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SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional Greytown High School: Saturday 11 May

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional

Greytown High School: Saturday 11 May

 

Reclaiming their regional title, Wartburg Kirchdorf raised the trophy from the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at Greytown High School on Saturday 11 May.

 

Wartburg have dominated this region, having been previously crowned five times, and ended their day with an impressive five victories as they kept a clean scoresheet not allowing any goals against them.

 

Wartburg took on one of the surprise packages, the well-structured and determined team from Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg who played strong hockey throughout the day. They earned 11 points overall, with two wins against defending champs, Greytown High School and Estcourt High School, a two all draw against Domino Servite and a goalless draw against Wembley, and going down 1-0 against Wartburg.

 

In the regional final, ten minutes into the game Wartburg’s Lise-Lea Engelbrecht surged into the Hermannsburg circle, swerving left and right before offloading the ball towards the p spot, where a lurking Luthando Makhaye knocked the ball in beyond the goalkeeper’s attempts of Kei Blackburn.

 

Responding on the other end, Hermannsburg’s Ntando Mpungose managed to sneak the ball across the line in a crowded goal area after a magnificent run down the field, beating the pads of opposition goalkeeper Andiswa Ndaba.

 

At full time, Hermannsburg, who for the first time in the history of this regional were making an appearance in the regional final, held their own and not allowing any of Wartburg’s attacks to amount to any more goals.

 

Three players from each team stepped up to the spot in the deciding penalty shootout. Slotting in for Wartburg, Lise-Lea Engelbrecht opened her team’s account, followed by Amahle Zondi who on entering the circle, rocketed in her shot left of Blackburn. The four other attempts, all three of Hermannsburg’s and the final Wartburg penalty all did not find the back of the box.

 

Umpire for the day was from host school, Greytown High School’s Stacey Wheeler.

 

Wartburg is the eighth team to earn a berth at the Grand Finals. They join St Anne’s College (PMB North), Epworth (PMB Central), newcomer Crawford La Lucia (DBN North), Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central), Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South), Kokstad College (Southern KZN), and Ferrum High School (Northern KZN).

 

The Highway Regional, which took place the day after this regional,  saw St Mary’s DSG claim the ninth spot at the Grand Finals. Only one tournament remains in this ten-region tournament, where teams from around Richard’s Bay and eShowe get their turn in the Northern KZN Coastal Regional that takes place at Grantleigh College this weekend.

 

For more info like the Facebook page or follow the Instagram account.

 

Results: 1 Wartburg Kirchdorf, 2 Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg, 3 Wembley College, 4 Greytown High School, 5 Domino Servite, 6 Estcourt High School

 

ENDS

 

 

Kokstad College Reclaims their Regional Title

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Southern KZN Regional

Creston College: Saturday 13 April

 

Reclaiming their title, after a colossal tussle Kokstad College hoisted the Southern KZN Regional trophy in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 13 April at Curro Creston College.

 

The regional final had Kokstad College take on St Patrick’s College in an East Griqualand derby, this was St Patrick’s best result in the nine years of the SPAR KZN challenge. Kokstad College reclaimed their third title having won the inaugural tournament and then again in 2014.

 

The result was 1 all at the final whistle in a ding-dong battle that saw both teams defend like Trojans with the result pending on three young players from each team stepping up for a penalty shoot-out. During game time, Kokstad hogged majority of the possession with Caitlyn O’Reily managing to capitalise. Midway through the final, surging forward after an attack O’Reily was left unmarked in the circle as she pounced on the ball following yet another attack by Kokstad that St Patrick’s managed to defend. The St Patrick’s defence seemed to be catching their breath when the ball shifted back into the circle and the nifty O’Reily not letting the opportunity pass, zapped her shot in.

 

St Patrick’s picked themselves up and dusted themselves off, more determined than ever, they retaliated with several threatening attempts on the other side of the field. Four minutes after Kokstad went 1 up, pocket-rocket Lakiesha Jansen calmly netted her teams equaliser in a scramble in front of the Kokstad goal.

 

With the game level at 1 all, it remained that way with attempts either being charged down or sliding either side of the goal posts. Until the fourth penalty when goal scorer, O’Reily took to the spot for Kokstad College. She powered forward meeting the advances of St Patrick’s keeper Phillipa McDonald, slipping the ball underneath her, the two ushered the ball in, one joyously and one agonisingly watching desperately as it rolled determinedly into the corner seeing Kokstad take the lead. The three remaining attempts amounted to no goals.

 

Leading up to the final, St Patrick’s met St Monica’s in the first semi-final with Kokstad College taking on defending champions King Edward in a fiery second semi-final. St Patrick’s went up 2 nil in their semi, with Jansen opening her teams account with a field goal and Paula Johnson getting the second in a short corner. In the Kokstad and KEHS fiery game, a couple of green cards were raised as the two highly competitive teams pushed each other to the limit the scoreline was level at the end of full time. In a game that ended in a penalty shoot-out, and then sudden death, Tyler Rorke held strong for her team allowing Kokstad to take the honours, defeating the defending champs who have dominated the tournament for the last four years.

 

In the bronze game, the score was level at full time, with both teams heading to the box for a penalty shoot-out. Both teams were level 2 all after the first round with Shanteece Fernandez and Retshe Khiba notching up King Edwards goals and Siso Mnukwa and Reabetsoe Ramaota earning goals for St Monica’s. The game rolled on to sudden death with Fernandez keeping her cool and taking King Edward to a well-earned bronze.

 

Umpire for the Day was the decisive Noah Maartens, a Grade 10 learner from St Patrick’s.

 

Kokstad College is the sixth team to earn a place at the Grand Finals, they join St Anne’s College (PMB North), Epworth School (PMB Central), Crawford La Lucia (DBN North Regional) and Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central Regional) and from last weekend, Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional).

 

The next tournament heads inland to Newcastle for the Northern KZN Regional on Saturday 4 May.

