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Massive entry on the cards as Tour Durban normal entry deadline looms

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Durban – As the flow of entries for the 2014 aQuellé Tour Durban turned into a flood ahead of the closing of normal entries at midnight on Tuesday 22nd April, the event’s three races on Monday 28 April look set continue their meteoric growth.

Almost 24 hours before the closing of normal entries the race entry was heading towards the total participation levels experienced last year, which also enjoyed significant growth year-on-year from 2012.

Organisers of the races confirmed that entry levels were “substantially larger than they were this time last year.”

eThekwini mayor Councillor James Nxumalo rode the 45km race at the aQuellé Tour Durban last year, riding one of the city cycling prototype bicycles. Photo: Dave Macleod/ Gameplan Media

eThekwini mayor Councillor James Nxumalo rode the 45km race at the aQuellé Tour Durban last year, riding one of the city cycling prototype bicycles. Photo: Dave Macleod/ Gameplan Media

The race, which celebrates its 21st anniversary this year, started as a KwaZulu-Natal equivalent of the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Momentum Cycle Tour but, after a promising start, numbers started to drop when the race changed hands during the late 1990s.

The race was however resurrected by the enthusiastic cyclists in Club Cappuccino and in less than three years the race entry started to swell appreciably thanks to a return to the popular route for the 105km road race and the introduction of the cyclo-cross race for the mountain biking enthusiasts.

The fun 45km ride, the third of the Tour Durban’s three features, from the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium to Mdloti and back offers popular sea views along the M4 highway and road cycling that is comfortably manageable for social riders.

The aQuellé Tour Durban is now also an official qualifying event for the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Momentum Cycle Tour, which has also contributed to the snowballing participation numbers of late.

The names of defending champion Nolan Hoffman (Team Abantu) and his rival in recent years Herman Fouche (Team Bonitas) both feature prominently on the entry list that was edging ever closer to the 4000-rider mark on the day that normal entries close.

Last year eThekwini’s mayor, Councillor James Nxumalo, rode the 45km race, riding one of the city cycling prototype bicycles in support of the municipality’s plans to make the city more cycle-friendly.

The overall entry for the aQuellé Tour Durban grew 80% year-on-year and a large turnout of social cyclists took part in the fun 45km ride. Photo: Dave Macleod/ Gameplan Media

The overall entry for the aQuellé Tour Durban grew 80% year-on-year and a large turnout of social cyclists took part in the fun 45km ride. Photo: Dave Macleod/ Gameplan Media

The races will once again enjoy full road closure, with the race committee assuring local residents that roads will be re-opened as soon as the last cyclists have cleared that section of the race route and the race safety officer and Durban Metro Police officers are satisfied that the road can be safely re-opened to vehicular traffic.

Durban looks set to enjoy ideal Autumn weather conditions for three races that make up the aQuellé Tour Durban, with cool partly cloudy weather on the morning of Monday 28 April, giving way to clear skies in the afternoon and moderate temperatures.

Normal entries for the aQuellé Tour Durban close at midnight on Tuesday 22 April, after which late entries will be taken at a R100 penalty.

Please note the following road closures will be in force on race day:
Masabalala Yengwa (NMR Avenue) 05h30 – 14h30
Margaret Mncadi Avenue 05h30 – 08h00
M4 South 05h30 – 08h30
M7 Edwin Swales & M19 to Pinetown 06h00 – 09h30
M19 Pinetown to Umgeni Road 06h15 – 10h00
Inanda Road (Springfield Park) 06h30 – 10h15
Riverside Road 06h30 – 10h30
M4 North both sides 05h30 – 14h30

The aQuellé Tour Durban road races takes place on Monday 28 April 2014. More information can be found at www.tourdurban.co.za

Over 4000 riders too part in the three races of the aQuellé Tour Durban last year, and the surge in entries before the close of normal entries points to another substantial growth in the field for the 2014 event. Dave Macleod/ Gameplan Media

Over 4000 riders too part in the three races of the aQuellé Tour Durban last year, and the surge in entries before the close of normal entries points to another substantial growth in the field for the 2014 event. Dave Macleod/ Gameplan Media

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Art

Field Notes (an exhibition): 1 – 17 November 2024

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Field Notes (an exhibition)
Presented by Contemporary Archive Project
Opening: 1 November 2024 at 6 PM
Venue: The Chairman, Durban.


In the province of KwaZulu-Natal, stories are marked like pins scattered across a map. These pins cluster in the city of eThekwini or are more sparsely spread through the landscapes of Nquthu, Tugela, and Amaotana. By mapping out and noting where the photographs were made, the explorers’ tracks reveal a wide, eclectic range of stories, each reflecting individual narratives. In these collections, the photographers are the explorers of their own stories, presenting clips and field notes that present an Insider’s view.

Subverting old tropes of Outsiders looking in, disconnected from a culture or space, the photographs that make this exhibition present intimate representations of faith and religion, culture and rituals, life and death, solitude and community. The collective way of seeing a city and space are all informed by each photographer’s way of seeing.
In this gathering, we present moments from each photographer’s archive. Guided by the visual connections of the photographs, the exhibition’s content invites you to reflect on the themes of fragility, power, togetherness, and the significance of the spaces we call home.

The group exhibition features work from CAP’s archive, inclusive of:
Andile Ndunge, Andre Swart, Mandisa Buthelezi, Myllo Menorah, Niamh Walsh-Vorster, Paulo Menezes, Robyn Perros, Seraz Abrahams, Sibusiso Gcaba, and Thobani Khumalo.
This exhibition is made possible by the National Lotteries Commission.

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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


Ratings:

Service – 10/10
Location: 9/10
Ambiance – 9/10
Food – 10/10
Overall – 9/10

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