Eva Mazza sits down with Lindsay Norman to discuss her latest novel, ‘Khaki Fever'
Game guide Alexandra Carnell-Ellis is principled, doesn't suffer fools, and is generally not too fond of ordinary people either. When she's fired from The Plains, a commercial 'Ferrari Safari'-type game reserve in the Karoo for being rude to guests, she's determined to make a fresh start.
She lands a dream job at an exclusive game reserve in Mpumalanga, but Alex's new beginning appears to be doomed from the start as she arrives at the lodge with attitude, a few facts about her that aren't strictly true, and she's got a stolen dog in tow. For one, she had pretended to be a man in her application, as she is convinced that khaki fever gives male guides an advantage.
Alex struggles to control her unruly tongue and almost immediately makes enemies with the camp manager and the owner's terrifyingly scary girlfriend, who can't wait to expose Alex's deepest darkest secrets. She finds love in the form of the level-headed and attractive head guide, but it's not long before everything goes wrong.
After impulsively abandoning her vehicle and guests to rescue an abandoned baby baboon, a storm breaks over her head and she flees the reserve. Will she ever be able to find her way back?
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IOL News
13-08-2025
- IOL News
Get ready for a risqué ride: 'Khaki Fever' turns game drives into hilarious adventures
Abel Knobel and Christopher Jaftha during a scene in 'Khaki Fever'. Image: Supplied. South Africans are renowned for their love for the bush, with Mzansi's breathtaking natural surroundings also attracting scores of travellers from across the globe. Whether it's for the chance to catch a glimpse of one of the Big 5 in action or to unwind in scenic settings under the embrace of the African sun, the nation's nature resorts are a hot commodity. Then there is the beloved South African hospitality, as well as those khaki fits, which have generated plenty of viral fashion trends. With all of this in mind, local film-maker Brett Michael Innes decided to put a comical and raunchy spin on the country's bush culture with 'Khaki Fever', a new film premiering on Showmax next month. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Anja Taljaard, Abel Knobel, Christopher Jaftha, Anja Taljaard, Sean Brebnor, Francois Jacobs and Liam Bosman in 'Khaki Fever'. Image: Supplied. The Afrikaans comedy, which Innes wrote and produced with his husband Nick Ahlers, is a labour of love. 'We just love the bush,' he told 'Independent Media Lifestyle' during an interview. 'We always go there with friends and family, and when you see 'Khaki Fever' taking off, we thought someone had to make a movie about that, and we were the ones who did it.' Innes added: 'I love a good comedy and I think that the world needs one right now. I love doing the heavier stuff, but I don't think that the world has the bandwidth to engage with too much trauma on the screen and just needs a good laugh on a Friday night.' 'Khaki Fever' centres around a group of quirky game rangers who set up a challenge to see who can have sex with the most tourists during a season. As they battle for the 'King of Khaki' title as well as the losers' collective tips from the season, the eccentric rangers will also have to outsmart the stern and rigid conservative lodge manager. Trix Vivier plays a conservative lodge manager in 'Khaki Fever'. Image: Supplied. As they get their salacious shenanigans underway, the group also face the prospect of being fired if they are caught fraternising with the guests. Drawing parallels between this movie and risqué Hollywood hits, Innes warned that this type of comedy could 'ruffle a few feathers.' 'I think that the people who enjoy this kind of humour are going to love it, so if you like 'The Hangover', 'Bridesmaids' and those types of movies, you will definitely love this one!' However, he is wary of critics. Ilse Klink in 'Khaki Fever'. Image: Supplied. 'I am expecting a mixed reception when 'Khaki Fever' is released because I know that it might offend and not impress many of the most conservative viewers, and that's fine; they don't have to push play.' 'We are not here with the necessary intention of being controversial, but you do have a group of people, where if there is even one swear word, they are upset, so this movie is definitely not for them.' Meanwhile, Innes spoke of the challenges of casting for this kind of project. 