Latest news with #SuncoastCasino
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Salt Rock actress Lexi Venter shines in big-screen debut
From the moment Salt Rock actress Lexi Venter emerges from candlelight in the opening shot of Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight, it is clear her face is one to remember. The talented nine-year-old leads the film adaptation of Alexandra Fuller's memoir of the same name, which had its South African premiere at the Durban International Film Festival at Suncoast Casino last Saturday. Remarkably, the film marks the big screen debut for Lexi and the directorial debut for Embeth Davidtz, who also wrote and starred in the film. Told through the eyes of young 'Bobo' (Lexi), the film explores the turmoil as Zimbabwe transitioned from colonial rule to independence in 1980. Bobo is the youngest surviving child of a white farming family unwilling to accept the change, with her father Tim (Rob van Vuuren), an army reservist, and mother Nicola (Davidtz), an alcoholic, each spiralling in their own way. Bobo's older sister, Vanessa (Anina Reed), also has local ties. Although Anina hails from Cape Town, her Ballito-based grandmother, Margie Reed, proudly attended the premiere on Saturday to support her granddaughter's big-screen debut. Despite the hardened, occasionally hateful outlook of her parents and their community, Bobo looks at the world with open-heartedness and youthful empathy. Lexi plays the role with sensitivity and grace, anchoring a film that otherwise may otherwise have been a difficult sit. 'It became clear to me, in the ugliness of what I had to show, that I had to show it through a beautiful lens,' said Davidtz at the premiere. 'So, I had to find the most special child with a sunny disposition and a cinematic face.' That child was Lexi, cast through an open audition in 2023 when she was just seven. Though new to film, she had stage experience in ballet and took to the role naturally during filming near Johannesburg. 'What surprised me is how many people are involved to make a movie and how many times we had to retake the same scene!' said Lexi. 'It was very easy because Embeth was there to help me and everyone was so kind. It was just lovely being on set.' Lexi's entire family played a part. Her mother Vanessa helped supervise, her fether Riaan filmed a few shots, her brother Logan acted and did stunt-double work and even her dog Shadow appeared on screen as Bubbles. Filming was not without its challenges and Lexi remembers a few scenes being particularly difficult. 'There was one was when I was on a horse and the dog was barking and Nicola was screaming and shouting and the horse was turning and twisting and it was so hard to do and I had to remember my lines. It was just crazy!' she said. 'Most of it came naturally, but the sad scenes were pretty difficult for me. I thought of my rat dying because she passed away.' Lexi's performance has received widespread praise and she is already auditioning for other projects. Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight will screen again at The Pavilion on Sunday, July 27, with limited seats available. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Sam Sam not competing at Red Bull Shay' iMoto 2025
Red Bull spinning athlete, Samkeliso "Sam Sam" Thubane, is taking on a new role at Red Bull Shay' iMoto 2025 Sam Sam performs at the Red Bull Shay'iMoto at Wheelz 'n Smoke, Johannesburg, South Africa, on 3 September 2022. Picture: Mpumelelo Macu, Red Bull Content Pool The top 16 drivers for Red Bull Shay' iMoto 2025 have been announced, and this year the biggest shock is Samkeliso 'Sam Sam' Thubane's absence from the list. Fans should not fear, though, because Sam Sam makes his return as a judge at this year's event. Sam Sam poses for a portrait after winning Red Bull Shay' iMoto in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 11 September 2021. Picture: Mpumelelo Macu / Red Bull As has become known of this event, it isn't just about who can produce the thickest smoke or the longest slide. The judging criteria —vehicle control, style, showmanship, and crowd impact —reflect spinning's evolution from a street pastime to a performance art. The Durban crowd will witness battles that extend beyond the track. Old rivalries will reignite under the coastal sun, while new ones are born in the heat of competition. Chadwin 'Boksie' Hadje performs at the Red Bull Shay'moto in Cape Town, South Africa, on 16 March 2024.. Boksie became the first Capetonian to win the event, which was hosted on Century City Boulevard. Picture: Mpumelelo Macu – Red Bull Content Pool Indeed, the move to Durban represents more than a change of venue; it's a homecoming for a sport that has always belonged to the people. The Suncoast Casino location brings together the urban energy of spinning with the laid-back coastal vibe that defines Durban. Expect the unexpected: tyre smoke mixing with sea breeze, the roar of engines competing with crashing waves, and a crowd that understands both the technical precision and emotional weight of every performance. Tickets for Red Bull Shay' iMoto 2025 are available via Computicket for what promises to be a defining moment in South African motorsport. Crowd seen waving Boksie's shirt at Red Bull Shay' iMoto at Canal Walk, Cape Town, South Africa on 16 March 2024. Picture: Tyrone Bradley / Red Bull Content Pool Come for the competition. Stay for the community. Leave with stories that will last a lifetime. List of top 16 drivers at Red Bull Shay' iMoto 2025 Boksie Jabu Magesh Junior Makgasa Fire Robin Fortuin Sadz – Flyboxin Skopas / Bad Company Team 2xspicy JZ Team Kayla Team Nevs Team Osizweni Team VQ25 Vaaitjie Ziko Lockdiff ALSO SEE: From Mbombela to Salzburg: Sam Sam Spinning at Hangar-7 reopening (VIDEO)
IOL News
25-06-2025
- IOL News
Casino predator: woman (74) charged with drugging and robbing elderly victims
