DURBAN FILMMART INSTITUTE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

(Above: Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiri; Ameera Faber; Khalid Shamis; Masi Mtshali; Mocke Jansen van Veuren; Poovashnee Reddy and Zanele Mthembu)

 

The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Board of Directors, marking a new chapter for the organisation as it reaffirms its commitment to championing African film narratives and supporting industry professionals across the continent. The Board plays a central role in guiding DFMI's strategic direction, fostering sustainable growth, and advancing its mandate to facilitate local and international trade and investment in African film content.

DFMI management extends its sincere thanks to the outgoing Board of Directors for their dedication and commitment in ensuring the organisation remained relevant and met its strategic objectives during a challenging period.

"It has been an honour to serve alongside such a dedicated board, whose service and friendship have strengthened the Durban FilmMart Institute," said outgoing Chairperson Mpumi Mazibuko. "Over the past three years, this organisation has grown to fully embody its mandate: facilitating investment in film, increasing the visibility of African content, improving access to funding, promoting co-productions, encouraging collaboration, expanding market access, and building a supportive community of filmmakers across the continent. That progress reflects the work of a strong and passionate team operating daily behind the scenes to grow the continent's film industry. I extend my heartfelt thanks to both the Board and staff, and wish the incoming Chairperson and Board every success as they lead DFMI into its next chapter."

The new DFMI Board of Directors, who took office in early 2026, comprises Ameera Faber, Mocke Jansen van Veuren, Zanele Mthembu, Masi Mtshali, Poovashnee Reddy, and Khalid Shamis, with Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiri serving as Chairperson.

 

(Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiri – new Chairperson)

"We extend a warm welcome to the new Board of Directors," said Magdalene Reddy, Director of the Durban FilmMart Institute. "These newly appointed members bring considerable experience, expertise, and passion for the film industry, and we have every confidence in their judgment and strategic vision. Their diverse backgrounds and perspectives will strengthen the Institute's commitment to promoting cinematic excellence, nurturing emerging talent, and preserving film heritage and culture across the continent."

The collective expertise and leadership of the new Board will reinforce DFMI's capacity to innovate, lead industry trends, and deliver resources and opportunities for filmmakers and industry professionals. With the Board's guidance, the Institute is well positioned to continue its legacy of excellence.

New Chairperson Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiri said: "I am thrilled to welcome a new, dedicated Board. Serving on the DFMI Board is a privilege, because everyone who has contributed to it — alongside an exceptional staff complement under the leadership of Magdalene Reddy — has done so with genuine dedication, often without compensation, bringing real expertise to keep its market vibrant and thriving. I am honoured to take on this role, succeeding the outstanding leadership of our outgoing Chair, attorney Mpumi Mazibuko."

Established in 2020, the Durban FilmMart Institute is a non-profit organisation that aims to be a leading hub for the African film industry, offering year-round support to film professionals and helping build global visibility for African content and talent. Alongside its training and development initiatives, the Institute's flagship event — Africa's premier film finance and co-production market, the annual Durban FilmMart — enters its 17th edition this October 2026.

Tshepiso Chikapa Phiri is the CEO and founder of the Known Associates Group of Companies, which includes a below-the-line agency, design studio, film production development and finance company and is currently building a state-of-the-Art film and television Studio in the Cradle of Humankind outside Johannesburg. KA skilfully produces and directs world-class projects in the communications, experiential, and relationship marketing industries, both locally and across Africa.

She is a University of Cape Town Alumni, with 20 years’ experience in communications, events, media, marketing, and film and television production. Her career includes working in international events including the North Sea Jazz Festival and Sithengi Film Festival. She has also worked in classic advertising as a ‘suit’. In 2007 she decided to commit to a career as a television and film producer. Her training ground was at Bomb Productions where she was the Associate Producer on the drama series Zone14. In 2008 she formed a boutique film and television production company Zing Entertainment with her partner Joel Phiri. Zing in partnership with Pulp Films produced MTN’s The Beautiful Game, a football documentary filmed throughout Africa.

