Successful Invest India 2026 Seminar

 

By Fred Felton | Sep. 1, 2026

There were many businesses, entrepreneurs and investors from KwaZulu-Natal in attendance at the Invest India 2026 Seminar which was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Umhlanga on 11 August 2026.

The Invest India 2026 Seminar had speakers which included H.E. Niteen Subhash Yeola, Consul General of India in Durban, The eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Cyrl Xaba and Dr Suren Lutchminarayan, UBN President. | Photo: Supplied.  

The seminar was hosted by the Consulate General of India in Durban, with support from the Umhlanga Business Network (UBN), Cll-India Business Forum, SBI South Africa and GIO Africa. The seminar saw business leaders, professionals, industry representatives and investors coming to together to discuss how stronger commercial partnerships can be developed between India and South Africa.

Delegates were shown opportunities across many sectors including manufacturing, technology, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, renewable energy, retail investment, innovation and startups, while also exploring the potential for joint ventures, technology exchange and market expansion.

For KZN businesses, the seminar was an important platform to understand the opportunities presented by India’s rapidly expanding economy and to work on direct relationships with organisations and individuals involved in facilitating investment.

‘’KwaZulu-Natal has a vibrant and entrepreneurial business community and there is considerable scope for our businesses to develop stronger partnerships with India,’’ said UBN President, Dr Suren Lutchminarayan.

Dr Lutchminarayan said South African companies should increasingly consider India as a market for expansion, investment, technology collaboration and business partnerships, while South Africa could also provide Indian companies with a strategic gateway into the African continent.

H.E. Niteen Subhash Yeola, Consul General of India in Durban said: ‘’The strong response to Invest India 2026 demonstrates the growing interest in strengthening economic ties between India and South Africa. We encourage businesses in KwaZulu-Natal and across South Africa to explore the many opportunities for investment, trade and collaboration with India.’’

Delegates were also shown a comprehensive presentation from the Invest India team from Delhi showing opportunities in many sectors. There were also presentations on GIFT City and Retail Investments in India. After this there were panel discussions involving leading Indian and South African business leaders. This was followed by networking and discussions on future collaborations.

UBN congratulated the Consulate General of India in Durban, speakers, participating organisations and delegates on the success of the event and said the priority now was to maintain the momentum generated through the seminar.

Spaar wat jy kan - jou toekoms hang daarvan af

 

Jou hardverdiende geld is lank voor die einde van die maand op, en dit voel asof dit eenvoudig nie moontlik is om vir iets betekenisvols te spaar nie. In plaas daarvan om nog ’n finansiële las by te voeg, stel baie mense spaar uit totdat hulle eendag meer verdien.

Spaar wat jy kan - jou toekoms hang daarvan af.

Maar kom ons wees eerlik: ’n Hoër inkomste lei dikwels tot ’n duurder leefstyl, hoër uitgawes en steeds geen spaargeld nie.

Spaar gaan nie daaroor om vir ’n groter salaris te wag nie. Dit gaan daaroor om die gewoonte te kweek om gereeld geld opsy te sit – selfs klein bedrae – sodat jy mettertyd ’n veiliger finansiële toekoms kan bou.

Hierdie Spaarmaand daag die Vereniging vir Spaar en Belegging Suid-Afrika (ASISA) jou uit om te spaar wat jy kan, want jou toekoms hang daarvan af.

Spaar vir jou toekoms

Daar is twee belangrike redes waarom jy behoort te spaar. Eerstens is die lewe onvoorspelbaar. ’n Noodfonds kan help om onverwagte mediese uitgawes, herstelwerk of skoolkoste te betaal sonder dat jy op duur skuld hoef staat te maak.

Tweedens moet jy vir jou aftrede voorsiening maak. Hoe meer jy vir aftrede spaar, hoe groter is jou finansiële onafhanklikheid en hoe minder afhanklik sal jy van ander wees. ’n Gesonde aftreefonds gee jou ook die geleentheid om jou aftrede met groter gemak en gemoedsrus te geniet.

Dit gaan minder oor hoeveel jy spaar en meer oor die gewoonte om konsekwent te spaar. Selfs R20 of R50 wat gereeld opsy gesit word, kan met verloop van tyd aansienlik groei. Wanneer jou spaargeld belê bly, trek dit voordeel uit saamgestelde groei – met ander woorde, jy verdien rente op rente.

Hierdie Spaarmand daag jouself uit om te spaar wat jy kan deur die volgende mites te ontken:

Mite 1: “Ek kan begin spaar wanneer ek meer verdien.”

Moenie wag vir die perfekte tyd nie. Begin eerder met ’n bedrag wat jy gemaklik kan bekostig en laat dit outomaties op betaaldag na ’n spaarrekening oorplaas word. Hou jou spaargeld in ’n vaste deposito of soortgelyke rekening om onnodige onttrekkings te voorkom.

