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A MASTERCHEF CELEBRATION AT THIS YEAR’S DURBAN GOOD FOOD & WINE SHOW

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It’s going to be a MasterChef celebration at this year’s Good Food & Wine Show in Durban with MasterChef South Africa winner Kamini Pather in action with fellow show contestants Siphokazi Mdlankomo and Claire Allen.

They join celebrated MasterChef Australia judge George Calombaris and will help South Africa’s premiere food show create its own MasterChef magic.

Pather, who grew up in Durban and learnt her love of food there, says winning MasterChef SA in 2013 changed her life. “It certainly boosted my cooking career and I realised that anything is possible. However, my passion for food and cooking started long before that with little things like sitting on my grandmother’s porch while she chewed on orange peels, or licking the batter spoon while perched on my mom’s kitchen counter as she made cakes. Since winning MasterChef I’ve starred in my own show Girl Eat World. It is now broadcast on Food Network in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, India, South East Asia and the Philippines and on SABC 3 and Netflix.”

Pather will be in action in the Chefs Open Theatre and Eat Well, Live Well Theatre (for the first time entrance is free and it is included in the ticket price). She will also be Cooking with Chefs.

Mdlankomo was the runner-up in MasterChef SA in 2014 and has since then created a live performance show, Short Chef Skinny Chet with fellow contestant Claire Allen. She’s the star of a new show, Let’s Eat with Siphokazi, currently on Mzansi Magic, and this year published her first cookery book The Little Black Recipe Book.

“Audiences can expect simple but delicious food demonstrations that are not intimidating. Anyone can make the dishes in their own home while learning new techniques. I can’t wait to meet everyone.”

She will be in the Chef’s Open Theatre while also appearing in Short Chef Skinny Chef with Claire Allen. Entrance to both is free.

Allen is also delighted to be back: “Siphokazi and I will host 25 Short Chef Skinny Chef demos over the weekend in the interactive cooking theatre and have more than R30 000 worth of prizes to give away. The Good Food & Wine Show provides a platform for local chefs, which is so important, as well as local producers to sell and grow their brand to a direct market. Most importantly visitors are exposed to incredible food and wine – it’s not called the Good Food and Wine Show for nothing!”

Says Calombaris – who will once again keep viewers glued to the screen when the highly anticipated eighth season of MasterChef Australia returns to M-Net on October 10: “I am thrilled to be coming to Durban. There are going to be a few little surprises during the demonstrations and I am going to ‘play’ with people’s senses. It’s also an opportunity for people to come and meet me and get a good idea of who I am and why food has played such a major part in my life.”

They join the stellar line-up who has already been announced including Siba Mtongana, Jenny Morris, Sarah Graham, Neill Anthony and J’Something.

MEET THE CHEFS & THOSE TAKING PART AT THE DURBAN GOOD FOOD & WINE SHOW 2016

CLAIRE ALLEN
Short Chef, Skinny Chef Theatre
An entrepreneur by the age of 17 and a successful business owner at 28, Claire Allen is the definition of a self-starter. Cape Town based Claire was born to a family of cooks in Dundee in KZN, where her passion for food was nurtured from a very young age. Claire entered MasterChef South Africa in 2014, and was blown away by the experience. She has since spent the time travelling the world, growing her palate while learning new recipes, and cooking techniques. Last year she launched Short Chef Skinny Chef with Siphokazi Mdlankomo.

GEORGE CALOMBARIS
Chefs Open Theatre/Chefs Table
One of Australia’s top chefs, George Calombaris’ style of cuisine has earned him many accolades and much respect from culinary aficionados at home and abroad. His Greek heritage was central in his upbringing; indeed it’s his trademark today. With many accolades to his name and a string of restaurants, Calombaris is also known for his cook books, his contribution as a judge on MasterChef Australia and his entrepreneurial skills.