She sits on the board of Media Heads 360 and is a shareholder in the business. She is a trustee of the Smile Artist Foundation and the Gerald Sekoto Trust. Tshepiso holds key industry roles including Co-Chair of SASFED, Deputy Chairperson of the IPO (formerly Chairperson and Treasurer), and Board Member at the Durban FilmMart Institute. She is also a leading voice in the Independent Black Filmmakers Collective (IBFC), advocating for transformation and inclusive growth across the African screen sector.

She is also on the board of the Cradle Nature Reserve, which controls over 10,000 hectares of land in the Cradle Precinct. In 2018 she founded Known Associates Entertainment with Dan Jawitz. The company has recently purchased Moonlighting Films PTY LTD, a leading television and film servicing company. The first KAE production, uBettina Wethu was a multi season series based on the Columbian smash hit telenovela YO SOY BETTY LA FEY (adapted as Ugly Betty in the US).

The company has serviced international productions including Universal Studios’ feature film, Beast and Sony Pictures’ The Woman King. KAE produced ETV’s first EVOD feature film, Atlantis (2021), John Barker’s The Umbrella Man, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022 and Fabian Medea’s feature film Wild Is The Wind, which premiered on Netflix in 2022.

Ameera Faber, whose career continues a three-generation family presence in storytelling, is an award-winning producer with extensive experience in transmedia campaigns. She has produced over 600 hours of television content broadcast on networks including SABC, e.tv, and Netflix, spanning documentary, factual, reality, and drama genres and reflecting a deep understanding of both African storytelling and global distribution.

Ameera serves as Deputy Chair of the Documentary Filmmakers Association and has served as a juror for the SAFTAs and the International Emmy Awards. She holds two bachelor's degrees, in Film and in Metaphysical Science, a master's degree in Business Psychology, and is pursuing a PhD in Conscious Business Ethics. She is an ordained minister and the author of several books on relationship-building in the film, television, music, and entertainment industries, and owns a post-production facility in Johannesburg that supports major SABC 1 soap operas. She is also co-founder of True Continent, an African documentary streaming platform, co-founder of The Superhero Project NPO, and founder of Coaching for Women, which focuses on leadership development for African women.

Khalid Shamis is an editor and educator, director and producer with a film-making practice over 25 years. His practice is strongly dedicated to the pedagogy of independent filmmaking and story construction in Africa, teaching and consulting in and outside film institutions and organised frameworks.

Khalid is a regular jury at film festivals and reads for film funds and workshops. He is on the executive board of the South African Guild of Editors, board member of the Durban Film Mart Institute, a member of Rough Cut Service and a doctoral fellow at the Centre for Humanities Research (CHR) at the University of the Western Cape. Khalid is also founder and director of Rough Cut Lab Africa, RCLA, a story support programme for independent African films at the rough cut stage.

Khalid’s films as editor are numerous, and as director notably Imam and I and The Colonel’s Stray Dogs.’

Masi Mtshali is an attorney specialising in intellectual property law. He holds an LL.B from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is a member of the Legal Practice Council, the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law, and the International Trademark Association.

Masi assists businesses and individuals with trademark registration, copyright registration for cinematographic works, strategic advice on IP portfolios, and the protection of existing intellectual property from infringement and exploitation. His expertise makes him a valuable resource for those seeking to register and protect their intellectual property in the creative industries. He is Founder and Director of Mtshali & Associates Inc.

Mocke Jansen van Veuren is an experimental filmmaker, multimedia artist, educator and PhD candidate holding the positions of Deputy Head of Department at the Wits Department of Film & Television and Vice-Chair of Animation SA. His PhD research focuses on the development of unique, community-based film and animation production methodologies and pedagogies. He is the recipient of the FNB Art Prize (with Nelisiwe Xaba) in 2013, the UJ Chancellor’s Award for Research in 2013, and the Wits Vice Chancellor’s Award for Academic Citizenship in 2025.

