Entertainment
Nelson Mandela: The Myth and Me (Review)
Khalo Matabane’s documentary, Nelson Mandela: The Myth and Me opened the Documentary Section of the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) and wow, did it open it. This year’s festival theme was 20 years of democracy and Matabane’s documentary can be described as the quintessence of these last 20 years. It’s the personal exploration of the director coming to terms with his self-created myth of who Mandela is, whilst taking us on a global trip as he does so. Disclaimer: this documentary – like all documentaries – is biased and constructed, right down to the the choice of interviewees. BUT. If you’re willing to accept that documentaries are often the personal journal entries that translate filmmaker’s personal thoughts and feelings (and bias) into visual products, then I highly recommend giving this a watch especially if you’re South African. I’ve already watched a quite few great films at the festival but none have moved me the way that Nelson Mandela: The Myth and Me has, not because it’s touching (because there are times that it is) but because it’s jarring. It shakes your very core beliefs. It questions you … and then re-questions you.
I’ve been waiting for someone to delve into the complexity that is Mandela’s politics, decisions and the current post-apartheid South Africa that remains. I was highly surprised that after so short a period a time after Madiba’s death that anyone would be willing to ask such brave question about the man, the myth and the legacy that lives on, especially at a grass roots level. And Matabane does asks some very brave questions. There are moments during the film where I wished he would take his courage even further and answer those questions but maybe he wasn’t brave enough … or more likely, he wanted to leave those answers for the audience to reflect on.
The documentary venture on a heroic task of interviewing some of the world’s most recognisable figures including the Dalai Lama, Colin Powell and Henry Kissinger but the heart and soul of his narrative lies in the local interviews – the youth, the activists, those who loved, lost and fought. There is a dignity and beauty in someone recounting their own experience of pain, struggle, resentment and forgiveness that is far more overwhelming for the viewer.
The filmmaker explores a multitude of fascinating topics including the depth of poverty that still exists in South Africa. Without placing to much blame on what has caused this, he does explore the question of who is accountable at this stage in our democracy. And after 20 years of freedom, he asks audience members to finally delve deeper into what their own definition of freedom is, what it entails, what they envisioned and how close to the mark the reality has hit. Who was responsible for this ‘freedom’ and who deserves to experience the glory and privilege of this title? Some might say that it’s too soon and that after everything our great leader has accomplished, it might be dishonourable to tarnish his memory with a piece that may criticise his accomplishments. That being said, this documentary, to me, is an ode to Mandela. The filmmaker’s personal journey in reconciling his (and the world’s) idea of Mandela with the ‘real man’, who none of us will ever truly know may question his work and his decisions but ultimately, this film honours his life. It drives the fact that he is a world renowned figure for a reason, highlights the impact he’s had on so many and bears the acknowledgment that everyone will undoubtedly make – Mandela was a catalyst of change during South Africa’s darkest period and an icon of South Africa’s greatest accomplishment. The film nevertheless does leave you with the most important question of all: is the cost of peace really that much less than the cost of war?
Nelson Mandela: The Myth and Me is available for a final screening at Musgrave Centre on 27 July 2014 at 18:30. To book, call 082 16789 or visit sterkinekor.com. For more on the Durban International Film Festival including documentary screenings, visit durbanfilmfestival.co.za
Author: Durbanite
Attractions
Splashy Fen 2025: An Inspiring Long Weekend of Music, Magic, and Memories in the Drakensberg
Splashy Fen Music Festival has officially wrapped, and by all accounts, the 2025 edition was the most magical one yet. From the moment the gates opened on Thursday, 17 April to the last note played on Sunday night, 8,000 festival-goers soaked up four glorious days of sunshine, music, and connection in the heart of the Southern Drakensberg.
After a few days of pre-festival rain, the weather turned just in time to welcome fans to South Africa’s friendliest music festival. The sunshine held strong throughout the weekend, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable Easter celebration filled with laughter, dancing, and community.
A SOLD-OUT FESTIVAL FROM DAY ONE
By Thursday evening, over 5,500 happy campers had already made their way into the scenic Splashy Fen farm, with the festival officially reaching full capacity the day before the gates even opened. The 2025 edition was officially opened by Cllr. T.N. Jojozi, Deputy Mayor of the Harry Gwala District Municipality, who welcomed guests on behalf of the Harry Gwala Development Agency.
Thursday night kicked off with the first wave of live performances and set the tone for the weekend.
From there, the lineup only got hotter.
DAYS OF MUSIC AND MAGIC
Friday and Saturday were packed with showstopping performances across the multiple stages. Local heroes like Ard Matthews, Hot Water, Veranda Panda, and Prime Circle brought the heat, while the Main Stage turned electric with international artists including the UK’s Youngr, a surprise performance from Casey Lowery, Ireland’s Darren Kiely, and Canada’s Neon Dreams.
