King Edward School wins Sisonke and Ugu Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Sisonke and Ugu Regional 

King Edward High School: Saturday 23 April

Amazing and nerve-wracking was how hosts, King Edward High School’s captain described her teams’ performance in the Sisonke and Ugu Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place in Matatiele on Saturday 23 April

King Edward was on fire in the cold and wet weather, with a full complement of victories throughout the day, including the main game where they met Suid Natal Skool in the regional final. 

After ninety seconds of play, King Edward earned a long corner on the far left of the field. Thirty seconds later saw the local team break into the circle for the first time but the visiting team put a quick stop to the attack, clearing it just beyond the 22. The locals quickly picked up the clearance and pushed the ball to the far right. After breaking away from the defenders, the ball got moved rapidly to the center of the circle where an unmarked King Edward center forward was quietly waiting. Jaylin van Wyk stopped the ball, steadied herself and knocked in the first goal with 2 minutes and 22 seconds of play on the clock. 

Suid Natal dusted themselves off and for majority of the remainder of the game, dominated possession. With almost six minutes of play, they got their first attempt at the KEHS goal but misfired a reverse stick attempt. A few seconds later, they earned a short corner with the attempt going wide. A dash at the King Edward defense with 8 minutes left of play fizzled out and two minutes later they fired in a shot from the top of the D that rocketed to the right of the King Edward goal. 

As time started running low, Suid Natal found themselves with a phenomenal opportunity, a rare one-on-one. King Edward High School’s proactive keeper Tumi Pakkies who hadn’t seen much action during the course of the day, boldly left her line charging towards the attack by Linki Buitendagh. Diving head first, Pakkies managed to defend and distract the Suid Natal attack that stalled in the corner. Suid Natal continued their valiant efforts but the King Edward team snuffed any further attempts and took the regional title for the fifth time. 

Playing in her third SPAR tournament, captain for KEHS, Kiandre Jacquire said, “The final was a tough one, intense and overwhelming. And I am proud of the team for holding strong. We pushed hard in every game, and played our best throughout the day. Playing to our full potential, we managed to win all our games.”

Coach for King Edward, Joaquim Kok shared, “Despite it being wet and rainy, the girls managed to pull through in every single game. They made us proud, they themselves proud because they were determined to do the best that they could. Despite the weather, they played so well and I am very proud of them.” 

Commenting on the final, Kok continued, “The final was a bit tense, a very hectic and challenging game but with one goal, we managed to keep it there and play the defensive game against them and managing to win the game, and tournament in total.”

Recognised for his efforts with the whistle, Umpire of the Day was awarded to Tiaan Prinsloo from King Edward High School. 

The bronze medal game between South Coasters’ Creston College and Southcity Christian School ended nil nil after twenty minutes of play. The game headed to the penalty spot where both teams levelled out with 1 goal each after the first round of three shoot-outs. To decide on the winner, the next round went to sudden death where Creston’s Melissa Bense held strong and managed to net her attempt, edging out hard working Southcity after their missed attempt. 

Earlier in the day, at the conclusion of Pool B, the two teams, Creston College and defending champs, Kokstad College who have both previously made it through to the Grand Finals representing the region, had to square off in a penalty shoot out to see who advanced through to the semi-finals. Both ended their pool games level on 6 points each. Creston College managed a 2 – 1 victory in the penalty shoot-out, giving them a ticket to the semi-final where they met King Edward High School. In the other semi-final, Suid Natal met Southcity.

In the first semi-final, Suid Natal continued their sparkling performance with a 2 nil victory against Southcity. While Creston went down to the hosts, with King Edward knocking in 2 goals against the visitors. 

King Edward High School is the seventh team to earn a berth at the Grand Finals. They join six other teams that have already secured their spot from around KZN. They meet Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional) and Kuswag Hoërskool (DBN South Regional) at the Grand Finals which will be held in July in Kloof. 

Three regionals are still to be played in May, the uMvoti and oThukela Regional on Saturday 7 May, followed by the Durban Central Regional on Sunday 15 May and then finally Northern KZN Coastal Regional on Saturday 21 May. 

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram. All of the SPAR games will be live streamed by SuperSport Schools on their website and mobile app. 

Results

1 King Edward High School; 2 Suid Natal Skool; 3 Creston College; 4 Southcity Christian School; 5 Kokstad College 6 St Monica’s Diocesan School; 7 St Patrick’s College; 8 Ixopo High School; 9 Bergview College

Game Scores

KEHS 1 vs Southcity 0

St Patricks 0 vs Suid Natal 1

Ixopo 0 vs KEHS1 

Bergview 0 vs Kokstad 0

Creston 0 vs St Patricks 0 

Southcity 0 vs St Monica’s 0

Suid Natal 2 vs Bergview 0

Kokstad 0 vs Creston 0

Suid Natal 2 vs Creston 0

KEHS 1 vs St Monica’s 0

Bergview 0 vs St Patrick’s 2

Ixopo 0 vs St Monica’s 0

Kokstad 1 vs St Patricks 0

Creston 1 vs Bergview 0

Suid Natal 1 vs Kokstad 0

Semi-final one: Suid Natal 2 vs Southcity 0

Semi-final two: Creston 0 vs KEHS 2

St Patrick’s 6 vs Ixopo 0

Kokstad College 0 (1) vs St Monica’s 0 (0) 

Bronze: Creston College 0 (2) vs Southcity 0 (1)

Gold / Silver Final: Suid Natal vs KEHS

ENDS

King Edward High School welcomes ten teams for the Sisonke and Ugu Regional 23 April 2022

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Sisonke and Ugu Regional

King Edward High School: Saturday 23 April

King Edward High School welcomes ten teams for the Sisonke and Ugu Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey on Saturday 23 April. 

In Pool A, King Edward High will be joined by Southcity Christian School, St Monica’s Diocesan School; Port Shepstone High School and Ixopo High School. In Pool B St Patrick’s College; Suid Natal High School; Bergview College; Kokstad College and Creston College. 

Games tip off at 8am, with the action being played on two fields. Each game will last 20 minutes going one way. A win earns a team 4 points, a draw with goals counts for 2 points, a goalless draw only 1 point and a loss zero points. Taking to the field first will be host school, King Edward taking on Southcity, on the second field St Patrick’s meet Suid Natal. 

After the pool games have concluded, the teams head to a cross pool play off, with the medal games finishing up the day. 

This region has produced three winners that have travelled to the Grand Finals. Creston College, Kokstad College and host school King Edward High School have all had their names engraved on the regional trophy. 

This is the seventh regional in the ten regional challenge that trots around KZN each year, leading up to the Grand Finals at St Mary’s D.S.G. in July. Six teams have already secured their berth for the Grand Finals, they are Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional); St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional) and Kuswag Hoërskool (DBN South Regional). 

Following this regional the challenge heads to the Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg for the uMvoti and oThukela Regional on Saturday 7 May. 

