• Hunting Easter eggs and Easter bunnies at the Koppies
Sunday April 17 is Easter Sunday. “Bring your kids and let them hunt for a ribbon hidden somewhere in the bushes on Melville Koppies,” said Friends of Melville Koppies member, Wendy Carstens. “If they find a ribbon, take it back to the entrance to the Koppies where they will be rewarded with an Easter egg.” They need to have their eyes peeled and wear good walking shoes because the ribbons could be hidden anywhere along the many paths. And tell them to be on the lookout for Easter bunnies as well. Four have been spotted recently but on Easter Sunday they might be even more active. Melville Koppies is open between 08:00 and 11:30 every Sunday. If hunting Easter eggs is not your fancy, you can book a guided tour on 079 532 0083 or be there by 08:30 and learn about the history and the way in which different living things on the koppies interact. Or self-guide yourselves on the 3km heritage trail. Test your fitness on the 5km self-guided hike or join a guided 8km hike starting at 08:00 sharp on the first Sunday of the month. And if these are too demanding, just take a chilled self-guided walk for however long or short you want along the extensive network of paths. Adults R80, children R40; season ticket for a year per adult – R500 (not transferable). Income used for maintenance of the Koppies; R22 000 needs to be raised per month. Security on the Koppies is provided; park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za or call 079 532 0083 to find out more. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see, or https://www.facebook.com/melvillekoppies.
• A festival awaits Zwartkops spectators on April 23
It’s been over two years since motorsport enthusiasts last had the freedom to revel in the action trackside without social restriction. Now, with Freedom Day the following Wednesday, Gauteng race fans can celebrate their own freedom and the demise of lockdown at their first National Circuit meeting of the season, when the Extreme Festival visits Zwartkops. And if the opening round at Killarney in Cape Town was anything to go by, the show certainly will be extreme. A full day of racing will see the Global Touring Cars and GTC SupaCup, G+H Extreme Supercars, Compcare Polo Cup, Investchem Formula 1600s, and the Gazoo Racing SA Cup, as well as the SunBet ZX10 Masters Cup motorcycles making their first stop in Gauteng this season. They will be joined by G+H Extreme Supercars, Mobil V8 Supercars and DOE Formula Vee, to ensure back-to-back nonstop action throughout the day. Add all the regular Zwartkops trackside attractions, from stalls and side shows, to kiddies entertainment, fine catering and refreshments. And much more too. So, whether you’re planning to get there early to set up camp on the grass banks, take the action in off one of the track’s many stands, or to just once again meander from one vantage point to the next, taking in the drama of the pits and paddock and more, it certainly promises to be a Zwartkops racing day to remember. Adult entry is R130 per person, students get in for R90 and for kids under 12 it is free. Zwartkops requests that all visitors bring an unwanted pair of shoes to support shoes4souls, for those that don’t have.
• Cradle of Humankind Road Race
Grab your running shoes and enter the Krugersdorp Road Runners’ Cradle of Humankind Road Race to take place on Wednesday, April 27. Runners can choose to enter the 32km (06:30 starting time), 21,1 km (06:30), 10km (07:00) or 5km (07:15). All finishers will receive medals and prize money will be up for grabs. The closing date is Friday, April 15 and one can register at https://entrytickets.net/cradlerace. The venue is the Neck & Deck Restaurant, Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve in the Cradle of Humankind. Contact Stephan on 072 966 5521 or Bonnie on 079 501 6944 or Venesa on 082 445 4548 for more information.
• Ray of Hope’s Easter Hunt for non-privileged children
Ray of Hope, a registered non-profit organisation situated at 236 Commissioner Street, Krugersdorp West will be having a Easter hunt at the Burgershoop Playpark from 10:00 to noon on Friday, April 15. They will give each child a hot dog and a beverage, as well as Easter eggs (sugar rush) on that day. One can still assist with any donation. Contact the Ray of Hope team on 010 035 5210 or 010 035 5214, their Facebook page ARAY of HOPE or via email arayofhope212@gmail.com.
• Be a ‘Curious Kid’ at Mellville Koppies
You never know what kinds of questions schoolkids will ask when they come and tour Melville Koppies to learn about those that lived on it thousands and thousands of years ago. From big questions like “How did they carry water?”; “How did they know what berries were poisonous?”; to more fundamental ones like “Where did they do their ‘business’?”; and “What did they use as toilet paper, Mam?” Kids also get a chance to get down on their knees and grind sorghum with a grinding stone – a chore which many of their female ancestors had to do to put food (and beer!) on the table. Sorghum not only provided food full of protein, fibre, iron, antioxidants, magnesium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, silicon and B vitamins, but it was and still is the essential ingredient of umqombothi, a traditional beer. You too can learn something new on Melville Koppies. Book a guided tour on 079 532 0083 (or be there by 08:30) and learn about the history and the way in which different living things on the koppies interact. Or self-guide yourselves on the 3km heritage trail. If learning is not your interest, you can still test your fitness on the 5km self-guided hike or join a guided 8km hike starting at 08:00 sharp on the first Sunday of the month. And if these are too demanding, just take a chilled self-guided walk for however long or short you want, along the extensive network of paths. Adults R80, children R40; season ticket for a year per adult – R500 (not transferable). Income used for maintenance of the Koppies; R22 000 needs to be raised per month. Security on the Koppies is provided; park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za or call 079 532 0083 to find out more. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see, or https://www.facebook.com/melvillekoppies.
