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Sibikwa Arts Centre Presents Body Moves an International Inclusive Dance Festival   10 – 16 October 2022

The Sibikwa Arts Centre presents the first International BODY MOVES Dance Festival for able bodied and disabled dancers to be held at the Sibikwa Arts Centre in Benoni from 10 - 16 October 2022.

Flatfoot Dance Company with the Flatfoot Downie Company

The Festival challenges perceptions and expands understanding of dance and disability, promoting cultural exchange, collaboration and cooperation between African and European countries. The participation of the dancers and dance companies from Ireland, Italy, Flanders and the Netherlands has been made possible by the generous support of their respective European embassies. The South African dancers have been supported by the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, and Joseph Tebandeke, a choreographer from Uganda, has received financial assistance from the British Council and Tractus Art.

Tebandeke (Uganda)

Four new works will be premiered at the Festival:

  • A collaboration between Moving into Dance disabled dancers from their Enable Through Dance programme and Sibikwa dancers from the Inclusive Creative Arts Programme (ICAP). This new dance piece yet untitled will be choreographed by Joseph Tebandeke from Uganda.

  • Unmute Dance Company from Cape Town in collaboration with MonkeyMind Company, a Flemish contemporary and Performance Company based in Ghent lead by choreographer Lisi Estaras.

  • A new duet will be created for Eva Eikhout a Dutch dancer and TV presenter to be partnered by Thapelo Kotlolo, a dancer from Sibikwa. Adriaan Luteijn from Introdans in the Netherlands will choreograph the duet.

  • The Italian company Officine di Creazione will premiere a new work and Sighile Hennessey from Ireland will make her debut solo performance.

The South African companies participating in the Body Moves Festival supported by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (Gauteng) are Flatfoot Dance Company from Durban, Sibikwa Arts Centre, and Moving into Dance. Unmute from Cape Town has received financial assistance from the General Representation of the Government of Flanders in South Africa.

Unmute

This multi-faceted Festival includes workshops from 10 – 14 October at Sibikwa and open to all abled and disabled dancers. Choreographers from the Netherlands, Ireland and Italy will facilitate the international workshops. Unmute Dance Company will facilitate workshops in schools.

To promote conversations between academia, civil society organisations and artists about disability and dance a hybrid colloquium hosted at the Sibikwa Theatre and live streamed on the Sibikwa Arts Centre Facebook page will take place on Thursday 13th October from 18h00 – 19h30 and Saturday 15th October from 16h30 to 18h00.  

The entire Festival including workshops and rehearsals will be filmed as part of a collaborative research project on Disability Dance and Citizenship in Africa, spearheaded by Dr Lliane Loots [Founder of Flatfoot Dance Company & Lecturer at KZN SA] and Prof Yvette Hutchinson [University Warwick UK].

All events will take place at the Sibikwa Arts Centre, Cnr Liverpool and Bolton Rd Benoni. 

Registration to participate in the workshops and colloquium is free on Quicket. Tickets are available on Quicket for the dance programme on the 15 & 16 October from 2 – 4 pm, tickets bought on Quicket are R80 per person, for a group booking of 10 or more R70 per person, and R100 at the door.-ends

Innovative Dance Works Commissioned for JOMBA! EDGE Platform at Dance Festival

Innovative Dance Works Commissioned for JOMBA! EDGE Platform at Festival

Three KwaZulu-Natal dance-makers have been commissioned to create works for this year’s JOMBA! EDGE platform, as part of the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience taking place from 30 August at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in Durban.

JOMBA! which is presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal has a long history of supporting Durban and KZN-based dance-makers and has offered grants to three choreographers/dancers to help push their creation of new local work. In the JOMBA! EDGE mentored platform, Sandile Mkhize (Durban), Tegan Peacock (Pietermaritzburg) and Pavishen Paideya (Durban) will present their work on Friday, 2 September at 7pm and Saturday, 3 September at 2.30pm.