 

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


Toti Retain Their Title For The Fifth Time

Toti Retain Their Title For The Fifth Time

Amanzimtoti High School resolutely retained their title making it five titles at the Durban South Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place on Sunday 7 April at the 3 Schools Trust Astro.
The defending champs met the surprise package of the tournament, the fantastic zealous team representing New Forest High School, who were making not only their first semi-final appearance but also progressing all the way to the regional final. The game ended 3 nil in favour of Amanzimtoti but not after a valiant, brave and enthusiastic tussle from New Forest.
It took Toti 40 seconds to reveal their hand as they charged down field, displaying their pure determination to keep possession of the ball and the game up in New Forest’s half.
Just shy of 8 minutes into the game, putting her team on the scoreboard, feisty forward, Anani Xozwa scored a killer goal, balancing herself a few feet out from the box, she rocketed a solid shot that deflected off a defenders stick, not giving the New Forest keeper, Tamia Wilde any possibility of stopping the ball as it landed in the top net.
Back in the thick of things, Xozwa teased the defence as she pulled and weaved her way to the edge of the field, knocking the ball goal-wards. The soft attempt got lost in the scramble, the ball brushing Xozwa’s stick on its way to a crowded goal mouth as an unsighted Wilde diverted the ball as it hit the back of her leg, crossing her line giving Toti their second goal.
With the clock winding down, Toti earned a short corner. Injecting from the left side of the field, the ball was rolled out to Tayla Potgieter, who wasted no time in settling the ball and quickly firing in a shot that pummelled the right side of the box giving her team a 3 nil win.
Finishing third was the hard-working team from Kingsway High School. From the get-go, Kingsway’s defence was out of the top drawer. Backed by a fearless keeper, Keisha Tsouros who wasn’t afraid to charge down the ball, saving countless goals. Tsouros and her defence did a superb job during the course of the day. Kingsway met Werda in the bronze medal game where the majority of the game was played between the two 22s. A rare break on either end resulted in fumbles or misses. At full time with the scoreboard not moving, the game progressed to a penalty shoot out to reveal third place.
Kingsway’s Leoni de Beer went first notching up the first goal. She was followed by Amy Rust from Werda who couldn’t round the charging frame of Tsouros. Keely Crocker was next to go for Kingsway and her solid strike met the outstretched right foot of Werda’ keeper, Mikeyla Snyders. Tyralee Meyer was second to go for Werda and her diving attempt went agonisingly past the right hand upright, the score was still 1 nil to Kingsway. In the third round, Kingsway’s Thapelo Moumakwa set off to the right side of the circle, drawing out Snyders. Moumakwa calmly slapped the ball to the right of Snyders watching it all the way as she earner her team a 2 nil victory and third place.
In the Pool A the teams were decided easily as Toti topped the log followed by Werda. Pool B resulted in three teams all being level. As two teams needed to advance to the semi-finals, the three teams were required to have a penalty shoot out. Lining up first was three players each from New Forest and Kuswag with New Forest taking it 2-1. Second round saw three players each from Kuswag and Kingsway and Kingsway taking that 2 to Kuswag’s 1. In the final round was Kingsway and New Forest and which Kingsway also took 2 to New Forest’s 1 forcing out Kuswag from the top four.
Coach for New Forest, Rene Haynes said, “I have no idea what we have done differently to previous years, but everything worked for us today. We have had a fantastic indoor season and I don’t know if that motivated them. We also have a lot of young, new players who have never played before but have taken to the game superbly. It really all came together, the girls tried so hard and I am very, very proud of them! They are extremely chuffed with themselves.”
Werda High School’s Grade 11 Jhontae Meintjes received the “Umpire of the Day” award for the region.
Amanzimtoti High School is the fifth team to secure a spot at the Grand Finals that will take place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof. They join St Anne’s (PMB North Regional), Epworth School (PMB Central Regional), Crawford La Lucia (DBN North Regional) and Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central Regional). The next regional is this weekend with teams converging for the Southern KZN Regional taking place at Creston College.
For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.
Results
1 Amanzimtoti High School, 2 New Forest High School, 3 Kingsway High School, 4 Werda Skool, 5 Kuswag Hoërskool, 6 Queensburgh Girls’ High School, 7 Grosvenor High School, 8 Invitational High School

Penultimate Regional Heads To Thomas More College

Penultimate Regional Heads To Thomas More College

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge
Highway Regional
Thomas More College: Sunday 12 May
The penultimate regional tips off at Thomas More College on Sunday 12 May where six teams from the Highway area will duel it out on the turf in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge.
First up in this Highway Regional are defending champions, St Mary’s DSG and Curro Hillcrest, as they get the ball rolling in the first of fifteen round robin games at 8am.
This is one of the smaller regionals in this ten region tournament that travels the length-and-breadth of KwaZulu-Natal in the build up to the Grand Finals in July. Participating schools from this area are host school, Thomas More College together with Westville Girls’ High School, Hillcrest High School, Kloof High School, St Mary’s DSG and Curro Hillcrest. Five of the schools have competed in all nine of the years of this tournament, with newcomer Curro Hillcrest joining the teams four years ago.
Once all the round robin games are done and dusted, the regional final will take place between the two teams who are lying on top of the log. The gold medal game gets underway at 1.25pm followed by prize giving.
Only two teams have represented this area and advanced to the Grand Finals. St Mary’s DSG have dominated the Highway Regional with a total of seven regional victories, Westville Girls’ High School managed to break Saints domination earning the trophy in 2014.
Confirmed schools that already have tickets to the Grand Finals are St Anne’s College (PMB North), Epworth School (PMB Central), Crawford La Lucia (DBN North Regional), Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central Regional), Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional), Kokstad College (Southern KZN Regional), Ferrum High School (Northern KZN) and the winners of the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional Winner that takes place the day before the Highway Regional.
The last remaining regional travels to Grantleigh School on Sunday 19 May. Thereafter the 2019 tournament wraps up with all the regional winners converging at the Grand Finals which takes place at St Mary’s DSG on the weekend of 20 and 21 July.
For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Northern KZN Regional St Dominic’s Newcastle: Saturday 4 May

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Northern KZN Regional

St Dominic’s Newcastle: Saturday 4 May

 

After monumental battle in the regional final, Ferrum High School claimed their eighth Northern KZN Regional title in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at the St Dominic’s Newcastle astro on Saturday 4 May.

