Community
Durbanite Talks Politics in the new Showmax Series: The Girl From St Agnes
The girls from South Africa in The girl from St Agnes
If you haven’t yet watched The Girl from St Agnes from start to finish, then what have you been doing this past week?
Showmax released this 8-part murder mystery series on 30 January and it easily broke the record for the most unique viewers in 24 hours – proving its binge-worthiness and showing how ready the world is for South African English TV. I for one, have been ready for years, and so instead of being actively social last friday night, I stayed at home with my mother and we started and unintentionally finished the entire show.
My overtaxed mother may have been falling asleep on the couch during the opening credits but soon she was resurrected by the shocking plot twists and many of what the TV ad describes as ‘admissions of guilt’. Set at an all-girls’ boarding school in the KZN midlands, schoolgirl Lexi Summerveld (Jane de Wet) falls to her death and the case is dismissed as suicide. But drama teacher Kate Bellard (Nina Milner) remains unconvinced and furthers the investigation herself, exposing secrets, lifting veils and ultimately showing that the school and all who attend are not what she (and we) once thought. Transfixing and professional, I was blown away by this show and my poor friends will vouch for how it’s all I’ve been talking about lately.
Having lived in California this past year, I was ready to give up on launching a career in my own beautiful country. But TGFSA has truly restored my hope in South African film and media and more specifically, the hope for our female writers, producers and directors. The team that created, filmed and funded the show is an all-female collaboration which is rare, even for Hollywood. Not only are the writers, directors and producers all women, but the story focuses more on the lives and struggles of the South African female experience too. It’s the men and the schoolboys who are villainous and destructive while the girls are the victims who bear the brunt of their perverted or unfaithful husbands, abusive boyfriends, neglective fathers, or disappointing sons.
The notorious “boys will be boys” line is referenced at least twice, hinting at its persistent circulation in patriarchal South Africa. But even as each suspect (and there are many) that Kate suspects is a male, each also becomes a red herring, making the victim, the murderer and the detective an all-female game too. Perhaps what this is saying is that we women need to work together and support each other more. And perhaps we need to be more courageous, less trustful and dependent, and own our individual narratives just like S.A. men have the learned confidence to do.
What I also really enjoyed is the political landscape that the show doesn’t choose to ignore. Lines like “you people”, “colonialists”, and allusions to farm burning, land stealing and robberies pinpoint the present South African experience and highlight the racial tension that is still very much alive today; even amongst the integrated and somewhat progressive schoolgirls at St Agnes. This exposes the backlash and the influence our parents’ generation still has on us, however the small progress we’ve made so far is also shown by the (albeit few) mixed friendships and relationships, peace treaties and apologies, as well as a well-mixed cast even if *sigh* the main characters are still mostly white.
I guess The Girl from St Agnes should be regarded as a snapshot of present progression and should not be expected to transcend all boundaries at once – as we still have a long way to go – but rather we should choose to focus on the pride of making it this far in South African English television and in non-conservative material at that. Sure, it’s at first unsettling to hear our accent on the screen, and maybe even more so when it’s talking rape and murder and suicide (and and and). But after a while it hits that this is our reality. We are no longer watching the far-fetched American world with its foreign accent, but instead we are consuming our own unique demeanor and personally relatable experiences. As an ex-all girls’ catholic school girl myself, I feel united in my own story and no longer feel the ‘fomo’ of American High School as intensely as I used to.
I’m so excited for the future of South African TV and I hope I get the chance to join in someday, too. And you, fellow unenthused and disillusioned writer/actor/director/any form of creative… you should be too.
Written by Candice Buckle
Author: Durbanite
The Oceans 8 Charity Swim returns to Vetch’s Beach at the Durban Undersea Club on 23rd & 24th (25th ) May 2026, bringing together swimmers, supporters, partners and 14 beneficiary charities for a two-day ocean event rooted in community and shared impact.
Founded by charities, for charities, Oceans 8 was created with a simple but ambitious vision: to unite people through a shared love of swimming while raising funds for non-profit organisations with a footprint in KZN. Since its inception, the event has raised over R3million, directly supporting 23 charities and the communities they serve.
“Oceans 8 is about shared purpose and the belief that when we come together, we can strengthen the work already happening in our communities,” says Nicci Carvalho, event spokesperson. “It’s ordinary people doing something challenging and creating lasting impact.”
What to Expect in 2026
This year’s event continues that mission – bringing together swimmers of all abilities across the 1-, 4-, 8- and 16-mile distances to use their sport to make a difference.
Durban’s mild winter conditions and the protected waters of Vetch’s Beach offer a rewarding ocean experience for seasoned open-water swimmers, while remaining accessible to those stepping into open water swimming for the first time.
The 1- and 4-mile swims support the event’s 10 invitational charities, with funds raised shared equally among them. Swimmers taking on the 8- and 16-mile challenges direct their fundraising towards one of Oceans 8’s four founding charities. Schools once again form an important part of the weekend, with interschools’ participation encouraging learners to raise funds, earn community service hours and represent their schools in the 1-mile swim. Trophies are up for grabs!
The event remains proudly volunteer-run, supported by a committed local network of businesses, safety teams and community partners who help bring the weekend together. Returning sponsors Arena SA, Stanley, IPSS Medical Services and ALU Direct continue to stand alongside Oceans 8, sharing a belief in building something sustainable for the charities and the communities they serve.
Environmental responsibility is also central to the event’s planning. Oceans 8 minimises single-use plastics, prioritises recycled materials, and collaborates with partners who align with its sustainability values – recognising that caring for the coastline is inseparable from swimming in it.
As Oceans 8 continues to grow nationwide, entries are open to swim with purpose and join a community committed to turning personal challenge into meaningful impact.
Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026 Events
- 1 Mile Event:
Choose one of 4 events on Day 1 or Day 2.
Cost: R200 per person + minimum R800 raised for invitational charities. - 4 Mile Event:
Swim 2 miles on Day 1 and 2 miles on Day 2.
Cost: R700 per person + minimum R3 000 raised for invitational charities. - 8 Mile Event:
Swim 4 miles on Day 1 and 4 miles on Day 2.
Cost: R1 100 per person + minimum R5,000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities. - 16 Mile Event:
Swim 8 miles on Day 1 and 8 miles on Day 2.
Swimmers will swim the 1 Mile course twice during each event.
Cost: R1 100 per person + minimum R5,000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities.
For more information or partnership enquiries, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za
Keep updated on all the action by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and @oceans8swim on Facebook.
8- and 16-mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026:
- Duzi-Umngeni Conservation Trust
- National Sea Rescue Institute
- Project Rhino
- Singakwenza Early Childhood Education
1- and 4-mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026:
- CROW (Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife)
- Game Rangers’ Association of South Africa
- IPSS Search and Rescue
- Makabongwe Pre-School
- Made for More
- Nazareth House in Berea
- Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home
- Rise Against Hunger Africa
- Sport for Lives
- Umduduzi – Hospice Care for Children
Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
Author: mrjoelmagic
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!
🎉 BARKIES YEAR-END COMBO IS ON! 🎉
Get 12 Pupcakes + 500g Dog Treats (Flavours of your choice) for R220!
✅ Homemade, Fresh & Natural
✅ Treats for Dogs, Cats & Horses
✅ 20% Donated to Durban Animal Charities!
ORDER NOW: WhatsApp Bianca on 076 190 0442 (Collection or Delivery available)
Author: Shelley
