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WORLD TRANSPLANT GAMES ENDS ON HIGH

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The week-long 19th World Transplant Summer Games has ended and was deemed a resounding success by the athletes and organisers. President of the World Transplant Games Federation, Mr Olivier Coustere, commented: “The South African event rates as one of the best in the history of the Games, which have been running every second year since 1978.  The organisation of the event, plus the warmth of the Zulu welcome, the culture, the food and the music, will leave lasting impressions on all of us.” Team South Africa finished in third position in the final medal count. Overall winners were Team Great Britain and Northern Ireland, who competed as one team.

 

Top five teams and medal count:

Great Britain and Northern Ireland:  114 gold, 74 silver, 47 bronze

USA:  42 gold, 32 silver, 27 bronze

South Africa:  37 gold, 32 silver, 27 bronze

Hungary:  37 gold, 19 silver, 21 bronze

Australia:  25 gold, 15 silver, 12 bronze

 

1800 participants from 50 countries enjoyed Durban’s warm winter sunshine in weather conditions that were hotter than the last Summer Games held in Sweden in 2011.  Several athletes are celebrating breaking World Transplant Games records, including eight South Africans. Over 50 records were broken at the two day athletics. Four awards were presented by The World Transplant Games Federation at the closing ceremony to the “Most Outstanding Athletes in the World Transplant Games: in the categories of Boys, Girls, Male and Female athletes.”

 

WORLD TRANSPLANT GAMES FEDERATION AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING  ATHLETES:

Top Boy Athlete:  Kaidyn Blair, Canada.

Top Girl Athlete: Nicole McKenzie, Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Top Male Athlete: Liam Barnett, Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Top Female Athlete: Heilie Uys, South Africa

 

Heilie Uys, who was the captain of the South African team, was nominated “The Most Outstanding Female Athlete” of the entire Games, by the World Transplant Games Federation. Selection criteria requires the athlete to have excelled in a wide variety of different sports and to have interacted well with all other athletes. Heilie, who competed in the 60 – 69 age division and lives in St Francis Bay, was also nominated “the best lady golfer in the Games.” She won gold medals for golf and shotput and broke Transplant Games world records for javelin, discus and cricket ball. Uys, who has had a kidney transplant, has more than medals and records to her name.  She is also the National Secretary for SATSA, (The South African Transplant Sports Association,) and is the Secretary of the local World Transplant Games Organising Committee.

 

OTHER SOUTH AFRICANS BREAKING WORLD TRANSPLANT GAMES ATHLETICS RECORDS:

Long Jump 15 – 17 years:  Philemon Mogotsi – 5.31m  (Northwest/Free State)

Shot Put 15 – 17 years:   Herculaas Lamprecht  – 9.52m (Western Cape)

50 m run Boys 9 – 11 years: Jacques Boshoff 8.42 (Gauteng)

Javelin Men 30 – 39 years:  Dawid Van Den Berg- 31.53m  (NW/Free State)

Javelin Men 50 – 59 years:  Lourens Schultz 35.01m  (NW/Free State)

Javelin Women 60 – 69 years:  Heilie Uys -18.03m  (Eastern Cape)

Discus Women 60 – 69 years:  Heilie Uys 19.14m

Cricketball Women 60 – 69 years:   Heilie Uys 29.99

 

INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES SUCCESS:

Swedish athlete, Martha Ehlin, encapsulated the agony that most of these athletes have experienced; “When you are on the list, waiting for a donor, you are not waiting, you are fighting for your life and we are now celebrating our lives at this event in Durban.” Ehlin, who had five transplants during a seventeen hour operation, won five gold medals in her home-town of Sweden in 2011 and won gold for shotput, javelin and cricket ball in South Africa, as well as silver in high jump. She competed in five sports  – one dedicated to each of her five organ transplants. Howard Dell of Team USA broke the 200 metre World Transplant Games record. Vince Taylor of Team Great Britain and Northern Ireland was second and South Africa’s Andre Murphy (Gauteng), finished third in the 200 metres. Montague Summers of Australia, broke two World Transplants Games records for 800 and 1500 metres and equalled the 400 metre WTG record.  He has raised AUD 16, 000 (approx R160 000,00) for an organ donor project to inspire transplantees to integrate back into society and involve themselves in sport.

 

The next World Transplant Games will be held in Mardelplata, Argentina, in 2015.

 

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Author: Tee

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Attractions

Disney On Ice returns in 2026 with Mickey’s Search Party

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The magic of Disney celebrates its return to South Africa with Innovative Technology and Transformative Performances

Disney On Ice returns to South Africa in 2026! Get ready as the magic glides into Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban, bringing spectacular special effects, cutting-edge technology, breathtaking performances, dazzling costumes, and all your beloved Disney characters and stories!