JENNY MORRIS
Chefs Open Theatre /Cooking with Chefs/Wine Theatre
Jenny Morris – aka the Giggling Gourmet – is one of SA’s most-loved food personalities. She is an author, magazine writer, radio and TV presenter, celebrity chef, teacher, caterer, restaurateur and culinary tour guide who has had an ongoing love affair with food since she was a child. Not only has she conquered radio but Jenny has made several television appearances both locally and internationally. Her first show for the Food Network was Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco. It was the first occasion that a South African chef fronted their own show on the channel. She opened her own restaurant, Yumcious, in Cape Town last year.

J’SOMETHING
Chefs Open Theatre /Cooking with Chefs
Portugal-born Joao Da Fonseca is better known as J’Something, the lead singer of South African band Mi Casa. But he’s also a passionate cook and in 2014 showcased his love of food with the13-part series Something’s Cooking on Mzansi Magic which went on to reach over two million viewers. His follow-up series What’s For Dinner on SABC 3 reached 10 million viewers. When he’s not collaborating with chefs to demonstrate his cooking skills and love for soulful food, J’Something can be found working on his first cookbook or co-hosting a radio show.

KAMINI PATHER
Chefs Open Theatre /Cooking with Chefs/Eat Well, Live Well Theatre
Kamini (pronounced like harmony with a ‘K’) won the title of MasterChef SA in 2013 and has since been living her food dream. She is an ad-hoc guest presenter on Cliff Central, she’s hosted a bi-weekly food segment on GoodHopeFM, as well as a weekly segment on Heart FM, and she’s demo’ed in the Celebrity Chef’s Theatre at the Good Food and Wine Shows in Johannesburg and Cape Town. In 2015, Kamini’s highly anticipated food-travel show Girl Eat World debuted on Food Network EMEA and, after a successful run, the show also aired on SABC 3 and Netflix US.

NEILL ANTHONY
Chefs Open Theatre /Cooking with Chefs and Chefs Table
Cape Town-based private chef Neill Anthony, who trained in the kitchens of Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing and other big international cooking greats, gets invited to cook in the homes of prestigious clients, socialite friends and fun-loving acquaintances transforming their dining experiences into exclusive and private dinner extravaganzas. Partnering with local TV producers Okhule Media has been the foundation of his TV journey. His 13-part Food Network TV series Private Chef, broadcast locally and internationally, has been the launch pad for his international exposure.

SARAH GRAHAM
Chefs Open Theatre/Eat Well Live Well
Sarah is a well-known cook, food writer and TV show host. She grew up on a small wildlife conservancy in Zimbabwe and this instilled in her a food philosophy built on creating simple, healthy dishes. Sarah started her food blog, A Foodie Lives Here in May 2010, and later that year was the first local food blogger to be awarded a cook book contract by Penguin Random House. Sarah has filmed two cooking shows that have aired locally and internationally. She is currently writing her fourth cook book and planning another season of her TV series Food Safari.

SIBA MTONGANA
Chefs Open Theatre/ Chef’s Table
Siba Mtongana is a passionate and dynamic food enthusiast who brought style and charisma to South Africa television food scene. She is well known for her show Siba’s Table on DStv’s Food Network, which debuted in September 2013 and was an instant hit worldwide. It is now broadcast in more than 130 countries in across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the US, Australia and Asia. She’s an award-winning food writer, an author, and has a degree in Food and Consumer Sciences, with majors in Food, Food Science and Nutrition.

SIPHOKAZI MDLANKOMO
Short Chef, Skinny Chef Theatre/Chefs Open Theatre
Siphokazi Mdlankomo captured the hearts of South Africans as she cooked her way to the final of the third season of MasterChef South Africa. Growing up near Umtata her mother and grandmother taught her everything about cooking. She reflects on her MasterChef journey: “I learnt a lot on the show, from patience to creativity and respecting the ingredients I use in my cooking. I also realised I have talent and that I have lot of fun in front of the camera – and would love to work as an on camera chef teaching others how to cook. Last year she launched Short Chef Skinny Chef with Claire Allen.

