Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge: J-Cue up for a Magner’tic fun finish vibe

Durban: Sunday 28 June Save some energy for when you cross the finish line as this year’s entertainment after the Durban SPAR Women’s 10 / 5km Challenge will be sure to get you moving to  #CelebrateHer on the outer fields of the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on Sunday 28 June.  

Returning this year as the main act, Veranda Panda are back with their vibrant, colourful, eclectic music. The husband-and-wife duo have headlined at a variety of big festivals, including Splashy Fen, Sakifo in Reunion and Up the Creek to name a few. They have wowed crowds with their dynamic, high-energy set at one of Durban’s most iconic outdoor settings, Music at the Lake at the Botanical Gardens and now head to the Women’s Challenge stage. 

Liam and Jane Magner blend their classical instrumentation with cutting-edge electronic production, creating a powerful sonic experience. Jane carves up the stage with her electric violin and vocals, while Liam styles behind his desk firing out his electronic beats. Veranda Panda command the stage and connect with audiences in a way few others can – catch their Magner’tic performance from at 10.30am. 

Warming the crowds up before this, DJ J-Cue will welcome the throng of jovial finishers. The magician behind the decks will share his feel-good vibes and emotive music that has roots in soul, dance music, deep house, jazz and Afrocentric sounds. He starts spinning his discs at 09.15am

Every female participant sticking around after the official prize giving stands a chance to win some fabulous lucky draw prizes, as well as a SPAR voucher worth R10,000 to a woman who entered in-store. Plus, SPAR will be giving away a Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium MT to the value of R269 900.

Participants need to collect their Race Packs at Race Registration which is on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 June on the outer fields of the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium. Both days, the venue opens up at 10am with the closing time set for 6pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday. No race pack collections will be accepted on race day. 

The gun fires at 8am on Sunday 28 June for the 10km and the 5km gets underway at 9am. 

For more info visit www.sparwomenschallenge.co.za/durban.

THE GREAT KZN OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE

Go outside, breathe, and feel the difference. You’ll have all the feels at the 2026 East Coast Radio House + Garden Show.  From contemporary outdoor lighting to custom braai firepits, decking to camping trailers, the Show has gone All Out!

Outdoors is in, and KZN loves to get out there. Whether it’s in your own garden, or bundu bashing over dirt roads, it clears your head and heart. This year’s Show brings you a vast range of quality patio and garden enhancements, camping trailers and twinkling garden lights, a myriad gadgets and goodies to enhance your outdoor experience. Beyond merchandise, there’s a great line-up of wonderful interactions with those heroes who protect our wildlife all the way through to those who’re out to prove their braai skills are better than yours. 

Is your patio a little tired and dated? Does your townhouse garden need embellishment? Looking for the perfect camping tracks or trailers? Investing in your lifestyle is worth every cent!

Nothing brings magic to an outdoor area like garden lights, and the Inta-Stellar Group is showing off their three core string light ranges. Upgraded with new features, they’re the answer to everybody’s “I want outdoor lights I don’t have to worry about.” Call it ‘a true set-it-and-forget-it’ solution for the outdoor entertainer.

Nothing drags down an outdoor area than lacklustre grass. Make a beeline for the Sixbar Irrigation and Lawn Specialists who focus on creating and maintaining exceptional outdoor spaces…without putting your water bill on the boil. They help you manage water efficiently, with professionally designed irrigation systems, through to back up water solutions and landscaping, too. Water management expertise meets practical outdoor lifestyle improvements. Talk to them. 

Fancy a chilly ice bath, a steamy sauna or bubbly spa on your patio? Of course you do. Porta Spa manufactures locally, installs and services them…for over 30 years. Durable outdoors or in, with a reputation for the most economical products in the industry, you’ll be happy with their seven year warranty. Come dip your toe in the water.

Looks like wood, feels like wood…but none of the upkeep? Come see, touch and walk on the premium Composite Wood at Best Deck’s stand. They import, supply and install a fully co-ordinated range of products – with sample boards in every colour and grain - including decking, wall cladding, balustrades, gates, pergolas and shade screens. They use a UV-stabilised blend of bamboo, recycled wood fibres and recycled HDPE plastic, specifically to suit South African conditions. With guarantees ranging from 10 to 25 years depending on the product, that decking will be around for the next generation.

Guess who’s cooking with gas? Builders is, with some real hotties from ALVA outdoor appliances. A firm family favourite is Alva’s Cibo Stainless-Steel Gas Outdoor Pizza Oven with a 30cm Pizza Stone, and the Alva Mojave 4 Burner Drop-In BBQ Gas Braai which integrates seamlessly into an outdoor kitchen – it’s a stainless-steel built-in unit designed for precision grilling, searing, and indirect cooking. Pair it with the superb Tramontina Churrasco 15-Piece Braai Set, the Ultimate Master Braai Kit designed for prep and serving. And to shed a little light on proceedings, Alva’s Split Pole Patio Gas Heater in stainless steel is a bright idea for nightlife outdoors.

Over cutting your lawn? Art Grass has you covered…in premium artificial grass. It’s the ultimate low-maintenance, versatile and long-term value solution that withstands our climate and water challenges. Artificial greenery and decorative plant walls are becoming increasingly popular, so have a look at Art Grass…it may be the right solution for you.

Outdoor fanatics, unite! The wildly interactive Khakibush magazine stand will be the hottest hub for everything out there, from wonderful custom braai firepits to wildlife experts, extraordinary vehicles and exceptional camping trailers. Follow the aromas…it’s Khakibush’s BraaiBoss Challenge, and for both Saturdays of the Show, you’ll watch the best braaiers in KZN having a preliminary braai-off for the title of supreme BraaiBoss! Entertainment is going up in smoke! It’s going to be highly interactive, so come and enjoy the best of the KZN outdoor lifestyle…and you could win over R100 000 worth of prizes.

With Father’s Day just around the corner - giving a ticket to someone special may just be the answer for a gift for him. Come on out to this year’s East Coast Radio House + Garden Show, and see what’s missing from your KZN outdoor lifestyle toolkit. It’s sure to be at the Show.

The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show takes place from June 27 to July 5 at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

Tickets are available online via quicket.co.za or housegardenshow.co.za or at the entrance on the day.

Italian Trade Agency (ICE) Co-hosts Landmark Italy-South Africa Agri-Food Business Forum and MOU Signing in Cape Town

This Forum marks a significant milestone in bilateral agricultural cooperation and opens new frontiers for Italian agri-food and agri-technology business in South Africa and the wider African continent

Cape Town, 11 June 2026: The Italian Trade Agency (ICE) co-hosted the Italy-South Africa Agri-Food Business Forum at The Westin Hotel in Cape Town on 9 June, bringing together a high-level delegation of government ministers, institutional leaders, agribusiness representatives, investors and industry stakeholders from both countries to advance agricultural trade, investment and innovation.

Organised by ICE in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, and the South African National Department of Agriculture, the Forum represents one of the most strategically significant bilateral agricultural business engagements of the year for exporters and investors. Wide-ranging discussions spanned food security, foreign investment, climate-smart agriculture, agri-technology and export development. The Forum was convened under the theme From the Soil to the Shelf - a framing that signals the shared ambition to move beyond raw commodity trade and towards integrated, value-added agricultural partnerships in which Italian expertise plays a central role.

The Forum provided a structured environment for Italian agri-food, agri-technology and food processing companies to engage directly with South African counterparts, with Business-to-Business meetings running in parallel to the programme. South Africa - as a gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area and one of the continent's most sophisticated agricultural markets - represents a priority destination for Italian businesses seeking to expand their presence across sub-Saharan Africa. The Forum also welcomed business delegations from Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe, reflecting the broader regional opportunity for Italian industry.

ICE President Matteo Zoppas addressed delegates during the plenary session, underlining ICE's commitment to supporting Italian companies in building lasting commercial relationships and technology partnerships in the South African market.

A highlight of the opening session was the signing of an Italy-South Africa Memorandum of Understanding, formalising a joint commitment between SACE,  Italy's export credit agency, and SIMEST, the Italian development finance institution focused on internationalisation, with the Italian-South African Chamber of Commerce. The MOU establishes a framework for long-term cooperation across research and innovation, digital agriculture, agricultural mechanisation, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, agro-processing and technology transfer - and creates a Joint Working Group to ensure the commitments made translate into practical commercial and investment outcomes.

