Call out for Dancers for 21 Portraits with 21 Durban Dancers A collaboration project with JOMBA!, DUT & DAG

Media Release

Call out for Dancers for

21 Portraits with 21 Durban Dancers

A collaboration project with JOMBA!, DUT and DAG

Durban Art Gallery  (in collaboration with UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts, the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, and the DUT Photography Department) is running an exciting collaborative project that will culminate at JOMBA! 2018, and an exhibition at DAG for Women’s Month in August.

The 21 final third level photography students will each be working with a Durban-based dancer to create a series of dance portraits that image Durban’s dance community and which also focus on the skill of catching a dancer in motion.

Durban dancers are invited to participate in this collaboration. Twenty-one dancers, who must over 18yrs of age, from all styles and genres of dance be they professional or semi-professionals are welcome to apply.

The dancers will need to offer 3 hours of their time between 18 and 27 July 2018 to be photographed. In exchange for their time, a full digital portfolio of all the shots taken of the session will be made available for selection and use in their portfolios and for ongoing use in the media. The images will also be exhibited in August and September at the Durban Art Gallery, to co-incide with the special focus on JOMBA! @ DAG on 7 September 2018. There is no financial payment for participation.

To apply, email jombafestival@gmail.com a one page CV with the following information full name, Durban address, cell number, e-mail address, ID number  and date of birth, style of dance, a small head shot inserted into the application page (please do not send the head shot as a separate attachment), small 150 word motivation of why you should be selected.

Deadline for applications is 29 June 2018 at 4pm.

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Beautiful Bee, Saxy Sthe and Mysterious Michelle of “3 Tons of Fun” fame for SPAR Women's Challenge June 24

SPAR Women’s Race 10/ 5km Challenge - loads of fun and entertainment

Jonsson Kings Park: Sunday 24 June

Three larger than life and utterly gorgeous singers will take to the stage to entertain participants at this year’s SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge in Durban on Sunday, June 24.

Beautiful Bee, Saxy Sthe and Mysterious Michelle are some of South Africa’s most recognisable and much-loved female singers from “3 Tons of Fun” fame.  These fabulously talented ladies combine vibrant stage presence, glitz, glamour  and full-bodied feminine allure in a unique package that has seen them perform hundreds of shows all over SA and as far afield as France, Vietnam, the Seychelles, Nigeria and Dubai. 

The ladies will be getting the vibe going on stage at the finish line of this year’s SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge. Participants are encouraged to stay after the race and enjoy entertainment, official prize giving and wait for the lucky draw and the chance to win some amazing prizes.

There is still a chance to register for this year’s challenge at race registration on Thursday, 21 June and Friday, 22 June from 10am – 5pm and on Saturday 23 June from 10am – 3pm at Hall 6, Durban Exhibition Centre. For more information go to www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban or on Facebook.

Road Closures and Parking for the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km - Sunday June 24

Media Release

Road Closures and Parking for the

Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km  - Sunday June 24

As thousands of people will be descending on the Jonsson Kings Park Stadium precinct for the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge on Sunday, June 24, participants and supporters are reminded to plan their route to the race, as there are a number of road closures that will affect access into the area, as well as to be mindful of where to park.

“We would like to encourage participants and supporters to leave home early so that they can arrive well in time to get into their starting positions,” says Race Director Brad Glasspoole.

The 10km race starts on Sunday, June 24 at 08:00 and the 5km at 09:30 on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, outside Jonsson Kings Park Stadium.

Road Closures on Sunday, 24 June 2018

From 02:00

Snell Parade between Athlone Drive and the main entrance to Suncoast Casino.

Battery Beach Road.

Masabalala Yengwa Avenue between Smiso Nkwanyana Road and Isaiah Ntshangase Road.

The South bound lane of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue between Smiso Nkwanyana Road and KE Masinga Road.

Kingsmead Way Eden Gardens Crescent

From 04:00

KE Masinga Road (the 2 left lanes) between Eden Gardens Crescent and Masabalala Yengwa Avenue.

Masabalala Yengwa Avenue between Argyle Road and Smiso Nkwanyana Road Somtseu Road at Masabalala Yengwa Avenue

From 06:00

The West bound lane of Athlone Drive between Snell Parade and Masabalala Yengwa Avenue

The off ramp from the M4 (Ruth First Highway) to Athlone Drive (in both directions)

ROAD OPENINGS

Roads will be opened as soon as possible after the last competitor has left that portion of the route and the cleaning team has ensured that there is no litter.

Most roads will be reopened by 11:30.

ACCESS

Access and egress to the Durban Country Club will be from the M4 (Ruth First Highway) Please note that Isaiah Ntshangase Road will be closed at (1) the entrance to Moses Mabhida Stadium and the entrance to Durban Country Club. There will be no through traffic at this intersection.

Access to the parking area at Sunkist Beach will be by way of a stop/go system managed by Durban Metro Police.

Access to the Parking on Jonsson Kings Park fields KP3,4 and 5 will be via Smiso Nkwanyana Road into Jacko Jackson Drive. Note - once this area is full access will be limited to emergency and official vehicles only.

Access to the Parking on Jonsson Kings Park fields KP9 will be via Umgeni Road into Isaiah Ntshangase (Walter Gilbert) Road / Virgin Active Parking area. Note - once this area is full access will be limited to emergency and official vehicles only.

Recommended access to People's Park will be via Somtseu Road (Sasol Service Station near the station) and past Durmail using the back gate.

There is still time to register online using a credit card (until June 17) then manual registration takes place on June 21 and 22 from 10am to 5pm and on June 23 at 10am to 3pm at Hall 6 at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

For more information go to www.sparwomensrace.co.za or like the Facebook page

VIDA FLAMENCO Linda Vargas 35th Anniversary Gala Performance 11 – 15 July 2018

Media Release

VIDA FLAMENCO

Linda Vargas 35th Anniversary Gala Performance

11 – 15 July 2018

In celebration of an impressive 35 year legacy, the Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company promises to thrill audiences with a special gala season entitled Vida Flamenco (Life of Flamenco) at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 11 to 15 July 2018.

With their high level of performance innovation, creativity and professionalism the Company has built a loyal and extensive following of Spanish dance in South Africa – whilst developing a style and ethos that is unique to Durban, where all its performers have come from.

