KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng surrounding areas, South Africa 15-19 July 2021.

Hope SA responds to crisis

HOPE SA foundation, an NGO in South Africa has worked tirelessly to ensure that the hungry had a hot meal. With over 200 000 meals served since the onset of Covid-19 in Gauteng and KZN, Hope SA has impacted lives and given hope to communities.

Recent riots and looting in KZN and Gauteng, have resulted in the shortage of food supplies and basic necessities. With food distribution centres emptied and burnt; our blood banks looted, the trail of destruction has even left children and infants without food or diapers.

“I am grateful to the selfless South Africans and International organisations who have contributed to Hope SA foundation. Through this, HopeSA has been privileged to undertake the ongoing task to assist the needy” Namritha Sivsanker-CEO HopeSA Foundation.

This weekend Hope SA distributed in excess of 3000 food relief hampers for families, babies and pets, throughout the hardest hit areas in KZN.

It is so heartwarming to experience the spirit of selfless giving and unity amongst our people in South Africa and the international communities.

IT IS THROUGH YOUR KINDESS THE FLAME OF HOPE WILL CONTINUE TO IMPACT LIVES.

Please contact Namritha Sivsanker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to donate.
www.hopesa.org

The ever-popular Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run in KwaZulu-Natal will have a new look in 2019, including a new race venue and some revamped routes. 

This year’s event on April 28 will be based at the Gwahumbe Game Lodge and Spa which will provide an idyllic and spectator-friendly venue for supporters, while also ensuring a more relaxed setting for riders and runners after they have completed their events. 

The route for the 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-treme event, which targets the province’s elite and experienced mountain bikers, will be similar to the 2018 event, although there are a few tweaks to update and improve the course with some extra single track. The popular 40km Safire MTB Classic will have the most changes of all the mountain bike rides with the course shortened back to 40km while extra single track has been added. The highest climb - at just under 1000m - is early on in the race at 13.5km. The return loop has a gentler gradient.  

"The trail runners will have the biggest changes with new routes starting at the Gwahumbe Game Lodge on top of the plateau before finishing at a beautiful waterfall setting in the valley, where shuttles will transport runners back to the start/finish area and prizegiving. “The event has now outgrown the Mid Illovo Club, which hosted the Husqvarna Classic for 10 years,” said race organiser Shanon MacKenzie this week.

“We made the decision to move the start and finish venue to Gwahumbe Game Lodge that lends itself to an ideal area for relaxation and chilling after the competitors have completed their runs and rides. “More people will be able to enjoy the vibe and atmosphere that will make for a wonderful family atmosphere. 

“We have also changed the routes a little. With changes over the years the 40km had become 46km and some of the return climbs were tough for the riders we were attracting, so we got rid of some of the smaller ascents on the return route and reduced the distance. We have kept most of the single track so it will certainly be a more enjoyable ride.” The trail runs will have new routes starting at Gwahumbe and dropping down into the valley which should make for some fun, fast running in spectacular scenery. “The Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run was the first ever ROAG event all those years ago. This year will be our 11th event and we have built tremendous credibility within the mountain biking community who know that we host a superb event. The routes are always well thought out and the single track is manicured, well prepared and marked,” MacKenzie added. 

Riders and runners have a choice of six events at the Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run. There are two trails runs, the 16km Farmer’s Agri-Care Trail Run for the fit and experienced runners and the 8km Gwahumbe Trail Run for those who are looking for something a little less strenuous. Mountain bikers have four events ranging from the 60km Husqvarna Classic MTB X-treme, which is also part of the Quattro ROAG Series for the elite riders. The 40km Safire MTB is aimed at riders looking to test themselves while the 18km Gwahumbe Family Experience is a family-orientated ride for newbies, those still getting confidence on a mountain bike or trying to get fit. The 10km Fun Ride targets the younger set and U12 riders can enter this event for free. 

There are 800 Uzwelo shopper bags and 600 Quick Dry, Microfibre towels for the first entrants.  Each year, the Mid-Illovo community benefits from hosting the Husqvarna Classic Mid-Illovo MTB Challenge & Trail Run, as proceeds from the event go towards community upliftment.   

Every entrant also has the opportunity to give back and help a child in this Midlands community by purchasing an Uzwelo School Bag, with a built-in raincoat poncho, for R150. 

Enter online at www.roag.co.za or contact ROAG on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 086 100 ROAG/7624.  

Entry Fees (early entry prices – entries close 24 April)

For more information, visit www.husqvarnaclassic.co.za

Thanda Spa Voted ‘South Africa’s Best Safari Spa’  

September 2016 - The Thanda Spa at the multiple award-winning Thanda Safari, situated in KwaZulu-Natal, has been awarded ‘South Africa’s Best Safari Spa’ at the 2nd annual World Spa Awards™. Located at Thanda Safari Lodge, the Thanda Spa offers various signature treatments using highly acclaimed products with natural healing benefits. Adding to this is a spa menu for younger guests inviting them to indulge in a Happy Feet or Hands treatment, a Prince/Princess Facial and a Monkey Apple Massage.