Van Veuren has been deeply involved in the creation of national standards, qualifications and curricula in film, audio-visual production and animation. He has taught filmmaking, multimedia and animation at a number of institutions including UJ, Academy of Sound Engineering, AFDA and Wits over the past 20 years. He is a member of The Beehive Culture Worx, a grassroots collective developing and running community-based film and animation education and production programmes in Kliptown and Eldorado Park, and is currently developing an experimental animated documentary feature film with the collective.

Poovashnee Reddy is a Chartered Accountant and strategic finance and investment professional with more than 13 years' experience across PwC South Africa, Deloitte UK, venture-backed start-ups, and institutional investment environments. Her expertise spans strategic finance, investor readiness, financial modelling, transaction advisory, governance, capital strategy, and financial reporting, gained through work with multinational organisations, early-stage ventures, and investment stakeholders across complex, cross-border environments.

Her work centres on the intersection of finance, investment, and business growth — supporting founders, investors, and leadership teams through capital raising, investment evaluation, governance, and strategic decision-making. She has developed investor-facing financial models and materials, supported due diligence processes, and advised businesses on strengthening financial governance and investment readiness, with a focus on translating complex financial information into practical, actionable insight.

Beyond her advisory work, Poovashnee contributes to boards and strategic initiatives in the energy, infrastructure, and creative sectors, bringing experience in financial oversight, governance, risk management, and long-term strategic planning, with a particular interest in strengthening investment ecosystems and supporting entrepreneurship.

Zanele Mthembu is Managing Director and Executive Producer at Brown Panther Films, a part-time lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, and Acting Executive Officer at Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT).

A seasoned media professional, she has 30 years’ experience in broadcasting, production, and distribution across local and international markets. Her senior roles include Executive Head of Channel at Newzroom Afrika and Group Head of Content at eMedia Group. She began her career at Penguin Films, later became Discovery Communications, Inc.’s International Fellow, and earned an MFA in Film from Howard University in Washington, DC.

Zanele contributes to industry development through her service on the South African Audio Visual Cluster Board. She has also served as a board member of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) Council and as Chair of the SWIFT Board. She has served on the judging panels for several major awards, including the SAFTAs, Wildscreen Festival Awards, Guangzhou International Documentary Film Festival Awards, and other international honours. She is a Fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative and the Aspen Global Leadership Network. She was Executive Producer on the feature films Otelo Burning and Felix, has recently completed her first PESP5-funded docuseries, and is currently in production with her first documentary.

 

The Durban FilmMart Institute is the business hub of the African film industry, working toward a world in which African professionals and products are globally competitive and celebrated. Its mission is to provide effective programmes and services that promote, support, and facilitate investment in the African film industry.

The 17th edition of the Durban FilmMart takes place from October 9–12, 2026.

The 17th edition Durban FilmMart is funded by the Durban Film Office, eThekwini Municipality, Ford Foundation, the National Film and Video Foundation and IEFTF.

 

About Durban FilmMart Institute [https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/]

Durban FilmMart Institute is the business hub of the African film industry in a world where African professionals and content are globally competitive and celebrated. The mission of the Durban FilmMart Institute is to provide appropriate and effective programmes and services to promote, support and facilitate investment in the African film industry. The Durban FilmMart Institute runs year-round developmental programmes and an annual market (Durban FilmMart). The DFMI is the custodian of Filmmart.africa [https://filmmart.africa/ which is an online tool for filmmakers to connect and which it is hoped that it will enhance visibility for African content.

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www.durbanfilmmart.co.za

For any queries email: info@durbanfilmmart.com or WhatsApp at +27 69 860 8421

 

A SCAR NAMED HOME: REVIEW (FROM NAF)

 

Cleaning up the dusty streets of South Africa... (Review by Verne Rowin Munsamy)

This year marks my sweet 16th anniversary at the Grahamstown, now Makhanda, National Arts Festival. I remember being a 2nd year student in 2000, walking around with a notepad and backpack, watching shows all day. Caroline Smart, our editor and chief, took a chance on this eager-beaver young writer and I have never looked back. I started this Festival as a young university second-year student and have progressed to a professional writer-director but the most joy lies in submerging one's self in art, theatre, dance, and the culture of performance shared by like-minded individuals.