The same programme will be presented by JOMBA! and Rerouting Arts at the Old Mushroom Farm in Howick on 17 September at 6pm.

“All three have displayed an uncanny survival instinct and despite so much lost time for dance over the COVID shut down, all three have continued to make meaningful work over this time,” says JOMBA!’s Artistic Director Lliane Loots. “We are delighted to honour them in our 2022 festival and have asked to respond to the curatorial provocation of this year’s festival – the (im)possibility of home.”

Sandile Mkhize

Co-founder and Artistic Director of Phakama Dance Theatre Sandile Mkhize will premiere TAKE ME BACK HOME, a duet that begins to rethink notions of black masculinity and brotherhood. He takes us on a journey to what home means for the body – a place of self-discovery and self-interrogation.

Pavishen Paideya

 

Accomplished dancer and choreographer and artistic director of Rudra Dance Theatre, an Indian dance company, Pavishen Paideya presents SAMSARA - an honest and culturally magnificent dance journey into Diaspora Indian South African identity and ideas of home and belonging.

 

Tegan Peacock

Performance artist and creator and founder of Rerouting Arts, a collaborative arts organisation, Tegan Peacock present HEAD_SPACE as she attempts to trace the internal conversations of the body and the mind in turmoil. It is a mapping of patterns, pressures and struggles, a performative cartography of self and belonging that works with live music.

The festival offers a 13 day feast of contemporary dance, and includes performances and dance talks at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre with a Youth Open Horizons event at the Stable Theatre and select online offerings, as well as workshops, and an extensive online blog.

The Festival takes place from 30 August to 11 September. Tickets for performances at the Sneddon Theatre are R80, and R65 for students, scholars and pensioners through Computicket (https://tickets.computicket.com/). All other events are free.

(Tickets for the programme in Howick on 17 September at 6pm are R80 and can be booked through https://bit.ly/BookJombaReroutingHowick

For more information follow on social media or go to the website: https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/

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Award-winning films from Generation Africa for Durban International Film Festival 2022

The pan-African documentary project Generation Africa, will feature four films at the Durban International Film Festival - a hybrid event this year – with both cinema and virtual screenings from 21 to 31 July, 2022.  Generation Africa is a collection of 25 films produced by Cape-own production company STEPS, and directed and produced by filmmakers from 16 African countries, featuring stories about migration.


The films, which are all in the DIFF’s documentary competition selection, include the winner of the Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival Programmers’ Choice Award for Best South African/African documentary and the Adiaha Award - No Simple Way Home (Kenya / South Sudan / South Africa) directed by Akuol de Mabior.  

 

The other films are African Moot (South Africa) directed by Shameela Seedat, No U-turn (South Africa, Nigeria, France, Germany) directed by Ike Nnaebue and Taamaden, The Walking Child (Cameroon / Mali / France / Belgium / South Africa) directed by Seydou Cisse.

No Simple Way Home directed by Akoul de Mabior

De Mabior’s film, No Simple Way Home, which also won the DOK.horizonte prize at DOK.fest München 2022 pays tribute to her parents and her home country – South Sudan where her father was a revolutionary leader whose movement led to the foundation of South Sudan, and her  mother became one of the five vice presidents of the country's so-called unity government in 2020.

 

No U-turn directed by Ike Nnaebue

The critically acclaimed first documentary film of Nollywood director Ike Nnaebue, No U-turn, won Special mention of the documentary jury at this year’s Berlinale. The film follows the road travelled by the director more than two decades before seeking greener pastures through irregular migration to Europe. Nnaebue turned back when told about the dangers that lay ahead, and now he goes on the route to see why young people still go this route.

 

Taamaden, the Walking Child directed by Seydou Cisse

Seydou Cisse’s Taamaden, the Walking Child, follows young immigrants from West Africa, who faced the daunting and dangerous crossing of the Mediterranean, thanks to their marabout or spiritual guides who guide them in prayers and rituals.