The Forum carried strong ministerial endorsement from both governments. Italy's Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, H.E. Francesco Lollobrigida, outlined Italy's vision for a long-term agri-food partnership with South Africa, while South Africa's Minister of Agriculture, H.E. John Steenhuisen, delivered the opening keynote. Welcome remarks were also delivered by Ambassador of South Africa to Italy H.E. Nosipho Jezile, and Ambassador of Italy to South Africa H.E. Alberto Vecchi.

Minister Steenhuisen pointed to an already strong commercial foundation, with agricultural trade between South Africa and Italy exceeding R650 million annually and horticultural exports valued at approximately R190 million. He described these figures as evidence that Italian consumers and businesses already recognise the quality of South African agricultural products. He outlined a vision for combining South Africa's production strengths with Italy's world-renowned expertise in processing, packaging, technology and branding to create greater value across entire supply chains.

Commenting on the MOU signing, Ambassador Vecchi said, “Through this MOU we are cementing a framework for deep collaboration. We want to see South African citrus, table grapes, and livestock benefit from Italian processing and packaging innovations right here on South African soil, creating local jobs and boosting export competitiveness. By building strong, sustainable, value-added partnerships today, we are setting a benchmark for how European and African economies can grow together dynamically, innovatively, and equitably.”

The Italy-South Africa Agri-Food Business Forum forms part of ICE's broader Africa programme, which in 2026 encompasses 15 activities in South Africa spanning collective Italian participations in mining, agriculture and infrastructure, as well as incoming delegations to leading Italian trade fairs including Vinitaly and Macfrut.

Durban FilmMart Institute Announces the Selection of Participants for Talents Durban 2026

The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) announces the lineup of participants for the 19th edition of Talents Durban, taking place during the Durban FilmMart (DFM) in Durban from 9 – 12 October 2026. As the African satellite programme of Berlinale Talents, Talents Durban continues to play a vital role in nurturing emerging African filmmakers, animators, and film critics through mentorship, professional development, and international networking opportunities. 

Berlinale Talents is a networking platform organised by the Berlin International Film Festival, offering a space for emerging filmmakers to connect, learn, and collaborate. Talents Durban serves as its African counterpart, providing a similar platform specifically tailored to the continent's unique filmmaking landscape.

DFMI Director, Magdalene Reddy, explains, “The Durban FilmMart Institute remains committed to advancing African cinema through strategic collaborations that expand international access to professional networks, markets, and sustainable industry opportunities. Talents Durban is central to this vision. Now in its 19th year of partnership with Berlinale Talents,  this partnership helps to contribute meaningfully to the long-term growth and sustainability of the African film ecosystem.”

The 2026 edition reflects the diversity of African storytelling, bringing together participants from 18 African countries. This year’s selection process was highly competitive, receiving a record 551 applications. From these submissions, 26 participants and six film critics were selected across fiction features, documentaries, short films, episodic content, animation, and film criticism.

Selected participants will engage in an intensive programme of project-oriented and hands-on professional development initiatives, including Story Junction pitching sessions, masterclasses, mentorship engagements, and one-on-one consultations with leading industry experts.

Mentors for the 2026 edition include Akosua Adoma Owusu, Amine Hattou, Bongi Ndaba, Comfort Arthur, Jihane Bougrine, Mayye Zayed, Nicole Schafer, Oris Aigbokhaevbolo, Ramadan Suleman and Razanajaona Ambinintsoa Luck.

A highlight of this year’s programme is the evolution of the Talent Press stream through the introduction of a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Digital Newsroom model. Moving beyond the traditional workshop format, the programme will simulate a live festival newsroom environment.

Acclaimed alumni Wilfred Okiche and Domoina Ratsara return as Section Editors, mentoring and collaborating directly with a new generation of emerging African critics serving as Festival Film Writers. The initiative is further strengthened through partnerships with the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival (04-14 June 2026) and the Durban International Film Festival (23 July - 2 August 2026), providing participants with real-world reporting experience, and opportunities to publish critical writing from the forefront of African cinema.

Talent Press is an initiative of Talents Durban in collaboration with FIPRESCI. A new collaboration between the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI), and the Durban FilmMart Institute was announced during FIPRESCI's annual reception. The partnership will see FIPRESCI select an outstanding participant from the Talents Durban Press programme at Durban FilmMart 2026 to receive an award presented by CIFF. The selected critic will be invited to attend the Cairo International Film Festival, cover the festival's activities, and contribute to its English-language daily publication. This initiative represents an important step in strengthening film criticism across the African continent and creating greater opportunities for emerging critical voices to engage with international film culture and discourse.

Official 2026 Talents Durban Participants and Projects:

Fiction Features

Kelvin Kagambo – Dogi Dogi (Tanzania)

Lawrencia Aphua Larbi-Amoah – Bare Feet (Ghana)

Meekaaeel Adam – The Violent Type (South Africa)

Mélanie K. ZAWADI – THE BASEMENT (DRC)

Russell Oru – The Things We Leave Behind (Nigeria)

Shandra Apondi – The Words I Do Not Have (Kenya)

Documentaries

Ahmed Shams Nagm Eldin – SABARY (Sudan)

Hussein Eddeb – The birth of Derna (Libya)

Junior Mozese – ABÉTI (DRC)

Michelle Simon – Rivers: Under Threat  (South Africa)

Ramaroson Razafimbelo Anatole – Fitampoha, the return of the king of Menabe (Madagascar)

Sarra El Abed – Goodbye Party (Tunisia)

 

Fiction Shorts

Daisy Masembe – Rukia (Uganda)

Ghazzal Abdullah – Facing the Sun (Egypt)

Moso Sematlane – Nightbirds (Lesotho)

Sarah Abena Adjei – Awake (Ghana)

Tendaiishe Chitima – The Last Tree on Kilimanjaro (Zimbabwe)

Xola Limba – Only We Remain (South Africa)

 

Episodic

Cheyi Okoaye – Cause, Effect & Maybe Consequences? (Nigeria)

Des Dlamini – Slightly Awkward (South Africa)

Rudo Furusa – Borrowed Skin (Botswana)

SOGOBA Hawa – The Eleventh Year (Mali)

 

Animation

Jack Machiridza – All You Sheep (Zimbabwe)

Kirollos George – Alexandria forever (Egypt)

Pule Mohotsi –  Amandla (South Africa)

Talent Press 

Elijah Oluwanisola (Nigeria)

Hlumela Luvuno (South Africa)

NEYA Harouna (Burkina Faso)

Michelle Abuti (Kenya)

Domoina Ratsara (Madagascar) – Alumni

Wilfred Okiche (Nigeria) – Alumni 

The Heads of Berlinale Talents, Nikola Joetze and Tobias Pausinger, highlight their anticipation, stating: “At Berlinale Talents, we regard Talents Durban as an essential creative partner and a space where exceptional filmmakers and storytellers from across the African continent continue to push boundaries, challenge form, and expand the global cinematic imagination. Year after year, we are inspired by how Talents Durban nurtures bold artistic voices that embody the spirit of this year’s Berlinale Talents theme, Creating and Confusion, transforming uncertainty into innovation and new narrative possibilities.

Equally vital is the internationally renowned Durban Film Market itself, which stands as one of the continent’s most significant platforms for connecting emerging and established talent with industry opportunity. It plays a decisive role in strengthening the creative ecosystem, while underscoring South Africa’s position as a dynamic and indispensable hub for the international film industry.”

As the premier film market in Africa, the 17th edition of the Durban FilmMart, under the theme “Shifting Worlds: Turning Towards Ourselves”. Inspired by the words of Ousmane Sembène, often referred to as the “father of African cinema” who said, “Why be a sunflower and turn toward the sun? I, myself, am the sun,” the 17th edition of the Durban FilmMart will be the space for discussions that advance alternative film funding pathways, revise models for distribution, consider equitable co-production frameworks and create authentic partnerships. DFM 2026 will encourage looking within to forge relationships and design new strategies that will brace a world in flux and endure the economic and social structures that are changing and destabilising the film industry.

More information on this year’s theme can be found on the Durban FilmMart Institute’s website, https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/

Delegate registration and programme details will be announced in due course.