Vida Flamenco is a celebration of 35 years of creativity and brings together a wealth of dance, music and choreographic talent., Highlights from previous productions will be re-visited, and the Company are collaborating with the arts community in Durban and South Africa by including past musicians and singers who have performed with them. Former Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company members, who have subsequently established their own dance companies in Johannesburg and Cape Town, will also perform in the production - these include Flamenco del Sur and Teresa Morena Dance Company. 

Ramon Fernandez (son of Linda Vargas and Demi Fernandez, and member of the Company) who is currently making a name for himself dancing in Spain,  makes a welcome guest appearance with his powerfully inimitable style as part of the celebration. 

As the production looks back at its legacy it also finds a way to highlight the future and where the company is  going with the inclusion of performances by Linda Vargas’s youth excellence project Siyanda Flamenco,. This project comes out of groundbreaking teaching developments from several schools in KZN under the umbrella of STAMP Dance, which promotes inclusion and intercultural creativity in schools. 

Another highlight is the reworking of the much-acclaimed 2004 production of Desert Flowers featuring special guest appearance by the Flatfoot Dance Company, which will bring together a range of contemporary dancers and musicians in a work that particularly locates Flamenco dancing and rhythm within the South African context.  

This bumper season explores the diverse range of the Company’s repertoire both musically and stylistically with compelling music by guitarist Demi Fernandez, Neil Gonsalves, Martin Sigamoney and Bryan Stone, who provide the musical soul that infuses the entire performance. 

“I really cannot believe it has been 35 years since we first started performing in the University’s Lorca Festival at the Sneddon,” says Linda Vargas. “We have done so much, and worked with so many amazing artists over the years, we wanted to somehow showcase this diversity in this celebration. We are so deeply grateful to all the performers and crew who are involved, and also to the Embajada de España / Embassy of Spain for their support in staging this historic event. ”

Vida Flamenco: The Linda Vargas 35th Anniversary Gala Season runs at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on the UKZN’s Howard College campus from 11 to 15 July 2018. 

Performances are on Wednesday to Saturday at 7pm with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30pm. Early bird ticket prices are R150 before 9 July (R130 students / pensioners) or R180 if booked from July 10. Block booking discount are R130 each for 10 or more tickets.  Seats in the last two rows for each performance are R130 (booked before  9 July) or R150 (if booked from July 10). 

Bookings are through Computicket.

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Action in Autism Fundraiser with Mfana & Quartet Saturday, May 26

Media Release

Action in Autism Fundraiser with Mfana & Quartet

Action in Autism hosts a fundraising afternoon of smooth jazz, coffee and books with Mfana and Quartet this Saturday (26 May) from 2pm – 5pm at their new premsies at 105 Haig Road, Parkhill, in Durban North.

Action in Autism provides early intervention for 32 children under the age of 6, and also provides a free walk-in resource and support service, a free diagnostic clinic, and regular support group meetings for families of people with autism.

For this afternoon of fundraising and community, legendary saxophonist Mfana Mlambo will be accompanied by Neil Gonsalves on piano, Blessed Twala on bass and Bruce Baker on drums. 

Tickets at R150 are available from the Action in Autism office, or at the door. Refreshments and light snacks are on sale, and guests are welcome to bring their own sundowners. All proceeds go to ensuring the continuation of Action in Autism’s Early Intervention Centre.

Action in Autism does not receive any funding from government, and welcomes support through cash or kind, or through volunteering. For more information about Action in Autism and to secure your tickets, please call 031 563 3039 or email info@actioninautism.org.za.

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Further information:

SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge North Coastal Regionals - Grantleigh College: Saturday 19 May

SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge

North Coastal Regionals

Grantleigh College: Saturday 19 May

The final regional of the 2018 SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge ended in fine style with Felixton College dethroning three times North Coastal Regional winner, Grantleigh College.

The tournament took the format of a round robin, with six schools from the area represented - defending champions Grantleigh College, Felixton College, Empangeni High School, John Ross College, Mandini Academy and St Catherine’s. 

In the finals, Grantleigh took early possession and was abuzz with possibility in the Felixton. Five minutes into the game, Felixton only made their first run at the hosts goals. The remainder of the first half was a fast flowing game with both teams having an unsuccessful go at goals. After the first fifteen minutes the cliff-hanger game was sitting at nil nil.

Felixton had four short corners in the first half, the first quickly resulted in a Grantleigh foot halting play and the corner being retaken and easily cleared. The third and fourth followed in almost identical fashion. The glue for the Felixton team, Kayla Jansen misfired two reverse stick shots that rolled slowly to the keeper. Jansen started the game playing more of a defence role, but for the final 15 minutes, moved to a more attacking spot.

Ninety seconds into the second half, Josie Pilton was standing just off the Grantleigh right hand post and received a pass from the right-hand side of the field. Pilton slotted the ball in low and left and opened the account for Felixton.

Jansen made some breaks down the right of the field, either running out of space, or not finding support but her ignited runs sparked her team as they started to dominate the second half. With seven and a quarter minutes remaining, Pilton was again lurking in a similar spot as the ball came from the right side, a toppling Pilton slapped the ball in securing both her and her team’s second goal.

The defending champs, Grantleigh only managed to get into the Felixton half twice in the last 150 seconds of the game but both of their runs were quickly snubbed out by a confident back line of Felixton.

In the round robin stage, Grantleigh took the win over Felixton, with Grace Ash finding the back of the net mere seconds before the final whistle.

Coach for the winning team Megan Campbell says “The SPAR challenge was, and always is, a well run tournament, where the girls get to have fun as well as compete competitively. This year, going into finals the girls were nervous but calm. They wanted to win and knew they had to work hard in order to achieve their dream. For me as coach, the girls getting the experience of winning this tournament means so much."

Garth Bishop coach for Grantleigh says "It was a tough day today with all the teams vying for the title and the extra pressure that comes with being defending champs. We had a number of tough games in the round robin stages but managed to make it through to the finals unbeaten. Unfortunately, we couldn’t maintain our run in the final and lost a hard fought game to Felixton who ended as worthy winners. As always teams from our area tend to struggle against the bigger schools in KZN but I feel that Felixton have the quality in their side to maybe cause an upset or two in the Grand Finals.”

The other two teams that were both so close to making the final were four times regional winner, Empangeni High School and the team from St Catherine's who have quietly improved each year. Both of these teams ended their day on 11 points with the bronze placing being decided on goal difference. Empangeni ended their round robin games with 11 goals compared to St Catherine’s who notched up 10 goals, meaning the Empangeni claimed the third place.