'Finding the cast was tricky because a lot of local actors either don't do sex and nudity or don't enjoy this style of humour but we had an excellent casting director which was vital for this film.' Christopher Jaftha in 'Khaki Fever'. Image: Supplied. 'We wanted to make sure that beyond the talent, that everyone was lekker because film-making is hard enough and it was a case of making sure that everyone who came to the party wanted to be at the party and we ended up creating a hub of people who got each other, who cared deeply for each other and who felt safe.' Innes was thrilled with 'Khaki Fever's' illustrious cast, which includes Saftas-nominated Christopher Jaftha alongside four 2025 Silwerskerm nominees Anja Taljaard, Trix Vivier, Liam Bosman and Ilse Klink. They are joined by other top Afrikaans stars such as Abel Knobel, Francois Jacobs, Sean Brebnor, Juanita de Villiers and Izette Blignaut, with special appearances from exquisite lions, giraffe, hyena and a runaway French bulldog named Chardonnay. 'I think that what will surprise viewers the most about the movie is the heart in it,' Innes explained. Chardonnay the French Bulldog in 'Khaki Fever'. Image: Supplied. 'The headline that people lean into is how risque it is and I don't think they are going to expect how warm they will feel at the end of this.' 'It is very heartfelt, we are not here to make people feel bad about life.' Overall, Innes hopes that 'Khaki Fever' will result in a few more offerings as it brings people from all walks of life together. 'I would really love for it to become one of the most viewed films on the streamer because we have an entire world for a second and third movie.' 'I also want to bring this family together again and have some fun in the bush!'
The South African
28-07-2025
- The South African
ShxtsNGigs is bringing their Daddy's Home tour to South Africa
This just in… the ShxtsNGigs podcast crew will be making a pit stop in South Africa for their Daddy's Home tour real soon. The crew will be blessing our African soil for two days in two cities next January and you don't want to miss this! We hope you've been saving your coins for an event like this, because tickets go on sale sooner than you think. ShxtsNGigs is a dynamic podcast duo from the UK that features the charismatic pair James Duncan and Fuhad Dawudo. The podcast also includes Ellis and Rem. The crew have created a name for themselves with their engaging weekly podcast, where they dive into a variety of topics and share their unfiltered opinions. ShxtsNGigs is known for James and Fuhad's undeniably chemistry and sense of humour. Their popularity has surged thanks to segments such as the ' Icks ' as well as the ' Twitter Hall of Fame .' Their engaging content has not only attracted loyal fans, who stuck by even after their public faux pas in 2023, but also led to collaborations with well-known brands like Durex . Beyond the podcast and collaborations, the crew has cultivated a substantial following on social media platforms where they produce captivating short-form content that showcases their unique personalities and comedic flair. James, Fuhad, Ellis, and Rem are set to bring their highly anticipated Daddy's Home tour to South Africa in January 2026. On 24 January 2026, they will take the stage at The Golden Dome in Johannesburg. Just a few days later, they will perform at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town. Tickets go on sale at 09h00 on Friday, 1 August 2025 exclusively from Ticketmaster . Fans are really eager to experience the crew's unique blend of humour and charisma live and honestly? Who can blame them. If their live performance will be anything like their podcast and other performances across the United States and Europe, it will certainly be a night to remember. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
27-07-2025
- The Citizen
Celebrate Women's Day Ifafa Beach
Less than a minute Shona Aylward Less than a minute Make the most of Women's Day with a visit to the Ifafa Beach Flea Market on Saturday, August 9, from 09:00 to 14:00. Perfectly positioned between Hibberdene and Scottburgh and just steps from the beach, the market promises a fun day out with a special treat for all women who attend. Shoppers can browse for bargains, relax by the ocean, and enjoy the safe, family-friendly vibe. There's plenty of parking, so pack a cooler box, bring your fishing gear, and make a day of it. Contact Alex on 068 3224893 or Memory on 072 7611736. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
