Blog

JOMBA! Masihambisane Dialogues #2 - free online Colloquium for dance-makers, dancers, researchers and academics

MEDIA RELEASE

JOMBA! Masihambisane Dialogues #2 - free online Colloquium for dance-makers, dancers, researchers and academics

 

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts, and the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience presents their second annual edition of the JOMBA! MASIHAMBISANE DIALOGUES #2 a free three-day online dance colloquium on YouTube which runs from 25 to 27 May 2022. 

 

Aiming to support the growth of scholarship and dialogue as it affects the evolving development of dance, physical performance and its relationship to history, memory and our current society, these 2022 dialogues take the theme of “Dancing Archives”. 

 

“The purpose of these dialogues is to stimulate robust discussions and debates over ideas of how embodied dance archivists (artists, scholars and curators) can be agents of change in how they create and think about an archive,” explains Dr Lliane Loots, a lecturer at UKZN and the Chair of the Colloquium Steering Committee. “We want to look at how and what is remembered, and  this specifically in decentring capitalist, heteronormative, able-bodied patriarchy within the frames of, amongst other ideas, decoloniality and postcoloniality.”

 

Keynote speakers include Nadine Mackenzie from Unmute Dance Company, and she is joined, over the three days of the colloquium, by artists like Gregory Maqoma, Sonia Radebe, David April and Vincent Mantsoe. Continental voices, specifically looking at the role of dance festivals in re-making African archives, include Quito Tembe (Mozambique) and Adedayo Liadi (Nigeria).

 

The dialogues also welcome a range of local and international young and established dance and performance scholars who will be sharing their works and ideas on this digital platform in carefully curated sessions. The final outcome of the dialogues will be an edited collection of papers (both written and digital) that will freely be available in the JOMBA! MASIHMABISANE archives to read and watch.

 

The international editorial and steering committee include Dr Mbongeni Mtshali (UCT), Prof Yvette Hutchison (University of Warwick, UK), Clare Craighead (DUT), Dr Sarahlegh Castelyn (University of East London, UK), Dr Lliane Loots (UKZN), Gift Marovatsanga (UniZul), David April (UP) and Thobile Maphanga (UKZN).

 

The JOMBA! MASIHAMBISANE 2022 DIALOGUES will be live-streamed on 25, 26 and 27 May to the JOMBA! YouTube Chanel and can be accessed free of charge: https://www.youtube.com/jomba_dance

 

There will also be a closed ZOOM IP for direct participants and for those who wish to apply to join and be present in the DIALOGUES room. To apply for direct access and to be present in the digital ‘room’ please contact Thobile Maphanga on thobimaphanga@gmail.com

 

Please also access the full three-day programme via:  https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/masihambisane-dialogues/ 

 

ends.

Amal and George Clooney’s Foundation Honours Justice Albie Sachs

   MEDIA RELEASE 

Amal and George Clooney’s Foundation Honours Justice Albie Sachs for his courageous work fighting for Justice

The Clooney Foundation for Justice, founded by Amal and George Clooney, has announced its inaugural awards ceremony in line with the Foundation’s vision to highlight brave justice activism in a number of sectors across the globe. 

Photo: Vanessa September,, Amal Clooney, Albie Sachs and George Clooney

The Albie Awards named in honour of Justice Albie Sachs who is revered for his heroic commitment to ending apartheid will take place in New York later this year.

Not only have CFJ named the awards after South Africa’s Justice Albie Sachs but they will also award him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Pursuit of Justice on the evening .

Other recipients at the ‘Albie’ will be the Nobel prize-winning Filipino journalist Maria Ressa who will receive the Justice for Journalists Award; iACT a ground breaking international organization that works alongside survivors of genocide and other mass atrocities will receive the Justice for Survivors Award; Viasna, a human rights group that has been a voice of resistance in Belarus for nearly 30 years as it has led a brave campaign for freedom and democracy against President Lukashenko's regime, will receive The Justice for Democracy Defenders award; and Dr. Josephine Kulea, the Kenyan women's rights campaigner and founder of the Samburu Girls Foundation that helps to rescue girls from child marriage, female genital mutilation, and other harmful practices received the Justice for Women Award.

Albert ‘Albie’ Louis Sachs is a South African activist, lawyer, writer, and a former judge appointed by Nelson Mandela to serve on the first Constitutional Court of South Africa. After twice being detained in South Africa for his anti-apartheid activities, in 1966 he went into exile and was later the victim of a car bombing executed by the South African security services. He lost his right arm and vision in one eye. In 1990 Sachs returned to South Africa to help write the Constitution of South Africa and later served for fifteen years on the country’s Constitutional Court.

 

"I take huge pleasure in working with Amal and George Clooney, and getting to understand and appreciate their deep feeling for justice. I delight in their imaginative, creative ways of doing things and connecting with people,“ says Justice Albie Sachs. “I am a living survivor of a generation of South African lawyers like Griffiths Mxenge and Bram Fischer, who gave their lives for freedom and justice. I will be thinking of them when I receive this wonderful award alongside the other remarkable people and organisations.”

The Awards hosted by George and Amal Clooney and Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, will take place on 29 September at the New York Public Library, with so

me of the biggest names in international human rights, philanthropy, law, business, and entertainment in attendance and will include powerful stories of the Clooney Foundation for Justice’s work fighting for survivors of human rights abuses. 

-ends 



Newsletter; https://cfj.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/May-12-2022-Newsletter.pdf

Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ktKBhfH9IfY

 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Joysapieka0@gmail.com / joyls@mweb.co.za

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls' Hockey Challenge - Durban Central Regional hosted by Durban Girls’ College: Sunday 15 May

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban Central Regional

Durban Girls’ College: Sunday 15 May

 

Tournament number nine gets underway at Durban Girls’ College on Sunday 15 May where teams from the Durban Central Regional will be eager to hit the turf at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge.

 

Six schools join hosts, Durban Girls’ College on their turf to play in a full round robin programme of 18 minute quick fire games. Raring to get the ball rolling alongside College are first teams from Durban Girls’ High School, Inanda Seminary School, INK, Port Natal Skool, Maris Stella and St Henry’s Marist College.

 

After the 21 scheduled games, the top two teams will meet each other in the deciding regional final. Following the pattern of previous tournaments, a win puts 4 points on the board for your team, a draw with goals 2 points, a goalless draw only 1 point and a loss zero points.

 

The only team in the history of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge with the proud statistics of a 100% record, winning all their regionals is Durban Girls’ College. College have been crowned regional champions since the tournament’s inception in 2011 and they will be keen to continue their domination at this competitive region.

 

At the conclusion of the ten KZN regionals, the top team representing their area heads to the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof in July. The winner of this region will join eight victorious teams that have already earned their spot, they are Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Kuswag Hoërskool (DBN South Regional); King Edward High School (Ugu and Sisonke Regional) and most recently crowned team Domino Servite from the uMvoti and oThukela Regional this weekend (7 May).