 

They conquered a well disciplined and quietly determined team from Sarel Cilliers High School in a riveting 20minute conclusion to the regional. At the final blast of the whistle, the scoreline remained on nil nil after Ferrum dominated the entire game, challenging the Sarel Cilliers defence from the get go, but were unable to penetrate the solid last line. 

 

The result of the game moved to a pressure test with three players from each side lining up in an 8 second penalty shootout. With a fond association to the St Dom’s astro and no stranger to a tournament winning penalty shootout, Sarel Cilliers managed to topple Ferrum’s domination two years prior when they managed a resounding win against Pionier, earning the honour as the second school to represent the region.

 

Each attempt the players were level pegged with the mirror result in each of the penalty attempts in the first round ending drawn on 1 a piece. The game then progressed to a feisty sudden death where the girls endeavours stepped up a notch. After the second complete round, the scoreline moved up to 2 all, with both teams only managing to net 1 goal in their second run at goals.

 

In the next round of sudden death, Ferrum’s keeper Joleen Mollentze made a brave save charging down a heroic shot, keeping Sarel Cilliers seventh attempt out. Stepping up to take Ferrum’s seventh penalty, Karli Janse van Rensburg decided on a no-nonsense rocket of a shot that blasted beyond Sarel Cillers goal keeper Petra Khanyile’s outstretched right pad, smashing into the box, and winning the tournament for her team. 

 

In the bronze medal game, hosts, St Dominic’s Newcastle met Dundee High School. In the opening minutes Dundee advanced into St Dom’s circle, with some fine hockey getting the ball inching closer and closer to the goals. As the striker knocked the ball just beyond the keeper’s reach rolling goal-wards, the umpire on the spot was mid-way through awarding a short corner for Dundee, in a game changing decision and denying the goal. 

 

The well-contested game moved from side to side with neither team able to get the ball in their oppositions goals. St Dom’s had a string of short corners that Dundee defended magnificently, avoiding surge after surge and keeping the score level. As the minutes ticked away, St Dom’s earned yet another short corner that was pushed out to the top of the D, moved right to a lurking Nozipho Mag who, in one touch, slapped the ball across to the waiting Natasha Friend who was hugging the left post. Friend added her magic touch, slipping the ball into the goals with 23 seconds remaining on the clock. 

 

Recognised for her outstanding efforts with the whistle, Didi Ngwenya from Vryheid High School earned the award of Umpire of the Day. 

 

Ferrum is the seventh team to guarantee a spot at the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof in July. They join nine other teams from around KZN at the two day event. Teams that have secured a place at the Grand Finals are St Anne’s College (PMB North), Epworth (PMB Central), newcomer Crawford La Lucia (DBN North), Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central), Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South) and Kokstad College (Southern KZN).

 

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

 

Results

1 Ferrum High School, 2 Sarel Cilliers, 3 St Dominic’s Newcastle, 4 Dundee High School, 5= Pionier Hoërskool, 5= Vryheid High School, 7 Newcastle High School, 8 Pongola Akademie 

 

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional Greytown High School: Saturday 11 May


SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional

Greytown High School: Saturday 11 May

 

Defending champs, Greytown High School will be hosting teams in the upcoming uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional for the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 11 May.

 

This region has produced four champions that have progressed to the Grand Finals in Durban each year. First time winning this regional, defending their title this year - Greytown High School managed to dethrone Wartburg Kirchdorf School who have dominated the area for five consecutive years from 2013. Prior to the Wartburg Kirchdorf era, Wembley and Ladysmith High School both hoisted the trophy.

 

Six teams will be kitted up and ready to take to the field, first up in this regional are defending champions, Greytown and Hermannsburg, as they get the ball rolling in the first of fifteen round robin games at 8am.

 

This is one of the smaller regionals in this ten region tournament that travels the length-and-breadth of KwaZulu-Natal in the build up to the Grand Finals in July. Participating schools from this area are host school and defending champs, Greytown High School together with Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg, Domino Servite, Escourt High School, Wartburg Kirchdorf and Wembley College.

 

All games are 20 minutes long, with a win earning a team 4 points, a draw with goals - 2 points, a goalless draw - 1 point and a loss - zero, Once all the round robin games have been completed, the regional final will take place between the top two teams. The gold medal game gets underway at 1.40pm followed by prize giving.

 

Confirmed schools that already have tickets to the Grand Finals are St Anne’s College (PMB North), Epworth School (PMB Central), Crawford La Lucia (DBN North Regional), Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central Regional), Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional), Kokstad College (Southern KZN Regional), and Ferrum High School (Northern KZN).

 

The day after the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional, teams from the Highway area take to Thomas More College on Sunday for the Highway Regional. And then, the last remaining regional travels to Grantleigh School on Sunday 19 May. Thereafter the 2019 tournament wraps up with all the regional winners converging at the Grand Finals which takes place at St Mary’s DSG on the weekend of 20 and 21 July.

 

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

DANCERS LOVE DOGS- Playhouse Opera  18th May

DANCERS LOVE DOGS- Playhouse Opera  18th May

Dancers Love Dogs, presents an annual performance in Cape Town at the Artscape Theatre, where dancers collaborate to raise funds for mass sterilization of animals in rural areas. This year the initiative comes the Playhouse Opera on Saturday, 18th May at 3pm.