THE GOOD FOOD & WINE SHOW DURBAN

Dates: Friday October 28 to Sunday, October 30.
Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre, 11 Walnut Road, Durban
Hours: Friday, October 28, and Saturday, October 29, 10:00-21:00; Sunday, October 30, 10:00-18:00

Ticket Prices:
Early bird: R85
Adults: R100 at the door
Students: R70
Age 13-18: R50
Children under 12: Free
Senior citizens: R70. Free entry on Friday, October 28.
Weekend pass: R150
International chef table: R800
Local chef table: R300

Wine Tasting Prices:
Wine Combo Ticket: R130 (Includes show entry, wine tasting glass and five wine tasting vouchers)
Wine Glass and tasting: R 50 (Includes GFWS glass to keep and five tasting vouchers)

Tickets:
Available through Computicket (www.computicket.com) or at the door.

The Good Food & Wine Show is bought to Durban by the following sponsors: Durban Tourism, SABC3, Core, Rolkem, Clover, Qantas, Taurus and Total Gaz

Go to:
www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za
@goodfoodSA
@Good Food and Wine Show SA

Shelley
Author: Shelley

Art

Bluey’s Big Play Coming to South Africa

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Wackadoo! Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are coming to South Africa in the 2025 winter school holidays! For the first time ever, the hit theatre production Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show makes its African debut at Artscape, Cape Town on Thursday, 26 June, running until Sunday, 06 July 2025. The show then moves to The Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg from Wednesday, 09 July to Sunday, 20 July. Tickets are on sale now at www.showtime.co.za and www.ticketmaster.co.za.

Bluey’s Big Play is a theatrical adaptation of the BAFTA and Emmy® Award-winning animated children’s television series produced by Ludo Studio. Now families in South Africa can experience the joy of seeing Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad in their first ever theatre show, featuring brilliantly created puppets, iconic sets, live actors and all-new music – it’s Bluey like you’ve never seen it before, in real life and on stage.

The popularity of Bluey’s Big Play knows no bounds, touring internationally across Australia, UK and Ireland, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Europe and North America. Kiddo Adventures gives Bluey’s Big Play five stars while claiming it’s “A magical theatrical experience for fans of all ages” while Time Out says, This live adventure for fanatically beloved Australian hound Bluey is as authentic as it comes”. The Guardian best sums up the show by saying “Puppy puppets’ sweet show sets tails wagging.

Bluey’s Big Play follows Bluey and her family through a full day from sunrise through to bedtime. When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag.

Bluey’s Big Play is an original story from creator Joe Brumm, with bespoke music from Bluey composer Joff Bush. The audio track forBluey’s Big Play is prerecorded and features original voices from the TV sensation, including the instantly recognisable voices of Dave McCormack and Melanie Zanetti as Dad and Mum. While the larger-than-life puppets are commanded by Bluey’s Big Play’s talented puppeteers, who bring Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad to life on stage.

Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co and local live entertainment and show promoter, Showtime Management.

Kate O’Connor, Director of Brands and Licensing BBC Studios ANZ, says: “Following the incredible reaction to the live theatre show in North America, UK, Ireland, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Europe and Australia, we are so excited to bring Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show to fans in South Africa.”

Bluey’s Big Play has performed to a global audience including sell out seasons across Australia, USA and UK. The response has been extraordinary. We are so excited to now bring Bluey’s Big Play to South African audiences this winter school holidays,” says Andrew Kay, Producer of Bluey’s Big Play.

We’re thrilled to be bringing Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show to South Africa,” said Tony Feldman of Showtime Management who added: “The response to the show from fans across Australia, North America and Europe has been nothing short of amazing and we can’t wait for families in South Africa to experience all the fun and excitement of having Bluey and her family live on stage.”


The stage show has enjoyed much success around the world, especially in Australia, where it premiered in Bluey’s hometown Brisbane and went on to perform over 500 times across 65 venues, including the Sydney Opera House.  Bluey’s Big Play was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Family Show in 2024.

Since bursting on to TV screens in Australia in 2018, Bluey has enjoyed a plethora of critical success at home and abroad, winning a 2022 BAFTA Children & Young People Award in the International category, a 2024 Kidscreen Award for Best Animated Series and picking up its consecutive fifth AACTA Best Children’s Programme award to add to an International Emmy and numerous awards for craft and production around the world.

