Dolphin Coast in Global Golf Spotlight with Jonsson Workwear Durban Open

 

By Fred Felton | Jan. 21, 2026

Durban can look forward to seeing world-class international golf as the host of the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open on the Sunshine Tour and HotelPlanner Tour this February.

Durban will once again welcome world-class internatoinal golf to its fairways as the host city of the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open at the historic Durban Country Club. The tournament will be played at the Durban Country Club from 19-22 February, in partnership with eThekwini Municipality. Photo: Supplied. 

This R6-million (dependant on the US dollar exchange rate) tournament will be played at the historic Durban Country Club from 19-22 February, in partnership with the City of Durban.

You can expect a strong field of South African and global golfers as they head to the city that is quickly establishing itself as a key destination in world golf for rising stars looking to make their mark in the game.

Visitors can also look forward to seeing a revamped Durban Country Club that has been elevated back to its true championship potential.

‘’Bringing the Jonsson Workwear Open back to Durban is incredibly meaningful for us. This is where our business was built, and where our headquarters are still located. Seeing it return to the Durban Country Club, one of South Africa’s great historic courses, and witnessing international golfers experience the rejuvenated course makes this homecoming even more memorable. Durban has a proud sporting heritage and we’re proud to partner with the City in hosting an event that spotlights excellence right here on our doorstep,’’ said CEO and Chairman of Jonsson Workwear, Nick Jonsson.

The Jonsson Workwear Durban Open forms part of the South African Swing of four tournaments that will tee off the new season on the HotelPlanner Tour, the main feeder to the DP World Tour.

The Jonsson Workwear Durban Open will be the final tournament on this opening swing and will play a key role in the quest of South African professionals to make a fast start on the Road to Mallorca Rankings and thereby try and gain promotion to the DP World Tour for next season.

‘’The Jonsson Workwear Durban Open, as part of our co-sanctioned tournaments with the HotelPlanner Tour, is an extremely valuable element of the global pathway for our Sunshine Tour members. Through consistent exposure on the HotelPlanner Tour, we have seen several members graduate onto the DP World Tour. Jonsson Workwear shares this vision of developing greatness on our fairways, and particularly in Durban, which has a rich golf heritage,’’ noted Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.

The partnership with Jonsson Workwear, the City of Durban and Durban Country Club has indeed yielded great success for South African professional golf.

JC Ritchie, the winner of this tournament in 2022, became the first South African golfer in history to finish top of the Road to Mallorca Rankings last season thereby graduating to the DP World Tour.

Another great golf moment for the City was when Durban Country Club hosted the 2025 Investec South African Open and Dylan Naidoo became the first player of colour to win his national Open.

‘’Durban is proud to be the host of a premier golf tournament this February, bringing together top local and international talent for a celebration of sport, community, and economic growth. Hosting the tournament in the City is set to promote Durban as a global sporting destination, while showcasing the City’s world-class facilities and vibrant culture. Young athletes, especially from the disadvantage areas, will be inspired and encouraged to participate in golf through golf clinics, school and mentorship outreach programs, as well as community initiatives,’’ noted Mr Musa Mbhele, City Manager of eThekwini Municipality.

This will be the sixth consecutive year for the HotelPlanner Tour in South Africa as the tour tees off its season in this country.

‘’We are also very excited to visit Durban this year, with its rich history in our sport. Durban Country Club will provide an outstanding test for our players and having hosted the Investec South African Open just last year, it is the perfect setting to close out our South African Swing. We are incredibly grateful to the Sunshine Tour, Jonsson Workwear and the City of Durban for their commitment to this event,’’ said Jamie Hodges, HotelPlanner Tour Director.  

City Opens Applications for 2026 Student Relief Fund

 

By Fred Felton | Jan. 12, 2026

The eThekwini Municipality has called on students that are ambitious, deserving residents to take advantage of a great opportunity, the 2026 Student Relief Fund (EMSRF).

Photo: Pixabay. 

This initiative is aimed to help first-time undergraduate students who have been accepted into public higher education institutions, but lack the financial assistance.

The deadline for applications is Friday, 16 January 2026 to submit applications.

The Municipality is looking to break the cycle of poverty and unlock opportunities for a future workforce that will drive innovation and growth in the City.

This EMSRF is a lifeline for students who dream to study in higher education, but face the barriers of a lack of finances.

This fund covers registration fees and may offer limited support toward tuition, ensuring that financial issues do not stand in the way of academic success.

The fund excludes accommodation, books, meals, transport and other related costs.

Who Can Apply?

§  South African citizens permanently residing within eThekwini Municipality (proof of residence required)

§  Students admitted to a public university or TVET college for a full-time qualification recognised by the Department of Higher Education and Training

§  Applicants enrolled at UNISA may be considered, if not currently employed

§  Household income must be below R200, 000 per year (proof required)

§  Applicants must meet academic requirements for their chosen programme

 

How to Apply:

Collect application forms from Sizakala Centres that have Human Resources Centre of Excellence offices, or from the EMA Offices, 4^th Floor, Standard Bank Building, 26 Matthews Meyiwa Street.

