• Open Stage Youth Day event in Bekkersdal
Three organisations that jointly deal with community development in arts, namely New Generation Art Street/T-C PRODUCTIONS and Creative Arts Movement will be hosting a youth day event called Open Stage Youth Day at the Bekkersdal Hub (next to the taxi rank) from 11am to 5pm on 16 June. Free entry. Strict no-mask-no-entry policy. Contact Dan Mosimane on 083 879 4544 or via email lekudu47@gmail.com for more information.
• OR Tambo Soncini Gauteng Provincial Games
Rand West City Aquatics invites all children of the town who were born in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 to participate in the Soncini Games in October 2021. Children who are interested need to please note the following: They must know how to swim or can swim 25m without assistance; they must be in the age group indicated above; they must be a resident of Rand West City; if they are affiliated with a swimming club that will not participate at the Soncinc Games written, permission from the coach of that club is required; all race groups and genders are welcome to join; no cost involved. For more information, please contact the Rand West City Aquatics coordinator, Tyrone Rooskrans via cellphone/ WhatsApp on 083 976 9060.
• Youth Day event in Toekomsrus
The Taking Charge NPO for the development of youth and women through skills development, arts and culture, agriculture and sports will be hosting a White & Denim Youth Day celebration event on 16 June at the Church of Nazarene on the corner of Visrivier and Diamond Streets from 9.30am to 2pm. The NPO was registered in September 2020 and is supported by the MMC for local economic development as it will contribute to township economy upliftment and job creation. The Youth Day event will be the official introduction and launch of the organisation. The Head of Traffic, MMC for Local Economic Development, and the RWCLM Chief of Staff will be the guests of honour, along with community members who contributed to the organisation, and sponsors for Taking Charge NPO. Covid-19 regulations do apply. Contact Llewel Adams on 065 313 1952.
• Melville Koppies offers season tickets
In response to many repeat visitors to the Koppies, a one-year season ticket for R500 is now available. Some hikers return many times to see if they can better their time on the 5km hike, while others come back just to enjoy the peace and quiet. On May 30 ‘twitchers’ came to spot the winter migrant, the fairy flycatcher. With Melville Koppies guide and bird expert, Anthony Paton, they spotted several of the winter visitors darting and flitting about. They also chanced on a barn owl, basking in the early-morning sun. Later, when the sun was much warmer, a group of students arrived to enjoy the Koppies together. Melville Koppies Central (Nature Reserve and Heritage Site) is open every Sunday in 2021 from 8am to 11.30am. No need to pre-book. Adults R80 and children R40; season ticket for a year per adult – R500 (not transferable). All income used for maintenance and security of the Koppies – R22 000 per month needed. Security on the Koppies is provided; park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Mid-week school tours and ordinary tours can be arranged. Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za. Also check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see.
• 2021 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge
The SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge is back for 2021 and this year, the challenge is going limitless, with entries open nationwide. Along with the virtual challenge, SPAR is also bringing back the prestigious SPAR Grand Prix series, giving some much-needed support to South Africa’s professional women runners. Online entries are now open for the 2021 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, and SPAR is inviting women across the country to join in on Saturday, 4 September anytime between 6am and 6pm (subject to government lockdown regulations). Participants can run, jog, or walk their own virtual challenge, at their own pace, anywhere in South Africa. For more information and to find out how to enter, visit www.sparvirtualchallenge.co.za. Entries are limited to 75 000 participants – enter now to avoid disappointment.
• Strongman Day for Bethany House
The community is invited to join a local gym when they host a Strongman Day for charity. On Saturday, 5 June at 10am, Franco van der Westhuizen and the team from Supreme Being Fitness will be pulling a double-cab Ford Ranger, doing kettle bell swings, and battle rope swings. You are invited to join the team when they show off not only their physical prowess but also their big hearts, as they will be raising donations for the Bethany House child and youth care centre at the same time. Izak Groenewald, the owner of Supreme Being Fitness said the event is not only for members but anyone is welcome to come and take part.