Six teams met in the picturesque setting of Grantleigh, where round robin games of 23 minutes were played. The teams took to the fields for two 11 minutes halves and had a minute to swop sides. Winning teams earned 4 points, teams that drew with goals earned 2 points and a goalless draw got them 1 point. A loss obviously resulted in no points.

One of the hardest working umpires on the day was no nonsense, Neville van den Berg who officiated all but a handful of games, a former pupil at John Ross College he was there representing St Catherine’s. The Most Promising Umpire award went to young up-and-coming Marnus Engelbrecht who was representing Mandini High School.

The final spot for the Grand Finals has been decided, Felixton College join nine other regional champions at the Grand Finals that will take place at St Mary's DSG in Kloof on 21 and 22 July.

The regional champions that will be playing for the main title at the Grand Finals in the eighth SPAR KZN School Girls' Challenge are Durban Girls' College (8th appearance); St Mary's, St Anne's and Ferrum Hoerskool (7th appearance); King Edward High School and Amanzimtoti High (4th Appearance); Epworth School, Greytown High School and Felixton College (Newcomers).

For more info like the tournament's Facebook page.

Results

1 Felixton College, 2 Grantleigh College, 3 Empangeni High School, 4 St Catherine's, 4 Mandini Academy, 5 John Ross College

ENDS

Josh's Big Year - Book Launch in Cape Town - May 24.

Media Release

JOSH’S BIG YEAR: A STORY OF HOPE - BOOK LAUNCH

From a broken, suicidal, autistic teenager, who dropped out of school at 15, to a passionate young adventurer, comes a remarkable 300-page self-published coffee table book, Josh’s Big Year which will be launched in Cape Town on 24 May. Josh Crickmay's publishing debut is a celebration of courage and triumph of the human spirit.

In 2012 15-year-old South African school pupil Josh Crickmay, unable to cope with the demands of the classroom dropped out of school. What followed was a deep and debilitating depression kindled by the belief that he would never be able to fend for himself. Severely suicidal, Josh landed in hospital and was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome or High Functioning Autism.

Certain that unless they did something radical, they would lose their only child, Josh’s parents Andrew and Kathy, quit their jobs and embarked on a quest to give Josh a reason to live and to function in life without a formal education. They did this by building on and kindling Josh’s interests in birding, photography and writing.

For an entire year they travelled to every corner of Southern Africa and spent seven weeks in the Amazon and Andes in what is known in birding circles as a “Big Year” which involves identifying as many bird species as possible in a single year, inspired by the movie of the same name.

The entire project represents Josh’s own work from photography to layout and design. His writing is a delight, honest, self-effacing and laugh out loud funny in places but sobering and tear-filled in others.

Ernie and Liesl Els had this to say: “This book has a transformative effect; like turning on a flashlight in a dark room. For readers the book serves as a delight for the senses – visually, thanks to the diverse and brilliant photography, and emotionally, through the way in which the book navigates Josh’s emotional journey”.  This sentiment is shared by founding art director of Getaway magazine James Berrange who said “the effect this book is going to have can hardly be imagined”.

The book took nearly 3 years to write, with the first edition completed when he was 16. The book is hoped to impact and give encouragement to a world where one in 68 people are thought to be on the Autism spectrum. 

Josh’s plan is that Josh’s Big Year will be the first in a series of books as he video blogs his adventures and highlights conservation issues.

The book can be purchased online at www.joshcrickmay.com

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9th Durban FilmMart announces Official Project Selection for 2018 edition

Media Release

9th Durban FilmMart announces Official Project Selection for 2018 edition

Durban, South Africa: A total of 16 fiction feature films and documentaries projects from Africa have been selected to pitch at this year’s Durban FilmMart (DFM), which takes place from 20 - 23 July 2018 during the 39th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) (19 – 29 July).

A joint programme of the eThekwini Municipality’s film industry development unit, the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the DIFF, the Durban FilmMart aims to showcase and increase awareness of African cinema through stimulating film production on the continent by encouraging collaborations amongst African filmmakers.

“We are thrilled to announce the 2018 DFM Official Project selection,” says Toni Monty, Head of the Durban Film Office. “These sixteen projects were carefully picked from over 130 applications and will join the DFM team in Durban to partake in a two-day preparatory workshop, followed by two days of public pitching, round tables, and individual meetings, where they will face industry professionals (Broadcasters, funds, festivals and distribution and production company representatives) to negotiate support for their projects.”

The eight documentaries and eight feature fictions this year have been selected from Egypt, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Libya, Niger and South Africa representing a dynamic range of work-in-progress and collaborations between the various countries and nationalities.

“This year’s selection profiles an eclectic mix of stories from across Africa, bringing some new talents to the Durban FilmMart that we are excited to present to attending industry professionals,” says Monty. “We would like to congratulate all the selected projects on their success and thank all directors and producers who took the time to apply with their projects.”

Durban FilmMart 2018 Official Project Selection

Fiction

Blood & Honey, (Egypt) - Producer: Mohamed Siam, Guillaume de Seille, Director: Mohamed Siam

Insila kashaka, (South Africa) - Producer: Sibongile Nene, Director: Brian Khawula, Sibongile Nene, Country

Nyanga / The Horn, (Zimbabwe) - Producer: Sue-Ellen Chitunya, Brett Michael Innes, Director: Brett Michael Innes

Snake, (South Africa) - Producer: Paul Egan, Stanford Gibson and Mustapha Hendricks, Director: Meg Rickards

Streams, (Tunisia) - Producer: Moufida Fedhila, Director: Mehdi Hmili

Of Virtue, (South Africa) - Producer: David Horler, Director: Imran Hamdulay

Plunderer, The, (Nigeria) Producer: Ikechukwu Omenaihe Director: Didi Cheeka

Porta-Retrato, (Mozambique) -  Producer: Aldino Languana, Osvaldo Lupini Bambamba, Director: Orlando Mabasso Jr.

Documentaries

At Dawn - Producer / Director: Adeyemi Michael

Cheese Girl, (South Africa) -  Producer: Batana Vundla, Marion Isaacs, Director: Milisuthando Bongela

Fitrah: To Be as God Created You, (South Africa) - Producer: Kelly Scott, Director: Richard Finn Gregory

How to Steal a Country (And win it back.), (South Africa) - Producer: Zivia Desai, Rehad Desai, Director: Mark Kaplan, Rehad Desai

Master's Plan, The, (Cape Verde) -  Producer: Hanne Phlypo, Director: Yuri Ceuninck

Mother City, (South Africa) - Producer: Pearlie Joubert, Miki Redelinguys, Director: Pearlie Joubert, Miki Redelinguys

Searching for Kikhia, (Libya) - Producer: Desert Power / Christina Carvalho, Director: Jihan Kikhia

Zinder, The Seeds of Violence, (Niger) - Producer: Clara Vuillermoz, Ousmane Samassekou, Director: Aicha Macky

Over and above the finance forum for these projects the DFM offers a robust programme of masterclasses, seminars, workshops, labs and networking opportunities for filmmakers to share knowledge and benchmark themselves and their work within a global and continental context.