Mafikizolo delivered a legendary Saturday night set that brought thousands to their feet, and GoodLuck closed out the evening with a high-energy performance that had the whole crowd bouncing.
Away from the stages, festival-goers enjoyed the full Splashy experience: sunrise yoga, trail runs, live art, craft workshops, and plenty of family-friendly fun. The popular Kids Zone was buzzing with activity, and the Saturday afternoon Splashy Parade was a visual feast of stilt-walkers, dragons, fire breathers, and whimsical characters.
At the Corona River Stage, guests kicked back in the sun to chilled tunes by the water, while a bustling craft market and food court offered up everything from gourmet bites to handmade treasures.
A SUNDAY TO REMEMBER
Easter Sunday was pure joy. The day began with a peaceful morning service hosted by Red Frogs SA at the tranquil Treehouse Stage, followed by a fun-filled Easter egg hunt for the little ones—complete with games, giggles, and surprise eggs from the Easter Bunny herself.
Music lovers made their way to the Acoustic Stage for the much-loved Legends of the Fen showcase. Featuring iconic acts like Cinema, Perez, and more, the session reminded everyone why Splashy Fen holds such a special place in South Africa’s music history.
As the sun dipped behind the Drakensberg mountains, the Main Stage roared to life for one final night of performances, closing out the weekend with soaring vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and thunderous applause.
“Our legs are sore, our voices are gone, but our hearts? FULL,” read a Monday morning post from Splashy Fen’s official social media page. “Shoutout to every artist who brought the fire at Main Stage last night, and every fan who screamed every word. What a way to end #Splashy2025!”
THE BEST ONE YET
With four full days of world-class music, family-friendly fun, and community connection in one of the most beautiful festival locations in the world, Splashy Fen 2025 has earned its title as the best one yet.
For more information and to stay up to date on 2026 tickets and artist announcements, visit www.splashyfen.co.za or follow @splashyfenfest on Instagram and Facebook.
Author: Shelley
It’s fresh, bright and chockfull of surprises! It’s the 2025 East Coast Radio House & Garden Show, and we’re talking fresh spaces. bright living! A giant breath of fresh air will sweep through the Durban Exhibition Centre when the Show rolls out from Friday 28 June to Sunday 6 July.
fresh spaces. bright living is all about how to tweak or transform your home into one which brings you joy, and allows you to be you! Whether it’s little touches of stylish decor or large sweeps of bold colour and pattern, you’ll leave the Show bursting with new skills from the experts, bright ideas from different brands… and loads of goodies and parcels. Jump on board, the 2025 East Coast Radio House + Garden Show promises to fill your head with creativity to create your own fresh spaces. bright living.
Calling all cooks and homemakers!
This year’s Test Kitchen is the kitchen of the future! Hirsch is at the helm and The Kitchen Studio is creating a space that’ll knock your socks off. Top celebrity chefs (surprises up our sleeve), fabulous personalities (guess who?), crazy cooks (laughter is the best medicine)… the line-up is as long as it is sensational! If cooking’s your happy place, the Hirsch kitchen is the only place to be.
The 2025 East Coast Radio House + Garden Show is going to be child’s play!
This is Durban’s true family show, and we’ve got you well covered for the first week of the school holidays! From littlelies to larger, this year’s kids zone has mushroomed into its own dedicated hall, and has way, way more of what they love! And parents, this one’s for you. Drop and shop – there’s now a super-safe, well supervised drop-off zone, so you can do your thing, while they do theirs. A dedicated Kids Zone in the Coast of Dreams, with a whacky wonderland of activities. Packed with fun, yet competitive, activities and challenges, teens can put their skills to the test! From the incredible Monster Manor to fairytale characters to face-painting, wrestling and bowling, the kids just won’t want to go home.
The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show is always full of winners…
And why shouldn’t it be you? With competitions big and small, you could carry home anything from the coolest kitchen appliance to the hottest sound system, a tantalising voucher to something or somewhere sensational or bags full of your favourite products.
This season, the Show is shining a full spotlight on fresh spaces, bright living, both outdoors and in! Plants, landscaping and new tricks and tools for garden lovers; boys’ toys and bits and bobs for outdoor lovers; and goodies and gadgets for those who live to braai! Renovating, restoring or dreaming of adventure, the Show will take you where you want to go.
We can’t wait to see you there!
www.housegardenshow.co.za
Author: Shelley
Wackadoo!
Bluey is heading to Gateway in real life!
Get ready for an UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE at Gateway Thetre of Shopping from 29 April to 4 May and join them for a FREE Meet & Greet with Bluey.
Snap a photo, share a high-five, and make magical memories.
Bring the whole family for some Heeler Bluey fun. Stay connected to their social media page here for more information.
Author: Shelley
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