Veteran South African dance-maker, Robyn Orlin, named the 2024 JOMBA! LEGACY ARTIST

The 26th annual JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, hosted by UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts, has announced that it will honour veteran South African dance-maker Robyn Orlin as the 2024 JOMBA! Legacy Artist. 

Orlin’s work we wear our wheels with pride and slap your streets with colour… we said ‘bonjour’ to satan in 1820 … will feature at JOMBA! which takes place at The Sneddon Theatre in Durban from 27 August to 8 September, with a satellite festival at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg from 11 to 14 September 2024.

Robyn Orlin

Originally created in 2021 we wear our wheels …  is a collaboration with Johannesburg based Moving into Dance. This is a work that negotiates the complicated Durban rickshaw histories – and it finally comes to Durban.

Born in 1955 Johannesburg, Orlin’s vision of contemporary dance continues to be a kind of aesthetic eclecticism where she draws heavily on her own histories of ballet and modern, and a fascination with film and cinema. She has shifted the boundaries of what we consider dance to be, often falling into witty and biting political satire. Her love of kitsch, tutus and yellow plastic ducks has seen her creating iconic images that still haunt a South African dance landscape. 

we wear our wheels with pride and slap your streets with colour… we said ‘bonjour’ to satan in 1820 … 

Orlin was trained at the London School of Contemporary Dance (1975-1980), then at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1990-1995). She began her career as a dancer, choreographer and teacher in South Africa, where she was quickly spotted, as much for the singularity of her dance making, as for the chaos that reigns in her creations.  Her (multiple prize-winning) dance piece Daddy, I have seen this piece six times before and I still don’t know why they’re hurting each other, which mocks the difficulties and shortcomings of the young rainbow nation, but also classical ballet as a trajectory of discrimination, enabled her to tour in Europe and brought her international recognition. France has since become a creative territory for her and she has made her first film, Hidden Beauties, Dirty Stories (Ina/Arte, 2004), her first opera, Handel’s L’Allegro, il penseroso ed il moderato (Opéra Garnier, Paris, 2007), and her first theatre production, Les Bonnes, by Jean Genet (Théâtre de la Bastille, Paris, 2019) in France. She continues to create work in South Africa.

Artistic Director and curator, Lliane Loots says, “The JOMBA! festival’s 2024 overall curatorial theme and provocation is “the memory of home” and we can think of no South African artist better suited to unpack both the simplicity and complexity of this in her work. Memories are about history, belonging, sometimes suffocating nostalgia, and maybe also about charting new futures … Robyn’s work is all of this and more”.

“Orlin’s work has not been performed in South Africa for many years, and so it is with great thanks for the support from IFAS (Paris) and IFAS (Johannesburg), that JOMBA! welcomes her back to South Africa as our 2024 JOMBA! Legacy artist.”

JOMBA! takes place at The Sneddon Theatre in Durban from 27 August to 8 September, and the satellite festival takes place at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg from 11 to 14 September 2024.

we wear our wheels …  will be performed on 7 and 8 September in Durban and on 11 and 12 September at The Market in Johannesburg.

For more information go to www.jomba.ac.za.

Animal Anti-Cruelty League calls for awareness and support during Animal Anti-Cruelty Month (April)

April is Animal Anti-Cruelty Month, and the Durban and Pietermaritzburg branch of the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) is appealing to the public to increase their awareness of abandoned, harmed or injured animals, and support their organisation that provides a vital service to animals who are unable to fend for themselves.

The AACL currently looks after 44 stray cats and 34 stray dogs which have either been brought in by members of the public or rescued from cruel and unsafe environments.

Nomathembu Gumede, animal handler and volunteer Rachel Rabie at the Durban and Pietermaritzburg branch of the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL),

Importantly the organisation also works tirelessly in economically disadvantaged communities and conducts sterilizations and vaccinations, deworming, and flea- and tick-dipping of dogs and cats supporting people who are unable to provide this kind of primary health care for their pets. They have a robust inspectorate that investigates acts of cruelty to animals, removing them, providing medical attention, and rehabilitating them. 

“Companion animals, like cats and dogs, are protected by the anti-cruelty provisions of Section 2(1) of the Animal Protection Act 1962,” explains GM of the ACCL (Durban and Pietermaritzburg), David Rogers. “We act as a compassionate and pro-active entity to intervene where we find animals being ill-treated, neglected, cruelly beaten, teased or terrified, or if it has been confined in a way that it is suffering, or neglected or abandoned in circumstances likely to cause unnecessary suffering.”

“It is often exhausting, sad, and emotionally draining working in this environment, but the rewards are big when we have the successes in our rehabilitation, and adoption processes,” says Rogers. “The service we provide is entirely dependent on the funds we can raise, and the wonderful support we have from a body of dedicated volunteers to help to make things easier for the animals.”

Visitor Jessica Jolley has some fun cuddles with some of the 44 cats housed at the AACL.

Rogers explains that all animals that can be rehabilitated, are up for adoption by the public, with necessary checks done on the new owners.. They also offer boarding facilities in their magnificent kennels at a reasonable price which helps towards their fundraising efforts.

Volunteer Reece Williamson cuddles a feline friend.

The facilities are set amongst the picturesque countryside in Hammarsdale, providing a safe, quiet space for animals to be rehabilitated, and treated. To help towards their fundraising endeavours the AACL has a bustling tea garden, a well-stock and beautifully curated charity shop, a large pool (for use for a R20 donation), and conference and function facilities for small groups.

Sibongakonke Khoza, kennel and dog handler at the AACL

Next weekend, on Sunday, April 14 the AACL hosts their highly popular Dog Walk and Market from 8am to 1pm at their premises, 53 Artesia Avenue, D657 Road, Hammarsdale. There is a R50 early bird entrance fee (R60 on the day) which includes the walk, a market with crafts, clothes, second-hand goods, food, and fun activities for children. (Children under 12 are free).

A well-stocked and curated charity shop at the AACL.

The League is appealing to the public, businesses, and corporates to donate to the organisation to support this vital work they do for animals, that are unable to fight for themselves. 

The Tea room is set in tranquil surrounds.

Donation information and more information about the work the AACL does can be found on https://www.aacl.co.za/branches-durban-pietermaritzburg/

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Afrika Odyssey - update on the Kingsley Holgate Expedition

Legendary South Africa-based explorer Kingsley Holgate and his team are two-thirds of the way through their 41st humanitarian and geographic expedition which began in June 2023, and are now gearing up to reach some of the wildest and most isolated regions in central, north and west Africa.

Utilising new Defender 130s, the Afrika Odyssey expedition that began in June 2023, has already surpassed 40,000 kilometres along some of the most treacherous routes in Africa, withstanding torrential rains, excessive heat, and record floods in the past eight months.

This expedition is delving into the wild heart of 12 diverse African countries and has a strong conservation, culture, and community focus. The aim is to reach 22 unique wildlife reserves, managed by the conservation NGO African Parks in partnership with the government of each country.

“Over the past 30 years of adventuring in every country on the continent, we’ve come to realise that Africa’s iconic biodiversity and wildlife is under immense threat,” said Kingsley. “For a long time, we’ve been asking the question: is there hope for Africa’s wild spaces as well as the people who depend on it, in the face of burgeoning global demand for natural resources?”

“That’s what spawned the idea for this expedition and there’s good news. We’ve been privileged to see first-hand the incredible work being done to protect and restore vast tracts of wilderness and the frontline fight against criminal networks that profit from illegal trade in wildlife, logging, and mining.  We’ve heard gut-wrenching, personal stories of loss from rangers on the front line, alongside uplifting stories of hope that bear witness to the revival happening in many countries thanks to proactive governments, and the positive impact it is having on both wildlife and neighbouring communities.”

The expedition has now reached 15 of the 22 wildlife regions on their list. Starting in the northern tip of the Namib desert at Iona National Park in south-western Angola, it has journeyed through nine national parks in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi; reached the furthest and highest source of the White Nile in the mountainous rainforests of Nyungwe in Rwanda; tackled a difficult route to two remote wildlife parks in South Sudan; and nearly lost the expedition Defenders to the worst floods in 20 years at Garamba national park in the remote north-eastern corner of the DRC. 