• Winter on the koppies
While we as humans continue to grapple with all the uncertainty that Covid-19 throws at us, the natural life on Melville Koppies just knows that winter is here and adapts accordingly. The grasses have seeded, put are on their winter colours and are settling into the long rest that winter induces; the hedgehogs, tortoises and snakes are lying low, slowing down their metabolisms to survive the winter chill. The migratory birds like the European bee-eater have long left our koppies and are now basking in the warmth of the north African summer where they will breed and return next spring – all except for one migrant bird, the fairy flycatcher. It has just arrived for its annual winter visit to the koppies. Its summer home is Lesotho so it’s hardly surprising that it finds a Joburg winter on the koppies warm by comparison. Come and visit and you may just be lucky and spot it. And if you don’t, there are many others like the Cape longclaw, the white-bellied sunbird and helmeted guinea fowl that are just waiting for your visit.
Melville Koppies Central (Nature Reserve and Heritage Site) is open every Sunday in 2021 from 8am to 11.30am. No need to pre-book. Adults R80 and children R40; all income used for maintenance and security of the Koppies – R22 000 per month needed. Security on the Koppies is provided; park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Mid-week tours can be arranged. Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see.
• Visit the musical theatre
Enjoy a picnic next to a river in the beautiful gardens of Toadbury Country Hotel on 29 May while listening to some of the greatest hits from musical theatre. With A Broadway Playlist – Picnic Edition featuring brilliant performers such as Yamikani Mahaka-Phiri, Betty Bangles and Grant Towers fun and laughter are guaranteed! Time is 4pm. Cost R100 per person. Picnic baskets are available to order. Details: Contact 010 593 7523 or email enquiries@toadbury.co.za.
• Boeremusiekfees by Ward’s Way
Ward’s Way bied op Saterdag, 5 Junie ‘n Boeremusiekfees aan by Ward’s Way Venue, Pretoriaweg 47, Fairleads, Benoni van 1nm tot 11nm. Eie verversings en koelboks is welkom. Braaigeriewe is beskikbaar vir diegene wat wil braai. Kos is te koop en daar is geen kroeg nie. Kaartjies kos
R80 per persoon en vir kinders onder 16 is dit gratis. Drag is semiformeel; geen kortbroeke en plakkies nie. Toegang vereis jou masker en handreiniger asseblief. Verskeie orkeste tree op en Rudie van Niekerk is die gaskunstenaar. Vir meer inligting, skakel Meisie Kritzinger by 072 555 9628.
• Braving the chilly air on Melville Koppies
Despite the cold front that hit us all on Friday, 30 April and reminded us that winter is just around the corner, keen hikers were undaunted and came to celebrate on 1 May. Come and visit now and you’ll see the Koppies’ own brand of autumn colours: the russet termite mounds and quartzite rock, purple tinges in some of the grasses, and a variety of yellow flowers. Melville Koppies Central (Nature Reserve and Heritage Site) is open every Sunday in 2021 from 8am to 11.30am. No need to pre-book. Adults R80 and children R40; all income used for maintenance and security of the Koppies – R22 000 per month needed. Security on the Koppies is provided; park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Mid-week tours can be arranged. Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see.
• Oefeninge by Randfontein Rugbyklub
Almal is welkom by #TeineBoys se oefeninge van 6.30nm tot 8nm op Dinsdae en Donderdae. Bring asseblief jou eie waterbottel. • Navrae: Lulu Kleyn by 071 678 0745.
• Latest/ coming soon Movies not to miss!
IN THE HEIGHTS
The creator of Hamilton and the director of Crazy Rich Asians invite you to a cinematic event where the streets are made of music and little dreams become big – In the Heights. Lights up on Washington Heights – the scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life. In the Heights fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s kinetic music and lyrics with director Jon M Chu’s lively and authentic eye for storytelling to capture a world very much of its place, but universal in its experience. In cinemas as of 11 June.
• THE HITMAN’S WIFE’S BODYGUARD
The world’s most lethal odd couple – bodyguard Michael Bryce and hitman Darius Kincaid – are back on another life-threatening mission. Still unlicensed and under scrutiny, Bryce is forced into action by Darius’s even more volatile wife, the infamous international con artist Sonia Kincaid. As Bryce is driven over the edge by his two most dangerous protectees, the trio get in over their heads in a global plot and soon find that they are all that stand between Europe and a vengeful and powerful madman. Joining in the fun and deadly mayhem is Morgan Freeman as – well, you’ll have to see! In cinemas as of 16 June.
• SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY
Welcome to the Jam! NBA champion and global icon LeBron James goes on an epic adventure alongside timeless Tune Bugs Bunny with the animated/ live-action event Space Jam: A New Legacy, from director Malcolm D Lee and an innovative filmmaking team including Ryan Coogler and Maverick Carter. This transformational journey is a manic mash-up of two worlds that reveals just how far some parents will go to connect with their kids. When LeBron and his young son Dom are trapped in a digital space by a rogue A.I., LeBron must get them home safely by leading Bugs, Lola Bunny and the whole gang of notoriously undisciplined Looney Tunes to victory over the A.I.’s digitised champions on the court: a powered-up roster of professional basketball stars as you’ve never seen them before. It’s Tunes versus Goons in the highest-stakes challenge of his life that will redefine LeBron’s bond with his son and shine a light on the power of being yourself. The ready-for-action Tunes destroy convention, supercharge their unique talents and surprise even “King” James by playing the game their own way. In cinemas as of 16 July.
• THE ICE ROAD
After a remote diamond mine collapses in the far northern regions of Canada, an ice driver leads an impossible rescue mission over a frozen ocean to save the lives of trapped miners despite thawing waters and a threat they never see coming. In cinemas as of 16 July.
• GUNPOWDER MILKSHAKE
Sam (Karen Gillan) was only 12 years old when her mother Scarlet (Lena Headey), an elite assassin, was forced to abandon her. Sam was raised by The Firm, the ruthless crime syndicate her mother worked for. Now, 15 years later, Sam has followed in her mother’s footsteps and grown into a fierce hit-woman. She uses her “talents” to clean up The Firm’s most dangerous messes. She’s as efficient as she is loyal. But when a high-risk job goes wrong, Sam must choose between serving The Firm and protecting the life of an innocent eight-year-old girl, Emily (Chloe Coleman). With a target on her back, Sam has only one chance to survive: Reunite with her mother and her lethal associates, The Librarians (Carla Gugino, Michelle Yeoh and Angela Bassett). These three generations of women must now learn to trust each other, stand up to The Firm and their army of henchmen, and raise hell against those who could take everything from them. In cinemas as of 23 July.
• THE SUICIDE SQUAD
Welcome to hell – aka Belle Reve, the prison with the highest mortality rate in the USA. Where the worst super-villains are kept and where they will do anything to get out – even join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X. Today’s do-or-die assignment? Assemble a collection of cons, including Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Captain Boomerang, Ratcatcher 2, Savant, King Shark, Blackguard, Javelin and everyone’s favourite psycho, Harley Quinn. Then arm them heavily and drop them (literally) on the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese. Trekking through a jungle teeming with militant adversaries and guerrilla forces at every turn, the Squad is on a search-and-destroy mission with only Colonel Rick Flag on the ground to make them behave … and Amanda Waller’s government techies in their ears, tracking their every movement. And as always, one wrong move and they’re dead (whether at the hands of their opponents, a teammate, or Waller herself). If anyone’s laying down bets, the smart money is against them – all of them. In cinemas as of 6 August.
• RESPECT
Following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, Respect is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice. In cinemas as of 13 August.
• MORTAL KOMBAT
From New Line Cinema comes the explosive new cinematic adventure Mortal Kombat, inspired by the blockbuster video game franchise, which most recently enjoyed the most successful video game launch in its history, Mortal Kombat 11. The diverse international cast reflects the global nature of the brand, with talent spanning the worlds of film, television and martial arts. In cinemas as of 9 April.
• JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH
Inspired by true events, Judas and the Black Messiah is directed by Shaka King, marking his studio feature film directorial debut. The late 1960s was one of the most tumultuous and pivotal periods in American history. A nation rife with political and social unrest was besieged by explosive demonstrations against the prevailing social and gender norms, the Vietnam War and racial injustice. Black communities across the country, tired of facing racial disparities in healthcare, housing, education and employment – all outgrowths of systemic inequality – had finally had enough. The film received 26 wins and 56 nominations including six Oscar nominations. In cinemas as of 16 April.
