Namibian Helalia Johannes wins SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in fastest time ever recorded in Africa.

SPAR Women’s 10km/ 5km Challenge

Durban, 23 June 2019

NAMIBIAN Helalia Johannes (Nedbank International) ran an incredible race in Durban on Sunday 23 June to win the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in 30 minutes 59 seconds (30:59), the fastest time over this distance ever recorded in Africa.

In doing so she also smashed the Namibian record for the third time in a matter of two months leaving junior international runner, 19-year-old Tadu Teshame (Ethiopia, Nedbank International), over one-and-a-half minutes (01:37) in her wake in 32:36 with former winner Irvette van Zyl (Nedbank) in third place a further 21 seconds adrift in 32:57.

Johannes added the Durban Challenge to the first two in the series of six races making up the SPAR Grand Prix, those in Port Elizabeth (May 4) and Cape Town (May 29), smashing the course records for these and also for the Durban Challenge course record of 31:38 that was set in 2000 by Colleen de Reuk.

The 38-year-old Johannes did not take long to assert her domination over the field of 14 751 runners after the start in front of the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Masabalala Yengwa (NMR) Avenue taking the Ethiopian junior Teshame and Van Zyl with her but gradually leaving them behind as she continued to dominate the race going through the opening first kilometre in 3min 05sec.

By the 3km mark Teshame and Van Zyl no longer posed her a problem as she swept along the Snell Parade alongside the Durban beachfront and headed south towards the Kingsmead Cricket Stadium racing through the halfway mark (5km) in 15:26.

Johannes appeared to be enjoying her entourage of motorcyclists from the Steelwings Club on their Harley Davidsons ensuring her a safe passage throughout the 30th anniversary of the race which was the first one of the SPAR races to be held in 1989 and which carried a prize purse this year of R30 000 to commemorate it.

Johannes said afterwards that she had revelled in the perfect conditions that prevailed over the fast, flat 10km course and that she was happy to have done a personal best time.

She said she was sure more records would follow, but that she did not have any set plans for the immediate future. “We’ll  just have to wait and see where and when I will be running again. I have been improving my times steadily.”

Runner-up Teshame said: “We all knew Helalia would go out front and set a fast place and so I was prepared for it but it was impossible for anyone running yesterday to beat her.”

Van Zyl said: “She (Johannes) has raised the standard of women’s middle distance racing in a matter of a few weeks. It will be interesting to see what happens with the last three SPAR Grand Prix races being held at altitude, in Pretoria (August 3), Pietermaritzurg (August 18) and Johannesburg (October 6).

“Whatever, with bonus points offered for getting times better than last year’s winner’s time, elite runners will not want to miss any of these races if they are to be in the running for the Grand Prix overall winner’s purse of R185 000 with the runner-up receiving R65 000 and the third placed runner R40 000.

A whooping R30,000 was raised for the race charity, Cancer Association with a cheque being presented at prize giving.

Results

Open:

1.    1. Helalia Johannes (Nedbank) 30.59; 2. Tadu Nare (Nedbank) 32.36; 3. Irvette Van Zyl (Nedbank) 32.57; 4. Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) 33.22; 5. Janet Mbhele (Umzimkhulu Striders) 33.30; 6. Caroline Mhandu (Maxed Elite) 33:46 7. Kesa Molotsane (Myrray&Roberts) 33.49; 8. Betha Chikanga (Maxed) 34.04; 9. Oliva Chitate (Maxed) 34.21; 10. Patience Murowe (Umzimkhulu Striders) 34.27

Junior

1.   1.Nare Tadu (Nedbank) 32:36; 2. Tayla Kavanagh (Hillcrest Villagers Athletics club) 36:23; 3. Dipulo Mashishi (Murray & Roberts) 38:05

20-39

1. Helalia Johannes (Nedbank Namibia) 30.59; 2.Diana Lebo Phalula (Boxer) 34:59; 3. Makhosi Mhlongo (Hollywood bets Running Club) 35:15

40-49

1.   1. Bulelwa Semai (Boxer) 38:36; 2. Elizabeth Dlhiwayo (Run walk for life Rustenburg) 38:38; 3. Janene Carey (Boxer KZN) 40:22

50-59

1.   1.Judy Bird (Murry & Roberts) 41:10; 2. Michelle Sims (PDAC) 25:28; 3 Maya Lawire (Boxer) 41:26

60-69

1.Olga Howard (Nedbank) 44:54; 2. Blanche Moila (Savages) 48:14; 3. Colleen Peens (Team Vitality) 49:31

1.  