The Afrika Odyssey expedition is also providing humanitarian support to communities living alongside these wildlife regions. “Unusually high rainfall in the East and Central African regions have escalated malaria cases, especially in young children and babies,” said expedition leader Ross Holgate. “The whole team also contracted malaria whilst in East Africa and we know from personal experience how deadly malaria can be. So, we’ve distributed over 7,600 long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets to date on this journey. With one mosquito net protecting on average a mum and two children, that’s nearly 23,000 people safe from malaria.”

“We’ve also provided 1,800 reading glasses to poor-sighted, mostly elderly people in these isolated areas. Additionally, conservation education forms an integral part of this expedition. Through our Wildlife Art programme, we’ve helped educate thousands of children living alongside African Parks-managed protected areas about the values of caring for their environment. They are the future guardians of these wildlife gems and it’s important to pass on the baton of conservation, to ensure they continue to benefit from Africa’s wildlife resources in the coming years.”

“Ahead lies the most difficult part of the expedition, to reach seven wildlife regions in Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Chad and Benin,” continued Ross. “We’ll be tackling dense rainforest conditions, difficult river crossings, vast desert and rocky mountain terrain where water and fuel will be hard to come by, as well as potential security threats. The logistical issues for this chapter are extreme.”

Veteran expedition member ‘Shova Mike’ Nixon, one of only three people in the world to have completed all 19 Cape Epic mountain bike races, will attempt to cycle 600 kilometres on a specially-adapted Evo-bike through Chad’s Sahel and Sahara desert to reach the World Heritage Site of Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve near the Libyan border. 

“Ennedi is said to be the most beautiful part of the Sahara but I’m expecting a hard, physical test with powdery soft sand and temperatures above 40’C,” said Mike. “From what I’ve researched, this route hasn’t been attempted before by bicycle; hopefully it becomes another ‘first’ that adds an extra level of adventure and excitement to the expedition.”

The Afrika Odyssey’s Scroll for Conservation – with hundreds of pages already filled with inspiring messages from community leaders and beneficiaries, park rangers, conservation partners and government envoys –  will also complete the journey, as will the well-travelled Zulu calabash that is collecting symbolic water from all 22 African Parks-managed protected areas.

“We trust that the Zen of Travel will continue to ride with us,” concluded Kingsley. “We need to showcase the inspirational potential of Africa’s people and wild places – it is not all doom and gloom. We’re raring to go for chapter three of this incredible journey, continuing the humanitarian work, and meeting more passionate individuals who are dedicating their lives to this beautiful continent’s wild heart and rural communities.

Follow the expedition on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KingsleyHolgateFoundation

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Exciting Outdoor Experiences and Adventures with Green Corridors in December

The holiday season is here, and there are a host of truly thrilling outdoor adventures and leisure activities on Durban’s doorstep with multiple Green Corridors tourism sites available for holidaymakers to enjoy. Best of all, these experiences are just a short distance away from the heart of the City.

Escaping the hustle and bustle of the festive crowds becomes an enticing option for locals, and out-of-town tourists, allowing families to indulge in a range of fantastic activities, whether it's a self-drive exploration or a guided adventure.

View of Inanda Dam

The breath-taking eNanda Adventure Park on the expansive Inanda Dam features water’s edge picnic spots, a thrilling pump bike track, and guided biking, birding, hiking, and canoeing excursions. The centre also has safe, shady camping areas on the shores of the dam.

Biking around iSithumba

The magical Valley of 1000 Hills offers a culturally warm and welcoming experience at Isithumba Adventures with walking, hiking, and biking trails, as well as authentic cultural tours.

Mqeku Picnic Site - “bumslide”

And, for a delightful laughter filled day out, the Mqeku Picnic Site becomes a choice, featuring a natural waterslide along the pristine tributary into the Umgeni. With braai facilities and ample shade, it becomes the perfect spot for families to unwind and revel in nature.

Hiking around Amaphephetheni

Alternatively, the 7 and 14km trails in Amaphephetheni by Amatata Adventures offer more rigorous hikes with heart-stopping views of the Inanda Dam and the Valley of 1000 Hills. For the more adventurous, one can also hike from Matata Adventures to Mqeku picnic spot for an experience and views you will not forget in a hurry!

Lower Molweni, on the outskirts of Krantzkloof Nature Reserve

Lower Molweni, on the outskirts of Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, awaits nature enthusiasts with a network of community-developed nature trails that are supported by Kloof Conservancy.

Nogxaza Falls Hike

In the same reserve in Upper Molweni, the challenging Nogxaza Falls Hike, that begins at Overrock Rasta Camp, the series of cliff face walk ways and custom made view points allows individuals to experience awe-inspiring views of rural KZN. Overrock is fast becoming one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Green Corridors network.  

Hiking around Mnini Dam

Just south of Durban, in the welcoming community of uMgababa, Mnini Dam boasts two fantastic sites: Thulas' Adventures and the Mnini Dam Tourist Resort. Ideal for picnics, canoeing, fishing, birding, hiking, and biking trails, these sites promise a warm and memorable experience.

Close to the Blue Lagoon on Durban's scenic beachfront, the GreenHub offers an array of eco-tourism activities. Individuals can immerse themselves in birding, hiking, canoeing, and, on selected days, discover the enchanting Ezemvelo Beachwood Mangroves with its truly unique ecosystem.

Most Green Corridors sites can be accessed as self-drives, although the guided tours are recommended to enhance the experience. Guides are all trained and accredited and have deep knowledge of the areas in which they live and work. The guided experience includes a shuttle tour in an air-conditioned mini-bus.

Additionally, guests can also be accommodated overnight in the very comfortable “pop-up camp” with or without catering.

A range of cultural tours are also available including a visit to the Rasta Caves in Inanda, and the Inanda Heritage Route, and Waterfalls.

Camping and activity fees may vary and contribute to the growth of the local tourism economy in these vibrant areas.

To explore the many options in more in-depth, visit this link: https://durbangreencorridor.co.za/our-work/tourism

Bookings are essential and can easily be made by calling +27 (0)81 268 3787 or emailing reservations@durbangreencorridor.co.za

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Unlocking Leadership Excellence as Creative Producer Indaba Gathers Global Talent

Fifteen accomplished producers hailing from various corners of the globe have been selected to participate in the third edition of the Creative Producer Indaba (CPI).

This highly respected film industry professional development programme begins with an open assembly on 6 November, after which the cohort will attend the renowned Atlas Workshops, the dynamic industry programme of the Marrakech International Film Festival, Morocco from 25 November to 1 December where they will  focus on legal and financial aspects of their work, as well as their own career development. Following this, they will attend the International Film Festival Rotterdam (Netherlands) from 25 January to 2 February, 2024 where the programme will focus on marketing, sales and story development. The Indaba then culminates in a programme of online sessions from 8 to 12 April 2024.

The Creative Producer Indaba, conceived by Realness Institute under the leadership of programme director Elias Ribeiro, a Cape Town (SA) based NPO, has formed strategic alliances with noteworthy industry players such as EAVE, International Film Festival Rotterdam's IFFR Pro, and Atlas Workshops. Furthermore, in an effort to expand the Realness Network into the Global South, it has collaborated with the Brazilian foundation Projeto Paradiso, facilitating the participation of a Brazilian producer with interest in producing African projects.

"We're thrilled to welcome new collaborators on board, including the Canadian Film Fund, the Austrian Film Fund, Training Institute Focal, Jeune Création Francophone fund, and the NFVF. Their support is a tremendous boost for the future sustainability of this vital program" says Elias Ribeiro, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Realness Institute.

The CPI offers this unique opportunity to 10 African producers, with and without projects, as well as 5 international producers to bolster their leadership and entrepreneurial capabilities, refine their production skills, and foster professional networks that span across both Africa and the international stage.

Having made significant contributions to the African film landscape Adja Mariam Soro (Côte d’Ivoire), Chloé Ortolé (Senegal), Dantagos Jimmy-Melani (Namibia), Godisamang Khunou (South Africa) and Nomusa Nkabinde (South Africa), are all seeking their next landmark venture and will use this opportunity to network, engage and seek out projects to become involved in.

Actively seeking international collaborators and financial backing to bring their visionary creations to life, African producers with projects in development include Dhia Jerbi (Tunisia), Kudakwashe Maradzika (South Africa/Zimbabwe), Misha Maseka (Zambia), Stefan Supplice (Morocco) and Tapiwa Chipfupa (Zimbabwe).

The international producers include Anouk Shad (Austria), Marie Ka and Sherien Barsoum (Canada), Rhea Plangg (Switzerland), and Yolanda Barroso (Brazil), who joins the CPI with an interest in investing and engaging with African film projects.