• THOSE WHO WISH ME DEAD
From New Line Cinema comes the thriller Those Who Wish Me Dead, starring Angelina Jolie and directed by Taylor Sheridan. Oscar-winner Jolie (Girl, Interrupted, the Maleficent films) stars as Hannah, a smoke jumper still reeling from the loss of three lives she failed to save from a fire. She comes across a traumatised 12-year-old boy with nowhere else to turn to. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros Pictures. In cinemas as of 14 May.
• THE FATHER
Die langverwagte rolprent, THE FATHER, wat pas benoem is vir ses gesogte Oscar-toekennings, ses BAFTA-toekennings asook twee Screen Actors Guild- (SAG-) toekennings het op 26 Maart in plaaslike fliekteaters landswyd geopen. Dit vertel die verhaal van ’n middeljarige dogter wat besig is om haar geduld te verloor met haar pa – ’n stoute, onafhanklike ou man, wat besig is om tred met realiteit te verloor en weier dat ’n versorger na hom omsien. Sy moet trek en moet daarom iemand kry om hom te versorg. Hy, wat in die beginstadium van demensie is, probeer sin maak van sy veranderende omstandighede en begin in sy geliefdes, verstand en realiteit twyfel.
• GODZILLA VS. KONG
Legends collide in Godzilla vs. Kong (in cinemas as of 26 March) as these mythic adversaries meet in a spectacular battle for the ages, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. Kong and his protectors undertake a perilous journey to find his true home, and with them is Jia, a young orphaned girl with whom he has formed a unique and powerful bond. But they unexpectedly find themselves in the path of an enraged Godzilla, cutting a swath of destruction across the globe. The epic clash between the two titans – instigated by unseen forces – is only the beginning of the mystery that lies deep within the core of the Earth.
• THE MAURITANIAN
Directed by Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland) and based on the NY Times best-selling memoir Guantanamo Diary by Mohamedou Ould Slahi, THE MAURITANIAN is the inspiring true story of Slahi’s fight for freedom after being detained and imprisoned without charge by the US government for years. Alone, with no access to the outside world, Slahi (Tahar Rahim) finds allies in defence attorney Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster) and her associate Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley) who battle the US Government in a fight for justice that tests their commitment to the law and their client at every turn. Their controversial advocacy, along with evidence uncovered by a formidable military prosecutor, Lt Colonel Stuard Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch), uncovers shocking truths and ultimately proves that the human spirit cannot be locked up. The film, originally titled Prisoner 760, was largely shot in South Africa early last year and had many local cast and crew involved in the production.
• Get fit with Zee’s Aerobics classes
Join Zee every Saturday morning from 7.30am to 8.30am at the Vredenhoek Street Park in Witpoortjie for a fun aerobics class. The classes are free and all you need is yourself, a water bottle, a towel and your mask.
• Starting them young at Melville Koppies
Every Sunday at Melville Koppies a number of different groups of young parents with very small kids arrive to explore Melville Koppies. The very small ones set out with a spring in their steps. They know that when their energy flags, they’ve got their ride on one of their parents’ back. They’ll never have such a view from up high for at least a decade. Then there’s the slightly bigger ones who don’t have option B. Sometimes they need the initial encouragement of an adult hand to clutch onto but soon they’re off, skipping briskly along the many paths, clambering up rocky inclines, complaining when the adults can’t keep up. For kids that like treasure hunts, ask at the entrance for the page of Melville Koppies treasures to look out for. The younger visitors will need to keep their eyes open on the paths, in the trees, up in the sky or smell the air to tick them all off. Melville Koppies is open every Sunday in 2021 from 8am to 11.30am. No need to pre-book. Adults R80 and children R40; all income used for maintenance and security of the Koppies – R22 000 per month needed. Security on the Koppies is provided; park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Mid-week tours can be arranged. Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see.
