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Rope troubles for hyacinth heroes

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Pietermaritzburg – The Dusi Umgeni Conservation Trust (DUCT) last week laid out a rope on Inanda Dam in an attempt to cordon off the abundant water hyacinth but in the past few days it seems that large sections of this rope have been stolen which has left DUCT Field Manager Bart Fokkens and his team with a lot of cleaning up to do with the iconic Dusi Canoe Marathon just a week away.

It has been a tough few months for Fokkens who has been in the process of trying to curb the impact that the hyacinth has had both on the environment as well as on the prestigious race that starts at Camps Drift on 13 February and, with the initial plan having now been sabotaged, quick thinking will be the key to him rectifying the matter with the race right around the corner.

2014HyacinthInandaBart Fokkens and his team at the Dusi Umgeni Conservation Trust have been waging a substantial war against water hyacinth along the uMsundusi and uMngeni rivers in the build up to the 2014 Dusi Canoe Marathon but they have hit a snag as their rope that they have used to cordon off the plant was stolen wrecking havoc with their attempts to contain the plant.

“It is really disheartening when a plan comes together but it is harmed by people trying to make quick money,” a frustrated Fokkens said. “We were down here over the weekend spraying the area that we had cordoned off but now we have to try something different because if we use another rope it will just get stolen again!”

With only about 20 metres of rope left from the approximately one kilometre that they started with, the DUCT team are now under pressure to make sure that the invasive aquatic plant does not have an impact on the race when the paddlers look to head onto Inanda Dam at the end of the second day of the race.

“We are going to do a little bit of experimenting now to see what will be the most effective way of getting rid of the plant but for the race we are just going to have to create a channel on the south bank that the paddlers can paddle through instead of trying to completely destroy it in a week!

“The one positive for us at the moment is that the weevil population on the green hyacinth is growing so if the race was at the end of March there would be no hyacinth on the water at all!” Fokkens mentioned light-heartedly.

Hyacinth is a problem along stretches of the Dusi route and there has been a major effort by DUCT and other bodies to get rid of as much of the water lettuce as possible in the build up to the Dusi. The DUCT squad have even called in the heavy artillery with a helicopter being used to spray the worst affected regions recently.

“It is a massive area for us to cover and we can’t cover it all by foot or by car so we called in a helicopter to spray the section from the Confluence to Ngumeni Hill.

“We have not checked the effect of the helicopter spray because we have been busy on the dam trying to just keep this under control for the race.

“The boom that is permanently set up on the dam does help in containing the hyacinth to a certain degree as it all gets pushed into the boom overnight with the winds blowing downstream and we can manage that when it happens,” he added.

It has been a tough battle for Fokkens but he hopes that with the help of Umgeni Water and the Durban Green Corridor the hyacinth should not play any detrimental role in the race starting next week.

“Although we have hit quite a snag with our rope being stolen we are still confident that the problem is under control heading into the race next week.

“It will take a bit more work from us but we will be able to get it all done by the time the paddlers get to the dam at the end of day two,” Fokkens concluded confidently.
The Dusi Canoe Marathon 2014 starts in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday 13 February and ends in Durban onSaturday 15 February 2014. More information can be found at www.dusi.co.za

2014HyacinthInandaBoom

Due to the theft of the one kilometer rope that the Dusi Umgeni Conservation Trust were using to cordon off the water hyacinth on Inanda Dam they have had to come up with a new strategy to prevent the invader species from playing havoc to the Dusi Canoe Marathon starting at Camps Drift on 13 February.

 

Photos by: Andrew King/
Gameplan Media

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Art

Bluey’s Big Play Coming to South Africa

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Wackadoo! Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are coming to South Africa in the 2025 winter school holidays! For the first time ever, the hit theatre production Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show makes its African debut at Artscape, Cape Town on Thursday, 26 June, running until Sunday, 06 July 2025. The show then moves to The Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg from Wednesday, 09 July to Sunday, 20 July. Tickets are on sale now at www.showtime.co.za and www.ticketmaster.co.za.

Bluey’s Big Play is a theatrical adaptation of the BAFTA and Emmy® Award-winning animated children’s television series produced by Ludo Studio. Now families in South Africa can experience the joy of seeing Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad in their first ever theatre show, featuring brilliantly created puppets, iconic sets, live actors and all-new music – it’s Bluey like you’ve never seen it before, in real life and on stage.

The popularity of Bluey’s Big Play knows no bounds, touring internationally across Australia, UK and Ireland, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Europe and North America. Kiddo Adventures gives Bluey’s Big Play five stars while claiming it’s “A magical theatrical experience for fans of all ages” while Time Out says, This live adventure for fanatically beloved Australian hound Bluey is as authentic as it comes”. The Guardian best sums up the show by saying “Puppy puppets’ sweet show sets tails wagging.

Bluey’s Big Play follows Bluey and her family through a full day from sunrise through to bedtime. When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag.