The 17th edition Durban FilmMart is funded by the Durban Film Office, eThekwini Municipality, Ford Foundation, the National Film and Video Foundation and IEFTF.

ART MAKES A HOME MORE HUMAN - DECORATING WITH ART

Whoever you are, wherever you live, a painting, a print, your children’s art beautifully framed, transforms a house into a home. Art complements and elevates your décor, it tells your story

This year’s East Coast Radio House + Garden Show showcases the fine art of framing, the power of statement mirrors, how recycling can be reinvention, and of course, the wonderful work of numerous talented, established, and emerging artists. From June 27 to July 5, the Durban Exhibition Centre plays host to artists from across the spectrum, a superb opportunity for homeowners to bring their walls to life, and choose bold over beige.

The Durban Art Gallery promises a wide and wonderful diversity of work, giving visitors the opportunity to engage with contemporary art and artists. The Gallery will showcase six artists, each of whom brings different concepts and execution to the Show. It’s fresh, exciting art from this group who work in different mediums and genres, from paint to charcoal to lipstick, and self-portraits to abstracts. Each artist is exploring their personal relationship with the human and natural world. Come to the Durban Art Gallery stand, and connect with the work of Bandile Ncanana, Njabulo ‘Vezi’ Mngwengwe, Mlamuli Shozi, Ayanda Mkhize, Lindokuhle Mthembu, and Nhlanhla Shozi.

Mlamuli Shozi - Lioness On The Hunt

On the road again are Jodie and Ryan Loubser, travelling artists. They move around the country, painting, exhibiting and selling their art. Jodie says, “It's a good and busy life, and our studio changes constantly.” And that’s where you, visitors to the Show, come in. The Loubsers will be there, each exhibiting their own distinctive style of art, largely in oils. Jodie paints water lily landscapes and chandelier interiors mainly, and Ryan is known for his Fractionism, Quiver Trees, landscapes and Multi Visions. They love to do commissions for homes, so find them and have a chat about your home and style.

Soekie Human of Ermelo has a very different artistic style. The past 22 years have seen her developing a very distinctive style in both oils and impasto acrylics. With warm, rich colours and loose brushwork, Soekie’s celebration of nature is evident in every painting.

Contemporary art complements or even creates contemporary homes. Sarita Gous has been painting for 15 years, creating modern ocean and cloudscape oil paintings inspired by nature, light, and atmosphere. She’s inspired by the feeling and energy of the sea and sky, and how they shift and move in subtle, powerful ways: “I aim to create a visual portal - offering spaces of calm, reflection, and reconnection within the home,” says Sarita.

A painting, drawing or artwork may be exquisite, but framing spells the difference between mediocre and magical. Thirtieth time exhibiting at the Show, Natal Art Craft Industries (NACI) has been in Durban for over 60 years. They’re renowned for their custom frames using recycled polystyrene, framed or laser cut mirrors, framed prints, glass art, décor items, and canvas wall art. They’re offering exclusive show specials, including everything up to 60% off, and 20 percent off custom framing vouchers redeemable in their showroom until the end of August 2026.

Lazarus Kufakunesu is not only the Patio Guru, but a legendary soapstone sculptor and more. He produces canvas paintings, steampunk art, fine art, and patio furniture. "No scrap belongs in the scrap yard," believes recycler extraordinaire Lazarus, as he transforms old car parts, horseshoes, garden tools, and scrap drums into handcrafted masterpieces. His outdoor furniture and light pendants are well worth a trip to his outdoor stand N8.

From young, vibrant, emerging artists to those with decades of experience, there’s a canvas, a sculpture, a print or more, that’s perfect for that beckoning spot on the wall. Listen carefully…it’ll talk to you, and you’ll know it’s for you.

The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show takes place from June 27 to July 5 at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

Tickets are available online via quicket.co.za or housegardenshow.co.za or at the entrance on the day.

Competitions, Giveaways and Specials: EVERYBODY’S A WINNER AT THE EAST COAST RADIO HOUSE + GARDEN SHOW 2026!

Whether it’s one of the BIG competitions, goodie bags or Show Specials, if you’ve set your heart on an appliance, a getaway or a bag full of treats… get to the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show! Over R200 000’s worth of prizes - a wonderland for winners!

 A dream getaway, quality camping gear, electronics and appliances - you can either win them, get them discounted, or snap up an exclusive Show Special. In competitions alone, this year’s Show has over R200 000’s worth of prizes in the shape of a gaming console, vouchers, superb holidays, premium camping gear, a TV - you name it, the Show’s got it. 

Khakibush’s large outdoor stand is going to be a hive of activity, with action and interaction 24/7… it’s where all the cool outdoor people gather to swop bush, beach and bundu-bashing stories. Even better news is they’re giving away over R100 000 worth of prizes at the Show, from accommodation experiences to premium outdoor gear. And where there’s smoke… there’s fire at the stand, too. They’re running The BraaiBoss Challenge preliminary competitions every Saturday, with the hunt on for the ultimate Braai Boss for 2026! 

So many major competitions under one giant roof! Onestop Travel & Tours’ is giving away R60 000 worth of enticing travel-theme prizes? You could win an MSC Cruise to Nowhere for two OR two Airline Tickets to Turkey, OR a weekend Stay for two in the Drakensberg at Cathedral Peak. High days and holidays guaranteed. Start packing.

Are you a DIYer? Good thing, because Builders is not only showcasing their tools and tricks, but if you’re one of the lucky ones… any purchase made at their stand qualifies you to enter a draw to win one of five R1000 Builders vouchers.

Hirsch’s is renowned for their mega Show Specials, competitions and cutting-edge tech, but this year, they’ve upped their game… to Nintendo for one. The visitor who gets the fastest lap time on the Mario Kart game could win a Nintendo console or merchandise goodies valued at R12, 500. If you prefer something even racier…

Visitors can explore the latest Porsche x SMEG appliance range alongside the iconic Porsche 911 on display at the SMEG stand in the Hirsch’s Pavilion, while also standing a chance to win a matt SMEG kettle and toaster set together with an official Porsche merchandise hamper.

It’s football time, and Hirsch has a Hisense FIFA Chill Zone where you can put up your feet and indulge in your favourite sport… and better still, enter a competition to win a host of prizes, including a sizzling hot Hisense TV or Party Rocker.Plus visitors who purchase any Philips product from Hirsch’s at the Show, stand a chance to WIN a Philips hamper valued at R20,000.

Look forward to exclusive, limited giveaways from leading brands at the Takealot House at the Show, available through a variety of activations including gift-with-purchase offers, raffle competitions, and a fun selfie draw. The ultimate highlight, is the Takealot Grand Prize, valued at R40,000.

And for chefs and foodies, Melbro Wholesale is giving visitors a chance to win a Nutribullet McLaren Limited Edition Ultra Blender valued at R4,500!

So many exhibitors are promising the Show to beat ‘em all, and they’re all coming to the party. Best you get there. And if you’re up for Mobiclaw’s crazy, fun but tricky challenge to lift an egg… using the Jaws of Life… you’ll be in the right place to enter their competitions to win food vouchers, rugby tickets, hampers, sweets and more.

Fashion and Beauty at the Edgars House of Red comes in different shapes and sizes… from lipsticks to PJ’s , creams to handbags. Attend one of their masterclasses or simply visit their stand at the show - you could be taking home a glorious sample or two, perhaps a goodie bag if you are lucky.

From Special Deals to many, many major prizes and giveaways, (all with T’s & C’s of course) the Show’s all about Dream, Create & Live. If you can dream it, you could win it. See you there.

The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show takes place from June 27 to July 5 at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

Tickets are available online via quicket.co.za or housegardenshow.co.za or at the entrance on the day.

World Environment Day (5 June): a South African programme is changing how the tourism industry thinks about its impact

A South African-led initiative is redefining what it means to be a responsible traveller and it’s not about skipping the trip.

DURBAN, 1 June 2026:  With World Environment Day observance on June 5, tourism and travel will no doubt be top of the list of discussions around its impact on the environment and climate change. Down on the southern tip of Africa, a quiet yet significant shift is underway, changing how the tourism industry thinks about its impact

A pioneering pilot programme led by travel company kimkim, in partnership with the Wilderness Leadership School, ETC Africa, and The Eco Travel Boutique, is helping 25 South African tourism properties measure, understand, and reduce their carbon footprints and giving travellers the tools to make their trips count for more.