According to Nielsen, Bluey is 2024’s most-watched series globally on Disney+, and the year’s No. 1 most-watched series on streaming to date through November among total viewers in the U.S., with more than 50.5 billion minutes watched[1]. In Australia, the show goes out on ABC where it is #1 kids show, and it is also rated #1 kids show on CBeebies and Disney+ in the UK[2]. In South Africa, Bluey is ranked #1 on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and CBeebies[3].

Tickets for Bluey’s Big Play are available now and can be purchased at www.showtime.co.za or www.ticketmaster.co.za the official, exclusive ticketing agent. Tickets purchased via any other platform will not be honoured.

Each attendee irrespective of age must hold a valid ticket in any price category to Bluey’s Big Play. A strictly limited number of Meet & Greet Packages are available for each show. The Meet & Greet includes a lanyard and the unique opportunity to meet Bluey after the show.  Children are not allowed access without a VIP paid adult.

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For more information visit bluey.tv

Meet and Greet: R500 per ticket

Limited availability. Includes a lanyard and post-show opportunity to meet Bluey.

Children are not allowed access without a M&G paid adult.

Group bookings

20% discount on groups of 21 and more

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday performances only valid for the top two prices.

Contact Jill Somers office hours only, 9am to 5pm, on 079 218 1658 or via showtime.co.za

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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Attractions

Old Mutual Music at the Lake returns with a Mother’s Day celebration featuring Mi Casa and Shekhinah on Sunday 11 May

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Old Mutual Music at the Lake is back for another unforgettable season of music, nature, and community — and the series kicks off in spectacular style with a special Mother’s Day concert featuring South African superstars Mi Casa and Shekhinah on Sunday, 11 May 2025 at the breathtaking Durban Botanic Gardens.

Set against the lush, tranquil backdrop of the Gardens’ iconic Lake area, this signature concert promises an afternoon of soulful sounds, celebration, and family-friendly fun. Guests are encouraged to bring along picnic blankets, camping chairs, and their own food and drinks to enjoy a relaxed open-air experience.

“Old Mutual is proud to support the Music at the Lake series, a celebration of togetherness, local talent, and cultural pride. Our partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to enriching communities and creating shared moments of joy—especially on meaningful days like Mother’s Day. We believe music has the power to connect people, and we are honoured to help provide a platform where families can come together and make lasting memories in the beautiful setting of Durban’s iconic Botanic Gardens,” said Bandile Mngoma, Senior Manager: Sponsorships & Events at Old Mutual.

Renowned for their infectious house grooves and feel-good energy, Mi Casa will light up the stage with hits that have become part of the country’s soundtrack. Joining them is powerhouse vocalist and platinum-selling artist Shekhinah, whose emotive blend of pop and R&B continues to captivate audiences around the world.

This event is part of the beloved Old Mutual Music at the Lake series — a proudly supported initiative by Old Mutual that fuses entertainment with environmental purpose. All proceeds go to the Garden Window Project, an innovative programme driving people and plant development within the Durban Botanic Gardens.

Tickets are selling fast, so secure your spot now via Webtickets here.

Whether you’re treating your mom, spending the day with loved ones, or simply looking for great music in a stunning natural setting, this is the Mother’s Day celebration you won’t want to miss.

Event Details:

Old Mutual Music at the Lake: Mi Casa & Shekhinah
📍 Durban Botanic Gardens – Lake Area
📅 Sunday, 11 May 2025
🕐 Gates open: 1PM | Show starts: 2PM
🎟 Tickets available via Webtickets
🥤 Food and drinks welcome
🪑 Picnic blankets and camping chairs encouraged

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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Events

Supertech Torque Motoring Festival 2025 Sets Records and Ignites KZN’s passion for the most powerful letter in the world- M.

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Easter weekend 2025 saw KwaZulu-Natal roar to life as Supertech Group hosted the third and most exhilarating edition of the Supertech Torque Motoring Festival at Dezzi Raceway. With over 8000 motorsport fans, families and thrill-seekers in attendance across two unforgettable days, this year’s festival has firmly cemented itself as a highlight on the KZN motoring and lifestyle calendar. 