The original Thanda Spa is now complemented by the Thanda Tented Camp Spa, which is totally off the grid and offers a wide variety of treatments derived from natural plant oils whilst including Zulu-inspired massages and facials.

This year saw a record number of votes cast by leading spa tourism professionals as well as hundreds of thousands of spa consumers globally. The World Spa Awards took place in Sardinia on 4 September 2016. Ends/. http://www.thanda.com/experience/thanda-spa.htm

More about Thanda Safari: It is Thanda’s longstanding and integrated relationship with the local community that makes a stay here exceptional. Guests enjoy numerous activities, from Big Five game drives, specialised bush walks and wildlife conservation activities, to Zulu cultural tours into the rural community and photographic safaris, further enhancing their African experience. The three accommodation options include: Thanda Safari Lodge, abundant in size and as colourful as its people, it features 9 bush suites shaped like a traditional Zulu homestead with panoramic views of the surrounding game reserve; Set amidst lush green lawns and with its own helipad, Villa iZulu (‘heaven’) is a majestic 5-suite Villa that provides an outstanding safari hideaway for those seeking true privacy; Comprising 15 spacious canvas tents, including Jabula (‘Happiness’) Tent, Thanda Tented Camp offers a relaxed safari experience.  

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This press release has been distributed on behalf of our client, Thanda Safari

Warriors, are you ready?

South Africa’s largest, toughest and muddiest obstacle course race is coming to KwaZulu-Natal.

Jeep Warrior #4 of the Jeep Warrior Series is taking place at the Sugar Rush Adventure Park in Ballito from 16 - 17 July 2016.

Everyone is invited to take part in this epic obstacle course event – all you need is a pair of old running shoes and a great sense of adventure because you are going to get MUDDY!

There are four courses on offer that vary in intensity, catering to all fitness levels. 

For kids, there’s the 8 obstacles over 1km Warrior Bratz Race. Parents can accompany their children, but can’t compete in this event. 

For beginners, there’s the Warrior Rookie Race (6 - 8km with 15 obstacles). Rookie is all about fun and comradery. It is the shortest distance with semi-challenging obstacles for newbies. 

Up a level is Warrior Commando, which is fairly challenging, with a 10km course with 20 fairly tough obstacles. This event is labelled as the ultimate team-building experience.

Jeep Warrior Black Ops is the toughest of the challenges, presenting an 18 to 20km course with 30 tough obstacles. This event meets World-OCR racing standards and attracts South Africa’s top OCR athletes. 

So get your family and friends together, create a team, and challenge them to #BeBrave at Jeep Warrior #4 Sugar Rush. 

To enter go to www.warrior.co.za/events/2016-jeep-warrior4

Event: Jeep #Warrior4 Sugar Rush

Dates: 16 and 17 July 2016

Venue: Sugar Rush Adventure Park, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal

Entries: Go to www.warrior.co.za/events/2016-jeep-warrior4

GPS: S 29 29′ 29.29   E 31 10′ 49.30

ATM Facilities: No. Please bring cash along with you.

Parking: 3000 cars

Facilities: Food & beer tents, parking, secure lockers and a shower zone

PIETERMARITZBURG, 19 APRIL 2016 – KwaZulu-Natal’s young, multisport superstar and 2020 Olympic hopeful, Mikaela Jonsson (Jeep Team), has been selected to represent South Africa in three World events this year. Jonsson (18) will be racing in the Junior Elite category.

On 24^th April, Jonsson will be competing in the 2016 Discovery ITU World Triathlon Cape Town. She has also been selected to compete at both the ITU Duathlon World Championships in Aviles, Spain on 4th June 2016, and in Xterra World Championship off-road triathlon in Hawaii in October 2016 as part of Team South Africa.

The South African leg of the 2016 ITU World Triathlon Series is taking place in Cape Town on 24 April. This is Race #3 of 9 international events that make up the series. This year, the ITU World Triathlon Series is an opportunity for athletes to earn Olympic qualification points. Jonsson will be competing in the Individual Sprint event - 500m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run.

Said Jonsson, “In 2016, I’m focusing purely on my sport after finishing Matric last year. I want to see how far I can go. To be selected for the South African team in these events is a massive achievement and in line with my goal to compete internationally this year. I’ve been training really hard these last few months and it’s starting to pay off.”

This weekend Jonsson proved she is in top form after her 2^nd female overall placing in the Sprint Race at Race#2 of the TinMan Triathlon Series, which took place at Suncoast Beach in Durban on Sunday, 17 April. Jonsson completed the 600m swim, 18km cycle and 5km run in 1h13m just behind Tegan Gore, who won the women’s event in 1h11m. Daniella Amgo placed 3^rd in 1h20m.

Said Jonsson, “I hadn’t tapered off for this race as I need to peak for the Discovery ITU World Triathlon next weekend. So I went in with tired legs. Saying this, it was a very close race. Tegan finished the swim and cycling legs just seconds ahead of me, but then managed to extend her lead in the final running stretch. TinMan was excellent preparation ahead of my big race this weekend.”

Editors’ Notes

PHOTO CAPTION: Mikaela Jonsson in Durban at Race#2 of the TinMan Triathlon Series, 17 April 2016.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kevin Sawyer