I have seen this Festival grow and adapt to remain poignant in these shifting times. NAF has a remarkable ability to nurture talent, challenge societal norms and adapt with the shifting times. My first review this year is for the thought-provoking masterpiece offer by AFDA Johannesburg titled, A Scar Named Home. The show is directed by one of their lecturers, Manoko Tlhako and her vision and passion to speak about the failing South African government and institutions is excellently executed by her postgraduate students.

This devised theatre piece, rich in the iconography of physical theatre features, focuses on prevailing systems of failure that are disadvantageous to the South African youth. The story starts with the quartet singing an energetic South African classical township song and the actors playing hide and seek. This game of hide and seek is important as it foreshadows the concept of seeking for liberation that is in hiding and out of reach. 

The set has four chairs that are used in myriad ways to exemplify bags, baskets, hiding places, and in the physicalised choreography. They use bandanas in different ways throughout the show and costumes and props. I am quite fond of a prop that's used in multiple ways and this cast does well with this physical style of theatre. 

From the onset we are introduced to the idea of a disappointment in South Africa. We are constantly reminded that home is meant to be a place of safety, comfort, where dreams reside and is also a state of mind; however, our home (South Africa) has become a place of fear filled with corruption and chaos. 

The first focus of trauma is highlighted through the ambition and dreams of getting a university education that are stripped away by the withdrawal of NSfAS funding. This is an ongoing plight that affects students across the country. 

The second is the fight to find a job and the high levels of unemployed youth in our country. The punch line to this story arrived in the job being obtained, after 180 interviews, through sexual abuse by the company owner. It highlights the abuse faced by individuals who are so desperate to find employment.

The story shifts to mention the high levels of crime in our country due to the lack of opportunities for the youth and the repossession of homes by banks when people failed to keep up with instalments. The last section deals with the corruption in government with regards to social grants. 

These four young performers Agisanang Galetuke, Azwi-Hilton Mashapa, Kamagelo Ramaboya and Molatelo Sebabi are extremely powerful in their performances on stage. They displayed the skills of well-rounded artists with triple threats of acting, singing and dance. They reminded me of why I made the 14-hour drive to Makhanda, to watch theatre that was representative of culture, but also questioned and challenged societal "abnormalities". An excellent show to start my 2026 writing journal of the festival. - Dr Verne Rowin Munsamy

WHAT IF WE ALIGN OUR BREATH ALBUM LAUNCH TOUR

Album Launch Tour in South Africa featuring: Andreas Tschopp (Swiss) and Shane Cooper (RSA)

The performance takes place on July 4, 2026, from 17h00 to 22h00.

Venue: The Courtyard at New Noise (5 Southampton Street, Point Durban)

Tickets: R120 (R100 for students)

Quicket Link

Pioneering Swiss trombonist and composer Andreas Tschopp marries contemporary jazz with South African kudu horns and homemade ocarinas, creating a record quite unlike anything you've heard before. What if We Align Our Breath disregards the curvature of borders, genre, and time itself - tugging a thread through the history of wind instrumentation with ghostly agility.

Together with his album co-producer, Johannesburg-based bassist and producer Shane Cooper, they create a 360° experience through this unique music, with a live Duo set on wind and string instruments and samplers, a record listening session, and a talk about the album.

What If We Align Our Breath is an entrancing and layered record that simultaneously wakes us back into ourselves and edges our awareness beyond us. This is music that asks for minds that trust their spirits. It reminds us of the sovereignty of our souls, their interconnectedness, and their ungovernability.

 

About the Venue

Located in the Maingate Building at Durban’s Point Waterfront Precinct, The Courtyard at New Noise is a dynamic cultural event space. It is proudly run by New Noise, a multidisciplinary creative studio. Historically, the Point Police and Fire Station, the building has been reimagined as a hub for art and design.