 

Following this tournament, the challenge heads to Grantleigh College in Richards Bay next Saturday 21 May for the conclusion of the 2022 SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge regionals.

 

If you are unable to support the tournament at the games, you can watch all the action on the SuperSport Schools mobile App or on their website.

 

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

 

ENDS

 

 

Domino Servite for Grand Finals of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

uMvoti and oThukela Regional

Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg: Saturday 7 May

 

In a surprise upset, Domino Servite took the honours in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge’s uMvoti and oThukela Regional at Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg on Saturday 7 May.

 

They met one of the favourites in the regions’ final game, toppling Wartburg Kirchdorf School in an all-important critical penalty shoot-out. After 25 minutes of play the whistle blew with the score line level on one each. 

 

Domino were awarded their first real threat in the game, a short corner midway through the final. The ball was pushed to the top of the circle, where the castle sent the ball towards the goals finding its way to the right where a tussle right on the post saw Wartburg’s goalkeeper Yoliswa Khenyisa keel over, hitting the upright and concussing herself.

 

Domino’s captain, Liezel Green managed to knock their goal in shortly after Wartburg’s keeper’s unfortunate injury. As the game drew to a close, Wartburg responded with a barrage of attacks, including four short corners. On their final set piece, they managed to equalise after the ball was pushed out to the top of the D, with Lise-Lea Engelbrecht trapping it cleanly, shifting the ball from her favoured right, side-stepping the first wave, and knocking in a reverse stick leveller. 

 

Seconds later the final whistle blasted announcing the outcome of the game would head to the penalty spot. Wartburg’s Robyn Vorster took their first opportunity scoring with her attempt and putting her team 1 point ahead. For the next four rounds the score board remained on 2 – 1 to Wartburg. 

 

Domino’s captain Green stepped up to the spot, and determinedly took the ball up, zig-zagging as she went. A firm standing Wartburg’s stand in keeper, Andile Dube was unable to keep up with the quick footed, Green’s attempt and watched amazed as the ball rolled over her line, again levelling the score. 

 

The game’s conclusion then moved to sudden death with Wartburg setting off first. Their fourth penalty being mis-hit giving Domino the edge. Amy van Tonder from Domino eagerly stepped up and calmly made her way goalwards, pulling the ball right and determinedly knocking the ball across the line earning her team their third goal and the regional title for the first time. 

 

Chatting after the final, Captain for Domino Liezel Green shared, “We came here a little bit unsure but were quite excited. We knew we were stronger than two teams but Wembely and Wartburg we were a bit unsure about.  We were delighted to reach the final, but we were exhausted, so it was a game that we played a lot more defensively. We didn’t expect to win but we are very happy and delighted to make it through to the grand finals for the first time.”

 

Coach for Domino, Willen du Toit, “We enjoyed it. It was tough and draining and a rollercoaster day. We got to the final and scored and then right at the end they scored and we had to go to a shootout. It was fun and I am very happy for the team, they did well.”

 

Acknowledged for his efforts with the whistle, Gareth Larkan from host school Hermannsburg was named Umpire of the Day.

 

In their inaugural appearance, Domino Servite will represent the uMvoti and oThukela Region as the eighth team at the Grand Finals in July, They join Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional); Kuswag Hoërskool (DBN South Regional); and most recently King Edward High School (Ugu and Sisonke Regional).

 

Next week the action moves to Durban for the second last tournament for 2022, the Durban Central Regional at Durban Girls’ College, followed by the Northern KZN Coastal Regional at Grantleigh School in Richards Bay on Saturday 21 May. 

 

Results

1 Domino Servite 2 Wartburg Kirchdorf School 3 Wembley College 4 Greytown High School 5 Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg 

 

Game Scores

Wartburg 2 vs Wembley 0 

Domino 1 vs Greytown 0 

Hermannsburg 0 vs Wartburg 5 

Greytown 0 vs Wembley 1

Hermannsburg 0 vs Domino 3

Wartburg 0 vs Greytown 0

Wembley 1 vs Domino 1 

Greytown 2 vs Hermannsburg 0

Domino 0 vs Wartburg 0

Wembley 2 vs Hermannsburg 0

 

ENDS

 

I heart Market - For some Mothers’ Day Gift Shopping on 7 May

I heart Market - For some Mothers’ Day Shopping

7 May from 8:30am - 2pm

Moses Mabhida Stadium Lawns

(Free Entrance & Dogs allowed)

Durban: May’s I heart Market takes place this Saturday (7 May) and comes just in time, the day before Mothers’ Day, offering a  perfect opportunity to get some last-minute gift shopping done.  The market also looks forward to welcoming international and out-of-town visitors here for the Travel Indaba this week.

The I heart Market remains one of Durban’s top-quality artisanal, craft, and entrepreneurial markets with delicious foods, crafts, décor, and fashion- all made with love and care, and with heart-stopping attention to detail.

To treat mums with something truly bespoke for Mothers’ Day, browse around the many inspired stalls for gifts, and take a break to refresh at some of the decadently delightful food stalls, offering something for the whole family.

Need some ideas for Mothers’ Day? Some unusual ideas include Lulubee Skin Health, for example, which is a  Botanique Massage Bar that keeps one’s skin soft and muscles relaxed, as it is infused with Cape Snowbush - a natural muscle relaxant – just what mum needs to unwind.

Lulubee Massage Bar

Then the aromatic Nude Home Fragrances made in Salt Rock with 100% soy wax for an eco-friendly burn has a Cabin Fever candle that is a real winter warmer with notes of cardamom, clove, sweet orange, and vanilla, it's like sipping a cup of chai next to a fireplace. 

Nude home Fragrance

Riverlea Soap's Fizzy Cubes also offers mum a great way to relax. She can pop them in a warm bath and enjoy the sophisticated floral scent from this nourishing bath bomb.  

Riverlea Soaps - Fizzy Cubes

But there is so much more. There are gorgeous designer and affordable silver jewellery, handbags, and purses in leather, and an array of South African inspired fabrics, clothing, accessories, and gorgeous items for the home too. Like Handpicked Baskets that have a contemporary take on the traditional Zulu designs that are made by a team of local women-led by uMam'Majozi in a rural village in KZN, using the local 'Incema' grass and dry palm leaves. These stylish African pieces are a fabulous addition to a lounge, for stacking firewood or a place to store extra winter blankies.

Handpicked Baskets

 The market on the lawns of the Moses Mabhida Stadium is open from 8:30am to 2pm.

 For enquiries about I heart Market please mail info@iheartmkt.com 

Young Cape Town Filmmakers Bag 3 Awards at Silwerskermfees


Young Cape Town Filmmakers Bag 3 Awards at Silwerskermfees

 

Cape Town, SA. Director Jordy Sank, and producers Gabriella Blumberg and Samantha Pelteret bagged three awards for Best Short Film, Audience Choice and Best Script for their film Leemtes en Leegheid at the recent kykNET Silwerskerm Film Festival in Cape Town.

