In time for the Festive Season KZN’s much-loved I heart Market makes a new permanent home up the North Coast at popular family entertainment venue – Sugar Rush Park in Ballito – with the season dates confirmed for 3, 10, 17 December 2022 and 7 January 2023 from 08:30 to 14:00.

Situated next to Collisheen Estate, Sugar Rush Park is a hive of family-friendly activities. It serves as an activity hub and the base for Holla Trails – a network of biking, running or walking trails that go through the sugar cane fields.

Sugar Rush Park, also has a restaurant -Food Fundi, a kids’ play area, mini-train, the Ndlondlo reptile park, The Jump Park, the Tree Trails obstacle course and Park Run every Saturday morning.

Anna Savage, the market’s owner /manager explains the move, “The I heart Market is a local business hub, and our business is based on the success of small business enterprises. We have an obligation to provide the best sales opportunity for our traders and at the same time create a relaxed, fun day out for everyone.”

“As a result, we have made a  bold decision to move to Ballito, as we needed to find a venue that could provide us with the security of a long-term lease, and a vibrant well-kept venue that has additional family-friendly activities that our customers can enjoy. We have found the perfect venue at Sugar Rush Park. We realize that this move is a big jump in terms of location and that it may be far for some of our regular customers. But we can guarantee a great day out to those who can travel north, and make  a day of it by taking advantage of the other activities available.”

The I heart Market has a reputation for supporting artisanal crafters, artists, and traders, offering fine, handmade goods that include jewellery, accessories, leather goods, ceramics, visual arts, décor, clothing, deli foods bakery goods including breads, pastries, cookies and cakes, and a delicious range of eat in foods. Echoing the market’s name, the goods on offer are made with love, dedication to the craft, and personal integrity.

“Sugar Rush Park is excited to welcome the I heart Market to our activity hub. Celebrating and supporting small creative local businesses is vital to the local economy and has a special role to play post covid.  We invite our customers and Ballito locals to support this initiative and enjoy the fine products.” Nick Jordan, partner at Sugar Rush.

According to Anna Savage, the market will continue to trade throughout the year on the first Saturday of every month. There is secure parking and entrance is free.

For more information, or to enquire about possible trading contact info@iheartmkt.com

The Sibaya node has seen much activity over recent years and the catalytic projects undertaken in the area are continuing despite setbacks faced in the KZN province over the past two years. One of the most exciting projects within the Sibaya region will reach completion and be open to the public on 30th September 2022, that will have a profound impact on job creation and tourism in the Sibaya precinct. There’s no doubt that the opening of the Umdloti Marine Walk Shopping Centre will change the landscape of the Sibaya area for the better, offering residents of nearby areas a safe, convenient and family-centric retail space right on their doorstep.

Project lead on the Umdloti Marine Walk Shopping Centre, Devmco Group’s Brad Winstanley, believes that convenience and connection are two of the most important factors for people looking to change and improve their lifestyles. “We have set our sights on improving the quality of life for people in the area through this shopping centre. We are proud to have created a curated collection of retailers in a safe shopping space, with an open-air courtyard and restaurants that spill out into nature. It is a space that inspires relaxation, entertainment, and connection,” says Winstanley.

Finally opening its doors this week, the much-anticipated shopping space was built around the same philosophy of sustainability and environmental consciousness that Durban-based developers Devmco have weaved throughout the Salta development. The stylish retail space boasts large open areas and landscaped terraces for families to enjoy before, during and after their shopping – as media, influencers and stakeholders got to experience first-hand during a sneak preview event on Thursday 29 September 2022. According to Winstanley, the new mall will not only offer convenience to local shoppers from the surrounding areas but will act as a platform for local businesses to thrive.

Mzokoloko Gumede (Vuma FM) & Joel Magic (Durbanite)

“We have purposefully looked to include tenants in the centre who comprise of some of South Africa’s most popular and loved brands like Dischem, Kauai, Mr Price, Woolworths, Spar, Milady’s and Mugg & Bean. We have also hand-picked a number of owner-run and managed establishments and stores that are considered local treasures,” explains Winstanley.

