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Change a Lifers flood KZN endurance racing scene

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Caption:2 014 Dusi winner Sbonelo Khwela is proud of his fellow Computershare Change a Life Academy members who, through their success at the recent Ngwenya Canoe Challenge, have been selected for the KZN Development team heading to this year’s Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon. By: Anthony Grote/Gameplan media

 

Durban – The paddling arm of Martin Dreyer’s Change a Life Academy recently caused quite a stir within the KwaZulu-Natal river marathon fraternity when their efforts at the Ngwenya Canoe Challenge saw all twelve places on the KZN Development team to compete at the 2014 Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon snapped up by the academy’s charges. 

The two day event in the Eastern Cape is fast becoming the most popular event on the South African river marathon calendar and is the only other canoeing race nationally to mirror the numbers the iconic Dusi Canoe Marathon attracts annually.

“The Fish isn’t an easy race to do well at,” said Dreyer. “The guys get to paddle that river just once a year and only arrive the day before the race, but its big water and a lot of fun!”

“The massive live concert afterwards is the cherry on top of a great weekend experience both on and off the water,” he added.

With the added backing of their local provincial union, the Computershare Change a Lifers are now relishing the opportunity to take on next weekend’s all-round river challenge.

“Fish is a really big race that everyone wants to go to so all the Change a Life guys had been pushing that extra bit harder in training before the Ngwenya because everyone wanted to do well in the qualifying race to be selected for Fish!” explained 2014 Dusi winner Sbonelo Khwela, formerly known as Sbonelo ‘Eric’ Zondi.

“It’s really quite something for so many Change a Life guys to be part of the development team. Martin has been working very hard with the guys for quite a while now so it’s nice to see the Change a Life guys performing well,” added the Change a Life ambassador.

Khwela is joined by Lucas Mthalane, Mmeli Cele, Mhlonishwa Hlongwane, Sboniso Shozi and Kwanda Mhlophe, together with junior stars Mpilo Zondi, Msawenkosi Mtolo, Mthobisi Cele, Siyanda Gwamanda, Thabani Msiya and Nkosi Mabaso on the KZN Development team heading for Cradock.

While the paddlers go about their business in Cradock, the RMB Change a Life Academy mountain bikers are also hard at work in preparation for their next major assignment, the FedGroup Berg & Bush stage race from 10-12 October.

Having enjoyed a strong showing at the BSi Steel dusi2c stage race earlier this year, where a first ever stage race podium for the academy was achieved, and then making a major impression at the tough 105km Sunday Tribune Jeep Hill2Hill marathon from Hilton to Hillcrest recently, the squad is relishing the chance to take things up another notch at the three day spectacle.

No fewer than four Change a Life teams, including the mixed team of MTB coordinator John Ntuli and Dreyer’s wife Jeannie, will be on the start line this year and their recent successes bode well for another positive performance.

Albeit a little quieter than their paddling and cycling counterparts, the Computershare Change a Life runners’ schedule is ticking over nicely at the moment as well.

On top of assisting with the six water tables along the 33km race route, the team shone brightly on the trails themselves at the recent Zulu’s Marathon trail run where running assistant Joe Maphumulo had an outstanding race en route his second place finish.

Thobani Nzuza (6th), Mthobisi Mzolo (10th), Sizwe Mkhasibe (12th), Noyo Ngubo (13th), Phaka Gwala (16th), Mxolisi Zondi (17th), Nathi Mdluli (19th) and Siyabonga Ngcongo (20th) also contributed in no small way to the notable Change a Life presence in the race’s top 20.

The inaugural edition of the Impi Outrun at the Cascades MTB Park on Sunday gave the academy’s runners another opportunity to impress and impress they most certainly did.

More info can be found at www.martindreyeracademy.com

Durbanite
Author: Durbanite

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Gordon’s & CK Experiences presents: Mango Groove at Chris Saunders Park

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Get ready for the ultimate family outing! South Africa’s legendary musical icons, Mango Groove will, light up the stage at Chris Saunders Park, on Friday 2 May, kicking off at 4pm.

This isn’t just a concert; it’s a fantastic opportunity to create lasting family memories filled with incredible music, delicious food, and exciting activities for everyone.

Join Mango Groove as they bring you the iconic hits that have been the soundtrack to South African life since the 80s. From the moment the first note drops, you’ll be swept away by their smash hits “Special Star,” “Dance Some More,” and all the timeless classics that have defined generations. This is your chance to experience the magic of Mango Groove in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.