70+

1.Jackie Davis (Savages) 55:55; 2 Gillian Tregenna (Wings Athletics) 01:01:48; 3 Getrude Lottering (Boxer) 01:16:42

Road Closures & Parking For SPAR Women’s Challenge

Road Closures And Parking For SPAR Women’s Challenge

Participants and their supporters of the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that takes place on Sunday 23 June around Jonsson Kings Park Stadium and Moses Mabhida stadium precinct are reminded to arrive early and plan their route to the race, and where they will park. As always there are a number of road closures that will affect access into the area.
The 10km race starts at 08:00 and the 5km at 09:30 on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, outside Jonsson Kings Park Stadium outer fields.
Road Closures for Sunday 23 June 2019
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 and 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.
FREE EVENT PARKING
• 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 Jonsson Kings Park fields KP9 and KP10 will be via Umgeni Road to Isaiah Ntshangase Road and through the Virgin Active Parking area onto the fields.
• Parking on these fields is free.
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 the intersection with Masabalala Yengwa Road.
• Access to the parking area at Sunkist will be by way of a stop/go system managed by Durban Metro Police.
• Access to People’s Park will be via Argyle Road onto a single lane of Masabalala Yengwa Avenue to Battery Beach Road intersection. Egress from People’s Park will be past Durmail using the back gate to Somtseu Road (Sasol Service Station near the station).
“It makes it so much easier for participants to plan their routes knowing which roads will be closed, and where they can park. We encourage people to access the parking and road closures maps on the website and social media pages,” says Race Director Brad Glasspoole.
Entries can be done online via the race website until 17 June for credit card and debit card payments. A manual entry option is available, subject to the limit of 15,000 not having been reached, at race registration which takes place at Hall 6 at the Durban Exhibition Centre on: Thursday, 20 June and Friday, 21 June from 10:00 to 17:00 and Saturday, 22 June from 10:00 to 15:00. All entrants will receive a promo bag at race registration.
To enter online or for more race information, www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban.
For more information like the KZN SPAR Women’s Race Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram.

Elite Runners at this year's SPAR Women’s Challenge 10km / 5km - Durban 23 June 2019

SPAR Women’s Challenge 10km / 5km

Durban: Sunday 23 June

As thousands of women gear up to participate in the 30th SPAR Women’s Challenge 10km/5km, attention falls on the front runners who will be making great strides towards yet another quick pace in the hopes of an impressive pay out in this milestone event.

To celebrate 30 years on, SPAR will award the winner of this race R30,000, as well as the usual cash category prizes. Leading the charge is Helalia Johannes from Namibia, running in the colours of Nedbank.

Johannes has accumulated 60 points in the SPAR Grand Prix, including earning 10 bonus points in the two events leading up to the Durban race. She clocked an impressive 31.50 in the Port Elizabeth race and knocked off 5 seconds from her PE time to record a lightning quick 31.45 in the Cape Town race.

Colleen de Reuck’s impressive 19-year-old record, a time of 31:38 set in 2000, looks like it might be in jeopardy of falling with a fast international field expected. 11 runners crossed the finish line, all recording times under 34 minutes in the Cape Town SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge.

Donning the number two, Ethiopian junior Tadu Teshame is currently placed second overall on the Grand Prix log, sitting 3 points behind the Namibian, Johannes. This exciting runner is also part of the Nedbank team topping the log in the Junior category.

Well known South African middle-distance runners Kesa Molotsane (M&R FS) and Irvette van Zyl (Nedbank CG) are flying the flag. Molotsane is lying in third position on the Grand Prix log with 53 points and van Zyl in fourth with 50 points.