While it functions as the New Noise design studio during the week, the space is intended to adapt—transforming its courtyard and interior to host a vibrant mix of music, film, design, and cultural events.

Follow more at @newnoise031courtyard

Contact: info@newnoise.co.za / WhatsApp: 066 353 3235

 

SISTER ACT REVIEW

 

(Above: Ensemble of nuns)

 

This is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy — with oodles of fun for the whole family! (Review by Shannon Kenny)

Northcliff High’s “Sister Act - Divine Musical Comedy” at the Playhouse Drama Theatre

For those of you who are not familiar with the story, Sister Act the musical is based on the 1992 hit movie starring Whoopie Goldberg. Deloris van Cartier is a singer with dreams of superstardom as a disco diva. After reporting a murder committed by Curtis, her gangster boyfriend, Deloris finds herself in protective custody - in a convent.

Palesa Taule is the sassy Deloris, whose pivot from nightclub singer to nun leads to many hilarious encounters, faux pas and minor acts of rebellion. As penance for her waywardness, the austere Mother Superior, played by Jaimee Lamont, tasks Deloris with coaching the convent’s cacophonous choir. Beyond expectation, Deloris transforms the struggling choir into a singing, dancing musical sensation (worthy of a papal visit) - and the lives of the Sisters and their vivacious coach are transformed in the most wonderful way.

Taule and Lamont tackle their roles with confidence, nuance and conviction, displaying moments of excellent comic timing. Here within these walls is pulled off well, as is Deloris’ titular Sister Act. Mother Superior’s I haven’t got a prayer was delivered to well-deserved, rousing applause.

(Right: Jaimee Lamont as the Mother Superior and Palesa Taule as Deloris Carter )

The cop to whom Deloris reports the crime is a secret admirer from school, better known then as Sweaty Eddie. Eddie’s clumsiness - and enduring sweatiness - is well-executed by Luyanda Dube, who had the delighted audience firmly on-side with I could be that guy. 

The endearing convent choir is led by the slightly curmudgeonly Sister Mary Lazarus, so well-portrayed by Teagan Shaddock who deftly maintained her character’s voice and physicality, through the crowd-pleasing rap and joyous move-busting dance. Caitlyn Taylor brought a lovely ebullience to her Sister Mary Patrick. Timid postulant, Sister Mary Robert, was brought to life by Peyton Bala, who injected her role with sensitivity and a spectacular voice. Her rendition of The life I never led brought the house down. Ella Wareham as the aged Sister Mary Teresa, and Jordan Douwie as scatty Sister Mary-of-Tours provided lovely comic cameos.

The company of nuns (including Sisters Mary-Agnes, Dominic, Catherine, Francis, Philomena, Valentine, Benedict, Xavier, Cecilia and Genevieve) more than ably supported Deloris in numbers like Raise your voice and Take me to heaven, in addition to taking on dual roles as backing singers, bar staff and patrons and homeless people in various scenes.

Their shiny, gold-sequinned finale habits bedecked shimmered as they shimmied their way through their dance moves and the rousing Spread the love around.

Tristan Evans had quite a task playing the menacing Curtis, who sends his henchmen Joey, TJ and the Spanish-speaking Pablo (Juan Laubscher, Lance Roman and Karabo Modisaotile, respectively) in search of Deloris. The bumbling gangsters’ quest for the elusive Deloris tickled the audience with some well-placed slapstick and humorous lines. 

A particularly memorable chase scene involving nuns and gangsters had the audience in stitches.

Eddie’s assistant is played by Ahren Sewpersadh who doubles as a gleeful priestly spokesmodel with Gunther Hubsch, who faces execution as Ernie at the beginning of our story. Monsignor O’Hara is played by Aiden de Jager.

Despite a few technical hitches in the sound department, the cast were troopers and held their own.