 

This honour follows hot on the heels of Sank and Blumberg’s debut award-winning feature I am Here, a documentary about one of the last living Holocaust survivors, which recently played in over 85 theatres across America and won Best South African Documentary at the Durban International Film Festival.

Leemtes en Leegheid is a poignant film about Magdaleen, a recluse in her 80s, who numbs the pain of losing her husband by envisioning him beside her. After being locked away with the memory of him in her apartment, she desperately attempts to venture into the outside world again and to the sea she so longs for.

Produced by Sanktuary Films, with a screenplay by Jordy Sank, and Terence Makapan, the film features veteran actors of stage and screen, Lida Botha, Johan Botha and Ivan Abrahams. Lida and Johan have been married for over 50 years and intimately portrayed their love on screen. 

"We have seen how this story of grief and isolation has resonated so widely, and we hope it brings comfort and closure to those who watch it,” says producer Gabriella Blumberg. “We are honoured that the film has received such high recognition at Silwerskermfees and we hope it travels to audiences around the world."

 

"Within the past few years we have all experienced tremendous loss and loneliness in many shapes and forms, which is why we believe the story of "Leemtes en Leegheid" truly resonates with audiences,” says director Jordy Sank. “It is an intimate film that explores what happens when we have to learn to live without those we love so dearly. Winning the Audience Choice, Best Short Film  and Best Script Awards at Silwerskermfees show how deeply the themes and characters within the film are able to penetrate the hearts of those who watch it."

 

The short film will be coming to Showmax soon.

 

-ends

Kuswag wins Durban South Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge


SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban South Regional

3 Schools Trust Astro: Sunday 10 April 2022

 

Kuswag Hoërskool took the top honours in the Durban South Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Sunday 10 April at the 3 Schools Trust Astro in Glenwood. 

 

With under a minute on the clock Kuswag managed to find a hole in the sterling last line of Kingsway High School’s defence. After 24 minutes, both teams managed to get some game-time in each other’s circle, with Kuswag’s aim being more on target. Captain for Kingsway, Aphiwe Masuku had some work to do as she whizzed around magically keeping Kuswag’s attempts away. She kept the ball out as Kuswag pelted her with several attempts but she was unable to keep an unmarked Silke Bester’s sneaky shot from slightly right of the top of the D, rolling across the goal line with only 56 seconds left of play.  

 

Kuswag had more possession during the regional final and looked more threatening taking the game up with several well-crafted surges. Captain Anandi Strydom was the first Kuswag player to take aim at Kingsway’s goals, as she fired in a reverse stick shot midway through the final, with Bester directly following up with a missile fired from the top of the D. With 6 minutes and 23 seconds remaining, Kuswag secured the first and only short corner of the game, but Kingsway’s backline managed to stand strong and keep their neighbours at bay. 

 

Strydom was again in the action, with yet another go for goals as she weaved and spun along the circle, spinning around and fired off her shot that was met by the ever present Masuku. Nearing a minute remaining, Strydom again had some space on the circle and tried to find a gap with yet another shot that was defended. The ball popped out to the right where a waiting Bester pounced on the ball and fired off the regional winning goal. 

 

Both teams were completely level as they advanced through the day and ended with three wins and a draw against each other in the round robin. 

 

Eleven games were played in wet weather, with the girls all relishing the cooler conditions. 

 

Captain for the winning team. Anandi Strydom said after the game, “It was an amazing experience playing in the rain. I think all the schools that were here, and gave us the opportunity to come play were fantastic and well done to Kingsway for hosting a wonderful day.”

 

Continuing, she said, “Playing against Kingsway at the end was brilliant, we couldn’t have asked for a better team to play against. Silke scored right at the end. It was really tough; we were so evenly matched the entire final. It was literally 50 / 50 the whole time making for a great game.” 

 

When the two medaling teams met in the round robin game earlier in the day, a composed Kingsway backline kept Kuswag’s attempts from amounting to anything, with three spectacular saves from Masuku in the goals keeping the scoreline level to a goalless draw. 

 

Recognised for his efforts, Nick Vinek from Amanzimtoti High School was awarded the Umpire of the Day.

 

Kuswag join five teams who have already secured their spot for the Grand Finals, the other finalists are Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional) and St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional).

 

The next tournament heads inland to Matatiele to King Edward High School for the Sisonke and Ugu Regional on 23 April. 

 

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram. All games will be livestreamed on the SuperSport Schools website or app. 

 

Results

1 Kuswag Hoërskool 2 Kingsway High School 3 Werda School 5 Points 4 New Forest High School 2 Points 5 Amanzimtoti High School 1 Point

 

Game Scores 

Werda 0 vs New Forest 0 

Kuswag 5 vs Toti 0 

Kingsway 2 vs Werda 0 

Kuswag 1 vs New Forest 0 

Kingsway 2 vs Toti 0 

Kuswag 2 vs Werda 0 

Amanzimtoti 0 vs New Forest 0 

Kingsway 0 vs Kuswag 0 

Werda 1 vs Toti 0 

Kingsway 2 vs New Forest 0 

Final Kuswag 1 vs Kingsway 0

 

April is World Autism Month - action in Autism Activities

Action in Autism is hosting a number of open events in recognition of World Autism Month in April.

On 9 April  from 9am to 2pm Action in Autism invites people to pledge to be non-speaking and participate in a sensory heaven experience at The Action in Autism Centre, 105 Haig Road, Parkhill.

On 21 April at 9am there is a march for the right to basic education for the many out of school autistic learners, starting at The Durban City Hall and proceeding to The Department of Education and Culture, Truro House

On 22 April join in the Action in Autism/UKZN webinar on the Challenges faced by the Autistic Community at 2pm – 4.30pm.  Zoom link to be shared.

 

The month of April, World Autism Month, can be a difficult time for autistic people and those who support them.  Typical people highlight the condition through out-moded symbols such as puzzle pieces and the colour blue and parents speak about how exhausting it is to raise an autistic child and this can be very triggering for the autistic community who would simply like to be accepted, supported, and included in society.  

Over 50 % of autistic people are non-speaking or partially speaking and, like all of us, autistic people long for agency and control over their lives.   Action in Autism, a non-profit organisation that strives to improve services and resources for autistic people and their supporters, is using the month of April to focus on highlighting and advocating for the rights of autistic people to education and basic services.  The organisation’s annual Pledge to be Non-speaking event, to be held at the Action in Autism Centre on Saturday 9 April from 10am to 2pm, will include a sensory heaven experience tailored by and specifically for autistic people. Those attending will be encouraged to use only alternative means of communication – signs, gestures, pointing, tapping or drawing – for the duration of the event. A foam pit, ball pond, lycra swing, trampolines and other sensory input will be available for our community. There is no prescribed fee, but a donation of R50 per family would be highly appreciated. Action in Autism does not receive funding from government and relies on donations and support from the community for the running of their services.