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

ENDS

Kingsway ready to host DBN South Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban South Regional

3 Schools Trust Astro: Sunday 10 April

The sixth tournament in the exciting SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge is set to tip off on Sunday 10 April at the 3 Schools Trust Astro where Kingsway High School will host teams in the Durban South Regional. 

Looking forward to welcoming teams, Captain Aphiwe Masuku and Vice Captain Ashleigh van Staden from Kingsway High School are anticipating some wonderful action at the upcoming Durban South Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that they are hosting at the 3 Schools Trust Astro on Sunday 10 April. Pic by Rogan Ward

Teams participating in this regional alongside hosts Kingsway are Amanzimtoti High School, Kuswag Hoërskool, New Forest High School and Werda School. 

Kicking off the day, New Forest High School will take on Werda School in the first game. The games will be 25 minutes one way, with a break of two minutes between game change overs. The second game will feature the two teams who have lifted the trophy in this regional, Amanzimtoti High School and Kuswag Hoërskool.

After ten round robin games, the top two teams will face each other in the regional final. Points for the log will be 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw with goals, 1 point for a goalless draw and zero points for a loss.  

The winner of the Durban South Regional will join the five teams that have made it through to the Grand Finals that will be held in July at St Mary’s D.S.G.. The five reigning regional champions are Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional) Our Lady of Fatima (DBN North Regional) and St Mary’s D.S.G. (Highway Regional).

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page, or follow on Instagram. You can also watch all the games live on the SuperSport Schools App or website.

ENDS

I heart Market – Awesome and Artisanal in Autumn

DURBAN: The City’s popular and much-loved artisanal I heart Market is back in all its autumnal awesomeness at Moses Mabhida lawns on Saturday 2 April from 08:30 to 14:00.

As always, the focus of the market is on local entrepreneurs with excellent quality, hand-crafted and bespoke artisanal foods, crafts, décor and fashion. Expect to find delicious foods to take-away or eat on site, homemade pastries and breads, brownies, cupcakes,  and dried fruits and nuts, locally designed clothing, home décor and furnishings, inspired accessories, and jewellery - all made with dedicated care and love.

During the lockdowns and severe pandemic times, I heart Market stopped trading for 20 months. Whilst they pivoted to online markets during that time, it put an immense strain on the local vendors that relied on the income generated from trading.

"Our most important objective is to showcase local creative talent and bring the Durban community together," says director Anna Savage. "It's been heart-warming to see our old traders and loyal customers excited to be back trading at our market."

Chef Rum, a small local business and it barely escaped closing down during lockdown says, "Events such as I heart Market that support local businesses only has helped keep our doors open and for me to continue to employ my one helper. Thank you I heart from the bottom of my heart."

"It's all very well making products and selling them online but without your customer feeling the product and smelling the product, it's a much harder sell. I heart Market has been the perfect place for us to engage with our audience and getting immediate feedback from the customer helps to spur us on and encourage us. The experience is invaluable," says Keren Pocock of Aya Natural Skin who makes natural oils and cream all with the addition of the healing properties of fermented papaya. 

The market takes place on Saturday 2 April from 08:30 to 14:00. Entrance if free and dogs (on leashes) are welcome. There is secure underground parking at the Stadium.  COVID protocols will be observed.

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Our Lady of Fatima bags Durban North Regional title

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban North Regional

Danville Park Girls’ High School: Saturday 12 March

After a determined display on the turf on a blistering hot day, Our Lady of Fatima secured the Durban North Regional title in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 12 March. 

The winning team met host school, Danville Park Girls’ High School in the regional final. From the whistle, Fatima pushed hard at the Danville defence earning their first short corner after 150 seconds of play. The home team defenders stood strong as the visitors tried various moves from all directions, trying to pierce through and net a goal. 

With majority of the play taking place mostly in the Danville half, Fatima finally found a hole in the Danville back line. With three quarters of the game played, Fatima set up for their fourth and final short corner, the ball was injected towards the castle who quickly moved the ball and found a fast and fiesty Caprese Bentson who slotted in the regional winning goal. 

“That goal was amazing. The short corner was meant to be a slip to the left, and a slap to Caprese on far posts but the runners were extremely fast, so we had to change it up. We passed it straight to Caprese who flicked it into the top right of the net. She is a brilliant player.” enthused Fatima’s captain, Sarah Bright after the game. 

She continued, “The day went really well for us, we got better and better with each game played. Thanks to our coaches who did an amazing job. Overall it was a great day.”

Chatting about the final, Bright stated, “We started off quite slow, but we had had quite a big gap after our last game so our intensity was quite low, but we all encouraged each other and started playing faster and more of our game. We played well and composed. We connected with each other and connected well as a team.”

Coach for Fatima, Jacinta Jubb said, “The girls had a really good day today. We started strong, got all wins across except for our last pool game which was a little bit of an inconsistent game for us. We scored some good goals; with 13 goals in total in the pool stages. And then we cemented ourselves a place in the final. So was impressed with how they managed their consistency throughout the day.”

Commenting on the final game of the day, Jubb shared, “It was an amazing final. It is always a battle to go up against Danville. The girls held their own and implemented our structure and plan. They fought the one-on-one battles hard. And it was a really nice, confident goal at a short corner to clinch the win for us.”

At the end of the pool games, the top three teams all had 13 points with identical scorecards showing three wins and all three finishing on a goalless draw. Fatima were the outright winner of Pool A and in Pool B, Ashton International College and Danville Park Girls’ High both levelling up in first spot. Danville were awarded top of their pool as they had netted 13 goals to Ashton’s 10 during their four games. 

The Most Promising Umpire for the day was awarded to Northlands Girls’ High School’s Tatum Kroutz.

Following the Durban North fixture, the action moved to Westville Girls’ High School the next day for the Highway Regional where St Mary’s DSG won. This weekend’s winners join Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional) and St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional) at the Grand Finals that takes place in July at St Mary’s DSG.

The challenge has a four week break before heading to the Three Schools Trust Astro Turf for the Durban South Regional hosted by Kingsway High School on Sunday 10 April. 

Overall results

1 Our Lady of Fatima 13 points; 2 Danville Park Girls’ High School 13 points; 3 Ashton International 13 points; 4 = Reddam uMhlanga 9 points 4= Crawford La Lucia 9 points; 6 Crawford North Coast 8 points; 7= Curro Mt Richmore 4 points; 7= Northland Girls’ High School 4 points; 9= Durban North College 0 points 9= Reddam Ballito 0 points

ENDS

Danville to host Durban North Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge 12 March 2022

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

DBN North Regional

Danville Park Girls’ High School: Saturday 12 March

In the fourth tournament of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, ten teams will gather for the DBN North Regional at Danville Park Girls’ High School on Saturday 12 March. 