 

 African  Moot  directed by Shameela Seedat

Director of the award-winning film Whispering  Truth to Power, Shameela Seedat’s African  Moot delves into the complexities of migration law in Africa, as aspiring lawyers gather to debate in the annual African Human Rights Moot Court Competition. 

 

For DIFF, Taamaden will have one “in-person” screening at Suncoast CineCentre on Tuesday, 26 July at 2pm. Taamaden and the other 3 films will be screened online from the DIFF digital platform on durbanfilmfest.com. All screenings are free.

 

For more information on the Durban International Film Festival or to book go to durbanfilmfest.com, and for Generation Africa go to https://steps.co.za/projects/generation-africa/

  SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge 10 teams for Grand Finals - 23 and 24 July

The tenth edition of the Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge is set to take place at St Mary’s D.S.G. over the weekend of 23 and 24 July.

Two days of highly competitive hockey is expected to unfold on the astro as the top ten regional winners from the KZN challenge descend on Kloof. Leading up to the Grand Finals, the tournament travelled throughout KZN to ten regions, where 70 schools in total participated. 

The first to cement their spot for the Grand Finals this year was the intrepid team from Pionier Hoërskool. This is the second time that the dynamic team from Vryheid have hoisted the trophy in the Northern KZN Regional but due to CoViD interruptions, they will be making their first appearance at the 2022 Grand Finals. 

The second team who secured their spot are no strangers to the Grand Finals. St Anne’s College will be making their ninth visit, representing the Pietermaritzburg North Regional. In their eight runs at the finals, they have featured in the medal games in every year, including winning gold in the inaugural tournament in 2011. 

The third team to have earned a place are the determined St John’s D.S.G. waving the flag from the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional. This is the second time that they have made it all the way, with their first outing five years ago where they ended fourth overall. 

Being crowned the Durban North Regional champs, Our Lady of Fatima have played at the Grand Finals three times, finishing a notable fifth overall at each of their previous excursions. 

Host of the weekend, St Mary’s D.S.G. were the fifth team to score an invite after they won the Highway Regional. Similarly, to St Anne’s College, they have already featured at the Grand Finals eight times, with an impressive collection of silverware over the years, including being the overall defending champion and having their name engraved on the trophy five times. 

Making their second trip to the Grand Finals, the hard-working team from Amanzimtoti representing the Durban South Regional, Kuswag Hoërskool made it all the way in the first tournament back in 2011, where they finished ninth overall. 

Back for the fifth time, the Ugu and Sisonke Regional winner, King Edward High School have earned the reputation as the Grand Final dragon slayers. Over the years they have been a thorn in the side for a number of the more established teams, causing a bit of a stir in the pool games. This feisty team’s stats reveal that they have finished as high as sixth a couple of times in their four previous tournaments. 

Another newcomer to the finals is Domino Servite from the uMvoti and oThukela Regional. In recent years, the team have grown from strength to strength, with a flourishing display on the field in their regional, ensuring their first outing to the Grand Finals. 

For the tenth time and the only team with a 100% record being at every Grand Final, Durban Girls’ College are back. Representing the Durban Central Regional, College have a fantastic record at this tournament including three golds, three silvers and a bronze and have participated in a medal game every year. 

Returning for their fourth run are the North Coast Regional winners, Grantleigh College. The last team to earn an invite to the Grand Finals have finished a consistent eighth in their three previous contests. 

If you can’t get to the side lines, you can catch all the action from the Grand Finals on SuperSport Schools. All the games will be livestreamed on either their mobile app or via their website. 

