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Iconic local athlete out of 2014 Midlands Ultra

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Pietermaritzburg – Decorated South African multisport athlete Donovan van Gelder will not be taking part in the 2014 CompliMed Midlands Ultra Triathlon over the first weekend of March after he contracted a stomach bug recently and he believes that he will be undercooked when the South African Long Course Championships get underway at Midmar Dam on 2 March.

Van Gelder has been involved in triathlons at Midmar Dam for decades and the toughest part for him was being unable to continue his love affair with the venue as he misses out on the 2014 event.

In what was the first of many triathlons at Midmar Dam Donovan van Gelder will delay his final elite triathlon at the iconic venue until November when the CompliMed Midlands Ultra Triathlon returns after the event in two week’s time on 2 March.

In what was the first of many triathlons at Midmar Dam Donovan van Gelder will delay his final elite triathlon at the iconic venue until November when the CompliMed Midlands Ultra Triathlon returns after the event in two week’s time on 2 March.

“It was actually a very tough decision for me to not be taking part in the race,” Van Gelder said. “I have an emotional attachment to Midmar Dam and the Midlands Ultras are the biggest events that happen there!

“I have been fortunate enough to take part in triathlon, duathlon, running, cycling and swimming races there for the last 28 years and my first standard and ultra-distance races were held at the dam. I also regularly stay up there for training camps where I just go out on my own on the awesome training roads in the Midlands,” a disappointed Van Gelder added.

Van Gelder has had a busy schedule of late with the majority of his focus going into the recent SA Cycling Championships held in Durban which meant the former South African Half iron man distance winner, understandably, neglected the running and swimming training.

“Unfortunately, a combination of factors have contributed to me bowing out of the Midlands Ultra. Firstly, I put a lot of effort into training for South African cycling champs, which were held on my doorstep at the beginning of February. To have a chance of being competitive there I had to cut back considerably on swimming and running and I was always going to be playing catch up to get in race shape for the Midlands Ultra. I did hope that my increased cycling form would balance this though.

Former South African Half iron man distance champion Donovan van Gelder has decided to postpone his retirement from elite triathlons after he pulled out of the 2014 CompliMed Midlands Ultra Triathlon happening at Midmar Dam on 2 March.

Former South African Half iron man distance champion Donovan van Gelder has decided to postpone his retirement from elite triathlons after he pulled out of the 2014 CompliMed Midlands Ultra Triathlon happening at Midmar Dam on 2 March.

“Then, just after the cycling champs, I had a hectic week of business meetings which involved day-trips to Gauteng and Cape Town on consecutive days. The time spent in aeroplanes, confined with germs, resulted in my getting sick which cost me another week of training,” Van Gelder added.

After an illustrious career that has spanned nearly three decades Van Gelder was hoping to use the Midlands Ultra event as his swansong but after contracting the stomach bug he feels that the he would be doing himself an injustice if he was to take part after missing out on vital training time.

“I was also planning on the event being my last as an ‘elite’ or professional athlete and it worked quite well with it being given the SA Champs status, which certainly adds prestige for me.

“So, I could do the race on the 2nd of March for sure, but I hold the event and the venue in too high esteem to do it at anything lower than my best possible condition. So my retirement to the age-group ranks will be delayed by another 10 months or so and I’ll be back at the start line on the 30th of November trying to keep the youngsters honest,” Van Gelder said excitedly.

His record at the CompliMed Midlands Ultra is a good one with a number of podium finishes however it seems that time is running out for his first ever elite gold medal when he bows out in November. With family commitments and a full-time job getting in the pool, on the bike or on the road has become increasingly difficult for Van Gelder.

Donovan van Gelder recently fell ill which has meant that he has pulled himself out of the 2014 CompliMed Midlands Ultra Triathlon happening at Midmar Dam on 2 March.

Donovan van Gelder recently fell ill which has meant that he has pulled himself out of the 2014 CompliMed Midlands Ultra Triathlon happening at Midmar Dam on 2 March.

