Author: Olivia Jones

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Legendary surfers set to attend the Golden Jubilee edition of The Ballito Pro

Surfers at the Ballito Pro in Durban

Legendary surfers set to attend the Golden Jubilee edition of The Ballito Pro

Surfers aim for Ballito: This year marks the 50th edition of the elite surfing contest, The Ballito Pro, presented by Billabong, and KwaDukuza is gearing up for a programme of non-stop entertainment to celebrate this milestone event. Themed #LiveTheLegacy, the world’s longest running professional surfing competition will commemorate this historic occasion with fun beachside activities, festive cooking contests, quality retail offerings and some special proceedings to honour the event’s roots.

“The 2018 edition of The Ballito Pro is definitely centred on celebration and we want to use this platform to really thank everyone who has contributed to ‘Living the Legacy’,” said Collette Bundy, event organiser. “In addition to being the 50th edition, 2018 marks a decade of hosting the event in KwaDukuza, a space that has allowed The Ballito Pro to grow alongside the region, offering holidaymakers and locals an incredible two weeks of coastal entertainment. We are, once again, looking forward to welcoming the globe to a really stunning piece of South Africa.”

Positive Wave Tour

World Surfing Champion and six-time winner of The Ballito Pro (formerly Durban 500, Gunston 500 and Mr Price Pro) Shaun Tomson is embarking on his #positivewavetour to promote surfing and an environmental ethos. Tomson will be talking to pupils at 10 KwaDukuza schools about his book, The Code, as well as participating in several activations throughout The Ballito Pro including daily signings, prizegivings, a ‘Retro Expression Session’ and screening of his film ‘Bustin Down the Door’.

On Wednesday, 27 June, Tomson will be the guest speaker at his fundraising event, A Night with Shaun Tomson, taking place at Coco De Mer. The proceeds from the tickets sold will go towards Development Surf with the entire #positivewavetour culminating on Wednesay, 18 Julywith a Madiba Day 67-minute charity initiative. In keeping with the milestone celebrations, 2018 will be the Centenary Celebrations of Madiba, making this a particularly poignant activation.

Charity Drives

This charitable movement will also flow into The Ballito Pro’s #savethewaves drive centred on environmental education and maritime conservation. This effective campaign aims to highlight the detrimental impact of plastic and microplastic on marine life through dedicated awareness programmes and competitions.

The Ballito Pro will also host the Ilembe Surf Riders Development Programme, a newly-established initiative aimed at developing new surf talent, particularly within the Dolphin Coast’s rural areas.

Retro Jubilee Food & Wine presented by Ballito Junction

The #LiveTheLegacy celebrations continue at on Monday, 25 and Tuesday, 26 June from 4pm to 11pm with the Ballito Pro Retro Jubilee Food & Wine presented by Ballito Junction Regional Mall. This two-night culinary extravaganza invites guests to walk through 50 years of surfing development in an old-school carnival-style event complete with food, fashion and fun.

Geraldine Jorgensen, CEO of Ballito Junction said: “We are delighted to be associated with the world’s longest running professional surfing event, particularly as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, and its tenth year in Ballito.”

Cooking Competitions

On Monday, 25 June, budding young chefs, aged 10 to 16 years, will get the chance to compete in two-person teams for the culinary crown. Each team must create a captivating team name and will be required to dress according to the particular decade selected for them while crafting an impressive feast. The evening will also feature a fun Celebrity Cook-off with a well-known Ballito local teaming up with one surfing legend to compete against another suitably feisty team.

On Tuesday, 26 June, adults will get the chance to prove their kitchen prowess in a timed cook-off. Contestants will be paired with local chefs and restaurateurs to cook a classic dish relevant to a specific decade.

Fashion

Themed ‘Fashion Through the Eras’, this year’s fashion show will run on Monday, 25 and Tuesday, 26 June, giving local designers the platform to showcase their incredible garments which will be an interpretation of a chosen era. Winners of this fashionable contest can look forward to some awesome prizes.

Entertainment

The Ballito Pro will play host to the vibrant Miss Ballito contest with visitors given the chance to meet and greet the beachside beauties. Local musicians and leading dance companies will also ensure there is top-class entertainment throughout this retro event.

Food and Drink

The Retro Cocktail Lounge and Bar will take guests on a nostalgic journey of classic cocktails across the decades with a happy hour highlight. Expect some delightful mixes such as Manhattans, Martini’s, Rob Roy’s, Harvey Wallbangers, and many more.

Food options will be in abundance as local restaurants and pop-up stalls offer an expansive feast that touch on the decadence of each decade.