The SA Society for the Advancement of Dance (SASAD) is collaborating with Dancers Love Dogs to put on a showcase of song, dance, comedy as well as dogs performing to raise funds for these mass sterilizations in KZN rural areas. All funds raised through tickets sales are paid directly to vets for the purpose of sterilizations.

In what promises to be a highly entertaining afternoon for a good cause, KZN dance schools and performers have come out to show their support for this very important initiative. Included in the line up are:

Lloyd Bristow (The Incredible Dog Show) from Cape Town with his Border Collie, Born to Shine

Pam Naude (K9 Communications) from Durban working with therapy dogs and obedience work,

Comedian Nabeel Peer,

Ballet performances by KZN Dance Academy and MCD Dance Studio,

Contemporary dance by Springwood Dance Academy and Durban Dance Unlimited,

Tap by Step in Time and Hayman Studios,

Spanish by Minette de Klerk Dance Academy,

Modern by Swish Studio and Just Dance,

Bollywood by Rampage Dance Company,

Belly dancing by Belly Fusion,

Irish dancing by Stow Academy of Irish Dance,

A fusion of acrobatics and ballet by Bella Donna Acrobatics and The Studio,

A fusion of dance by Gail Smith School of Dancing,

Hiphop /pansula fusion by Dance Direction International,

Hiphop by Survivors Dance Crew who were placed 4th in the World of Dance Competition in Los Angelos,

Performances by singers Kiara Theunissen, Savannah Thunder and the OSCA Opera singers,

and Durban Callies Drum Corp and Celtic Heartbeat.

Dancers Love Dogs started off as a small project in 2012 and has grown in leaps and bounds since then. “In February 2012, I noticed a small figure hobbling along the side of the N2 Highway in Cape Town,” explains Brigitte Reeve-Taylor, founder of Dancers Love Dogs. “The little dog was so sick he could hardly walk and I ended up rescuing him and taking him to the vet. I named him Miles and he was my inspiration to start up Dancers Love Dogs.” By March 2019 over 12000 pets have been sterilized through these annual fundraisers. Brigitte and the SASAD are now working on making this an annual event in KZN.

“Many pet lovers live below the breadline. Not everyone can afford sterilizations. Sterilizations are a necessity, not an option,” says Brigitte. “These events make a huge impact on ensuring that there is some intervention in keeping unwanted pet populations down.”

 

There are prizes to be won and Project Dog, Phoenix Animal Care Treatment (P.A.C.T)  and Jade Ashford will be displaying all the homeless pets looking for forever homes.

This year's show is at the Opera Theatre, Playhouse, Durban, on Saturday 18th May at 3pm. Tickets are R160 and can be purchased through Webtickets or Pick ‘n Pay outlets. The show is about 2 hours 30 minutes long with a 20 minute interval where a dog obedience exhibition will be on display in the foyer outside.

For any further information, please contact Des 082 563 1995 or Noleen 084 427 8591

 -ends

 

Note to editors: 

Please direct all media queries to  

Des 082 563 1995 or Noleen 084 427 8591

 

Issued on behalf of Dancers Love Dogs by 


Sharlene Versfeld
Versfeld & Associates
Public Relations and Communications
Mobile: +27 (0) 83 326 3235
Tel: +27 (0) 31 811 5628
Email: sharlene@versfeld.co.za
Twitter: sharlvers
Website: www.versfeld.co.za


I Heart Market - 4 May 2019 - 9am - 2pm :  lawns next to Moses Mabhida Stadium

Media Release

I Heart Market - 4 May 2019 - 9am - 2pm :  lawns next to Moses Mabhida Stadium

Autumn in Surf City, one of the most pleasant times of the year, as Durbanites, shake out their winter woollies at the hint of temperatures dropping below 18 degrees. Skies are Azure blue, and the haze of summer’s humidity has almost past, and being outdoors is not as physically challenging. This month’s I Heart Market, celebrates the onset of autumn – traditionally a time for taking stock and squirrelling away for winter.  As seasons change subtly from one to the other, so do the offerings from our I Heart Market makers, so this month expect to find some autumnal inspirations like steaming cinnamon pancakes from The Pancake Guy, freshly brewed lattes from The Coffee Guys, local artisan cheeses from The Big Cheese, handmade sourdough breads from Bread 365 and beautiful ombre dipped ceramic mugs from Ceramics Made by Hand, and so much more.  The market takes place on Saturday, 4 May from 9am to 2pm on the lawns next to Moses Mabhida Stadium. Pop in and make it a family affair.

Coffee IMG_1619.jpg

Kingsley Holgate Land Rover Expedition Team Heads to Mozambique in Aid of Flood Victims on World Malaria Day (25 April)

Media Release

WORLD MALARIA DAY  - 25 April

KINGSLEY HOLGATE LAND ROVER EXPEDITION TEAM HEADS FOR MOZAMBIQUE IN AID OF FLOOD VICTIMS

 

Departing on World Malaria Day (25 April), the Kingsley Holgate Land Rover team is heading to Mozambique on a relief expedition to assist communities living near Gorongosa National Park, who are still suffering the impact of Cyclone Idai, widespread flooding and now a serious and escalating threat of malaria. 

05 Cape Town to Kathmandu Expedition 2018 Ross Holgate & Babu Cossa malaria prevention work with women in Mozambique.jpg

 

Malaria is the leading cause of death in Mozambique, which has the third highest number of malaria cases anywhere in the world.  A month after Cyclone Idai slammed into Beira and left a swathe of destruction on its path inland towards Zimbabwe’s Chimanimani region leaving vast areas flooded, malaria is on the increase with 9,501 cases reported since 27 March alongside 4,979 cases of cholera.  (Source: UN OCHA) 

 

The expedition is heading for the Gorongosa region inland from Beira, where over 30,000 people living in low-lying areas near the Buzi River that flows along the Gorongosa National Park boundary were in the direct path of the cyclone and large areas are still under water.  The Park responded by launching its own relief efforts to rescue community members by helicopter and boat, its rangers swopping wildlife for humanitarian work and wading through waist-high waters to reach stranded families.  They have delivered over 30 tonnes of food but the threat of contaminated drinking water and malaria remains extremely high: stagnant water is a perfect breeding ground for malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

 

Malaria prevention and water purification support are key elements of all Holgate humanitarian expeditions.  “It started because of personal experiences,” said Kingsley.  “I’ve had malaria more than 50 times, a young man died of malaria in one of our vehicles as we were rushing him to a clinic and it’s unacceptable that a child dies of malaria every two minutes around the clock.  And all of our expedition team know the dangers of water borne diseases – we’ve all suffered from dysentery, which can kill even the toughest man.”