“I have finished second twice and third once in the past at SA Long Distance Champs so I’m still looking for that elusive gold! I am now 43 and have family and work commitments which are, understandably, higher up my priority scale than training and racing and I am finding it tougher and tougher to compete with guys who train full-time and who weren’t even born when I did my first triathlon,” he said.

The CompliMed Midlands Ultra Expo and Registration happens on Saturday 1 March and the racing takes place on Sunday 2 March and for all the information on the event go to www.midlandsultra.com.

Photos supplied by: Gameplan Media

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We Are Food: Making Mealtime a Breeze for Busy Families

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If you’re a busy parent or someone who just loves the idea of hassle-free, delicious meals, then you’re going to want to hear about We Are Food. Recently, we had the pleasure of trying out some of their frozen meals, and let me tell you – it was a game-changer!

We Are Food is a family-run, proudly South African business based in Durban, specializing in creating wholesome, tasty, and affordable frozen dishes. Established in 2013, this female-strong enterprise has been providing marvelous home-style meals for freezers nationwide, ensuring that quality and convenience go hand in hand.

Their extensive menu caters to a variety of tastes and dietary needs, offering meals for one, family-sized portions, sides, and options suitable for special diets such as dairy-free, gluten-free, lower-carb, vegan, and vegetarian. They also provide kid-friendly meals, making it easier for parents to serve nutritious dishes that children will love.

From the very first bite, it was clear that these aren’t your average frozen meals. Each dish was packed with flavour, made from quality ingredients, and tasted as if it had just been lovingly prepared from scratch myself. I tested a few different cooking methods – popping some meals in the air fryer and others in the microwave – and both worked like a charm.

Quick, easy, and most importantly, absolutely delicious.

What really won me over? My toddler’s reaction. We all know how tricky it can be to find meals that little ones actually enjoy, but We Are Food nailed it. My little one devoured the meals with enthusiasm, which made my life so much easier.
No fuss, no complaints. I have to get my hands on the recipes!

We Are Food’s commitment to quality is evident in their use of natural ingredients and the absence of preservatives in their dishes. Each meal is crafted to ensure that customers enjoy the same warmth and flavor as a home-cooked meal, without the hassle of preparation. Their products are designed for easy heating, with instructions for stove top, braai, air fryer, and microwave methods, accommodating various preferences and even loadshedding scenarios.

With a strong presence in KZN, Johannesburg, and the Western Cape, We Are Food ensures that their products are accessible both online and in-store, delivering directly to customers’ doors and making mealtime a delightful and stress-free experience.

So if you’re looking for a way to simplify mealtimes without compromising on quality and taste, We Are Food has you covered. Trust me, your taste buds, and your schedule will thank you.

You can visit their physical stores or purchase online here.

We Are Food offers same day deliveries around the greater Durban area, and deliver weekly throughout KZN, from Empangeni up North, to Port Edward on the South Coast and Nottingham Road inland.

Have you tried We Are Food yet?

Check out our video below:

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Attractions

Review: High Tea at The Oyster Box Hotel

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High Tea and Good Times at The Oyster Box

Step into timeless elegance at The Palm Court, nestled within the iconic Oyster Box Hotel. Inspired by the hotel’s original colonial architecture, The Palm Court dazzles with lush green palms, natural sunlight, and sparkling chandeliers – a serene setting for indulgence and celebration.

A Taste of Tradition

Whether you’re savoring a lavish buffet breakfast, complete with fresh oysters and sparkling wine, or enjoying the much-loved tradition of High Tea, The Palm Court is the perfect place for special moments. From birthdays to anniversaries, High Tea at The Oyster Box has long been a cherished ritual, offering a blend of classic charm and modern luxury.

The Essence of The Oyster Box

Rich in history, The Oyster Box proudly preserves many of its original design elements from the 1940s and 50s. The grand revolving door at the entrance – acquired from the old Royal Hotel in Durban — along with the black-and-white terrazzo tiles, hand-painted friezes, and wrought-iron balustrades, all pay homage to its storied past. Since its restoration by the Red Carnation Hotels Collection in 2006, the hotel has retained its nostalgic allure while embracing the sophistication of today.