• Cedar Tree Craft Market
Pop in at the Cedar Tree Craft Market for their Sunday markets from 10:00 to 15:00 on Sunday, April 24. Apart from live entertainment, you can expect an array of excellent stalls selling high-quality products and mouth-watering foods. Venue is Khosa Sports Club at the cnr of Shannon Road and Frederick Cooper Drive in Kenmare. Contact Chanelle on 081 500 6884 for more information.
• Black Horse Easter Market
Spend a day out in the country at the Black Horse Easter Market at the Black Horse Brewery from 10:00 to 15:00 on Monday, April 18. There will be crafts stalls, craft beer and gin, live music, food trucks, ice cream tastings, helicopter rides, picnics and fun stuff to keep the kids busy. Or you can do a wine tasting for R120. Entrance is free. Visit blackhorse.co.za for more information.
• Brauhaus Boeremusiek and Market Day
Pencil the event in your diary and get ready for a fun-filled day at the Brauhaus Boeremusiek and Market Day on Saturday, May 14 from 09:00 to 16:00. Browse through a variety of stalls that will sell only homemade, handmade and local products. There will also be live music and mouth-watering street-style German food to tuck into. The event takes place at Brauhaus Afrika on the R24 between Rustenburg and Joburg. Kids under 12 enter for free. Contact 064 617 2423 for more information.
• Mellville Koppies ‘a place of learning’
Many people who visit Melville Koppies want to test their fitness, see beautiful views or experience nature. But for some recent visitors it’s a place of learning. One dad brought his two sons and took them on the Heritage trail. He plans to show them all the heritage sites in and around Joburg and Pretoria. First-year Wits geology students got to feel what it means to be a geologist: getting out in the field, scrambling over rocks, finding your way through tall grass, regardless of the weather. You too can learn something new on Melville Koppies. Book a guided tour on 079 532 0083 (or be there by 08:30 and learn about the history and the way in which different living things on the koppies interact. Or guide yourselves on the 3km heritage trail. If learning is not your interest, you can still test your fitness on the 5km self-guided hike, join a guided 8km hike starting at 08:00 sharp on the first Sunday of the month. And if these are too demanding, just take a chilled self-guided walk for however long or short you want along the extensive network of paths. Adults R80, children R40; season ticket for a year per adult – R500 (not transferable). Income used for maintenance of the Koppies; R22 000 needs to be raised per month. Security on the Koppies is provided; park in secure parking opposite the entrance at Marks Park on Judith Road, Emmarentia. Contact wendavid@mweb.co.za or call 079 532 0083 to find out more. Check out www.mk.org.za for more detailed information about the history and what you can see or https://www.facebook.com/melvillekoppies.
• Friends of Kloofendal (FroK) events this April
Why not spend the autumn walking in nature and learning about creepy crawlies, insect bites, flowers, trees and more? Don’t miss the Friends of Kloofendal events below:
• Goudmyntoer op Sondag, 24 April om 14:00 – Ontdek alles van die outydse goudgrawers en hoe Johannesburg begin het. Die Confidence Rif is die eerste goudmyn in Johannesburg.
• Almal welkom by Bybeltoespraak
Dit is amper tyd vir die belangrikste geleentheid van die jaar! Willem Teessen het dit so verduidelik: “Toe Jesus Christus sy lewe vir ons opgeoffer het, was dit inderdaad die grootste liefdesdaad wat ooit betoon is. Dit kan ewige voordele vir ons beteken. Hoe dankbaar is ons tog vir wat God en Christus vir ons gedoen het. Almal word hartlik uitgenooi om saam met ons as Jehovah se Getuies Vrydag 15 April 2022 bymekaar te kom om Jesus se dood te herdenk. U word ook uitgenooi na ‘n spesiale Bybeltoespraak wat omtrent ‘n week vroeër wêreldwyd gehou sal word met die tema: “Waar kan jy ware hoop vind?” Die hoop wat die Bybel gee, wat deur Jesus se losprysoffer moontlik gemaak word, sal in hierdie 30-minute toespraak bespreek word. In Randfontein sal die Afrikaanse toespraak Sondag 10 April om 08:45 plaasvind. Hierdie geleenthede sal beide in persoon en deur Zoom-videoverbinding plaasvind.” Vir meer besonderhede hoe om dit by te woon, skakel of WhatsApp 078 553 4376. Besoek ook gerus www.jw.org/af.
• Upcoming U3A West Rand events
Are you retired or semi-retired and looking for something stimulating and affordable to do? If so, then join The University of the 3rd Age (U3A).
