Community

Bidvest Insurance and McCarthy Toyota Ballito and Durban North join forces to keep youth safe this festive season

Published

9 years ago

2 December 2015

Durbanite

Friday the 27^th of November 2015 marked the official start of the 2015 Matric Rage. Bidvest Insurance in partnership with Red Frogs, McCarthy Toyota Durban North and McCarthy Toyota Ballito are all working together to provide matriculants with a free service of volunteer driven, fully insured and sponsored cars to ensure all party-going students are safe throughout the duration of the Matric Rage.

Thousands of students from a number of schools across the country gather every year in Durban to celebrate the finishing of exams and their final year of school. With the majority of these school leavers being of legal age to drink the obvious appeal to let their hair down and have fun after a demanding academic year means that the threat of getting into a car with a drunk driver and over-consumption of alcohol can place these youth in serious danger after a night out.

For precisely this reason, RedFrogs was started in Australia in 1997 as a support programme for young people from the ages of 15 – 25 during matric holidays, music festivals and university social events. Informally the programme came into affect in South Africa in 2005 with a group of volunteers helping out Matrics in Ballito. In 2009, Red Frogs South Africa officially started operations in Ballito.

Red Frogs have a 24 hour hotline that both parents and matriculants can call for help and advice over the Matric Rage, whether it’s someone you need to make sure you get home safe, help you out when your friends have abandoned you, or if you’re a worried parent and would like someone to check your child is ok.

With a strong ethos for integrity and providing consumers with total peace of mind, Bidvest Insurance are delighted to partner with Red Frog and sponsor comprehensive insurance on the five vehicles donated by McCarthy Toyota Ballito and McCarthy Toyota Durban North over the Matric Rage period. So not only are the partying youths being looked after, but the volunteer drivers as well. The insurance protects them against accidents, theft, fire, hijack and third party incidents during the entire Matric Rage which ends on the 5^th of December 2015.

Red Frogs recognize that the culture of young people is dominated by alcohol and that excessive consumption of alcohol and other substances can lead to dangerous and life altering behaviours. According to the organization, it is their mission to provide a positive peer presence in alcohol-fuelled environments where young people gather, and to empower young people to make positive life choices and become a voice of change within their culture.

“We are delighted to show our support for this great cause which promotes responsible driving and educating the youth on safety over the festive season. The cars are a means for the RedFrogs leaders to be present at these alcohol-fuelled situations, as and when they occur, without delay”, stated Bidvest Insurance Marketing Manager, Lucy Cooke.

Pippa Rowney, Media Co-ordinator for Red Frogs is grateful for the involvement of large corporations and believes it will have a major impact on many young people’s lives. “Thank you from the entire Red Frog Crew of 2015 to Bidvest Insurance and McCarthy Toyota Ballito and Durban North for their much needed support! Every sponsorship we receive enables us to better safeguard this generation of every young South African. ” said Rowney.

A number of Red Frogs volunteers from all over South Africa, who are mainly university students and individuals on leave from work will be a part of this worthwhile initiative. Red Frogs get numerous emails and Facebook messages from parents who are incredibly grateful for what their volunteers do, and they often say that just knowing the Red Frog team members are around gives them peace of mind.

Facebook: RedFrogsSA

Twitter @RedFrogsSA

Contact number: 060 733 3764

Website: www.redfrogs.co.za

Author: Durbanite

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Community

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

Published

3 days ago

15 April 2025

Shelley

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!

Author: Shelley

Art

The East Coast Radio House & Garden Show 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

8 April 2025

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

Attractions

Get Ready for the Supertech Torque Motoring Festival

Published

2 weeks ago

4 April 2025

Shelley

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.