassment or education.

Entry fees for this year’s Virtual Challenge will support SPAR’s Petals Project, which aims to donate packs of sanitary pads to underprivileged girls removing one of the limitations to their education. 

SPAR is also proud to partner with three young South African women who embody what it means to #LiveLimitless. 

Chantel Struwig, Zizipho Soldati and Shirnell Swartz are three exceptional young women that refused to allow the challenges and limitations they had to deal with from an early age to define them. Instead, they have broken these shackles turning their challenges into opportunities. 

Struwig, born with a purplish-red mark covering most of her face, has become a vocal and virtual birthmark awareness advocate. Embracing her birthmark, the BCom Fashion student has overcome a negative self-image and encourages others to do the same using her social media platforms. 

The 26-year-old Soldati is an award-winning filmmaker, content creator, social media influencer and aspiring model. Soldati has not allowed a rare condition that causes very short limbs, called Phocomelia of the lower limbs, to put a limit on her dreams and ambitions. 

Swartz has excelled as a short speed skater representing South Africa at the Special Olympics, which has helped her discover her superb talent. She first got involved with Special Olympics South Africa when she was 13 years old at Casa De Sol School, where she found short speed skating.

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 receive a virtual challenge pack due to postal restrictions and courier fees. Your entry fee will still contribute by donating 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/

Announcement video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I691zBf1Mag

Image attached: 

From left to right: Shirnell Swartz, Zizipho Soldati, and Chantel Struwig.

– ENDS – 

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/

Youth Day Start for 500km cycle/run for Sport for Lives in partnership with the Kolisi Foundation

Hilton College teacher Kwanda Sibiya leads Sport for Lives, Manguzi Edition –500km cycle /run from Hilton to Manguzi

On 16 June, National Youth Day, Sport for Lives together with the Kolisi Foundation will launch the Sport for Lives, Manguzi Edition. Led by Kwanda Sibiya, a team of 6 participants will leave Hilton College to cycle and run a distance of 500km to reach Manguzi in eight days (16 -23 June 2021).

Passionate about where he comes from, Kwanda Sibiya, the initiator of this drive, is himself a story of perseverance and hope, bringing opportunity and tangible change back to his community. The son of a cabbage farmer, Kwanda’s family struggled to make ends meet. But Kwanda was inspired by a clipping of a Mark Shuttleworth story and dreamed of a career in science. Today, after a long road of perseverance and hard work, Kwanda is a Science teacher and Housemaster at Hilton College. Through this Sport for Lives – Manguzi Edition, he hopes to raise enough money to support, educate and mentor two Manguzi orphaned children, ages 5 and 6, for one year. Additional funds raised will be directed to the Kolisi Foundation.

“The partnership between the Kolisi Foundation and Sport for Lives is driven by our shared desire to change the narratives around inequality in South Africa,” said Sport for Lives co-founder Chris Kingsley. “Our purpose is to activate generosity through the vehicle of sport and we are honoured to be partnering with the Kolisi Foundation, because we are both a platform through which Kwanda's voice and personal hope for his community can be amplified.” 

The Manguzi Edition will mark the first of an annual event forming part of a campaign series. This inaugural year the team consists of: Kwanda Sibiya (Hilton College and Manguzi), Chris Kingsley (Sport for Lives and Hilton College), Ncedo Koyana (Kolisi Foundation), Peter Storrar (Hilton College Director of Marketing), Caroline Storrar (Hilton physiotherapist and former resident of Manguzi), Rod Spencer (Falcon House and Hilton College old boy, Founder of Deep Rural).

“Remember the one, one by one encompasses the power of the ripple effect that one individual can bring about. Kwanda is a reminder of the impact that one story can bring about. Through Kwanda’s changed narrative and learnings, he is now changing the narrative of inequality, one by one,” added Ncedo Koyana, Programme Coordinator for Education and Sports Development at the Kolisi Foundation.  

To support Sport for Lives, Manguzi Edition together with the Kolisi Foundation or to pledge an amount, no matter how small, please visit www.sportforlives.org or the direct campaign link www.sportforlives.org/campaigns/sport-for-lives-manguzi-edition/

Watch the official Sport for Lives, Manguzi Edition clip - https://youtu.be/1orZmwv6i0g

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Mqeku Picnic Site – an Ideal Spot for Family Outings

Mqeku Picnic Site – an Ideal Spot for Family Outings

Head for the great outdoors, enjoy the early-winter crisp weather and discover somewhere new: visit the Mqeku Picnic Site - a magical unexplored playground only 20 minutes from Hillcrest in the heart of the Valley of 1000 Hills.

With Youth Day and Father’s Day both coming up in the next fortnight – families may be looking for interesting things to do together.   

Mqeku offers fabulous birding opportunities (including sightings of the rare African Finfoot); river tubing or “bum-sliding” on a natural rock slide, 4x4 trails; nature hikes and picturesque picnic and braai sites, with a toilet and water – all in a pristine indigenous vegetation. For those who want to make a full weekend of it, there are fully serviced Pop Up Camping options too.

