Latest news with #Durban-born
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
The RISE of South Africa's Jordy Smith to No 1 in the world in 2025
When South Africa's Jordy Smith paddles out at Lower Trestles in California next week, he will be wearing the WSL no. 1 rank yellow jersey. With two event wins in 2025 – the only time he's achieved the feat in a single season – the 37-year old is surfing the best he's ever done. And he even snagged himself a brand-new SUV for winning the 'Aussie Treble' last month. In fact, the last time he wore the coveted no. 1 yellow jersey was way back in 2017. The Durban-born surfer currently sits on 36 130 Championship Tour points. With the next best competitor, Brazil's Italo Ferreira, on 31 290. South Africa's Jordy Smith is a two-time WSL tour Runner-Up, never a world champion. Is this the year the big bru converts? All you need to know about Jordy's record-breaking run so far in 2025. Video: WSL on YouTube Nevertheless, if you haven't been following South Africa's Jordy Smith in 2025, don't worry, we'll catch you up. The WSL crafted a brilliant recap of his record-breaking season so far, that's taken him to the yellow jersey (watch above) in 2025. Included are his best waves surfed in key heats. And his all-important victories in Punta Roca, El Salvador, and Margaret River, Western Australia, of course. The event window for the Trestles Pro next week, on Monday 9 June 2025. Not only has South Africa's Jordy Smith won at this high-performance wave before, but he even relocated to San Clemente for a period of time. As such, he considers it a home away from home and will hope to bank another good haul of points in yellow. You can watch all the action live on the WSL YouTube channel. It's been eight years since South Africa'a Jordy Smith donned the yellow jersey. Can he convert his no. 1 position into a world title in 2025? Image: WSL on Facebook From California, the tour goes to Brazil in late June, before the circus pulls into J-Bay from 11-20 July 2025. A two-time winner, the world-class right-hand point-break is unarguably Smith's favourite event (and many other competitors'). At the end the Tahiti Pro in August, the top five competitors on the world rankings will battle it out for a world title in man-on-man heats at the WSL Finals in Fiji. Be sure to diarise the last five events of the 2025 season to keep track of South Africa's Jordy Smith as he strives for his first world title: June 9-17 – Trestles Pro (USA) June 21-29 – Vivo Rio Pro (Brazil) July 11-20 – J-Bay Open (SA) August 7-16 – Tahiti Pro (Tahiti) August 27-September 4 – WSL Finals Fiji (Fiji) Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
6 days ago
- IOL News
Meet Sara Essop: the travel blogger making every journey an unforgettable adventure
Sara Essop enjoying the scenery in Toledo, Spain. Image: Supplied In the ever-evolving world of travel blogging, Sara Essop stands out as a beacon of knowledge, inspiration and adventure. With over 13 years of experience in travel writing, Essop has turned her passion for exploration and storytelling into a rewarding career path that encourages fellow adventurers to embark on their own journeys. The Durban-born content creator who is currently living in Johannesburg, finds herself at the heart of a vibrant travel scene that fuels her enthusiasm for sharing her experiences around the globe. Essop's journey began when she combined her love for travel and writing to create a blog that not only captures the essence of the destinations she visits but also invites other travellers to share their own experiences. Her platform serves as a collaborative space for insights on travel tips, hotel reviews and anecdotes, which brings a sense of community to her readers. 'I love helping fellow travellers discover new places and make their journeys smoother and more fulfilling,' she shares. Throughout her career, Essop has collaborated with many of the world's leading travel brands and has contributed to numerous prestigious local and international publications. 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 ✕ The recognition she receives motivates her to continue delving into new cultures, cuisines and landscapes. Yet, despite her significant achievements, such as being a well-respected figure in the travel writing community, she remains grounded and focused on her love for exploration. Her adventures have taken her to 50 countries but she emphasises that there is still much to discover. 'My bucket list keeps growing,' she says with a hint of excitement. Essop's insights into destinations like Istanbul - famous for its rich history and stunning architecture - and Venice, known for its picturesque canals, reveal her deep appreciation for diverse cultures and experiences. Yet, it's back home in Johannesburg where her heart lies, particularly due to its accessibility to some of the world's most renowned game reserves. 'I am a bush addict,' she admits, encouraging visitors to indulge in the magic of a safari, an experience she believes is utterly transformative. As she looks ahead to 2025, Essop is excited about upcoming projects, including collaborations with various companies and an enticing holiday giveaway on her blog. However, as she pursues these new endeavours, she emphasises the importance of passion in travel blogging. 'You have to be passionate about a topic before you start blogging about it,' she counsels aspiring writers, underscoring that success is built over time through quality work, engaging stories, and continual learning. In her downtime, Essop finds pleasure in the simple things, like enjoying freshly ground coffee to start her day or exploring new restaurants around Johannesburg. She also cherishes indulging in her favourite comfort food, chicken biryani, but embraces culinary adventures while travelling internationally.