An impressive ensemble of industry experts will mentor the filmmakers – including Group Leaders Mehret Mandefro and Diana Elbaum, Story consultant and Creative Producer 2022 alumnus Tracey Lee Rainers. And, as part of the programme the cohort will be able to engage with seasoned ad highly experienced industry experts such as Femi Odugbemi, Sata Cissokho, Constanza Arena and Dayo Ogunyemi, and IFFR Festival Director Vanja Kaludjercic, who will share their skills, insights, and guidance.

Mehret Mandefro, the Director of Development and Partnership at the Realness Institute says “Training and connecting producers that can skillfully develop African stories and finance them for both the local and global market is a critical intervention.”

“EAVE is proud to partner again and contribute with our methodology for the third edition of  INDABA with an incredibly strong cohort of African and international producers who will enhance their entrepreneurial and producing skills and become part of a thriving professional support network through their participation,” says Kristina Trapp, the CEO of EAVE.

Vanja Kaldudjercic  IFFR Festival Director says “The Indaba is a powerful example of the importance of lasting bonds in our industry, both between the exciting talent on the programme and our partners at Realness, EAVE, the Atlas Workshops, and everyone else who makes this programme possible. We're delighted we can continue to develop the skills and creativity of these producers, and we look forward to another fruitful edition.”

Head of Atlas Workshops at Marrakech IFF, Hédi Zardi says “Our collaboration with the program Creative Producer Indaba is very inspiring because it actively participates in the dynamic that we create within the Atlas Workshops. Indaba helps us anchor our support for the African producers of tomorrow. Creativity can only rhyme with diversity.”

The Realness Institute acknowledges the support of Institut Français d’Afrique du Sud, the Brazilian foundation Projeto Paradiso, the Austrian Film Institute, The Canada Media Fund, the Austrian Film Institute, The Swiss training organisation Focal and The Storyboard Collective, the Jeune Création Francophone fund and in partnership with European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs (EAVE), International Film Festival Rotterdam Pro (IFFR Pro), and Marrakech International Film Festival (Atlas Workshops).

For more information and submission details, please visit the Realness Institute website at https://www.realness.institute/creative-producer-indaba

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African-European Co-Pro to open European Film Festival in SA

The celebratory 10th edition of the European Film Festival in South Africa, opens with the African–European film GOODBYE JULIA, set in Sudan, at Ster-Kinekor’s The Zone in Rosebank, Johannesburg on 12 October.

Goodbye Julia directed by Mohamed Kordofani

GOODBYE JULIA is a remarkable six-country coproduction between Sudan, Egypt, Germany, France, Sweden and Saudi-Arabia, and the first film from Sudan ever to be presented in the Un Certain Regard competition at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Prix de la Liberté (Freedom Award).   

The film tells the story of two women who represent the complicated relationship and differences between northern and southern Sudanese communities. The multi-layered narrative takes place in Khartoum during the last years of Sudan as a united country, shortly before the 2011 separation of South Sudan.  

Supported by superb cinematography by South African Pierre de Villiers and a moving musical score by Sudanese musician Mazin Hamid recorded during ongoing clashes between the military and civil society in Khartoum, this is a powerful directorial debut by the largely self-taught filmmaker Mohamed Kordofani.  Pierre de Villiers, will be in attendance at screenings of the film in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and will also present cinematography workshops at film schools in both cities during the festival.

After kicking off the festival on 12 October, GOODBYE JULIA will have subsequent screenings on 22 October at The Labia, Cape Town, and on 21 October at Ster-Kinekor Gateway, Durban. 

African stories

Mother directed by Bulgarian Zornitsa Sophia

Connecting the festival more closely to the contexts and the continent in which this festival takes place, GOODBYE JULIA is one of three African stories in this year’s festival.  At the heart of the  film MOTHER, directed by Bulgarian Zornitsa Sophia, is the unfolding of the narrative in Kenya, where a theatre director undergoes profound transformation during her experiences at a local orphanage in Kibera, often called one of the biggest slums in Africa.  MOTHER is based on the true story of artist and cultural activist Elena Panyatova.   NAYOLA, directed by José Miguel Ribeiro, is a thrilling animated story about three generations of women plagued by the long civil war in Angola.  Based on a play by José Eduardo Agualusa and Mia Couto, NAYOLA is bold and thrilling storytelling alive with vivid eye-candy animation! 

Nayola irected by José Miguel Ribeiro

The European Film Festival runs from 12-22 October, with screenings in cinemas, as well as online. Visit www.eurofilmfest.co.za for the film synopses, trailers and screening schedules.

The European Film Festival 2023 is a partnership project of the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa; the participating European embassies of Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine; and the cultural agencies of British Council, Camoes Institute of Portugal, Diplomatic Representation of Flanders, French Institute in South Africa, Goethe-Institut and Italian Cultural Institute.  The festival is organised in cooperation with Cineuropa, supported by Ster Kinekor, The Labia and coordinated by Creative WorkZone.

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10th European Film Festival Programme 12-22 October 2023

Film Line-up for 10th European Film Festival

The European Film Festival in South Africa celebrates its 10th edition from 12-22 October with an inspired lineup of 16 new award-winning films screening in Johannesburg and Cape Town, with a special programme in Durban.  Featured countries are Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Ukraine, while the festival also features an African-European co-production film, set in Sudan.

Filmmaker engagements, community centre and schools’ programmes will deepen the festival’s reach, while the countrywide online programme of free screenings will run concurrently during the festival.  The festival will also present events at the Alliance Française in Eswatini (20-22 October) and Lesotho (20 – 29 October). 

The European Union’s Ambassador to South Africa, Sandra Kramer, said that “not only does the 2023 European Film Festival showcase some of the most acclaimed productions to have emerged from the film industries in the European Union and Europe, but the films provide thought-provoking perspectives on issues that are just as meaningful to South Africans as they are to people everywhere. We hope this festival will strengthen connections between Europe and South Africa, and its immediate neighbours, Eswatini and Lesotho. May this festival stimulate discussion and new ideas around our shared experiences, hopes and dreams, as together we face our ever-changing world.”

Transition

The festival theme this year is Transition, as the films offer a cinematic reflection of the transition people go through during our turbulent and fast-moving times.

As festival co-director and curator Peter Rorvik explains; “There can be numerous transitional moments in a lifetime; awakenings, re-awakenings, renewal of purpose, our self-understanding, of who we are, and our direction in life.  Transition is, in essence, a response to change, a process of managing change, or making a change. 

All these elements of transition feature prominently in the line-up of films on offer this year.  The illuminating power of cinema transports us deeply into these experiences, milestones, growth points and turning points, which offer resonance with our own life journeys, and the shared life journeys of those around us”.

The Films

The festival includes two films which were jointly awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022: 

From Italy

Set in the breath-taking Italian Alps, THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS is a compelling character-driven drama directed by Charlotte Vandermeersch and Felix van Groeningen.  Gorgeously shot, this film offers a deeply textured glimpse into the bonds of friendship, the journeys of self-discovery, and the relationship between humans and nature.

From Poland

The Oscar-nominated film EO, directed by the legendary Jerzy Skolimowski, is an innovatively-conceived road movie with a difference; it is seen almost entirely from a donkey’s perspective.  This beguiling and often-harrowing tale of a donkey is both thrilling and empathetic, compelling us to see the world differently.         

 There are three films fresh from the most recent Cannes festival in May 2023:

 From France

ANATOMY OF A FALL, astonishingly well-written and directed by Justine Triet, won the top prize at Cannes, the Palm d’Or.  This part thorny family story, part whodunit, part courtroom drama puts marital power dynamics under the microscope.  As Time Out magazine says;  ‘This is a thriller of real psychological, intellectual and emotional depth.’

From the United Kingdom

In THE OLD OAK, veteran filmmaker Ken Loach has made an incisive social drama about an English village where there is anger, resentment and a lack of hope since the closing of the local mine.  What more could go wrong for the world-weary townsfolk?  That’s when the Syrian refugees move in….this will be a time of transition for everybody!

African-European collaboration in Sudan

GOODBYE JULIA is a six-country coproduction film (Sudan, Egypt, Germany, France, Sweden and Saudi-Arabia) and winner of the Cannes Film Festival’s prestigious Freedom Award.  Directed by  Mohamed Kordofani, GOODBYE JULIA tells of the friendship between two women who represent the complicated relationship and differences between northern and southern Sudanese communities at a time of intense upheaval and transition. South African cinematographer for the film, Pierre de Villiers, will present workshops at the festival.

