Bonwa Mbontsi is a true dancing star within our community. We stopped for a quick chat with him to find out more about how he started his dance career and creating positive change one step at a time. Bonwabise, or “Bonwa” for short, Mbontsi is the co-founder and Artistic Director of BoNana Dance – Einander Sehen, the dramatic arts teacher at Cordwalles Preparatory School for Boys in Pietermaritzburg, and one of the BalletRIP instructors in...
Spend some time with Debbie Blake, the founder and CEO of DETIAMO, and you will appreciate the truism that success is not a destination, but a journey. I sat down with her for a chat over a cappuccino outside her concept store in the tranquil gardens of Terbodore in the KZN Midlands. Debbie is an entrepreneur at heart. She also has a love of sewing and passion for the craft. “I grew up on...
Despite exciting signs of snow on the mountain tops on Tuesday morning, the Splashy Fen Festival site has come alive with over 800 early campers who arrived to glorious weather at the foothills of the rolling Underberg mountains for #splashy2023. Underberg, 6 April 2023: The beautiful sun is out in full force, the campsite is filling up with happy campers and the festivities are well underway in Underberg as the 33rd Annual Splashy Fen...
2023 is the year to become your best self by working on your physical and mental well-being, but it’s not always so easy. Sometimes you need some guidance, and what better way to help you on your journey than by booking yourself into a retreat hosted by well-being experts? Are You Breathing? When was the last time you dipped your toes in a mountain stream, observed tiny creatures, or touched fine leaves? If you’re...
For those who are from here, and those who are not, you might wonder where you can go to gaze at the lush countryside beauty or faraway mountainscapes whether you’re wanting to have a delicious lunch, go on a peaceful walk, or experience something more extended like a weekend away. Sometimes amazing views can sneak up on you and leave you totally gobsmacked as you come face-to-face with them, and sometimes you can go...
We shine a spotlight on three pupils marching to the beat of their own drum and singing the tunes in their hearts, as well as inspiring our community with their musical talents and passion. Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School When Sibongakonke Dlamini joined Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School, she could not play a note of music. All she had was a passion to play and a dream of becoming a musician like her older sister. She...
We’ve got loads of stuff you’re going to love! Home Artist: Khululeka Vase This is a handmade terracotta ceramic vase made from natural clay. Home Artist creates modern, African home decor products by using traditional ways, forms and concepts. The design store wants to carry on the African ways in this modern age, becoming preservers of African knowledge in art form. In their new collection, they celebrate Bantu stories by expressing and articulating a...
We look at Piggly Wiggly’s humble beginnings and how the Kassier family continues to build a legacy, a lifestyle, and a thriving community. From selling homegrown veggies under an unassuming roadside structure to becoming a multi-faceted family-run business, Piggly Wiggly has evolved over the past 20 years and credits its success to the surrounding community that has always supported them over the years. From humble beginnings based on a simple dream It all started...
Escape to the pristine North Coast and the lovely town of Ballito for a coastal holiday with this guide created by the locals just for you! Have you ever wanted to escape? Not like a fugitive, but more to have an adventure or holiday. The Midlands is an easy escape for the concrete jungle residents or people who adore nature, but what about the locals who eat, sleep and breathe this area? Where is your...
The Platform Gallery is not shy. As you step into the unique gallery’s space, you will notice an abundance of artists and media and meet a friendly and knowledgeable curator to help you see it all. While the exterior of this must-see attraction maintains its humble roots (formerly used as a railway shed), it boasts the raw and undiluted talent that KwaZulu-Natal has to offer. Drawing solely on artists that live within two hours of...