Latest news with #CarolOfori
IOL News
16-07-2025
- IOL News
Ghana getaway: Carol Ofori's family explores Accra's hidden gems
Carol Ofori with her family at Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Ghana. She recently shared on Instagram, 'Come with the Oforis to visit family and explore Accra, Ghana 🇬🇭 #Ghana #Accra #TravelAfrica,' highlighting the warmth and excitement of their trip . As families across South Africa embrace the joys of the school holidays, radio presenter Carol Ofori has given her followers a captivating glimpse into her family adventure in Ghana, a vibrant West African nation. The Ofori family immersed themselves in Ghana's rich history during their cultural tour, visiting significant landmarks such as the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Osu Castle. Ofori expressed her admiration for the monumental Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, remarking, 'All our personalities captured in one picture 😍 Visited the #KwameNkrumahMemorialPark today. Learned a lot, including the fact that Dr Nkrumah was not only the first president of Ghana (he led Ghana to independence in 1960) but also became co-president of Guinea 🇬🇳 A pan-African at heart, who wanted to see Africa united.' Set in a beautifully landscaped area, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Mausoleum offers visitors profound insights into Ghana's independence movement and Nkrumah's lasting legacy. It stands as a tribute to a leader who envisioned a united Africa, just like South Africa's Nelson Mandela. At Osu Castle, another poignant stop, the family confronted the sobering history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Ofori poignantly reflected, 'Osu Castle… I am smiling - but many who walked through this door NEVER returned. This door is known as 'the door of NO return'. "Enslaved individuals would be in shackles and ushered down the stairs to the massive ships waiting to take them away to foreign lands to be enslaved. The Danish were the first to sell enslaved individuals from this castle.' The castle, known for its complex history, offers visitors a chance to engage with Ghana's colonial past and the legacy of the slave trade.
IOL News
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Glamour and gallops: dive into the lavish atmosphere of the Hollywoodbets Durban July marquees
Hollywoodbets Durban July Sinayo Hospitality on the main day. Image: Pictures: Sibonelo Ngcobo Independent Newspaper. Besides fashion and horse racing, the Hollywoodbets Durban July is also about showcasing the finest in South African hospitality. Competition for the best marquee and suite experience is on par with the horse racing action. Just like punters, racegoers put their money on the best lifestyle experiences that money can buy. From lavish and opulent settings to hosting celebrities and having the best entertainment, these marquees have it all. Sinayo Hospitality on the main day at the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Pictured from left is Thobile Tops Mkhwanazi, Sibu Msimang, Carol Ofori, Thandeka Dakile and Silomo Ntombela. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo Independent Newspaper. Sinayo Hospitality First timers to the Hollywoodbets Durban July stage, Sinayo Hospitality partnered with East Coast Radio and went all out to treat racegoers to luxury with an exclusive VIP suite. Not new to the hospitality game, they opted to offer a suite experience instead of a marquee. The suite provided 180-degree views of the race course with the Durban city skyline in the background. Guests enjoyed views of the horse racing action whilst sitting on the balcony enjoying canapés, cocktails and sundowners. The suite provided complimentary drinks for the event from start to finish. Celebs spotted at the suite include Jojo and Calven Robinson, Somizi Mhlongo and Maria Valaskatzis, just to name a few. Carol Ofori was uncharged for keeping guests entertained. The suite also served a three-course buffet. According to a spokesperson from Sinayo Hospitality, they are looking to host many more events to come. 'Putting this together was a complete joy considering the fact that it was our debut. We're treating every guest as a VIP because we aim to please,' they said. Durban Odyssey As the co-host of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Durban Tourism stunned with its Durban Odyssey marquee. The marquee was packed with local celebrities, influencers and Durban's who's who. DJ Happygal, The Real Housewives of Durban newcomer Precious C. Udoye and DJ Sox were among the celebrities spotted at the marquee. The marquee provided a buffet-style menu with a bar. The marquee set the town for what you can expect from the city, fun, adventure and a good time The Executive Concerts Marquee at the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025. Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers Executive Concerts Marquee The Executive Concerts Marquee stood out as a beacon of opulence, curated specifically for Africa's most influential leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and cultural icons. Hosted by the dynamic duo, Tbo Touch and Hope Mbhele, the marquee offered patrons an unforgettable experience that transcended the ordinary. With a carefully crafted entertainment line-up, the marquee featured a constellation of popular artists who left attendees spellbound. The atmosphere vibrated with the electrifying beats of Kabza De Small and the enchanting melodies of Nkosazana Daughter, alongside thrilling sets from DJ Merlon and other musical talents.