Hannah Naidoo Image: Yoshini Perumal A 74-year-old woman has been re-arrested for allegedly drugging and robbing another vulnerable, elderly woman at Suncoast Casino. It has been alleged that the suspect preyed on the victims in the casino by striking up a conversation and befriending them. Hannah Naidoo, of Westville, was first arrested in October 2024 after she allegedly assaulted, drugged, and robbed a 92-year-old grandmother of R337 000 worth of jewellery and watches from her flat, in March of the same year. According to the charge sheet Naidoo befriended the woman about a month before the crime at the casino, and their friendship grew. The woman lived alone. On March 22, 2024, Naidoo and an accomplice - who is unknown to the State - had visited the woman in the late afternoon at her flat in the Durban Central Business District. It has been alleged that they took cake and a milkshake for the woman. The milkshake was allegedly spiked with a sedative known as benzodiazepines. Naidoo allegedly encouraged the woman to consume the milkshake, which rendered her unconscious. The woman was then allegedly assaulted and robbed. Her son and grandson found her unconscious on her bed, two days after the robbery. She was taken to hospital and regained consciousness four days later in ICU. None of the stolen items were recovered. Following police investigations, Naidoo was arrested and charged with robbery with aggravated circumstances and attempted murder. At the time, Naidoo was granted bail of R5 000. She is expected to stand trial later this year. Last Thursday, Naidoo was re-arrested on charges of attempted murder and theft. She appeared in the Durban Regional Court on Friday. It has been alleged she drugged and robbed another woman at Suncoast Casino in May this year. State prosecutor Calvin Govender told the court that on May 1, at Suncoast Casino, Naidoo was alleged to have put an unknown substance into the 66-year-old woman's coffee in an attempt to sedate her. He said this resulted in her getting medical complications and she was admitted to hospital. The woman was allegedly robbed of R20 000 in cash. Naidoo's attorney Advocate Ashwin Baijnath urged the court to hear the matter again at the earliest possible date instead of the seven day adjournment for a bail application. He said Naidoo had cancer and needed to undergo chemotherapy on Monday (June 23). Govender said the State would accommodate Naidoo, and ensure that she has access to her treatment, but she should remain in custody until her bail application. However, by Monday, Baijnath had not provided the court proof of Naidoo having stage 4 cancer, details of her chemotherapy sessions or details of the facility she needed to be taken to or her oncologist's contact details. She was remanded into custody at Westville Prison while she awaits her formal bail application. Govender said the State was opposed to bail, and that two more charges, with complainants from Umhlali and Sydenham, are to be added to Naidoo's existing charges. Suncoast Casino did not respond to questions at the time of print. THE POST
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Durban to host its first Shay iMoto spinning festival
Motorsport fans in Durban will be pleased to know that Red Bull is bringing their prestigious Shay' iMoto spinning event to the city in August at the Suncoast Casino. Petrolheads, car enthusiasts and hardcore spin fans will have the opportunity to witness the country's best spinning artists painting their masterpieces on thde Durban tarmac. From King Katra and Sam Sam to Panjaro Kruger and reigning champion Chadwin 'Boksie' Hadjie, the city will play host to spinning royalty this winter. The cooler conditions in August, combined with Durban's coastal location, are set to enhance vehicle performance. Most spinning cars used in the scene today are naturally aspirated, and these engines benefit significantly from the oxygen-rich atmosphere at sea level, as more oxygen improves combustion efficiency — giving performance cars more 'juice'.
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
WATCH: It's confirmed! Red Bull Shay' iMoto 2025 is coming to Durban
The 2025 edition of Red Bull Shay' iMoto promises a new twist, with the competition happening in Durban for the first time. South Africa's premium spinning competition, Red Bull Shay' iMoto, makes a return in 2025. South Africa's home-grown motorsport phenomenon makes its Durban debut at the Suncoast Casino on 10 August 2025. What to expect at Red Bull Shay' iMoto 2025 Fans can expect raw energy, tyre smoke, and adrenaline-fuelled showmanship. Red Bull Shay' iMoto brings the art of spinning into the spotlight. This is helping to transform a grassroots cultural movement into a competitive platform. It also creates an international platform for the drivers to showcase their skill, creativity, and swagger. Chadwin 'Boksie' Hadjie wins Red Bull Shay' iMoto at Canal Walk, Cape Town, South Africa on 16 March 2024. Picture: Red Bull Content Pool The event fuses high-octane motor action with the pulse of urban street culture, in a safe and controlled manner. On Sunday, August 10, ticket holders will gather to witness the crowning of the Red Bull Shay' iMoto 2025 champion. Judged by a panel of well-known motorsport personalities, alongside the crowd's votes, the format ensures both precision and performance are rewarded. The 2024 event saw Cape Town's Chadwin 'Boksie' Hadjie take the title from two-time defending champion Samkeliso 'Sam Sam' Thubane in Cape Town. Watch Red Bull Shay 'iMoto 2024 highlights here: With Durban now hosting for the first time, 2025 promises a new twist on the course layout, even higher stakes, and a fresh wave of talent. Entries opened on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, for those who believe they have what it takes to claim the crown. Aspiring competitors are encouraged to enter the competition via the Red Bull website. You must be over 18 years old and in possession of a valid South African driver's license to enter. ALSO WATCH: Magician David Blaine hangs off a spinning car in Brakpan