 

The expedition to Gorongosa will focus on supplying 15 tonnes of life-saving PermaNet mosquito nets, malaria test kits and treatments, and enough water purification units to provide over one million litres of clean drinking water in support of Gorongosa’s efforts.  The expedition convoy will include the two Land Rover Discoverys tried and tested on previous world-first expeditions, including the recent Cape Town to Kathmandu transcontinental journey.

 

“No one could have predicted that this year’s World Malaria Day would coincide with the aftermath of such an enormous humanitarian disaster,” said expedition leader Ross Holgate.  “Now that roads, bridges and river crossings are becoming passable in the Gorongosa region, we’re determined to do our bit to help our neighbours in need.”

 

He continued:  “Relief expeditions like this cannot be done without support, and we pay tribute to Land Rover, Rotarians in Southern Africa, Moz-am-bik Restaurants, the Hlokomela Foundation, Coca Cola SABCO Mozambique, Goodbye Malaria, Barrows, LifeStraws and Water Maker who have willingly come on board to support this World Malaria Day expedition.”

 

-ends

 

For further details and interviews, please contact Sheelagh Antrobus on 082-4327466 or sheelagh@kingsleyholgatefoundation.org

 

STATS AND INFO ABOUT MALARIA/ WATER BORNE DISEASES

  • According to the latest World Health Organization report, 219 million cases of malaria were reported during 2017, with 92% occurring in Africa.  435 000 people died from the disease.

  • A child dies every two minutes from malaria; children under 5 accounted for 61% (266 000) of all malaria deaths worldwide in 2017.  Pregnant women are also at high risk.

  • Kingsley Holgate has had malaria more than 50 times.

  • To date, the Kingsley Holgate Foundation has distributed over 440 920 mosquito nets in high-risk communities throughout Africa, helping to protect over 1.3 million people from the deadly bite of the female Anopheles mosquito.

  • ]Nearly one in five child deaths – about 1.5 million each year – are due to water borne diseases, especially from cholera, dysentery and diarrhoea.

  • To date, the Kingsley Holgate Foundation has distributed more than 46 000 individual LifeStraw units and family-size units, providing over 63 million litres of clean drinking water to communities most in need.

 

Creston College Captain - Q & A with Captain Savannah Amy Haupt

Meet Creston College’s First Hockey Team’s Captain Savannah Amy Haupt pictured here with team mate Anathi Siyongwana. Creston hosts the KZN Southern Regional on Saturday 13 April.

Position in team: I mostly play right striker otherwise centre striker or right link
Colours/ honours for anything?: I have my honours for academics as well as half colours for both hockey and soccer

Awards for anything?: I have received awards for having made the UGU side for both hockey and soccer as well as awards for my academics.

What other sports do you play?
I also play soccer.

Are you in any provincial teams? 
Yes KZN soccer.

When did you start playing hockey? 
I've been playing hockey since Grade 1 when I was introduced to the sport at my school, Creston College.

What do you most enjoy about hockey? 
I love that it is a team sport that teaches you teamwork, patience and the importance of knowing when to rely on others to help you achieve your goals. Whilst playing the sport one is also given the opportunity to form new friendships.

Best bit of inspirational advice that you have received from your coaches?
The best advice I have received from my coaches is to never stop believing and to keep pushing yourself on the field. Other advice I have received is that a good player goes to where the ball is but that a great player sees and knows where the ball is going to end up and gets to that place.

What do you want to do after school?
I want to first take a gap year and travel and work overseas and thereafter study all while playing both hockey and soccer.

Away from school, what are your hobbies? 
I like to spend time with friends and watch movies. A lot of my time away from school involves matches and training.

What is your memory from last year’s finals? 
Unfortunately, our team didn’t qualify for quarter finals and this was particularly upsetting as we were so close; having had to participate in a shootout against Suid-Natal where we lost. The team was very heartbroken but recall the final matches as very evenly matched games.

Do you have a sporting role model?
I don’t have a specific role model but I instead look up to and admire my coaches as they help motivate me and improve my abilities and I aspire to reach their level of play.

Words you live by?
Be true to yourself and to stand up for what you believe in. 

Whacky Comedian Gino Fabbri is ‘Completely Nuts’ 9 - 13 April

Media Release

Whacky Comedian Gino Fabbri Returns to Durban with ‘Completely Nuts’

 

Laughter abounds and the spotlight falls squarely on ‘crazy’ as comedian/drummer Gino Fabbri returns to Durban with his laugh-a-minute comedy Gino Fabbri is Completely Nuts which has two shows at the Suncoast Barnyard Theatre on 4 and 6 April before moving to the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 9 to 14 April. 

 

Versatile, and outrageously hilarious funny-man, Fabbri was last seen in the madcap show ‘Common and Class’  at the Sneddon alongside celebrated musical theatre performer Ian Von Memerty. Going solo in “Completely Nuts” Gino describes the show as “a welcome anti-dote to deep thinking,” as he performs in the guise of many very diverse, over-the-top characters, each with their own set of life-views, observations and opinions.”

 

Each “character” delivers a belly-load of rapid-fire one-liner laugh lines that offers a view of  life from vastly different and highly amusing perspectives. 