The ten schools have been divided into two pools. In Pool A are Crawford La Lucia, Curro Mt Richmore, Durban North College, Reddam House uMhlanga and Our Lady of Fatima. Pool B features Ashton International College, Crawford North Coast, Danville Park Girls’ High, Northlands Girls’ High and Reddam House Ballito. 

The first game tips off at 7.15am, getting the tournament underway will be Curro Mt Richmore and Our Lady of Fatima. Winners will earn themselves 4 points, a draw with goals 2 points, a goalless draw 1 point and a loss zero points. After 20 games, the winner of Pool A will take on the winner of Pool B in the regional final. 

In one of the most competitive regionals, four teams have gone on to represent the area at the Grand Finals. Host school, Danville are the defending champs, having won the title three times. This regional has had four winners – Ashton Fatima, Danville and Crawford La Lucia

The winner of this regional will join nine other teams from around KZN at the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG in July. Three teams have already secured their spots at the Grand Finals, they are Pionier Hoerskool (Northern KZN Regional); St Anne’s College (PMB North Regional) and St John’s D.S.G. (PMB Central Regional).

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

. 

ENDS

St Anne's takes top honours in PMB North Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

PMB North Regional

St Anne’s College: Saturday 5 March

After a cracker of a day on the turf, the host school, St Anne’s College continued their Midlands dominance as their team raised the PMB North Regional trophy for the tenth time in a row in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge held on Saturday 5 March, 2022.

The regional final went down to the wire in a nail-biting 25 minutes. Out of the blocks, The Wykeham Collegiate looked the more composed team, settling in early and taking the ball up to St Anne’s circle on several occasions. The visitors were just unable to convert their possession and barrage of attacks into early goals.

It took St Anne’s seven minutes to find their groove as they started to find gaps in The Wykeham Collegiate game. Midway through the final, St Anne’s earned a short corner. In the set piece, the ball was moved to Georgie Leseur who fired in a flick taking Saints 1 goal up. Shortly after their success, St Anne’s were awarded another short corner. TWC stood strong, defending valiantly and managed a quick turn around with a superb counter attack. On the opposite end, TWC got their chance at a short corner. The ball was pushed to the castle, then moved left. After a bit of a mistimed shot, Amy Erasmus who had just injected the ball, was brilliantly on hand to tap the ball across the goal to a waiting Sarah van den Bergh who knocked in the all-important equaliser.

Both teams worked hard as the clock ticked down but were unable to find the back of the net as they desperately attacked in the hopes of eking out a win. The game ended 1 all after full time, with the decider for this regional final moving to the penalty spot.

TWC matched St Anne’s shot for shot during the exciting three rounds of penalty shoot-outs. After the first round, there was nothing in it and the scores were level on 2 all, with the game progressing to a dramatic sudden death round. After a total of nine rounds, six of those in the sudden death, Saint’s Ella Shuttleworth capitalised on TWC’s Ella Hanbury King unfortunate miss, calmly slotting in her shot and claiming victory for St Anne’s after a magnificent, riveting final.

Co-Captain for St Anne’s Bahati Dakile stated after the prize giving, “I think the back to back was definitely challenging, but I think our team really brought it together in the end. We really supported each other. The competition today was great, and everyone played really well. It wasn’t an easy day with everyone doing really well to contest, and I think our team really, really put in the effort. So did everyone else. It was a fun day, lots of excitement and it is so, so great to be back.”

Talking about the epic sudden death rounds, Dakile continued, “That was so nerve wracking to be honest. We tried to switch up our order and make it challenging for the other team. Our goal keeper Sandi, is really young, she is only in grade nine and it is her first big tournament and she really pulled it out the bag. She did her best and it ended paying off at the end of the day.”

St Anne’s coach, Marcelle Keet said, “It was awesome to be out on the pitch after CoViD, after two years of not playing hockey. I think it was a really good standard of hockey throughout this Midlands area. Everyone was competitive in all the games that we played, in our round robin. And then a really tough game against The Wykeham in the first game and it was bound to be a tough final going into the last game. They brought a lot of energy, a lot of good. structured hockey. It is great for the Midlands that these two teams are really competitive, it makes the province even more competitive.”

Talking about the conclusion to the final, she added. "Really proud of the girls. They really dug deep. It takes quite a lot of guts to stand up and do the eight second right at the ends. Both keepers were exceptional and the three girls on either side having to do two rounds of extra time in eight seconds which was absolutely fantastic but that exactly what SPAR wants for the ladies’ hockey, to end off in such an exciting final. It is just an absolute pleasure being back again at hockey and being able to play again at the SPAR Challenge.”

Umpire for the Day was awarded to Nicea Strydom from Voortrekker High School.

This is the tenth time St Anne’s College will represent the PMB North Regional. They are now heading to the Grand Finals, they join newcomers, Pionier Hoërskool who will wave the flag for the Northern KZN Regional. Both teams will meet eight other schools, making up the ten teams who will all do battle over two days at St Mary’s in July.

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

Overall results

1 St Anne’s College 20pts; 2 The Wykeham Collegiate 16pts; 3 Howick High School 12pts; 4 Voortreker High School 8pts; 5 Treverton High School 4pts; 6 Grace College 0pts

ENDS

 Photos by Rogan Ward

Realness Institute Opens 2922 Submissions: Episodic Lab & Development Executive Traineeship in partnership with Netflix

22 November 2021: Realness Institute, a non-profit organisation which aims to empower Africans to tell their stories from an unapologetically African point of view, is excited to announce the opened submissions for the 2022 Episodic Lab and Development Executive Traineeship (DET) in partnership with Netflix, the world’s leading streaming entertainment service. Submissions open today (22 November 2021) on https://realnessinstitute.awardsplatform.com/  and close on 14 January 2022.

This follows the overwhelming interest in the inaugural editions, having received 425 submissions for the 2021 Episodic Lab and 79 applications for the 2021 DET.

The Episodic Lab is a development programme that gives screenwriters from South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria an opportunity to develop their original story ideas, in any genre. The participants have the opportunity of pitching these incubated stories to Netflix executives  at the end of the programme.

The DET, which is open to applicants from across Africa and the Diaspora, is aimed at mid-career industry professionals who are looking to enhance their skills as story consultants. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the story development process, and will be exposed to a more nuanced approach in the support of writers whilst simultaneously holding writers accountable for their creative work. DET participants will work alongside creative producers and story experts in the development of their concepts and series pitch decks. They will also engage with international and local guest speakers every week for the duration of the programme.

While there is no guarantee that any proposal will be developed further by Netflix, it is a unique opportunity to interface at key milestones with the Netflix executives, and be afforded the opportunity to pitch. 2021 Episodic Lab alumnus Kudi Maradzika (Zimbabwean-South African) pitched an idea for a comedy-drama that has been selected for further development. Provisionally entitled Bad Influencer (co-created with Justin Oswald) Maradzika is now starting to turn her attention to next steps, which include Writers’ Room planning.