South Africa’s wild landscapes are doing more than they look like they’re doing. For example, the Kruger National Park alone, roughly the size of Wales, or the state of New Jersey stores hundreds of millions of tonnes of carbon in its soils, trees, and grasslands. These ecosystems are functioning climate infrastructure, and they depend on communities having a tangible economic reason to protect them. Ethical tourism, structured to channel real revenue into local employment and conservation, is one of the most effective tools for ensuring that reason exists. The question isn’t whether to visit, it’s whether your visit makes the place stronger.

Rhino Sands: Nestled within pristine riverine forest and thoughtfully designed to minimize environmental impact, Rhino Sands blends into the natural landscape, offering an immersive wilderness experience while helping to protect the delicate ecosystems that make the African bush so extraordinary. Credit Rhino Sands

“The greatest environmental challenge isn’t travel it’s disconnection,” says Duncan Pritchard, Director of ETC Africa. “When guests witness wildlife, engage with local communities, or simply stand in a wild place, that’s when real conservation commitment takes root. Measuring a property’s carbon footprint gives that commitment a measurable backbone and the early data from this pilot has been revealing. Off-grid properties are achieving, on average, half the per-bed-night emissions of their on-grid equivalents. And across the programme, properties that actively measure and manage their footprint are seeing emissions reductions of more than 20%  not through radical overhaul, but through the simple discipline of paying attention.”

“Our goal with every traveller is to help them connect to the community and culture of their destination,” says Kaelyn Harris-Vincent, Brand Marketing at kimkim. “When tourism is done thoughtfully, it really can be a force for good. By year’s end, every participating property will carry Verified Impact branding  so travellers can see exactly what their stay is contributing to.” 

Programmes like this one can only do so much. The properties are doing the work, measuring, reducing, verifying. But the traveller is the other half of the equation. And the most impactful choices available to guests are often the least obvious ones.

In Toto Retreat: At properties such as In Toto Retreat on the Garden Route, sustainability is embedded in everyday operations, where small, thoughtful decisions combine to create a measurable positive impact for both people and the planet. Credit In Toto Retreat

Eight Things Most Travellers Never Think to Do (But Should)

Beyond the basics, here’s what the most impactful travellers actually do differently:

1.    Ask where the food comes from. Food transport accounts for more than 10% of total greenhouse gas emissions at most remote safari properties. Ask whether produce is sourced locally and know that locally raised meat can have a lower carbon footprint than vegetables flown in from overseas. Local sourcing matters more than the type of food on the menu. Properties that can answer this question fluently are usually the ones worth staying with.

RHINO SANDS: LOCAL FOOD, LOWER FOOTPRINT: Choosing locally sourced food is one of the simplest ways travellers can reduce their environmental impact. Produce and ingredients grown or raised close to a destination require less transport, helping to lower emissions while supporting local farmers and communities. Photo Credit: Rhino Sands

2.    Skip the safari wardrobe. The fashion industry produces more carbon emissions annually than international aviation and shipping combined. Buying an entirely new wardrobe for a two-week trip, a habit that safari-outfit content has quietly normalised can rival the footprint of the flight itself. Pack what you have. Neutral tones are already in most wardrobes. The wildlife doesn’t care about the brand.

3.    Flag dietary requirements weeks before arrival, not at check-in. Remote safari camps often sit hours from the nearest town. A last-minute dietary request can mean a 200 km round trip for a single ingredient; unnecessary emissions, unnecessary cost, and a flustered kitchen. Tell them at booking. Good operators will be grateful; great ones already ask.

4.    Ask for a guide with roots in the area. A guide who grew up in or near the area brings a depth of knowledge that no training programme fully replicates,  the seasonal patterns, the local history, the sounds that don’t appear in field guides. Request one specifically. And when you tip, tip generously: that money enters a local economy directly.

Gwegwe guide:  LOCAL KNOWLEDGE MATTERS
Guides who have grown up in or near a destination offer visitors unique insights into local culture, history and wildlife. Supporting local guides helps ensure tourism benefits communities directly and meaningfully. Pictured here is Asanda Phiwani, a local Pondo guide that shares his knowledge of the natural world as well as local history and culture at Gwegwe Beach Lodge. Photo credit: Gwegwe Beach Lodge

5.    Resist the urge to chase the next wildlife sighting. Game drive vehicles are typically the single largest source of carbon emissions at a safari lodge. Every unnecessary kilometre has a cost. More importantly, the guests who come home with the best stories are almost never the ones who ticked the most boxes, they’re the ones who sat at a waterhole for an hour, or followed a dung beetle across a road, or asked their guide to stop the vehicle and simply listen. Don’t push your guide to race between sightings or even better, request more walking safaris. The bush rewards patience in ways a highlight reel never captures.

eBikes- a exhilarating alternative to game drives with zero fossil fuels. Photo Credit: GweGwe Beach Lodge

6.    Choose one longer trip over two short ones. The carbon cost of a long-haul flight is concentrated in take-off and landing. A two-week trip to Southern Africa carries a meaningfully lower emissions-per-day profile than two separate one-week visits. The experience is also categorically better, by day three, you’re no longer adjusting. You’re actually there.

7.    Ask about the property’s carbon programme before you arrive. Not every lodge that says ‘eco’ has done the work. Ask whether they track their emissions, whether those figures are independently verified, and what specific conservation projects your stay supports. Good properties will have real answers. Others will learn to.

In Toto Retreat: At properties such as In Toto Retreat on the Garden Route, sustainability is embedded in everyday operations, where small, thoughtful decisions combine to create a measurable positive impact for both people and the planet.

8.    Ask how you can leave more than you took. The best lodges will have answers ready: an anti-poaching initiative you can contribute to, a community garden project, a rewilding programme that needs support. Ask anyway, even if they don’t. The questions travellers ask are one of the most underestimated forces in this industry. Properties pay attention to what guests care about. If you ask, they notice. If enough people ask, things change.

The kimkim Climate Action Pilot Programme is implemented through the Wilderness Leadership School, with technical expertise from ETC Africa and market access supported by The Eco Travel Boutique. By the end of 2026, all participating properties that complete the programme will carry Verified Impact branding, providing travellers with transparent, independently verified sustainability credentials.

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge uMvoti and oThukela Regional - Wembley College, Greytown: KZN Saturday 30 May

Back again, Wartburg Kirchdorf School successfully defended their title and hoisted the uMvoti and oThukela Regional trophy for the eighth time at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that Wembley College hosted on Saturday 30 May. 

Wartburg met Greytown High School in a fiercely fought final where they managed to win the game 1 nil. 48 seconds into the game, Wartburg secured their first set play. The ball was sent to the top of the D, redirected to the player on the post who attempted to net their first goal. The result was a retake due to an unfortunate foul halting the shot. 

Wartburg had to dig deep as Greytown’s defenders blooped four more times in the circle giving the defending champs five takes of their short corner set pieces. Nearing 4 minutes into the game, Iminathi Mnqayi finally broke the cycle and netted the tournament winning goal. The ball was sent up to Mnqayi, wasting no time she zapped a shot off, finding the back of the box. 

A second before the final hooter sounded, Greytown kept everyone on the edge of their seats as they earned their second short corner of the game. In the all or nothing corner, Wartburg held their composure and managed to neatly clear the ball from danger, securing their eighth title. 

There was no one team that dominated the day, with all teams having a mixed bag of results. At the conclusion of the pool games, both Hamilton College making their second appearance and Greytown High School were all squared up on points, goals for and goals against. A quick penalty shoot-out ensued where Greytown were victorious 1 nil to finish second in the pool. 

Watching it go. Both Wartburg Kirchdorf School’ Shalom Matsika and Wembley College’s keeper, Stacy Sims-Handcock watch the ball roll dangerously close to the goals during the deciding 8 second penalty shootout in the uMvoti and oThukela Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that Wembley College hosted on Saturday 30 May, Pic by Val Adamson.

In the first semi-final, first in pool A - Wembley College met second in pool B – Wartburg. At the blast of the final whistle, both teams were level on nil nil. The game decider moved to a penalty shootout. After the first round, both teams had slotted in two goals out of their three attempts. A sudden death followed. Wembley went first but were unable to convert while Wartburg’s Phiwo Ntobela charged into the circle, meeting Wembley’s keeper, Stacy Sims-Handcock, rolling off the convergence, Ntobela scooped the ball in just before the dreaded 8 second whistle claiming the first slot for the final.

