I heart Market - Easter Vibes Saturday, 5 April 2025 9am - 2pm

The next I Heart Market takes on full Easter “holiday vibes” at Northlands Primary School, Durban North on Saturday 5 April from 9am to 2pm.

This month’s market experience features loads of cool stuff for Easter celebrations: with kiddies' outfits, table decorations, jewellery, plushie and crochet toys, ceramics, soaps, gifts, sweet and savoury treats, and a range of delicious goodies to complement one’s Easter spread

The market will have an Easter Egg Hunt for the youngsters in the quad at 9.30am and 11.30am, and there will be loads of fun for the kids.

The market takes place indoors in the air-conditioned school hall and outdoors. There is a dedicated kids' play area (and pram park) to keep little ones occupied while parents shop and relax.

Entry is free, and friendly dogs on leashes are welcome. Safe parking with car guards is available within the school grounds and surrounding precincts.

For more information follow on Facebook and Instagram: @iheartmarket.

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I heart Market - March Magic Saturday, 1 March 2025 9am - 2pm

It’s March Magic at next month’s I Heart Market—Durban’s favourite artisanal retail experience that takes place at Northlands Primary School, Durban North on Saturday, 1 March, from 9am to 2pm.

With its focus on products that are home-made, handmade and made-with-love approach, the market offers a vibrant experience to find local treasures and inspired creativity, while enjoying community connectedness in a relaxed environment.

More than just a market, I Heart Market is a vibrant, community-driven experience as shopping here makes a big impact on the local small business economy, with every trader offering something truly unique for shoppers.

Visitors can discover a carefully curated showcase of local talent and craftsmanship with an inspiring selection of fashion, décor, design, jewelry, and delicious food and refreshments. 

The market takes place both indoors in the air-conditioned school hall and outdoors on the school grounds, ensuring a comfortable shopping experience for all. A dedicated kids' play area and pram park keep little ones entertained while parents shop with ease.

Entry is free, and friendly dogs on leashes are welcome. Safe, monitored parking is available within the school grounds and surrounding precinct.

Stay updated or for more information follow on Facebook and Instagram: @iheartmarket.

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Workshop and mentorship programme for AI-generated documentaries and narratives

The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), in partnership with the innovative French studio u2p050, and Playtopia Festival has announced an open call for theUnrecorded Voices, a unique workshop and mentorship programme exploring AI-generated documentaries and narratives. 

This programme invites South African artists, developers, and students to dive into the intersection of art, technology, and history, using cutting-edge AI tools to create speculative documentaries based on historical events and fictional narratives.

Playtopia Festival 2023 in Cape Town

The programme is open to South African residents, and will take place online, with a daily workshop from 29 October to 4 November at10:00 to12:00; an individual mentorship programme from 5 November to 24 November, with a final exhibition of the various creative outputs at the Playtopia Festival, the annual Indie games and immersive Arts festival and conference in Cape Town from 6 to 7 December.

Participation is free, however space is limited. Participants will be selected via the open call applications which must be submitted by Friday, 11 October 2024 at 5pm and can be done on this  application link.

Playtopia Festival 2023 in Cape Town

About the programme: 

This workshop, led by u2p050—a collective of artists, historians, and technologists—focuses on the creation of "synthetic archives" through AI-generated content that reconstructs historical moments or imagines speculative events.

Participants will learn to work with AI tools for text, image, and audio generation, developing their own AI-assisted content that highlights underrepresented or unrecorded historical events.

The programme includes philosophical and ethical discussions on AI and its potential to reshape narratives, especially in relation to underrepresented communities and social movements.

Participants will showcase their creations during the Playtopia Festival in Cape Town, Africa’s leading festival for indie games and immersive arts. This offers a significant platform to present their work to an engaged and international audience.

IFAS invites South African artists and developers involved in digital media or technology-based projects, art and computer science students to submit applications to participate. No prior programming experience is required, but applicants should be familiar with technology due to the steep learning curve

Playtopia Festival 2023 in Cape Town

Selected participants will gain hands-on experience with advanced AI tools such as GPT, Stable Diffusion, and ComfyUI, while collaborating on creative projects. Participants must be available for the online workshops and flexible for the mentorship programme.

This project is supported by the French Institute of South Africa and Institut français in Paris, under the banner of Novembre Numerique (Digital November).

“Unrecorded Voices falls forms part of a broader initiative to promote digital culture through creative projects worldwide,” explains Emmanuelle Denavit-Feller, Regional Head of New Media, Film & Music at IFAS. “This initiative emphasises co-creation and aims to bridge South African and French digital art scenes, and we are very excited about the creative output that will emerge from the workshops and mentorships as we navigate and pioneer in this digital space.”

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Announcing the Participants of the Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy Hosted by Realness Institute

Realness Institute has announced the six African film professionals selected for the third edition of its highly successful Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy(SALIA), a prestigious programme fostering talent in the film and television industry on the continent.

Left to right : Top Awoua Keita Epse Diallo (Côte d'Ivoire), Bethlehem Tesfu Estifanos (Ethiopia), Duwayne Murphy (South Africa).Bottom: Mphumelelo Mnisi (Eswatini), Rehima Awol Ibrahim (Ethiopia), Tshiamo Malatji (South Africa).

SALIA is a collaboration between Realness Institute, the Locarno Film Festival with the support of The Story Board Collective which takes place in partnership at FAME Week Africa. It aims to support the development of young film professionals working in sales, traditional and online film distribution, theatrical exhibition, and programming for festivals, and archives. 

This year the programme takes place during FAME Week Africa from 1 to 7 September in Cape Town, with the programme will be led by Elias Ribeiro, director of Realness. Participants will be given the opportunity to network with global experts, attend masterclasses, workshops, and panel discussions. 

David Rimer, Founder of the Story Board Collective a Geneva-based organisation dedicated to advancing transformative storytelling, says, “StoryBoard recognizes the significant role that programs like the Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy play in advancing the careers of emerging African film professionals. By bridging local talent with international industry leaders, these initiatives help to enrich the film industry with diverse and authentic voices,” 

“We're excited for a new great edition of the Salia, for which our partners at Realness draft each year a strong and more interesting programme, which enables to create an incredible professional network in the region,” says Markus Dufner, Head of Industry, Locarno Film Festival.

“We are grateful to our partners and with the opportunity to hold space for distribution, one of the most fractured parts of the value chain in the audiovisual business in Africa,” says Elias Ribeiro  Realness Institute Co-founder. 

Participants include:

Awoua Keita Epse Diallo (Côte d'Ivoire) the Acquisitions Director at COTE OUEST, who brings over 15 years of experience in content acquisition, including work with American studios, telenovela producers, and European distributors. 

Bethlehem Tesfu Estifanos (Ethiopia) is the Festival Coordinator for the Addis International Film Festival (AIFF) on Human Rights. 