Spaarwenk: Verminder een klein uitgawe hierdie maand – ‘n koeldrank by middagete of wegneemetes op Vrydagaand -  en plaas daardie bedrag direk in ’n aparte spaarrekening.

Mite 2: “Om klein bedrae te spaar maak geen verskil nie.”

Baie mense dink spaar werk net as jy elke maand baie geld wegsteek. Elke suksesvolle spaarder het klein begin.

Wanneer jy gereeld spaar, groei nie net jou spaargeld nie, maar ook jou selfvertroue. Gebruik ekstra inkomste, soos ’n bonus of stokvel-uitbetaling, om jou spaargeld verder aan te vul.

Konsekwentheid is belangriker as volmaaktheid.

Spaarwenk: Spaar in ‘n spaarrekening vir ’n spesifieke doel, soos ’n “Noodfonds” of “Skoolfonds”. Mense bly makliker gemotiveerd wanneer hulle presies weet waarvoor hulle spaar.

Mite 3: “Dit maak nie saak as ek uit my aftreefonds se spaarpot onttrek nie.”

As jy reeds aan ’n aftreefonds behoort, is jy op die regte pad. Gereelde onttrekkings uit die spaarpot verminder egter jou uiteindelike aftreevoordeel aansienlik.

Jy verloor boonop die voordeel van saamgestelde groei, en onttrekkings is onderhewig aan belasting en administrasiefooie.

Spaarwenk: Bou ’n noodfonds op sodat onverwagte uitgawes nie jou aftreespaargeld in gevaar stel nie.

Spaar wat jy kan

Jy hoef nie perfek te spaar nie. Sommige maande sal moeiliker wees as ander, en dit is heeltemal normaal.

Wat werklik saak maak, is om die gewoonte te vorm om gereeld iets opsy te sit. Klein, gereelde spaargeld vandag kan jou môre meer keuses, groter finansiële sekerheid en groter gemoedsrus gee.

Hierdie Spaarmaand, moenie fokus op hoeveel jy kan spaar nie. Fokus daarop om eenvoudig te begin.

Spaar wat jy kan – jou toekoms hang daarvan af.

Hierdie inhoud word aan jou gebied deur die Vereniging vir Spaar en Belegging Suid-Afrika (ASISA) as deel van sy Spaarmaand-opvoedingsinisiatief om meer Suid-Afrikaners aan te moedig om #SpaarWatJyKan.

Asimile Siyaqhuba - Five Years of Ensuring A Reliable and Efficient Electricity Supply

 

ASIMILE SIYAQHUBA – FIVE YEARS OF ENSURING A RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

 

OVER the past five years, the Energy Management Directorate has delivered critical electricity services to residents and businesses across the metropolitan area, balancing infrastructure renewal, network expansion, revenue reform and social support. Serving approximately 800 000 customers, the directorate remains responsible for one of the largest municipal electricity distribution networks in the country.

 

NETWORK SCALE AND CORE SERVICE DELIVERY

The City’s electricity system comprises more than 110 high-voltage substations and over 14 000 medium-voltage substations. This extensive infrastructure network forms the backbone of electricity distribution, ensuring that power is transmitted safely and efficiently to homes, industries and commercial centres. Maintaining the stability of this system is central to service delivery, as reliable electricity underpins economic growth, public safety, and household wellbeing.

 

INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL AND NETWORK RESILIENCE

A key focus over the five-year period has been addressing aging infrastructure. Significant investment has been directed toward substation refurbishment, equipment replacement and cable renewal programmes. The replacement of aging underground and overhead cables has reduced faults associated with deteriorating infrastructure, improving supply reliability and minimising unplanned outages in affected communities. One of the most notable milestones was the commissioning of the KE Masinga Substation, a 132kV/11kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) facility. This is the first new GIS substation commissioned by the City in nearly a decade and marks a major step forward in adopting advanced, space-efficient and resilient technology. Constructed at an approximate cost of R120 million, the substation forms part of the City’s 25-year Transmission Network Master Plan, designed to guide infrastructure upgrades, expansion, and renewal to meet future demand. Additional upgrades are ongoing, including critical equipment replacement at the Mariannridge 132/11kV Substation, further strengthening network capacity and operational stability.

 

ELECTRIFICATION AND EXPANDING ACCESS

Despite operational challenges during the term, including prolonged shortages of electricity meters, the directorate continued to expand access to electricity. Over the past five years, 19 756 new residential electricity supply connections were installed. Thousands of residents in informal settlements and mixed formal informal areas have benefitted from electrification projects, improving safety, dignity and access to economic opportunities.

 

SMART METERING AND REVENUE PROTECTION

With meter supply constraints now resolved, the directorate has launched its Smart Metering Deployment Strategy. This initiative is aimed at restoring revenue integrity, improving operational efficiency and enhancing customer service. The prepaid smart meters incorporate advanced features such as tamper detection and remote diagnostics, enabling improved monitoring and reducing non-technical losses. To date, over 6 500 smart meters have been installed, with plans to roll out more than 200 000 units in the coming years. The programme is expected to significantly strengthen billing accuracy, reduce electricity theft and provide customers with better control over their consumption.

