News

McGregor back home with two gold medals

Published

11 years ago

2 October 2014

Durbanite

Photo caption: Hank McGregor (centre) is welcomed home by his wife Pippa (left) and mother Skyy McGregor at King Shaka International Airport on his return from the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships. Photo: Dave Macleod/Gameplan Media

Durban – Five time world champion Hank McGregor flew back into Durban on Wednesday morning after becoming the first South African paddler to clinch the singles and doubles world crowns at the same ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships.

A tired and jetlagged McGregor was greeted by a group of supporters, including his wife Pippa and infant son Thorsten, all wearing t-shirts celebrating his achievements.

“For me, I have now achieved everything that I pretty much desired to achieve in marathon racing,” said McGregor.

He said that it had been tough to race the K2 race after a gruelling K1 race the day before, but he and his partner Jasper Mocké had been buoyed by a key moment on the second lap of the race.

“We put in a big surge and we were so dominant in that surge that we both grew in confidence,” he said. “From then we just played out of our boots and we managed to get the gold medal.”

He added that his shift in strategy on the portages had caught his competitors off-guard.

“I have been battling with a calf injury for the last two months and I was sceptical about being able to do what people expect me to do – run really well on the portages.

“I think the other guys were all expecting me to make a big move on the final portage, but I held back on the paddle leg and decided to leave it all on the water at the end. I think the others ran too hard on that portage to be honest, and when we jumped back in I think they were pretty much spent but II was still really surprised that I managed to open up such a big gap in the end-sprint.

“I was overwhelmed with emotion coming into the finish line – your whole body goes numb with excitement!

McGregor added that the success of the entire South African team was an exciting, positive omen for the future.

“It’s the first time that a team from outside of Europe has won the Men’s Kayak team trophy and if you look at the performances of the juniors, I think our future is looking really bright.”

McGregor added that it is important the momentum is kept up until the 2017 World Championships which will be staged in Pietermaritzburg.

“Let’s hope we can do it in our own back yard in 2017. I am not sure if I will be there, but hopefully I have shown the freeway how to get there.”

McGregor said that he was aware that his wife, family and friends were watching the race on live internet streaming throughout the two tough days of racing.

“In the back of your mind you know that everyone who is important to you is watching your every move. It’s not like the days when they had to wait to see a result on the internet after the race,” he said.

“One day maybe if the YouTube clip is still up my son will be able to watch it and realise that his dad was a little different.” he added.

For any further information go and have a look at the Canoeing South Africa website atwww.canoesa.org.za.

Author: Durbanite

Related Topics:Hank McGregor ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships

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Businesses

Playtime Rentals: Rent. Play. Repeat.

Published

1 month ago

6 October 2025

Shelley

Tired of spending a fortune on toys your kids play with for five minutes, only for them to get bored? We get it! That’s exactly why Playtime Rentals was born, a smarter, more affordable way to keep playtime fun, fresh, and exciting for your little ones.

Based in Ballito and serving families from Ballito to Durban North, we provide premium, sanitized toys that you can rent instead of buy.

What We Offer:

Playtime Rentals provides a wide range of high-quality toys for boys and girls aged 3 to 7 years.

From:
– Pretend-play sets for little imaginations
– Balance bikes and ride-ons for active adventures
– Party rentals like bubble machines & toddler coasters

We’ve got fun covered, without the clutter or cost of constantly buying new toys.

How It Works:

✔ Browse our toy catalogue on WhatsApp or download it from our website
✔ Book your toys by completing the short booking form & submitting documents
✔ Pay & Play. Make full payment + refundable damages deposit
✔ Collect in Ballito or book delivery straight to your door
Then… play, return, repeat. It’s really that simple!

Why Parents love Playtime Rentals:
– Save money on toys kids outgrow
– Reduce clutter and reclaim your space
– Swap toys monthly with a fun toy rotation system
– Encourage sustainable play (less waste, more fun!)
– Keep playtime exciting with something new each month

With Playtime Rentals, your kids enjoy endless variety, and you enjoy less stress and more savings.

Check them out here:
www.playtimerentals.co.za

Author: Shelley

News

Springboks Crush Argentina 67-30 in Durban

Published

1 month ago

29 September 2025

Shelley

With the Rugby Championship title race hanging in the balance, the Springboks delivered a second-half masterclass in Durban against Los Pumas.

After a tense first 40 minutes ended 25–23, South Africa erupted with 42 unanswered points.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was unstoppable, scoring a record-breaking 37 points with a hat-trick, pinpoint kicks, and 134 meters run.

Pieter-Steph du Toit and Manie Libbok added tries as the Bokke overwhelmed Argentina.