Daily Beachside Activities

KwaDukuza’s Willard Beach will play host to non-stop daily entertainment and fun activities for festival-goers. Local artists will set the mood on the artists’ stage with visitors invited to browse the various stalls retailing food, clothes and crafts.

From 29 June to 1 July, there will be some extreme sports’ action at the Monster Skate Jam with the renowned daredevil stuntmen, Bruce and Brent Le Riche, showcasing some unmissable biking skills.

The Coke-a-Cola Football Arena will play host to daily beach recreational activities and a variety of engaging children’s games. Spectators can also enjoy daily beach soccer games in a friendly contest between regional high schools.

Music and Parties

– Ballito Pro Free Music Concerts Powered by 5FM

The best in South African musical entertainment will take over Salt Rock Beach on Thursday, 28 and Friday, 29 June. Musical genres will include rock, hip hop, jazz, kwaito, electro, dance and more…all at no cost! Get ready for this high-profile line which includes:

Thursday, 28 June

OKMalumkoolkat

Black Motion

5FM DJ’s

Ms Cosmo

DJ Loyd

Ryan the DJ

Friday, 29 June

Sketchy Bongo

TiMO ODV

Prime Circle

December Streets

5FM DJ’s

Msizi James

Nick Hamman

Rob Forbes

– After Dark Parties

Crush Nightclub will once again play host to some of the best DJ’s and surfers set to get festival-goers rocking into the night from Monday, 25 to Saturday, 30 June. The party list includes:

  • Pro pre-party: Royal Love and Friends
  • Living the Legacy: Featuring Tommy D
  • Swell Sundays: Battle of the DJs
  • Battle of the DJs Finals
  • Swimwear Show hosted by Big Night Out
  • Student Night: Featuring Chunda Munki
  • Durban Takeover: Featuring Veranda Panda
  • Ride the Tide: Featuring TiMO ODV
  • Swell Sundays: Ballito Pro Closing Party

Don’t miss out on any of this #LiveTheLegacy fun as The Ballito Pro, presented by Billabong, celebrates its milestone 50th edition at KwaDukuza.

For more information, visit:

Website: www.theballitopro.com

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/theballitopro/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheBallitoPro

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheBallitoPro

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theballitopro

Snapchat: Username – TheBallitoPro

The Ballito Pro pres. by Billabong is proudly supported by the KwaDukuza Municipality, Billabong, Capitec, Casio G-Shoc, 5FM, Monster Energy, Zigzag Surfing Magazine, World Surf League (WSL), Surfing South Africa (SSA), SMG Rocks, Coco De Mer and Fiamma.

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Scholtz sardine run talk at Crocworld on 12 August

Scholtz Sardine Run Talk at Crocworld
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Scholtz sardine run talk at Crocworld on 12 August

Local scuba diving operator Pieter Scholtz from Crystal Divers will deliver a talk titled the “greatest Shoal on Earth” focusing on this year’s sardine run at Crocworld Conservation Centre on Saturday 12 August.

“The talk will be a highlight of this year’s program and is regarding a topic which affects all of the locals living along the coast in one way or another. It is going to be fantastic to get insight into the journey of these little silver fish,” commented Crocworld Conservation Centre spokesperson Martin Rodrigues.

The sardine run of southern Africa occurs from May through July when millions of sardines – or more specifically the Southern African pilchard Sardinops sagax – spawn in the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank and move northward along the east coast of South Africa. Their sheer numbers create a feeding frenzy along the coastline. The run, containing millions of individual sardines, occurs when a current of cold water heads north from the Agulhas Bank up to Mozambique where it then leaves the coastline and goes further east into the Indian Ocean.

Scholtz’s talk will end with a multi-media presentation showcasing some of the highlights of the recent Sardine Run.

Tickets for the talk will cost R75 per adult and R35 for pensioners. Registration and welcoming will begin from 8:30am and the talk will commence at 9:00am. Tickets will entitle guests to complimentary teas and coffees, as well as access to the Crocworld Conservation Centre’s vast grounds and Izinyoni Indigenous Nursery. Lunch can be purchased from the onsite Le Rendez-Vous restaurant.

To avoid disappointment, tickets for the talk must be reserved in advance. For bookings, contact Crocworld Conservation Centre on 039 976 1103 or email crocworld. Account Details: Crocworld (Crookes Brothers Limited) Banking Details: FNB, Branch: Scottburgh, Branch Code: 220227, Account Number: 53640119111. Please e-mail proof of payment to crocworld

(Image: Supplied by Pieter Scholtz)

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Issued on behalf of:

Martin Rodrigues

General Manager: Crocworld Conservation Centre

Disseminated by:

Olivia Jones Communications

For more information please contact:

Olivia Jones Communications

Cell: 083 653 1720

Email: media
 Scholtz Sardine Run Talk at Crocworld

 

 

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Wetlands in KZN Talk to be held at Crocworld Conservation Centre on 8 July

Wetlands in KZN Talk to be held at Crocworld Conservation Centre on 8 July

“Fresh news in from OJ concerning the fragile and important wetland systems endowed to us…”

Popular guest speaker and renowned horticulturalist Geoff Nichols will be presenting a talk at Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh (Kwa Zulu-Natal South Coast) on 8 July. Nichols will focus his talk on Wetlands in KZN.