IOL News
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Glamour on the track: Boity Thulo, Carol Ofori and Jessica Nkosi dazzle at Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025
Boity Thulo representing OMODA car brand during the Durban July 2025. Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers The much-anticipated Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ) 2025 took place on Saturday, July 5, at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. This year's event was not just a spectacle for horse racing aficionados but also a vibrant celebration of fashion, culture, and camaraderie that drew a star-studded crowd, offering a truly unforgettable experience. Carol Ofori at the Sinayo Hospitality Marquee wearing a dress from Sibu Msimang. Image: ZamaNdosi Cele 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. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading From the moment the gates opened, the atmosphere was electrifying. Attendees from all walks of life arrived dressed in their finest, setting the tone for a day packed with glamour. Celebrities reigned supreme on the grounds, showcasing a breathtaking array of haute couture that left onlookers in awe. Bright colours, intricate designs and striking accessories were the order of the day, with many men and women turning the racecourse into a catwalk of elegance and style. Celebrities like Carol Ofori, Jessica Nkosi and Boity Thulo came prepared for this prestigious event. Ofori, who was dressed by Sibu Msimang, noted: " The Proteas have just won a test championship, so we are celebrating the marvels that are The Proteas. They have made history, so why not?" When asked what the HDJ means to her, she said: "It's a fun day, socialising, eating, drinking day and seeing people I haven't seen in a very long time. And betting on some horses and making some money." The radio personality said she was excited to see Somizi, noting: "I saw Somgaga arriving in a gorgeous dress. I believe there is a performance later on. I'm looking forward to that." Jessica Nkosi at the Hollywoodbets Champions Suite. Her outfit is inspired by our national flower, the protea. Image: Supplied When it came to fashion, Nkosi didn't miss a beat in sticking to the theme. As a "Marvel of Mzansi", her dress was inspired by South Africa's national flower, the Protea. As a Hollywoodbets influencer, she said the HDJ is a beautiful space with different people with different interests come together. 'If you love fashion, you can come. If you love sports you can come. If you love horses, music and food, you can come,' she said. She noted that what made this year's event different was an increase in interest and excitement in the event. Thulo, also inspired by the Protea flower, revealed that when it comes to the HDJ, comfort is a priority for her. Wearing a glittering short dress by Otiz Seflo, she noted: "When you come to the Durban July, there is a lot of walking around so for me comfort comes first. I want to be able to move comfortably. And also, it's a long evening so you don't want to be feeling overwhelmed." The HDJ has become synonymous with flamboyant fashion, but this year it elevated the bar even higher. Notably, the marquee setups added a chic layer to the event, with beautifully designed spaces that provided a refuge from the sun. Guests mingled in lavish settings adorned with floral displays and comfortable seating, indulging in gourmet catering as they prepared for the thrilling races. Mduduzi Mkhize, the project coordinator of the Executive Concerts Marquee, a marquee that's making its debut this year, said: "We felt like we needed to also showcase another side of what Durban is. "The city is vast, and it's different. We wanted to bring in a little bit of culture and bring in a little Zulu-ness and a little bit of sassiness. We wanted to show people how luxury and culture can mix." As the horses thundered down the track, the cheers from the crowd echoed throughout the racecourse. The day featured not only thrilling races but also live entertainment that kept the spirit high. With music pumping and laughter ringing out, attendees were drawn into a festive atmosphere that celebrated both the sport and the social fabric of Mzansi. In essence, this year's event reaffirmed its status as a pinnacle event in the South African calendar, blending the thrill of horse racing with the flair of fashion. It is an experience that celebrates community, sport and style in equal measure, leaving a lasting impression that attendees will carry into the years to come.
IOL News
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Carol Ofori steps into a new chapter with 'The Comeback' podcast
Award-winning radio personality and author Carol Ofori is charting new territory with the debut of her inspirational podcast, "The Comeback". Designed to spotlight the extraordinary resilience of everyday people, this series is set to share heartfelt experiences of individuals who have risen above life's most daunting challenges. 'In a world flooded with perfection on social media, I wanted to create a space where real stories could be heard, stories of grit, grief, healing and hope,' said Ofori. ''The Comeback' dives deep into the personal journeys of individuals who've hit rock bottom, faced life's toughest moments, and found their way back, stronger, wiser and more determined than ever. This podcast is for anyone who needs to be reminded that no matter how hard life gets, it's possible to rise again.' The first season of "The Comeback" highlights a compelling array of guests, each sharing deeply personal accounts that resonate with themes of transformation after trauma.