Duwayne Murphy (South Africa)
 focuses on environmental issues through film and is the Founding Director of the Roots Film Festival, and has worked on international films and significant projects like iKasi Voices Season 2. 

Mphumelelo Mnisi (Eswatini) is the Head of Programmes for Eswatini TV who has played a pivotal role in shaping the public broadcaster's programming and content strategies.

Rehima Awol Ibrahim (Ethiopia)
is an expert in television programming and media research, and a key figure at Kana Television since 2016, who has served as a jury member for the International Emmy Awards since 2018.

Tshiamo Malatji (South Africa)
is a filmmaker and exhibitor, who directs the CineBa! Film Club and Festival in Bloemfontein. 

For more information about the participants and the programme, please visit www.realness.institute

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Honouring Durban’s Wesley Maherry’s 15 years as Production and Technical Manager for JOMBA!

In a surprise citation and award ceremony on the opening night of the 26th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience on Tuesday 27 August, in Durban, the festival’s Technical and Production Manager, Wesley Maherry, was awarded a special citation in recognition of his fifteen years of committed service to the festival.

Wesley Maherry Production and Technical Manager for JOMBA! receiving the citation at the opening of the festival from Lliane Loots Artistic Director/Curator of JOMBA!, and  Ismail Mahomed, the Director of the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Photo Val Adamson

“We often forget that live theatre cannot function without deeply motivated, organised and gifted people whose work is to technically serve the vision of the artists and make their work possible on stage. Long hours in dark theatres and endless admin, are some of the challenges. In this environment, the CCA and JOMBA! has been – and is – honoured to have Wesley Maherry in the role of Production and Technical Manager for JOMBA! and all its various offerings”, said Ismail Mahomed, the Director of the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

JOMBA! is South Africa’s longest-running and most successful African contemporary dance festival. In 2022, JOMBA! was awarded the National Institute for Humanities & Social Sciences Award for Best Digital Creations. In 2023, JOMBA! received an accolade from Business Arts South Africa for the festival’s outreach and activism work. 

“Wesley’s specialised stage production and digital technology skills underline why JOMBA! remains so highly acclaimed in the creative industries. His work on the online digital delivery of the JOMBA! MASIHMABISANI dialogues and colloquium and, of course, the main JOMBA! festival in both Durban and at our JOMBA! @ The Market Theatre in Johannesburg, is unprecedented. Fifteen years speaks to a deeply committed support of artists and artistic spaces”, says Lliane Loots, the Artistic Director/Curator of JOMBA! “2024 heralds the 15thanniversary year that Wesley Maherry has worked for UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts and the JOMBA! Festival.”

Wesley works at UKZN’s Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre as a Production Manager. He is part of a very efficient but small team – headed by theatre manager Jackie Cunniffe - that keeps the Sneddon one of eThekwini’s preferred live theatre spaces. He has an undergrad degree in Drama and Performance Studies. In 2024, he graduated with an MA (through UKZN’s Drama Progamme) where he interrogated his lighting design practice with choreographers like Vincent Mantsoe and Lliane Loots. His MA began to look at how dance lighting can respond to the challenges and needs in Africa noting that most of the research around theatre and dance lighting is still only generated from Europe and America.

JOMBA! runs until Sunday 8 September in venues in Durban with a satellite event in Hilton and then goes to the Market Theatre in mid-September.

For more info go to jomba.ukzn.ac.za

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France heads to the Durban FilmMart - Africa’s Top Film Industry Event

Durban, South Africa: The Durban FilmMart (DFM) has firmly established itself as one of the most important meeting grounds to conduct the business of film on the African continent. After the renewed and extended co-production agreement between South Africa and France entered into force in 2023, a delegation of 12 film professionals from France and Reunion Island driven by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) will make its way to the DFM, taking place from 19 to 22 July, to network with South African filmmakers and begin discussions around possible co-productions for the future.

“This is a very exciting time for filmmakers, as the benefits of co-productions are really enormous,” says Emmanuelle Denavit-Feller, Regional Head of New Media, Film and Music at IFAS. “The fact that a year after the entry into force of this new agreement, we have some serious conversations taking place, is a testament to the will of the French industry to pursue and develop discussions with the South African audiovisual industry including development organisations, film commissions, government structures, individual producers, and other film professionals, that could help pave the way for future productions.”

“As we know, the business of film creates large, small, and micro business ecosystems that not only support the economy, but it also acts as a holistic driver for growth, inclusivity and capacity building. This initiative aims to help the French delegates to scout, network, and build relationships within the local film industry, fostering cross-country collaboration, co-productions and new shared stories to tell.”

In driving French-South African collaboration forward, the DFM will also host a ‘Co-Production Focus: France’ session that focuses on co-production opportunities and more broadly on the support schemes proposed by France to international players. The panel will comprise of French delegates Rémy Jacquelin, President of Paradoxal, an audiovisual production company, Morad Koufane, Director of International and Young Adult Fiction at France Télévisions, and Céline Leclercq, Head of the Co-production, Cooperation and World Cinema Department at the Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée (CNC), as well as South African industry experts, Terrence Khumalo, Project Monitoring & Evaluation Manager at the NFVF, and Ramadan Suleman, Producer and Founder of Natives at Large.

The delegation will also participate in panels where 20 animation, documentary, and fiction film projects will be pitched to other potential co-producers, sales agents, broadcasters, and film funds at the DFM Pitch and Finance Forum. Here they will give feedback on the public pitches and also take one-on-one meetings with the filmmakers.

“We are really pleased that such a high-level delegation will be representing the French film industry at the DFM,” says Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute. “Over the past 15 years, the DFM  has seen the tangible results of the robust engagement that emanates from the market, and we believe that the delegation will be stimulated by the quality of projects and the stories that are being developed on the continent.”

Additionally, IFAS is supporting pan-African talent through DFM's Jumpstart programme, a dynamic incubator that equips aspiring filmmakers with skills in scriptwriting and project packaging, and aims to empower them to tell their stories with authenticity and impact. This initiative is hosted in collaboration with Produire au Sud, the film industry market of Festival des 3 Continents in Nantes, France.

The project is supported by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and Institut français in Paris, with IFAS and Alliance française in Durban, as part of a strategy for the international export of cultural and creative industries. It also benefits from the support of the Reunion Island Film Commission.

For more information about IFAS go to www.frenchinstitute.org.za

For more information about the Durban FilmMart go to www.durbanfilmmart.co.za

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IFAS to host High-Level French Film Industry Delegation in South Africa

This July, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) is bringing a highly esteemed delegation of twelve audio-visual professionals from France and the Reunion Island to South Africa under the banner of “New Shared Stories”. This is an endeavour to assist them to scout, network and develop relationships with the local film industry and stimulate cross-country collaboration and co-productions.