 

‘Sanity’ is not a word very often associated with Fabbri – or more specifically, with the hair-brained completely crazy characters that he portrays: from a self-deceiving Latin Lover and  an over-zealous, hip thrusting excessively rule-bound traffic cop, to a talentless pop-idol wannabe with parental and self-esteem issues, and a wheeler-dealer businessman who battles to prevent his inner monologue from spilling out to an entertainer extraordinaire who is a lot less extraordinary than he thinks. 

 

The multi-talented Fabbri, who is also a renowned SA drummer, includes three show-stopping finales in the show, taking his audience on a musical journey through the evolution of the most recognizable rock drum fills before turning classical music on its head like never seen before.

 

Fabbri’s characters share an inability to accurately perceive exactly what is going on around them, all the while trying to compensate for their short-comings. In doing so, hilarious consequences ensue as Fabbri moves from naughty stand-up comedian to quirky singer. 

 

The Eastern Cape-based Fabbri has become a popular fixture on the national corporate entertainment stage, where is seen regularly appearing in the guise of his various characters as  musical comedy MC.

 

Fabbri, who is co-owner of the production company Centrestage, which has staged a number of hit shows in Durban over the years says, “I invite Durban audiences to get committed - come walk the tightrope between sanity and madness and find out for yourself if I am indeed “nuttier than a pile of squirrel droppings”, in the full knowledge that one thing will always be certain, you’ll be none the wiser after seeing this show!”

 

“It isn’t everyday that we get to have a really good ol’ belly laugh at ourselves and who better than the hilarious Gino Fabbri to share with us exactly how quirky we all are,”  says Louise Howell, Suncoast Marketing Manager.

The show is at Sneddon Theatre from April 9 to 14 and tickets are available through Computicket

 

-ends


FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY presents UNDER THE SAME SKY Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre : 24 – 28 April 2019

MEDIA RELEASE

 

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY presents UNDER THE SAME SKY

Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre : 24 – 28 April 2019

 

In a remarkable feat of perseverance and beauty, Durban’s Flatfoot Dance Company celebrates its 16th anniversary with a new dance theatre work, Under the Same Sky, at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre  from  24 to 28 April.

 

With an international touring reputation for excellence and a host of national awards under its belt, Flatfoot’s arrival at this momentous 16th year mark as one of South Africa leading contemporary dance companies, is a testament to a dedicated team of dancers and administrators.

 

In keeping with its reputation of creating and performing edgy, controversial, beautiful and intelligent dance, Flatfoot dives heart first into the zeitgeist of contemporary South African identity, in Under the Same Sky and “asks us to remember our humanity and the place that art holds in teaching resilience”.

 

Three new dance works by Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika and Lliane Loots will premiere in this season.

 

“These works asks of us to step back to negotiate the humanity within all of us,” says Artistic Director of Flatfoot, Lliane Loots. “We take a look at where we have come from, in order to understand who we are, and who we might become. So we are delving into the heart of South African identity, which is both dream and nightmare; both nostalgia and violence. We have not doubt that these works will leave the audience overawed at the sheer beauty of the power of contemporary dance to tell our real South African stories, as it provokes and challenges through the images created, but it also allows the audience to breathe and be reminded of what makes us human.”

 

Sifiso Khumalo’s work Ngaphesheya (loosely translated to mean ‘beyond’ or ‘over there’) is a personal journey back to Khumalo’s own childhood in Clermont growing up with the scourge of ‘necklacing’ as a political weapon. In this piece, made from a questioning and very present perspective in 2019, asks where we are going if our history (and where we come from) means nothing. 

 

Jabu Siphika’s growing feminist voice as a choreographer, opens up in her latest work titled Death of a Dream.  Working from the personal to the political, Siphika has created an evocative duet that looks at disintegrated personal relationships as a metaphor for disinterred political hopes and dreams. Beautifully danced by Siphika herself in partnership with Mthoko Mkhwanazi, Death of a Dream is heartbreaking in its beauty.

 

Lliane Loots’s unsheltered, ends the programme. Loots’s award-winning style that combines video, spoken word and dance in a ‘total theatre’ experience, finds its artistic legs in her newest work. unsheltered moves Loots and Flatfoot’s quest for humanity into the global domain and starts to “unbuild” the meaning of the walls that are the prevailing political agendas of many first world nations. It asks the audience to journey with the dancers into the heart of difference and what it means to embrace a hurt, damaged and vulnerable humanity. Loots’ dance work has a poetic depth that will provoke and delight audiences.

 

Dancing in the season are Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Zinhle Nzama, Sbonga Ndlovu, Ndumiso Dube, Siseko Duba, and Mthoko Mkhwanazi. Lighting design is by Wesley Maherry.

 

Catch Flatfoot Dance Company’s 16th anniversary season Under The Same Sky at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 24 to 28 April. Shows are at 7.30pm on 24, 25 and 26 April and at 2.30pm on 28 April.  Tickets available through Computicket are R85 and R65 (for scholars, students, pensions and block bookings of 10 or more seats). (There is a special performance for schools at R30 per scholar and teachers come free on 26 April at 10.30am. Bookings for schools only are via Lootsl@ukzn.ac.za).

 

https://online.computicket.com/web/event/under_the_same_sky/1292038803/617314048

 

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge - Southern KZN Regional Creston College: Saturday 13 April

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge - Southern KZN Regional

Creston College: Saturday 13 April

 

The sixth regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, the Southern KZN, heads to Creston College on Saturday 13 April.

 

Geographically, this is one of the biggest regionals, with six teams travelling from Scottburgh, Kokstad, Matatiele and iXopo joining four local south coast teams to participate in a spectacular ‘hockey-filled’ day.

 

The teams are host school Creston College, Kokstad College, Scottburgh High School, St Patrick’s College and Suid-Natal High School in Pool A and iXopo High School, King Edward High School, Port Shepstone High School, Southcity Christian School and St Monica’s High School.