Kudi Maradzika

“This is an incredible opportunity and I’m grateful to the Realness and Netflix Grow Creative teams for helping make young writers’ dreams a possibility. The Episodic lab is tough but pushes you to be your best. I’m a better writer for it,” says Kudi Maradzika.

The 2022 Episodic Lab and DET are set to take place online from 1 May to 31 July 2022.

Each of the twelve participants (six per programme), will receive a monthly stipend of USD 2,000 during the incubation period. This is to cover living expenses as they focus on their concept development while being mentored.

Mehret Mandefro, Director of Development and Partnerships at the Realness Institute

Mehret Mandefro, Director of Development and Partnerships at the Realness Institute says, “What we have witnessed from the first Lab and Traineeship is that there is a deep desire for Africans to create their own narratives. This bodes well for a growing audience, based in Africa and abroad. We are so pleased to be a major player in lighting the fire of our amazing continental creatives. Also to hear from last year’s participants how they have been able to transplant everything they learnt in the incubator into their current work and other projects, as well as the impact we had in their lives and creative process.”

Allison Triegaardt, Netflix Manager for Grow Creative Africa

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Realness Institute for the 2022 edition of the Episodic Lab and Development Executive Traineeship (DET). The development, nurturing and support of talent pipelines gives new voices a chance to be heard. This is key for Netflix as we contribute to the growth of the film and TV industry and honour our commitment to the African creative community,” says Allison Triegaardt, Netflix Manager for Grow Creative Africa.

For information on eligibility and application process please visit the following:

●      Episodic Lab - https://www.realness.institute/episodic-lab

●      Development Executive Traineeship - https://www.realness.institute/det

Further enquiries about the programme and application process can be directed to email submissions@realness.institute.

 -ends

I heart market makes welcome return to Moses Mabhida Stadium 27 Nov 2021

I heart market makes a welcome return to Moses Mabhida Stadium on 27 November

Finally, as the world begins to slowly open up, the much-loved I heart Market makes a welcome return to the lawns outside the Moses Mabhida Stadium to begin trading on Saturday 27 November.

“After 20 months of pandemic realness, we are so happy to announce that the I heart Market, which provides trading opportunities for 80 small businesses, is returning for festive season,” says Anna Savage, owner of the market. ”And we are delighted to be back on the lawns of the Stadium, a popular and convenient central spot for all.”

“I heart Market is all about supporting small local businesses and so you will never find any imports or mass manufactured products,” enthuses Anna. “We pride ourselves in finding interesting and exciting products produced by our local creative community. So expect to find old favourites – from homemade pastries, local cheeses and olives, locally designed and produced clothing, home furnishings, accessories,  unique silver jewellery, and some exciting new additions, with loads of Festive Season inspirations,  and so much more. All made with love. We are so looking forward to welcoming our loyal traders and customers back.”

The festive markets begin on 27 November and take place on 4 and 11 December, and 8 January from 08:30 to 14:00. Entrance if free and dogs (on leashes) are welcome. There is secure underground parking at the Stadium.  COVID protocols will be observed.

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Snakes in the City Team Encounters Intriguing World of Snake Mating and Fighting Rituals

Snakes in the City Team Encounters Intriguing World of Snake Mating and Fighting Rituals 

Simon Keys and Siouxsie Gillett - stars of Snakes in the City - the internationally acclaimed National Geographic Wild series, are feeling “lucky”. Not the same way an average person would feel lucky. But lucky nevertheless. And the reason? They arrived a month earlier than usual in Durban to film the next season, which means they are here for snake mating season, and along with that, the intriguing rituals and fighting associated with it. 

Snakes in the City TV star Siouxsie Gillett at a recent capture, with 3 entwined male Spotted Bush Snakes that were fighting to mate with a female that escaped.

“Usually we begin in October/November when the weather has warmed up and snakes are more active, which is post-mating season. Now, because we are here earlier, we are coming across some rather amazing sights,” explains Siouxsie Gillett, a qualified herpetologist. “This is a time of the year that you are likely to see more than one snake together – as they are usually solitary creatures. Often people see two or more snakes together and think it may be snakes mating – but it is more than likely two males fighting for dominance.”

“The world of snake mating and reproduction is quite a fascinating one,” says Simon Keys. “For example, female snakes produce a strong scent to attract males, leaving a scent trail so males can find her. And during the mating season could attract a whole mass of snakes who have followed her scent, who all end up fighting for her. Quite a scary sight for an untrained eye!”

“Intriguing too, is that the male snake has spent the winter in hibernation not eating, and is hungry, but would rather mate at this point than find food!” says Siouxsie. “Surprisingly, some species like our famous Black Mamba will combat in a non-violent way for the female, by attempting to dominate the other male by almost entwining around, and laying on top of the other male, often misunderstood as two snakes mating.”

“Most female snakes lay their eggs and leave them. Some snakes (pythons - including the Rock Python - and King Cobras) incubate their eggs, and King Cobras even build a nest for them! Some even give birth to live young like Adders.

“So now’s the time to watch out for the fighting and mating, and soon for the babies to be out and about. And we are happy to come help out to remove them and place them in a safe natural environment.”

Simon and Siouxsie are available to capture and relocate snakes free of charge whilst filming the series. All filming is done using strict SA Government CoViD-19 guidelines and regulations. The caller, with permission and depending on the conditions of the call-out, may end up in the TV series

The Snakes in the City hotline for snake removals is 063 234 6932.

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Durban Link for European Film Festival - Fernando Pessoa, celebrated Portuguese Poet

Local Durban link to Portuguese film at European Film Festival 

One of the films showing at the 8th European Film Festival,  which is online and free between 14 and 24 October, is the Portuguese film The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis – which has an interesting connection to Durban. 

It’s a beautifully shot black and white film, based on the novel by Jose Saramago, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1998. The character - Ricardo Reis -  is a persona created by Fernando Pessoa, and Pessoa's ghost is a central part of the film.  Fernando Pessoa was one of the greatest of Portuguese poets and is, not everybody knows, an alumni of Durban High School – there is a bust of Pessoa in the Durban CBD.

Film Synopsis for The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis: 

Fernando Pessoa, one of the greatest writers of the Portuguese language, established a gigantic parallel universe creating a series of heteronyms to survive his loneliness of genius. Nobel laureate of literature José Saramago wrote this novel about one of these heteronymous characters, Ricardo Reis, a fictitious author, with unique personality and style, who returns to Portugal, after 16 years of exile in Brazil. 1936 is the year of all danger, Mussolini's fascism, Hitler's Nazism, the terrible Spanish civil war and Salazar's Estado Novo in Portugal, but this is all a delicate backcloth to Ricardo's dalliances with women and his mysterious encounters with the ghost of Fernando Pessoa.