 

Inspired and encouraged by the many parents on the organisation’s Whatsapp support group who are struggling to find appropriate quality education services for their children, the organisation will hold a march on Thursday 21 April in Durban central to highlight the dire need for more schooling facilities to accommodate the many autistic children in the province who are currently out of school. The march starts at the City Hall complex and proceeds to The Department of Education and Culture, Truro House where a petition will be handed over to management.  The following day, Friday 22 April, Action in Autism in partnership with the University of KwaZulu Natal will host a webinar on Autism and the dire needs of the Autistic Community and to discuss the many challenges and stereotypes that autistic people still face. Throughout April, the voices of autistic people will be most prominent through the organisation’s social media platforms in the form of videos and other postings by autistic people in order that society gains further insight into understanding and accepting this marginalised and much maligned community. 

 

The central focus of Action in Autism is to improve the quality of life for autistic people and those who support them. The organisation builds partnerships between autistic people and the community through the provision of information, services, learning and research.  The organisation’s flagship programmes are its Early Learning Intervention Centre and Walk-in Resource Centre, the Shahumna Centre, a Skills Transfer and Business Hub for autistics, and a new Assessment and Therapy Wing.  Join the autistic community at the Action in Autism Centre on 9 April, engage in alternative forms of communication, enjoy the sensory heaven experience, and march with them for the right to educational services on 21 April and join the webinar on 22 April.

If you would like to support Action in Autism through donations in cash or kind or through volunteering, or for more information about these events, please call 031 563 3039, or email info@actioninautism.org.za.

 

Green Corridors Receives Award from Plastics SA

Durban-based NPO Green Corridors, which cares for green spaces around the City, this week was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by Plastics SA for its commitment and dedication to helping restore rivers and for protecting our waterways and natural environment.

 

Tri-ecotours founder and Green Corridors’ Litterboom Coordinator, Siphiwe Rakgabale (left photo) and Green Corridors’ Coastal and Waste Management Projects Officer Musawenkosi Shange (right photo) receive the Caroline Reid Award from Plastics SA’s Director of Sustainability Douw Steyn, on behalf of Green Corridors for its commitment and dedication to helping restore rivers and for protecting our waterways and natural environment.

The Caroline Reid Award was presented to Green Corridors’ Coastal and Waste Management Projects Officer Musawenkosi Shange, who works with the NPO’s Green Spaces programme, and Tri-ecotours founder and Green Corridors’ Litterboom Coordinator, Siphiwe Rakgabale.

Caroline Reid was an ocean conservation warrior who coordinated hundreds of beach and diving clean-ups, was central in the work done with the loss of plastic pellets (nurdles) in the Durban Harbour in 2017 and with her networking skills, increased the awareness of plastic pollution on the KwaZulu-Natal Coastline.

Green Corridors has a vision to provide solutions and support for cleaning of natural environments, ensuring waste is recycled, repurposed, or removed, and that communities within these areas are significantly involved.  

“We would like to thank Plastics SA for this recognition as we continue to carry on the legacy of Caroline Reid,” says Musawenkosi Shange. “The work we do is very much in collaboration with a number of partner organisations and stakeholders including Adopt-a-River, WESSA, and Umgeni Estuary Conservancy, DUCT’s Amanzi Eyethu Nobuntu programme, the eThekwini Municipality’s Solid Waste and Parks Department, with support from sponsors such as SAPRIPOL and PETCO.”

“We hope that the work we do in restoring and cleaning riverways helps to create improved natural spaces for people to connect with nature, and the planet and improve their quality of life,” says Siphiwe Rakgabale.

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

For more information about Plastics SA visit https://www.plasticsinfo.co.za/

 -ends

CAPTION TO COVER PIC by VAL ADAMSON

Siphiwe Rakgabale (litter-boom and clean up co-ordinator Green Corridors) (left) and Musawenkosi Shange (Green Corridors’ Coastal and Waste Management Projects Officer) (right) pictured here with Green Corridors' partners Margaret Burger (WESSA and Umgeni Estuary Conservancy) and Teboho Kikine (Adopt-a-River). They received the Caroline Reid Award from Plastics SA’s Director of Sustainability Douw Steyn, on behalf of Green Corridors for its commitment and dedication to helping restore rivers and for protecting our waterways and natural environment.


Fun Holiday Ideas for the  family with Green Corridors in Durban and Surrounds




Holidays are upon us, and Green Corridors tourism sites offer a wonderful array of outdoor activities for the whole family, and only a short distance from Durban’s CBD – self-drive or fully-guided.

 

eNanda Adventure Park on the exquisite Inanda Dam has picnic sites and an awesome pump bike track for the adventurous. Guided mountain biking, birding excursions, hiking trails, and canoeing are on offer. 

 

South of Durban is the beautiful Mnini Dam set in the heart of the picturesque uMgababa area offering two superb sites for picnics, canoeing, fishing (large-mouth bass, tilapia), and some spectacular birding, hiking, and MTB trails. Two offerings are found here: Thulas’ Adventures, with a special holiday event in the form of a pop-up camp taking place on 26 March for Earth Hour with a night walk; and the Mnini Dam Tourist Resort.

Hiking with Thula’s Adventures

Picnic site at Mnini Dam

 

The Mqeku picnic site in the exquisite Valley of 1000 Hills has a unique ‘bum-slide’ on its river, a sparkling clean tributary into the Umgeni. This crazy, fun slide ends in a serenely calm pool, where you can simply float on a tube. Walks, hikes, and birding are on offer here.

Tubing at Mqeku Picnic Site

 

Also in the Valley of 1000 Hills is Isithumba with hiking, MTB, and cultural tours; while Lower Molweni is a hikers, birders, and nature-lovers paradise with a network of community-developed nature trails that lead hikers through the spectacular rugged cliffs and forests of the area, just on the outskirts of the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve. 

Hiking around Isithumba

 

Hiking around Molweni

Near the Blue Lagoon in Durban is the GreenHub with some amazing eco-tourism activities including birding, hiking, canoeing, and a visit to the fascinating Ezemvelo Beachwood Mangroves (on selected days). 

Pop up Camp at Mqeku Picnic Site

 

Green Corridors sites and tourism experiences are so easily accessible, although guided tours can enhance one’s experience. Shuttle tours are offered to many of these sites in an aircon mini-bus and qualified guides. Most sites also offer some form of accommodation or spend a night or the entire weekend with one of Green Corridors fully-catered and arranged Pop Up Camps.

 

All sites have a nominal entrance fee - camping and activity fees vary from site to site, helping to drive the local tourism economy in these areas.

 

Bookings are essential and can easily be made on +27 (31) 322 6026 or email frontdesk@greencorridors.africa 

 

-ends

















St Mary's DSG take the honours in Highway Regional

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Highway Regional

Westville Girls’ High School: Sunday 13 March

 

St Mary’s DSG continued their domination of the Highway Regional at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge with a determined performance ensuring their tenth title. 

