Community

Change a Lifers flood KZN endurance racing scene

Published

11 years ago

2 October 2014

Durbanite

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

Author: Durbanite

Business

Award-Winning Tutoring and Extra Lessons with Qualified Teachers

Published

2 months ago

12 January 2026

mrjoelmagic

Quality Tutoring and Extra Lessons That Build Confidence and Results

Every child learns in their own way. Some enjoy the classroom setting, while others benefit from extra time and focused support to strengthen their understanding. Many families also choose extra lessons simply to give their children more confidence and a stronger foundation. That is where Kip McGrath Westville makes a difference. Recognised at the Best of Durban Awards, the centre is trusted across KZN for helping learners grow in both skill and self-belief.

Qualified Teachers, Local Understanding

One of the things that makes Kip McGrath Westville stand out is its team of qualified teachers from schools in and around the community. These are professionals who understand both the curriculum and the challenges learners face, and who bring classroom experience into a focused tutoring environment.

Sessions are available across a wide range of subjects, including English, Maths, Maths Literacy, Afrikaans, Science, Accounting, Physics, Study Skills and, School Readiness, supporting learners from Grade R through to Grade 12.

This variety means support is available for early foundational learning, exam preparation and everything in between.

Building Strong Foundations

The journey begins with a free, no-obligation assessment. This looks at a child’s current year and the two years prior. English is the language of instruction for most subjects, so having a solid grasp of it helps learners better understand everything from Maths problems to Science concepts.

By identifying areas that need strengthening, tutors can design a programme that gives each learner the support they need to feel more confident and prepared.

What to Expect from a Kip Session

Each learner follows a personalised programme that matches their needs and goals. Extra lessons are structured to be focused, engaging and supportive:

~ A session concentrating on one subject at a time.
~ A maximum of four students per session.
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~ Guidance from qualified teachers who provide encouragement and structure.
~ Clear goals that help learners see their progress and celebrate achievements.

More Than Just Better Marks

Kip McGrath is not only about improving results. It is about helping children feel more confident in their learning, giving them the tools to manage challenges and the reassurance that they can succeed. Parents often see a positive shift in how their children approach school, noticing greater independence and a more relaxed attitude to their studies.

Working Together with Families

The best results happen when families and tutors work together. At Kip McGrath:

~ Learners receive weekly homework to practise what they have studied.
~ Parents are kept up to date with regular feedback on progress.
~ Kip McGrath facilitates an open line of communication between its tutors, parents, the school, and the child’s teachers for full transparency on extra lessons.

This teamwork ensures that each learner feels encouraged and supported throughout their academic journey.

Lasting Results

The programmes at Kip McGrath are progressive and measurable. Children start at their level and build step by step toward their goals. With consistency and encouragement, learners gain confidence, improve their understanding, and feel more at ease with their schoolwork.

Why Families Choose Kip

With 50 years of international experience, and branches all over South Africa, and other areas of the world including the UK and Australia, Kip McGrath has supported generations of learners. Families choose Kip McGrath Westville for its caring approach and proven results. Recognition at the Best of Durban Awards is a reflection of the impact they continue to make in the community.

Book a Free Assessment

Whether your child could use some extra support or simply wants to strengthen their foundation, Kip McGrath Westville is here to help. Start with a free, no-obligation assessment and see the difference a little extra guidance & a few extra lessons can make.

At Kip McGrath, it is not just about lessons. It is about building confidence, supporting growth, and giving every child the chance to feel secure in their learning.

Contact Kip McGrath Today!

Call: 031 267 2734

Email: accounts@kipwestville.co.za

Web: www.kipmcgrath.co.za/westville

Instagram: @kipwestville

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Author: mrjoelmagic

Business

Barkies: Homemade Pet Treats

Published

3 months ago

9 December 2025

Shelley

Freshness You Can Trust, Impact You Can See! 🐾
Looking for treats that are genuinely good for your furry (or hoofed!) family members?

Welcome to Barkies—where every treat is baked with love, fresh ingredients, and a commitment to animal welfare.

We believe in complete transparency. Our treats are always homemmade with fresh, natural ingredients, and we are proud to tell you exactly what goes into every single bite.

✨ Year-End Combo Special: Spoil Your Pup! ✨
To celebrate the year, we’re making it easy to spoil your dog with the best of Barkies:

Item Details
12 Pupcakes Choose your dog’s favourite flavour!
500g Fresh Dog Treats Choose your flavour!
Combo Price R220

This is the perfect package for holiday gatherings, puppy parties, or just showing extra love!

🌍 Treats with a Heart
We’re not just about delicious treats; we’re about giving back. Barkies donates 20% of every single sale to incredible animal charities right here in Durban. When you buy from us, you’re directly helping local animals in need.

🥕 Simple, Delicious & Safe
Our treats are simple but delicious and contain no nasty preservatives. Please store all Barkies products in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh.

We make treats for dogs, cats, and horses!