"The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis is a unique and magnificent work by José Saramago, but if there is another way of telling this novel, equally unique and magnificent, it is this film unravelling by veteran director João Botelho.Botelho's screenplay and direction is crucially supported by João Ribeiro's beautiful black and white cinematography, fostering a unique aesthetic-narrative construction for the telling of this story.’ . Carolina Alves, C7nema

Reviews

In a perfect filmology of sensations, the small gestures, looks, intimate close shots, tell us of memories, thoughts, and secrets in a visually poetic manner that is transcendent of text or dialogue. Carolina Alves, C7nema

Botelho films exquisitely between light and shadow, with a visual richness reminiscent of the best of French impressionism and a tempo that sways the senses.  Seville Festival

This film adaptation treats characters and circumstances with a solemnity reverent to the Nobel prize-winners book, enveloping the celebration of the word with a framework that is close to meta-language. Marcello Muller, Papo de Cinema

Visit www.eurofilmfest.co.za for more on the free online festival of 18 new films and to access the screenings.

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EbonyLife and Sony Pictures Television announce ÀLÓ, a brand-new African writers initiative

EBONYLIFE AND SONY PICTURES TELEVISION ANNOUNCE ÀLÓ – A NEW AFRICAN WRITERS INITIATIVE

EbonyLife and Sony Pictures Television (“SPT”) have announced ÀLÓ, a brand-new writers initiative offering a unique platform for writers of African heritage.

The word “ÀLÓ” is from the Yoruba language and translates as ‘once upon a time’. Just like with those words which have opened countless stories for hundreds of years, this is the beginning of an exciting journey to discover the best authentic African story ideas which will inspire and resonate with viewers across the globe.

The ÀLÓ Initiative website will open for fixed periods beginning this Friday (24th) when writers can submit their television scripts and story documents, which will then be reviewed and shortlisted by the ÀLÓ team which is comprised of creative executives from both EbonyLife and SPT. 

Entrants can reside outside Africa but must be of African heritage, born in any of the continent’s fifty-four countries or have proven citizenship as a native of the country, or be first generation children. The initiative is open to professionals, freelancers as well as up-and-coming writers, and there are no limitations to the story ideas or scripts. Any theme or story is welcome, but submissions must pay homage to Africa’s unique cultures, diversity, heritage and people.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to enter into a series pilot development agreement with SPT and EbonyLife under the ÀLÓ Initiative to create and write a pilot script. Once completed, the projects will be pitched to major international broadcasters for their consideration. 

Mo Abudu, Chief Executive Officer, EbonyLife Media, says, "I am really excited about our growing partnership with Sony Pictures Television; from our deal for three scripted series, to our first-look agreement, and now the ÀLÓ Writers’ Initiative. The name of this initiative inspires me, as we chose a word which holds so much personal meaning for me. I am particularly thrilled about the Writers’ Initiative because it is in line with our continent-wide vision to harness and grow our creative economy. It is focused on global storytelling that is authentically African and that gives African writers access to the biggest international broadcasters in the world.  It is a dream come true for me.”

Nina Lederman, EVP Global Scripted Development for Sony Pictures Television, says “The ÀLÓ initiative is born out of SPT and EbonyLife’s shared passion for great storytelling. We know from our many, many conversations developing this initiative with Mo and her team at EbonyLife that there are countless stories from across the African continent yet to be told. We hope that this provides a unique platform to writers of African heritage with a story they want to bring to the world."

The ÀLÓ Initiative will first open for submissions between September 24th and November 5th 2021, with a further six-week period to be confirmed at a later date. Internationally, the initiative it is open to submissions from the US, Canada, the UK and EU, Australia and New Zealand, and Africa. It hopes to expand to include further regions for future submission periods. 

Full terms and conditions and eligibility criteria can be found on the ÀLÓ Initiative website here https://www.alowritersinitiative.com

-ENDS-

About EbonyLife Media

EbonyLife Media, headed by CEO Mo Abudu, is Nigeria’s premium media conglomerate comprising EbonyLife TV, EbonyLife Films, EbonyLife Studios, EbonyLife Creative Academy and EbonyLife Place (a luxury entertainment resort). EbonyLife Media believes in creating original and inspiring content that showcases a pioneering and progressive Africa. The content is strongly rooted in Africa and connected to a global audience, through a shared identity and common values. EbonyLife Media’s vision is to be the most influential storyteller of a new Africa.

About Sony Pictures Television

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is one of the television industry’s leading content providers, producing, distributing and carrying programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform. In addition to managing one of the industry’s largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, SPT is home to a thriving global content business, operating a robust portfolio of wholly-owned and joint-venture production companies across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, as well as linear and digital channels around the world. SPT is a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation.

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Award-winning Cape Town Choreographer Yaseen Manuel to create work for CCA’S JOMBA!

Award-winning Cape Town Choreographer  Yaseen Manuel to create work for CCA’S JOMBA!

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of the Arts, in partnership with the Mellon Foundation’s Artist in Residence programme, is delighted to welcome Cape Town dancer and choreographer Yaseen Manuel who will be spending 3 months working in conjunction with the Centre for Creative Arts’ 23rd JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, and the Drama and Performance Studies Programme. 

Yaseen Manuel with Flatfoot Dance Company’s Sifiso Khumalo rehearsing for the 2019 JOMBA fest.

In a really difficult time for any embodied practice, with the need for social distancing and safe ways of working, Manuel will be using the Mellon residency to create two screen dance films that will premiere at JOMBA!’s second digital iteration of its festival in late August. For this, he will be working with Durban’s much-loved FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY – and in an interesting interplay of digital on-line engagements. He will also be hosting workshops and discussion sessions/seminars via zoom with UKZN’s dance students over his three-month residency. 

Manuel’’ own Cape Town history and personal Muslim spirituality and legacy features prominently in his work. The South African dance community sat up and took notice of his work when he began a series of solos in 2016/17 that connected race, religion and ideas of masculinity in choreographed evocations of deeply neglected stories and identities in the South African landscape. His recent 2019 dance work “ASLAMA”, linked the Syrian massacre to a more internal battle for self and identity that was both terrifying and beautiful!

He is a skilled dancer and teacher and while he works as an independent artist, he is also a member of the ground-breaking integrated dance company UNMUTE DANCE COMPANY. Dr Lliane Loots, artistic director and curator of the CCA’s JOMBA! festival says that she is “delighted – at this very difficult time for dance – to open space to feature one of South Africa’s most original dance-making voices and the reminder he offers, of yet still untold and underrepresented stories in our country”.

Catch the premiere of Yaseen Manuel’s screen dance films at JOMBA! which will take place on-line from 24 August to 5 September. Access to on-line viewing is free. Subscribe to the JOMBA Youtube channel here : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN9cM0WFw5j2QnYSbk1Zu6Q

Fun Outdoor (Social Distancing) Activities at Mnini Dam for the Holidays - south of Durban

Fun Outdoor (Social Distancing) Activities at Mnini Dam for the Holidays 

Just 30 minutes south of Durban’s CBD, in the heart of quiet rural uMgababa area alongside the Mnini Dam there are a number of fun outdoor leisure activities hosted all-year-round by Green Corridors and its partners.