 

They squared off against a hard-working team from Thomas More College in the regional final at Westville Girls’ High School on Sunday 13 March. From the first whistle, Saints pushed the game up to the Thomas More circle with the first threat coming just seconds into the game. The defending champion’s intentions were obvious as they continued the pressure but Thomas More’s keeper Tiaasha Naicker and her defenders braved the various wave of attacks. 

 

Saints opened up their account with their first goal being scored midway through the first half. Captain for St Mary’s DSG, Amy van Rooyen shared, “The first goal was quite an early one. I received the ball from one of my mids, and then plugged it straight in to the D and Anna Birt touched it. It was quite a lucky touch, but she got it in. It was quite nerve-wracking because I had to go and review it with the umpires. But it was awarded.”

 

Nearing the end of the first half, Saints perseverance paid off. Play moved down from the right, shuffled along the baseline and into the centre. The umpire blew up a foul and Thomas More quickly tried to get the play away from their danger zone. Intercepting the clearance, Saints caught Thomas More defence on the back foot with a blitz into the circle, and the daring Elizabeth Anderson firing off a rocket from two paces into the D.

 

Talking about the day, van Rooyen continued, “We were so excited going into the tournament. We started off quite shakily with drawing zero zero against Curro but we just got better and better and it was such a great day.” 

 

Heading into the final, van Rooyen said she felt really nervous, “I trusted my team mates. We kept moving the ball, which was our aim and doing this we knew the goals would come as the space was very limited in the D.”

 

After three quarters of game time, Thomas More were given some space to play, taking their opportunity up to the Saints circle. In a good passage of play, Thomas More kept the ball up in the Saints 22, camping there for nearly 3 minutes but were just unable to capitalise on their good fortune. 


Talking of this pressure, van Rooyen said, “I was worried, especially going back and forth setting up for the 5 meters but I kept talking to my team and we kept encouraging each saying defend, defend, defend. It really did help us that we were 2 nil up which made us feel a lot more confident, and with all the numbers dropping back to defend.”

 

The final score was 2 nil in favour of St Mary’s DSG. They are the fifth team to secure a spot at the Grand Finals which takes place on their home turf in July. They are joined by Our Lady of Fatima after yesterday’s Durban North Regional, Newcomer Pionier Hoërskool was the first team through, followed by St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional) and St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional).

 

Umpire of the Day went to St Mary’s DSG’s Letho Mngadi. 

 

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram. All games are livestreamed by SuperSport Schools

 

Overall results:

1 St Mary’s 21 points, 2 Thomas More College 16 points, 3 Westville Girls’ High School 14 points, 4 Curro Hillcrest 8 points, 5 Kloof High School 7 points, 6 Hillcrest High School 6 points, 7 Gelofte School 0 points

 

ENDS



Westville Girls to host Highway Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Highway Regional

Westville Girls’ High School: Sunday 13 March

 

Nearing midway in the 2020 SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, the fifth tournament takes place at Westville Girls’ High School where first teams will meet for the Highway Regional on Sunday 13 March.

 

Joining host school, Westville are Curro Hillcrest, Gelofte High School, Hillcrest High School, Kloof High School, St Mary’s DSG Kloof and Thomas More College.

 

The seven teams will have 18 minutes of turf time to create some magic on the field. The programme for the day has Westville meeting Thomas More in the first game at 8am. The format for the day is a round robin, where a win earns the team 4 points, a draw with goals 2 points, a goalless draw 1 point and zero points for a loss. 

 

In the event of teams being equal on points at the end of the round robin, the positions will be determined by goal difference or goals for or goals against and should there still be a tie, then a penalty shootout will take place between three players from those teams. After the round robin, the top two teams with the highest scores will play in the final to determine first and second place. Should the game end in a draw, the final heads to the penalty shootout for the regional decider. 

 

Over the years, St Mary’s DSG have dominated this regional with appearances in all but one Grand Final. In 2014, a courageous team from Westville Girls managed to topple Saints in the regional and make their first appearance at the Grand Finals. After 22 games in this round robin, the 2022 winner will be revealed. 

 

The Grand Finals features each of the ten regional winners over two days of action-packed hockey. The victorious team from the Highway Regional will join teams already through to the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof in July. Teams that have secured their berth at the finals are newcomer Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional) and St Anne’s (PMB North Regional). The fourth tournament, the DBN North Regional, takes place the day before the Highway Regional. 

 

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram. All of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge tournaments will be live streamed by Supersport Schools on their app or website. 

 

ENDS

 

 

 

St John's D.S.G. win PMB Centrals of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

PMB Central Regional

St John’s D.S.G. : Sunday 6 March

 

A golden performance by host school St John’s D.S.G. saw them claim victory in the PMB Central Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Sunday 6 March on their home turf.

 

After an intense regional final against defending champs, Epworth School, the yellow sticks managed to win 2-1 after 30 minutes of fantastic flowing hockey. St John’s showed their intentions when they knocked in their first goal after 180 seconds of game time. The first goal coming off a set piece in their first short corner. The ball flying in from a fiery flick but being bravely stopped by the Epworth keeper Lauren Roseveare. The ball falling favourably for St John’s Amy-Rene Jacobs who slapped it in.

 

Ninety seconds later, Epworth replied sending up a long ball through the middle of the field. The pass finding an unmarked Rebecca Cook who determinedly ran the ball up into the St John’s circle, and just continued while a surprised St John’s defender and an unsure keeper, both didn’t react in time as Epworth’s Cook literally ran the ball into the goal, squeezing it in between the right post and keeper.

 

The game intensified in the middle section, with loads of turn overs as passes didn’t find their players. Each team trying to find holes in their oppositions defence. With 5 minutes remaining, St John’s Captain, Olivia MacDonald was able to pounce on open space when she started play after being fouled. Epworth were on the back foot as she quickly took the ball up into the circle, moved it to her left and fired off a reverse stick rocket. The score line edged up to 2-1.

 

With three minutes left to play, Epworth earned their second short corner of the game. The home team’s defence stood strong, not allowing the visitors low flying flick to find the back of the net and surviving yet another well-co-ordinated Epworth attack.

 

St John’s shone brightly after a solid display throughout the day winning all the round robin games. They earned their second regional title after first winning the PMB Central Regional in 2017. The Most Promising Umpire Award went to Maritzburg Christian School’s Manqoba Mkhize.

 

St John’s D.S.G. from the PMB Central Regional is the third team to cement their spot at the Grand Finals. They join Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional) and St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional). The Grand Finals takes place in July at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof.

 

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram. All the games will be livestreamed by SuperSport Schools.

