GRAMMY® Award-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter’s Durban International Convention Centre show on Saturday 15 November will feature pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini and singer-songwriter Omagugu, performing alongside each other.

These celebrated South African musicians have been married for more than a decade, having become friends while playing together earlier in their careers. Both were born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal. Omagugu studied music at the University of KwaZulu Natal, Tshwane University of Technology and later, at the University of Fort Hare where she graduated with in Honours in Music. Similarly, Nduduzo did his undergraduate studies at the University of KwaZulu Natal and later completed both his Masters and PhD studies at the University of Stellenbosch.

Both artists are touring musicians with a significant catalogue of works from their own albums to being featured on many others that mark important moments for the South African jazz archive.

As collaborators Omagugu and Nduduzo have done important festivals such as the Winter Jazz Fest in NY, Avo Session in SW, Mam Jazz in MU and both the Joy of Jazz and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival among many others. The couple has just returned from two European tours this year. They have also had significant highlights such as a collaborative performance with the great DJ Black Coffee at the CTIJF this year, while Nduduzo has received many international awards and recently did his NPR concert.

“Nduduzo is a rare breed, his ancestral connection through music allows safe passage for his audiences – and when with the angelic Omagugu beside him, this experience is heavenly.” says Greg Maloka of GRIZA Enterprises.  Fellow Gregory Porter Love is King SA Tour promoter Tony Feldman concurs: “This is a unique opportunity for Durban jazz and music fans. Seeing both South African and international talent of this calibre on the same stage doesn’t happen often – it’s going to be a sensational show.

Gregory Porter’s three-city Love is King South African concert tour also includes Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Don’t miss Gregory Porter live in South Africa in November for five concerts including GrandWest, Cape Town on 12 November; Durban ICC on 15 November and his return to Montecasino, Johannesburg for three engagements on Thursday, 20 November; Friday, 21 November and Saturday, 22 November.

Book now at showtime.co.za or Ticketmaster.co.za. Tickets purchased via unauthorised websites will not be honoured

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.

There’s something magical about escaping the bustle of Durban and heading into Zululand for a weekend of tranquility, warm hospitality, and adventure. Our stay at Ghost Mountain Inn was nothing short of unforgettable – from the moment we arrived, we were wrapped in the comfort of this family-friendly lodge set against the dramatic backdrop of Ghost Mountain itself.

The staff at Ghost Mountain Inn were incredibly warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home from the start. To our delight, we were upgraded to a stunning suite. Waiting inside was a thoughtful welcome: chilled champagne and a beautifully prepared platter of strawberries, fruit, and cheese. The suite itself was spacious — perfect for a romantic couple’s getaway, yet roomy enough to comfortably host families. With an outdoor shower, a tub, and all the amenities you could need, it was the kind of place you don’t want to leave.

Exploring the Lodge
Our first day was spent exploring the lodge. A highlight was the stylish bar near reception, where cocktails flow as easily as the Zululand sunsets. Dinner that evening was a treat: a lively braai buffet where the chefs grilled everything to perfection. The spread included an impressive variety of salads, sides, starters, and a dessert station that made it impossible not to indulge.

Adding to the atmosphere, the lodge was abuzz with energy thanks to a cricket tournament hosted during our stay. The vibe was vibrant and social, with families and groups of friends gathering across the lodge’s many spaces.

Family Fun & Outdoor Adventures
Ghost Mountain Inn is truly family-friendly, and we discovered this even more on our second day. The property has not one but two kid-friendly pools, perfect for both relaxation and play. Beyond the pools, a wooden jetty leads out across the dam – a picturesque spot where you might spot hippos if you’re lucky (we weren’t this time, but the view was worth it). All the while, the looming presence of Ghost Mountain provides the perfect backdrop for those picture-perfect Instagram moments.

Of course, no Zululand trip is complete without a game drive. We ventured into the Mkuze area, where the Big Five roam. The experience of spotting lions, leopards, buffalo, and other wildlife in their natural habitat was a highlight of our trip.

Dining Experiences
Mealtimes at Ghost Mountain Inn are as much a highlight as the activities. For lunch, we enjoyed the casual outdoor restaurant with its pizza oven, serving up fresh pizzas alongside hearty burgers, pastas, and light bites. Dinner the next evening offered something different – a set menu with options ranging from steak to chicken, catering to a wide variety of tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a buffet feast or a relaxed à la carte meal, there’s always something to suit.

Final Thoughts
Our weekend at Ghost Mountain Inn was a perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a weekend with friends, or a family bush holiday, this Zululand gem offers something for everyone.

With warm hospitality, beautiful surroundings, and endless activities, Ghost Mountain Inn is a destination we’ll keep recommending to Durbanites looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Tel: +27 (0)35 573 1025
Mobile/Whatsapp: +27 (0)64 664 6495