Early bird discount for registration is open until 4 June 2018 and includes four day's access to the DFM Industry Programme, access to DFM producers lounge and DFM networking events, 10 tickets to Durban International Film Festival screenings and company information published in the industry manual. Normal registration closes on 13 July 2018.

For more information on the Durban FilmMart and to register as a delegate visit www.durbanfilmmart.com

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Nolwazi Magwaza

Memeza Communications

Email: nolwazi@memeza.africa

Website: www.memeza.co.za

Realness Screenwriter’s Residency 2018 Participants Announced At Cannes Film Festival

Realness is a pioneering residency initiative conceived by Elias Ribeiro and Cait Pansegrouw of Urucu Media that affords a new generation of filmmakers the opportunity to cultivate their talent as authentic voices in African cinema.

Since its inception, Realness has nurtured 5 African auteurs each year, growing into a prestigious incubator of emerging talent that is recognized throughout the global film community. Now in its third year, the residency has fostered cinematic voices from 12 countries on the continent, including Angola (Fradique Mario Bastos), Senegal (Rama Thiaw) and Kenya (Amirah Tajdin).

“There is a reason residencies such as the Sundance Labs and the MacDowell Colony are so sought-after. They offer the opportunity to withdraw from the world to create without distractions while exchanging ideas with other exciting artists and receiving expert feedback at carefully considered intervals. Realness brings that opportunity to Africa.” said international script consultant Selina Ukwuoma. “With a pan-African focus, the diversity of Africans is celebrated yet the particular concerns that we have in common come to the fore.” Selina will join Realness for the third consective year, alongside top South African-based consultant Mmabatho Kau who began her relationship with the residency in 2017 and who was recently selected for the esteemed Torino Film Lab’s Story Editing programme. The two will work in tandem, cross-consulting on all 5 of the selected projects for 2018. “Both Selina and I are rooted in the African narrative but have an international outlook on story. Selina's extensive work internationally and my work locally gives the residents a holistic experience towards developing a world-class script.” added Kau.

On Saturday May 12th the 5 selected projects were annouced at the Cannes Film Festival by Realness co-founder Elias Ribeiro. “After an extensive evaluation of more than 130 projects from 24 countries, it is my greatest pleasure to introduce you to the Realness Residents of 2018; Kantarama Gahigiri from Rwanda, Matthys Boshoff from South Africa, Ng’endo Mukii from Kenya and Reem Morsi and Mohammed Siam, both from Egypt.”

The 5 projects were chosen by an international panel of 16 prolific world cinema stakeholders, including sales agents Thembe Bhebhe and Efuru Flowers (Flourishing Films), Todd Brown (head of international acquisitions for XYZ films) and literary agent David Kayser (Casarotto Ramsay & Associates). “These filmmakers herald an important and exciting new wave of African storytelling by Africans for Africans and the world. The strength of the projects and the talent driving them will benefit hugely from the expertise exposure and incubation that Realness offers and I look forward to see how they mature. I’ve been introduced to some truly special emerging talent who have the potential to compete on the international stage and shine.” said Kayser.

The 2018 Realness residents will move into the Nirox Foundation’s beautiful residence and sculpture park in the Cradle of Humankind on June 11th. They will work on their projects over the course of 6 weeks before participating in Africa’s largest co-production market, the Durban FilmMart. The most promising projects to emerge will be invited to participate in Locarno Filmmakers Academy, EAVE Producers Workshop, La Fabrique Cinéma de l’Institut Français, Torino Film Lab Meeting Event and TIFF Talent Lab, allowing them to progress closer to being realised.

“Realness continues to carve important relationships with other labs and partners which allow for its residents’ projects to benefit from further growth and exposure. We would like to thank all of our partners, panelists and volunteers, without whom Realness would not be possible.” said co-founder Cait Pansegrouw. This year the residency welcomes new partnerships with Robert Bosch Stiftung and Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, as funders of the programme and Toronto International Film Festival has come on board offering a scholarship to their TIFF Talent Lab. TIFF Programmer for Continental Africa and the Middle East Kiva Reardon commented on the partnership; “TIFF is very happy to support Realness and its aim of developing and supporting the next generation of screenwriting talent across the continent. We're looking forward to welcoming a Realness resident to take part in TIFF Talent Lab, where they can develop their artistic practice and meet with key industry professionals over the course of the Festival.”

Realness is an initiative by Urucu Media in partnership with Nirox Foundation, Berlinale Talents, Durban FilmMart, The Durban International Film Festival, Durban Talents, The French Institute of South Africa and Institute Français, Torino Film Lab, EAVE Producer’s Workshop, Locarno Filmmaker’s Academy, Produire Au Sud, Fairbridges Wertheim Becker, CNC (Le Centre National du Cinéma et de L’image Animée), Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, Toronto International Film Festival, TIFF Talent Lab, Robert Bosch Stiftung, Cocoon Productions and Deuxieme Ligne Films.

Read more about the 2018 residents and their projects here: www.urucumedia.com/realness

For more information contact realness@urucumedia.com

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SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge - North Coast Regionals - Grantleigh College, Richards Bay

May 19

The final regional of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge takes place at Grantleigh College in Richard’s Bay this Saturday, May 19.

Hosts and three times winners, Grantleigh College will be keen to hold onto their title. The defending champs have been crowned regional winners in 2011, 2016 and 2017 and are hoping to equal Empangeni High School’s four regional titles, with EHS having dominated the area between 2012 and 2015. 

In the 2017 regional, Felixton College looked impressive, almost toppling Grantleigh in the gold / silver game. 

In total, seven teams will be vying for the title in this highly contested region, in the hope of getting a chance to progress to the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on 21 and 22 July. 

The tournament takes the form of a round robin with games being 20 minutes one way. The top two scoring teams will then meet in a final match of the day. Schools participating in this last regional of the series are Felixton College, Eshowe High School, John Ross College,  Grantleigh College, St Catherine’s School, Empangeni High School and Mandini Academy.