Discovering and affirming one’s identity is not a straight-forward process for all., especially in relation to gender norms. As evidenced by the following two films, this is all the more challenging for the very young who face enormous pressures as they attempt to find their place in the world, and within themselves:

From Spain

20,000 SPECIES OF BEES by Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren focuses on an eight-year-old child who asks “How come everyone knows who they are and I don’t?”  Beautifully delivered, this richly textured chronicle of an 8-year-old’s gradual transitioning, and the effect it has on a family, is ultimately about tolerance and acceptance.

From Belgium

The Oscar nominated CLOSE by Lukas Dhont has been winning major awards for its sensitive portrayal of how the pressures of masculinity shatter the innocent friendship of two 13-year old boys.  CLOSE is an emotionally transformative portrait of the intersection of friendship and love, identity and independence, heartbreak and healing, and of necessary transition.

Two films about responding to the unforeseen circumstances that sometimes surprise and challenge us:

 From the Netherlands

In Martijn de Jong’s NARCOSIS, an adventurous, eccentric and fun father fails to resurface during a cave-dive, and we see how his family responds in unique but very relatable ways as they transition to new lives.  This deeply touching story about love, loss and acceptance won four Golden Calf awards at the Netherlands Film Festival and was the Dutch submission to the Academy Awards. 

From Germany

The smallest of decisions has seismic repercussions in THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE.  When a young teacher decides to investigate theft at her school things escalate dramatically, not how she intends.  İlker Çatak’s film is about a lot of things — conformity, rebellion, racism, optics, and intergenerational mistrust.  The film swept up the top prizes at this year’s German Film Awards, and has just been selected as Germany’s submission for next year’s Oscars.

Coming-of-age processes are integral to making transitions in life: 

 From Denmark

Will a dream dictate life or death?   AS IN HEAVEN, by director Tea Lindeburg, takes place in turn-of-the-century rural Denmark, where a mother goes into a complicated labour, thereby accelerating the growing-up process for 14-year-old Lise, a process that can be bewildering as well as joyful. AS IN HEAVEN highlights woman-centred experiences that remain just as relevant today.

From Switzerland

Barbara Kulcsar’s feel-good comedy GOLDEN YEARS shows that coming-of-age can come at any time.   As a newly retired husband and wife discover, it’s never too late to find the courage to make a change in life.   And growing old is certainly not for sissies!  GOLDEN YEARS was a breakout hit at the Swiss box office, ranking as the most successful Swiss feature film since the beginning of the pandemic.

New participants Bulgaria and Romania have films in the festival for the first time this year:

From Romania

MIKADO, directed by Emanuel Pârvu, is a fast-paced drama about power dynamics in a Romanian family.  Teenager Magda offers her expensive necklace to a sick child, thereby creating conflict with her controlling father.  A complicated situation develops where every action has consequences…

From Bulgaria

Inspired by a true and transformative story, Zornitsa Sophia’s MOTHER starts out with a theatre director in Bulgaria struggling to come to terms with her inability to have a child, and progresses to her discovering a new and culturally challenging kind of motherhood in Kenya. The director Zornitsa Sophia will attend the festival accompanied by the remarkable artist and cultural activist Elena Panayotova, on whom the story is based.

Adding an exciting new dimension to the festival are two extraordinary animations: 

From Ukraine

Carving a path to peace and a future beyond war, MAVKA – THE FOREST SONG, by directors Oleh Malamuzh and Oleksandra Ruban, is the highest-grossing Ukrainian film ever. Poignant and uplifting, this animated story touches on themes of love, trust, and the coexistence of two worlds: people and forest creatures, and the transformative power of music!

From Portugal

José Miguel Ribeiro’s film NAYOLA brings us much closer to home. A painful secret, a reckless search, a combat rap-song, a suspended love, an initiatory journey - NAYOLA is about three generations of women plagued by the long civil war in Angola.  Based on a play by José Eduardo Agualusa and Mia Couto, NAYOLA is bold and thrilling storytelling alive with eye-candy animation! 

Finally, from the Czech Republic

Petr Václav’s IL BOEMO (THE BOHEMIAN) is a special treat for music lovers.  Prolific 18th century composer Josef Mysliveček was admired by Mozart, but forgotten by history.  This biopic includes Mysliveček’s romantic dalliances, revealing backstage intrigue, and the colourful lifestyles of the era.  Centrally of course, there is glorious music featuring some of the world's leading operatic soloists performing with the renowned Baroque Orchestra Collegium 1704. 

 The Screenings

Screenings take place at Ster-Kinekor’s The Zone in Johannesburg, and The Labia in Cape Town. Each film will screen  once. Ster-Kinekor Gateway in Durban will present a limited programme of films not available in the online streaming.  Five of the most recent films will only show in cinemas: ANATOMY OF A FALL, GOODBYE JULIA , THE OLD OAK, THE TEACHERS LOUNGE and MAVKA – THE FOREST SONG.   11 films can be viewed for free online. Visit www.eurofilmfest.co.za for more information.

The European Film Festival 2023 is a partnership project of the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa and the participating European embassies of Belgium, Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine; as well as the cultural agencies of British Council, Camoes Institute of Portugal, Diplomatic Representation of Flanders, French Institute in South Africa, Goethe-Institut and Italian Cultural Institute.

The festival is organised in cooperation with Cineuropa, supported by Ster Kinekor, The Labia and coordinated by Creative WorkZone.

The special programmes in Eswatini and Lesotho are organised in partnership with the Delegations of the European Union to the Kingdoms of Eswatini and Lesotho respectively, and the Alliance française in Maseru and Mbabane.

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The Sound of Drowning, an inspiring short documentary on addiction recovery available to view online during Women’s Month

The Sound of Drowning, a compelling, insightful, and gently inspiring short documentary about women and their journey from addiction to recovery, directed by Durban filmmaker, Tami Jacobs is available to view free online on YouTube during Women’s Month.

The film is a quiet homage to the brave journey of eight women from the ages of 19 to 69 years -mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts - from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, who have found and are living in recovery from active addiction. By amplifying the voices of these resilient women who triumphed over challenges around addiction whether it be alcohol, street drugs, or psychiatric medications, the filmmakers hope to encourage women to step forward and seek help if needed.

Anél Sherren and Tami Jacobs - producers of The Sound of Drowning

Produced by Jacobs and Anél Sherren, an Addictions Counsellor, who also features in the film, The Sound of Drowning offers insights into the transformative power of unity through community that is found within the recovery process and sheds some light on what it takes to get better and what happened to them when they eventually reached out for help. 

Jacobs, who is herself an addict in recovery explains what inspired her to create the film: “I lived in active addiction for 15 years before finding recovery and I know from my personal experience that it’s an extremely painful place to be.”

“I was constantly depressed and suicide was a constant risk for me. When I found recovery, together with my sponsor and co-producer Anél, we noticed that the number of women who seek treatment and also manage to stay in recovery is drastically less than the number of men. Anel has a lot of insight into the disease of addiction and we decided that together, we could do something about it. We first wanted to find out why women don’t seek help and next, we wanted to send out a message of hope to any women suffering from the disease of addiction, that there is help available, and there are many people that can support them.”

“The purpose of the documentary was to lift the lid off the stigma women face when attempting to get help for their addiction,” says co-producer Anél Sherren. “There is such disproportion between the number of men and women coming in for help -we wanted to break this view so that women could feel safe asking for help and entering into treatment. We hope that this gentle message from these incredible women in this film will help motivate women to step forward.”

To watch the film go to: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpoIp8TmGyQ 

For anyone struggling with addiction and needing support please call 0818609578.

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Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Maritzburg: Sunday 20 August

Running an entirely individual race, young Tayla Kavanagh owned the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that took place in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday 20 August. 

Leading from the start to finish with a gun-to-tape dash, the 22 year old running for Hollywood Athletics Club, finished her 10km challenge in a time of 34.07. Kavanagh had a decent lead of 1 minute and 14 seconds to second place Jenet Mbhele, who finished in 35.21. A delighted third place Makhosi Mhlongo crossed 3 minutes and 21 seconds behind Kavanagh, in a time of 37.28.