“In June 2023, an extended co-production agreement between South Africa and France entered into force. It is a unique agreement for France as it includes audiovisual co-productions. It is designed to encourage the creation of new content and narratives by expanding and stimulating co-productions between the two regions. It is a crucial step forward for new shared stories to be invented and for reciprocal investment and partnership,” says Ambassador of France to South Africa, Mr. David Martinon. 

This delegation follows a successful partnership between IFAS, the NFVF, and IDC which supported a visit of a South African delegation to the Series Mania Forum in France – the biggest series market in Europe, where the outcomes of this focussed effort led to successful business and networking opportunities for future audio-visual collaborations.

“The visit to South Africa has been built on the success of this, and together with local and French partners, we are excited to host twelve professionals who bring with them a variety of interests and expertise,” adds Mr. Martinon. 

In Cape Town, the delegation will visit Cape Town Film Studios, meet industry professionals, visit key locations, and attend the premiere of the film Pierre de Coubertin: An Olympic Life– about French educator Pierre de Coubertin, father of the modern Olympic Games.

Following this, the delegation will visit Durban to attend the Durban FilmMart, the annual business hub of the African film industry, and the Durban International Film Festival which celebrates its 45th edition this year and will also have a French Focus.

At the DFM, the delegation will participate in panels on animation, documentary and fiction film project pitches in the market’s Pitching Forum. In addition they will visit locations, network, and take business meetings with various other South African and African professionals, audiovisual agencies and commissions in attendance at the market.

The delegation includes:

Mounia Aram, who is President of Mounia Aram Company, specializes in entertainment and cultural exchange, develops innovative productions, and manages distribution as an agent.

Mathieu Ageron is the Deputy Managing Director, Co-Founder and Producer of Nolita which produces series, documentaries, dramas, music videos, and films for various platforms and channels.

Lynn Bou Malham is Head of Development of Federation Middle East Africa Caribbean (MEAC) a subsidiary of Federation Studios that creates and generates IPs from these regions, and produces high-end local films, TV series, and documentaries.

Emmanuel Eckert is Deputy Purchasing Director at Mediawan Rights, a leading audiovisual group in France and the second largest in Europe, with almost seventy production companies in 7 territories.

Frédéric Fiore is President of Logical Pictures Group which produces and co-produces, finances, and distributes films, series, documentaries, and commercials in France and internationally.

Michaël Gabrion is Producer at Gaumont Film Company, a French production and distribution company for feature films, television series, and animation programmes founded in 1895.

Benjamin Guéniot is a writer-director from Reunion Island with 15 years' experience of making TV series, commercials and short films in Reunion Island and Madagascar. Since 2023 he has been the founder of Storyto Films, an audiovisual and film production company.

Rémy Jacquelin is President of Paradoxal an audiovisual production company. He was responsible for theatrical distribution, international sales and the financing at Gaumont for ten years, and in charge of acquisitions of feature films and series at TF1 from 2000 to 2012. He joined Malberg Pictures and oversaw programme distribution and co-production and financing.

Morad Koufane is Director of International and Young Adult Fiction at France Télévisions a public broadcasting group, France's No. 1 media company. His unit is responsible for acquiring foreign series, co-producing international series, and producing young adult series for the French market. 

Céline Leclercq is Head of the Co-production, Cooperation and World Cinema Department at CNC (French National Centre for Cinema and Moving Images), a public administrative body responsible for devising and implementing French government policy in the fields of cinema and other moving image arts and industries, in particular audiovisual, video and multimedia, including video games.

Jérémie Palanque is Associate Vice-President and Producer of Woooz Pictures which is particularly interested in creators and stories from the world, through international co-productions.

Abel Vaccaro is a director and a producer from Reunion Island who is currently the managing director of Wopé, a short films, documentary and institutional productions company focused on showcasing content from the island.

IFAS will further be supporting the development of pan-African talent through DFM’s Jumpstart programme, a vital incubator dedicated to providing aspiring filmmakers with essential tools and techniques for scriptwriting and project packaging hosted in partnership with Produire au Sud, the film industry market arm of Festival des 3 Continent, in Nantes France. Four projects from the continent have been selected to benefit from Jumpstart in 2024.

A French focus also features at the Durban International Film Festival, and includes documentaries and films such as Dahomey, All We Imagine as Light, and Four Daughters, co-produced with producers from around the globe.

The project is supported by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and the French Institute, with IFAS and Alliance française in Durban as part of a strategy for the international export of cultural and creative industries. It also benefits from the support of the Reunion Island Film Commission.

For more information about IFAS go to www.frenchinstitute.org.za

 For more information about the Durban FilmMart go to www.durbanfilmmart.co.za

For more information about the Durban International Film Festival go to https://ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za/

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Creatives Collaborate in Third Space for local audiences and National Arts Festival

The National Arts Festival (NAF) and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) with The Embassy of France to South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, present Third Space, a series of collaborative creative dance artworks at this year’s festival that celebrates its 50th edition from 20 to 30 June 2024.

Mozambican choreographer Janet Mulapha working with FATC

The project involves creative residencies accompanied by a series of workshops hosted by local arts organisations and guest choreographers, scenographers, and dancers, within three communities in Duncan Village in Eastern Cape, George in the Western Cape, and Emakhazeni in Mpumalanga.

“The project is an endeavour to renew audience interest- and stimulate dance-makers' creativity in the contemporary dance space in South Africa, while investing in high artistic values, facilitating cultural exchange between African countries and ultimately supporting local artists in rural and peri-urban areas” says Sophie Boulé, cultural attaché and deputy director at IFAS.

She adds, “contemporary dance is a sector of excellence in South Africa that is well recognized in France and has been supported by IFAS for nearly thirty years.”

The three new dance creations coming out of these residencies will be showcased first within the local communities, then at the National Arts Festival in June 2024 as part of the curated programme, with plans to help facilitate these being presented in other African countries, as well as marketed to international festivals.

“The Third Space is the possibility for something new to emerge, it’s a space for meetings  across social groups and function, it's about being and making together,” explains NAF Artistic Director Rucera Seethal. “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary of the National Arts Festival, in the 30th year of democracy, our Third Space project is an opportunity for us to take stock of where we are, create works from unlikely encounters, and take bold steps together which hopefully ring loud during but also far beyond this year’s Festival”.

Built on this concept, the Third Space Project brings together three arts organisations in South African communities to collaborate with African choreographers and set designers in creating a work: Gompo Community Arts Centre (East London), KUBU Collective (George) and Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative (Emakhazeni).

Gompo Community Arts Centre in a the new dance work “Golden City”

Coming out of the Gompo Community Arts Centre, the new dance work “Golden City” is choreographed by Mozambique’s Panaibra Gabriel Canda, one of the most influential choreographers in Africa with over 25 years of international experience.  He works with scenographer Elton Rafael David, a practising photographer and Digital Media Creative also from Mozambique, as well as the young and talented South African visual artist Bahle Menziwa, from Duncan Village.  These three artists have created a new work with Gompo Arts Centre affiliated dancers Yonela Tana Gobingca, Phumzile Zakaza, Simvuyele “SimzADV” Hala Kamva Muti, Owen King, Unathi Xenti, Nosphiwo “Nickita” Kungeka and Sibongile “Queen Bee” Stevens.  