Director, Nick Jourdan, has once again mounted a touring musical with a cast and crew comprised of high school pupils from Grade 8 to 11 and a live, 8-piece band under the baton of Matthew Vlok. This is no mean feat, especially when one considers the logistics and the curveballs that inevitably come a production’s way. Well done!

The whoops and cheers from a charmed audience said it all.

This is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy — with oodles of fun for the whole family! – Shannon Kenny

Performances are from July 1 to 5 with evening performances at 19h30 and matinees on the Saturday at 14h00 and Sunday at 15h00. Tickets are R120 throughout and R80 for seniors.

Booking for all shows is through Webtickets.

PERSONALISED ART CONSULTATIONS WITH CURATE.A.SPACE

 

(Above: Carol Brown)

 

Curate.A.Space is pleased to introduce a new offering of personalised consultations for emerging to mid-career artists and curators.

These sessions are designed as a space for reflection, discussion, and guidance, supporting practitioners in developing their work and navigating the art world with greater clarity and confidence.

Whether you are developing an artistic practice or building a curatorial career, there often comes a point where questions arise around exhibitions, professional development, visibility, and next steps. These consultations offer an opportunity to engage with these questions in a focused and supportive way.

 

Areas of discussion may include:

 -Preparing for exhibitions and projects

-Developing portfolios, artist statements, and curatorial texts

-Exhibition concepts and curatorial approaches

-Understanding how galleries, museums, and institutions operate

-Marketing and presenting your work or projects

-Reflecting on your current practice and professional direction

-Identifying opportunities and next steps

 

These consultations are led by Carol Brown, former Director of the Durban Art Gallery, with over 30 years of experience working across museums, galleries, collections, and cultural institutions.

Her work has included exhibitions, artist development projects, collection management, and collaborations with organisations such as the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the Ifa Lethu Foundation.

 

This offering is suited to:

 -Emerging and developing artists

-Emerging and developing curators

-Artists and curators preparing for exhibitions, projects, or applications

-Practitioners seeking professional feedback and guidance

-Individuals wanting to better understand the contemporary art world

 

Consultations are available:

Online or in person

As individual or small group sessions

Special Introduction Offer

To launch this new offering, the first five artists or curators to get in touch will receive a complimentary introductory consultation.

 

If you are interested, you are invited to reply to this email or get in touch to find out more.

Contact cbrown.durban@gmail.com or phone 083 778 1192

STRAUSS & CO ART VALUATION

Strauss & Co warmly invites members of the public to bring artworks from their collections to the KZNSA for the regular obligation‑free valuations. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain insight into the value of your collection and individual pieces. A nominal charge of R50 per item applies, with all proceeds supporting KZNSA Gallery programmes.

The valuation takes place on July 2, 2026, from 11h00 to 15h30.

Venue: KZNSA Gallery, 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban

Please book your spot via the link below and take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about your collection.

https://straussart.zohobookings.com/#/4121607000007638200

FORT NOTTINGHAM HIGHLAND GATHERING

Preparations are already underway for this year’s annual Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering which joyously returns to the KZN Midlands – this time on Saturday August 1– marking the 170th anniversary of the old fort.

The gathering will take place at Fort Nottingham Museum and surrounds on August 1, 2026.

Inspired by the world-famous Braemar Gathering, the Fort Nottingham Highland Gathering is typically a day of nostalgia, heritage and ancient tradition. All the rousing spectacle, athletic prowess and hauntingly beautiful music will be celebrated in abundance, with a contemporary family-friendly local twist.

Tickets: Available on Quicket. Early Bird specials still available!

 

 

MUSIC FOR TRUMPET AND ORGAN FROM ITALY AND JAPAN

 

(Yosuke Matsui & Maggie Deppe. Pic supplied)

A glorious winter morning concert of music for trumpet and organ will be performed at St Cyprian’s Church on Sunday July 5 at 11h00 featuring Maggie Deppe on organ and Yosuke Matsui, on trumpet.