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

Tenth Appearance

Durban Girls’ College - Durban Central Regional Winner - Gold (2013, 2014, 2015), Silver (2012, 2016, 2017), Bronze (2019), Fourth (2011, 2018)

Ninth Appearance

St Anne’s College – Pietermaritzburg North Regional Winner - Gold (2011), Silver (2018, 2019), Bronze (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Fourth (2013)

St Mary’s D.S.G. – Highway Regional Winner - Gold (2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019), Bronze (2011, 2013), Fourth (2015)

Fifth Appearance

King Edward High School – Ugu and Sisonke Regional Winner –Sixth (2016, 2017), Seventh (2018) Eighth (2015)

Fourth Appearance 

Our Lady of Fatima – Durban North Regional Winner – Fifth (2011, 2017, 2018)

Grantleigh College – North Coast Regional Winner – Eighth (2011, 2016, 2017)

Second Appearance

St John’s D.S.G. – Pietermaritzburg Central Regional Winner - Fourth (2017)

Kuswag Hoërskool – Durban South Regional Winner – Ninth (2011)

First Appearance

Pionier Hoërskool – Northern KZN Regional Winner

Domino Servite – uMvoti and oThukela Regional Winner

ENDS

 

Generation Africa offers films by some of Africa’s finest film talent at Encounters 2022

Four powerful documentary films in The Generation Africa project, produced by Cape Town-based production company STEPS, are being screened at the Encounters South Africa International Documentary Film Festival which runs until 3 July at venues in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

The films reflect personal experiences and connected narratives of Africans living on the continent and in the Diaspora, focussing on what “home”, belonging and migration mean. 

No Simple Way Home - Akoul de Mabior

 Winner of the 2021 DOK.horizonte prize at DOK.fest München 2022, No Simple Way Home (Kenya / South Africa) directed by Akuol de Mabior, is a personal film in which de Mabior pays tribute to her mother, Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, who became one of the five vice presidents of South Sudan’s so-called unity government in 2020. Her father, Dr John Garang de Mabior, was a revolutionary leader whose movement led to the foundation of South Sudan.

No U Turn

 The award-winning film, No U Turn (Nigeria / France / Germany / South Africa) directed by Nigerian film-maker Ike Nnaebue, received a special mention at this year’s Berlinale International Film Festival. Nnaebue retraces his steps of a journey he made almost 30 years ago, to flee Africa. He seeks to discover what motivates people today to expose themselves to the dangers of a passage into an uncertain future and encounters some interesting people and stories along the way.

Transactions

 Migrants and money feature as a theme in Zimbabwean director Rumbi Katedza’s  Transactions (Zimbabwe / South Africa) in which she explores the phenomenon which saw the Diaspora population transact well above $1 billion in 2021 providing relief for families in need of basics, with the bulk of these made through mobile phones. This is a sobering film the filmmaker personalizes these numbers by displaying the humanity and complexities as well as how family dynamics are determined by remittances behind these figures.

African Moot

 Shameela Seedat’s (whose first film Whispering Truth to Power was critically acclaimed) African Moot (SA) delves into the human rights and migration law, as aspiring lawyers gather for the annual African Human Rights Moot Court Competition. For one week in Gaborone, Botswana, a group of young lawyers assemble for the competition representing the top law schools from their respective nations as they debate a new issue each year. The focus is on the rights of refugees. Developing arguments that will be judged by practicing lawyers, the next generation of lawyers discovers what policy should be like in the African context, and where advancements can be made across the region.

 “These films focus on the narratives and lived experiences of Africans, told by a generation of filmmakers that reflect the aspirations, challenges, and dreams of African youth,” says Don Edkins, executive producer for the project. “They are honest, raw, insightful narratives that have to be told to change the narrative for the continent. They present us with a mirror of ourselves and our lives but importantly a window for the world, and asks hard-hitting questions from our perspectives about the future of Africa and the world.”

 For more information on Encounters screenings go to encounters.co.za and for Generation Africa go to https://steps.co.za/projects/generation-africa/

Generation Africa is supported by DW Akademie and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, with the financial support of Robert Bosch Stiftung and Bertha Foundation.

 

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Gripping Line-Up of African and South African Doccies for Encounters


 GRIPPING LINE-UP OF AFRICAN AND SOUTH AFRICAN DOCCIES FOR ENCOUNTERS

 

Documentaries centred around belonging and home, where roots formerly were and where they are now, of relationship - money- and life’s transactions, of defiance, of sacrifices, found love and success feature in a gripping selection of African and South African documentaries for the 24th Encounters South African International Documentary Festival, which takes place in cinemas in Cape Town and Johannesburg from 23 June to 3 July 2022.