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, produced by Feld Entertainment Inc, is brought to South Africa by leading local promoter, Showtime Management and is proudly presented in association with FNB. The show opens in Pretoria on Sunday, 28 June 2026 at SunBet Arena, Time Square and continues for a limited season ending on Sunday, 05 July 2026.

Thereafter Disney On Ice skates into GrandWest, Cape Town on Saturday, 11 July through Sunday, 19 July 2026.  The production then moves to Durban’s International Convention Centre Arena from Friday, 24 July to Sunday, 26  July 2026.

“FNB is proud to once again collaborate with Disney On Ice and Showtime Management to create magical moments that bring families together,” says Nkosana Matyeshana, Marketing Events Lead at FNB. “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and, as a token of our appreciation for their continued loyalty, we’re offering 20% off Disney On Ice tickets from Wednesday 29 October until Sunday 30 November 2025.”

“The wait will soon be over! We’re thrilled to bring Disney On Ice back to South Africa. This new show celebrates the timeless stories and beloved characters that continue to inspire families everywhere — with more magic, spectacle and heart than ever before,” says Tony Feldman of Showtime Management. “We couldn’t be happier to once again partner with FNB to share the magic with audiences across the country.”

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, is an adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts! Look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell through immersive, fantastic worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco, sail away with Moana as she bravely saves her island, see Belle in the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life, and sing-along with Elsa in the icy world of Frozen. Make memories during Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration!

Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic.  Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney●Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family.

Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace. Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice.  Demonstrate the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room. Laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates flip, tumble, and twist on tumble tracks, stilts and more in an effort to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka.

Tickets are now on sale for South Africa’s favourite family winter school holiday outing. Book at Ticketmaster.co.za or Showtime.co.za.

Patrons are asked to please note that owing to safety regulations each person, irrespective of age (including babes in arms and children under two years) must have a purchased ticket. Fans are encouraged to only book through Ticketmaster.co.za the official authorised ticketing agent for Disney On Ice. Tickets from third parties will not be honoured.

To discover more about Disney On Ice, log on to www.disneyonice.co.za or visit us on Facebook and YouTube.   ENDS

SHOW INFORMATION 

TICKETS:

www.ticketmaster.co.za or www.showtime.co.za

Ticket master is the only exclusive ticketing agent for Disney On Ice.

Tickets purchased from any other source will not be valid.

PRETORIA SHOW INFORMATION

VENUE:

SunBet Arena at Time Square, Menlyn Maine

SHOW DATES AND TIMES:  Sunday, 28 June to Sunday, 05 July 2026

Sunday 28 June – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

Wednesday, 01 July – 11am, 3pm

Thursday, 02 July – 11am, 3pm

Friday, 03 July – 11am, 3pm

Saturday, 04 July – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

Sunday, 05 July – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

TICKET PRICES:

Weekdays (Wednesday to Friday, Sundays @6pm) – R200, R250, R350, R450 per person inclusive

Weekends (Saturdays all shows and Sundays 10am, 2pm) –R295, R395, R495, R595 per person inclusive

Babes in arms and children under two years sitting on parent’s lap MUST

have a purchased Babes in arms ticket @ R100.00

Children two years and older must have a purchased SEATED ticket

###

CAPE TOWN SHOW INFORMATION

VENUE: Grand Arena, GrandWest

SHOW DATES: Saturday, 11 July to Sunday, 19 July 2026

TIMES:

Saturday, 11 July – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

Sunday, 12 July – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

Thursday, 16 July – 11am, 3pm

Friday, 17 July – 11am, 3pm

Saturday, 18 July – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

Sunday, 19 July – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

TICKET PRICES:

Weekdays (Thursday, Friday, Sundays @6pm) – R200, R250, R350, R450 per person inclusive

Weekends (Saturdays all shows and Sundays 10am, 2pm) –R295, R395, R495, R595 per person inclusive

Babes in arms and children under two years sitting on parent’s lap MUST

have a purchased Babes in arms ticket @ R100.00

Children two years and older must have a purchased SEATED ticket

GROUP BOOKINGS

20% Discount on groups of 20 and more – midweek performances and Sunday 6pm only

Bookings through Jill Somers, 079 218 1658, sales@showtime.co.za

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DURBAN SHOW INFORMATION

VENUE: Main Arena, Durban International Convention Centre

SHOW DATES AND TIMES: Wednesday, 24 July to Sunday, 26 July 2026

Friday, 24 July – 2pm, 6pm

Saturday, 25 July – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

Sunday, 27 July – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

TICKET PRICES:

All shows – R250, R350, R450, R550 per person inclusive

Babes in arms and children under two years sitting on parent’s lap MUST

have a purchased Babes in arms ticket @ R100.00

Children two years and older must have a purchased SEATED ticket

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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Attractions

Top musical duo Nduduzo Makhathini and Omagugu to open for Gregory Porter

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GRAMMY® Award-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter’s Durban International Convention Centre show on Saturday 15 November will feature pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini and singer-songwriter Omagugu, performing alongside each other.