The winners of this regional will be the last team added to the mix for the Grand Finals that take place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof, Durban on July 21 and 22. The other nine teams are Ferrum Hoërskool (Northern KZN); newcomers Epworth School (PMB Central Regional); St Anne’s DSG (PMB Northern Regional); Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); King Edward High School (Southern KZN Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional), and Greytown High School (Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional).

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page.

SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge - Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional

Wartburg Kirchdorf School: Saturday 12 May

The surprise package of the day, Greytown High School dethroned the defending champs, Wartburg Kirchdorf School playing at home in the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional  of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 12 May. 

The hosts, who have won the title five consecutive times, were not given any time to settle in the final, with Gretytown taking control of the game from the get-go, not allowing Wartburg to get into their methodical German stride. 

Greytown found two early opportunities in Wartburg’s circle but the ambitious shots didn’t trouble Wartburg’s keeper, Kholeka Mkhize. Mid-way through the first half, Wartburg managed to find a bit of space, with a long pass from near the half way line being miraculously stopped by a stretching Loren Engelbrecht in the Greytown circle. The forward controlled the ball but was met by a determined goalkeeper, Shayna Hattingh who valiantly left her line and didn’t allow Engelbrecht any angles to get a shot off, stifling her attempt. 

Slowly Wartburg managed to find a few spaces, earning themselves three short corners and one long corner to Greytown’s single short corner. Both teams defended successfully, not allowing any balls into the back of the net. 

Talented Elona Engelbrecht, cousin to Loren, had a go at the goals, firing in a marvellous attempt that went just right of the post. The first half ended with no other fireworks happening, the scores level on nil nil. 

Six minutes into the second half, an indecisive call by the umpire caught Wartburg wrong-footed, thinking they had earned a free hit just outside their circle, but the umpire changed his call. Greytown pounced on the opportunity, as Wartburg proceeded to push their players up, an alert Greytown player quickly took off, passing the ball into the centre of the circle, where Bandile Masikane was lurking, and quickly slapped the ball in to earn her team the all important advantage. 

The game ping-ponged between the two goals, with Wartburg trying desperately to level the score line but Greytown holding strong and pushing the game back up to Wartburg’s defence. Feisty Sphisihle Kubheka from Greytown ignited her troops from midfield, whenever she got possession, she created some fabulous plays for her team.

Statistically, Wartburg ended the round robin looking the strongest on 13points scoring three wins and one draw, with Greytown and Wembley vying for the spot in the finals. Greytown notched up two wins and two draws whilst Wembley managed two wins to end two points behind Greytown on 8 points. In the first game, Greytown showed a glimpse of what was to come, holding five times champions, Wartburg to a nil nil draw. 

For the second year running, young Kevin Engelbrecht, a relative of the Engelbrecht girls, was acknowledged as the Most Promising Umpire for this regional.

Coach for Wartburg Kirchdorf School, Lisa Misselhorn said, “We knew Greytown would be strong but our game in the finals was well matched, with our team giving it their all. We are happy for the winning team, and I am very proud of Wartburg.”

Sara Wheeler coach for Greytown said “It is an extraordinary feeling for the team. We have always just missed out getting to the finals, and to get our shot this year is an amazing opportunity for us, especially against all these fantastic teams. Big thanks to the organisers.”

Greytown has earned the penultimate berth in the Grand Finals that take place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof, Durban on July 21 and 22. The other eight teams are Ferrum Hoërskool (Northern KZN); newcomers Epworth School (PMB Central Regional); St Anne’s DSG (PMB Northern Regional); Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); King Edward High School (Southern KZN Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional). The tenth and last regional takes place this weekend (May 19) at Grantleigh College in Richard’s Bay.

For more info visit the tournament’s Facebook page.

Scores at end of round robin:

Wartburg 13, Greytown 10, Wembley 8, Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg 4, Domino Servite 1

Final results:

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

20th Annual JOMBA! Contemporary Dance, Anniversary Legacy Festival - Call for applications to participate

29 August – 9 September 2018

The annual JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience which takes place at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 29 August to 9 September invites dancers, dance-makers and theatre lighting practitioners to apply to participate in selected programmes of its 20th edition.

Presented by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts, JOMBA! provides a platform for professional, experimental and up-coming choreographers and dance companies within its Main, Fringe and Youth Fringe programmes.

The JOMBA! Fringe is an adult contemporary dance platform where 8 short works of not more than 15 minutes each are selected and technically supported. A JOMBA! committee will select these works and this will depend on meeting the relevant criteria and the level of professionalism. This Fringe event takes place at UKZN’s Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on Saturday 1 September.

The JOMBA! Youth Fringe is open to dancers under the age of 16 years. It is a supportive initiative for various ‘Dance Development’ projects operating in the province of KZN and provides a space to celebrate our up-and-coming generation of young contemporary dancers and dance practitioners. This event will take place at UKZN’s Open Air Theatre on Sunday 2 September.

Both platforms do not come with financial support but those selected are given professional technical support via the lighting designers, sound technicians and stage managers as well as the JOMBA! team.

2018 sees JOMBA! join forces with the Durban Arts Gallery (DAG) to present a very special site responsive dance event at the festival on Friday 7 September. JOMBA! and DAG are looking to award two Durban-based choreographers with a small grant to create a dance/physical theatre work that will premiere at this event. The work has to be entirely new and selected choreographers will be mentored and giving full technical support. The grant is for a vision of work that engages ‘in situ’ spaces both inside and outside the Gallery.

This year there is a welcome addition of an open lighting for dance workshop on Monday 3 September at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. Julie Ballard, Chicago-based professional theatrical technician affiliated with IATSE Local 2 and Actors’ Equity Association, and the Stage Manager and Properties Master for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago will present this workshop for dance-makers, dancers and technicians. This workshop is free for 20 participants – but prior applications must be made.

Applications for the JOMBA! @DAG closes on June 1, and the Fringe, Youth Fringe and the Lighting Workshop must be in by Monday 4 June 2018 by 4pm and should to be sent to jombafestival@gmail.com

For more information or to get an application via email contact Lliane Loots on lootsl@ukzn.ac.za using the name of the programme/workshop  you are applying for in the subject line.

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge uMvotii, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional at Wartburg Kirchdorf

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge

uMvotii, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional at Wartburg Kirchdorf

Saturday 12 May

The second last regional of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge takes place in Wartburg on Saturday 12 May.

Leading the uMvotii, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional is host school, Wartburg Kirchdorf School who have claimed victory five times. 