With the COVID-19 pandemic expected to reach its peak during the July holidays, and with citizens being urged not to travel unnecessarily for leisure, there are many healthy and safe outdoor options close to home which allow families to have some good old-fashioned fun.

Calm and quiet at Mnini Dam

 Activities on offer include fishing, canoeing, boating, hiking and birding. There is also a network of trails that allow for exploring, birding, mountain biking and hiking - all enabling safe social distancing for groups in their own “bubbles.”  There are accommodation choices too for overnight and mini-break stays.

The dam itself boasts largemouth bass, tilapia and an abundance of bird life.

Thulas' Adventures, with host Thulas Luthuli, an accredited guide, gives insightful and engaging guided walks and cycling tours around the area including a visit to the local Sangoma. For bird-lovers, there is also great birding, and for the more adventurous canoeing, and a spectacular walk up the Nsingizane River to a waterfall and pool, where, in hotter months, you can enjoy a leisurely swim.  Join him as he expands on the cultural history of the area, as well as allowing you to just enjoy being outdoors and in nature. Thulas, together with partners Green Corridors, also offers accommodation in the form of the pop-up camps – with up to eight two-man tents, a communal catering area (fully catered or self-catered), ablutions, and security. All these are booked via Green Corridors.

Thulas Luthuli - your tour guide is ready to welcome you.

Pop up camps - should you want to stay over night.

Spectacular walk up the Nsingizane River

 Mnini Dam Tourist Resort, hosts, Mlu and Sphiwe Shezi-Mqadi welcome guests all week, offering catch and release bass fishing, canoeing, picnicking and trail options. Permanent gazebos with braai facilities, a jungle gym, and grassy lawns overlooking the dam, make it a safe and fun space to relax.

Canoes for hire

Gazebos, braai facilities, lawns and a jungle gym at Mnini Dam Tourist Resort

Your hosts Mlu and Sphiwe Shezi-Mqadi are ready to welcome you to their Mnini Dam Tourist Resort

 Mlu and Sphiwe offer boat hire and launch facilities, a bar and grill, frozen braai packs, and bait, and overnight camping. When lockdown regulations allow, they also cater regularly for special events such as weddings and birthday parties.

They have recently built four warmly appointed rooms with en-suites, which they offer at a BnB rate with a full English breakfast, for those wanting a more comfortable overnight stay away from the city.

Mnini Dam Tourist Resort offers 4 double rooms with ensuite bathrooms as well as camping options should you want to stay overnight.

Mnini Dam Tourist Resort offers BnB with a full English Breakfast

Both sites enjoy committed involvement from their communities and the well-being  and security of guests is important to them. Take time to stop and chat to people on the roads,  and expect yells of delight and joyous laughter from children, as you are welcomed with open arms to this small slice of paradise.

Bookings for Thulas' Adventures activities and pop-up camp can be done via reservations@durbangreencorridor.co.za or call 031 322 6026/7.

Bookings for overnight accommodation at Mini Resort can be done via +27 83 514 1685 or piyoyomi@gmail.com

Youth Day Start for 500km cycle/run for Sport for Lives in partnership with the Kolisi Foundation

Hilton College teacher Kwanda Sibiya leads Sport for Lives, Manguzi Edition –500km cycle /run from Hilton to Manguzi

On 16 June, National Youth Day, Sport for Lives together with the Kolisi Foundation will launch the Sport for Lives, Manguzi Edition. Led by Kwanda Sibiya, a team of 6 participants will leave Hilton College to cycle and run a distance of 500km to reach Manguzi in eight days (16 -23 June 2021).

Passionate about where he comes from, Kwanda Sibiya, the initiator of this drive, is himself a story of perseverance and hope, bringing opportunity and tangible change back to his community. The son of a cabbage farmer, Kwanda’s family struggled to make ends meet. But Kwanda was inspired by a clipping of a Mark Shuttleworth story and dreamed of a career in science. Today, after a long road of perseverance and hard work, Kwanda is a Science teacher and Housemaster at Hilton College. Through this Sport for Lives – Manguzi Edition, he hopes to raise enough money to support, educate and mentor two Manguzi orphaned children, ages 5 and 6, for one year. Additional funds raised will be directed to the Kolisi Foundation.

“The partnership between the Kolisi Foundation and Sport for Lives is driven by our shared desire to change the narratives around inequality in South Africa,” said Sport for Lives co-founder Chris Kingsley. “Our purpose is to activate generosity through the vehicle of sport and we are honoured to be partnering with the Kolisi Foundation, because we are both a platform through which Kwanda's voice and personal hope for his community can be amplified.” 

The Manguzi Edition will mark the first of an annual event forming part of a campaign series. This inaugural year the team consists of: Kwanda Sibiya (Hilton College and Manguzi), Chris Kingsley (Sport for Lives and Hilton College), Ncedo Koyana (Kolisi Foundation), Peter Storrar (Hilton College Director of Marketing), Caroline Storrar (Hilton physiotherapist and former resident of Manguzi), Rod Spencer (Falcon House and Hilton College old boy, Founder of Deep Rural).

“Remember the one, one by one encompasses the power of the ripple effect that one individual can bring about. Kwanda is a reminder of the impact that one story can bring about. Through Kwanda’s changed narrative and learnings, he is now changing the narrative of inequality, one by one,” added Ncedo Koyana, Programme Coordinator for Education and Sports Development at the Kolisi Foundation.  

To support Sport for Lives, Manguzi Edition together with the Kolisi Foundation or to pledge an amount, no matter how small, please visit www.sportforlives.org or the direct campaign link www.sportforlives.org/campaigns/sport-for-lives-manguzi-edition/

Watch the official Sport for Lives, Manguzi Edition clip - https://youtu.be/1orZmwv6i0g

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Film - Deliver Me - poetic meditation on the migration of a Malawian man for Encounters Film Fest

Deliver Me screening at Encounters Documentary Film Festival

Paper Cranes Collective and Ctrl Alt Shift are proud to announce that their first collaboration, Deliver Me, has been selected to screen at this year’s Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival where it will have its world premiere.  Directed by Jannous Aukema (Until The Silence Comes and The Jaguars Daughter), the film was conceived, filmed, and edited during South Africa’s LockDown level 4. Made for under R20,000 and a four-man crew, the project is a unique take on the documentary storytelling format.  

“We are honoured and very pleased to have our project Deliver Me, screen at such a prestigious festival such as Encounters, a festival that plays such a key role not only in the continental festival calendar but also for documentaries in our local industry,” said Mitchell Harper, Ctrl Alt Shift producer of the film. “The film’s collaborative nature, along with its unusual approach to story-telling and financing will hopefully readjust many to how we approach not only filmmaking but help shift our understanding of what trials many go through in a bid to survive everyday life.” 