KUBU Collective - Lilian Maximillian Nabaggala (Choreographer), Jaime-Lee Hine, Amy-Kay Klassen and Lynette du Plessis (Front)

From George in the Western Cape, new dance work “Bond-Edge” features creatives and dancers from the KUBU COLLECTIVE working at The Market Community Theatre under the facilitation of local creative producer Heloïne Armstrong. The Collective is a multidisciplinary creative ensemble of performance and visual artists, writers, theatre-makers, technicians, and arts administrators. Ugandan choreographer and 2022 Pina Bausch Fellow, Lilian Maximillian Nabaggala, and Tanzanian multidisciplinary scenographer, digital artist, and Prince Claus mentorship award recipient, Arafa C Hamadi have been working with . The KUBU COLLECTIVE dancers Lynette Du Plessis, Jaime-Lee Hine and Amy-Kay Klassen on this new production.

FATC in rehearsal for their new dance work “In(Visible)”

The Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative is an independent dance company based at the Ebhudlweni arts centre in Emakhazeni, Mpumalanga. Dancers from the company Kaldi Makutike, Promise Mosoma, and Promise Magopa have worked with Mozambican choreographer Janet Mulapha and South African Jenni-Lee Crew to create the new dance work “In(Visible)”.  From Mozambique, Mulapha has an international profile as well as a long relationship with the Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative, while South African scenographer Jenni-Lee Crewe, is currently a senior lecturer in scenography at the Centre for Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies at the University of Cape Town.  

Dates for the local performances are:

KUBU COLLECTIVE: George – 1 June at 7pm. . For more info contact Heloïne Armstrong - heloinearmstrong@gmail.com

FATC: Emakhazeni – 9 June at 1pm. For more info contact  Tshego Khutsoane - tshego@forgottenangle.co.za

GOMPO: Duncan Village –23 June 1pm.  For more info contact Wandile Ntlanganiso - wandilefinearts@gmail.com

Dates for National Arts Festival are:

The Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative -  20 and 21 June

Gompo Community Arts Centre – 27 and 28 June

KUBU COLLECTIVE – 29 and 30 June

Show times and bookings for all three shows at the Festival can be made at https://tickets.nationalartsfestival.co.za/en?title=&programme_type_id=10&genre_id=&date=

Busiswa, Kings of the Weekend and The Kickstands for Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium: Sunday 23 June

Save some energy to celebrate in the finishing area at Hollywood Bets Kings Park Stadium outer fields, after participating in this year’s Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge on Sunday 23 June.

SPAR KZN has organised a fantastic line up of entertainment for runners with three acts penned to perform – dynamic duo The Kickstands, songstress Busiswa and Kings of the Weekend DJs SPHEctacula and Naves.

The Kickstands

Kicking off the after-race merriments, The Kickstands take to the stage with the dynamic duo of lead singer Ross Charles and lead guitarist Josh Swanson. Their infectious vibes have been tearing up stages since 2010, and they are renown as a top-notch opening act having warmed up the crowd for many a major act. The Kickstands covers a multitude of genres from Funk, Soul, Classic Rock to Folk.

Busiswa

Featuring after the local ban is songstress Busiswa. Hailing from the Eastern Cape, the singer, songwriter and performer combines her poetry with energising, irresistible beats. Making musical waves both at home and across the borders, she has collaborated with both African and American musicians, including American singer Beyonce Knowles Carter on the song My Power from The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack. Her tracks have featured in hits like the Black Panther and "Lahla" was used in the American dance film Honey 3.

Kings of the Weekend

Wrapping up the event, Kings of the Weekend will rock out the festivities. Comprising of DJs SPHEctacula and Naves, the two performers are rumoured to be party starters and huge crowd pullers. Their beats will begin shortly after the much-anticipated lucky draw give away.

To enter and be a part of this year’s SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge, visit www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban/

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Results SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Northern KZN Regional

Ferrum High School is back, reclaiming the title of the Northern KZN Regional at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place on their turf on Saturday 11 May.

This is the ninth time they have raised the trophy since the tournament’s inception in 2011, with the last time being in 2019. In the regional final, the hosts met travelling team, a surprise package, Vryheid High School for the second time that day, having clashed earlier in their third pool game. A humdinger of a game took place midway through the fixtures, with the score ending 1 all.

Vryheid, led by feisty captain, Kunene Sphesihle, pushed hard during both games, keeping Ferrum on their toes. Kunene was never far from the action, with several exciting runs midfield, charging into her opponent's circle. Ferrum’s captain, Joey du Preez was equally involved, choreographing play from the middle, threading the ball up to her powerhouse forwards.

In the main game, Ferrum continued their momentum, threatening first earning the games first short corner with just 43 seconds on the clock. The locals had several set pieces during the game that were exquisitely defended by the visitors. In amongst the corners, both teams crafted some thrilling breakaways, piercing the oppositions’ circle. Nearing 7 minutes, Amahle Mbatha determinedly entered the Vryheid D after a short sharp run, wasting no time, she hammered in an unstoppable attempt that rocketed into the back of the net, taking her team up 1 nil and netting victory for her team.

In the build up to the final Ferrum met defending champions, St Dominic’s Newcastle who placed second in their pool. After a fast flowing, action packed game, both teams were unable to score and the game moved to an 8 second penalty shoot-out. Ferrum tipped off the action first, slotting in all their attempts, but St Dom’s were closed down in their second challenge, giving Ferrum the edge.

In the second semi-final, Vryheid took on one-time regional winners, Sarel Cilliers who had a spectacular day out, finishing on top in their pool. An on-her-toes keeper from Sarel, Jenor Joubert shut down a couple of Vryheid runs, bravely advancing off her line and blocking any chances. Similarly to the first semi, both teams were unable to edge the ball across the line, the score at full time sat on nil nil, and the game progressed, for the second time, to an 8 second penalty spot. After three rounds, the scoreboard hadn’t moved, and the game advanced to sudden death. Sarel went first and were unable to score. Kunene stepped up for her second attempt for Vryheid, running the ball goalwards, then drifting right to tap the ball past a charging Jenor to secure a spot in the final.

Umpire of the Day went to Lucrecia Struwig representing her Alma Mater. A 2018 Ferrum matriculant, Struwig has travelled four times to the Grand Finals, twice as a player in 2017 and 2018 and then with her whistle in 2019 and 2020.