In the second semi-final, first in pool B – Domino Servite School met second in pool A – Greytown. In similar fashion – the final whistle sounded with no goals being scored and the decided then proceeded to a penalty shootout. In a marathon, the longest in the sixteen years of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, Greytown eventually won in a riveting round of ten shootouts. Sbonga Ngwane netted the first of the third round of sudden death, taking her teams tally up to four. Ngwane charged in, balancing herself midway, attempting her first shot. Domino’s keeper, Emma Schobben defended easily but unfortunately, the ball rebounded in Ngwane’s favour, wasting no time to knock in the ball under Schobber. Domino’s Mayenzeke Mlaba bravely made a run with the ball but was greeted by a determined Sinothando Ngwenya who resolutely knocked the ball well out of play, obtaining their pass to the final. 

Stand in umpire, Talia Kotze from Wembley College was acknowledged for her hard work with the whistle and was awarded the title of Umpire of the Day. She happily stood in for Ladysmith High School and oversaw the three penalty shootouts. Shalom Matsika from Wartburg could not contain her excitement when she won a Princess stick in the fun treasure hunt lucky draw. 

Wartburg is the final team to advance to the Grand Finals being hosted by St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof in July. They will meet Our Lady of Fatima, (Durban North Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); St Anne’s Diocesan College (Pietermaritzburg North Regional) and St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional); Grantleigh School (North Coast Regional); St Patrick’s College (Ugu and Sisonke Regional) and Ferrum High School (Northern KZN Regional).

Results

Final

Wartburg Kirchdorf School 1 vs Greytown High School 0

Third place playoff

Wembley College 1 vs Domino Servite School 0

Fifth place playoff

Hamilton College 3 vs Hermannsburg School 0

Semi-Final

Wartburg Kirchdorf School 0 (3) vs Wembley College 0 (2)

Domino Servite School 0 (3) vs Greytown High School 0 (4)

Standings

1 Wartburg Kirchdorf School; 2 Greytown High School; 3 Wembley College; 4 Domino Servite School; 5 Hamilton College; 6 Hermannsburg School; 7 Estcourt High School

South African choreographer and arts activist, PJ Sabbagha named the 2026 JOMBA! LEGACY ARTIST

The 28th annual JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, hosted by UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts, has announced that it will honour South African choreographer and arts activist PJ Sabbagha as the 2026 JOMBA! Legacy Artist. 

PJ Sabbagha, whose name has become synonymous with issue-based dance theatre, is the Organisation Steward and Chief Collaborator / CEO of The Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative (FATC  - now in its 31st year), the Ebhudlweni Arts Center (in its 11th year) and the annual My Body My Space Rural Public Arts Festival (in its 11th year).

Sabbagha was the recipient of the 2005 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Dance and the 2006 FNB Dance Umbrella award for Best Choreography for his work, Still Here. He was also awarded the 2005 and 2009 awards for Most Outstanding presentation of a new work for The Double Room and Macbeth respectively. In 2005 he was voted top South African Artist and was also placed in the top 10 of The Star Tonight’s annual top 100 South Africans. 

He has travelled across the USA as a guest of the US State Department as part of the 2007 International Visitors Leadership Program investigating HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases. In 2017 Sabbagha visited France as a guest of the French Ministry of Culture and Communications as part of a Seminar Focusing Arts and Culture in Service of Community and Territorial Development. Sabbagha’s choreographic work has been shown at festivals and theatres in countries that include Russia, Mexico, France, Holland, Tanzania, Mali, Mozambique and Taiwan.

Currently PJ leads FATC in its delivery and work as appointed implementing agency on behalf of the Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation’s Community Arts Center Support and Development Programme funded by the National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture

JOMBA!’s artist director, Dr Lliane Loots says, “Deeply significant to the JOMBA! Legacy award is PJ’s lifelong commitment to not just his choreographic excellence, but a deep-seated care for community and his pioneering work that has shifted South African dance out of urban spaces. His curation and vision have shifted our dance landscape and we are deeply humbled that we get to honour PJ in this way”. 

 “The JOMBA! festival’s 2026 overall curatorial theme and provocation is Choreographies of Activism: Moving Bodies as Disruptive Presenting and we can think of no other South African artist who has exemplified this moving across physical, economic and access borders in his dance work, whether this has been training and teaching, choreography, or curation”.

PJ and FATC will open JOMBA! on 25 and 26 August in Durban with a re-visit and re-boot of an earlier work NOAH - a multi-media dance work exploring the notions of loss, love and letting go. It uses the frame of irreversible climate change as an immersion in the moment of crisis, from which there is no return. NOAH will be performed by Nicholas Aphane, Athena Mazarakis and Shawn Mothupi, and is a layered conversation between live performing bodies, video projection and shadows that surfaces the personal and collective response to this (personal and geopolitical) moment of crisis.

JOMBA! takes place at The Sneddon Theatre in Durban from 25 August to 6 September, and the satellite festival takes place at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg from 9 to 12 September 2026.

For more information go to https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LET THE FUN BEGIN! ENTERTAINMENT, FUN AND FOOD AT THE EAST COAST RADIO HOUSE + GARDEN SHOW 2026

The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show 2026 promises a whole lot more fun and fascination than you can handle! Get your family to the Durban Exhibition Centre June 27 to July 5… and prepare to be entertained!

There’s a load of colourful and intriguing entertainment and activities lined up for visitors young and not so young, at this year’s East Coast Radio House + Garden Show at Durban’s Exhibition Centre. The motto? The more the merrier!

From June 27 to July 5, the Show will pop the lid off a new brand of entertainment, so expect the unexpected. It’s carnival time. There are oodles of mega surprises, the likes of which you haven’t seen before. No matter whether you’re junior, senior, or somewhere in between, come empty handed, and we’ll keep your hands full with multiple Show attractions, interactions and activations.

For the kids, it begins at the gate. Wind through the indoor and outdoor Show stands and halls, keeping an eye out for the juggling stilt walkers and talented duo of hip-hop dancers, eye-catching characters like the floral Blooming Beauties and the bright Living Lamps. Hunt down the extraordinarily mobile Dolly with her Trolley. She’s the Show’s half human, half AI waitress. Real Magic Productions has waved its flamboyant wand, and pulled so many funtastic things out of the bag!

Whimsical fairies, pirates, elves and mythical creatures will welcome little ones to the Neverland-inspired themed Kids’ Zone.  There’ll be face painting, temporary airbrush body art, Melissa & Doug interactive play spaces, meet and greet photo opportunities, and craft stations. This is the Show’s imagination station, keeping the kids busy for hours.

This year’s Show will blow young minds. The entire South Plaza is a colourful and crazy play zone, edge-to-edge with Nick’s inflatable everything… picture gigantic blow-up slides and cubes, soft and bouncy activities for safe landings, every young kid’s dream.

Hirsch will be showcasing the most advanced appliances and tech globally, but this year, they have much more: a Nintendo Activation Area where kids can meet characters Mario and Luigi. For the adult in you, come and view the latest Porsche x SMEG appliance range… you won’t want to miss the real live iconic Porsche 911 parked in the hall.

From eateries to action, there’s plenty to keep adults engaged. Choose your favourite chef demonstrating something delectable at Hirsch’s Demo Kitchen, or head for Edgars House of Red master classes to learn the perfect way to get your beauty routine down pat.

Not to be missed is the Mobiclaw Rescue Experience, bringing a dynamic, interactive rescue and emergency response experience to the Show for visitors of all ages. Be first in line for the thrilling Jaws of Life Challenge… lift an egg without cracking it… using the Jaws of Life. Guaranteed to push your boundaries!

What’s to eat? Plenty. For evening and weekend visitors, the Show puts the ooh into food with a wide array of gourmet street food. Drink, eat and be merry at all the foodie stalls. The Gin Garden is a delightful barstool away, with colours and flavours of a host of gins, and live music from your favourite musicians. For Burger fans, Filthy Moustache is your vibe; for Mexican, go Lawmans, and Korean, go Krazy Korean. Ole Smoki has a glorious range of smokehouse goodies, and on the pretty side, go pink with Sophie’s Café and its sweet and savoury treats. There’s something lip-smacking for everyone.