Submit your completed forms along with:

§  Proof of admission or study from the public university or TVET college

§  Academic results

§  ID documents (student and parent/guardian)

§  Proof of income or affidavit

§  Proof of residence

§  Incomplete applicants will not be considered

 

Submit your applications to Human Resources Centre of Excellence, 21 Archie Gumede Street, Durban, 4001, or Sizakala Centres with HR Centre of Excellence offices.

Applicants who are underrepresented in terms of race, gender and disability will be given priority.

If you have not been contacted within 10 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

For more information on the Student Relief Fund, contact 031 311 3924 or 031 322 0413.

Locally Made U-Pouch Trunks from Jockey

 

By Fred Felton | Dec. 17, 2025

The underwear scene in South Africa has just got a proudly local upgrade thanks to Jockey as they relaunched their U-Pouch Short Leg Trunks. They are now fully designed, produced, and made in South Africa, offering premium comfort and quality at a price far more accessible thanks to the local production.

The U-Pouch range from Jockey | Photo: Supplied. 

‘’Bringing U-Pouch production home is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. This move allows us to support local talent, strengthen our manufacturing capabilities, and deliver world-class underwear at a price that stays within reach for South Africans,’’ said Rob Hogg, National Sales Manager at Jockey South Africa.

Engineered for Comfort

The U-Pouch range has been improved for superior fit and everyday comfort. The design provides targeted support, lift, and stability – reducing friction and offering a natural, secure feel for the whole day.

The range is made from a breathable blend of 47% cotton, 47% viscose, and 6% elastane, so you get the best of both worlds combining cotton’s natural softness and airflow with viscose’s smooth, moisture-absorbing comfort. Finished with elastane for flexible stretch, the trunks move effortlessly with the body for all-day ease.

With the short-leg cut you get a clean, modern silhouette that stays in place, while the soft elastic waistband ensures comfort from the morning to the night. The range is available in Small to 2XL and caters to the needs of today’s active, style-conscious South African man.

Premium Quality, Accessible Price

Jockey has been able to reduce the selling price of this product thanks to the local production; this makes it attainable for more South Africans. The trunks come in a 2-pack value format, for even more everyday affordability.

Local Manufacturing Wins

Jockey has a long-term commitment to grow its South African production footprint and elevate local textile expertise. Each pair sold is a celebration of what local manufacturing can achieve – world class quality, proudly made at home.

One of our journalists tried them out for the day and they came back with nothing but good compliments on the look, feel, design and comfort. Try them out for yourself.

For more information or to shop the new range, visit www.jockey.co.za or any Jockey South Africa store nationwide.

Avis gives Mzansi more value for their car rental this summer

 

By Fred Felton | Dec. 17, 2025

Avis Car Rental recently launched its 2025 Summer Campaign, giving SA more value when they travel with a really simple offer: book a minimum of four days and only pay for three. 

The Avis Car Rental team at King Shaka International Airport. | Photo: Fred Felton 

Avis invited me to the Durban launch to find out all about it. This deal is designed to make travel easier and more affordable for this festive season. The campaign also boosts customers’ need to explore, connect and enjoy the freedom of the open road.

You can rest assured that Avis have a fleet ready for every journey, from compact cars to spacious vans. The 4-for-3 offer applies to standard cars and van rentals, redeemable through the dedicated Avis Summer Campaign page:

https://www.avis.co.za/car-hire-offers/south-african-offers/summer

‘’Summer in South Africa is about movement – from road trips with friends to reconnecting with family across the country,’’ said Werner van Niekerk – Commercial Car Rental Executive at Avis Southern Africa. ‘’With our 4-For-3 Summer deal, we’re giving customers even more reason to hit the road. It’s our way of adding a little extra joy to our customers’ summer adventures.’’

Avis also has a SafeDrive promise and you can even book your rental using WhatsApp (https://wa.me/27872405431) which makes it easier to plan your trips and travel with peace of mind and focus on the moments that matter.

Avis SafeDrive is a smartphone-app-enabled safety package available in South Africa. For an additional cost of (R20 per day) customers receive access to Impact Alert (immediate assistance in the event of severe accident), a Panic Button (for emergency support), severe weather alerts, and a 24-hour Avis emergency call centre. You can also earn rewards for safe driving behaviour.

When next you fly to Durban you can find the Avis offices at King Shaka International Airport as you come out of the airport. Their friendly staff will guide you through all you need to know and get you on the move in no time.

Book a minimum of 4 days. Pay for 3. Drive happily.

For more information or to book your trip, visit www.avis.co.za

Ts and Cs apply.