All spots have now been filled for the Grand Finals that will be held at St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof in July. Ferrum joins the nine teams that have already qualified. They are Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional), The Wykeham Collegiate (Pietermaritzburg North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (Durban North Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); Grantleigh School (KZN North Coastal Regional); St Patrick’s College (Ugu and Sisonke Regional) and Ladysmith High School (uMvoti and oThukela Regional).

Results

Final

Ferrum High School 1 vs Vryheid High School 0

Semi Final

Ferrum High School 0 (3) vs Curro St Dominics Newcastle 0 (1)

Sarel Cilliers High School 0 (0) vs Vryheid High School 0 (1)

Pool A

1 Ferrum High School 14 points; 2 Vryheid High School 11 points; 3 Ferrum High School Inv 9 points; Pongola Academy 4 points; 5 Utrecht High School

Pool B

1 Sarel Cilliers High School 13 points; 2 Curro St Dominics Newcastle 12 points, 3 Dundee High School 8 points; 4 Newcastle High School 4 points; 5 Amajuba High School 1 point

ENDS

Results SPAR KZN Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge uMvoti and oThukela Regional

With back-to-back victories, Ladysmith High School defended their title in spectacular fashion at the uMvoti and oThukela Regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place at Greytown High School on Saturday 4 May.

Finishing second on the log after a rousing round robin stage, they met host school, Greytown High School in the regional final. Greytown topped the log with 18 points. They had a grand day out, winning all but two games. They drew against Wembley in their opening game and Wartburg. Ladysmith finished four points behind, having gone down to Greytown in their first meeting, and drawing against Estcourt High School and Domino Servite School.

Expressions. Ladysmith High School’s captain, Nkanyezi Gwija is pictured executing an attack as Hermannsburg’s School’s Kuhlekonke Mkhize desperately tries to intercept during their round robin game at the uMvoti and oThukela Regional at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls Hockey Challenge held at Greytown High School on Saturday 4 May. Pic by Val Adamson

Perseverance was the name of Ladysmith’s game, spending majority of their final defending against the determined hosts. In a superb break 6 minutes in, their first attack of the game, Ladysmith spent 35 seconds crafting their attempt. Kiana Chedie fired in a shot from midway in the circle but the wily, on-her-toes keeper from Greytown, Luleko Nala pounced on the endeavour, but unfortunately sent the ball directly back to Chedie who with lightning-fast reflexes, returned the ball, sneaking it past an unbalanced Nala, netting the first goal against Greytown and Nala that day, and, of course, the crucial tournament winning goal.

The remainder of the game was played out in midfield with an occasional break on either side that didn’t amount to much. 13 minutes into the game Greytown had a scramble directly in front of the Ladysmith box, but the visitors managed to calmly evade an equaliser. Both teams earned a short corner, with Greytown blasting a rocket wide of Ladysmith’s goal and Ladysmith conjuring up a last-minute set piece that withered to nothing, but with their precious goal a quarter into the final meant they impressively keep the trophy and advance to the Grand Finals.

In the build up to the finals, all five previous champions were untiring in their attempt to advance. Going into the main game, a successful Wembley College would have progressed, knocking out Ladysmith on goal difference as they would have both been level on 14 points, but a resolute Wartburg Kirchdorf School held Wembley to a dramatic nil nil draw, extinguishing their golden ticket possibility.

Umpire of the Day went to recently matriculated Lisi Engelbrecht from Wartburg Kirchdorf School. Engelbrecht has played in this SPAR hockey regional since Grade 8, missing only one year due to CoViD. She has also been to a Grand Final with Wartburg in 2019 and now is proudly supporting her alma mater with a whistle.

Ladysmith High School is the ninth team to qualify for the Grand Finals that will be held at St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof in July. They join Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional), The Wykeham Collegiate (Pietermaritzburg North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (Durban North Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); Grantleigh School (KZN North Coastal Regional) and St Patrick’s College (Ugu and Sisonke Regional).

The final team to join them will be revealed this weekend (Saturday 11 May) as ten teams gather for the Northern KZN Regional being hosted by Ferrum High School. All games will be live streamed on SuperSport Schools. For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey).  

Results

Regional Final

Greytown High School 0 vs Ladysmith High School 1

Round Robin Results

1 Greytown High School 18 points; 2 Ladysmith High School 14 points; 3 Wembley College 11 points; 4 Domino Servite School 11 points; 5 Wartburg Kirchdorf School 10 points; =6 Hermannsburg School 2 points =6 Estcourt High School 2 points

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Northern KZN Regional Ferrum High School: Saturday 11 May

Concluding this year’s SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge regionals, Ferrum High School hosts ten teams for the Northern KZN Regional on Saturday 11 May.

The day gets underway with a cracker of a game, host school and eight times regional champion, Ferrum High School take on two times winner, Pionier Hoërskool. The challenge tips off at 8am, with games lasting 20 minutes only, and play running one way.

Step to it. St Dominic’s Newcastle’s Aphelele Mkhwanazi and Sphe Mabona are gearing up to defend their title at the upcoming Northern KZN Regional at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that takes place at Ferrum High School on Saturday 11 May. Pic by Val Adamson

The ten teams participating have been divided into two pools. Ferrum High School leads Pool A, with Pionier Hoërskool, Utrecht High School, Vryheid High School and Pongola High School. Defending champions, St Dominic’s Newcastle heads up Pool B, together with Dundee High School, Amajuba High School, Newcastle High School and one time winner, Sarel Cilliers High School.

A successful team will earn themselves 4 points on the leaderboard, if two teams draw with goals, they both share 2 points, and if two teams draw but were unable to score any goals, they both will have 1 point added to their tally. A losing team will acquire zero points.

After the pool games, the top team in pool A will take on the second top team in pool B in the first semi-final. The first placed team in pool B will meet the second placed team in pool A in the second semi-final. Fifteen minutes later the winners of the cross-pool games will meet in the regional final to reveal who the 2024 champion will be, and the final team to qualify for the Grand Finals.

Nine teams from around KZN have already qualified for the Grand Finals that will be held at St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof in July. They are Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional), The Wykeham Collegiate (Pietermaritzburg North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (Durban North Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); Grantleigh School (KZN North Coastal Regional); St Patrick’s College (Ugu and Sisonke Regional) and Ladysmith High School (uMvoti and oThukela Regional).

All games will be live streamed on SuperSport Schools. For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey). 

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge uMvoti and oThukela Regional Saturday 4 May

The penultimate tournament in the 2024 SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge heads to Greytown High School for the uMvoti and oThukela Regional on Saturday 4 May.

Seven teams will take to the Greytown pitch with the tournament running in a round-robin format. In the familiar style to the KZN SPAR hockey challenges, all games will be a quick-fire 20 minutes long, with play only going one way.