Umdloti family-run business Casa Nostra have relocated their popular restaurant to the new shopping centre that has established a reputation and following in the community for 27 years. Considered a true family institution owned and run by Emanuele and Vanessa Cantatore, their authentic Italian home-style cuisine, with its focus on quality ingredients and authentic Italian flavours, will undoubtedly be a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike to the centre. “We are looking forward to offering our customers, who are like family to us, the same tried and tested menu favourites, but with a new dining experience that has something for the whole family to enjoy,” says Vanessa Cantatore.
In addition to local favourites such as Waxy O’Connors, Moustache Barber, Petland and Frozen For You – shoppers will get to enjoy the very first Woolworths W.Edit store in KZN. In a strategic move to expand their footprint to smaller malls and locations that wouldn’t necessarily be able to include the full Woolworths offering, the new W.Edit store is a boutique offering of the very best of Woolworths Fashion, Beauty, and Homeware items, curated especially for customers in the area.

Similarly, a new SUPERSPAR will welcome local residents to a flagship store that is employing and extensively training 67 previously unemployed staff members. “It has been a privilege to work with a blank canvas and build a SUPERSPAR from scratch at the Umdloti Marine Walk Shopping Centre”, says Paul Jason, co-owner of SUPERSPAR Salta. “Our vision is to exceed customers’ expectations through unbelievable service and an extraordinary shopping experience. With notable additions like a dedicated Gelato counter, a freshly made sushi station and a wood fired pizza offering, and an in-house café to sit, work, chat and eat at – not to mention a menu built by Durban legends Paul Sheppard of Marco Paulo and Raymond Friedman of Ray’s Kitchen.”

Devmco Group Director, Charles Thompson says, “We have created a shopping and lifestyle space where convenience is at the heart of this offering as we work towards redefining the customer retail experience. Retail is shifting, and customers are embracing the move to smaller, more intimate shopping zones. They no longer need to travel to the larger “city centre” malls to get their shopping done, when they can do it right here, and enjoy the same service excellence from their favourite local brands, in the fresh open air on the coast – close to home.”

As an increasing hub of residential and commercial activity, Salta Sibaya is ticking all the boxes with its exceptional product offering. A vibrant coastal lifestyle with sporting facilities and popular amenities, a close-knit community of like-minded people, and the ultimate convenience with popular retail brands, grocers, and restaurants all within close and easy proximity to your front door. A welcome addition to the area, Maine Walk during its opening weekends will offer families entertainment like LIV Choir performing on Saturday 1st October with massive opening specials at most stores during the opening weekend. Veranda Panda will also be performing at Waxy O’Connors on Friday 7th October and there will be kids entertainment over the rest of the weekend to keep youngsters entertained during the school holidays.

For more information about the Umdloti Marine Walk and all the activities on offer – follow their Instagram and Facebook pages, or visit www.marinewalk.co.za.

 “It has been touch and go as to whether the 2021 event would even be able to take place this year,” says Alene Naidoo, Organiser of The Durban Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights. “Last year was such a disappointment, when we had to close early, due to covid regulations; but we are have received the go-ahead from eThekweni Municipality and barring any major announcements from the President, we are optimistic that the 2021 show WILL go ahead as planned – kicking off on 3 December 2021.  This has been a challenging year in every way and this year’s event offers a celebratory moment for us all.”

Now in its fifth year, The Trail of Lights is a firm fixture on both the City and the Gardens’ festive season calendar,” says Martin Clement, Curator of the historical Gardens.  “We are grateful that our various media partners including East Coast Radio and Independent on Saturday, have joined with us again to bring Durban’s favourite festive event to as many people as possible. We are all desperate for some year-end relaxation and fun and that’s what you’ll get at The Trail of Lights.” 

With the Gardens festooned with thousands of lights, 2021 is sure to delight visitors of all ages, with world class lighting displays, nightly entertainment, charity activations, a food garden and festive characters.

The Trail of Lights will open on 3 December 2021 and run until 2 January 2022.   To meet protocol requirements and ensure the safety of patrons, key operational changes have implemented this year.  Most significantly, the introduction of three entry times at 18:00, 19:00 and 20:00 respectively.  This will allow for social distancing, as families can navigate their way around the trail before the next group arrives. There will be no ticket sales at the door.

The Trail of Lights takes place from 3 December 2021 to the 3 January 2022, excluding Christmas Day, in Africa’s oldest botanical gardens.
Tickets are extremely limited and NO tickets will be available at the door. Children two years and under enter for free.

Tickets are available from www.webtickets.co.za or Pick ‘n Pay.

TIMES & PRICES:

18:00 Entry R70 per person
19:00 Entry R65 per person
20:00 Entry R60 per person