Legendary High Tea at The Oyster Box

High Tea at The Oyster Box is more than just an afternoon treat – it’s an experience. Held in The Palm Court beneath chandeliers sourced from the renowned Savoy Hotel in London, this leisurely affair combines elegance with comfort. Guests sip tea from the exquisite Royal Albert ‘Friendship’ china, designed by celebrated British designer Miranda Kerr, while live piano music adds a touch of magic to the ambiance.

Every delicate delight is crafted in-house by the talented Pastry Team. From the iconic carrot cake, milk tart, and Mrs. Tollman’s cheesecake to scones, macarons, and finger sandwiches with a variety of fillings, the spread is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

—–

High Tea is served daily from 14h30 – 17h00. Booking is essential, especially on weekends.
To reserve your table, call (031) 514-5000 or email reservations@oysterbox.co.za.

 

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Attractions

FINAL LINEUP ANNOUNCED FOR SPLASHY FEN 2025 – PLUS A BRAND-NEW STAGE!

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One of South Africa’s longest running and most beloved music festivals, Splashy Fen, is back in 2025 with an electrifying final lineup announcement! Taking place from 17 to 21 April 2025, this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with a stellar mix of international headliners, local legends, and fresh talent.

PHASE 2 LINEUP REVEALED


Adding to an already exciting Phase 1 lineup, festival organizers have now confirmed the full list of performers who will take to the Splashy Fen stages. Fans can look forward to performances from:

International & Local Stars:

  • YOUNGR (UK)
  • Darren Kiely (Ireland)
  • Desmond And The Tutus
  • Mafikizolo
  • GoodLuck
  • Prime Circle
  • Ard Matthews Trio
  • Neon Dreams (Canada)
  • Veranda Panda
  • Ben Rodriques
  • Hot Water
  • Perez
  • Cinema
  • Sunset Sweatshop
  • Nomadic Orchestra
  • Booshle G
  • Black Mamba Man
  • Jamie Lee Sexton
  • Jemma Kate

In addition, the Splashy Fen Acoustic Stage will host the #LegendsoftheFen series, featuring unforgettable sets from Cinema, Perez, Madala Kunene, Can Of Worms SA, and The Black Lapels.

A FESTIVAL FIRST: INTRODUCING THE MXD FORTRESS OF FUNK 

As if the music lineup wasn’t enough, Splashy Fen 2025 is unveiling an all-new 6th stage – the MXD Fortress of Funk! Get ready to groove all weekend long with an electrifying lineup of funk, soul, and dancefloor anthems.

MORE THAN JUST MUSIC

Beyond the performances, Splashy Fen is packed with immersive experiences to make this an unforgettable weekend for festival goers:

 Wellness & Relaxation – Daily yoga sessions, meditation circles, and a wellness zone for those looking to unwind and recharge.
Outdoor Adventures – Thrill-seekers can enjoy river rafting, mountain climbing, and trail runs in the breathtaking Drakensberg surroundings.
Unique Activities – Craft markets, drum circles, parades, and cocktail decks to elevate your festival experience.
Family-Friendly Fun – A dedicated Kids Zone ensures the little adventurers are entertained throughout the festival.
Gourmet Food & Drinks – Feast on world-class festival cuisine and sip on cocktails while taking in the stunning Splashy Views.

PLAN YOUR SPLASHY EXPERIENCE

From classic camping spots to luxurious glamping options, Splashy Fen 2025 offers accommodation for every taste and budget. Whether you’re a first-timer or a festival veteran, this year’s edition promises fresh surprises while keeping the magic of Splashy alive.

JOIN US AT SOUTH AFRICA’S FRIENDLIEST FESTIVAL

Splashy Fen 2025 is more than just a music festival—it’s a place where music, nature, and community unite to create lifelong memories.

 Tickets are selling fast! Secure yours now at www.splashyfen.co.za.
Stay connected! Follow Splashy Fen on social media for lineup updates, festival tips, and more.

SEE YOU AT SPLASHY FEN 2025!

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