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
'They helped themselves to my royalties', alleges Manqonqo
Eyadini hitmaker Manqonqo has broken his silence about the harsh realities he's faced with after allegedly being cheated by his former record label — a betrayal he says cost him millions and left him struggling to make ends meet. Born Mlungisi Buthelezi, the artist shot to fame in 2018 with the wildly popular single Eyadini, featuring Dason and Saviour Gee. The track became a nationwide anthem, becoming runner-up in SABC's Song of the Year. But behind the chart success, the Durban-born singer said he was sinking financially. In an interview on The Basement Podcast with Flymotion, Manqonqo revealed the extent of the alleged exploitation, saying his former label pocketed the royalties while he lived hand-to-mouth. 'The painful part was watching their lives change while mine remained stuck. I later found out they were helping themselves to my royalties. At the time, the only income I had was from gigs, while they were living large,' he said. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, the Folweni native opened up about the devastating effect the situation has had on his personal life. 'I've hit rock bottom. I'm living at my parents' house, trying to support my siblings the best I can. My family is helping me survive.' Despite the setback, Manqonqo is not giving up. He's using the hard lesson to prepare for a comeback. 'I haven't stopped recording or working on business plans. I'll be back. This time, proper procedures will be followed. I'm coming back stronger,' he promised. Fans are already rallying behind him, with many hoping to see Manqonqo reclaim his place in the South African music scene — this time, on his own terms.
The South African
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
PSL club signing THIRD midfielder from Orlando Pirates
Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm is set to follow the same path as Thabang Monare and Linda Mntambo. As reported on Thursday, Orlando Pirates announced that the 33-year-old midfielder Timm has left the Buccaneers. The Durban-born star lost his place to Makhehleni Makhaula and Thalente Mbatha and only made three appearances for the Sea Robbers this season. Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm trains at the Rand Stadium. Image: FootballSA Timm joined the Sea Robbers from Marumo Gallants in 2022. He has left with three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup trophies. According to iDiski Times' Lorenz Kohler, Timm is joining Sekhukhune United, the club where his former Orlando Pirates teammates Monare and Mntambo moved over the past two seasons. 'Sekhukhune United are set to sign midfielder Miguel Timm after his exit from Orlando Pirates,' the report said. 'iDiski Times understands a one-year deal with an option to extend has been agreed with Timm set to undergo his medical with the club on Friday,' Kohler added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Beloved Orlando Pirates midfielder to say goodbye
Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm has only made two appearances for the club this season. The exit was expected. According to SABC Sport reporter, Mazola Molefe, Timm's contract ends on June 30 and there are no plans for a renewal. 'SABC Sport can reveal that midfielder Miguel Timm will be a free agent at the end of the season with his Orlando Pirates exit imminent,' Molefe said. 'The public broadcaster has been informed Orlando Pirates will not be triggering the option to extend the player's contract beyond June 30, and as such, rendering him available to possible suitors in the coming weeks. 'Orlando Pirates were in a similar position with Timm around this time last season, but announced the popular figure in the dressing would be staying on for at least one more year after putting pen to paper,' the report added. The Durban-born star was a regular before the emergence of the exciting Thalente Mbatha from SuperSport United. The Sea Robbers have also welcomed back Goodman Mosele from a loan spell at Chippa United. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