Local runner, Makhosi Mhlongo (Hollywood Bets) is the only Durbanite currently featuring on the Grand Prix leader board, sitting in joint 17 place with a tally of 9 points.

The main event gets underway this Sunday at 8am, followed by the 5km fun event setting off at 9.30am. Race Registration takes place at Hall 6 at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Thursday 20 June and Friday 21 June from 10am until 5pm, and on Saturday 22 June from 10am until 3pm. Manual registration is still open, until the 15,000 capped number is reached.

For more info visit www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban or like the Facebook page.

ENDS

Brenda Mtambo to entertain at SPAR Women’s Challenge - Durban -Sunday 23 June

Media Release

Brenda Mtambo to entertain at SPAR Women’s Challenge

Jonsson Kings Park Stadium: Sunday 23 June

This year, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the SPAR Women’s Challenge 10/5km, much-loved ‘soul sister’ Brenda Mtambo will take to the stage to entertain the crowds on Sunday 23 June at Jonsson Kings Park Stadium outer fields.

Mtambo is known for her powerful, soulful voice, having sung with the Multi Award Winner Gospel Group ‘’ Joyous Celebration’. She has worked closely on projects, tours and recordings with the likes of Lira, Judith Sephuma, Brian Thusi to name a few. In 2013 she released her debut album titled ‘inspired’ and as a result of the album’s success she has been invited to many festivals and events such as the Jazz on the Lake for Joburg Art Festival and the Durban Jazz Festival.

Ixesha Lami is Mtambo’s first single off her latest album “So Much More” which is described as “not only an anthem for women, but a song for everyone who’s just had enough of something that’s been working against their joy.”

‘So Much More’ is a departure from Mtambo’s gospel roots, allowing her to express her own distinctive Afro soul voice. The success of this album saw her being nominated against heavy weights in the category Best Urban Jazz and Best Female in the MMA16 Awards, SAMA 23 Nominee: Best R&B/Soul/Reggae Album SAMA 23 Nominee: Best Produced Album (Sipho Sithole) SAFTA Nominee: Best Afro Soul Album.

Mtambo promises to get the crowds moving and grooving from the stage at the finish line of this year’s 30th edition. Participants are encouraged to remain behind after the race, and enjoy the entertainment, as well as the official prize giving and the lucky draw where they will have a chance to win some fabulous prizes.

There is still a chance to register for this year’s challenge at Race Registration on Thursday 20 June and Friday 21 June from 10am – 5pm and on Saturday 22 June from 10am – 3pm at Hall 6, Durban Exhibition Centre.

For more information go to www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban or on Facebook.

-ends

Applications open for JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience 2019 Fringe and Youth Fringe

Media Release

Applications open for JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience 2019

Fringe and Youth Fringe

Applications are now open for the Fringe and Youth Fringe of the 16th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience presented by the Centre for Creative Arts from 27 August to 8 September at the Elizabeth Sneddon and Open Air Theatres at Howard College Campus.

Professional, experimental and up-coming choreographers and dance companies are invited to apply for participation on the JOMBA! Fringe programme which takes place on 4 September.  There is space for a maximum of 8 works on this year’s fringe each 15 minutes long, and applicants are accepted based on first and foremost on the detail and clarity of the information supplied on the application form, and the suitability of the application in relation to the vision of JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience.

The Fringe event comes with a “pick-of-the-Fringe” award Fringe, with a nominal cash honorarium and an invitation for the choreographer to present work on the JOMBA! platforms the following year. (Terms and conditions apply).

The JOMBA! Youth Fringe is open to dancers under the age of 16 years old.  It is a support initiative for the various ‘Dance Development’ projects operating in our province (KZN) and provides a space to celebrate our up-and-coming generation of young contemporary dancers and dance practitioners.

The JOMBA! Youth Fringe has access to limited resources, and therefore applicants should be aware that the event takes place during the day with no lights, but there is sound, and stage management provided. The event, which takes place on Sunday, 1 September at 2pm is free to participants and the public.