Owned and managed by the gregarious nature-lover Sibusiso Shangase, with marketing and management, support from Green Corridors, a Durban based environmental non-profit organisation supported by the economic development unit of eThekwini Municipality. Sibusiso is a certified South African Tourist Guide, and his qualified team welcome guests to the site and offer a guiding service to visitors keen to know more about the area. The site is on his family’s ancestral land, which allows him to talk to visitors personally and authentically about the diverse fauna, flora and history of the area.

The area is environmentally pristine. Situated on the confluence of the uMngeni and Mqueku Rivers, Shangase and his family are proud to have kept the bush wholly indigenous, with distinctive fever trees framing the meandering rivers punctuated with enormous granite rocks – perfect for soaking up the winter sun!  The more adventurous can explore the river and natural water slide on tubes. 

Mqeku is accessible with a conventional car - but is especially fun for 4x4 fans – offering various trails throughout the reserve – self-drive or more formal 4x4 trails offered by Monteseel Adventures.

For those who prefer to savour nature in a more sedate way, scenic walking and hiking trails are available. Hikes are easy enough to follow unguided, or visitors can book Shangase for a guided walk. Visitors can take a slow stroll towards the old Mfula trading store, something of a landmark for Dusi canoe fans, and still has a small shop in operation. 

Mqeku is a perfect destination for family groups or meetings of friends – also for corporate outings and enviro-themed functions and events.

The site is part of the Green Corridors initiative: an eco-sustainability project which involves collaboration with local communities, creating multiple opportunities for members to participate in the health and welfare of their natural surroundings. Green Corridors partners with a variety of stakeholders, to create open spaces in key local destinations and plays a vital role in improving the quality of the environment within which communities live, work, play and thrive.

Good to Know:

Mqeku Picnic Site about 20 minutes from Hillcrest. 

There is a nominal entry charge which goes towards the upkeep of the site.

Activities include picnic sites, amazing bird watching (including a local African Finfoot), 4x4 trails, hiking trails, MTB rides, rive tubing and local cultural walks. 

River tubes, helmets and lifejackets can be hired from Green Corridors 

Info and map: https://durbangreencorridor.co.za/mqeku-adventures

To find out about these and other things to do in the area – visit The Valley of a 1000 Hills Community Tourism Organisation website at https://www.1000hillstourism.co.za/

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Award-winning film I Am Here for Encounters & DIFF

Joint South African Premiere of award-winning film

I Am Here for Encounters South African International Documentary Festival &

Durban International Film Festival

The award-winning documentary I Am Here, an evocative portrait of a feisty and spirited 98-year-old Capetonian Ella Blumenthal, one of the few remaining Holocaust survivors, will have its joint premiere at the Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival (10 - 20 June) and the Durban International Film Festival (22 July – 1 August).

Directed by South African filmmaker Jordy Sank, the film follows Ella at her 98th birthday celebration where she shares her story in a rare, honest and candid conversation with close friends and family.  These memories are depicted in 2D animation – typically an unusual medium for Holocaust flashbacks - which adds a nuanced innovation to the texture of Ella’s stories. 

While I Am Here recalls her astonishing endurance, weaved into her narrative of overcoming trauma, are uplifting stories of courage and light. Ella never lost hope, not even in the darkest of times. Some of Ella’s memories include surviving three concentration camps and avoiding death in seemingly serendipitous ways. She was a pillar of support to her niece, Roma, who survived alongside her. 

“Ella encompasses remarkable resilience, boundless energy and unwavering determination - her personality is remarkable not because of what she has been through but in spite of it.” says producer Gabriella Blumberg. “We hope that the film can be a catalyst for speaking about all forms of discrimination in a world that still defines itself by what is other.”

Jordy Sank describes meeting Ella for the first time “I had interacted with Holocaust survivors before, but none were quite like this. I knew that the world needed to learn from Ella Blumenthal’s stories and the awe-inspiring way she lives her life today.”

The film won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and was also screened at the Miami Jewish Film Festival earlier this year.

This film was made possible with a grant from the Claims Conference and supported by the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre. Metro International acquired world-wide rights to I Am Here and launched it at the European Film Market in February 2021.

For Encounters the film will be available in a virtual screening at  https://encounters.co.za/

Bookings for the Durban International Film Festival screenings will open at a later date. For more info: https://ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za

Direct booking info:

Encounters -the film will be screened from 13 - 20 June (R60) https://virtual.encounters.co.za/film/i-am-here/

Virtual Q&A at Encounters : Jun 13, 2021 07:15 PM SAST (Free)

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jTD_-x1vQ4OtFDH09sBA-Q

Physical screening at Encounters at  Bioscope JHB with Q&A Mon. Jun 14, 2021 at 7:00pm SAST (R70)  https://tickets.tixsa.co.za/event/encounters-2021-i-am-here

Trailer link: https://vimeo.com/510401467

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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/

– ENDS –  

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