A fresh looking Kavanagh, who resides in Hillcrest started after her run, “I had a good run, the course was undulating which suit me. The actual race was tough as I ran completely solo from the start. There was no one to help push me but it was a good test for me demanding my focus on keeping up my pace”

The leading lady’s next race will be in two weeks’ time when she will be hitting the streets of Durban for her home club’s race, the Hollywoodbets 10km run. Thereafter, the budding athlete will be heading to the 5km World Champs in Riga, Latvia running around the Baltic city on 1 October. This will be her second international race, having a Hollywood dream build up to her second global race, the determined star finished second in the recent Totalsports Women’s Race held in Durban recently, in a time of 33.44. Her first international race was in Germany last year where she took part  in the Race 2 Records 10km run.

“I really would love to run a fast time in Riga, even a personal best would be great.” Talking about her personal best, the trail blazer has a 32.10 best run that she set in 2021 at the SA Champs for 10km.

Both second-place Mbhele and third-place Mhlongo will be heading east where they will both be competing in the gruelling 50km World Champs in Hyderabad, India later this year. 28 year old Mbhele from Umzimkulu ran in the Comrades earlier this year where she finished tenth overall. 

A completely sold-out field of 3,100 ladies tackled the course, starting in a gorgeous mystical mist that enveloped Alexandra Park area before the clouds lifted and burnt off, and the day warmed up to a gorgeous sunny morning. 

CHOC House in Pietermaritzburg, the race charity for the event, were awarded a cheque of R20,000, with R5 from each entry being donated to them. 

Results 

1 Tayla Kavanagh 34.07; 2 Jenet Mbhele 35.21; 3 Makhosi Mhlongo 37.38; 4 Janie Grundling 38.36; 5 Slindile Hlatswayo 38.50; 6 Nokkhanya Memela 41.22; 7 Janene Carey 41.25; 8 Kadence Ribbink 43.15; 9 Dawn James 44.48; 10 Hannah Bullock 45.45

Junior

1 Kadence Ribbink 43.15; 2 Hannah Bullock 45.45; Mia Clendennen 49.13

Senior

1 Tayla Kavanagh 34.07; 2 Jenet Mbhele 35.21; 3 Slindile Hlatswayo 38.50

40 – 49

1 Makhosi Mhlongo 37.38; 2 Janine Grundling 38.36; 3 Pauline Rainbird 49.03

50 – 59

1 Janene Carey 41.25; 2 Dawn James 44.48; 3 Sibongile Ziqubu

60 - 69

1 Brenda Myburgh 57.58; 2 Alette Wegner 01:01.24; 3 Kathy Baxter 01:04.30

70 + 

1 Sybil Dinkemann 01:12.26; 2 Jeanette Eglington 01:16.41; 3 Christina Eckstein 01:22.45

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Ten Teams in Grand Finals 22 & 23 July

After ten hotly contested regionals around KZN, the finalists from each area head to the main event of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG on 22 and 23 July. 

This year’s Grand Finals welcomes a fantastic mix of challengers. The tournament that began in 2011 has a handful of teams with an expansive history of appearances, and adding to the line-up this year, several fresh new contenders. 

Snap! Pictured at the tournament announcement for the Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge are Danville Park Girls’ High School’s captain, Anqobile Nkayi; Durban Girls’ College’s Jenna Reardon; Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School’s keeper, Kelly Willson with her captain Sisikelelwe Sopiseka and St Mary’s DSG’s captain, Kelly Jansens ter laeck. The action packed weekend of hockey will take place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on 22 and 23 July. Pic by Val Adamson

Two travelling teams will be competing for the very first time: the challenge welcomes Suid Natal Hoërskool representing the Sisonke and uGu Region and St Dominics Newcastle, the winner of the Northern KZN Region. 

Two teams will be making their second appearance, having both last competed at the Grand Finals in 2012. The Wykeham Collegiate will be waving the flag for the Pietermaritzburg North Regional and on behalf of the uMvoti and oThukela Regional, Ladysmith High School are back too. In their first run at the finals, Wykeham got to the medal round, finishing an impressive fourth overall, while Ladysmith earned a seventh place eleven years ago. 

Back for a third time, Danville Park Girls’ High School will be keen to better their consistent sixth places in 2012 and 2014. Kuswag Hoërskool will also take to the turf for their third outing. They competed in the inaugural tournament in 2011 where they finished ninth and then last year, they took the tenth spot. 

North Coast Regional winner, Grantleigh College head to the finals for their fifth time. Last year they finished seventh and in 2011, 2016 and 2017 they ended eighth overall. 

After several years’ sabbatical, Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School make a welcome return for the seventh time as the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional winners. In their six previous runs, they have featured in the medal games every year with three silvers in 2011, 2013 and 2015, two bronze medals in 2012 and 2014 and a fourth in 2016. 

Host school St Mary’s DSG will be eager to continue their success at the Grand Finals, they have dominated the Highway Regional, representing the area for the tenth time this year. Saints have hoisted the trophy five times in 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, taken silver in last year’s finals, won bronze in 2011 and 2013 and finished fourth in 2015. 

The only team with a 100% record at the Grand Finals, Durban Girls’ College are the defending champions. The Durban Central Regional winners have a fantastic history at the Grand Finals, winning gold four times in 2013, 2014, 2015 and last year. They have also won silver in 2012, 2016 and 2017, one bronze in 2019 and two fourth places in 2011 and 2018. 

The weekend’s action will all be livestreamed on the SuperSport School’s mobile app and website.  

For more info like the tournaments’ Facebook page (SparKZNSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey). 

Eleventh Appearance

Durban Girls’ College - Durban Central Regional Winner - Gold (2013, 2014, 2015, 2022), Silver (2012, 2016, 2017), Bronze (2019), Fourth (2011, 2018)

Tenth Appearance

St Mary’s D.S.G. – Highway Regional Winner - Gold (2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019), Silver (2022), Bronze (2011, 2013), Fourth (2015)

 Seventh Appearance

Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High – Pietermaritzburg Central Regional Winner - Silver (2011, 2013, 2015), Bronze (2012, 2014), Fourth (2016)

 Fifth Appearance

Grantleigh College – North Coast Regional Winner – Seventh (2022), Eighth (2011, 2016, 2017)

 Third Appearance

Danville Park Girls’ High School – Durban North Regional Winner – Sixth (2012, 2014) 

Kuswag Hoërskool – Durban South Regional Winner – Ninth (2011), Tenth (2022)

 Second Appearance

The Wykeham Collegiate – Pietermaritzburg North Regional Winner - Fourth (2012)

Ladysmith High School - uMvoti and oThukela Regional – Seventh (2012)

 First Appearance

Suid Natal Hoërskool - Sisonke and uGu Regional Winner

St Dominics Newcastle – Northern KZN Regional Winner 

 ENDS

I heart Market with Artisan Market for Kids Saturday, 1 July: 08:30 to 2pm Sugar Rush Park , Ballito

Just in time for the July holidays, the  I heart Market introduces an exciting addition to their fare  - it’s I heart Artisan Market for Kids - Homegrown and Handmade on Saturday, 1 July from 08:30 to 14:00 at Sugar Rush Park , Ballito, North Coast

“We are excited to be introducing this new addition to the I heart Market,” enthuses Anna Savage, owner of the Market. “This is a chance to give our children the opportunity to be creative - come up with a product to sell and then make, bake, create or grow their own items and sell them to the public. No store-bought items will be on sales. Here is an opportunity for youngsters to learn the art of making, selling and budgeting.”

“There are some fun and innovative creations for sale in the Kids Market. Of course, there are a lot of sweet treats (cookies, vegan confection, baked goods, pancakes, candy floss) and homemade Lemonade. We have bags, clay creations, 3D toys, various beaded creations, painted rocks, playdough, messy crafts, and watercolour paints. Our usual monthly market fare will be there too. We urge folk to come support these youngsters and enjoy a fun day out.”

This is the holidays, so take advantage of the great kids activities on offer at Sugar Rush Park with its big play area, Jump Park, Putt Putt, Scratch Patch, Ndlondlo Snake Park, adrenaline-driving Tree Tails and the obstacle course in the tree canopy plus a craft area from We Paint Africa. There are plenty of food and refreshment stalls with delicious offerings.

The Market is situated at Sugar Rush, next to Collisheen Estate in Ballito. The I heart Artisan Market for Kids - Homegrown and Handmade will close at 12noon while the main market will continue until it usual 2pm. 