Nine tries, relentless pace, and a roaring Kings Park crowd — this was Springboks rugby at its finest.

The bonus-point win puts South Africa right back in the hunt for the Rugby Championship crown.

Author: Shelley

Attractions

What’s On at Westown Square, Shongweni

Published

2 months ago

26 September 2025

Shelley

Discover the heart of KZN at Westown Square in Shongweni – a vibrant, growing destination where shopping, dining and lifestyle come together in perfect harmony.
Here, local craft, artisanal homeware and unique products find a home, bringing the very best of our region to life.

At the centre of it all is The Town Square, your gateway to The Barn & Makers Market. Stroll through an eclectic mix of locally sourced art, beauty, fashion, homeware, food and
drink — all set alongside some of the region’s finest restaurants and exciting concept eateries.

More than just a market, The Barn is the beating heart of Westown. It’s where the community gathers each week for live music, entertainment, and a celebration of local talent.
#ItsTimeForTheWest

LOCAL IS LEKKER and we’re celebrating all things Heritage this month, in this beautiful province of KZN that we call HOME! There’s something for everyone, so follow us on social media to keep up to date.

THIS WEEKEND!
OPENING OF THE PADDOCK at Westown – 27 September

Westown is excited to celebrate the opening of The Paddock– a unique new place and the ‘home’ for Westown Trails. It’s fun for the whole family, whether you’re on horseback, on your mountain bike, running or walking. Our network of marked trails, suitable for a variety of sporting codes, enhances and extends the spectacular outdoor character the area is renowned for.
* Time: Hub Opens – 06:00
Official Start – 07:00
* Venue: The Paddock at Westown
* Cost: No cost and complimentary bike and wash service from Cycle Science Shongweni

SPRINGBOK RUGBY IN THE BARN
Come & support The Bokke at the Westown Square Fan Park in The Barn at Westown.
⁠⁠Catch the live action on the big screen – our DJ will be in the house for the pre-match warm-up and post-match fun.
Saturday 4 October – SA vs Argentina
*Time: 15:00
* Venue: The Barn at Westown Square
Pre-match fun in the Rugby Kids Zone:

* The Garvz Sport Activation (13:00 -16:00) & Kids Activities (14:00 -16:00) including:
Baby Bok, toddler soft-play area, face painting, balloon sculpting and crafts activities

PASSION PAINT & SIP – 1 October

Release your inner artist with an evening of fun and creativity. This guided class is open to all, no matter your competency level. Be prepared to be surprised at what
you can create!

Date: Wednesday 1 October
Time: 18:30
Venue: The Barn at Westown Square
Cost: R250 pp incl. a complimentary drink & all materials to make your own work of art.
Booking: Quicket or WhatsApp Kirsty on 083 2555 736

OCTOBER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME – Follow our social media pages
Westown Square is THE PLACE TO BE this October, with a School Holiday Programme to delight kids of all ages!!

FREE MOVIE NIGHT AT WESTOWN – 3 October
Bring your picnic blankets and camp chairs for a free outdoor movie night under the stars.
Food and beverages will be sold – no food/ beverages may be brought into the venue.
* Date: 3 October
* Time: 18:30
* Movie: How to Train Your Dragon
* Venue: The Bowl at Westown Square
* Cost: Free

BLASTER WARS – the ultimate interactive fun for kids aged 5 – 13 years. Jump into action-packed group games, bouncing from one awesome game to the next, all with hands-on
safety. Activities include:
•Blaster Wars fun battles and blaster games
•Target shooting challenges
•Fun races and games for all ages
Date: 7 & 8 October
Venue: Grass Area/Lawn on Level 4
Time: 11:00 -13:00
Cost: R120 per child
Bookings: Tel: 066 236 8100 or email: info@blasterwars.co.za

FRIDAY FLASHBACK
Get a jump-start on the weekend with our vibrant weekly Westown Wind-down. Turn after-work drinks into a full night out at Westown Square, as we dial back the clock, with our weekly 80s-themed Friday Flashback retro music experience with DJ Spike & James VN on the decks and Happy Hour food and drink specials.
Date: Every Friday
Time: 16:30-21:30
Cost: Free entry

SUNDAY SOUNDTRACK VIBES
Join a line-up of Durban’s hottest musicians, every Sunday afternoon, from 12:00-15:00 in The Barn at Westown Square. Choose a bite and beverage from a diverse selection of eateries and settle in for the afternoon.

– Sunday 5 October
A regular favourite at Westown Square, Angel is in the house for this Sunday’s session.
– Sunday 12 October
Popular songbird Carmen Rodrigues is back at Westown Square for a laid-back chill
interlude.