Latest news with #RandShow
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Didi Bizzarro to re-enact grandfather's iconic stunt at Gas Motorshow 2025
This June, international stuntman Didi Bizzarro will bring a historic car stunt back to South Africa, marking 50 years since his grandfather first performed it at the Rand Show in 1975. The stunt will be a highlight of the Gas Motorshow 2025, taking place in Durban over Father's Day weekend, June 14 to 15. Bizzarro, known for his work in films such as Fast X, John Wick and Red Notice, described the event as a personal milestone. 'To honour my grandfather by bringing this stunt back to South Africa — precisely 50 years later — is something I'll never forget. There's history behind it, but also a challenge: to do it justice with today's precision and showmanship. I want it to be a real Father's Day experience, not just for my family, but for everyone watching.' The motorshow will also feature freestyle motocross displays from riders including Jacques Roema and Monster Energy's Dallen Goldman. Attendees can view a variety of vehicles, ranging from JDM models and classic customs to stanced builds and drag racers. The Sound Off competition will return with internationally ranked judges, and several prominent figures from South Africa's car community will be present. Event hours are 9am to midnight on Saturday and 9am to 11pm on Sunday. Tickets cost between R300 and R1,500, with free entry for children under ten and discounted rates for pensioners. Tickets are available at Webtickets and Pick n Pay outlets nationwide.
IOL News
7 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Gas Motorshow 2025 roars into Durban with record-breaking stunts and Father's Day festivities
Durban is set to explode into action this Father's Day weekend as Gas Motorshow 2025 returns to Suncoast with its most thrilling line-up yet. Taking place from 14 to 15 June, the show promises high-octane entertainment for the whole family, showcasing an electrifying mix of motorsport stunts, freestyle motocross, live music, and custom vehicles. One of the most talked-about features of this year's event will be a continent-first stunt by international stunt driver Didi Bizzarro — a third-generation stuntman and Hollywood veteran. In a display never before seen in Africa, Didi will perform a series of individual stunts involving a car, a bike, and a truck. He is the only stuntman in the world capable of executing all three types of vehicular stunts at a single event. Didi will also drive a BMW 325i through a firewall in tribute to a moment in history: a stunt last performed in South Africa by his grandfather 50 years ago at the 1975 Rand Show.
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Go loco with RSME
The Rand Society of Model Engineers (RSME) have enthralled thousands of children with their wide variety of built-to-scale model trains at Len Rutter Park since 1986. RSME initially opened in 1934 in Observatory, moving to Milner Park in the early 40's, and eventually found its way to the old Rand Show grounds, today the Nasrec Expo Centre, before finally settling at Len Rutter Park in 1985. According to RSME chairperson Gary Paige, the track was officially opened in 1986 and has since then seen countless fun-filled and carefree days of operation. The close-knit group of train enthusiasts run their trains faithfully every Sunday, offering children the opportunity to take a thrilling ride on their 800-metre track, which even sports a tunnel. Also read: RSME trains making little ones happy again The 'train station' even sports a name – Woodside Station – after founding member Les Wood. The iconic full-size locomotive that adorns the entrance to the RSME premises has been there since June 2014, having been brought in from the old train museum in Randfontein. The model trains run every Sunday, often having special events for Easter, Mother's Day and the like. They also offer packages for private events, like children's parties. 'Every train here has a special history,' says Gary. 'Our members, both present and past, spend countless hours building the trains, often having to have parts specially manufactured or imported. 'And it's all worth it when you see the wonder and excitement on the faces of the kids that visit on Sundays.' Maintenance worker, train driver, and station manager Daniel Makoloke, who has been working at RSME for 36 years and has helped build most of the track, says he has the best job in the world. 'I get to enjoy this every weekend. It keeps me young.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Citizen
Phalaborwa designer builds fashion house
LIMPOPO – Phalaborwa-based clothing designer Dontry Baloyi is steadily making a name for himself in the South African fashion industry. Through hard work and determination, he has grown his clothing brand, Dontrissb, from modest beginnings into a thriving business. Recently, Baloyi launched a sewing skills school aimed at helping aspiring designers learn the craft of garment-making. The school offers both day and evening classes, running in two six-month semesters from January to June and July to December, accommodating those with full-time jobs. Baloyi was also one of 10 entrepreneurs from the Mopani District Municipality selected to showcase their brands at the prestigious Rand Show in Johannesburg over the Easter weekend. His fashion line specialises in traditional attire for men and women, elegant matric dance outfits, evening wear, custom swimwear, and winter jackets. Dontrissb also operates an online store that not only features his own clothing but serves as a platform for other small businesses to sell products ranging from food to perfume. 