For more information, or to enquire about possible trading contact info@iheartmkt.com 

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge uMvoti and oThukela Regional Fixtures

The eighth regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge is set to tip off at Wartburg Kirchdorf School on Saturday 13 May when they host the uMvoti and oThukela Regional. 

Seven teams will be running onto the field at Wartburg Kirchdorf School. Joining hosts are Hermannsburg School, defending champions Domino Servite, Greytown High School and Wembley College. This regional also welcomes back Estcourt High School and Ladysmith High School. 

The games get underway early, with hosts Wartburg Kirchdorf meeting Hermannsburg in the first game of the day that gets rolling at 7.30am. This regional follows a round robin format with all seven teams getting twenty minutes to shine, with play only running one way. 

A victorious team earns their school 4 points, a goalless draw will only earn the two teams one point each for their efforts, but if both teams manage to net the same amount of goals, they will share 2 points each. A loss won’t register on the overall log with teams accumulating zero points if they go down. The top two teams on the scorecard will then play each other in the regional final. 

In the thirteen years since the tournament’s inception, five teams have raised the trophy in this region. Host school, Wartburg Kirchdorf has represented the area six times at the Grand Finals. Wembley College won the inaugural regional in 2011, and again were winners in 2021. Ladysmith High School was the second named engraved on the trophy while both Greytown High School and Domino Servite – the defending champions, have both won once. 

The uMvoti and oThukela Regional is followed by the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional, hosted by Epworth School on Sunday 14 May. Thereafter, the final tournament, the Northern KZN Coastal Regional takes place at Grantleigh College on Saturday 20 May.

Six victorious teams representing their regions have already earned a spot at the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof in July. The winner of the uMvoti and oThukela Regional will join Danville Park Girls High School (Durban North Regional); St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional); Kuswag Hoërskool (Durban South Regional), Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional); The Wykeham Collegiate (Pietermaritzburg North Regional) and Hoërskool Suid Natal (Sisonke and uGu Regional). (The seventh team representing the Northern KZN Region will be decided on 6 May in Newcastle.)

For spectators that are unable to get to the side of the pitch, the ten regionals and the Grand Finals will be live streamed by SuperSport Schools on their mobile app or website.

For more info like the tournament's Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey) 

ENDS

2011 Wembley

2012 Ladysmith

2013 Wartburg

2014 Wartburg

2015 Wartburg

2016 Wartburg

2017 Wartburg

2018 Greytown

2019 Wartburg

2020 COVID

2021 Wembley

2022 Domino

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge Northern KZN Regional Results

Host school, St Dominics Newcastle hoisted the trophy for the first time in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge’s Northern KZN Regional on Saturday 6 May.

In a highly competitive regional final, St Dominics met local rivals, Ferrum Hoërskool who have dominated this regional with eight victories since the tournament’s inception in 2011. The two teams topped their pools with convincing wins throughout the day, and both won their respective Semi-Finals. 

In the 18 minutes of the final, both teams were evenly matched, with nothing between the two. The action-packed game glided all around the park. 3 minutes in, Ferrum found some space and took play up to St Doms in the games’ first real surge but an alert backline defended boldly, sending the game out of their danger zone, back up to midway. A few minutes later, it was the turn of the hosts, who ran the ball up to the other end, but in a similar fashion, Ferrum’s defence didn’t falter. 

Nearing 7 minutes, St Doms shone with some great skills, working the ball up with players passing quickly to one another as they rapidly made their way up the middle towards the Ferrum circle. The magic and momentum was abruptly halted as the ball carrier lost concentration and frustratingly stepped on the ball. 

An indication of how equal the two teams were, it took 9 minutes and 9 seconds for the first shot to be fired. Ferrum was gifted an opportunity, running the ball into the circle and wasting no time, smashing in their attempt, only to watch the ball whisk past the righthand post. Both teams played with tremendous discipline, not giving away any short corners, and only one long corner was given to St Dom’s. 

In the final quarter, St Doms kicked up a gear. The home team mounted several attacks on the Ferrum goal, with two close calls but the savvy Ferrum defenders stood strong as St Dominics grew in confidence. Time expired with the score sitting level at zero zero. The regional final would be decided in a penalty shootout. 

Three players from both teams made their way to the spot. Ferrum took first charge, with Annerie Roos netting her team’s first goal. Both Abongile Masondo from St Doms and Ferrums’ Annemie Rautenbach turns ended with keepers Colbe Le Breton and Sanri van Rhyn respectively shutting down their shots. Second up for St Dom’s, Andiswa Mhlungu was unfortunately fouled by FERRUM and was awarded a penalty stroke which was taken by a brave Xoliswa Sithole. Sithole sent her flick dead centre of goals but Le Breton easily stopped the shot. 

Third up for Ferrum, Joey du Preez took the ball up, drifting right and pulling van Rhyn out of the box. As she was nearing the base line, she slipped the ball past the keeper but sadly, her shot was off target and the ball skidded right of goal. With the score still on 1 nil, Ciana Captain, Captain for St Domnics stepped up to the spot. She too drifted right and tapped the ball in. Le Breton got a foot on the ball, slowing it down but luck was on Captains side, as the ball trickled over the line just in time to level the score at 1 all. 

With all three players having had their chance, the final progressed to a sudden death. A cool calm and collected Captain Courageous began, lifting the ball up for a few skillful bounces on her stick as she entered the circle, she let the ball drop and proceeded in similar fashion to run right, pulling the ball further right, away from an advancing Le Breton, with a bit more force, she tapped the ball beyond the reach of Le Breton and netting her and her teams’ second goal. A previously successful Roos went first for Ferrum. Following the trend of taking play to their right, she advanced rapidly to within a few meters from the baseline, realising her angle had been cut down dramatically by a charging van Rhyn, she knocked in her shot that flew wide. An eruption of emotions followed suit, with St Dom’s taking the win by the narrowest of margins, with two successful penalties, to Ferrum’s one. 

Recognised for his efforts with the whistle, head boy and First team goal keeper for St Dominics Newcastle, Mvelo Mashinini shone as the Most Promising Umpire.

St Dominics Newcastle is the seventh team who will be representing their region at the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof in July. They join Danville Park Girls High School (Durban North Regional); St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional); Kuswag Hoërskool (Durban South Regional), Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional); The Wykeham Collegiate (Pietermaritzburg North Regional) and Suid Natal Hoërskool (Sisonke and uGu Regional).

The challenge heads to Wartburg Kirchdorf School this weekend, on Saturday for the uMvoti and oThukela Regional, followed by the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional at Epworth School on Sunday. The tenth regional takes place at Grantleigh College the following weekend, wrapping up the ten regionals around KZN. 

For spectators that are unable to get to the side of the pitch, the ten regionals and the Grand Finals will be live streamed by SuperSport Schools on their mobile app or website.

For more info like the tournaments’ Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey).

Pool Results

Pool A

1 Ferrum Hoërskool 16pts; 2 Sarel Cilliers High School 9 pts; 3 Newcastle High School 9pts; 4= Vryheid Landbou; 4= Pongola Akademie

Pool B

1 St Dominics Newcastle 16pts; 2 Vryheid High School; 3 Dundee High School; 4= Utrecht High School; 4= Amajuba High School

Regional Final Results

St Dominics Newcastle 0 (2) vs Ferrum Hoërskool 0 (1) 

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Sisonke and uGu Regional Results

Christening the new astro turf at Creston College, ten teams gave it their all when they converged for an action-packed Sisonke and uGu Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge on Sunday 23 April.

The strongest two teams of the day, Suid Natal and Kokstad College met in the regional final and played their hearts out, leaving everything on the turf. There was nothing in it between the two schools who entertained the large crowds from start to finish, keeping everyone riveted and on the edge of their seats. In an epic conclusion, Suid Natal managed to hold strong and go one up on Kokstad College, winning their very first title since the tournament’s inception in 2011. 

Suid Natal claimed most of the possession throughout the final, with several magnificent runs at the Kokstad box but just lacked the all important finishing touches to convert their fine attacks into goals. In the 20 minutes of play, they were awarded six short corners, five of which were in a row with four immediate retakes being blown for various Kokstad infringements. Kokstad only had one chance for a set piece in the Suid Natal circle, but similar to their counterparts, were unable to find a hole in the hard-working defense. 