 

This region has turned out three winners over its nine year history. The first team to ‘don’ the Southern KZN regional title was the feisty team from inland, Kokstad College, with two appearances in the 2011 and 2014 Grand Finals. They earned themselves a seventh and eighth spot overall out of the ten regions. Host school, Creston College has also represented the region twice in back-to-back appearances in 2012 and 2013. Creston ended up with a sixth spot in their first Grand Final and a fifth in their second.

 

Travelling the farthest is the gutsy team from King Edward High School in Matatiele. For the last four consecutive years, this team has topped the log. Faring well at the Grand Finals they have an eighth, two sixth places and a seventh in last year’s Grand Final.

 

The two ladies heading up the King Edward team, Coach and Manager Lizel du Randt and new Coach Tarryn McArthur said, “Our KEHS girls have an unbelievably positive, upbeat spirit this year. Our girls know that when their legs run out, they play with their hearts and this year we have loads of heart.”

 

The action will be split over two fields, with the first games seeing Creston going up against Scottburgh High, and on the second field Southcity taking on travelling team iXopo. Once all the pool games are complete, the semi finals will get underway, followed by positional games and the gold / silver game capping off a full day of hockey.

 

The winner of the Southern KZN Regional will join teams from around KZN at the Grand Finals taking place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on 20 and 21 July.

 

The regional winner will join other teams that have already got a ticket to the Grand Finals. They are St Anne’s (PMB North Regional), Epworth School (PMB Central Regional), Crawford La Lucia (DBN North Regional) and Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central Regional) and from last weekend Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South Regional).

 

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

 

ENDS

 

 

Durban South Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge - 7 April

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban South Regional

3 Schools’ Trust: Sunday 7 April

 

Midway through the ninth year of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, teams from the southern suburbs of Durban meet for the Durban South Regional at 3 Schools’ Trust Astro on Sunday 7 April.

 

Host for the fifth regional tournament, Amanzimtoti High School will welcome teams from Grosvenor Girls’ High School, Kingsway High School, Kuswag Hoërskool, New Forest High School, Queensburgh Girls’ High School, Queensburgh High School and Werda School.

 

Meeting on neutral territory, the eight teams will be divided up into two pools. In Pool A are Werda, Toti, and the two Queensburgh teams and in Pool B Kuswag, Kingsway, Grosvenor and New Forest.

 

At the blast of the first 20 minute whistle, Toti will lead the way as they take to the pitch to meet Werda. Following on, the second game of the day is an Amanzimtoti derby with the two neighbouring schools, Kingsway taking on Kuswag. The programme for the regional has 12 pool games, followed by five cross-pool games, kicking off with the first two semi-finals.

 

Four schools will have had appearances at all the nine Durban South Regionals: Toti, Kingsway, New Forest and Grosvenor. Both Kuswag and Werda have participated in all but one of the regionals. Queensburgh Girls’ High have had a regular presence over the last four years and Queensburgh High makes a welcome return having missed the last two years.

 

Two teams have represented this region at the Grand Finals – Kuswag was the first team to make it through to the Grand Finals in the inaugural tournament in 2011, where they finished ninth overall. A determined team from Amanzimtoti have been holding onto the title for the last four years. Their tally includes three tenth spots in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and an eighth in last year’s tournament.

 

Ten teams from around KZN will head to St Mary’s DSG in Kloof for the Grand Finals on 20 and 21 July. The winner of this region will join teams that have already earned their spot in July, they are St Anne’s (PMB North), Epworth School (PMB Central), Crawford La Lucia (DBN North) and Durban Girls’ College (DBN Central).

 

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


ENDS

I Heart Market Saturday, 6 April : 9am - 2pm

I Heart Market

Saturday, 6 April : 9am - 2pm

Moses Mabhida Stadium lawns

The iconic Durban I Heart Market takes place this month on Saturday, 6 April from 9am to 2pm on the breezy lawns of the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

 

The market, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, is focused on providing a selection of carefully curated locally made goods, with artisan food, crafted apparel and everything in between for the whole family.  

 

“The market’s philosophy is all about the creative process of “making”,” explains owner and manager of the I Heart Market, Anna Savage. “It has become a place where people who have side projects going on and who want to take it further, or those who simply love to create, have opportunities to test out their products in a safe and honouring environment, where like-minded people come to shop and share.”

 

“We live in a society of relentless consumption, where the possessions we’ve had for a few months tend to outnumber those we’ve had for a few years,” says Anna. “It’s often cheaper to replace something than it is to fix it so we keep on buying inferior items. Products at the I heart Market are carefully designed with attention to detail, resulting in quality products that will live through your most ruthless spring clean or Marie Kondo declutter, as well as the test of time.”

 

Anna says that there are so many stories to tell about the experiences of some of the “I heart makers”. “For example when her house started filling up with pottery, Gwyneth Gosling decided to see if anyone would buy some so she started Beachcomber Pots which now enjoys great support at the market and beyond.”

 

Nikhil Tricam started leatherwork as a hobby and would post pictures of his work on social media. With a positive response and a surge in orders, he took on an assistant. After a short while, he says that his small business, NT Leather Studio was sustaining his assistant’s family and this gave him the drive to keep growing.

 

“There is a lot to be said about shopping local and supporting entrepreneurs,” says Anna. “Shopping like this means no more soulless transactions with dead-eyed sales assistants.  When you’re shopping local, you can meet the person who makes the things you love. You can ask them all the questions and if you have any feedback, no more braving the call centre, they can hear it firsthand. Many traders develop new products or change existing ones based on what you are saying. And that’s pretty cool, we think!”

 

For more information about the I Heart Market go to www.iheartmarket.com

 

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31st Annual UKZN Jazz Jol - Durban

31st Annual UKZN Jazz Jol

 

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is proud to present the 31st annual UKZN Jazz Jol on Saturday, April 6th, 2019. Traditionally scheduled for the 2nd half of the year, the event has been brought forward to accommodate a visit by Prof Darius Brubeck, who founded the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, and which commemorates its 30th anniversary this year.