Focused on the task at hand. Ladysmith High School’s Deputy Head Girl, Anzel Warmenhoven and Angelique Adams gear up to defend their uMvoti and oThukela Regional at the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge being hosted at Greytown High School on Saturday 4 May.Pic by Val Adamson

Poi nts will be awarded after each game; the top two teams will then face each other in the regional final. For a win, 4 points will be awarded, a draw with goals will amount to 2 points each, and a goalless draw nothing up 1 point each. A loss will register zero points.

Joining host school, Greytown are Domino Servite; Estcourt High School; Hermannsburg School; Ladysmith High School; Wembley College and Wartburg Kirchdorf School. Taking to the field first are Greytown and Wembley College, tipping off at 8am, followed by Hermannsburg meeting Domino Servite in the second fixture.

 An array of teams have raised the regional trophy since the tournament’s inception in 2011 and gone on to the Grand Finals. Most recently, two times winner, Ladysmith High School is the defending champion, with their name engraved in 2012 and 2023 on the trophy. Wembley College also appear twice, for 2011 and 2021. Two teams’ names appear once, host Greytown were victorious in 2018 and in 2022, Domino Servite represented the area. Wartburg Kirchdorf have six wins under their belt, dominating from the years 2013 to 2017 and then again, in 2019.

The victorious team from this regional will meet nine other successful teams from around KZN in the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof in July. Eight teams have already qualified, they are Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional), The Wykeham Collegiate (Pietermaritzburg North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (Durban North Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional); Grantleigh School (KZN North Coastal Regional) and St Patrick’s College (Ugu and Sisonke Regional).

All games will be live streamed on SuperSport Schools. For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey). 

ENDS

Dates Announced for Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Sunday 23 June

Entries are open for the 34th running of the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that takes place in and around the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium on Sunday 23 June. 

The success of South Africa’s Most Beautiful Road Race strides ahead, with entries for 2024 capped at 12000. The uplifting theme for this year’s race is #ChooseYou with the underlying message of motivating oneself, encouraging women to prioritize self-care, both for their mental and physical well-being. 

Sharing moments: Revealing the colour and theme for the 2024 Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that takes place at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Durban on Sunday 23 June. The theme, #ChooseYou encourages self-empowerment. Wearing this year’s race shirts at an intimate function at the Grand Exotic are SPAR KZN Retail Ops Advisor, Cindy Watridge with 2024 Race Ambassadors Former Protea’s Netball star, Baby Proteas coach and teacher, Precious Mthembu and Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist, Dr Marise Subrayan.

"Our theme “Choose You” amplifies our commitment to inspire a healthier community,” says Menelisi Luthuli, Marketing Executive, SPAR KZN. “In a world where external pressures often overshadow personal well-being, we encourage women to embark on a journey of self-care and self-discovery. SPAR advocates a balanced lifestyle where individuals prioritize their own needs alongside external demands, finding fulfillment in both. Ultimately, our theme this year emphasizes that self-care isn't selfish but rather crucial for lasting well-being and happiness.”

Two phenomenal strong local women are the 2024 Race Ambassadors. Inspiring youth wherever she goes, sporting star and role model Precious Mthembu is the current Baby Proteas Coach, she is an educator at Danville Park Girls’ High School and was a Protea Netball player, notching up 97 caps for South Africa. Joining her is Dr Marise Subrayan, an award-winning Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist based at Durban’s St Augustine’s Hospital, who is passionate about educating and empowering women and girls about female-related health.

The Challenge route remains unchanged from the 2023 event, with the fast and flat ‘out-and-back’ course starting under the shadow of the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium, on Masabalala Yengwa Avenue and finishing on the outer fields of this iconic Durban landmark. The 10km race begins at 8am and the 5km race at 9am. 

Entries for the 2024 edition of the Durban event are online at https://www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban/. Online entries close at midnight on 16 June. The online entry for the 10km run is R180, with a KZN Athletics licence, or R230 with a temporary licence, and for the 5km is R180. Entries at race registration are R200 (with licence) and R250 (without licence) for the 10km and R200 for the 5km. Bulk entry collections are also available.

At this Durban Challenge, a field of highly competitive runners will compete in the national SPAR Grand Prix Series that travels around South Africa. The total Series Prize Purse is sitting at over R1,68 million this year.

Prize money for the first female athlete crossing the line in Durban is R33,000 with the runner-up earning R25,000 and third place winning R20,000. The first South African woman across the line will also earn R10,000. There are also prizes for top age category runners.

A variety of lucky draw prizes will be awarded at prize giving, including a chance to win a car. All participants (18 plus and T&C’s apply) can enter the lucky draw where one race number will advance to the main draw for a Proton X50 valued at R449,000. Seven ladies from the seven races around the country must attend the glitzy SPAR Grand Prix prize-giving to qualify to win this car.

For more information visit the race website, like the SPAR Women’s Race KZN Facebook page (SPARWomens10and5kmRace), or follow on Instagram (sparwomenskzn) or Twitter (sparladiesrace).

-ends

Results and wrap up Ugu and Sisonke Regional SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

A new team will engrave their name on the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge trophy when host school, St Patrick’s College were victorious in the Ugu and Sisonke Regional that took place at their picturesque setting in Kokstad on Saturday 20 April.

St Patrick’s is the fifth team to be crowned in this region since the tournament’s inception in 2011, having defeated defending champions and one-time winners, Suid Natal Hoërskool in an enthralling final.

In the lead up to the regional final, both teams finished second in the logs after their four pool games. St Patrick’s finished two points behind a determined Port Shepstone High School who earned 12 points in Pool A. In Pool B King Edward topped the log with 13 points, followed by Suid Natal on 10 points.

After the pool games, the challenge progressed to a cross pool positional playoff. In a coastal derby - Sheppie met Suidies in the first semi-final, and in the second semi-final, an inland derby - King Edward took on St Patricks. At the conclusion of the semis, Suidies had a change to protect their title, meeting St Patrick’s in the regional final.

The conclusion of three of the four main games were decided on the spot, with three players from each team participating in an 8 second penalty shootout. In the first semi-final, Suid Natal and Sheppie drew 1 all at full time and Suid Natal went up by a single goal in their very first run, with no other goals being netted in the remainder of the penalty attempts.

In the bronze medal game, Sheppie found themselves for the second time at the spot, this time facing King Edward High School. The full-time whistle blew with both teams unable to slot the ball into the back of the box, drawing on nil nil. A jack-in-the-box keeper, Reitumetsi Pakkies from King Edward pulled out some awe-inspiring saves, closing down all of Sheppies runs, diving all over the place in some epic charge downs.

In the all-important final, St Patrick’s were first to score. 14 minutes into the game, Courney Kitching calmly slapped in the opening goal after a great attack down the right side. She was camped out at the goal mouth and was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, slotting in her teams first.

A minute later, St Patrick’s were brought back down to earth as Suidies also charged down the right, crossing the ball to an alert Luca Meyer who nailed in the equaliser. For the remainder of the final, both teams were unable to find a hole in their opponents defence, to get the challenge-winning goal. At the final whistle the score was 1 all with both teams gearing up for the penalty shootout.