Bluey’s Big Play is an original story from creator Joe Brumm, with bespoke music from Bluey composer Joff Bush. The audio track forBluey’s Big Play is prerecorded and features original voices from the TV sensation, including the instantly recognisable voices of Dave McCormack and Melanie Zanetti as Dad and Mum. While the larger-than-life puppets are commanded by Bluey’s Big Play’s talented puppeteers, who bring Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad to life on stage.

Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co and local live entertainment and show promoter, Showtime Management.

Kate O’Connor, Director of Brands and Licensing BBC Studios ANZ, says: “Following the incredible reaction to the live theatre show in North America, UK, Ireland, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Europe and Australia, we are so excited to bring Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show to fans in South Africa.”

Bluey’s Big Play has performed to a global audience including sell out seasons across Australia, USA and UK. The response has been extraordinary. We are so excited to now bring Bluey’s Big Play to South African audiences this winter school holidays,” says Andrew Kay, Producer of Bluey’s Big Play.

We’re thrilled to be bringing Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show to South Africa,” said Tony Feldman of Showtime Management who added: “The response to the show from fans across Australia, North America and Europe has been nothing short of amazing and we can’t wait for families in South Africa to experience all the fun and excitement of having Bluey and her family live on stage.”


The stage show has enjoyed much success around the world, especially in Australia, where it premiered in Bluey’s hometown Brisbane and went on to perform over 500 times across 65 venues, including the Sydney Opera House.  Bluey’s Big Play was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Family Show in 2024.

Since bursting on to TV screens in Australia in 2018, Bluey has enjoyed a plethora of critical success at home and abroad, winning a 2022 BAFTA Children & Young People Award in the International category, a 2024 Kidscreen Award for Best Animated Series and picking up its consecutive fifth AACTA Best Children’s Programme award to add to an International Emmy and numerous awards for craft and production around the world.

According to Nielsen, Bluey is 2024’s most-watched series globally on Disney+, and the year’s No. 1 most-watched series on streaming to date through November among total viewers in the U.S., with more than 50.5 billion minutes watched[1]. In Australia, the show goes out on ABC where it is #1 kids show, and it is also rated #1 kids show on CBeebies and Disney+ in the UK[2]. In South Africa, Bluey is ranked #1 on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and CBeebies[3].

Tickets for Bluey’s Big Play are available now and can be purchased at www.showtime.co.za or www.ticketmaster.co.za the official, exclusive ticketing agent. Tickets purchased via any other platform will not be honoured.

Each attendee irrespective of age must hold a valid ticket in any price category to Bluey’s Big Play. A strictly limited number of Meet & Greet Packages are available for each show. The Meet & Greet includes a lanyard and the unique opportunity to meet Bluey after the show.  Children are not allowed access without a VIP paid adult.

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For more information visit bluey.tv

Meet and Greet: R500 per ticket

Limited availability. Includes a lanyard and post-show opportunity to meet Bluey.

Children are not allowed access without a M&G paid adult.

Group bookings

20% discount on groups of 21 and more

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday performances only valid for the top two prices.

Contact Jill Somers office hours only, 9am to 5pm, on 079 218 1658 or via showtime.co.za

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Old Mutual Music at the Lake returns with a Mother’s Day celebration featuring Mi Casa and Shekhinah on Sunday 11 May

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Old Mutual Music at the Lake is back for another unforgettable season of music, nature, and community — and the series kicks off in spectacular style with a special Mother’s Day concert featuring South African superstars Mi Casa and Shekhinah on Sunday, 11 May 2025 at the breathtaking Durban Botanic Gardens.

Set against the lush, tranquil backdrop of the Gardens’ iconic Lake area, this signature concert promises an afternoon of soulful sounds, celebration, and family-friendly fun. Guests are encouraged to bring along picnic blankets, camping chairs, and their own food and drinks to enjoy a relaxed open-air experience.

“Old Mutual is proud to support the Music at the Lake series, a celebration of togetherness, local talent, and cultural pride. Our partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to enriching communities and creating shared moments of joy—especially on meaningful days like Mother’s Day. We believe music has the power to connect people, and we are honoured to help provide a platform where families can come together and make lasting memories in the beautiful setting of Durban’s iconic Botanic Gardens,” said Bandile Mngoma, Senior Manager: Sponsorships & Events at Old Mutual.

Renowned for their infectious house grooves and feel-good energy, Mi Casa will light up the stage with hits that have become part of the country’s soundtrack. Joining them is powerhouse vocalist and platinum-selling artist Shekhinah, whose emotive blend of pop and R&B continues to captivate audiences around the world.

This event is part of the beloved Old Mutual Music at the Lake series — a proudly supported initiative by Old Mutual that fuses entertainment with environmental purpose. All proceeds go to the Garden Window Project, an innovative programme driving people and plant development within the Durban Botanic Gardens.

Tickets are selling fast, so secure your spot now via Webtickets here.