Interactivity is the name of the game this year, and you’ll be able to get the right answers from Builders’ DIY experts. Don’t miss out on the spectacle of Khakibush’s BraaiBoss Challenge – the preliminaries – every Saturday at the Show, where hot-shot braaiers fight it out for the title of Braai Boss 2026.

Entertainment is always an integral part of the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show. Only this year, it’s bigger, better and bolder! Plenty to do, see, and marvel over. It’s a day or night out, and we’ve got you entertained.

The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show takes place from June 27 to July 5 at the Durban Exhibition Centre. 

Tickets are available online via quicket.co.za or housegardenshow.co.za or at the entrance on the day.

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge uMvoti and oThukela Regional - Wembley College: Saturday 30 May

Wrapping up the ten tournaments around KZN, Wembley College in Greytown hosts the uMvoti and oThukela Regional on Saturday 30 May.

Historically, one of the smallest regionals grows to eight participating schools, they will be divided into two pools with the first game tipping off at 7.30am. The games will last a total of 20 minutes running time, with the cross-pool playoffs allowing for a penalty shootout to reveal a result. 

Joining host school, Wembley College in Pool A is Hamilton College who are making their second appearance, Estcourt High School and Greytown High School take up the other two slots. Competitors in Pool B are Domino Servite School; Wartburg Kirchdorf School; Hermannsburg School and Ladysmith High School.

There will be 12 pool games with a winning team earning 4 points. If two teams draw having netted equal goals, they will both share 2pts, while a goalless draw increases a teams tally by 1 point, A loss registers zero points. Once all the pool games have concluded, the first cross-pool playoff takes place for seventh place. The two semi-finals will be played after that. The two teams that finished third in their pools will face each other in the fifth placed playoff. 

At 1.30pm the two defeated teams from the semi-finals will meet for the third place playoff. Shortly after that the main game commences for the honours of hoisting the regional trophy. Five teams have had this honour with Wartburg being the current defending champions. They have seven titles to their name followed by Ladysmith High School who have their name engraved three times on the trophy. Host school, Wembly have been victorious in this regional twice while both Greytown and Domino Servite winning once. 

Matrics participating in the challenge will have the opportunity to win a year’s bursary at eta College, a leading Sport Science, Coaching and Management tertiary institution in Durban. The bursary will be awarded at the Grand Finals which takes place at St Mary’s D.S.G. at the end of July.

The victorious team from this regional will head to the Grand Finals where they will meet nine other regional champs in July. They will meet Our Lady of Fatima, (Durban North Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); St Anne’s Diocesan College (Pietermaritzburg North Regional) and St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional); Grantleigh School (North Coast Regional); St Patrick’s College (Ugu and Sisonke Regional) and Ferrum High School who were victorious last weekend at the Northern KZN Regional.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Only one more regional remains in the ten challenges ahead of the Grand Finals in July. Ferrum is the ninth team to have earned a spot at the main concluding event, they will meet Our Lady of Fatima, (Durban North Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); St Anne’s Diocesan College (Pietermaritzburg North Regional) and St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional); Grantleigh School (North Coast Regional) and St Patrick’s College (Ugu and Sisonke Regional).

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

Results

Final

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

Semi-Finals

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

Newcastle High School 0 vs Hoërskool Pionier 2

Pool A

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

Pool B

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

Dream. Create & Live - The 2026 East Coast Radio House + Garden Show Opens June 27

Durban, 18 May: The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show - KZN’s favourite lifestyle event is gearing up to welcome visitors to its 2026 edition on 27 June until  5 July at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

“The theme this year is Dream, Create, and Live,” says the Show’s new director Lara Bezuidenhout.  “The halls will be filled to the brim with craftsmen, designers, decorators, DIYers and experts who’ll show visitors how to create what they’re dreaming, and curate it all to design a home and lifestyle that’s tailored just for them. Whether one is searching for the latest international design trends, discovering exciting new products, finding local gems that won't break the bank, or simply be entertained, we have something for everyone.”  

“Don’t come alone - it’s a fabulous family outing, it’s school holidays, and there’s a wide range of cool to crazy entertainment for little to later ages,” enthuses Bezuidenhout. For youngsters there is a massive play area devoted to over life-size inflatables, and Peter Pan and Tinkerbell will be in Neverland. Around every corner, there’ll be somebody on stilts, juggling, somebody else wearing something wild and wacky, a hip-hop street-dancing duo, and Dolly with her Trolley, part AI, part human. There are illuminated Living Lamps, exquisite Blossoming Beauties, and the exotic Outdoor Butterflies.

Make it a day out – or an evening – visit the cool Gin Garden, with live music from favourite musicians; ice-cream vendors and Sophie’s Café for sweet treats and savoury; round-the-world flavours like Lawmans for Mexican, smoked deliciousness from Ole Smoki, and the biggest, best burgers in town from Filthy Moustache. Something edible and quaffable for absolutely everybody, everywhere.  

“We have many interactive highlights at this year’s Show…whether you love to cook and can’t wait for celeb chefs and new recipes in the Hirsch Test Kitchen, or visit Edgars’ House of Red and learn from their skilled masterclasses on fashion and beauty.”

There are ideas and opportunities to breathe new life into your kitchen, bathroom or bedroom with young creatives, experienced decorators, furniture designers, top local brands, fresh ideas and bold concepts. “If you can dream it, the Show’s experts can do it…or you can DIY it yourself,” says Bezuidenhout.  “That’s why we are excited to welcome Builders this year who can help advise visitors on their own approach to DIY. They will have their latest products, new brands and old, and as much advice as one can gather in a visit. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, they’re there to lend a hand flipping that dream into a professional project.”

As usual there are fabulous competitions to be won: There’s  R100 000’s worth of premium camping gear, great escapes and outdoor kit, all from Khakibush magazine.  At Hirsch’s Nintendo Activation Area, visitors can meet Mario and Luigi, and if they score the fastest lap time on the Mario Kart game, a Nintendo console or merchandise goodies valued at R12,500 could be theirs. Then an iconic Porsche 911 will be on display at Hirsch’s, and visitors stand a chance to win Hirsch’s big surprise from Porsche and Smeg, a Smeg Porsche appliance and Porsche merchandise hamper.

On both Show Saturdays, witness the fun with shortlisted contestants setting the place on fire for The BraaiBoss Challenge, the search for SA’s ultimate Braai Boss.

Shopping, learning, consulting, socialising, interacting with those in the know about homes, gardens, and everything in between…that’s what this year’s Show’s really about, all under one massive roof. The stage is being set to Dream, Create, Live – diarise it. June 27 to July 5.

Good to Know

Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre

Parking: Secure Parking available at Centrum opposite DEC /Workshop / ICC

Dates: 27 June to 5 July 2026

Show times: Daily 10am – 9pm. Sundays 10am – 8pm

Tickets available from Quicket.

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

Nearing this year’s conclusion, the penultimate tournament heads to Ferrum High School in Newcastle for the Northern KZN Regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 23 May. 

This is the ninth tournament in the set of ten challenges that travels around the province. Nine teams will be taking to the turf at Ferrum. Divided into two pools, host school Ferrum will be joined by Amajuba High School; Hoërskool Pionier and Sarel Cilliers High School in Pool A. Heading up Pool B are Dundee High School; Newcastle High School; St Dominic’s Newcastle; Utrecht High School and Vryheid High School. 

The games will be a demanding, quick fire 20 minutes running time that get underway at 8am. The first two teams to tip off are local teams Newcastle taking on St Dominic’s followed by the home team meeting Amajuba. After all the pool games have been concluded, the top two teams from each pool will play in a cross-pool playoff, with the two winning teams clashing for the honours of the regional champion. 

Points will be awarded to each team after each fixture: a win adds four points to the log, while a draw with goals adds two points and a goalless draw only increases the tally by one point. A loss results in zero points. 

Four teams have had the honour of raising the trophy in this area, with Ferrum on the prowl for their eleventh title. Pionier has earned the title twice while Sarel Cilliers and St Dominic’s both have their names engraved once on the trophy. 

