Latest news with #DurbanICC


The Citizen
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Shaka iLembe is about to get ‘pretty wild', says Lifetime Achievement Award-winning director Angus Gibson
Gibson received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Simon Mahunu Sabela Film and Television Awards in KZN. Gibson was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Simon Mahunu Sabela Film and Television Awards in KwaZulu-Natal. Picture : Supplied Shaka iLembe creator and director Angus Gibson said he was pleased with the reaction to the second season of Shaka iLembe and shared that the season will get heated in the coming weeks. 'The season has been very warm. It's got a slow start, but this Sunday it kind of erupts. From the next few weeks, it's pretty wild,' Gibson told The Citizen. The second of Shaka iLembe is six episodes deep, and last night's episode was probably the most captivating as the Ndwandwe's plans to weaken Shaka's alliances took shape as King Dingiswayo finds himself captured by the Ndwandwe tribe, thanks to the queen mother's powerful potions that manipulated Dingiswayo, who Thembinkosi Mthembu portrays. ALSO READ: From heartbreak to triumph: Amanda Seome's journey to starring in Shaka iLembe's Ndwandwe clan Angus' Lifetime Achievement Award Gibson spoke to The Citizen at the 12th Simon Mahunu Sabela Film and Television Awards hosted this past weekend at the Durban ICC in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. In his acceptance speech, the renowned director said that when he made films in the 1980s, no one in South Africa watched them. However, alongside the late Tebogo Mahlatsi, he created the high school-based drama Yizo Yizo in the late 1990s. 'And suddenly people were watching. It was such a relief. What was really important for me was that the people we represented saw themselves and recognised themselves, and I didn't care whether people loved it or hated it. I was just happy that it was communicating and that they are watching,' he shared. Through Bomb Productions, which Gibson co-founded with Mahlatsi and producer Desiree Markgraaff, they have created popular TV shows, including Isibaya, Zone 14, and Shaka iLembe. 'For the last 12 years, at least, I've been engaged in this part of the world [KZN] by way of Isibaya, by way of Shaka iLembe. So, it is you guys that I want approval from. This kind of affirmation makes me happy,' the director said. ALSO READ: Real Housewives of Durban wins at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN film and TV awards Gibson scouts new talent at Sabela's The Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and TV Awards celebrate talent from KZN and shine a spotlight on productions shot in the province. Gibson said one of the reasons he attends the Sabela awards is to spot new talent. 'I've been to these awards many times, and what always excites me is that it celebrates the beginners, the people that are hustling and making small things, and that's what interests me,' he said. 'I come here in search of new talent.' NOW READ: 'Umjolo' dominates Simon Mabhunu Sabela film and TV awards

IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Golden Fireballs finally ignite in Telkom Netball League triumph
The Golden Fireballs celebrate after being crowned 2025 TNL champions with their victory over the Crinums atv the Durban ICC on Sunday afternoon. Image: Netball South Africa Golden Fireballs coach Dr Elsje Jordaan was thrilled to finally get the monkey off their backs with a thrilling victory over the Free State Crinums in Sunday's Telkom Netball League final at the Durban ICC. The Gauteng side ensured the perfect end to a flawless season, having won every game en route to the grand finale, clinching a hard-fought 47-40 win over the defending champions. The result also offered redemption after falling at the semi-final stage in the past two seasons. 'We're very happy. We worked very hard for this, and to see how the players chipped in — and the management — it's a great reward after a season of really hard work. So we're really just grateful, thankful and proud,' Jordaan told Independent Media Sport after their titanic battle. Cornelia Mupenda of the Fireballs wins one of her countless aerial duels against the Crinums in Sunday's intense TNL final at the Durban ICC. Image: Netball South Africa The veteran former Proteas coach placed her trust in a solid core of players, rarely making changes until late in matches — and the likes of Proteas goal attack Owethu 'Sammy' Ngubane repaid that faith. 'I thought we did really well in the way we managed our squad. All 12 players contributed. We knew, when it came close to the end of the competition, we'd need experience, and we backed our experience,' Jordaan said. 'You could see the nervous start. Our attack is really young and the nerves got to them, but once they found their rhythm, they did really well.' Centre Refiloe Nketsa dictated matters for the Crinums from midcourt, her pinpoint feeds troubling the Fireballs in the first quarter. Ngubane initially struggled to impose herself but gradually grew into the game. Coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm's Crinums raised their defensive intensity, pulling five goals clear (11-6) with three minutes to go in the opening quarter. But the Fireballs clawed their way back with a super shot from Ngubane and clinical finishing by goal shooter Nonsikelelo Mazibuko, trailing 13-11 at the break. The Gauteng side tightened up their defence in a seesaw second quarter where neither team gave an inch. Nketsa was sin-binned for excessive contact on goal defence Cornelia Mupenda just before half-time, with the scores level at 23-23. It remained difficult to separate the sides, with the crowd's energy matching the ferocity on court. The Fireballs capitalised on their numerical advantage and quick transitions to edge ahead 27-24. Though the Crinums remained in touch, trailing 34-30, the momentum had shifted. The decisive final 15 minutes saw both teams empty the tank. The Fireballs led by seven goals with under 10 minutes to play and held firm. Another Crinums player was sent off late on, effectively ending their hopes. Fireballs wing defence Tarle Mathe was named Player of the Match for her sterling all-round contribution, and also walked away with the Division 1 tournament MVP award. Coach Mosoahle-Samm conceded that the two player dismissals at crucial moments had affected her side but was gracious in defeat. 'We missed a couple of opportunities that we should have taken. But it's a final — a very high-pressure game — and I'm so proud of the troops when you look at where we're coming from and where we are now. It's three consecutive finals; no team does that easily,' she said. 'Two sendings-off in a high-pressure game like this — that was a bit unfortunate. But it is what it is. We have to take the loss, so congratulations to the Fireballs.' Meanwhile, the KZN Kingdom Stars secured their return to Division 1 with a commanding 60-42 demolition of the Limpopo Baobabs in Sunday's earlier play-off — spurred on by the passionate singing and dancing of jubilant home fans who created a fantastic atmosphere at the iconic venue.

IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Local favourites Kingdom Stars blow Tornadoes away in tense TNL Division 2 final
KZN Kingdom Stars wing attack Tshina Mdau soars high to collect the ball in the Division 2 final against the Tornadoes at the Durban ICC on Saturday night. Home team the KZN Kingdom Stars boosted their hopes of a return to the top table when they beat the Western Cape Tornadoes in Saturday evening's Telkom Netball League Division 2 final at the Durban ICC. They will face the Baobabs, who finished bottom of Division 1, in Sunday's relegation play-off for a place in Division 1 next season. There was little to choose from between the rivals in a low-scoring first quarter that ended 8-7 to the Tornadoes. Both teams were guilty of missing easy shooting chances as they matched each other for defensive intensity in the high-stakes clash. The error count was also high from both sides, and that continued into the second quarter. The match was turning into a battle of attrition, withy neither side able to grab a stranglehold on proceedings. Even the vibrant, chanting home crowd struggled to lift the game from its stupor as it became increasingly physical. The Tornadoes' 50% shooting percentage was particularly alarming, with goal shooter Rehana Noah and goal attack Kelly Ann Gouws misfiring. The Stars' goal shooter, Aphiwe Thusini started to find her range as they pulled four goals clear (17-13) with more than three minutes to go in the quarter.


The Citizen
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Real Housewives of Durban wins at KZN film and TV awards
Doig was not in attendance on the night, and the awards were accepted by the series director of Real Housewives of Durban. The popular reality TV show 'Real Housewives of Durban' won two awards on Saturday night at the Simon Mahube Sabela KZN Film and TV Awards. The show won the Best TV Production and Best Use of Cinematography awards, with the latter going to Lee Thomas Doig for his work on the fourth season. Doig was not in attendance on the night, and the awards were accepted by the series director of Real Housewives of Durban, Boitumelo Modise. 'Thank you for loving the show so much, showing so much support…for watching it, every episode that comes out,' said Modise, thanking the province. The wins are for the fourth season of the reality TV show. The 12th edition of the awards was held at the Durban ICC on Saturday evening. Celebration of KZN talent The night started off with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a performance by Phuzekhemisi and the Clermont Choir. The awards are named after legendary South African actor and filmmaker, Simon Mabhunu Sabela. Sabela is South Africa's first black film director. He directed films like Ikati Elimnyama, a renowned South African comedy film, and Ngaka, which starred Somizi Mhlongo's father, Ndaba Mhlongo. 'We'd like to thank the Simon Sabela Awards for this beautiful award, but also for celebrating KZN talent,' said Modise. 'There is so much talent in this province and I'm so glad there's a platform that celebrates it and uplifts it and gives us more opportunities to make more work,' said Modise. 'On behalf of the cast and the crew and of course the gorgeous ladies that opened up their lives and showed us intimate, vulnerable moments of their lives,' concluded the series director. ALSO READ: 'I won't be shaken': Londie London, on THAT Minnie Ntuli incident on Real Housewives of Durban Jojo's heartfelt letter Earlier this week, Jojo Robinson broke her silence after an emotional fallout with fellow cast member and former bestie Nonku Williams. Jojo posted a heartfelt tribute and farewell note on Instagram that's got fans talking. In what's being called the most emotionally charged season yet, The Real Housewives of Durban has delivered on drama, but for fans of the 'Joku' friendship between Jojo Robinson and Nonku Williams, the final episodes were more heartbreaking than entertaining. 'The way I've avoided this post…,' Jojo began. 'But it's gotten to the point where I just want to address it.' NOW READ: 'I'm sorry we let you down': RHOD's Jojo Robinson pens emotional letter to ex bestie Nonku Williams

IOL News
14-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Dr Elsie praises Golden Fireballs defenders after perfect run continues in Telkom Netball League
The Golden Fireballs build up an attack against the Aloes at the Durban ICC on Monday. Telkom Netball League Division 1 leaders the Golden Fireballs kept up their prefect start to the competition when Power Week 3 tipped off at the Durban ICC on Monday. The Gauteng team coached by Dr Elsje Jordaan, assisted by Proteas legend Bongi Msomi, thumped the Eastern Cape Aloes 64-40. The teams were neck and neck early in the first quarter as they traded goals with the score tied at 13-all. But the Fireballs pulled away in the second quarter and led 28-22 at half-time. Sharp shooter Star goal shooter Owethu "Sammy" Ngubane was at the heart of all that was good about the Gauteng team's play, with a number of intercepts in midcourt disrupting the Aloes' play. She was also clinical with her shooting in the goal circle with goal shooter Nomfundo Mngomezulu struggling to find her rhythm. She would later leave the court after picking up an injury. It was no surprise that Ngubane was later named Player of the Match. Seven unanswered points at the beginning of the third quarter by the Fireballs seemed to suck the life out of the visibly tiring Aloes. The match seemed over as a contest with a full quarter to go and the score 52-34. The fireballs rang the changes in the final quarter as they cruised to the 64-40 win in their opening match of the third round. "We're quite happy with the result. Our first pool game wasn't that great. I didn't think we were as clinical in attack as we should have been, and we should have made sure to convert more of our turnover ball," coach Jordaan told Independent Media after the match. "I thought there was really a great defensive effort by our defenders."