“My talk will be a ramble through the wetlands both wild and illusionary (human constructed) in my travels for work and pleasure. I will touch on why we have to conserve and manage our sponges in this country. It is not a technical talk, but rather a fun visit to places that when walking through them, you get your feet wet,” commented Nichols.

Nichols has diplomas in agriculture, horticulture, and parks and recreation administration, all of which came in useful during the 21 years he spent working for the Durban Parks Department. He specialises particularly in indigenous gardening, and pioneered the cultivation of indigenous medicinal plants at the Silverglen Medicinal Plant Nursery. In 1996, Nichols set up his own horticultural consultancy, and has published several books on a variety of topics, including plant propagation, medicinal plants, and wild gardening.

“Mr Nichols is an amazing guest speaker and is incredibly knowledgeable. This talk will be a fascinating one – that’s for sure,” commented Martin Rodrigues, General Manager: Crocworld Conservation Centre.

Tickets for the talk will cost R75 per adult and R35 for pensioners. Registration and welcoming will begin from 8:30am and the talk will commence at 9:00am. Tickets will entitle guests to complimentary teas and coffees, as well as access to the Crocworld Conservation Centre’s vast grounds, Izinyoni Indigenous Nursery and the Le- Rendez- Vous restaurant.

 

To avoid disappointment, tickets for the talk must be reserved in advance. For bookings, contact Crocworld Conservation Centre on 039 976 1103 or 083 654 9651 or emailcrocworld@cbl.co.za. Account Details: Crocworld (Crookes Brothers Limited) Banking Details: FNB, Branch: Scottburgh, Branch Code: 220227, Account Number: 53640119111. Please fax the proof of payment to 039 978 3279.

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“Evaluating Marine Protected Areas” talk at Crocworld Conservation Centre

Evaluating Marine Protected Areas
PRESS RELEASE

Date: 06 March 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Evaluating Marine Protected Areas” talk at Crocworld Conservation Centre

“Evaluating the effectiveness of the Pondoland Marine Protected Area”, is the focus of the monthly lecture series at Crocworld Conservation Centre. The theme for the 2017 lecture series will focus on Species Conservation.

The March talk will be presented by Dr. Bruce Mann, a Senior Scientist in the Oceanographic Research Institute of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR). Mann will speak on the Pondoland Marine Protected Area and he will also highlight the importance of Marine Protected Areas in general.

Mann, who grew up in Zululand, completed his Honours and Masters degrees in Ichthyology and Fisheries Science at Rhodes University. His Masters studies focused on the biology of reef fish in the Tsitsikamma National Park, which immensely contributed towards his understanding of the importance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This became his passion which he continues to highlight on a regular basis. He was been involved in various projects including the fisheries in Lake St Lucia, the Transkei and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. He has been involved in the editing and compilation of two books on the South African linefish status reports, and he has published over fifty papers in his area of expertise.

Mann is dedicated to the conservation of marine life and enjoys sharing his passion for the oceans with the public. “Never before have MPAs been more important than they are now, if we hope to conserve our magnificent marine heritage,” said Mann.

The Pondoland Marine Protected Area conserves a spectacular seascape along the Wild Coast. It has subtropical reefs and unspoiled estuaries which are home to young fish, and where waterfalls plunge straight into the sea. The Pondoland Marine Protected Area is south of Durban and north of Port St Johns. It includes the Mkhambathi Nature Reserve. It stretches over 90km and extends approximately 10km out to sea.

Join Dr. Bruce Mann at Crocworld Conservation Centre where he will share his fishy passion and fascinating journey of these delicate protected areas, on Saturday, 11 March.

Tickets for Mann’s talk will cost R75 per adult and R35 for pensioners and scholars. Registration and welcoming will begin from 8:30am and the talk will commence at 9:00am. Guests will be entitled to complimentary teas/coffees, as well as entrance to the Crocworld Conservation Centre’s world of aviaries, crocodiles, snakes and other reptiles. Spend the day exploring the vast grounds which include the Izinyoni Indigenous Nursery and the Le Rendez-Vous Restaurant.