Co-produced by companies in Durban and Cape Town, Deliver Me is a 25-minute film, a poetic meditation on the migration of a Malawian man, who has come to South Africa to find a future for himself and his family. We follow Paul Mwasi through the evening streets, restaurants, and suburbs he navigates as an Uber delivery bike rider, during the coronavirus hard lockdown in Cape Town, South Africa. We come to see that he is a man driven by love for his family, whom he remains in contact with through his cellphone, his digital lifeline to those he has left behind. His work and the conditions he toils in are solitary. In many ways, Paulʼs journey as witnessed in the film is a signifier not only of the struggles of isolation in an unknown place but more generally of the lonesome months of a world pandemic.  

The film will be available to view free at Encounters on their digital platform from 10-20 June, and is available on the African continent throughout the festival period as part of their 24/7 section. 

To find out how to watch Deliver Me, go  to Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival, https://encounters.co.za/film/deliver-me/

You can see the teaser of the film through this link: https://vimeo.com/558692412

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SPAR Women's Virtual Challenge 4 September 2021

SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL VIRTUAL CHALLENGE GOES LIMITLESS

SPAR ANNOUNCE R1 MILLION INVITATIONAL SPAR GRAND PRIX SERIES

Johannesburg, South Africa: The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge is back for 2021 and this year, the challenge is going limitless with entries open nationwide. Along with the virtual challenge, SPAR is also bringing back the prestigious SPAR Grand Prix series, giving some much-needed support to South Africa’s professional women runners.

Online entries are now open for the 2021 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge. SPAR is inviting women across the country to join in on Saturday, 4th September 2021, anytime between 06h00 and 18h00 (subject to government lockdown regulations). Participants can run, jog, or walk their own virtual challenge, at their own pace, anywhere in South Africa.

The 2021 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge is set to be the ultimate antidote to Covid-19 fatigue and the lockdown blues that many South Africans are feeling. The 2021 challenge theme, #LiveLimitless calls on women to recognise how many obstacles they have overcome in spite of the restrictions and limitations that we have been faced with in the past year. 

“Following the first ever SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge held in 2020, the challenge participants could never have anticipated that almost a year later, the nation would still be living with lockdown restrictions as the world continues to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic. #LiveLimitless recognises that we have done and coped with so much in the past year that we never thought we would be able to,” says Alison Zweers, SPAR Managing Director Western Cape and Namibia. 

Every year thousands of women look forward to taking part in the SPAR Women’s Challenge races and their associated fun runs. Due to the lockdown imposed in 2020, SPAR changed the game by launching their first ever virtual challenge. “By hosting the second virtual challenge in 2021, we are once again giving women something to look forward to and we are really excited that no one will have to miss out this year. The fact that we have managed to find a way for our challenge community to keep coming together is really a testament to what #LiveLimitless is all about,” SPAR Group Marketing Executive, Mike Prentice enthuses.

Ensuring a limitless future for all, the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge 2021 event will benefit the SPAR Petal’s Project. Proceeds from this year’s entry fee will be used to help the Petals project donate packs of sanitary pads to underprivileged girls who often stay away from school when they are on their periods as they lack these basic necessities. SPAR Petals donations help keep these girls in school, giving them an equal chance to compete and lead a full life. Your contribution will help to remove the limitations that girls feel during menstruation and show them that there is no area in their life in which they cannot #LiveLimitless.

“This contribution would not be possible without the support of the women across South Africa who will be joining in or without the support of our sponsors. I would like to thank Asics, Garmin and Athletics South Africa for sticking with us and making this challenge possible,” Prentice acknowledges. “Our brand ambassadors, several of whom have been involved with our events for years, also play a huge part in making the virtual challenges a success and we are so excited about the group we have on board this year.”

This year’s challenge ambassador list includes familiar fan favourites and some new ambassadors who are eager to get SA excited about the challenge. Helping spread the #LiveLimitless message online will be; Bonang Gwampi, Siphokazi Menziwa, Nolo Skiti, Nomvuzo Zongo , Mimi Mahlasela, Leilani Kuter, Rene Kalmer, Bongi Msomi, Elana Afrika – Bredenkamp, Warrior Ric, Sarina Bosman, Charné Bosman, Willem Botha, Ouma Tema, Tauné Block, Lucille Slade, Dianne Broodryk, Sophia Matlou, Philicity Reeken, Martin Bester, Chantel Struwig, Donnalee Roberts, Ivan Botha, Lindie Strydom, Robbie Kruse, Zizipho Soldati, Kesa Molotsoane, Shirnell Swartz, Khutso Theledi, Izelle Hoffman, Jo-Dee Butler, Suga, Gino Fabbri, Yolanda Bukani, Jeanie Steyn, Faith Motau, Zinhle Twala and Precious Mthembu.

“We are looking forward to seeing everyone posting online on 4 September as they complete their routes,” says Zweers urging participants to enter and take some time for themselves and reflect on the tenacity we have all shown since the start of the pandemic. “Take this opportunity to #LiveLimitless, whatever that means to you, and do not be defined by the limitations you face. To #LiveLimitless is about answering the call to adventure, and instead of being defined by your limits, changing the narrative to be inspired by them.”

Entry to the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge is R60 and as part of the entry fee, every participant will receive a virtual race pack. The race pack includes an official virtual challenge t-shirt, access to the My Virtual Challenge digital magazine, a face buff and a medal.

This year there are even more ways to join in the fun online. Participants can visit the official race website, sparvirtualchallenge.co.za to generate their own race number and finish line certificate – perfect for pre and post-race selfies! Use #LiveLimitless and #SPARVirtualChallenge when posting to join the challenge community online!

For more information and to find out how to enter, visit www.sparvirtualchallenge.co.za. Entries are limited to 75 000 participants – enter now to avoid disappointment.

EVENT DIARY DETAILS: 

Date: 4 September 2021 

Time: 06h00 – 18h00 (subject to current lockdown restrictions) 

Location: Virtual Event (participants can select own route and distance) 

Entries+Website: https://sparvirtualchallenge.co.za/  

UKZN’s CCA & JOMBA! presents JOMBA! 2021 Masihambisane Dialogues

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts and the

JOMBA! CONTEMPORARY DANCE EXPERIENCE presents

JOMBA! 2021 Masihambisane Dialogues

2 – 4 June 2021

An open three-day dance colloquium hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts and the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Festival with support funding from the NIHSS, on Youtube, will focus on new ways of engaging dance/performance scholarship, practice, and practice-led research in innovative, provocative and interesting ways from 2 to 4 June 2021.

JOMBA! Masihambisane Dialogues aims to support South African and African (and Diaspora) dance and performance scholarship and research in an accessible and community-driven manner. An international community of dance/performance scholars have curated what promises to be an engaging dialogue around dance.