Kokstad didn’t have much time down at their oppositions goals but when an opportunity did present itself, Kokstad looked dangerous but also were unable to slot in a triumphant trophy-lifting goal. At full time, the scoreline sat at nil nil, with the match heading to the penalty spot. Three players each faced their competitor’s keeper in a deciding penalty shootout. In the three rounds, Suid Natal knocked in their first round and Kokstad leveled in their second round. At the conclusion of the three sequences, the nail-biting final moved onto a sudden death. The shootout would continue until one team missed.

Both Suid Natal and Kokstad netted their first attempts, leveling on two all. Suid Natal’s Luca Meyer set off directly goalwards, nearing the keeper she pulled the ball left and then right, wrong footing Kokstad’s Lulutho Dalawana and neatly punched in her shot taking the score to 3-2. Kokstad’s Esha Desai was next to go, she also charged directly goalwards. As she neared the goal, an unmoving Anrika Badenhorst eyed her efforts. Desai slowed her run and slapped the ball in but an eagle-eyed Badenhorst pounced on the ball managing to deflect it well out of danger and in so doing, earning her team victory. 

A bright talent in the world of umpiring, Kiolin Gouws from Kokstad College was acknowledged as the Most Promising Umpire. 

Newcomers, Suid Natal is the sixth team to earn a spot at the Grand Finals this year, they join Danville Park Girls’ High School (DBN North Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional), Kuswag Hoërskool (Durban South Regional) and Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional); The Wykeham Collegiate (Pietermaritzburg North Regional) at the concluding tournament that will take place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on 22 and 23 July.

The tournament takes a week break before travelling up to Newcastle for the Northern KZN Regional hosted by St Dominic’s School on Saturday 6 May.

For more info like the tournaments’ Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey).

All games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools app or on their website. 

Pool Results

Pool A

1 Kokstad College 10pts; 2 Creston College 9pts; 3 St Patrick’s College 7pts; 4 King Edward High School 3pts; 5 Scottburgh High School 1pts

Pool B

1 Suid Natal Hoërskool 12pts; 2 Southcity Christian School 9pts; 3 Port Shepstone High School 5pts; 4 Bergview 3pts; 5 Ixopo High School 1pt

Cross Pool Results

1 Suid Natal Hoërskool; 2 Kokstad College; 3 Southcity Christian School; 4 Creston College; 5 St Patrick’s College; 6 Port Shepstone High School; 7 King Edward High School; 8 Bergview College; 9= Scottburgh High School; 9= Ixopo High School

Final Score

Suid Natal Hoërskool 0 (3) vs Kokstad College 0 (2) 

 ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Durban Central Regional Sunday 16 April

Continuing on their phenomenal winning streak, Durban Girls’ College hoisted the Durban Central Regional trophy of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge for the thirteenth time at 3 Schools Trust on Sunday 16 April. 

The only team in the KZN Challenge to have won 100% of their regionals, College took on host school, Durban Girls’ High School in a magnificently action-packed final that flowed all around the field from the first whistle. 

College got out of the starting blocks quickly with a reverse stick attempt in the first minute on the Girls’ High’s goals that sailed wide. Their next probe two minutes later was an attack down the right, with play being run quickly along the baseline but Girls’ High’s sturdy marking stopped the flashy maneuver, giving themselves a breather by clearing the ball. 

Less than a minute later, College was on the prowl again, with a free hit outside the circle. Swiftly College surged forward but the hosts stood firm and again did not allow the visitors any gaps to get off a shot. 

Just under 5 minutes, College earned their first short corner, the ball rocketed to the second castle and then bolted goalwards where a vigilant Divine Arinze, who was having a grand day in goals, firmly booted the shot out of danger. College’s attack pounced on the loose ball and pushed play back into the circle but Girls’ High’s defense prevented any success. 

For the next four minutes, the defending champs continuously put pressure on the Girls High goals with determined, orchestrated advances. Still the local team didn’t falter, turning away each endeavor. Girls High worked hard giving their backline a reprieve as they took the game up to College’s end penetrating into the uncharted waters of College’s circle with a stab of an effort.  

Growing in confidence, Girls High started to weave some magical movements together taking play up into Colleges half. An undeterred College attack replied earning their second short corner of the game just after 12 minutes. In a carbon copy of the first corner, the ball was injected to the second castle, and Emily Macquet sent in a low flying flick that was stopped on the line but in a lapse of concentration by the Girls’ High’s last line, the balls momentum from the flick saw it trickle over the line notching up College’s first goal. 

Seconds later, College took full advantage of Girls’ High being on the back foot after having conceded a goal, with a blitz down the middle netting their second. Hannah Hargroves achieved a superb goal, slapping the ball out of the defenders reach. 

With less than five minutes remaining College got into some space on the left, as they dashed down the sideline. In a well-choreographed crusade, first goal scorer, Macquet had a rare moment of freedom in the Girls’ High circle as she fired off a shot. The missile whizzed towards the box, Arinze managed to get a nick on the ball that ricocheted off her pads into the goals, taking the final score now to 3 nil victory. 

College join three other regional finalists who have already secured their place at the Grand Finals. Making their eleventh appearance at the main event of the Challenge, they are the defending champs having won gold last year and on four previous occasions. They join Danville Park Girls High School (Durban North Regional); St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional) and Kuswag Hoërskool (Durban South Regional). 

The tournament heads to St Anne’s School on Saturday 22 April for the Pietermaritzburg North Regional, followed by the uGu and Sisonke Regional at Creston College on Sunday 23 April.

All remaining regionals and the Grand Finals will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools’ mobile app or website. 

For more info like the tournaments’ Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey)

Round Robin Results

1 Durban Girls’ College 24pts; 2 Durban Girls’ High School 17pts; 3 Maris Stella 14pts; 4 St Henry’s 13pts; 5 Inanda Seminary School 8pts; 6 INK Schools 4pts; 7 Port Natal School 0pts

Regional Final Result 

Durban Girls College 3 vs Durban Girls’ High School 0

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Pietermaritzburg North Regional at St Anne’s College: 22 April

Midway through the fixtures of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, St Anne’s College hosts the fifth regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on their astros on Saturday 22 April. 

The action at the Pietermaritzburg North Regional will unfold on the two astros at St Anne’s College, with teams meeting in high energy 25 minute games that will only run one way. Six teams will be taking each other on in a round robin format. They are Grace College; Howick High School; host school and defending champs, St Anne’s College; The Wykeham Collegiate; Treverton College and Voortrekker High School. 

Featuring in the first and last round robin games, St Anne’s meets Grace College at 8am and then Treverton College in the game before the regional final. The regional final gets underway at 12.15, where the two top placed teams will meet for the second time that day. 

Teams will score 4 points if they are victorious, 2 points each if they tie their game with both teams netting the same amount of goals, 1 point each if the game concludes in a goalless draw and zero points for a loss.

Two teams have represented this region at the Grand Finals, they are one-time winners, The Wykeham Collegiate and St Anne’s College who have their school’s name engraved on the regional trophy nine times. 

The winner of the Pietermaritzburg North Regional will be the fifth team to earn a spot at the Grand Finals this year, they join Danville Park Girls’ High School (DBN North Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional), together with two teams who will be crowned in the upcoming Durban South Regional (15 April) and Durban Central Regional (16 April), at the concluding tournament that will take place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on the 22nd and 23rd of July.

For more info like the tournament's Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey)

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SPAR KZN Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge Durban South - Saturday 15 April

Hockey teams participating in the Durban South Regional will head to 3 Schools’ Trust for the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 15 April.

Hosted by defending champions, Kuswag Hoërskool, five other teams will join them on the astro. Amanzimtoti, who have hoisted the trophy a handful of times, will be leading the charge to reclaim the title, together with a highly competitive line up including Kingsway High School, New Forest High School, Queensburgh Girls’ High School and Werda Skool. 

Ready to bounce into the third regional, Kuswag players Silke Bester and Maya Pretorious look forward to welcoming teams at the Durban South Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that they will host at 3 Schools Trust Astro on Saturday 15 April. Pic by Val Adamson

The format for the day has the six teams squaring off in a round robin tournament, with the games lasting 25 minutes one way. The winning team will notch up 4 points for their efforts. In a case where the teams drew with goals, they will both earn 2 points, while a goalless draw sees their scores increase by one point. A loss will register zero point on the scorecard. 