Works submitted for consideration should not exceed a 6-minute duration, and the selection committee welcomes contemporary, traditional and popular dance forms onto its platform. (Terms and conditions apply).

Applications for both events close on Friday 14 June at 4pm

For application forms contact Clare Craighead – during office hours only  082 875 6065 or preferably at jombafestival@gmail.com  or download from the website www.jomba.ukzn.ac.za

Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge celebrates 30 years on

Media Release

Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge celebrates 30 years on

Entries are open for the much-loved Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge, the race that started the now iconic national women’s running event, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year on Sunday 23 June.

The Challenge, has over the years, seen hundreds of South Africa’s top athletes, including a number of distinguished Olympians, take the honours. Many of the sportswomen who have appeared in the top three of the race, are written in the annals of SA road-running history, including the likes of Zola Budd-Pieterse, Poppy Mlambo, Gwen Griffiths (van Lingen), Carlien Cornelissen, Nicole Fuller, Tanith Maxwell, the Kalmer sisters –Rene and Christine, the Phalula sisters – Lebogang and Lebo-Diana,  Irvette van Zyl and Nolene Conrad to name a few. 

This list, of course, includes two Durban favourites, Blanche Moila, who has appeared in the top three twice, and Grace de Oliveira who won twice (1994 and 1995) and appeared in the top three four times. Both have run all races since its inception.

The inaugural event has come a long way since it began in 1990 with field of 2,200 when the now USA-based SA athlete Colleeen de Reuck won in a time of  34:16.  Fast track to 2018, where Zimbabwean-based Betha Chikanga shaved off 1:09 from that time, bagging the win at 33:07 in a field of close to 14,000 participants.

Historically, the race route has remained fairly consistent around the Durban beachfront and CBD. The record time is still held by de Reuck who clocked in at 31:38 in 2000, followed in 2009 by Rene Kalmer with 32:27 and in 1991 by Gwen Griffiths (van Rensburg) with 32:28.

“Over 29 years more than 330,000 women and girls, including a smattering of some rather enthusiastic men, have beaten a track around the City in a show of camaraderie, and spirit,” says Max Oliva, MD of SPAR KZN.  “We look forward to continuing this wonderfully, colourful journey with thousands more like-minded fitness enthusiasts for many, many more years to come.” 

This year the race route remains the same as last year starting off in Masabalala Yengwa Avenue opposite the outer fields of Jonsson Kings Park Rugby Stadium, which is also the finish. 

To celebrate 30 years on, SPAR will award the winner of this race R30,000, as well as the usual cash category prizes.  Elite runners participating in the SPAR Women’s 10km Grand Prix Series will be vying to increase their standings on the leaderboard. Currently Namibian runner Helalia Johannes (Nedbank) is in poll position having won the Port Elizabeth race on 4 May in a regional record time of 31.50 minutes.

Participants will receive a breakfast pack upon completion of the event, and are encouraged to remain after the race and enjoy the entertainment on offer, with some big lucky draw prizes up for grabs to mark the 30th birthday.

Entry fees are R145 for a 10km non-licensed entrant, which will include a temp licence, R120 for a 10km licensed entrant and R120 for all 5km entrants. Entrants for the 10km challenge must be 14 years or older and for the 5km must be 9 years or older on the day of the competition.

Entries can be done online via the race website - EFT payments close on 10 June and Credit Card payments close on 17 June. A manual entry option is available, subject to the limit of 15,000 not having been reached, at race registration  which takes place at Hall 6 at the Durban Exhibition Centre on: Thursday, 20 June and Friday, 21 June from 10:00 to 17:00 and Saturday, 22 June from 10:00 to 15:00. All entrants will receive a promo bag at race registration. 

To enter online or for more race information, www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban. 

For more information like the KZN SPAR Women’s Race Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram.

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Northern KZN Coastal Regional Grantleigh College: Saturday 18 May 2019

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Northern KZN Coastal Regional

Grantleigh College: Saturday 18 May 2019

Felixton College played out of their boots as they defended their Northern KZN Coastal Regional title in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 18 May at Grantleigh College’s astro.