 

Overall results

1 St John’s 16 points 2 Epworth School 12 points 3 PMB Girls’ High 8 points 4= Carter High School 1 point; 4= Maritzburg College 1 point

 

ENDS

Action packed weekend ahead in Pietermaritzburg with SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

PMB Central and PMB North Regionals

St Anne’s College: Saturday 5 March and St John’s D.S.G.: Sunday 6 March

The SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge moves to Pietermaritzburg for the two highly competitive regionals at the beginning of March, with the exciting news that SuperSport Schools will be live streaming from both schools on the day.

St Anne’s College will host the Pietermaritzburg North Regional on their turfs on Saturday 5 March. They will be joined by five other teams in the sixteen game round robin tournament. Getting the weekend started will be hosts and defending champs, St Anne’s taking on Grace College on the lower astro. At the same time, Howick High School will meet Treverton School on the upper astro. The second game on the lower field sees The Wykeham Collegiate against Voortrekker High School.


The games at St Anne’s will all be 25 minutes one way with a five minute breather between games. The winner of each game will earn four points. A draw with goals will amount to two points and a goalless draw earning each team one point. The finals will be played at 12.15 and will feature the first placed and second placed teams from the round robin.

The following day, the action moves to St John’s D.S.G. astro, who are celebrating their 125th birthday this year. St John’s will host the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional on Sunday 6 March welcoming four local schools.

Defending Champs, Epworth School meets Girls’ High School in the first game of the day. Carter High School then take on Maritzburg Christian School in the second with the hosts meeting Epworth in the third round robin game.

All games will be half and hour, with a quick one minute half time and change of play at fifteen minutes. Similarly to the St Anne’s format, a win earns the victorious team four points, a draw with goals two points and a goalless draw only one point.

The PMB Northern Regional has had only two victorious teams, one time winners The Wykeham Collegiate were crowned in the inaugural year and since then, St Anne’s College have dominated. The PMB Central Regional has seen three schools raise the regional trophy and advance to the Grand Finals. Girls’ High dominated the earlier days of the tournament with Epworth and St John’s doing battle most recently.

All the regional winners from around KZN will head to Kloof to compete against each other in the Grand Finals. This year, the Grand Finals takes place at St Mary’s D.S.G. over the weekend of 23 and 24 July. The first team to earn a spot at this year’s finals are Pionier Hoërskool from the Northern KZN Regional. They have won the last tournament in 2020 but have yet to participate in a Grand Final.

Links and info for the live coverage will be shared on the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ social media platforms in the build up to the regionals.

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

ENDS

Results: Northern KZN Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Northern KZN Regional

Ferrum Hoërskool: Saturday 26 February

A sparkling performance by both Ferrum Hoërskool and Pionier Hoërskool entertained the crowds in a riveting final at the Northern KZN Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Ferrum’s brand new astro on Saturday 26 February. 

After 20 minutes of spectacular hockey, the game ended in a goalless draw with the final heading to a penalty shootout. In a moment of pure magic, Pionier’s Chezaan van Rensburg lifted the ball as soon as the whistle blew, in a surreal display of talent, bounced the ball on her stick as she made her way calmly towards the goals. Flummoxing Ferrum’s keeper, Clarisse Whitehead, the #7 steadied herself and then beautifully looped the ball over the advancing defender’s head. In these 8 seconds of sheer brilliance, van Rensburg gave Pionier the edge and eventually the winning goal, allowing her team to retain their 2020 title. 

Chatting post-match, van Rensburg shared, “This is my first time that I did the overhead in a tournament, I wasn’t nervous in the moment because I knew that God was with me and He knows the way.”

Pionier’s Zendi Zondo, who mostly had a quiet tournament at the back, stood firm in her three rounds in the shootout against Ferrum’s attack, keeping a clean scoresheet. Including having to stand up to a penalty stroke in the first round, which luckily for the visitors, hit the post. 

In the 20 minutes of running play, Pionier dominated most of the game, whilst Ferrum looked dangerous in short, sharp bursts. Only two short corners were awarded, both for Pionier, but the Ferrum defence managed fantastically under pressure. 

Captain for Pionier, Tarien Davel stated, “At the beginning we were a little bit scared, so we put everything in. We didn’t do so well in the first round but then we built ourselves up and at the end, we just enjoyed ourselves and put our minds to the game doing the best that we could. I am so proud of these girls; they really did amazing. The final was tough, but it was nice hockey, I loved it.” Talking about van Rensburg’s audacious move, she said, “We have seen her do it before and as soon as I saw her do it today, I knew we were going to win. I have so much faith in her, she always does those moves and we are so proud of her.”

Top goal scorer from their five runs on the astro went to Annari Roos from Ferrum, who tried valiantly in the final to add to her five goals but just wasn’t able to beat the strong backline of Pionier. Roos, a Grade 11 player who dreams of playing for the KZN Inland team, enthused after the game, “The tournament allows you to try new things, learn new stuff and move forward as a team. Even though we lost, we had a fun tournament.”

Leading up to the finals, Ferrum went 1 nil up in the first semi-final, working hard in their opposition, Dundee High School’s circle, with three short corners and several searching shots. Striker for the hosts, Annari Roos added to her tally of four goals, including a hattrick in her final pool game. The Ferrum Striker, Roos fired in her fifth goal for the day after 8 minutes of play from the top of the D giving them a spot in the regional final. Hard working, Chardeney Beamson also had a couple of unsuccessful attempts.

Pionier made the ball do the work in their semi-final with some fantastic, silky skills earning 2 goals against St Dominic’s. On both occasions, the visiting team had breakaways down the right, with a quick ball into the circle, finding their player camped on the post who easily tapped the ball in. The first goal was slotted in by the left link, Johanné Smith and the second goal knocked in by the left striker, Mieke Steenkamp.

At the conclusion of the pool games, host school Ferrum were the table toppers in pool A with 9 points, followed by St Dominic’s School with 6 points, Newcastle High ended third with two points and late entry, Vryheid Landbou with 1 point. 

In pool B, it went down to goal difference between the top two teams Dundee High School and Pionier Hoërskool who both ended on 5 points after their two games. Pionier got a handful of goals in their final game, while Dundee didn’t manage to break through the Sarel Cilliers defence. Final standings Pionier Hoërskool in first with 9 points, Dundee High School on 5 points, Vryheid High School on 4 points and Sarel Cilliers with 0 points. 

Umpire of the Day went to Dave Pinder from Sarel Cilliers. 

Pionier Hoërskool is the first team to guarantee their spot at the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof in July. The next two Regional takes place this weekend in Pietermaritzburg with St John’s hosting the PMB Central and St Anne’s in Hilton welcomes teams for the PMB North Regional.  

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram. All the games at this year’s challenge will be screened live by SuperSport Schools. 