Looking for roots, winner of the 2021 DOK.horizonte prize at DOK.fest München 2022, No Simple Way Home (Kenya/South Africa) directed by Akuol de Mabior, is a personal film in which de Mabior pays tribute to her parents and her home country – South Sudan. Her father, John Garang de Mabior, was a revolutionary leader whose movement led to the foundation of South Sudan, and her mother, Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, became one of the five vice presidents of the country's so-called unity government in 2020.

In No U-Turn, celebrated Nigerian filmmaker Ike Nnaebue retraces his steps of a journey he made almost 30 years ago, to flee Africa, to find out what motivates people today to expose themselves to the dangers of a passage into an uncertain future. Described by Anietie Ewang, Researcher, Africa Division, Human Rights Watch as “a strong documentary that provides answers to questions around the motivations for migrating and experiences on the journey.”

Zimbabwean director Rumbi Katedza explores the phenomenon which saw the Diaspora population transact well above $1 billion in 2021 providing a huge boost to the local economy, with the bulk of these made through mobile phones. In Transactions, a delightful yet sobering film, the filmmaker personalises these numbers by displaying the humanity and complexities behind official figures. The film follows a Zimbabwean family with members scattered across the globe.

Among Us Women (Ethiopia/Germany) directed by Sarah Noa Bozenhardt and Daniel Abate Tilabun  holds a light to health centre staff in rural Ethiopia who are fighting maternal mortality. Appealing to women to give birth in the clinic they are battling against the odds, with traditional reservations and practical obstacles.

 

Joseph Dégramon Ndjom’s The Prison Promise (Cameroon/France) follows a couple who fell in love in prison, and after their release reunited with one of their family’s in Cameroon’s rural countryside to try to find their way back into society. The film offers a portrait of love and community as the couple navigate their reintegration into normal society, highlighting the role of the family and of community in rehabilitating people who have had challenges with the law.

The Double Futures of Athlone (SA) is a delightful film by Premesh Lalu that provides an intimate snapshot of a bygone era that continues to live in the hearts and imaginations of many of Athlone’s residents. At the film’s centre is the Kismet theatre, which once acted as both the local bioscope and as a performance venue for the rich musical talent of the time. A delicate account of history, in the film’s own words, “what’s left of the memory of the future”.

In  current news, as debate rages around the relevance of the Afrikaans Taal Monument, Gideon Breytenbach’s The Voice Behind The Wall (SA) comes as an interesting exploration of the politics of the language for the people who speak it. The Voice Behind The Wall is a conscientious examination of the Afrikaans music industry and the racial imbalances that still persist almost 30 years since the abolishment of Apartheid. Poet and rapper, Churchil Naudé, stands as a surrogate for a whole community of ignored artists, whose voices are now oppressed by the very same media industry that was guilty of using its powerful platform to further the white cause during apartheid. These voices, a whole community of voices behind the wall.

The Radical (SA), directed by Richard Gregory, is an intimate portrait of the world's first openly gay imam - Muhsin Hendricks - who was a fashion designer who determined that Islam could be interpreted more compassionately, and became the religious leader at the centre of the global queer Muslim movement. Despite death threats and opposition, he established a radically inclusive mosque in Cape Town. Now, he fights for the rights of LGBTQI+ Muslims in what he calls a “care-frontational” manner in the African countries where they are outlawed.

South African director Riaan Hendricks’ Tear Salted Sea weaves together accounts of sailors operating on the South African coastline to reveal how they relate to the sea as a community of people. This captivating and heartfelt account features interviews with survivors of a storm in which some died, to reveal how the sea has shaped their paths 10 years after its tragic events.