Suid Natal’s keeper, Anrika Badenhorst did well in her first standing in the penalty shootouts, closing down all of Sheppie’s attempts. In the final a young, crafty St Patrick’s Rayne Kitching side stepped Badenhorst, rounding her to the left and then trickled the ball over the line for the only goal in the penalty shootout. St Patrick’s keeper, Sikhona Mcebesi kept a clean sheet in her first defence that day in a penalty shootout,

Most Promising Umpire went to Bergview High School’s Arne Pieterse who had a fantastic day officiating with the whistle.

St Patrick’s College is the eighth KZN  team to gain a spot at the Grand Finals that will be held in July at St Mary’s D.S.G. The seven other teams that have secured their spot already are Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional), The Wykeham Collegiate (Pietermaritzburg North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (Durban North Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional) and Grantleigh School (KZN North Coastal Regional).

Results

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

Pool A

1 Port Shepstone High School 12 points, 2 St Patrick’s College 10 points, 3 Kokstad College 6 points, 4 St Monica’s Diocesan 6 points, 5 Ixopo High School 0 points

Pool B

1 King Edward High School 13 points, 2 Suid Natal Hoërskool 10 points, 3 Southcity Christian School 5 points, 4 Curro Creston 3 points, 5 Bergview College 1 point

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Sisonke and Ugu Regional St Patrick’s College: Saturday 20 April

St Patrick’s College hosts ten schools in the upcoming Sisonke and Ugu Regional, the eighth regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that takes place on Saturday 20 April.

Joining hosts in the regional are Bergview College; Curro Creston; Ixopo High School; King Edward High School; Kokstad College; Port Shepstone High School; Southcity Christian School; St Monica’s Diocesan; and defending champions, Suid-Natal Hoërskool.

Got your back. Defending champs, Suid Natal Hoërskool’s Nikita Grobler (Captain) and Desi Du Plooy (Vice-Captain) gear up to take on schools in the upcoming Sisonke and Ugu Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that takes place at St Patrick’s College in Kokstad on Saturday 20 April. Pic by Val Adamson

The ten teams will be split into two pools with Pool A featuring St Patrick’s; St Monica’s; Kokstad College; Sheppie High and Ixopo High. Pool B has King Edward High, Suid-Natal; Bergview, Creston and Southcity. The duration of the matches is 15 minutes one way, with a win earning the successful team 4 points; a draw with goals, 2 points, a goalless draw 1 point and finally, a loss no points.

The first game tips off at 8am with host school, St Patrick’s meeting St Monica’s in the first game. Next up at 8.15am, from Pool B, Kokstad College will meet the travelling team, Sheppie High. After a game break, St Patrick’s are back on the turf facing Ixopo High at 8.30am.

At the conclusion of the pool games, if two teams find themselves on equal points, goal difference will come into play to see who finishes higher on the log. In the cross-pool games, drawn games will head to a 3 round penalty shootout.

In the 14 years since the tournament’s inception, there have been four teams that have raised the trophy. Recently the inland teams of Kokstad College and King Edward High School have dominated, after dethroning Creston after they won it twice in 2012 and 2013. Kokstad have victories in 2011, 2014 and 2019, with King Edward High School being crowned five times in 2015 – 2018, and 2022. Most recently, the newcomer to the group, Suid-Natal earned their first victory last year after defeating Kokstad College.

The challenge that travels to ten regions annually, has already had seven teams earning their spot at the Grand Finals that will be held in July at St Mary’s D.S.G. The teams are Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional), The Wykeham Collegiate (Pietermaritzburg North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (Durban North Regional), St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional); Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regiona) and at the most recent regional, the winner for the Northern KZN Coastal Regional, Grantleigh School.

All games will be live streamed on SuperSport Schools. For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey). 

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge KZN North Coastal Regional Grantleigh School: Saturday 13 April

An exceptional day of action ended with hosts, Grantleigh School raising the trophy for the sixth time in the KZN North Coastal Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that took place on their astro on Saturday 13 April.

Seven schools participated in a full day of round robin hockey, with Grantleigh finishing top of the log. A tussle for second place ensued, with two times winner, Felixton College, Eshowe High School and St Catherine’s School all competing valiantly for the ticket to meet Grantleigh.

The final round robin game was all to play for, to reveal who would advance to the regional final. St Catherine’s met Empangeni High School in the penultimate game of the day. Sitting on 11 points, St Catherine’s required a win that would add 4 points, to continue, watched keenly by Eshowe who ended on 14 points. Midway through the riveting game, St Catherine’s netted the all-important goal and then played out the game determinedly, not allowing Empangeni any room to equalise, and finishing their day on 15 points.

This was the first time that St Catherine’s have featured in this regional final, leaving everything on the turf during the day, playing their hearts out, they were thrilled to step onto the astro to meet Grantleigh.

From the whistle, a refreshed Grantleigh dominated. Having had a five game break, the tenacious hosts camped in St Catherine’s half, constantly building pressure. In the first minute, Pipa Saint opened Grantleigh’s account in the game’s first short corner.

The home team’s forwards peppered St Catherine’s courageous keeper, Phakade Mchunu who stood firm deflecting a barrage of attempts. Her gutsy defence wasn’t enough for a slick Grantleigh attack, as the defending champs boldly outnumbered the Saint’s defence, overwhelming them in the circle with a surge of spirited strikes. Nicole Klopper netted the second goal, followed by Lisa Mbhamali and then Klaradyn Kotze got back-to-back goals taking the score up to 5 nil. Three minutes before the final whistle, Amy Scalliet prowling at the goal post was on hand to redirect a fantastic pass that whisked across the goals, nailing in her teams’ sixth goal.

Former Grantleigh player, Beth van Onselen was awarded the Umpire of the Day. Van Onselen matriculated in 2020, having played in two SPAR challenges in her school career. This was her first time appearing at the challenge with a whistle.

Grantleigh is the seventh of ten teams to qualify for the Grand Finals that will be held in July at St Mary’s D.S.G. The six teams that have already secured a spot are Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central Regional); The Wykeham Collegiate (Pietermaritzburg North Regional); St John’s D.S.G. (Pietermaritzburg Central Regional); Our Lady of Fatima (Durban North Regional); St Mary’s DSG (Highway Regional) and Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South Regional).

The next regional takes place this weekend (Saturday 20 April) at St Patrick’s College in Kokstad where ten teams will vie for the Sisonke and Ugu Regional title.

All games will be live streamed on SuperSport Schools. For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey). 