Felixton took on hosts, Grantleigh College in an energetic final that ended with the visitors going 3 goals up. Grantleigh started off strong, earning a short corner 3 minutes into the game with the first real chance at goals. Felixton’s back line were up for the task, not allowing the ball anywhere near the danger zone. 

Midway through the final, Kavilay Naidoo had a superb solo run down the right, but didn’t get beyond the Felixton 22. Netting the first two goals for the red team, Cate Oxley finally broke the deadlock with 7.56 minutes left of play. 40 seconds later, Felixton were again knocking on the door, with a shot fired in, pounding the back board – but on-the-spot umpire, Mari-Lee Visser deemed the shot to have been hit outside the circle, disallowing the attempt. 

Not letting the disappoint get to them, Felixton responded with a short corner. The ball was sent to the top of the field, cleverly the Felixton players skillfully moved the ball around when the ball eventually found Oxley, who had time to slap in her team’s second. 

Delivering the final blow, Josie Picton took the scoreline out of Grantleigh’s reach when she scored the third and final goal with 3 and a half minutes still on the clock. 

Going into the finals, Felixton’s keeper Rhaiya Naidu (18) stated that she hadn’t touched the ball the entire tournament, and her fantastic defenders prevented the ball from coming anywhere near the goals during the final, giving the matric pupil no work the entire day.

Leading up to the finals, Felixton – who finished on top of their pool, took on eShowe High School in the first semi-final. 3.57 into the game, Felixton opened their account during a short corner, where Captain Aphiwe Nene calmly slapped the ball in. Shortly after, Josie Picton who was camped right on the post, bravely positioned her stick and decisively diverted a rogue shot from Beth Oxley, who cannoned the ball from the top of the circle. Picton, was again well placed during a short corner as she injected the ball only to receive the ball from the top of the D, and knocked in Felixton’s third. As the clock wound down, star player Kayla Janse van Vuuren got her team’s fourth goal and a place in the finals. 

In the second semi-final, Grantleigh were made to work hard for their place in the final, when they took on Richard’s Bay Christian School. After 7 minutes, Grantleigh were awarded a short corner. The ball went to the top of the circle, dodging the first wave, the Grantleigh attack had plenty of time as there was no second wave charging down on them, the ball moved right, then across the goal mouth where Minya Geyser edged the ball across the line for the first goal. 

Grantleigh continued peppering the other goals with countless attacks but a Herculean effort from Richard’s Bay’s last stand, Lebogang Tlou who stood solid in her goals, only to remarkably let in 2 goals. Standing tall, the matric pupil had to face off 3 penalty flicks, the first two didn’t make it past her but Beth van Onselen found the right corner with her low flick, giving the home team a 2 nil win.

The Umpire for the Day award went to Visser who was representing Felixton. The young whistle blower was invited to officiate at the Grand Finals in 2016, and has been impressing as she is growing in confidence.

Wrapping up this year’s regionals, Felixton is the final team to earn a ticket to the Grand Finals that takes place on 20 & 21 July at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof. 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),  Ferrum High School (Northern KZN), Wartburg Kirchdorf (uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi) and St Mary’s (Highway).

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

Results:

1 Felixton College, 2 Grantleigh College, =3 eShowe High, =3 Richard’s Bay Christian School, =5 Empangeni High, =5 Curro Mt Richmore, 7 St Catherine’s School, =8 John Ross College, =8 Mandini Academy

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls' Hockey Challenge Northern KZN Coastal Regional Grantleigh College: Saturday 18 May

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls' Hockey Challenge

Northern KZN Coastal Regional

Grantleigh College: Saturday 18 May

Wrapping up the regional tournaments in the ninth year of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Tournament, teams from around Richard’s Bay and eShowe get their chance to take to the turf at Grantleigh College on Saturday 18 May in the hopes of representing the Northern KZN Coastal Regional at the Grand Finals.