Coach for the defending champs, Lisa Misselhorn stated that her team was hard at work getting their game plan ironed out to their usual German precision. 

Wartburg have dominated the regional with five consecutive wins, since 2013. Previously Wembley College won in 2011 and Ladysmith High won in 2012. Five schools will be participating in this tournament, with the first game of the round robin tipping off at 8am. The games are 28minutes long, with a changeover blown at 14minutes.

Joining Wartburg are Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg, Wembley College; Domino Servite and Greytown High School. Four points will be awarded for a win, 2  points for a draw with goals, 1 point for a goalless draw and zero points for a loss.

The winner of this region will be heading to the Grand Finals that will be held at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on 21 and 22 July. 

Teams that have reserved their spot at the Grand Finals are Ferrum Hoërskool (Northern KZN); newcomers Epworth School (PMB Central Regional); St Anne’s DSG (PMB Northern Regional); Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); King Edward High School (Southern KZN Regional) and St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional). 

The last regional for 2018 is the North KZN Coastals, which takes place at Grantleigh in Richards Bay on May 19.

For more info visit the tournament’s Facebook page.

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge Highway Regional

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge

Highway Regional

Westville Girls’ High School: Sunday 6 May

Maintaining their reign, St Mary’s DSG defended their title in the Highway Regional of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge in a hard-fought battle against hosts, Westville Girls High School.

Saints added to their six titles in this regional when they managed to defeat Westville in a riveting final that concluded in a penalty shootout. Saints opened up their account with their first goal smashed in after 66 seconds of play, by a powerful shot by ace striker, Kiana-Che Cormack. The ball was pushed right from the castle to Cormack who controlled the ball and then sent it flying.

Saints camped out around the Westville circle, earning themselves another two short corners that were both defended. They also had three shots at goal that Westville dealt with valiantly. With 95seconds remaining in the first half Tayla Thwaits found herself unmarked in front of the goals, spun around controlling the ball to the left of her, and slipped the ball in with a cheeky shot notching up the second goal for Saints.

Saints continued dominating the final with their fourth short corner that Westville again defended. In a moment of brilliance, Kerryn Swanepoel ignited her Westville team with a solo run down the left, leaving Saints scrambling with only two defenders still at the back. Swanepoel weaved around the first, dodging the second but the first Saints defender chopped Swanepoel’s stick. Standing on the spot, no-nonsense umpire Mike Lees split his arms indicating a penalty flick for Westville. A calm Swanepoel stepped up to the p spot and slotted in her shot into the top left corner.

Four minutes later, the amped Swanepoel charged down the right of the field surging towards the Saints circle. Swanepoel made a dash for the goals but was forced out of play by a harsh shoulder charge from St Marys, resulting in her second penalty flick that she bravely converted, levelling the score at 2 a piece.

The game then progressed to three players from both teams taking an eight second penalty shootout. After three rounds, both teams only managed to slot in one goal each, meaning the score line was still level pegged at 1-1. The finals then went to a sudden death, with the same three players stepping up to the spot for another chance. Two more rounds were played with no winner being revealed, then Leah Piggot managed to slot her shot in, going 1 up for Saints, earning her team the win and the regional title for 2018.

Special mention must go to the Westville keeper, Saiyuri Govender for her fearless display on the line throughout the game, bravely standing tall surge after surge of Saints powerful attacks.

Saints are the eighth team to head to the Grand Finals that they will be hosting on 21 and 22 July. The girls will be making their seventh appearance at the Grand Finals where they are also the overall defending champs from 2017.

Manager for the St Mary’s Malcolm Reeders said “The tournament is always a highlight on the school girl hockey calendar. Winning the finals today was a fantastic end to the day after all the pressure for us to hold on to the title. There was some fantastic hockey played today. But was a case of a tale of two halves, as at half time we were two up and then after half time, Westville managed to equalize. Our penalty takers were brilliantly composed during the shootout."

Ryan Lees, coach for Westville Girls High said, “It was a smoothly run tournament, but it was hard to perform consistently in all the games. Our team did themselves proud by coming back after being 2 down at half time, to equalize and then take it through to sudden death."

They join Ferrum Hoërskool (Northern KZN); newcomers Epworth School (PMB Central Regional); St Anne’s DSG (PMB Northern Regional); Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); and King Edward High School (Southern KZN Regional).

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page.

Results

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

ENDS

N.E.W Pitch – Callout. Win the chance to produce a wildlife, environmental or conservation documentary short

N.E.W Pitch – Callout.

Win the chance to produce a wildlife, environmental or conservation documentary short

DURBAN: The N.E.W Pitch short documentary pitching competition is aimed at discovering the next generation or nature, environment, wildlife and adventure conservation filmmakers, and is one of the key sessions at the Nature Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers Congress (NEWF) taking place from 16 – 18 July at Durban Botanic Gardens and surrounds.

“Do you have an engaging, innovative or inspirational natural history, environmental, conservation or adventure story?” asks Pragna Parsotam-Kok, Founder and Congress Director of NEWF.  “If you do, we invite you to submit your documentary short concept and you could be one of eight finalists selected to pitch at the N.E.W Pitch competition during NEWF 2018. Submissions are open to all emerging and aspiring filmmakers, scientists and conservationists over the age of 18.”

The N.E.W Pitch is targeted towards emerging and student filmmakers in order to provide them with pitching experience and the opportunity to win a production grant to produce a short documentary film in this genre.  

During the NEWF Congress, the eight finalists will be invited to participate in a pitching session before a live judging panel. Coming out of the pitch session, four winners will be selected to win R50 000 to develop and produce their documentary short.

The four winners will have access to mentorship during the production of their shorts.  The films need to be completed within a year, and the four films will be combined into a once-off 48-minute TV documentary, which will be broadcast on national television.

During the NEWF Congress this year, the winners of last year’s Pitch will screen their film for the first time. The winners of last year’s competition were, Fidel Tshivhasa for his story on the humpback whale migration that takes place in KZN; Shivan Parusnath for an undercover look at the illegal reptile trade, Mikhale Singh whose project is about the endangered Pickersgills’ Reed frog and the Ashdown and Imbali EnviroChamps (Liberty NPO and DUCT) who are a group of individuals working to protect the wetlands and rivers in their area.  These four films will be complete by end of May.

“It is hoped that the Congress will promote outstanding environmental, conservation, wildlife and adventure films from professional, aspiring and student filmmakers and that we will contribute towards transformation through our developmental programmes aimed at enriching the industry with an increased pool of diverse content creators,” she said.