Overall Results

1 Pionier Hoërskool 2 Ferrum Hoërskool 3 Dundee High School 4 St Dominic’s 5 Vryheid High School 6 Newcastle High School 7 Sarel Cilliers 8 Vryheid Landbou

Pool Results

A 1 Ferrum Hoërskool 9 points, St Dominic’s School 6pts, Newcastle High School 2pts, Vryheid Landbou 1pt

B 1 Pionier Hoërskool 9 pts, Dundee High School 6 pts, 3 Vryheid High School 4 pts, 4 Sarel Cilliers 1 pt

Games results

Pool games 

A Ferrum Hoërskool 0 vs St Dominic’s 0

A Newcastle High School 0 vs Vryheid Landbou 0

B Dundee High School 1 vs VHS 0 Goal scorer Amahle Potgieter Centre Forward

B Pionier Hoërskool 2 vs Sarel Cilliers 0 Goal scorers Captain Tarien Davel Centre Forward 1st goal, Zöe Richards Right Wing 2nd goal 

A Ferrum Hoërskool 2 vs Vryheid Landbou 0 Goal scorers 1st goal Captain Marlene Combrink, 2nd goal Annari Roos Striker 

A St Dominic’s 0 vs Newcastle High School 0

B Sarel Cilliers 0 vs Vryheid High School 1 Goal scorer Lindo Buthelezi Left Link 

B Dundee High School 0 vs Pionier Hoërskool 0

A Vryheid Landou 0 vs St Dominic’s 1 Goal scorer Abongile Masondo Striker

A Ferrum Hoërskool 4 vs Newcastle High School 0 Goal scorers 1st,2nd and 4th goals Annari Roos Stricker, 3rd goal Chantè Gale 

B Pionier Hoërskool 5 vs Vryheid High School 0 Goal scorers 1st goal Chezaan van Rensburg Centre Link, 2nd and 3rd goals Captain Tarien Davel, th and 5th goals Vice-Captain Mieke Steenkamp Left Striker 4

B Dundee High School 0 vs Sarel Cilliers 0

Cross Pool Games

7 / 8 Playoff Vryheid Landbou 0 vs Sarel Cilliers 1 Goal scorer Vice-Captain Kylin Swanepoel Left Wing

Semi Final 1 Ferrum Hoërskool 1 vs Dundee High School 0 Goal scorer Annari Roos Striker

Semi Final 2 Pionier Hoërskool 2 vs St Dominics 0 Goal scorer 1st goal Johanné Smith Left Link, 2nd goal Mieke Steenkamp

5 / 6 Playoff Newcastle High School 0 vs Vryheid High School 1 Goal scorer Estia Breytenbach Left Wing

Bronze Game Dundee High School 1 vs St Dominic’s 0 Goal scorer Amahle Potgieter Centre Forward

Gold / Silver Game Ferrum Hoërskool 0 (0) vs Pionier Hoërskool 0 (1)

 

ENDS

 

 

Back by popular demand: The Reason I Jump Screening– Suncoast Cine Centre, 24 February, 19h30

Action in Autism:

Back by popular demand: The Reason I Jump Screening– Super Nova, Suncoast Cine Centre,

Thursday 24 February, 19h30

 

Due to popular demand, Action in Autism will be hosting a second fundraising screening of the award-winning film, The Reason I Jump based on the book by the autistic Japanese writer Naoki Higashida, ,  who was thirteen at the time of writing. This fundraiser which benefits Action in Autism which supports Autistic people and their families through the provision of services and resources will take place on Thursday, 24 February 2022 at 19h30 at Supernova at Suncoast Cine Centre with adequate Social Distancing in the cinema.

 

Through his writing, Higashida maps the experiences of being autistic and translates these experiences for a neurotypical readership – the hyper-focus, the destabilisation, the social difficulties as well as the unique joys and benefits of thinking in a way that is neurologically a-typical. The internationally celebrated book was first published in Japanese in 2007 and later translated into English, and then supported and publicly endorsed by the renowned novelist David Mitchell, who has an Autistic son.

 

The cinematic version of The Reason I Jump, created by film-maker Jerry Rothwell, won the Audience Award: World Cinema Documentary at the Sundance film festival.  It is brought to Durban through an exciting partnership between Videovision Entertainment and Action in Autism with the Avalon Group providing the cinema free of charge. The screening of this powerful documentary aims to raise much-needed funds for Action in Autism’s three flagship projects, the Early Childhood and the Assessment and Therapy Wing, and the Shahumna Skills Centre, a skills transference and business hub for adults with Autism and related neurological conditions. “The intention of The Reason I Jump, as both a book and a film,” writes Adrian Horton in The Guardian in a review from 9 January, “is explicitly didactic, a missive to explain one person’s neuro-divergent experience and broader call to expand one’s imagination of human cognition.”

 

Action in Autism’s vision is for Autistic people and all people with disabilities to be accepted, respected and valued as members of the community. “This fundraiser speaks to who we are,” says Liza Aziz, Action in Autism’s Chairperson and the parent of an adult Autistic son. “It empowers and teaches people about a world of which they know very little.” Videovision Entertainment has supported the organisation since its inception in 2005 and continues to work as one of the partners that ensures opportunity for Autistic people through events such as this screening.

 

“In the film Rothwell examines the lives of five young people who live with autism spectrum disorder and is a perfect tool to educate people on autism, so we are delighted to continue our association with Action in Autism since its founding, and to support the exemplary work done by Liza Aziz and the Action in Autism team,” said Sanjeev Singh, Videovision Entertainment’s Director of Distribution and Acquisition.

 

This film has a Parental Guidance Rating, and tickets are R120 each and can be booked through Action in Autism – info@actioninautism.org.za or by phone 031 563 3039.

Durban’s Lower Molweni Begins to Ramp up its Tourism Offerings

Four organisations in Durban, have been collaborating to support and develop the exquisite Lower Molweni Valley for local and international tourism, in an effort to stimulate and drive the community’s economy in a setting that has high tourism potential.

 

Lower Molweni  is a short drive into the Valley of 1000 Hills from Hillcrest and is a hikers, birders and nature-lovers paradise. Now Durban’s Green Corridors, with its vision to see communities thrive in balance with the habitats around them, is working together with the local organisations: Kloof Conservancy, Philangethemba Impact, and 1000 Hills Community Tourism Organisation, to develop eco-tourism initiatives that create local employment and business opportunities and at the same time protect the environment. 

A welcome break during a hike atop the granite waterfall, with muffins and juice catered for by K&X Café with rugs and cushions created by the Ibongezi Crafters.

 

These organisations, which have varying mandates, have pooled resources and ideas with Green Corridors: The Kloof Conservancy, aims to promote environmental awareness and conserve the area’s natural habitats; Philangethemba Impact, is a collaborative empowerment programme between the social outreach ministry of St Agnes Anglican Church in Kloof, and the neighbouring Molweni Valley community, and 1000 Hills CTO, is the local community tourism organisation promoting tourism in this area. 

 

Currently, in this area there is a network of community-developed nature trails that lead hikers through the spectacular rugged cliffs and forests of the area, just on the outskirts of the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve. This reserve has is a biodiversity treasure trove including 50 mammals, 253 bird, 35 reptiles, 150 butterflies, 273 tree and over 1500 plant species.