Back to defend their title, the surprise package of the 2018 tournament, Felixton College which has proudly lifted the trophy once, joins four-times champions - Empangeni High School, Richards Bay Christian School, John Ross College and newcomer to the tournament Curro Mt Richmore in Pool A. In Pool B are hosts, Grantleigh College, who have also been crowned regional winner three times, St Catherine’s School, Mandini Academy and eShowe High School.

Nine teams will be participating in the games that will follow the same format as the other regionals, where a win earns the team 4 points, a draw with goals - 2 points, a goalless draw 1 point and a loss zero points. The 16 pool games last 20 minutes, thereafter the tournament progresses to a cross pool play off for the top two teams. Depending on the results in the semi-finals, if drawn, the game rolls into the highly dramatic penalty shootout.

This Regional will mark the 98th overall tournament leading up to the Grand Finals that will take place at St Mary’s DSG. The top team from each regional will then meet for an action-packed weekend over 20 and 21 July.

The winner of this regional will be joining nine teams that have already secured a place at the Grand Finals. Teams that have earned a spot 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), Kokstad College (Southern KZN),  Ferrum High School (Northern KZN), Wartburg Kirchdorf (uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi) and St Mary’s (Highway).

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

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Highway Regional Thomas More College: Sunday 12 May

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Highway Regional

Thomas More College: Sunday 12 May

St Mary’s DSG are again champions of the Highway Regional in the ninth SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge where they met Kloof High School in the regional final that took place at Thomas More College on Sunday 12 May. 

It took the defending champs 76 seconds to net their first of 8 goals in the final, when Cailynn den Bakker charged down the field in a solo dash, all the way to the goal line, where she slipped the ball under Kloof keeper, Nicole Nzama’s right foot to Gemma Wood who finished off the fantastic break. 

Thirty seconds later, the next attempt was fired in and bravely defended by Nzama. The second goal was netted by Tyler Pedley standing on the P spot, where she was on the receiving end of a nifty pass from the baseline, which she converted easily.

With five minutes played, den Bakker was back on the attack as she lifted her attempt on entry into the circle, only to have the shot thud into the brave last stand of Nzama. 6 minutes and 45 seconds into the game, St Mary’s earned their first of many short corners as they continued to pile on the pressure against Kloof. After the first shortie was defended, a minute later Saints were back on the prowl with their second short corner. From the castle, the ball moved left to a waiting Dani de Oliveira who sent a low flying flick beyond a charging Nzama for Saints third.

This time positioned on the right of the castle, de Oliveira was back in the action when she got the ball passed to her, firing in yet another rocket that Nzama managed to palm over out of play. Saints quickly got play underway in the long corner that quickly resulted in Cerian Fourie scoring the fourth.

With just over 7 minutes left, Megg Fourie standing at the top of the circle moved the ball right from the castle, but with defenders bearing down on the ball, it got slipped back to Fourie who earned her team’s fifth goal. Den Bakker moved into space midfield and again got the opportunity to stride goalwards, as she stepped into the circle, she slammed the ball into the goals for her teams sixth goal. 

In the final minutes, the defending champs surged forward, attacking from the baseline, Kloof’s Thabile Sibeko defender was hugging the post as the ball got moved infield from the line. Sibeko managed to intercept the ball, but in the flurry, mis-queued her clearance only to watch agonizingly as the ball rolled backwards across her own line. 

As the horn sounded full time, the game was camped out in Kloof’s circle with Saints setting up their sixth short corner. In the set play, a Kloof foot kicked the ball, giving Saints another opportunity. Saints moved play to Captain Kiana Cormack who fired in a shot, only to have the ball hit the post and rebound back to her who didn’t hesitate in slotting in her teams eighth goal, sealing a well deserved and well crafted victory. 

Umpire for the day was Alistair Tyrrell from Curro Hillcrest.

Eight times Highway Regional winners - Saints join eight other teams who are headed to the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG on 20 and 21 July. The teams that already have booked a spot 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), Kokstad College (Southern KZN), Ferrum High School (Northern KZN) and Wartburg Kirchdorf (uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi) .

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

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

ENDS

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.

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. 

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

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