To pitch for your documentary – register on the NEWF online portal – and enter the N.E.W Pitch competition with all the necessary supporting documentation.

Visit www.newf.co.za to enter, for submission requirements, guidelines and more information or visit the NEWF Online Portal to enter now.  Deadline is 31 May.

Registration is now open for this year’s Nature, Environment & Wildlife Filmmakers Congress. Visit www.newf.co.za for more info.  Delegate passes can be booked and paid for later.  

For more info email info@newf.co.za or contact Pragna on 064 294 0669.

ends

Illa Thompson 

Publicity Matters

illa@pubmat.co.za

 or

Sharlene Versfeld

Versfeld & Associates

Public Relations and Communications

Email: sharlene@versfeld.co.za

Delegate registration opens for 9th Durban FilmMart – 20-23 July, 2018

Delegate registration opens for 9th Durban FilmMart – 20-23 July, 2018

Durban, South Africa: Early Bird delegate registration for Africa’s premier film finance and co-production market, the Durban FilmMart (DFM), is now open.

The DFM will take place from 20 to 23 July, forming an integral part of the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) which takes place from 19 to 29 July.

Now in its 9th edition, the DFM programme includes masterclasses, seminars, workshops, labs and networking opportunities for African and international filmmakers to collaborate, share knowledge and benchmark themselves and their work within a global and continental context.

Focus areas this year will include discussions and presentations on the evolution of digital distribution structures and development and finance trends shaping the industry. The programme will also explore the future of virtual reality filmmaking and emerging themes and genres.

As South Africa prepares to host the BRICS summit in 2018, the Durban FilmMart programme will take a look at co-production with the BRICS countries as well as the impacts of policy on filmmaking and creative expression. Other topics will include financing opportunities in the respective countries and the general state of film across the BRICS cluster.

The changing role of women in front and behind the camera will be challenged over the 4 days. This focus is fuelled by the global #MeToo campaign, but in SA begun with the creation almost two years ago of SWIFT – Sisters Working in Film and Television – now a formidable organisation making important changes in the industry.  As part of its important work of lobbying and advocacy for fair representation and equal access of women to the film industry, SWIFT will lead a critical, yet constructive discussion centered on systemic patriarchal systems that perpetuate inequality and the marginalisation of women.

A core component of the DFM is the finance forum in which 16 pre-selected projects from various countries will pitch in sessions with the intention of finding potential sponsors, funders or partners to aid the making of their films. Of these projects, 8 are documentaries and  8 are fiction features.

Two lab programmes are included in the DFM: Jumpstart, is a programme supported by Produire au Sud of Festival des 3 Continents, France for selected emerging filmmakers who will have an opportunity to hone their pitching skills. Cine-FAM-Africa, is an incubator programme led by CaribbeanTales Vice-President Nicole Brooks, aimed at South African women producers and African women producers living in South Africa with serialized television projects.

Early bird registration is open until 4 June 2018. Early bird fees are R1250  (ZAR) for the four day programme, which includes four day's access to the DFM Industry Programme, access to DFM producers lounge and DFM networking events, 10 tickets to Durban International Film Festival screenings and company information published in the industry manual. After 4 June fees are R1550 for the full programme while daily passes are R450 each (the daily pass does not include tickets to DIFF screenings or access into the opening and closing events).  All tickets exclude meals.

To register go to www.durbanfilmmart.co.za

-ends

SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge - Highway Regional

Westville Girls’ High School - May 6

The fiercely contested Highway Regional of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge takes place this year at Westville Girls’ High School astroturf on Sunday, May 6.

St Mary’s DSG, six times winners of this regional and three times winners of the Grand Finals of this highly-respected school girls’ hockey event, will be focussed on holding onto their title. Only once have the defending champs been ousted from their top position, and that was by Westville Girls’ High in the 2014 tourney at Thomas More College.

This year, Westville Girls’ High will host this regional, and will no doubt be using their home-turf advantage in their attempt to break the iron grip that St Mary’s has on this region.

Sian Tarbuton coach for host school, WGHS says that their team is hard at training and looking forward to the regional. “Our indoor season was a cracker,” she enthuses. “We were placed second in the logs, only losing to St Mary's with a narrow loss of 4-2. We were so close to getting a draw and then they scored against us in the last couple minutes. Our outdoor season got off to a great start. We won the Crawford La Lucia outdoor hockey tournament held over the April holidays. We won our pool and then met Crawford La Lucia in the final, winning the tournament. We won our first outdoor hockey match of the season against Thomas More College, so we have high hopes for the season, but need to keep our composure and work hard.”

Other schools participating in this six-school regional include Curro Hillcrest, Hillcrest High, Kloof High and Thomas More College.

The tournament starts at 8am, and will be played in a round robin format. Games last 23 minutes with a quick change over at 11 minutes.  A win will earn a team 4 points, a draw with goals 2 points, a goalless draw 1 point and a loss 0. First and second places will then go head-to-head in a final match to determine the eighth regional team to go through to the Grand Finals at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof.

Other schools that have already secured their place at the Grand Finals are Ferrum Hoërskool from the Northern KZN Regional, newcomer Epworth School from PMB Central Regional, St Anne’s Diocesan from PMB Northern Regional, Durban Girls’ College from the Durban Central Regional, Amanzimtoti High School from the Durban South Regional and Our Lady of Fatima from the Durban North Regional.

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

Action in Autism

28 April is Autism Awareness Day: Pledge to be Silent

When two people send a message of any kind to each other with or without words, they are communicating. Autistic people all have something important to say, but they can’t always express themselves as well or as easily as people around them. Over 50 % of autistic people have severe difficulties with spoken language, and when people cannot express their basic needs or experiences to others, life can be extremely isolating and lonely.

To show acknowledgement and respect for such difference, Action in Autism invites the public to join them and thousands of non-verbal people by making a pledge to be non-verbal for two hours on Saturday 28 April at the Durban Botanical Gardens from 10am to 12 noon. Bring a picnic basket and relax in peaceful surrounds, using only signs, gestures, pointing, typing or drawing to communicate during this time.

"Speaking is not the only form of communication,” says Chairperson of Action in Autism, Liza Aziz, “We ask people to join us in honouring those who are different from you and experience their world.”

Anyone who would like to extend this awareness event to their workplace during the month of April to show acknowledgement and solidarity to people with autism can purchase stickers at R10 each and t-shirts at R100 from the Action in Autism office.