These celebrated South African musicians have been married for more than a decade, having become friends while playing together earlier in their careers. Both were born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal. Omagugu studied music at the University of KwaZulu Natal, Tshwane University of Technology and later, at the University of Fort Hare where she graduated with in Honours in Music. Similarly, Nduduzo did his undergraduate studies at the University of KwaZulu Natal and later completed both his Masters and PhD studies at the University of Stellenbosch.

Both artists are touring musicians with a significant catalogue of works from their own albums to being featured on many others that mark important moments for the South African jazz archive.

As collaborators Omagugu and Nduduzo have done important festivals such as the Winter Jazz Fest in NY, Avo Session in SW, Mam Jazz in MU and both the Joy of Jazz and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival among many others. The couple has just returned from two European tours this year. They have also had significant highlights such as a collaborative performance with the great DJ Black Coffee at the CTIJF this year, while Nduduzo has received many international awards and recently did his NPR concert.

“Nduduzo is a rare breed, his ancestral connection through music allows safe passage for his audiences – and when with the angelic Omagugu beside him, this experience is heavenly.” says Greg Maloka of GRIZA Enterprises.  Fellow Gregory Porter Love is King SA Tour promoter Tony Feldman concurs: “This is a unique opportunity for Durban jazz and music fans. Seeing both South African and international talent of this calibre on the same stage doesn’t happen often – it’s going to be a sensational show.

Gregory Porter’s three-city Love is King South African concert tour also includes Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Don’t miss Gregory Porter live in South Africa in November for five concerts including GrandWest, Cape Town on 12 November; Durban ICC on 15 November and his return to Montecasino, Johannesburg for three engagements on Thursday, 20 November; Friday, 21 November and Saturday, 22 November.

Book now at showtime.co.za or Ticketmaster.co.za. Tickets purchased via unauthorised websites will not be honoured

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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Events

A Weekend of Music and Mountains with Champagne Classics

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Experience Champagne Classics: A Weekend of Sublime Music in the Drakensberg

Event Details

Dates: Thursday 26 February – Sunday 1 March 2026
Venue: Champagne Sports Resort, Central Drakensberg
Check-in: Thursday afternoon (26 February)
Check-out: Sunday morning (1 March)
Costs: To be confirmed – you will be notified once full cost details are available.

Register your interest by contacting Kim at kim@montybrett.com or on 082 824 9378. 

Escape to the heart of the Drakensberg for Champagne Classics, a three-night weekend celebrating timeless music, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking scenery.

Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Champagne Sports Resort in the Central Drakensberg, this annual event brings together classical music lovers for an unforgettable experience of culture and relaxation.

What’s Included

~ Three nights’ accommodation in twin or double rooms
~ All buffet meals at the resort restaurant
~ Morning and afternoon teas with sweet and savoury treats
~ Three evening concerts and two midday recitals
~ A pre-concert talk with Dr Richard Cock
~ A fun, ice-breaker quiz
~ Gratuities for the hotel staff

What’s Not Included

~ Transport to and from Champagne Sports Resort
~ Drinks and bar purchases
~ Personal items, such as laundry or room service

A Symphony of Talent

During the midday and evening concerts, the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra performs under the baton of Dr Richard Cock. Audiences can enjoy works by legendary composers such as Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, and JC Bach.

Dr Cock’s lively conducting style and musical insight bring these masterpieces to life. Each concert promises to move, inspire, and delight audiences of all ages.


Champagne Sports Resort

A Setting Like No Other

Late February is one of the best times to visit the Drakensberg. The mountains are green, the air is crisp, and the views are breathtaking. Guests will enjoy elegant accommodation and a wide range of leisure options.

You can play a round on the championship golf course, unwind at the spa, or simply relax with a drink while soaking in the mountain scenery. Between concerts, explore the surrounding trails or enjoy quiet moments on the resort’s terraces.

Exceptional Dining

Every meal is served in the resort’s famous buffet restaurant. The menu features an impressive selection of dishes, including options for vegan, vegetarian, and special diets. Morning and afternoon teas come with the chef’s homemade treats, ensuring every meal feels like an occasion.

Book Your Place

Spaces for Champagne Classics 2026 are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Final pricing will be confirmed soon. In the meantime, you can register your interest by contacting Kim at kim@montybrett.com or on 082 824 9378.

mrjoelmagic
Author: mrjoelmagic

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