Wednesday, April 20 – Outing to Midrand where they will visit the farm Pico Gro where they grow all sort of edible flowers and micro greens in greenhouses. There will be a tour through the greenhouses. On the way home they will stop at Herbland for lunch, which in itself is something to experience. Come and join them for a day away from the city! Phone or WhatsApp Marthie Coetzer on 083 297 9565 for bookings.
• The Bell of Hope charity ride for mental wellness
Ebenezer Psychiatric Home is proud to announce that they are hosting their Bell of Hope Charity Ride for Mental Wellness again this year. Ebenezer House is a licensed non-profit organisation (NPO 088 960) taking care of fully functional adults suffering from bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. They depend on donations and assistance from the public and corporate sectors to keep the home open and functional. Every year they host a charity road cycle event, the Bell of Hope Charity Ride for Mental Wellness, in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. The proceeds of this event go towards sustaining Ebenezer Psychiatric Home in Witpoortjie, Roodepoort. The Charity Ride will be held on Sunday, June 5 at Valverde Eco Hotel in the Cradle of Humankind. Starting times: 07:00 for 50km at R220 per cyclist; 07:30 for 15km at R150 per cyclist; and on the day R250 per cyclist. You can enter at Cycle Events at www.cycleevents.co.za, and for more information, contact their office on 011 955 6595 or email to bellofhopecycle@gmail.com.
• Magalies Monster and Platinum Trail Run 2022
Entries are open for the 2022 Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic on Saturday June 4, and the Fedhealth Platinum Trail Run on Sunday June 5 that will take place at the ATKV Buffelspoort in the North West province. This is the perfect weekend getaway for adventure-seeking families. Both events boast routes that incorporate the best trails on offer in the Magaliesberg. Irrespective of the distance entered, mountain bikers and trail runners can expect an exciting on-route challenge. Both events also feature a 2,5km distance for junior adventure-seekers. Families can look forward to spending the entire weekend outdoors celebrating health and wellness. For more information and/ or to enter the Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB Classic or the Fedhealth Platinum Trail Run visit www.stillwatersports.com or email entries@stillwatersports.com.
Movies not to miss!
• MR BONES 3: SON OF BONES – From April 14
When the much-anticipated blockbuster film Mr. Bones 3, Son of Bones, releases in cinemas nationwide today (Thursday April 14), audiences have a host of new characters to look forward to, additional to their favourites who will be returning for more side-splitting antics. The film boasts a stellar cast including Leon Schuster, Alfred “Shorty” Ntombela, Tumi Morake, Sans Moonsamy, Daniel Janks, Sthandile Nkosi, Jay Anstey and Jerry Mofokeng. While the film was originally going to open on Friday April 15, the release has been moved forward by a day due to the long weekend. This means that those who wish to start the weekend early can now watch Mr. Bones 3, Son of Bones on Thursday April 14. More good news is that bookings for tickets may now be made at major cinemas.
• THE CONTRACTOR – From March 18
Chris Pine stars in this action-packed thriller as Special Forces Sergeant James Harper, who is involuntarily discharged from the Army and cut-off from his pension. In debt, out of options and desperate to provide for his family, Harper contracts with a private underground military force. When the very first assignment goes awry, the elite soldier finds himself caught in a dangerous conspiracy and on the run for his life. Also starring Kiefer Sutherland, Ben Foster, Gillian Jacobs and Eddie Marsan.
• C’MON, C’MON – From March 25
Joaquin Phoenix plays Johnny, a kind-hearted radio journalist deep into a project in which he interviews children across the US about our world’s uncertain future. His sister, Viv (Gaby Hoffman), asks him to watch her eight-year-old son, Jesse (Woody Norman), while she tends to the child’s father, who’s suffering from mental health issues. After agreeing, Johnny finds himself connecting with his nephew in ways he hadn’t expected, ultimately taking Jesse with him on a journey from Los Angeles to New York to New Orleans. Anchored by three remarkable actors, C’mon C’mon is a gentle yet impeccably crafted drama about coming to terms with personal trauma and historical legacies.
• FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRET OF DUMBLEDORE – From April 15
Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald’s growing legion of followers. But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines?
• UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT – From April 22
Nicolas Cage stars as … Nick Cage in the action-comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. Creatively unfulfilled and facing financial ruin, the fictionalised version of Cage must accept a $1 million offer to attend the birthday of a dangerous superfan (Pedro Pascal). Things take a wildly unexpected turn when Cage is recruited by a CIA operative (Tiffany Haddish) and forced to live up to his own legend, channelling his most iconic and beloved on-screen characters in order to save himself and his loved ones. With a career built for this very moment, the seminal award-winning actor must take on the role of a lifetime: Nick Cage.
• MEMORY – From April 29
Alex Lewis (Liam Neeson) is an expert assassin with a reputation for discreet precision. Caught in a moral quagmire, Alex refuses to complete a job that violates his code and must quickly hunt down and kill the people who hired him before they and FBI agent Vincent Serra (Guy Pearce) find him first. Alex is built for revenge but, with a memory that is beginning to falter, he is forced to question his every action, blurring the line between right and wrong.
• Source: Empire Entertainment