What’s in store for the kids?
We’ve got so much lined up:

  • Blaster Wars Arena – Ready, aim, and battle it out in a safe and exciting space.
  • Jumping Castles – Let them bounce the day away.
  • Lego Area – Creativity unleashed with endless building fun.
  • Target Shooting – Perfect for little sharpshooters.
  • Treasure Hunts & Fun Games – Adventure awaits.
  • Dedicated Toddler Zone – Safe and fun play for the tiniest festival-goers.

Tickets to this unmissable family event are a steal, priced between R100 and R250. With convenient, fully stocked bars for the adults and a delicious array of food stalls offering something for everyone, your taste buds will be as happy as your ears!

Date: Friday 2 May
Time: 4-10pm
Venue: Chris Saunders Park

Book your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable day of music and fun!
Tickets are available for purchase online at WebTickets.

Follow In The Park here for more upcoming music events. You do not want to miss out on the rest of the events they have planned for you!

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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The East Coast Radio House & Garden Show 2025

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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

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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Get Ready for the Supertech Torque Motoring Festival

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The Supertech Torque Motoring Festival is set to return to Dezzi Raceway on April 19th and 20th, 2025.
This annual event, organized by the Supertech Group, promises a weekend filled with high-speed action, family-friendly activities, and entertainment.


Event Highlights:

  • Hot Laps & Drifting: Experience the thrill of high-speed laps and drifting exhibitions.
  • Custom Dip Experience: Showcases of vehicle customization and styling.
  • BMW M Driving Experience Show: A display of BMW’s performance vehicles in action.
  • Spin Show Extravaganza: Professional drivers performing precision stunts.
  • Official BMW Merchandise Pop-Up Store: Exclusive merchandise available for purchase.
  • Circuit Racing Action: Competitive racing events featuring various classes.
  • Stunt Shows & Historic Feats: Daring performances and record attempts.
  • Helicopter Flips: Aerial tours offering a unique perspective of the event.
  • Torque Fashion Show & Concours: A blend of automotive excellence and fashion.
  • Miniature Radio-Control Car Track: Interactive activities for all ages.
  • M Lounge: An exclusive area for Supertech M & M Performance customers.
  • VIP Hospitality Lounge: Premium services and amenities for VIP guests.
  • Family Fun Time: Activities and entertainment suitable for families.

Ticket Information:

  • General Access: R200 (Available Online)

  • Kids (Under 10 Years): Free (Available Online)

  • VIP Access: R1500 (Includes private viewing deck, seating, complimentary snacks, and beverages)

  • Hot Laps: R300 (Available exclusively on the MySupertechWorld App)

  • Drift Rides: R350 (Available exclusively on the MySupertechWorld App)

  • Helicopter Flips: R750 (Available exclusively on the MySupertechWorld App)

Daily Schedule:

Saturday, April 19th:

  • 09:00 AM – 09:45 AM: Circuit Racing – Session 1

  • 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM: Hot Laps

  • 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM: Drifting Show

  • 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM: Drift Rides

  • 01:00 PM – 01:45 PM: Spinning Show

  • 02:00 PM – 02:45 PM: Stunt Show – SA Record Attempt

  • 03:00 PM – 03:45 PM: Circuit Racing – Session 2

  • 03:00 PM – 04:00 PM: Auction

  • 04:00 PM – 04:30 PM: Fashion Show

  • 04:45 PM – 05:00 PM: M Car Convoy Parade Lap

Sunday, April 20th:

  • 09:00 AM – 09:45 AM: Circuit Racing – Session 1

  • 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM: Hot Laps

  • 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM: Drifting Show

  • 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM: Drift Rides

  • 01:00 PM – 01:45 PM: Spinning Show

  • 02:00 PM – 02:45 PM: Stunt Show – SA Record Attempt

  • 03:00 PM – 03:45 PM: Circuit Racing – Session 2

  • 03:00 PM – 04:00 PM: Fashion Show

Additional Information:

To enhance the festival experience, attendees are encouraged to download the MySupertechWorld App, which offers exclusive access to certain tickets and up-to-date event information. The festival is designed to cater to all ages, making it an ideal outing for families, car enthusiasts, and those seeking a weekend of excitement.

For more details and ticket purchases, visit the official Supertech Group website or follow their social media channels for the latest updates.

Don’t miss out on this premier motoring event that brings together speed, style, and entertainment in one exhilarating festival.

 

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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