Action in Autism does not receive any funding from government and relies on sponsorship and the support of the community to continue its early intervention, support and advocacy work. Anyone wanting to contribute to the organization through cash, kind or through volunteering time, the organisation  would be most thankful. 

For more information about Action in Autism and the support to parents and families provided by the organisation, call 031 563 3039 or email info@actioninautism.org.za.

SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey - Southern KZN Regional

Kokstad: Saturday 21 April

King Edward High School claimed their fourth regional title in a riveting final against host school Kokstad College at the Southern KZN Regional of the SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge on Saturday 21 April.

The two finalists earned top position in their pools, advancing through to the semi-finals where King Edward met Suid-Natal and Kokstad took on Southcity. King Edward won 2-0, where the Kokstad College Southcity game went to a penalty shootout resulting in a 2-0 victory for Kokstad.  

In the last game of the day, fierce rivals King Edward and Kokstad notched up a nil nil score at the end of full time, with Kokstad earning two short corners, the first of those was directly after no-nonsense umpire, Jani Dorning awarded two cards to King Edwards players, a green was dished out first, followed by a yellow for continuously infringing the five yards at a free hit. Both shorties were successfully defended by the Matatiele team. Both teams didn't really make any impact at the business ends of the field, with majority of the action taking place mid-field.

The game progressed to a penalty shootout with the defending champs taking the first run. King Edward’s Anathi Madikizela charged into the circle, only to meet the advancing Anga Gogela who didn't allow Madikizela any space to fire off a shot. Kokstad's Sibabalwe Cabangama was next to go and meet the sturdy defense of Thuto Kanetsi. Cabangama knocked the ball directly at Kanetsi, who easily stopped it and prevented any further chances. Second for KEHS, fiesty Azisa Cokota successfully knocked the first goal in, after running in and decisively sliding the ball right of Gogela. Kokstad's Tyler Rorke levelled the score after her first attempt was stopped, and she pounced on the ball slapping in her follow up shot that went left of the keeper. King Edwards's Lukhona Ndumdum stepped up to the mark, moved the ball in, drawing Gogela out, then rounding her on the left and slipping the ball in to take KEHS 2-1 up. Finally, Simamkele Kwababa's chance was denied by alert Kanetsi. Kwababa's slap attempt was easily blocked and then Kanetsi charged the ball down not allowing Kokstad player any space. The final score was 2-1 to King Edward.

In the bronze game Sheppie team, Suid-Natal took on fellow south coasters Southcity where the game also went to a penalty shootout. The game ended at nil nil with both teams not threatening to score. Suid-Natal's Kayla Parson and Valerie Ahrens scored while Michaela van Der Heever sadly missed. The mirror image results saw Southcity's Hannah Nero and Sarah-Joy Pringles score and McKayla Du Bruyn not able to get a third for her team. The bronze medal game then went to a sudden death, with Parson side stepping around Tamryn Steenkamp and determinedly finding the back of the net. Focused Nero veered left, but her shot went wide of the box allowing Suid-Natal third place.

After the finals, coach for Kokstad College Stephanie Peterson said, “It was a tough game. King Edward are worthy opponents to play against, but it is always the team with the most fight that wins. I was very proud of our team, even though they are young, they can only get better from here.”

Deidre Duminy, coach for King Edward High School said “The whole tournament, as always, was well organised and very exciting, and a good opportunity for us to practice our skills in play. The first game was slow for us, and then the goals seemed to open up after that. Kokstad College is a wonderful yet terrible opponent, as they are a tenacious team, and one can never be assured of the outcome. We enjoyed playing on their home ground and of course pleased that we managed to defend our title."

Joining the list of Most Promising Umpire from various regionals is Kyle de Kock from Kokstad College. The 16 year old Grade 11 pupil was impressive with his decisive decisions throughout the day and has been invited to the Grand Finals where he will further his umpiring career. 

King Edward are the seventh team to advance to the Grand Finals at St Mary's DSG in Kloof on the 21 and 22 July. They join Ferrum Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne's (PMB North Regional); Epworth School (PMB Central Regional); Durban Girls' College (DBN Central Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional).

For more info like the tournament's Facebook page.

Results: 

1 King Edward High School, 2 Kokstad College, 3 Suid-Natal Hoërskool, 4 Southcity School, 5 Creston College, 6 Port Shepstone High School, 7 St Monica’s Diocesan School, 8 St Patrick's College, 9 Ixopo High School, 10 Bergview High School

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge Highway Regional - May 6

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge

Highway Regional - Westville Girls’ High School - May 6

The fiercely contested Highway Regional of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge takes place this year at Westville Girls’ High School astroturf on Sunday, May 6.

St Mary’s DSG, six times winners of this regional and three times winners of the Grand Finals of this highly-respected school girls’ hockey event, will be focussed on holding onto their title. Only once have the defending champs been ousted from their top position, and that was by Westville Girls’ High in the 2014 tourney at Thomas More College.

This year, Westville Girls’ High will host this regional, and will no doubt be using their home-turf advantage in their attempt to break the iron grip that St Mary’s has on this region.

Sian Tarbuton coach for host school, WGHS says that their team is hard at training and looking forward to the regional. “Our indoor season was a cracker,” she enthuses. “We were placed second in the logs, only losing to St Mary's with a narrow loss of 4-2. We were so close to getting a draw and then they scored against us in the last couple minutes. Our outdoor season got off to a great start. We won the Crawford La Lucia outdoor hockey tournament held over the April holidays. We won our pool and then met Crawford La Lucia in the final, winning the tournament. We won our first outdoor hockey match of the season against Thomas More College, so we have high hopes for the season, but need to keep our composure and work hard.”

Other schools participating in this six-school regional include Curro Hillcrest, Hillcrest High, Kloof High and Thomas More College.

The tournament starts at 8am, and will be played in a round robin format. Games last 23 minutes with a quick change over at 11 minutes.  A win will earn a team 4 points, a draw with goals 2 points, a goalless draw 1 point and a loss 0. First and second places will then go head-to-head in a final match to determine the eighth regional team to go through to the Grand Finals at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof.

Other schools that have already secured their place at the Grand Finals are Ferrum Hoërskool from the Northern KZN Regional, newcomer Epworth School from PMB Central Regional, St Anne’s Diocesan from PMB Northern Regional, Durban Girls’ College from the Durban Central Regional, Amanzimtoti High School from the Durban South Regional and Our Lady of Fatima from the Durban North Regional.

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

-ends