Whether you’re treating your mom, spending the day with loved ones, or simply looking for great music in a stunning natural setting, this is the Mother’s Day celebration you won’t want to miss.

Event Details:

Old Mutual Music at the Lake: Mi Casa & Shekhinah
📍 Durban Botanic Gardens – Lake Area
📅 Sunday, 11 May 2025
🕐 Gates open: 1PM | Show starts: 2PM
🎟 Tickets available via Webtickets
🥤 Food and drinks welcome
🪑 Picnic blankets and camping chairs encouraged

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Supertech Torque Motoring Festival 2025 Sets Records and Ignites KZN’s passion for the most powerful letter in the world- M.

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Easter weekend 2025 saw KwaZulu-Natal roar to life as Supertech Group hosted the third and most exhilarating edition of the Supertech Torque Motoring Festival at Dezzi Raceway. With over 8000 motorsport fans, families and thrill-seekers in attendance across two unforgettable days, this year’s festival has firmly cemented itself as a highlight on the KZN motoring and lifestyle calendar. 

Born from the vision of the largest and award-winning BMW retailer group in KZN, the Supertech Group, Supertech Torque began as a premium car club initiative. Now, just three years later, it has become a celebration of premium automotive culture and motorsport magic, combining the power of M, performance car culture with family fun and unmatched customer experiences. 

From a single-day event in 2022 to a full-blown weekend of premium motoring in 2023, 2025 delivered a record-breaking two-day spectacular that reflects Supertech’s drive to continuously elevate and innovate. This year, the Supertech Torque Motoring Festival was a full sensory experience- a celebration of precision German engineering, exclusive reveals, international motorsport talent and high-octane joy.


Highlights of the festival included: 

  • A new and used car showroom with the latest BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad models, including unique BMW M models in bespoke BMW Individual colours like the BMW M3 Touring in Sao Paulo Yellow and the BMW M4 Convertible in Velvet Orchid Individual to name a few. 
  • The exclusive BMW M Lounge showcasing the latest custom-build, RACE-SPEC BMW M2, presented by none other than Cristiano Verolini, Head of BMW Motorsport in South Africa. 
  • Thrill rides in the latest BMW M3’s, Hot laps and drift experiences with the official BMW Driving Experience team, led by Red Bull Car Park Drift Champion Jim McFarlane. 
  • International Stunt sensation Didi Bizzarro made history by setting not one, but two South African records on two wheels at Dezzi Raceway. 
  • Appearances by local motorsport icons including the electrifying Stacey-Ley May and Kayla, phenomenal young women in motorsport, the smoke king Reece Williams, crowd favourite Preshu Singh and the unstoppable Team sideways. 
  • An official BMW Merchandise and Performance parts pop-up store, BMW Dip Lab brought to you by Supertech Approved Repair Centre showcasing BMW Individual paint colours, and interactive stalls from Ceramic Pro KZN, Rospa Imports (hosting a silent auction on rare and sort-after classic BMW models), One Stop Travel and Tours, Orabi Shell, Old Mutual, Edgars Beauty and A-Line Wheels. 
  • Food courts and a buzzing kids carnival made it a fun-filled day for the whole family. 

The charismatic Vic Pardal amped up the energy as MC across both days, with Saturday drawing a crowd of over 5500 enthusiasts and Sunday welcoming an additional 2500 festival goers- a true testament to the festivals growing popularity. 

Behind this spectacular production was Supertech’s dedicated core team, spearheaded by Managing Director Ubaid Tayob and supported by passionate staff from across the Supertech Group. The months of meticulous planning paid off, ensuring every touchpoint reflected the brand’s premium essence and commitment to delivering memorable customer experiences. 

The Supertech Torque Motoring Festival is not just an event- it’s a movement. It captures the essence of premium, performance car culture and unites passionate drivers and fans from across KZN and the country. From hosting the largest convoys of pure BMW M and M Performance machines to celebrating BMW Durban South’s unmatched hat-trick win as BMW M Retailer of the Year, Supertech is fuelling a new era of love for BMW Motorsport in a new generation. More than just a festival, it’s a bold statement of Supertech’s legacy and future- one that continues to share and elevate the premium automotive and lifestyle experience in KZN.

A big thank you goes out to all the brand partners, with a special thank you to Harry and the team from Gas Magazine, long-time partners to the brand who share our belief that collaboration and the passionate pursuit of excellence in automotive within KZN fuels greatness. 

As for what’s next? If you thought 2025 was big, wait until you see what Supertech Torque has in store for its next chapter!

Supertech Torque Motoring Festival- Where M- Power meets passion, and every experience is built to thrill. 

To keep up to date with the latest from the Supertech Group, follow them online @supertech_group and @supertech_torque

T&C’s apply. E&OE.

All parties agree that no press release shall disclose any confidential or proprietary information, including but not limited to financial details, business plans, or customer data, without the prior written consent of the disclosing party, being the Supertech Group.

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