LOOKING for something interesting to do this weekend? Durban has a lot to offer from plays that make you think deeply about historical events to spectacular music to walks in the mangroves, and more.
Friday, October 20
Watch a show about a tragedy in our history
Friday is the last show by the Durban University of Technology (DUT) second-year drama and production students on the tragic SS Mendi maritime disaster.
The students are staging a brand-new specially created production honouring an important chapter of our complex history, entitled Abaminza: Dialogues with the Drowned – Unearthing recovered histories of men who perished on the SS Mendi.
The Mendi ship sank, killing 646 people, most of whom were black South African troops on their way to serve in World War I.
The dramatic story will be presented through spoken word vignettes, poetry and creative writing pieces in a variety of languages (mostly in Zulu and English); dance; live original music; soundscapes; projections; multi-media and song.
Show time is at 18:00 on Friday. Tickets cost R50 per person and R20 for students. Call the secretary, Bawinile, on 031 373 2194 or email BawinileM1@dut.ac.za for tickets.
A musical extravaganza in Kloof
Count Filip Korrmuth, together with his students, will present an evening of piano, accordion and guitar music entitled An Evening of Beautiful Piano, Guitar and Accordion Music at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 79 Old Main Road, Kloof, on Friday, October 19, at 19:00. Composers that are included in the programme are Chopin, Janacek, Chaminade, Monti and more. Flamenco music will also feature. Tickets at the door cost R60. Refreshments will be served during interval. For enquiries and bookings, call 082 467 5705.
Saturday, October 21
Looking for local fresh produce?
The well-known Umhlanga Farmer’s Market, which has been open every Wednesday for over 20 years, has now opened a weekend market due to popular demand.
Last Saturday, history was made as the owners of the market launched the Umhlanga Farmer’s Market Weekend Edition. According to Ethel Currie, one of the co-owners of the market, the weekend edition was in an effort to grow a following for local entrepreneurs and give locals a chance to attend the market.
“It’s a bigger market than our weekly market with more food offerings. One of the other co-owners and stallholders, Tahir Fakir, was also instrumental in getting me to launch the weekend edition,” she Currie.
The market takes place on Autumn Drive, Prestondale, uMhlanga, every Saturday from 10:00 until 15:00. For more information, find them on Facebook – Umhlanga Farmers Market or contact Ethel on 060 303 3957 or email umhlangafarmersmarket@gmail.com.
Spectacular show to support Fulton School of the Deaf
The Rotary Anns of Kloof are holding a fundraiser show at Fulton School for the Deaf auditorium on Saturday, October 21 at 14:30.
All money raised will go towards building a library for the Fulton School for the Deaf. A chock-full show of top acts has been put together to entertain and thrill audiences of all ages.
Included in the show are the vibrant Celtic dancers – straight from Shall We Dance; St Mary’s gold medal choir; concert pianist Kalinka Pitt; Fulton School for the Deaf signing choir; Melvin Peter’s Jazz quartet; Durban’s Singing Waiter, Sabelo Ngcobo; Shannon Kenny – international singer; top musical students from Northwood Boys’ High School, and top guitarist Alan Judd.
Tickets are R150, and to book, contact Simi on 031 767 1215/1304 or 072 844 4806 from 08:00 to 15:00 on weekdays. For more information, contact Cynthia on 071 362 9277.
Take a walk to see the mangroves and wildlife
The Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve is holding an open day on Saturday, October 21. Gates will be open from 08:00 until 13:00, and entrance is free.
“Bring the whole family for an amazing morning in this little corner of paradise. You can choose between guided walks or self-walks along the winding boardwalks through the vegetation while observing the different species of crabs, mudskippers and other wildlife. Importantly, you get to understand how they survive in this environment as well as why the mangroves are here and their function in the ecosystem. We also have plants that we’ve grown at our own nursery for sale for the garden enthusiasts,” says honorary officer Brian High.
High added that there is also a bird walk, which starts at 08:15 sharp. Bookings for the Bird Walk can be made on their Facebook page: Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve. Bookings are essential as numbers are limited.
Sunday, October 22
Amashova Durban Classic cycle race
Watch or even take part – it’s still not too late to enter if you’re an avid cyclist or just a hobbyist.
This year’s event takes place on Sunday, October 22. The 106km race retraces the historic ‘Comrades’ route from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. With different route options to choose from, riders can pick their challenge based on their skills and preferences. Whether you’re a passionate cyclist craving a 106km adventure, a spirited rider aiming for 65km, or a newcomer embracing the 38km route, there is a ride especially tailored for you. You can still enter this year’s race – simply visit www.shova.co.za. Late entry fees apply.
Time: 06h00am
Start: Pietermaritzburg City Hall
Finish: Masabalala Yengwa Pedestrian Bridge, Durban
Distance: 106km with full road closure
Number Collection Venue: Suncoast, The Globe
Late Entry cost: R850 for open-seeded and R900 for licensed, R50 extra if you need a temporary day licence.
If you would like to take part in the event, you can make a late entry at number collection. Download an entry form here: Amashova Late Entry Form
Bring your filled-in entry form to number collection at the Suncoast Globe on:
Friday, October 20 from 09:00 – 18:00
Saturday, October 21 from 09:00 – 16:00
The age restriction for the 106km is 14 years old.
All weekend
Amazing Maze
IF you’re looking for an exhilarating journey of contrasting environments created by a kaleidoscope of shapes, spaces, graphics, lighting and mirrors, you can currently find it at the Amazing Maze at Gateway Theatre of Shopping until January 2024.
“The Amazing Maze is a whimsical escape full of unexpected delights,” said Michelle Shelley, marketing manager at Gateway.
“Entering the Amazing Maze is an invitation to push pause on reality and unleash your imagination.
“By finding and scanning strategically placed QR codes within the maze, visitors can unlock chances to win exciting prizes from our wonderful tenants. Plus, by participating in the Amazing Maze social media promo, they can qualify to receive one of a limited number of booklets with enticing value-added offers available at Gateway,” says Shelley.
Tickets: Access is controlled but entrance is free. There is a time limit from entry to exit. You can always join for a second round. It is suitable for everyone but children under 12 must be supervised. No eating or drinking is allowed in the maze, nor tampering with its elements. The maze is open during mall trading hours and is found on the cinema level. For more info, visit www.gatewayworld.co.za.
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