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SAIFTA WOWS THE CROWD

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The highly-anticipated SAIFTA Awards unfolded at the Durban ICC Arena on Friday night (September 6), to an appreciative audience of top South African and Indian filmmakers, actors and adoring fans.

The backers, The Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and Durban Tourism, shared the platform at the stylish awards, which are the brainchild of SAIFTA creative director, Kedhar Gawde.

In his speech, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal chairperson, Sadha Naidoo, said “A vision has just been born.”

Fans screamed wildly at the Durban ICC red carpet arrival, which saw some of Bollywood’s hottest stars and local actors like Jack Devnarain, Robert Whitehead, Latoya Mangezi, Donnalee Roberts and Mutodi Neshehe, make their grand entrance.  South African personalities, Simba and Tatum Keshwar were red-carpet hosts.

The most popular arrivals were those of Bollywood heartthrob John Abraham, Siddharth Malhotra, dancing queen Madhuri Dixit, co-host Dia Mirza and the gorgeous former Miss World and highest-paid Bollywood actress, Priyanka Chopra.  Tamil actress, Isha Talwar wore a stunning Alpa and Reena creation which featured a striking combination of Indian and African influences.

The amazing entertainment line-up wowed the audience with more blitz, bling and glamour than the ICC has ever seen.  It included a hilarious aerial entrance by popular Ranveer Singh from the expansive Arena ceiling, colourful pyro-technics and special effects. The event kicked off with performances from Tamil dance groups and a stunning fashion show by local designer Haroun Hansrot and Alpa and Reena of Mumbai.

The electric dance sequences gave local performers the opportunity and honour of performing on the same stage as stars like Madhuri Dixit, Priyanka Chopra, Siddharth Malhotra and Ranveer Singh.

A highlight was the special lifetime achievement Madiba award bestowed on Nelson Mandela and accepted by his grand-daughter, Ndileka Mandela, from veteran actress, Waheeda Rehman.

Ndileka said; “I thank you for honouring my grandfather who is still at home and is still ill.  We cherish every moment with him and thank everyone for their prayers.”

In a true mix of cultures, it was Afrikaans film “Die Wonderwerker” and TV Series “7de Laan”, that emerged as winners of the Best Film and Best TV Show for the Awards competition period which ran from 1st June 2012 – 31 May 2013.

Craig Strydom, who accepted a special award for “Searching For Sugar Man” which won “The Documentary that Brought the Most Recognition to South Africa,” commented; “I found the evening highly entertaining and am most impressed with this unique initiative. In fact I would love to work with some of these stars, especially the extraordinarily-talented ” Ranveer Singh, who has such stage presence.

The charismatic Muthodi Nesheshe won the “Best Film Actor” award for his part in “Little One”  and “Best TV Actor” title went to Robert Whitehead for his role as Barker Heyns in Isidingo.

“Best Actress Award” went to Lindiwe Ndlovu (for her role in Little One) and “Best TV Actress” was Baby Cele for her role in Zabalaza.  Best debut honours went to Sidharth Malhotra (for Student of the Year) and Huma Qureshi (for Gangs of Wassepur.

John Abraham won the coveted “Youth Icon of the Year” award.

Kedhar Gawde, SAIFTA creative director, said;  “I am more than happy with the first SAIFTA show.  It was great to see the interaction of the two countries and to watch the expressions of the mixed audience as they saw local artists like Jailoshini Naidoo performing as Auntie Rhambha and Aaron McIlroy interacting with Indian stars.

The direct and indirect economic impact of the inaugural SAIFTA event on KwaZulu-Natal is expected to exceed R80 million, however an economic impact analysis study is yet to be finalised.

The media coverage which includes television programmes beamed around the world, is valued at R700 million.

Mr Desmond Golding, Head of Department, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, commented; “This evening marks a major step in positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a film capital.  We launched the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission to facilitate film production In the province and tonight proves the value of  SAIFTA as a means of attracting top directors and producers to shoot their films in our province.  For example, Mukesh Bhatt, who has never filmed an entire film in Durban before, indicated his intention to do so, now that he will have the support of the KZN Film Commission.”

Mr Sadha Naidoo commented; “Tourism research indicates that the Indian tourism market is one of the most attractive and fastest growing, both in volume and value of its outbound travel flows. Globally, India is one of the fastest growing markets for outbound travel.”

 

Durban’s hosting SAIFTA for the next three years presents an exciting opportunity for Tourism KwaZulu-Natal to strategically leverage awareness of the province and its tourism offerings internationally, particularly within the Indian market, which continues to show tremendous growth potential. In 2010, the total number of outbound trips from India exceeded 12.5 million and in 2011 this grew by 11%

 

Outbound trips from India are expected to exceed 22 million per year by 2015. In 2012, KZN received a mere 2.4% of the over-100,000 Indian tourist arrivals into South Africa, which was valued to be in the order of 2.3 billion Rand. Tourism KwaZulu-Natal therefore has much to do in ensuring that KwaZulu-Natal becomes a key stop on the Indian traveller’s South African itinerary.  And the best way to promote the province to these tourists is by Durban and KwaZulu-Natal being the location for Bollywood films.

 

Photo credits:

Robert Whitehead pic: Terry Haywood

Pic of Ndileka Mandela receiving Madiba Award:  Rogan Ward

Priyanka Chopra dancing :  Rogan Ward

Priyanka Chopra, with local dancers: Rajesh Jantilall

Priyanka Chopra on podium: Rajesh Jantilall

 

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Entertainment

Jeremy Loops to perform at Old Mutual Music at the Lake Concert at the Durban Botanic Gardens on Saturday 19 October.