Matrics participating in the challenge will have the opportunity to win a year’s bursary at eta College, a leading Sport Science, Coaching and Management tertiary institution in Durban. The bursary will be awarded at the Grand Finals which takes place at St Mary’s D.S.G. at the end of July.

The winning team from this regional will advance to the Grand Finals in July, meeting the nine other victorious teams from the various other challenges. The Northern KZN Regional winner will meet Our Lady of Fatima, (Durban North Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); St Anne’s Diocesan College (Pietermaritzburg North Regional) and St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional); Grantleigh School (North Coast Regional) and most recently, St Patrick’s College (Ugu and Sisonke Regional).

The tournament wraps up next weekend with the tenth challenge, where Wembley College greets their opposition from Greytown, Ladysmith, Wartburg and surrounds for the uMvoti and oThukela Regional on Saturday 30 May.

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

JOMBA! MASIHAMBISANE DIALOGUES #6 - Choreographies of Activism: Moving Bodies as Disruptive Presencing: 27-29 May 2026 Online with Free Public Access

The Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, in partnership with the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, presents the 6th edition of the JOMBA! MASIHAMBISANE DIALOGUES (JMD26), taking place online from 27-29 May 2026. 

Under the theme Choreographies of Activism: Moving Bodies as Disruptive Presencing, this year’s dialogues bring together artists, scholars, choreographers, and activists from across Africa and the Global South to explore dance as a form of embodied activism and political intervention.

“At a time marked by ongoing colonial legacies, global inequality, mass displacement, ecological collapse, and political violence in regions such as Palestine, Sudan, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, JMD26 asks urgent questions about the role of the moving body in resistance, survival, memory, and collective care,” explains committee member Dr Lliane Loots. “Rather than understanding dance as metaphor, the dialogues position choreography and movement as active political practices through which bodies assemble, disrupt, claim visibility, and insist on justice. Drawing on decolonial, feminist, queer, Indigenous, and Critical Black studies frameworks, the programme interrogates how movement generates forms of knowledge beyond institutional and textual politics.: 

The three-day programme features keynote dialogues, paper presentations, panel discussions, screendance screenings, and a major book launch. International keynote guests include Hershini Bhana Young (South Africa/USA), Preethi Athreya (India), Nora Amin (Egypt), L’Antoinette Stines (Jamaica), and Kettly Noël (Haiti and Mali). Highlights include conversations on borders, memory, dance activism, ancestral embodiment, and transformative choreographic practices. Presenters from South Africa, Uganda, Brazil, Tanzania, Kenya, Haiti, Egypt, India, Jamaica, and beyond will engage questions of ecology, gender, migration, disability, and embodied resistance within the frame of activisms.

A featured event within the programme is the launch of Encountering Disability and Citizenship Through Contemporary Dance in Africa(Routledge, 2026), co-authored by Yvette Hutchison and Lliane Loots. Emerging from a UKRI-funded research project, the publication examines how integrated dance practices across Africa challenge dominant understandings of disability, citizenship, and belonging.

All sessions are free and accessible online. The dialogues will be livestreamed via the official JOMBA! YouTube channel, and you can also apply for a direct Zoom access to join the live digital discussion space.

Access Information

The livestream can be accessed via:
JOMBA! YouTube Channel

Access the full programme updates and information:
 https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/masihambisane-dialogues/masihambisane-dialogues-issue6-2026/

To apply for direct Zoom participation, contact:
Thobile Maphanga - 2024jomba@gmail.com

The 2026 JOMBA! MASIHAMBISANE DIALOGUES invites audiences to consider how moving bodies continue to hold memory, generate political possibility, and create spaces for collective imagination in deeply fractured times.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 2026 DFM Official Projects:

Animated Series - Fiction               

Beast Seeker             

Producer: Danielle Retief

Director: Robyn Viljoen

South Africa               

capoZOOeira             

Producers: Mary Waweru Wanjiku, Carlos Zerpa Bravo

Director: Orlymar Paredes

Kenya, Brazil

Hadu: The Series                   

Producer: Damilola Solesi

Director: Precious Anih

Nigeria           

JUJU SOCCER                     

Producers: Oge Obasi, Somto Ajuluchukwu

Director: C.J. Obasi

Nigeria           

Nerve             

Producer: Raffaella Delle Donne, coproducer: Renee Van Reenen

Director: Tshepo Moche

South Africa               

Sunday Morning                    

Producer: Nahom Abiy

Director: Minasie Terefe

Ethiopia                      

Animated Short - Fiction                

In Her Hands             

Producer: Gehad El Akhal

Director: Hagar Basiony

Egypt              

Animated - Feature length fiction              

MIDNIGHT METRO               

Producer: Wako Sefara

Director: Lesego Vorster

South Africa               

Fiction Features

A touch of Paradise

Producer: Sarra Ben Hassen

Director: Houcem Slouli

Tunisia

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

Producer: Alsamoual Hussein

Director: Alyaa Musa

Sudan

Fairway to Freedom

Producer: Tarina Patel

Director: Jahmil Qubeka

South Africa

HOLY COW (selected at El Gouna 2025 through partnership)

Producer and Director: Asmae el Moudir

Morocco

MIETA

Producer: Neil Brandt

Director: Carla Fonseca Mokgata

South Africa

MOTHER THERESA

Producer: Shema Faustin

Director: Mutiganda wa Nkunda

Rwanda

Taht El Sama El Khadra' (Under Green Skies)

Producer: Yara Goubran

Director: Jad Chahine

Egypt

The Boy Who Spoke Static

Producer: Mathew Cerf

Director: The Agbajowo Collective

Nigeria

Vino Amargo (Bitter Wine)

Producer: David Franciscus

Director: Pablo Pinedo Bóveda

South Africa

Waslap (selected through DFM ACCESS)

Producer and Director: Batandwa Alperstein

South Africa

Fiction Series

AGAIN

Producer: Giresse Kassonga

Director: Erickey Bahati

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Daddies

Producer: Cati Weinek

Director: Sean Mongie

South Africa

Fafi

Producer and Director: Dominique Jossie

South Africa

FISI (HYENA)

Producer: Mkamzee Mwatela

Director: Sanele Zulu

Kenya

Smoke & Mirrors

Producer: Luke Rous

Director: Jozua Malherbe

South Africa

The Coven (selected through DFM ACCESS)

Producer and Director: Sihle Mthembu

South Africa

Documentary Series

Children of the Nile

Producer and Director: Tina Obo

Uganda

Documentary Features

Banat aljazira alkhadra' (GREEN ISLAND'S GIRLS)

Producer: Amrosh Badr

Director: Rogena Tarek

Egypt

DESIGNING DIVIDE (selected at Talents Durban 2025)

Producer and Director: Jessie Ayles

South Africa

Gwijo Nation

Producer: Quinton Fredericks

Director: Sesihle Manzini

South Africa

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

Producer and Director: Mouni Boullam

Algeria, France

MA NUIT DU DJOMELE (My Djomele Night)

Producer: Hicham Falah

Director: Barkima Nafissatou Laguempedo

Burkina Faso

Majuto si Mjukuu (Heirs of no Regret)

Producer: Mumo Liku

Director: Saitabao Kaiyare

Kenya

MDANTSANE – HOME OF BOXING (selected through DFM ACCESS)

Producer and Director: Phumlani Veto

South Africa

The Ones With The Tempered Flowers

Producer: Ivy Kiru

Director: Neema Ngelime

Tanzania

Urban Zulu: The Busi Mhlongo Story

Producer: Struan Douglas, coproducer: Vusi Mchunu

Director: Rehad Desai

South Africa

Waiting for Evolution

Producer and director: Karin Slater

South Africa

WHERE DO I BELONG?

Producer: Talal Afifi

Director: Ibrahim “Snoopy” Ahmed

Sudan

More information on this year’s theme can be found on the Durban FilmMart Institute’s website, https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/ 

Delegate registration and programme details will be announced in due course.

The 17th edition Durban FilmMart is funded by the Durban Film Office, eThekwini Municipality, Ford Foundation, the National Film and Video Foundation and IEFTF.

JOMBA! FEMME FORWARD Screen Dance Residency 2026

The 2026 JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s award-winning Centre for Creative Arts, calls for applications for its JOMBA! Femme Forward Screen Dance Residency, which takes place during the festival from 24 August to 29 August.