 

Nominated for the IDFA Award for Best First Feature in 2021, One Take Grace is an engagingly idiosyncratic film that introduces us to 58-year-old Black South African woman who has worked as a domestic worker and decides in her 40s that she would like to become an actress. Shot over 10 years by multidisciplinary artist and director Lindiwe Matshikiza and collaborators, the result is an immersive adventure in surrealism, although strongly linked to the lived reality of the many South Africans who work in other people’s houses at the expense of their own family life.

 

Lobola, A Bride's True Price? (SA) follows the journey of eSwatini filmmaker Sihle Hlophe who, faced with the impending approach of her marriage, questions the notion of lobola in the face of her feminist beliefs and her anti-patriarchal stance. Will she turn her back on Lobola or will she embrace it? 

Manche Masemola, a Pedi girl died for her Christian beliefs at the age of 15 in Sekhukhuneland. Having become widely popular after her death, she is depicted in a statue above Westminster Abbey, London’s Great West Door. In this intriguing documentary Manche, The African Martyr, Meggan Raubenheimer and Manche descendant Letebele Masemola examine the events surrounding her death through interviews with the people who were familiar with the story and those from her village. Masemola, who drives the narrative, reflects on this bold story as a journey to her ancestral homeland to rediscover her identity in relation to her cultural beliefs.

The following cinemas will be screening the 2022 Encounters’ line-up: In Cape Town - The Labia, The Bertha Movie House Isivivana Centre Khayelitsha, Bertha House Mowbray. In Johannesburg-CineCentre Killarney and The Independent Bioscope.

For further information go to the Encounters website www.encounters.co.za;  follow on social media or contact Joy Sapieka & Associates on +27(0)73 2125492 joysapieka0@gmail.com / Joyls@mweb.co.za

 

The SPAR Women’s Challenge builds on the runaway success of their previous virtual challenges

The SPAR Women’s Challenge builds on the runaway success of their previous virtual challenges.

 

Celebrating its third year, the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge 2022 will return to the annual road-running calendar serving as a symbol of the country’s rise out of the ashes of the pandemic. 

 

The 2022 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge will build on the runaway success of last year’s race when entries were open nationwide, taking the most beautiful race to all corners of the country (and abroad). As a virtual event, there are no geographic boundaries to the race,  participants get to decide on their route, be it in the Berg, Bush or along the Beach. Participants can set their own pace, and choose whether to do it alone, with friends, family or as a community.

 

This year’s theme, captured through the hashtag, #IRise, is a celebration of how South African women conquer their challenges. The 2022 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge encourages all participants to harness their power, adopt the #IRise philosophy and become part of a collaborative community that collectively rises above their challenges. 

 

The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge was launched in 2020 as a homage to South African women’s resilience and strength amid the uncertainty and strife brought on by the CoViD-19 pandemic. Although the government has lifted the state of disaster, the pandemic remains in our midst, which prompted SPAR once again to take the beautiful road race into the virtual space.

 

“For the safety of our participants, based on the fluctuating CoViD-19 regulations and the unprecedented times we find ourselves in, we have gone virtual again this year,” said Charlene Subbarayan, SPAR Group Sponsorship & Events Manager. “However, that does not mean we have compromised on the fun. Get your friends together, work out a route in your local community and share all the fun by tagging us in your pictures #IRise #YourRaceYourPace.”

 

Online entries are now open for the 2022 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge. SPAR invites women in KwaZulu Natal, across the country and beyond to join in on Saturday 3 September, anytime between 06h00 and 18h00 (subject to government lockdown regulations). Participants can run, jog, or walk their virtual challenge at their own pace anywhere in South Africa.

 

The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge is more than a race, it is a celebration of female camaraderie and is a social compact aimed at improving the lives of our fellow humans. Each year the Virtual Challenge adopts a charitable cause that addresses a broader societal issue.

 

By entering this year’s SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, participants will make a meaningful contribution to the lives of young girls. For every entry, a pack of sanitary pads will be donated to help keep a girl in school through the SPAR Petals Project. The Project advocates for a shame-free education for all young women, and through their contributions, participants will help these girls rise above their challenges. 