Getting the tournament underway, New Forest will take on Amanzimtoti who have represented this region five times (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019), in the first game of the day at 8am. Followed by Queensburgh versus Kingsway. Host school, Kuswag have won the title twice in 2011 and 2022 take on Werda in their third round of the tournament. The top two performing teams will meet each other in the regional final just before 2pm. 

The winner of the Durban South Regional will join Danville Park Girls’ High School (DBN North Regional) and St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional) at the Grand Finals that will take place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on the 22nd and 23rd of July.

All games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools app or on their website. 

For more info like the tournaments’ Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey)

ENDS

Ethekwini Enviro Week – activities in and about nature to inspire, inform and celebrate 18 - 25 March 2023

The inaugural eThekwini Enviro Week is a call to action for everyone in eThekwini to work together to care for the environment. Hosted by the eThekwini Municipality with partners Green Corridors and the City of Bremen (Germany), Enviro Week offers a packed programme of fun and insightful activities at venues in and around Durban from 18 to 25 March.

Looking forward to Ethekwini Enviro Week: Green Corridors team members Jonathan Welch (left) from the KwaMashu Materials Beneficiation Centre, Musa Shange (Coastal and Waste Management Project Officer), Nomfundo Phewa (Agro-Ecology Green Spaces Project Officer) and Siphiwe Mthabela (Green Hub Office Manager) check out a paver made from recycled plastic and glass.

The eThekwini Enviro Week is a collective of events, happenings, and activations packaged together to make them accessible to the public and increase the impact being made by organisations and individuals working in the environment and conservation sector.

“The devastating floods of 2022, hit home for all of us living in Durban,” says Nomfundo Phewa, of Green Corridors. “Everyone has some touchpoint with these floods, which we now know were a result of the climate crisis. There are over 150 different organisations working in Durban to help educate and inspire people to take action and make the change we need, and this eThekwini Enviro Week collective is one way we can begin to work collaboratively towards the same goal.”

Getting ready for eThekwini Enviro Week are Mboniseni Ndimande (left) and Noxolo Sibiya (second from left) from eThekwini’s Transformative Riverine Management Programme (TRMP), Siphiwe Mthabela (centre) from Green Corridors and Alvin Dube (left), a Denis Hurley Centre Street Lit book vendor, with some of his enviro friendly books.

Taking place in a week of important world environmental days, eThekwini Enviro Week will celebrate Global Recycling Day (18 March), World Frog Day (20 March), Human Rights Day and International Day of Forests (21 March), World Water Day (22 March) and World Meteorological Day (22 March). During this week there is also National Water Week, National Library Week, and Earth Hour (25 March).

Activities will centre around these themes, and encourage participation and involvement from the public in working together to help support the idea of cleaning up the environment, recycling, reducing and reusing waste, with practical ideas on how to minimise the impact on the climate. There will be clean-ups in communities, beaches, riverine and other sites, with a focus on getting materials to recycling facilities.

The week also aims to celebrate the rich natural heritage in the City, considered one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots to enjoy and explore. Sites such as the Beachwood Mangroves will be open to the public with bird walks and beach walks hosted by experts in their fields. There are countless places to explore on one’s own, or with a guide, such as the Botanical Gardens, Green Corridors community tourism sites, uShaka Marine World, Umgeni Bird Park, the Umgeni Estuary, many of the conservancies, indigenous gardens, wetlands, green spaces, and many others. 

The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture offerings will also include displays at the Durban Natural Science Museum and various displays and activities at libraries to coincide with Library Week.

In some of the events, the public can learn how to grow vegetables, swap seeds, and help clear small pocket parks in communities to support local food security. 

With Human Rights Day and all it stands for, several organisations will have events that aim to raise awareness of the right to a safe and clean environment.

The week closes off on Saturday 25 March with a celebration at Green Hub at Blue Lagoon, where a range of  Environmental Education and Public Awareness (EE & PA) organisations that have been planning ways to collaborate will share updates on the plans to establish a formalised EE & PA Action Network.

“This is a week to celebrate, learn and find ways to forge a future together, in a remarkable demonstration of solidarity,” says Phewa. “It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the city, and participate in how we can best care for it. Our campaign hashtag - #ourworldiswonderful – serves as a reminder of why we do what we do.”

All these events and activities will be published  in a full programme online with details and contact information  at: www.enviroweek.co.za, or follow on Facebook/ Instagram – enviroweek.

For general eThekwini Enviro Week  queries contact info@enviroweek.co.za 

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Flatfoot dance company's Love Song for KZNSA Gallery 31 March & 1 April

“LOVE SONG” is FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY’s first performance offering of 2023 in which they partner with the KZNSA Gallery to offer – for two performances only - a site-responsive and intimate dance experience that is sure to ignite passion and beauty. Performances take place on Friday 31 March and Saturday 1 April at 6.30pm.

“LOVE SONG” collaboratively created by the full company (Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Zinhle Nzama, Sbonga Ndlovu, Siseko Duba and Ndumiso Dube) under the choreographic direction of Lliane Loots, is a mesmerising journey into the heartland of the workings of the heart and how we love. Love is explored through bonds of friendship, intimate partners, as well as the social connection we share as community. 

FLATFOOT's Siseko Duba (jumping) and Ndumiso 'Digga' Dube in "LOVE SONG" (Photo by VAL ADAMSON)

Loots says, “at a time in our collective histories as South Africans, where so much seems impossible, we decided as a company to create a new dance work that really celebrates the power of how we connect (and maybe disconnect?) and that finds strength in the bonds we share as human beings. Far from looking away and avoiding the fault lines of our current lives, “LOVE SONG” looks at how this terrain is navigated in how we choose to love”. She goes on to say, “I have been humbled – as I always am – by the stories lovingly shared by the FLATFOOT dancers whose own choreographic journey is celebrated in this new work”. 

FLATFOOT once again push themselves to embrace new ways of making and thinking dance. “LOVE SONG” will dazzle and delight as the dancer move you to be moved by them! 

The KZNSA Gallery (Glenwood) will be open from 5.30pm on both 31 March and 1 April with a special dinner menu for those who want to eat, and the bar/coffee bar will be open both before and after the show. Running time if the show is 55 minutes.

Tickets are R100  (12 years and under -R80 and booking is essential due to limited seating capacity (contact flafootdancecompany@gmail.com).

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Photo on homepage: FLATFOOT's Sbonga Ndlovu and Zinhle Nzama - CREDIT: Val Adamson

I heart Market – 15 years on! Saturday, 4 March: 08:30 to 14:00 Ballito

The iconic I heart Market, which recently celebrated its 15th birthday, will take place on Saturday 4 March at Sugar Rush Park in Ballito from 08:30 to 14:00.

The first market was held in 2008 on the pavements outside the St Mary's Church Hall, next to the then Beanbag Bohemia in Morningsde, Durban. 

Owner of the market Anna Savage says, “We started off with 12 stall-holders ranging from ceramics, silver jewellery, clothing and homemade deli goods. But it grew quickly, so moved into the church hall but soon outgrew that. Every time we moved venue, we would get an influx of interested traders and within 3 months we would be filled to the brim with traders. Finally, we found a home on the lawns of Moses Mabhida Stadium, where we traded for a few years, and now have found a permanent home at Sugar Rush in Ballito.”

For Anna, the success of the traders, and the positive feedback from customers, remain a constant highlight. “It’s fabulous seeing people’s businesses grow. Special connections are made between customer and trader at the market, it’s a very personal experience. That's the magic of markets where you are meeting the maker rather than shopping in malls.”

The market offers a wide range of hand-crafted goods including jewellery and accessories, leather goods, artisanal foods and deli goods, ceramics, visual arts, décor, and clothing.

“These kinds of markets are so good for the small business economy," says Anna. “The direct contact to both customers, and other traders and the connections that are made by the traders is what makes this such a robust small business environment. It’s a great feedback loop. Our traders get feedback from the customer, they can see what products are preferred, and they get appreciation either through sales or praise for the work they have done. That counts for a lot.”

According to Anna, creating a curated platform for unique and interesting locally-made products, and not allowing products that are imported or mass manufactured, into the mix, has been the consistent reason for the market’s success. “Customers and traders can be assured of top quality goods being traded here.”

The Market is situated at Sugar Rush, next to Collisheen Estate in Ballito. There is a restaurant at the venue, a kids’ play area, mini-train, a reptile park, Jump Park, the Tree Trails obstacle course, and a Park Run every Saturday morning. 

For more information, or to enquire about possible trading contact info@iheartmkt.com 

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