The church’s organ, newly refurbished in 2025, now resonates with exceptional beauty and splendour —a magnificent instrument for this musical occasion. The programme, titled East meets West: Music from Japan and Italy features works for trumpet and organ alongside solo organ pieces. Centred on the music of Italian 17th century Baroque, the concert celebrates the joy and splendour of the Baroque era, complemented by music from Japan. 

Yosuke Matsui is a Yamaha performing artist, and principal trumpet player with the KZN Philharmonic. Maggie Deppe on organ is the co-principal oboe and cor anglais at the KZN Philharmonic. She also heads the Durban Chamber Choir.

Tickets are R130 (R100 concessions) at Quicket in advance, or cash at the door.

There is off road and guarded parking at the church. Tea and coffee will be served after the concert, and the Vicar’s Arms pub will be open.

St Cyprians Anglican Church is located at 603 Umbilo Road, Durban.

GODFATHER OF THE WAVES: REVIEW

 

The book is also entertainingly written with a flow that makes it difficult to put down. (Review by Keith Millar)

 

With a subtitle of The Life and Times of a Surfing Legend and a blurb suggesting that it is For Surfers, Dreamers and Rebels alike, this the story of the ultimate ride, one may imagine that this a book would only appeal to very much a niche market – the surfing community.

However, I think it is more than just that. Mike Lamont is a force of nature. He is a man of perseverance, resilience and courage and this is displayed in spades in this autobiography. There is no area of ocean sports that has not borne his stamp in one way or another.

The book is also entertainingly written with a flow that makes it difficult to put down. This, I suppose, is because of the input from ghost writer Graham Spense. His previous credits include books with conservationist Lawrence Anthony and world champion paddler Oscar Chalusky.

But back to Mike Lamont. His involvement in surfing started in the 1960’s and now spans over five decades.

He started as a teenager shaping surfboards with bread knife and this eventually developed into his surfboard manufacturing company, Lamont Surfboard’s, which became one of the biggest in the industry. He also got involved in other aspects of the industry such as Rip Curl wet suits and a variety of other surfing supplies and apparel. He also published the leading surfing magazine, Zig Zag, for many years

He also organised and sponsored many surfing tournaments and managed and coached springbok surfing teams and was instrumental in the development of windsurfing in the country.

Lamont was a world traveller always on the lookout for the perfect wave. Along the way, he met international surfing legends and personalities. The book relates many stories of these encounters and the adventures he experienced.

So, more than just a surfing book, Godfather of the Waves.is an inspiring story about true grit, determination and ambition and is filled with adventures and many unforgettable characters.

Godfather of the Waves is published by Penguin Books. The ISBN is 978 1 7763 9272 8 and the Recommended Retail Price is R340.00 - Keith Millar

THE STYLE VAULT AT THE PAV

Fashion Unlock: The Pavilion Shopping Centre is gearing up to support one of Durban’s foremost annual fashion and calendar events, The 130th Durban July, taking place on Saturday July 4, by hosting The Style Vault at the Centre’s Fountain Court, until Friday July 3, inspiring shoppers with the latest make up, garment, accessories and style trends to plan for the big race day.

The focal point is Style Alley, a display of fashion, footwear and accessories (jewellery, sunglasses, watches, perfumes, bags) for men, women and unisex options – carefully curated mannequins in co-ordinated looks. Respected independent designers have chosen suggested individual looks sourced from retailers in the centre, allowing visitors to envision co-ordinated styles and outfits from multiple sources. Beauty professionals will be on hand to offer demos and showcase make-up trends, skin analysis, colour matching and product demos.

For more information on the Style Vault Campaign, keep an eye on the social media platforms or visit http://www.thepav.co.za

RED MANGO ARTS FESTIVAL IS BACK!

 

Right: Rajesh Gopie with Ralph Lawson who directs the popular ”Sthandwa” and “The Nature Thieves” productions for young people which returns after a successful run on the 2025 festival)

Sastri College’s Red Mango Arts Festival is back at! Sastri College from July 22 to 25, 2026

Founded by acclaimed South African actor, playwright and director Rajesh Gopie, the festival is hosted in conjunction with Sastri College School, Red Mango Creative Arts (NPC), and the Sastri Alumni Association, with a firm commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for artists, audiences and communities through theatre, music, storytelling, cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration.