 

“The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge has grown beyond the boundaries of racecourses or geographical areas. It is a movement that celebrates the resilience of women across the breadth and width of the country,” said Mike Prentice, SPAR Group Marketing Executive. “The sight of women from different walks of life taking to the streets and trails around South Africa has filled us with immense pride. SPAR looks forward to the thousands of posts to light up social media platforms.” 

 

The Virtual Challenge also boasts a dedicated group of brand ambassadors who help spread the #IRise message and promote the causes that we support. The list includes familiar fan favourites and some new ambassadors eager to get SA excited about the challenge. 

 

Entry to the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge is R120, and as part of the entry fee, every participant will receive a virtual challenge pack. The 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, www.sparvirtualchallenge.co.za to generate their race number and finish line certificate – perfect for pre and post-race selfies! Use #IRise 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 60 000 participants – enter now to avoid disappointment. 

 

The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge and Theme:

Difficulty calls us to rise, and in that rising, we learn what we are capable of. The theme the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge 2022 is built on the concept of rising despite difficulty, like a phoenix from the ashes, which the Virtual Challenge

itself has done amidst a global pandemic. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity, and there is a plethora of opportunity for creativity amidst the current challenges that we face.

This year we anticipate rising again as the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge 2022, in celebration of a South African stalwart, accompanied by a powerful digital strategy and virtual challenge, to become the most inclusive challenge South Africa has seen.

Over the years, the challenge has brought women from all walks of life together, to make a difference in our communities and once again, this year will be no different,

as we rise to the challenge as a nation, leaving no woman (or man) behind. While the challenge is still fully focused on women, we encourage women to bring their families, friends and animals, and welcome everyone, irrespective of gender, for this inclusive challenge.

 

 

EVENT DIARY DETAILS: 

 

Date: 3 September 2022

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

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

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

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Fixtures for uMvoti and oThukela Regional of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

uMvoti and oThukela Regional

Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg: Saturday 7 May

 

Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg will be a hive of hockey activity on Saturday 7 May as they welcome local schools for the uMvoti and oThukela Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge.

 

Five teams will head to the fields at Hermannsburg where they will meet in 25 minute action-packed games. Schools joining host, Hermannsburg, taking to the field on the day are Domino Servite, Greytown High School, Wartburg Kirchdorf School and Wembley College. 

 

The format for the day is a round robin programme, with a win earning the team 4 points, a draw with goals 2 points, a goalless draw 1 point and a loss zero points. 

 

Three teams have represented this area at the Grand Finals with two of the previous winners, Wartburg School and Wembley College starting the proceedings at 8am, getting the ball rolling in the first game of the day. Wembley College are the defending champs, having won last year’s regional on their home turf. Greytown High School have also lifted the trophy making one appearance at the Regional Finals in Kloof. 

 

This regional is the eighth one in the ten region challenge. All ten teams will then head to St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof in July for two days of intense action at the Grand Finals. Teams that have secured their place at the Grand Finals are Pionier Hoërskool (Northern KZN); 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); XYZ (DBN South Regional) and most recently, King Edward High School (Southern KZN Regional). 

 

The last two regionals to take place are next weekend, Sunday 15 May with Durban Girls’ College welcoming teams to their turf for the Durban Central Regional. Concluding the regionals, Grantleigh School will host the Northern KZN Coastal Regional on Saturday 21 May. 

 

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

 

ENDS

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.

 -ends

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

 

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Northern KZN Regional 26 Feb 2022

Photo by Dean Bond: Finally, we can play! Ferrum Hoërskool’s First Hockey XI is excited to host the first tournament of the 2022 SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge 2022 on Saturday 26 February. Pictured here are the team’s Andiswa Mduli (Vice-Captain), Marlene Combrink (Captain) and Clarisse Whitehead (Vice-Captain), gearing up to welcome eight teams for the Northern KZN Regional

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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.

 

-ends