Ticket reservations can be made in advance through Nolean Allun at Crocworld Conservation Centre on 039 976 1103 or 083 654 9651 or email crocworld. Account Details: Crocworld (Crookes Brothers Limited) Banking Details: FNB, Branch: Scottburgh, Branch Code: 220227, Account Number: 53640119111. Please fax the proof of payment to 039 978 3279.

For more information about Crocworld Conservation Centre, visit www.crocworld.co.za, @CrocworldCC on Twitter, or Crocworld Conservation Centre on Facebook.

/ENDS

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Dr. Bruce Mann, will be delivering a talk focusing on “Evaluating the effectiveness of the Pondoland Marine Protected Area,” at Crocworld Conservation Centre on Saturday, 11 March.

(Image: Supplied by Bruce Mann)
Issued on behalf of:

Martin Rodrigues

General Manager: Crocworld Conservation Centre

Disseminated by:

Olivia Jones Communications

For more information please contact:

Olivia Jones Communications

Cell: 083 653 1720

Email: media
This message was sent to The Sardine News from:

Olivia Jones Communications

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Rehabilitation of natural wetlands at Renishaw Hills’ development to attract local flora and fauna

Rehabilitation of natural wetlands at Renishaw Hills’ development to attract local flora and fauna

A well-orchestrated programme of invasive alien plant removal, excavation and re-planting of indigenous vegetation, in an effort to restore the area’s natural wetlands, has begun at Renishaw Hills within the Mpambanyoni Conservation Development on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.
The Renishaw Hills development – a new mature lifestyle village near Scottburgh – is centred on the natural beauty of the region with a focus on restoring the indigenous flora and fauna throughout. The wetlands’ rehabilitation forms an integral part of the overall restoration project which is being funded by Renishaw Property Developments – a subsidiary of Crookes Brothers Limited, the JSE stock exchange-listed organisation driving the Renishaw Hills development near Scottburgh.

Led by experienced team members Elsa Pooley (landscaper and botanist), Geoff Nichols (leading KwaZulu-Natal expert in rehabilitation) and Amanda Maphumulo, horticulturist, the wetlands’ restoration programme – which started in May 2016- will convert about 22 hectares of sugar cane farm back to being a partially functional wetland. The work is being performed in conjunction with Mpambanyoni Conservation Development’s estate manager, Gareth Hampson, and every aspect of the project strictly adheres to the guidelines of the Environmental Impact Assessment that was carried out in preparation for the development.

“Wetlands are a vital part of the biosphere,” explained Geoff Nichols. “They provide free goods and services to the planet, slowing flood pulses, keeping water upstream longer, cleaning pollutants and silt while creating a habitat for various fauna and flora.”
He said a good example of the use of wetlands is as roosting sites for Barn Swallows who return every summer to roost in the reedbeds associated with marshes.
The process of restoration will take many years but it is estimated that, should everything go according to plan, the area should have wetlands functioning at about 50 percent in the next three to five years.

 “With the halting of herbicide use, the indigenous plants will take hold over the next few years and the sponge effect will be slowly restored once we physically block the herring bone drains to raise the water table again,” explained Nichols.
The Invasive alien plant control team, which has been working on the whole estate the last three years, is now working to a co-ordinated programme with the rehabilitation and landscaping of the new estate. In an effort to re-establish the natural vegetation, the restoration team is scouring the local remnants of wetlands for plants that have been lost to the system such as Red Hot Pokers, Arum Lilies, Crinum or Vlei Lilies, River Pumpkins as well as about 70 other plant species. A number of plants are also being sourced from the local Izinyoni Indigenous Nursery.

“I have had a passion for these wetland plants for years and have collected many species which we are about to return to one of the wetland ‘nurseries’,” said Nichols. “This is good wetland that will allow us to plant stock plants for the rest of the site.”

He explained that certain other adjustments are being made as the effects of the restoration become evident.

“We are seeing clear water running and the banks are stabilised with plants, preventing excessive runoff into the wetland. Decisions will now need to be made as to whether this will be a woody or non-woody wetland as steps will have to be taken either way.”

In addition, wetland triage has begun which involves pushing back soil plugs about 5metres wide to block the drainage channels. These blockages raise the water table which in turn provide habitat for skulking birds and animals while also creating the deeper channels that create the extra surface area that become the wetland’s ‘small intestine’. This allows water to percolate slowly through the plants and their root systems which filter out all pollutants created by human activities.

“With the establishment of the plants, the animal life will begin to arrive,” explained Nichols. “They will most likely come from the surrounding area which has good wetlands, wild forest and remnant grasslands. Many more wetland birds and animals will increase as the flora and, with it, shelter and food increase in diversity through our efforts as well as by natural means.”

For more information about the development visit www.renishawhills.co.za

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