 

In another break from tradition, the funds generated from the Jol will be donated to the Durban chapter of Amnesty International, instead of the Ronnie Madonsela scholarship. This is an appropriate way to recognize the support of our local community for our student scholarship over these many years, and to thank them by donating the funds to newly-established chapters of Amnesty International at the UKZN School of Law, the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, and 6 local schools to set them on the path, in their efforts to fight for human rights.

 

Besides Prof Brubeck, the concert will feature the UKZN Big Band as well as a host of Durban-based alumni, including Melvin Peters, Sazi Dlamini and SKOKIANA, Andile Yenana, Debbie and George Mari, Mfana Mlambo, and Natalie Rungan. Anchoring proceedings will be bassist Ildo Nandja, who will be visiting from the Netherlands, where he is currently registered for his Masters degree in Jazz Studies and drummers Riley Giandhari and Bruce Baker.

 

 

Join us for the 31st annual UKZN Jazz Jol on Saturday, April 6th, 2019 at 19:00. General admission to the 31st Annual Jazz Jol is R100, R80 for pensioners and R50 for students with a student card. Please contact Thuli on 031 2603385 or email Zamat1@ukzn.ac.za for more details.

Latin Heat & Flamenco - Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company - 23 March 2019

Latin Heat & Flamenco

Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company

For one show only on Saturday the 23 March 2019, The Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company brings together international and local artists of the highest calibre for a performance entitled Latin Heat & Flamenco at the UKZN’s Centre for Jazz and Popular Music.

 

Flamenco, in its purist form comprises of three elements: dance (baile), singing (cante) and guitar (guitarra). Latin Heat & Flamenco features dancing by the Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company with a return of our very special guest artist from Spain: 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, brings his powerfully inimitable style to the evening. Ramon will be accompanied by the true flamenco “cante” (singing) of internationally acclaimed performer Domingo Ortega. Domingo was born in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain and his performance with Ramon is a coup for Durban audiences. Domingo grew up surrounded by flamenco and is regarded as one of Spain’s finest performers. He has toured with his own company since 1995 and continues to perform in Spain as well as around the world in countries such as Italy, Japan, Venezuela, Israel, and Russia, Senegal (where he has been named a citizen of honour). This will be his first performance as cantaor in South Africa.

 

Providing the music will be an awe inspiring line up of musicians of international acclaim. Flamenco Guitar maestro Demi Fernandez has spent many years living and performing in Flamenco Tablaos in Spain will and has appeared as leading flamenco guitarist with numerous South African and international Spanish Dance Companies. As resident guitarist for the Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company, he is joined by long time collaborator Neil Gonsalves on piano and Martin Sigamoney, (sax and flute) Bryan Stone, (percussion) Riley Giandhari (drums) and Micale Maduray (bass), who provide the musical soul that infuses the entire performance in not only the dance but also some awe inspiring Latin, Jazz and Flamenco fusion musical items.

 

With their high level of performance innovation, creativity and professionalism the Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company, who celebrated their 35th Anniversary in 2018, continue to build a loyal and extensive following of Spanish dance in South Africa – this once off performance in the intimacy of UKZN’s Jazz Centre is sure to be the hottest ticket in town.

 

Latin Heat and Flamenco runs at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on the UKZN’s Howard College for one performance only on Saturday the 23rd March 2019 at 7pm. Ticket prices are R150 each and will only be on sale for cash at the door on the night of the performance – entrance will be on strictly first come first serve basis.

 

Ends

Issued by Wesley Maherry

on behalf of the Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company              

maherry@ukzn.ac.za

Phase 1 of the Action in Autism Skills Transference Centre Gets off the Ground

Media Release

Phase 1 of the Action in Autism Skills Transference Centre Gets off the Ground

Action in Autism, the Durban-based organisation that strives to improve the quality of life for autistic people and their care-givers, has embarked on the next phase of its exciting journey - the development of a Skills Transference Workspace that will lead to small and micro-enterprise businesses to sustain and upskill people with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism.

 

Generous humanitarian and funder of the project, Dr Adam Mahomed, joined the Action in Autism team and the children of the Early Intervention Centre to wish the project well as modifications on existing buildings began on the new Skills Transference and Business Hub for autistic adults.

 

Most people with autism are confined to home once they leave school, and the vast majority are unable to access employment. In addition, these scarce employment opportunities have only been available to those who have low support needs. The Action in Autism Skills Transference Centre will include all people on the spectrum. The workspace is being modified specifically for autistic people with self-regulatory and downtime spaces, a craft area, sewing room, storeroom and a training workshop. The programme will include supervised work schedules, skills assessment and support, and expert facilitators in specialised fields to provide skills development.

 

The project will include on-site training and micro enterprises in the fields of food gardening and indigenous plant propagation, catering, and art and craft industries, in which the participants will have shared ownership and be skilled in the administration and management of these micro businesses. The programme will provide on-site skills development at the Skills Transference Centre, and work integrated learning within companies or government agencies, resulting in an important entry point into the labour market for autistic adults. 

 

Dr Mahomed is sponsoring the first phase of the new Skills Transference workspace in the memory of his late wife and daughters. “It has become important to me to question the value of life beyond the surface of cars and houses and such things,” Dr Adam commented in his speech. “It is important to question what a life means, and what difference we have made in the lives of others.”

 

Action in Autism does not currently receive any funding from government. If you would like to support the organization through cash, kind or through partnership, we would be most thankful. For more information about Action in Autism and the support to parents and families provided by the organisation, please call 031 207 4858 or email info@actioninautism.org.za.

 

Ends.

 

Further information:

Kirsten Miller

ACTION IN AUTISM

031 563 3039/084 207 8167

info@actioninautism.org.za

 

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