Besides presenting edgy live contemporary dance, as well as workshops, talks and its dance-writers - and female-focused residencies, JOMBA! also supports, hosts and nurtures a digital dance platform that has an open call for submissions to be featured at the festival.

Darkroom Contemporary Artistic Director Louise Coetzer with company dancer Tania Mteto. Image by Oscar O’Ryan.

This year’s continuation of the JOMBA! Femme Forward Residency focuses on the development of female-identifying dance artists who are eager to develop their digital screen dance practice.  Having screened almost 50 dance films over the past 5 years JOMBA! is dedicated to investing in the craft of screen dance making and following the 2023 screen dance residency run by Mozambican duo Pak Ndjamena and Ivan Barros JOMBA is thrilled to be partnering with Cape Town based Darkroom Contemporary Dance Theatre to execute this year’s 6-day residency.  

The residency offers space for 5 female-identifying dancers / dance makers aged between 18 and 35 years who have some dance training and have a keen interest in upskilling themselves to become digital screen dance creators. 

This JOMBA! Femme Forward Screen Dance Residency is being run in partnership with  Darkroom Contemporary Dance Theatre (Cape Town, South Africa),  a project-based company which was founded in 2010, and formed as a vehicle to reimagine dance through its innovative approach to staging and presenting contemporary works.

Founders Louise Coetzer, a dancer and choreographer, and Oscar O’Ryan, a photographer and filmmaker, bring together expertise from their respective fields to form a dynamic partnership. Their projects provide platforms and create opportunities for skills development and exchange among all artists involved. They focus on the use of new technology and digital media frame their artistic approach. Similarly does interdisciplinary exploration, with project collaborators including visual artists, musicians, designers, filmmakers and digital artists.

“We remain deeply committed to creating accessible, inclusive spaces for dance-makers,” says JOMBA!’s Project Manager, Thobile Maphanga. “The Femme Forward Residency is about amplifying young female-identifying voices in dance, and this year specifically in screen-dance, giving them the tools and confidence to tell their stories in powerful new ways, making their work accessible to wider global audiences.”

“We are excited to collaborate with JOMBA! on this residency,” says Louise Coetzer of Darkroom Contemporary Dance Theatre. “Screen dance opens up fresh possibilities for choreography and creativity, and we want participants to experiment, take risks, and discover their own unique voices in the digital space.”

The Residency will focus primarily on developing dance filmmaking skills (from conceptualisation, pre-production planning, filming to editing considerations). The outcome will be a short screen dance film, created individually by each participant. Included in the residency will be access to dance workshops by choreographers visiting the festival, assistance in forging a professional image and instilling good work ethic that will aid the young makers to promote their future work.  The residents will also have access to the full festival programme and have the opportunity to meet and engage with professional companies and choreographers that are visiting the festival.

The selection will be done through an application process that requires the applicant to motivate why they want to be a part of the residency.  Participants will be expected to be available for the full 6-day duration (24-29 August 2026) with the outcomes of the residency presented at the JOMBA! Forging Futures platform on Saturday, 29 August 2026.  There is no cost to participate, and a nominal stipend is paid to support residents with transport and food for the 6 days. Applicants must reside in and around Durban.

For more information about the application criteria and selection process, go to https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/jomba-femme-forward-screen-dance-residency-2026/.

Applications can be made here https://forms.gle/8BcWYQVZgyPx4twf7 . Applications close on Monday 22 June 2026 at 5pm.

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

Successfully defending their title, St Patrick’s College from Kokstad earned their third consecutive victory in the Ugu and Sisonke Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge hosted by Kokstad College on Saturday 9 May.

They met one-time winners, Hoërskool Suid-Natal in a tightly fought regional final. Thanks to a burst attack straight after the first whistle, the ball found Saint’s attacker, Ava Stanford who wasted no time slotting in the only goal of the final. 77 seconds into the game, the ball was firmly fed to Standford from the top of the circle. Standford, stationed on the goal post, confidently altered the direction of the pass into the back of the box. 

Swept off her feet. Enthusiastic keeping, Southcity Christian School’s Siyolise Ncawdi watches as Hoërskool Suid Natal’s Anabelle Van Der Merwe tumbles in the final round of the penalty shootout. Van Der Merwe slotted in her stroke, knocking out Southcity and advancing to the finals of the Ugu and Sisonke Regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at Kokstad College on Saturday 9 May. Pic by Rogan Ward.

This is the third time in their three regional final successes that they have opened the scoring. Their first against Suidies in 2024, but Suidies managed to equalise requiring the trophy to be decided by a penalty shootout. Last year they met another coastal team, Southcity Christian School and fired in an early goal, fiercely defending it until the final whistle. In similar fashion, vying for their third win - Saint Pats, with the upper hand played a calm, creative game opting to fire off a fair few overheads from the back sending Suid-Natal back. The game flowed to all parts of the field, with Suid-Natal not able to capitalise on their many advances, but quickly shutting down any further goals. 

In the build up to the final, the two finalists met in the opening fixture for Pool A with the game ending in a goalless draw. Suid-Natal proceeded to win all of their remaining games while the defending champs drew 1 all to Port Shepstone High School. Suid-Natal topped the log with 17 points and St Patrick’s finished second with 14 points. 

A dramatic conclusion unfolded in Pool B with the top three teams all ending level on points. In an identical spread sheet, all teams drew against each other and won their three other fixtures resulting in a total of 14 points across the top three rows. The deciding factor was on goals scored. Five-time champions, King Edward High School finished with an impressive 10 goals, while Southcity netted 9 in total, narrowly edging out host school and three times winner – Kokstad College on 8 goals scored. 

In the first semi-final Southcity advanced to take on neighbouring school, Suid-Natal. Suid-Natal were unable to find holes in the Southcity defence after two well earned short corners while Southcity had a rare one-on-one moment but standing tall, Suid-Natal’s Lindy Plomp charged down the brazen attempt. With no goals being scored, the game headed to a penalty shootout. Suid-Natal’s Chloe Barnard and Anika Du Toit slotted in their attempts. Missing their first attempt, Southcity’s Reagan Rosslee knocked in her attempt. The final round, all-rounder Anabelle Van Der Merwe met a zealous Southcity keeper, Siyolise Ncwadi resulting in a stroke that Van Der Merwe easily slotted for her team’s third – knocking Southcity out. 

In the second semi-final, King Edward met St Pats. Saint’s Geah Marais slotted in an early goal after a free hit outside the circle found her available in the circle. With her back to the goals, she neatly spun around slotting in the all-important goal. King Edward worked hard trying to equalise but were unable to pierce the St Patrick’s defence.

Making great strides with the whistle, Stryda Perry from Creston College was awarded the Umpire of the Day prize. Boitumelo Ramaota from St Monica’s Diocesan walked away with a magnificent Princess hockey stick that she won in a fun filled lucky draw. 

Only two more tournaments remain in this year’s SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge before the Grand Finals at St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof in July. St Patrick’s College is the eighth team to earn their spot at the concluding tournament. They meet Our Lady of Fatima, (Durban North Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); St Anne’s Diocesan College (Pietermaritzburg North Regional) and St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional) and Grantleigh School ( North Coast Regional).

Results:

Regional Final

Hoërskool Suid-Natal 0 vs St Patrick’s College 1

Semi-Finals

Hoërskool Suid-Natal 0 (3) vs Southcity Christian School 0 (1)

King Edward High School 0 vs St Patrick’s College 1

Pool A

1 Hoërskool Suid-Natal 17pts. 2 St Patrick’s College 14pts; 3 Port Shepstone High School 13pts; 4 Bergview College 5pts; 5 St Monica’s Diocesan 2pts; 6 Ixopo High School 1pt

Pool B

1 King Edward High School 14pts; 2 Southcity Christian School 14pts; 3 Kokstad College 14pts; 4 Mount Currie High School 5pts; 5 Creston College 5pts; 6 Scottburgh High School 0pts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winding down the regionals, three more teams remain to earn their spot at the Grand Finals which takes place at St Mary’s D.S.G. at the end of July. Seven teams have already secured their spot: The winner of this challenge will meet Our Lady of Fatima, (Durban North Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); St Anne’s Diocesan College (Pietermaritzburg North Regional) and St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional) and most recently XYZ from the North Coast Regional.

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

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