Born from the vision of the largest and award-winning BMW retailer group in KZN, the Supertech Group, Supertech Torque began as a premium car club initiative. Now, just three years later, it has become a celebration of premium automotive culture and motorsport magic, combining the power of M, performance car culture with family fun and unmatched customer experiences. 

From a single-day event in 2022 to a full-blown weekend of premium motoring in 2023, 2025 delivered a record-breaking two-day spectacular that reflects Supertech’s drive to continuously elevate and innovate. This year, the Supertech Torque Motoring Festival was a full sensory experience- a celebration of precision German engineering, exclusive reveals, international motorsport talent and high-octane joy.


Highlights of the festival included: 

  • A new and used car showroom with the latest BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad models, including unique BMW M models in bespoke BMW Individual colours like the BMW M3 Touring in Sao Paulo Yellow and the BMW M4 Convertible in Velvet Orchid Individual to name a few. 
  • The exclusive BMW M Lounge showcasing the latest custom-build, RACE-SPEC BMW M2, presented by none other than Cristiano Verolini, Head of BMW Motorsport in South Africa. 
  • Thrill rides in the latest BMW M3’s, Hot laps and drift experiences with the official BMW Driving Experience team, led by Red Bull Car Park Drift Champion Jim McFarlane. 
  • International Stunt sensation Didi Bizzarro made history by setting not one, but two South African records on two wheels at Dezzi Raceway. 
  • Appearances by local motorsport icons including the electrifying Stacey-Ley May and Kayla, phenomenal young women in motorsport, the smoke king Reece Williams, crowd favourite Preshu Singh and the unstoppable Team sideways. 
  • An official BMW Merchandise and Performance parts pop-up store, BMW Dip Lab brought to you by Supertech Approved Repair Centre showcasing BMW Individual paint colours, and interactive stalls from Ceramic Pro KZN, Rospa Imports (hosting a silent auction on rare and sort-after classic BMW models), One Stop Travel and Tours, Orabi Shell, Old Mutual, Edgars Beauty and A-Line Wheels. 
  • Food courts and a buzzing kids carnival made it a fun-filled day for the whole family. 

The charismatic Vic Pardal amped up the energy as MC across both days, with Saturday drawing a crowd of over 5500 enthusiasts and Sunday welcoming an additional 2500 festival goers- a true testament to the festivals growing popularity. 

Behind this spectacular production was Supertech’s dedicated core team, spearheaded by Managing Director Ubaid Tayob and supported by passionate staff from across the Supertech Group. The months of meticulous planning paid off, ensuring every touchpoint reflected the brand’s premium essence and commitment to delivering memorable customer experiences. 

The Supertech Torque Motoring Festival is not just an event- it’s a movement. It captures the essence of premium, performance car culture and unites passionate drivers and fans from across KZN and the country. From hosting the largest convoys of pure BMW M and M Performance machines to celebrating BMW Durban South’s unmatched hat-trick win as BMW M Retailer of the Year, Supertech is fuelling a new era of love for BMW Motorsport in a new generation. More than just a festival, it’s a bold statement of Supertech’s legacy and future- one that continues to share and elevate the premium automotive and lifestyle experience in KZN.

A big thank you goes out to all the brand partners, with a special thank you to Harry and the team from Gas Magazine, long-time partners to the brand who share our belief that collaboration and the passionate pursuit of excellence in automotive within KZN fuels greatness. 

As for what’s next? If you thought 2025 was big, wait until you see what Supertech Torque has in store for its next chapter!

Supertech Torque Motoring Festival- Where M- Power meets passion, and every experience is built to thrill. 

To keep up to date with the latest from the Supertech Group, follow them online @supertech_group and @supertech_torque

T&C’s apply. E&OE.

All parties agree that no press release shall disclose any confidential or proprietary information, including but not limited to financial details, business plans, or customer data, without the prior written consent of the disclosing party, being the Supertech Group.

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