 

Much work is being done by partners on the ground including the community of Lower Molweni Trust around various new and exciting tourism opportunities, including a 1.4km zipline, which is planned to be the longest in South Africa, experiential and cultural tours around the local community, and Pop up Camping - Green Corridors’ unique portable camping experience which can move from site to site.

 

For local community members, microbusinesses have started up, as a result, providing employment opportunities and are expected to grow as interest in the area increases. Businesses include trail clearers who cut paths and remove alien plants from the trails; litter and waste controllers, a catering business K&X Café and Ibongezi Crafters based at the Philangethemba Impact site – the start point of the nature trails. Local trail guides are being trained and mentored by experienced Green Corridors nature guides.

 

“We aim to develop local tourism opportunities and help stimulate community-based economies, through our vision to connect people to the planet,” says Duncan Pritchard, of Green Corridors. “The support of tourism in this area plays a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term conservation of this incredibly beautiful part of Durban. This is all achievable by integrating socio-economic needs with conservation needs, and by working hand in hand with local organisations and the communities in and around the area.”

 

“Our overall goal is to create hope and tangible outcomes for the people in this area,” says Siphiwe Gumede of Philangethemba Impact. “Adding an adventure aspect to the offering like the zipline, will help to draw people to the area, and stimulate the various small businesses that rely on tourism.”

 

“Central to what we do is to promote the area to support businesses operating in this exquisite environment here in the Valley of 1000 Hills,” says Jennifer Gregory, of the 1000 Hills Community Tourism Organisation. “Key to this is ensuring the environment lives up to the promise, so part of that is to have local buy-in and interest in what is being planned, to maintain its natural beauty.”

 

Hikers at Lower Molweni

Paolo Candotti, Chairman of the Kloof Conservancy says, “This is a really exciting collaboration for us all, as we work together to find the solution to the social and environmental needs of the people in this area. As we collaborate to find workable and sustainable ways to develop the tourism offerings, we are always open to sharing knowledge and welcoming other organisations and partners who are interested.”

 

All trails are guided. For more information or to book contact: +27 (0)31 322 6026/7 +27 (78) 726 4890 or email frontdesk@greencorridors.africa

 

-ends

 

New Transcontinental Expedition for Kingsley Holgate Team

New Transcontinental Expedition for Kingsley Holgate Team

With international travel restrictions easing after 20 months of Covid-19 lockdown, South Africa’s renowned Kingsley Holgate exploration team have revealed the launch date for their new, year-long transcontinental expedition.

 

Called the Defender Transcontinental Expedition and departing on 27 October from Cape Agulhas, it promises to be one of their most challenging geographic and humanitarian journeys to date: a 30,000-kilometre expedition through 30 countries from the southern tip of the African continent to the most northern point of Europe and then on to the mystical Isle of Anglesey in Wales.

 

“All adventurers will agree, it’s time to move again,” said well-known explorer and author Kingsley Holgate, who, with his experienced team, has already completed 39 gruelling expeditions to every country on the African continent and beyond, many of them world-firsts.

 

“This expedition has been almost two years in the making and significantly, it will be our 40th since 1992. In April last year, after months of preparation, we were about to set off on a humanitarian ‘journey of purpose’ from the UK to South Africa as part of the global launch of Land Rover’s new Defender. But then, along came Covid-19 and put all those plans on hold. 

 

“So, optimistically, we decided to turn things around and add even more adventure to the route. This expedition will be the first Hot Cape to Cold Cape journey in recent years from South Africa’s Cape Agulhas to Norway’s Nordkapp in the Arctic Circle, which is the most northern point of Europe that can be reached by vehicle. It will certainly be a world-first for the new Land Rover Defender. 

 

“That’s just one goal. All our expeditions have the principle of ‘saving and improving lives through adventure’, so we’re keeping the journey-of-purpose theme and right from the start, will conduct humanitarian work to assist 300,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa. To offset the expedition’s carbon footprint and help combat climate change, the journey will also be linked to the establishment of spekboom thickets and tree planting along the route.”

 

From Egypt, the expedition will cross the Mediterranean to Greece and tackle demanding terrain on its northerly journey through Eastern Europe, Russia, Finland and Norway to reach Nordkapp. 

 

The route then turns south through Sweden, Denmark and Western Europe, before finally crossing the Channel into the UK and ending on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales, where human occupation dates to the time of the Druids, and where the first Land Rover design was sketched in the sands of Red Wharf Bay by engineer Maurice Wilks in 1947.

 

The core Holgate team will be using two expedition-kitted P400 Defenders for the entire journey, with other crew members joining along the way in their own vehicles. The two Defenders are already well-travelled, having completed the Holgate’s 80-day, 16,000-kilometre Mzansi Edge Expedition last year that tracked the entire outline of South Africa, delivering humanitarian aid to remote communities during the height of South Africa’s lockdown.

 

“We’re not setting out to break speed records on the Hot Cape to Cold Cape section of the journey, so it’s not going to be a straight-line dash,” explained expedition leader Ross Holgate. “We’re going to seek out demanding driving conditions and tough 4x4 routes to reach iconic geographic points of interest and really put the 21st century technical capabilities of the new Defenders through their paces. 

 

“There are going to be some extreme challenges. The route through central and east Africa will be at the height of the ‘big rains’, so we’re expecting very wet and muddy conditions for days on end. Crossing the dry and hot Sahel and Nubian Desert through the Sudan and into Egypt will also be very testing for both man and machine. There are also geopolitical issues to face, especially in Ethiopia and the Sudan. And then, there is the route through eastern Europe to Norway; that’s going to be an all new, incredibly diverse and stimulating experience for our Africa-based expedition team, whose last transcontinental journey was from Cape Town to Kathmandu in 2018.

 

“Yes, it’s not an ideal time to travel across the globe but with the entire expedition team now fully vaccinated, we have to do it to get out from under the Covid-19 cloud. So many people in Africa are in desperate need of humanitarian relief and many others are craving a good, old-fashioned Land Rover adventure story after so many months of travel restrictions.”

 

African symbolism remains a key focus of this latest Holgate expedition. As always, their well-travelled traditional Zulu calabash has prime spot in the Defenders and will collect seawater from where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet at Cape Agulhas, the expedition’s mid-point at Alexandria in Egypt on the Mediterranean, and the Norwegian and Barents Seas at Nordkapp. It will be symbolically emptied into the Irish Sea at the expedition’s endpoint at Red Wharf Bay in Anglesey, Wales.

Four iconic ‘isivivanes’ (stone cairns) will be built at key points along the expedition route: Cape Agulhas, Alexandria, Nordkapp and Anglesey. 

The expedition will also be carrying a new Scroll of Peace and Goodwill from the southern point of Africa to the northern point of Europe and on to the United Kingdom, which will collect hundreds of messages of support from citizens of 30 countries for a new and more hope-filled post-Covid world.

Follow the expedition on Facebook : KingsleyHolgateFoundation

  

ENDS