Results

Regional Final

Grantleigh School 6 vs St Catherine’s School 0

Round Robin Points

1 Grantleigh School 24 points, 2 St Catherine’s School 15 points, 3 Eshowe High School 14 points, 4 Felixton College 11 points, 5 Empangeni High School 7 points, 6 John Ross High 2 points, 7 Richards Bay Christian School 1 point

Toti regains Durban South Regional Title in SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge (Copy)

The wet drizzly weather did not dampen the spirits at the Durban South Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 6 April at New Forest High School which saw Amanzimtoti High School reclaiming the title.

After a long day of enthralling action, Toti met defending champs, Kuswag Skool, in a riveting regional final. The last time these two schools met in this regional final was in 2018, when Toti took the honours. In similar fashion to the 2018 scoreline, Toti High knocked in a solitary goal three quarters of the way through, clinching victory.

Captain for Toti, Katelin de Beer led her team to victory as she charged down the right, leaving a couple of Kuswag players in her wake. Entering the circle, de Beer faked an attempt to shake off an on-the-ball defender, taking a further two determined steps before discharging a gentle flick that wafted past the last lines of defence for Kuswag into the bottom left of the goals.

With the clock winding down, de Beer threatened again with another lone run down the middle. Flying into the circle and finding space, in her eagerness she unfortunately kicked the ball resulting in the whistle ruining her last-minute chance.

In 320 minutes of hockey, only 27 goals were scored. There was nothing between the top three schools on the log. Kuswag and Toti both ended on 15 points each, and Kingsway High School tallied 14 points, a mere one point behind. Kuswag netted an impressive 11 goals in their five round robin games, Kingsway and Toti both notched up 7 goals each.

 In previous years, the two finalists have raised the trophy 8 times, with Amanzimtoti dominating between the years of 2015 and 2019, Kuswag have their name engraved on the trophy three times, in 2011 and two back-to-back victories in 2022 and 2023. The 2024 title gives Amanzimtoti their sixth win, and they now qualify for the Grand Finals that takes place in July at St Mary’s D.S.G.

 Five teams have already reserved a berth at the Grand Finals. The teams are Durban Girls’ College representing the Durban Central Regional, The Wykeham Collegiate who were crowned in the Pietermaritzburg North Regional; St John’s D.S.G. waving the flag from the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional; Our Lady of Fatima from the Durban North Regional, and most recently St Mary’s D.S.G. for the Highway Regional.

No stranger to the challenge, Kingsway High School’s Chris Clark was awarded at the Umpire of the Day. Clark has played various roles over his 8 years that he has been a part of this regional, including coach, manager and umpire.

The challenge heads to Richards Bay this weekend, with Grantleigh School hosting schools for the North Coast Regional.

All games will be live streamed on SuperSport Schools. For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey). 

Results

Regional Final

Amanzimtoti High School 1 vs Kuswag Skool 0

Round Robin

1 Kuswag Skool 15pts; 2 Amanzimtoti High School 15pts; 3 Kingsway High School 14pts; 4 New Forest High School 5pts; 5 Port Natal Skool 4pts; 6 Werda Skool 1pot

ENDS

Northern KZN Coastal Regional - SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge 13 April

The seventh regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge takes to the turf at Grantleigh School on Saturday 13 April.

The calm before the storm. Grantleigh College’s players Nkanyezi Xulu and Jessica Sparks take some time out ahead of defending their title at the Northern KZN Coastal Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge that they are hosting on Saturday 13 April.

Seven teams will be gathering for the Northern KZN Coastal Regional. Tipping off the day’s action, the two teams that have dominated the regional since 2016, will be meeting in what could be the rehearsal for the regional final. Host school, Grantleigh School takes on Felixton College at 8am. Both teams have participated in the regional final for the last six years of the tournament.

Hoping to shine and release the dominating hold of the two defending champs are Empangeni High School who raised the regional cup from 2012 to 2015, Eshowe High School, John Ross College, Richards Bay Christian School and St Catherine’s School.

The tournament runs in a round robin format, with 21 games lasting a rapid 20 minutes with action only going one way. The top two teams on the log then will meet for the second time in the concluding game for the regional, the final. Points will be awarded to all teams after each game. 4 points goes to the winning team. 2 points to both teams if they draw having scored an equal number of goals. 1 point if both teams end their game on nil nil and of course, no points for a loss.

The challenge that travels to ten regions annually, has already had six teams reserving a berth at the Grand Finals that will be held in July at St Mary’s D.S.G. The teams are Durban Girls’ College representing the Durban Central Regional, The Wykeham Collegiate who were crowned in the Pietermaritzburg North Regional; St John’s D.S.G. waving the flag from the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional; Our Lady of Fatima from the Durban North Regional, St Mary’s DSG for the Highway Regional and at the most recent regional, the winner for the Durban South Regional, Amanzimtoti High School.

All games will be live streamed on SuperSport Schools. For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey). 

ENDS

Fixtures - Durban South Regionals - SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Host school, New Forest High School welcomes teams for the upcoming Durban South Regional in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 6 April.

Best foot forward. Defending champs, Gabriella Morton and Maddison Thieves from Kuswag Skool prepare to take on the competition at the upcoming Durban South Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge hosted by New Forest High School on Saturday 6 April at the 3 Schools Trust Astro. Pic by Val Adamson

This is the sixth regional of the ten challenges held annually in KZN, leading up to the Grand Finals that takes place in July at St Mary’s D.S.G.. Six teams will be taking to the astro for this regional to compete in a round robin formatted tournament. Quick-fire games will last only 20 minutes one-way, encouraging teams to take their opportunities quickly.

There are fifteen round robin games, and the regional final. After each game, points will be awarded: 4 points goes to the winning team, 2 points to both teams if they draw having scored an equal number of goals, 1 point if both teams end their game on nil nil, and of course, no points for a loss. The two teams finishing at the top of the log will get to face each other for the second time in the final.

The teams participating include defending champions, Kuswag who have raised the regional trophy three times. The first time in the inaugural tournament in 2011, and then over the last two years with back-to-back wins. Amanzimtoti High School dominated the region for five years on the trot, with their name featuring on the trophy for the years 2015 to 2019. As host school for the first time, New Forest hope to shine. Port Natal School, Werda High School and Kingsway High School make up the remainder of the teams.

The first game tips off at 8am with Amanzimtoti meeting hosts, New Forest in the first bit of action for the day. Followed by Port Natal and Kingsway who were narrowly defeated in the regional final by rivals, Kuswag. The defending champs take to the field in the third game, meeting Werda.

Five teams have already qualified for the Grand Finals that will be held in July at St Mary’s D.S.G. The teams are Durban Girls’ College representing the Durban Central Regional, The Wykeham Collegiate who were crowned in the Pietermaritzburg North Regional; St John’s D.S.G. waving the flag from the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional; Our Lady of Fatima from the Durban North Regional and the most recent, St Mary’s DSG for the Highway Regional.

All games will be live streamed on SuperSport Schools. For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey). 

ENDS