• Navigating the new heritage trail
With a distance of just more than three kilometres, the newly designed Melville Koppies heritage trail guides visitors past an early hunter-gatherer site with magnificent views north to the Magaliesberg mountains, to a blast hole on one quartzite ridge – which the Geldenhuys brothers hoped would deliver them gold but didn’t – and then through copses of trees with stone walls of the first farmers. The Lecture Hut is the halfway post allowing walkers to read numerous information boards that expand on what they’ve seen on the trail, including the restored iron smelting furnace where iron was smelted until the mid 1800s. Many tools that were used by the hunter-gatherers and farmers are also on display there. On Sunday, 8 March visitors seemed excited by the trail although many found the stone walls ‘difficult to spot’. Perhaps the toughest challenge for the historical explorers was reading the map. However, none seemed deterred if they realised they’d done the trail in reverse or had taken a wrong turn. The joys of being in the open air on a clear autumn day shone through. Melville Koppies is open every Sunday in 2021 from 8am to 11.30am. No need to pre-book. Adults R80 and children R40; all income used for maintenance and security at the Koppies – R22 000 per month needed for this. Security on the Koppies is provided; park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Mid-week tours can be arranged. Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see.
• Kloofendal educational walks
Why not spend your weekends learning about creepy crawlies, insect bites, flowers, trees and more. Well, at the Kloofendal Ecological Centre you can do just that. The reserve hosts guided walks at just R90 per adult, R70 per pensioner and R50 per child. For more information, or to make a booking, contact Karin Spottiswoode on 079 693 5608. All Covid-19 regulations will be adhered to, and all participants must wear a mask at all times.
• Covid-19 gives more choices to the Melville Koppies visitor
A year into lockdown, Covid-19 has brought with it some unexpected benefits to the visitor to the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and Heritage Site. Before lockdown almost a year ago, the Koppies didn’t offer the visitor choices. Now because of social-distancing requirements you have to guide yourself. And there’s a wealth of choices: the new 5km hike is proving very popular; there’s now a bird list for the Koppies developed by keen bird atlaser Anthony Paton; and they’ve developed a heritage trail which guides you around key points that highlight the Koppies’ rich history. More varied trails are in the pipeline. With security on the Koppies provided you can even explore on your own. And if you can’t do everything in one visit, come back another time. The numbers of repeat visitors are climbing. Melville Koppies is open every Sunday in 2021 from 8am to 11.30am. No need to pre-book. Adults R80 and children R40; all income used for maintenance and security at the Koppies. Park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Mid-week tours can be arranged. Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see.
• Hikers and runners can visit Avianto in Muldersdrift again
Avianto Trails in Muldersdrift opened their gates again for hikers and runners. They offer a variety of trails, and all of them are pet-friendly too. Before visiting them, take note that tickets for the weekends are to be bought online at www.avianto.co.za/avianto-online-trail-tickets but, if you visit them during the week you have to report to the reception to purchase a pass. All trails start at The Clubhouse on the Avianto Lifestyle Estate. Running and walking trails are ideal for a fantastic day out in the countryside. Approximately 5km of scenic routes offer a great exercise option, regardless of your level of fitness. Pets need to be on a leash, and remember the poop scoop. They are situated at Avianto Plot 69, Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift.
• Missing your weekly parkrun?
Sterkfontein Heritage Lodge, 1 Wolf Street, Rant-en-Dal, has the answer for you! If you have a parkrun barcode, you and your friends will be able to access the parkrun route for free. All you need to do is report to reception, show your barcode and you are good to go. All the owner asks of you is to support the restaurant after completing your route. For non-parkrunners and those who would like to visit the lodge for a hike or to cycle, the lodge is also open at a fee of R40 per person.
• Picnic at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden on Malcolm Road, Poortview will be open for picnics, bird watching and photography, walking, hiking and running. The restaurant, Sisulu Circle, children’s play area, garden gym and drinking fountains will also be open. If you wish to visit the Garden, remember to wear a mask, sanitize at the entrance and ensure social distancing. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online on the webtickets.co.za website to limit physical contact.
• Witpoortjie Community Market
The Witpoortjie Community Flea/ Farmer’s Market is at 27 Teenstra Street, Witpoortjie every Saturday from 8.30am to 1pm. Buying from the variety of stalls, including food, fresh produce, toys, clothing, jewellery, home and outdoor, and more, will help to empower small businesses. For more information, contact Roxanne on 084 207 6549.
Remember to send notifications of your events to randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za.