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Durban, September 11th, 2024 – Get ready for an epic Spring celebration as South Africa’s beloved singer-songwriter, Jeremy Loops, returns to Durban for the Old Mutual Music at the Lake concert series. On Saturday, 19 October, the iconic Durban Botanic Gardens will be transformed into a vibrant festival of live music and fun for the whole family.

Gates open at 2 PM, with the concert wrapping up by 7 PM, making it a perfect afternoon of music in one of Durban’s most stunning outdoor venues. Tickets are limited and available on Webtickets – grab yours before they’re gone!

“Old Mutual’s sponsorship of the Music at the Lake series showcases our deep-rooted commitment to nurturing community spirit and celebrating both local and international talent. We believe in the power of music to bring people together and create lasting memories. Our support for this series is our way of supporting the arts and the communities we serve. We are proud to create platforms where talent, family and joy can flourish in the heart of Durban’s historic Botanic Gardens,” said Thobile Tshabalala, Head of Brand at Old Mutual.

Jeremy Loops brings more than just his live performance magic—he’s back with brand-new music!
His latest single, “Go Again,” gives fans a fresh anthem to vibe to before the show. Featuring his signature blend of soulful lyrics and upbeat melodies, “Go Again” is an empowering track about facing life’s challenges head-on.

In Jeremy’s words, “Go Again is my declaration to lean into positivity, to find strength in the storm, and to bring the sunshine, even when it’s raining.” The song, co-written and produced with Edd Holloway (known for his work with Dean Lewis and Lewis Capaldi), marks Jeremy’s second release this year following “Dust Over Dunes” (August 2nd) and gives fans a taste of what to expect from his forthcoming album.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience Jeremy Loops live at the Durban Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the perfect family outing, surrounded by nature and incredible music. Book your tickets now!

Event Details:

Old Mutual Music at the Lake with Jeremy Loops

Date: Saturday, 19 October
Location: Durban Botanic Gardens
Tickets: Available now via Webtickets
Capacity: Limited to 2500 attendees
Times: Gates open 14h00 – Show ends 19h00.

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Events

REVIEW: Sunsets & Mermaids, Umhlanga

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Unwind with Great Food and Vibes at Sunsets and Mermaids

Sunsets and Mermaids Restaurant and Bar in Umhlanga, Durban, is an experience you won’t want to miss. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and a complimentary serving of olives stuffed with feta, a delightful mini starter that set the tone for what was to come.

We began with their unique sushi, featuring a delectable combination of prawn and salmon, paired with chicken dumplings that came with a choice of sauces. The hot sauce packed a punch, while the mild sauce offered a gentle, flavorful alternative—both enhanced the dishes perfectly. We paired our meal with expertly crafted cocktails: an Old Fashioned and a Margarita, each complementing the flavors of our food beautifully.

For lunch, we opted for their chicken and beef burgers, each topped with a homemade sauce that added a unique twist. The crispy onion rings and Lay-like chips were a perfect accompaniment, making for a satisfying and delicious meal.

What really stood out was the impeccable service. Not only were the staff attentive and friendly, but the chef personally came to our table to check if the food was to our liking and even offered some great recommendations. The atmosphere was electric, with the upbeat Durban music vibes adding to the overall experience.

Sunset and Mermaids is more than just a bar; it’s a culinary destination with a diverse menu that spans sushi, burgers, and even pizzas. Their Tuesday quiz nights and Wednesday Ladies Night add an extra layer of fun to the week. The place is such a vibe that even the Irish Rugby team made an appearance after their game against the Springboks!

We’re already planning our next visit and highly recommend that you give it a try too.
Sunsets and Mermaids is a must-visit spot in Umhlanga!

To book:
www.sunsetsandmermaids.co.za
(031) 943 3044
Info@sunmer.co.za


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Overall – 9/10

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Events

The Sunday Tribune Great Outdoors Expo

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The 2024 Sunday Tribune Great Outdoors Expo is coming up and it is KZN’s BIGGEST Adventure show!

The show is takes place at the Durban Exhibition Centre on the 31st of August and the 1st of September and is KZN’s premier outdoor and 4×4 Exhibition. The 2-day show brings together outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and families seeking to reconnect with nature.

This annual event has grown in popularity, highlighting the latest in outdoor equipment, travel destinations, and recreational activities. Whether you are an avid camper, a hiking enthusiast, or simply someone looking to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors, the Expo offers something for everyone.
Visitors to the 2024 Sunday Tribune Great Outdoors Expo can expect a diverse array of exhibitors displaying the newest camping gear, Trailers, 4×4 accessories, hiking equipment, and adventure sports accessories. Major brands and local retailers will be on hand, offering exclusive deals and demonstrations of their latest products. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore innovative tents, durable backpacks, advanced GPS devices, and much more, all designed to enhance outdoor experiences.

One of the highlights of the Expo is the 4×4 track managed by on of SA’s most experiences 4×4 drivers, Travis Duggan. Here visitors can climb inside the latest 4×4’s on the market and test the course and their nerves. Vehicle dealers from around Durban will be displaying the latest and best new vehicles on the market, which you can experience, review, sit inside and dream of your next adventure.

There is an incredible kids play and activity area, which is free to enter, where kids will be supervised, while enjoying Jumping castles, giant slides, carnival games, crazy bikes, bungee trampolines, and lots more.

The highlight of the Expo will not only the incredible exhibitors and the heart pounding 4×4 track, but there will be two of SA’s top Freestyle Motorbike Stunt jumpers, which will be taking to the sky in an ariel display each day inside dedicated MX arena.

In addition to the equipment, activities and Motocross display the Expo features over 20 Food and beverage stands as well as an indoor and outdoor Bar and live music by Tyler De Dominico, Tatum Tides and Gavin Ferguson.

Book the date and get your tickets online to avoid any gate ques from Webtickets.

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