The 2026 programme will feature a line-up of theatre productions, music concerts, spoken word, heritage programming, youth development initiatives, industry conversations and collaborative international works. Particular emphasis will continue to be placed on inter-cultural narratives, contemporary South African storytelling and works that engage themes of humanity, identity, social justice and healing.

Highlights include Sydenham Lightie, Global Ballie by Kurt Egelhof; the poignant Pulitzer nominated drama, Letters of Suresh; the launch of Imraan Coovadia’s latest book, Enemy of the People; Sufis, Mystics and Qawali – an evening of music poetry and spiritual storytelling in a special star-studded concert; the Tshwane University of Technology group are back, this time with the fun sun-soaked frolic, Mama Mia; Tonya Koenderman brings her Getting Old Disgracefully; Comedy Night with Jailoshni Naidoo and Friends; two plays for young people, an open mic, a dance demo, a magic show, line dancing, piano diva, storytelling, a grand finale concert, and more.

Plus, refreshments, outdoor places to relax and meet friends, books for sale, exhibitions and displays.

Building on the success of the festival’s inaugural programming in 2025, audiences can expect bold new productions alongside returning favourites, with a strong focus on inter-generational engagement and accessible community participation. Schools and youth organisations will once again form a central part of the festival’s outreach strategy, and demonstrates the festival's commitment to cultivating future artists and audiences.

The 2026 edition will also deepen its collaborations with local businesses, educational institutions, cultural organisations and international partners, strengthening Durban’s profile as a creative hub rooted in diversity, dialogue and artistic excellence.

Sastri College, home of the Red Mango Arts Festival is situated in Greyville, alongside the historic Curries Fountain Stadium, holds deep historical and cultural significance. Long regarded as a landmark educational institution for communities of colour, it stands as a symbol of Durban’s rich social and political history.

Gopie adds; “Red Mango is ultimately about people. It is about artists being seen, communities reconnecting, young people discovering possibility through creativity, and Durban reclaiming its place as one of the great cultural cities of South Africa.”

Follow the artSMart website for further programme announcements, artist line-ups and partnership opportunities for the 2026 festival.

Tickets: Booking and more info through Webtickets.

ST CYPRIAN’S CHURCH FETE

 

(Pictured getting ready for the fete are St Cyprian’s Fr Dane Elsworth and Shiela Naidoo, Kerr House Social Worker, with items made by Kerr House residents. Pic: Illa Thompson)

 

One of the city’s most anticipated market events: the annual St Cyprian’s church fete, takes place on Saturday morning, June 27 on the church grounds in Umbilo.

Enjoy a fun morning of market stalls, family activities, food and drink, and a beer garden with live music, while supporting one of the city’s most hardworking, community-spirited churches.

The fete has an extensive white elephant stand; tables of book and music; jewellery; pre-loved garments and accessories; jams and preserves; crafts and homemade goods.

Come hungry as they are also known for their market fare, tea and cakes and beer garden.

A key element of the fete is support for Kerr House, which celebrate 75 years of service this year. The Durban Hospice for Women established in 1951 as a shelter for “Women in Crises.” Kerr House accommodates up to 15 women and children who are mostly victims of Gender Based Violence. They receive professional help from a full-time social worker while house mothers ensure the smooth running of Kerr House.

The residents are taught skills and the craft items made are sold at the St Cyprian’s annual fete.

St Cyprians is at 603 Umbilo Road and the fete takes place on Saturday June 27 from 08h00 until 14h00.

Kerr House relies entirely on donations. The monthly running cost of Kerr House is R110 000.

Support in cash and kind is greatly appreciated.

The bank details are:

The Durban Hospice for Women;

FNB Cheque Account;

Branch Code: 220526;

Account No: 50741035022

 

Contact details are saintcyprian@telkomsa.net

Tel: 031 2053710