Midlands Meander Association Celebrates 40 Years of Craft, Cuisine and Countryside Founded in 1985, the landmark arts-and-crafts route marks four decades of growth and looks to a digital future.

This year the Midlands Meander Association proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary. What began in 1985 as a small, creative collaboration of local potters, weavers and artists, has grown into one of South Africa’s best-known artisan tourism routes — a thriving network of accommodation, studios, eateries and attractions that showcases the unique culture and hospitality of the KZN Midlands.

The Meander’s origin story is simple. In 1985 a handful of creatives met at Caversham Mill and decided to work together, opening their studios to the public as a collective way to increase visibility and sales. That grassroots idea expanded steadily; the route now spans roughly 80 kilometres and includes well over 100 member businesses offering a rich tapestry of experiences—from artisanal handmade crafts and cozy country kitchens to world-class accommodation, enchanting wedding venues, and exceptional conferencing facilities.

Over four decades the Midlands Meander has become synonymous with warm hospitality, local craftsmanship, culinary creativity and outdoor adventure. The Association continues to play a central role in promoting the Midlands as a cultural and tourism destination. As it celebrates 40 years, the Meander is not only honouring its heritage but also investing in the future — expanding member services, promoting sustainable tourism, and embracing digital platforms to make the route easier to explore for both domestic and international visitors.

This year the Association is rolling out new digital initiatives designed to support members and connect visitors with experiences across the route. These moves reflect the organisation’s ongoing strategy to create a networking community, modernise marketing, increase bookings for small businesses and grow exposure for members while preserving the authentic, local character that makes the Meander special.

“From a handful of studios to a beloved tourism route, the Midlands Meander is a testament to creative collaboration and community,” said a Midlands Meander spokesperson. “As we celebrate 40 years, we’re thankful to the members, artists, hoteliers and visitors who have shaped the Meander. We’re excited about our digital offerings and our plans to continue growing in ways that benefit local businesses and visitors alike.”

The Association will mark the anniversary with a series of promotional campaigns throughout the year.

For more information:
visit: www.midlandsmeander.co.za
contact: info@midlandsmeander.co.za / +27 (0)33 330 8195 or +27 (0)69 725 1916
follow: instagram
follow: facebook

The magic of Disney celebrates its return to South Africa with Innovative Technology and Transformative Performances

Disney On Ice returns to South Africa in 2026! Get ready as the magic glides into Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban, bringing spectacular special effects, cutting-edge technology, breathtaking performances, dazzling costumes, and all your beloved Disney characters and stories!

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, produced by Feld Entertainment Inc, is brought to South Africa by leading local promoter, Showtime Management and is proudly presented in association with FNB. The show opens in Pretoria on Sunday, 28 June 2026 at SunBet Arena, Time Square and continues for a limited season ending on Sunday, 05 July 2026.

Thereafter Disney On Ice skates into GrandWest, Cape Town on Saturday, 11 July through Sunday, 19 July 2026.  The production then moves to Durban’s International Convention Centre Arena from Friday, 24 July to Sunday, 26  July 2026.

“FNB is proud to once again collaborate with Disney On Ice and Showtime Management to create magical moments that bring families together,” says Nkosana Matyeshana, Marketing Events Lead at FNB. “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and, as a token of our appreciation for their continued loyalty, we’re offering 20% off Disney On Ice tickets from Wednesday 29 October until Sunday 30 November 2025.”

“The wait will soon be over! We’re thrilled to bring Disney On Ice back to South Africa. This new show celebrates the timeless stories and beloved characters that continue to inspire families everywhere — with more magic, spectacle and heart than ever before,” says Tony Feldman of Showtime Management. “We couldn’t be happier to once again partner with FNB to share the magic with audiences across the country.”

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, is an adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts! Look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell through immersive, fantastic worlds. Explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco, sail away with Moana as she bravely saves her island, see Belle in the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life, and sing-along with Elsa in the icy world of Frozen. Make memories during Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration!

Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic.  Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney●Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family.

Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace. Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice.  Demonstrate the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room. Laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates flip, tumble, and twist on tumble tracks, stilts and more in an effort to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka.

Tickets are now on sale for South Africa’s favourite family winter school holiday outing. Book at Ticketmaster.co.za or Showtime.co.za.

Patrons are asked to please note that owing to safety regulations each person, irrespective of age (including babes in arms and children under two years) must have a purchased ticket. Fans are encouraged to only book through Ticketmaster.co.za the official authorised ticketing agent for Disney On Ice. Tickets from third parties will not be honoured.

To discover more about Disney On Ice, log on to www.disneyonice.co.za or visit us on Facebook and YouTube.   ENDS

SHOW INFORMATION 

TICKETS:

www.ticketmaster.co.za or www.showtime.co.za

Ticket master is the only exclusive ticketing agent for Disney On Ice.

Tickets purchased from any other source will not be valid.

PRETORIA SHOW INFORMATION

VENUE:

SunBet Arena at Time Square, Menlyn Maine

SHOW DATES AND TIMES:  Sunday, 28 June to Sunday, 05 July 2026

Sunday 28 June – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

Wednesday, 01 July – 11am, 3pm

Thursday, 02 July – 11am, 3pm

Friday, 03 July – 11am, 3pm

Saturday, 04 July – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

Sunday, 05 July – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

TICKET PRICES:

Weekdays (Wednesday to Friday, Sundays @6pm) – R200, R250, R350, R450 per person inclusive

Weekends (Saturdays all shows and Sundays 10am, 2pm) –R295, R395, R495, R595 per person inclusive

Babes in arms and children under two years sitting on parent’s lap MUST

have a purchased Babes in arms ticket @ R100.00

Children two years and older must have a purchased SEATED ticket

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CAPE TOWN SHOW INFORMATION

VENUE: Grand Arena, GrandWest

SHOW DATES: Saturday, 11 July to Sunday, 19 July 2026

TIMES:

Saturday, 11 July – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

Sunday, 12 July – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

Thursday, 16 July – 11am, 3pm

Friday, 17 July – 11am, 3pm

Saturday, 18 July – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

Sunday, 19 July – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

TICKET PRICES:

Weekdays (Thursday, Friday, Sundays @6pm) – R200, R250, R350, R450 per person inclusive

Weekends (Saturdays all shows and Sundays 10am, 2pm) –R295, R395, R495, R595 per person inclusive

Babes in arms and children under two years sitting on parent’s lap MUST

have a purchased Babes in arms ticket @ R100.00

Children two years and older must have a purchased SEATED ticket

GROUP BOOKINGS

20% Discount on groups of 20 and more – midweek performances and Sunday 6pm only

Bookings through Jill Somers, 079 218 1658, sales@showtime.co.za

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DURBAN SHOW INFORMATION

VENUE: Main Arena, Durban International Convention Centre

SHOW DATES AND TIMES: Wednesday, 24 July to Sunday, 26 July 2026

Friday, 24 July – 2pm, 6pm

Saturday, 25 July – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

Sunday, 27 July – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

TICKET PRICES:

All shows – R250, R350, R450, R550 per person inclusive

Babes in arms and children under two years sitting on parent’s lap MUST

have a purchased Babes in arms ticket @ R100.00

Children two years and older must have a purchased SEATED ticket