Temporary arrangements to freeze advertising of job applications

 

Temporary arrangements to freeze advertising of job applications

THE public is urged to note the temporary freezing of eThekwini Municipality’s online vacancies portal from 1 December 2025 to 1 February 2026 to facilitate a smooth transition to a new recruitment portal.

Temporary freezing of eThekwini Municipality's online vacancies portal from 1 December 2025 to 1 February 2026. Photo: Supplied. 

A report outlining the freezing was noted during an Executive Committee meeting on 19 November.

The temporary suspension of the online portal comes as the Human Resources Directorate’s e-Recruitment service is migrating from the Neptune System to Oracle HCM, a modern, fully online platform designed to simplify recruitment, streamline applications, and enhance onboarding.

The current e-Recruitment link closed on 30 November. From 1 February 2026, all vacancies will be published via the Oracle HCM on the Municipality’s website.

During this freeze, no job advertisements will appear on Neptune or any other recruitment platforms such as the Municipal newspaper Metro eZasegagasini, Sunday Times, LinkedIn, etc.

The only exception applies to the Outreach and Capacity Building Section, which will be permitted to advertise and receive manual bursary applications during this period.

In the event of critical or high-priority positions requiring urgent recruitment during this period, adverts may be approved for publication.

However they will have to follow a manual process as no online advertising will be active. This will be based on the approval of the Human Resources Directorate.

Gas training creates pathways to jobs and business growth

 

Gas training creates pathways to jobs and business growth

FOURTEEN emerging gas installers are now proud certified professionals, ready to take on South Africa’s growing domestic gas installation market thanks to the skills gained through the Basic Liquefied Petroleum Gas Installer Training.

This is a partnership between eThekwini Municipality and Sasol which offered 30 small business owners from across the City training to become qualified gas installers. The intensive two-week course combined both theoretical and practical components to ensure trainees were industry ready.

The theory phase was conducted earlier this year at the City’s Umkhumbane Entrepreneurial Support Centre, while the practical training took place in August at Liquefied Petroleum Gas South Africa’s facilities in Johannesburg.

For Zamokuhle Mbatha, founder of Zami Gas, the training has been a turning point in his entrepreneurship journey.

‘’After receiving my operating certificate, I have already completed five installations. This licence allows me to work on domestic installations. My long-term goal is to advance to commercial and industrial certifications,’’ he said.

Another graduate Mbongeni Nduli, co-founder of Nkanyiso Gas Solutions in Lamontville, said: ‘’Before this training, we only sold and refilled gas. Now we can install gas.’’

 

Cabinet Day drives service delivery

A SUCCESSFUL Operation Sukuma Sakhe-District Development Model (OSS-DDM) Cabinet Day was held in eThekwini on 26 November, led by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli together with eThekwini Speaker Councillor Thabani Nyawose.

This flagship programme, under the DDM, demonstrates government’s commitment to integrated service delivery and collaborative governance. The Cabinet Day focused on Region 7 of eThekwini Municipality, known as the Henry Bona and Archie Gumede Zones, which covers 11 wards including KwaNdengezi, Mariannridge, Thornwood, Tshelimnyama, Pinetown, KwaDabeka, Clermont, and Ndunduma.

The day began with war room engagements across the wards, followed by project site visits before culminating in a large community engagement at the KwaNdengezi sports field where government leaders interacted directly with residents, listening to their concerns, and sharing progress on service delivery.

Among the projects visited were the R293 Housing Development, the KwaLinda Rural Housing Project, the eThembeni Crisis Centre, and local community gardens.

These projects reflect government’s commitment to housing, social support, and food security, directly addressing community priorities. Premier Ntuli said the OSS-DDM Cabinet Day is designed to listen to communities, act on their needs, and ensure accountability.

‘’As provincial government we will continue to brief the Executive Committee and regional councillors to ensure continuous monitoring. Municipal communication platforms will also keep communities informed about progress of service delivery initiatives discussed during this outreach,’’ said Premier Ntuli.

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said the OSS-DDM approach has shown its value in speeding up the removal of service delivery bottlenecks. ‘’The programme allows officials to respond in real time when delays arise. When challenges appear, the Municipality and the provincial government step in together to resolve these issues,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

As part of the day’s activities Councillor Nyawose handed over a newly built house to 59-year old Felumusa Nzimande from KwaLinda in Ward 12. The house forms part of the KwaLinda Rural Housing Project. Councillor Nyawose welcomed the progress of the housing project which when complete, will deliver 480 housing units.

‘’Over 400 units have already been completed and handed over to deserving beneficiaries. The remaining units are under construction and will be completed soon,’’ said Councillor Nyawose.

An emotional Nzimande expressed gratitude to the Municipality and provincial government for the house. ‘’I still cannot believe I have a decent home. My life and that of my children will never be the same. Our dignity has been restored,’’ said an elated Nzimande. ‘’We are thankful to government for changing our lives.’’