'In 2025, vendors will be able to sell their products on our platform free of charge,' said Baloyi. 'However, starting next year, a small commission will be required.' Baloyi's journey began under difficult circumstances. He lost his mother at the age of 12 and was raised by his grandmother, Anna Baloyi, a domestic worker who struggled to make ends meet. It was during this time that he began sewing his own clothes using her sewing machine. At the age of 16, he enrolled at Rixile Education Centre in Lulekani, where he formally learned sewing and pattern-making. 'People would stop me in the street to ask who made my clothes,' he recalls. 'When they found out it was me, they asked me to make outfits for them. That's how I started earning money and putting food on the table.' Baloyi credits his success to the support of many people in his life, especially his grandmother, his partner Sarah Baloyi, who stands by him during sleepless nights, and Jeffrey Shikhati, a father figure. He also thanked his family, the people of Phalaborwa, and the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality for providing platforms to showcase his work. Looking ahead, one of Baloyi's dreams is to open a walk-in store, making his designs more accessible to the public. He is also seeking sponsorship to expand his sewing school, which currently only accommodates three students per class due to limited space. To support or learn more about Dontrissb, follow the brand on social media, visit or contact 065 946 4859, or 015 023 0898. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
28-04-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Moloi sees the world from a different perspective
MEYERTON – Constable Tlaleng Moloi (31) from Meyerton SAPS has made strides in her policing career, becoming the first female Drone Pilot in Sedibeng District. As a Drone Pilot in the SAPS, Moloi is responsible for operating unmanned aerial vehicles to support critical law enforcement operations. Moloi previously worked in various departments within the SAPS, showcasing her passion for being an agent of change and her commitment to serving the community. Speaking to Ster North, Moloi states that in her capacity as communication officer for Meyerton SAPS, she encountered the SAPS Airwing Unit and adds that this sparked a passion for aviation within her. 'With the advent of drone technology in policing, I seized the opportunity to undergo a rigorous selection and training process, ultimately earning my qualification as a certified Drone Pilot. 'Today, I stand proudly as the first and currently the only female Drone Pilot in the Sedibeng District SAPS. I actively conduct advanced drone operations across the Gauteng Province, merging innovation with enforcement in service of a safer South Africa.' Moloi believes that becoming a drone pilot has been both transformational and enriching. 'I discovered that policing extends far beyond conventional duties, it encompasses innovative and technologically driven avenues that enhance our capacity to combat crime more effectively. Motivated by a deep commitment to community safety and a desire to broaden my impact, I have embraced the evolving domain of drone operations.' Moloi says she takes pride in serving as a qualified drone pilot and a trailblazer, opening doors for other women to venture into spaces once deemed inaccessible. Moloi was part of a team of drone operators assigned to the Rand Show in Nasrec, where she and her colleagues showcased various aspects and what it entails to be a drone pilot. Representing the SAPS at the Rand Show was a significant milestone in my professional journey. 'This opportunity arose from my active involvement in specialised units and my recent qualification as a drone pilot, which garnered recognition within the organisation. 'As someone deeply committed to community engagement and technological advancement, I was nominated to join the exhibition team. Our objective was not only to showcase the role of drones in modern policing but also to foster public trust and inspire the next generation, particularly women and youth, to see themselves as part of a forward-thinking, inclusive police force.' Moloi reiterates that the experience was both empowering and memorable, as she was proud to represent SAPS and the many women reshaping the future of policing in South Africa. 'At the Rand Easter Show, our exhibition served as an engaging and educational platform, aimed at fostering public awareness, promoting safety, and highlighting the evolving role of technology in policing. The stall offered a unique opportunity to connect directly with the community, bridging the gap between law enforcement and the public.' Moloi led demonstrations and discussions on the application of drone technology in modern policing, illustrating its critical role in surveillance, crowd control, search and rescue operations, and crime scene analysis. 'On a personal level, stepping into a traditionally male-dominated field has been deeply empowering. It has allowed me to break barriers. I envision advancing within the South African Police Service by assuming leadership roles that enable me to drive innovation and strategic impact.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