This year’s curatorial committee include Mr. David Thatanelo April - University of Pretoria (SA), Ms. Clare Craighead - Durban University of Technology (SA), Mr. Gift Marovatsanga - University of Zululand (SA), Dr. Lliane Loots - University of KwaZulu-Natal CCA (SA) [chair and organiser], Dr. Sarahleigh Castelyn - University of East London (UK), Ms. Thobile Maphanga - Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN - SA)[postgraduate student representative and colloquium administrator] and Dr. Yvette Hutchison - Warwick University (UK).

Keynote speakers include award-winning and prolific South African choreographers Boyzie Cekwana, Nelisiwe Xaba and PJ Sabbagha. Sessions includes prepared papers as well as conversations, a workshop and performances. 

A panel entitled BOXED and Its Inspirations for the Future, based on Dr. Anita Ratnam (Chennai, India) 2020 work Boxed, which was created during COVID and has become a template of how an existing crisis can inspire original dance art. Panelists include  Dr. Ratnam, Producer/Presenter, Chitra Sundaram, Series Consultant .

Choreographing violence and intimacies: exploring choreography, screendance and scenography as artistic mediums for choreographing intimacies through a performance lecture titled In the shadow of his fist, is the paper to be presented by Kamogelo Molobye, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, SA

Tammy Ballantyne Webber (Johannesburg, SA), Ntshadi Mofokeng (Johannesburg, SA), Thobile Maphanga (Durban, SA); with contribution from Kivithra Naicker (Seoul/Durban, KOREA/SA) join a conversation around “the role of the dance writer as dance goes digital”.

Dr. Sarahleigh Castelyn, University of East London, United Kingdom presents a paper entitled Intimacy as a Political Act: Contemporary Dance in South Africa 

[DE]TACH presented by Lucky Karabo Moeketsi (Gauteng, SA), explores the environmental habits that became a Black society’s norm against the spectre of the COVID pandemic and the required social distancing.

Hannah Ma (Luxembourg, Germany)  presents Why intimacy is the sphere where embodiment and integration becomes evident in the evolution of humankind in a globalised, capitalist world with contributions by respondents Nai Ni Chen (New Jersey, USA) and Nora Amin (Cairo, Egypt).

Digital Dance and domesticity: the work of female East African choreographers in a time of COVID is the paper presented by Charlie Ely (University of Leeds, UK) which looks at how the new realities of the pandemic have shaped the work of female East African choreographers, including Diana Gaya, Catherine Nakawesa and Pili Maguzo.

Mlondiwethu Dubazane (Cape Town, SA) and Nomcebisi Moyikwa (Durban, SA - University of KwaZulu-Natal) present Language is a breathable place: “that words must get out of the way for something else to come through’’ (Klonaris, 2011) in which they re-think ideas around language and the embodied self.

A workshop and paper entitled ‘When I slam my body into a wall, I know that it’s there’ authored and facilitated by  Kristina Johnstone (University of Pretoria & WITS, Gauteng, SA) reflects on the facilitation of embodied practice in a virtual space of teaching, learning and creation, specifically looking at ways of facilitating touch and the importance of creating moments of synchronicity (shared time). 

JC Zondi (China/South Africa) and Simphiwe "Fiddy" Ngcobo (Durban, SA) present Performing Uncertainties which open discussion around the relationship of film to dance making and, significantly the role of the audience/viewer in all of this.

Lorin Sookool (Cape Town, SA) in conversation with Thobile Maphanga (Durban, SA) speaks around her experience of creating her work Prayer Room (2020). She will discuss the processes and possibilities of engagement in art making during the times of COVID-19 in a session titled De-Snubbing the ‘Jack of All Trades’.

The full programme can be accessed on this link:  http://bit.ly/JombaColloquiumProgramme

It will be livestreamed to the JOMBA! YouTube Chanel and can be accessed free of charge on www.YouTube.com/Jomba_Dance  

The Dialogues will also have a closed ZOOM link for direct participants and for those who wish to apply to join and be present in the “room”.  Access to this is limited and participants need to apply to Thobile Maphanga on thobimaphanga@gmail.com.

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SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Grantleigh College Results: Saturday 15 May

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Grantleigh College: Saturday 15 May

After a two year break, Grantleigh College reclaimed the North Coast Regional title of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge for the fourth time on Saturday 15 May.

Host school, Grantleigh met defending champs, Felixton College in the regional final. Felixton dominated the opening period of play but never quite got into the Grantleigh circle to fire off a shot. After 5 minutes of defense, Grantleigh managed, for the first time, to get into Felixton’s half but the surge was short lived as a number of infringements allowed Felixton back into the Grantleigh 22. 

With majority of the action in the first period taking place in the midfield, Grantleigh managed to break the defensive shackles and make a run for the Felixton goal. Nearing 8 minutes of play, Grantleigh earned a long corner. A Felixton defender didn’t manage to keep her distance from the start of the set piece and was directed to the sin bin for 2 minutes. This resulted in the first short corner of the game. 

Grantleigh’s first short corner attempt went to the castle, with a thundering shot being fired in but only going as far as a dashing first wave’s right boot. In the re-take of the short corner, Grantleigh changed up their attack, with the ball pinballing around the top of the circle, but were unable to capitalize.  

Felixton had a slight breather after 90 seconds of play in their danger zone, the ball was cleared for the host’s second long corner. Grantleigh took advantage of the last few seconds of a 10 strong Felixton team, rocketing in the ball from just outside the circle in the hopes of finding a team-mate’s stick along the way. A lucky Josie Reilly was in the right place at the right time and managed to ricochet the shot into the Felixton net taking her team 1-0 up. 

Captain for Grantleigh, Jessica du Plessis attempted to increase the lead 5 minutes later but an alert Senamile Mhlaba from Felixton magnificently charged down the shot. With 3 and a half minutes left of play, Grantleigh was awarded their third short corner but the Felixton defenders didn’t allow them any room, getting the ball out neatly. 

As the game neared full time, Carla Janse van Rensburg found herself on the Felixton post with no defender marking her. Receiving the ball, she tried to chip in a sneaky shot, but an on-her-toes Mhlaba hugging the post, punched it away easily. 

In the earlier Round Robin game between the two teams, the hosts netted two goals with Josie Reilly and Michaela Hagemeier scoring for Grantleigh.

This is the fourth Regional in the Take Two of the celebratory tenth year of the tournament. Grantleigh join Danville Park Girls’ High who won the first tournament in the Durban North Regional. Second regional winners from the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional were Wembley College, followed by St Mary’s DSG in the Highway Regional. The fifth tournament, played the following day, was hosted by Durban Girls High School with teams from around Durban CBD taking part in the Durban Central Regional with Durban Girls’ College taking the title.

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

Results

1 Grantleigh College, 2 Felixton College, 3 St Catherine’s, 4 Empangeni High School, 5 Richards Bay Christian School, 6 John Ross College

ENDS