 

FREE BASIC ELECTRICITY AND SOCIAL IMPACT

The directorate continues to administer the Free Basic Electricity programme in line with national policy guidelines. Since 2003, qualifying indigent households consuming less than 150 kWh per month receive 65 kWh of free electricity monthly, automatically credited to their prepaid meters. Currently, close to 100 000 customers benefit from this subsidy.

Win Tickets to East Coast Radio House + Garden Show

 

By Fred Felton | Jun. 23, 2026

No matter if you are looking for a painting, print, your children’s art framed or something to transform your house, the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show has a work of art just for your kind of lifestyle.

Artwork by Sarita Gous will be on display at the Show. | Photo: Supplied. 

This year you can expect to discover the fine art of framing, statement mirrors, and you can take a look at how recycling turns into reinvention.

From June 27 to July 5, the Durban Exhibition Centre will have a wide variety of artworks from emerging artists to established artists.

The Durban Art Gallery will be showcasing six artists at the Show. You can expect to see a wide variety of mediums and genres from paint to charcoal to lipstick, self-portraits and even abstracts.

Visit the Durban Art Gallery stand and connect with the works of Bandile Ncanana, Njabulo ‘Vezi’ Mngwengwe, Mlamuli Shozi, Ayanda Mkhize, Lindokuhle Mthembu and Nhlanhla Shozi.

The travelling artists Jodie and Ryan Loubser will also be at the Show this year. They move around the country, painting, exhibiting and selling works of art. ‘’It’s a good and busy life, and our studio changes constantly,’’ said Jodie Loubser.

Look out for Sarita Gous who has been painting for 15 years creating modern ocean and cloudscape oil paintings, inspired by nature, light, and atmosphere. She’s inspired by the feeling and energy of the sea and sky, and how they shift and move in subtle, powerful ways.

Natal Art Craft Industries (NACI) has been in Durban for over 60 years. They are well known for custom frames, laser cut mirrors, framed prints, glass art and more.

Lazarus Kufakunesu is known as the Patio Guru and is a legendary soapstone sculptor. He makes canvas paintings, steampunk art, fine art and patio furniture. ‘’No scrap belongs in the scrap yard,’’ noted Kufakunesu. Find his outdoor stand N8.

The good folks at East Coast Radio House + Garden Show have given us 5 x double tickets just for our readers.

If you would like to win double tickets to the show just answer this easy question:

Name one of the artists exhibiting at the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show?

Email your answer along with your name, email address and/or WhatsApp number to umhlangalife@gmail.com

Ts and Cs apply.

Competition closed. 

The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show takes place from June 27 to July 5 at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

Get your tickets online via http://quicket.co.za or http://housegardenshow.co.za or at the entrance on the day.

SmartRev A digital innovation for eThekwini Customers

 

Welcome to SmartRev!

An innovation by the eThekwini Municipality Revenue Management Directorate, established to make life simple for all customers. You can access revenue-related services via:

WHATSAPP

·         Message: 0647617930

·         Request your bill

·         Submit meter readings

USSD

·         Dial *134*031#

·         View your bill

·         Submit your meter readings

E-SERVICES

·         Visit https://eservices@durban.gov.za/v2

·         Update account information

·         Capture and submit meter readings

·         View your bill

·         Download your bill

·         Pay your bill via Masterpass, QR Code or Direct Debit

REVENUE CORRESPONDENCE

Visit https://correspondence.durban.gov.za/

You can now apply for new water and electricity services at the touch of a button.

This saves you from travelling to Revenue Customer Centres and also ensures you are not standing in a queue. Your request will be attended to, you will be given a reference number and the City will communicate with you via email.

MOBILE APP

·         Download the eThekwini Municipality App on your phone

·         Request and download your bill

·         Pay your bill

·         Log a query

·         Capture meter readings

Keep an eye on eThekwini Municipality’s verified social platforms for more information.

The 2026 East Coast Radio House and Garden Show Opens June 27

 

By Fred Felton | June 1, 2026

KZN’s favourite lifestyle event is getting ready to welcome visitors to the 2026 edition on 27 June until 5 July at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

Plenty to see and do at the event this year. | Photo: Supplied. 

‘’The theme this year is Dream, Create and Live,’’ said the Show’s new director Lara Bezuidenhout.

Look out for the latest international trends, new products, local gems and loads of entertainment.

This event is ideal for the family and for school holidays. Keep an eye out for a massive play area at the show where Peter Pan and Tinkerbell will be in Neverland. You might even bump into Dolly with her Trolley, part AI, part human.

There will also be plenty to eat and drink, pop by the Gin Garden, with live music, ice-cream vendors and Sophie’s Café for sweet treats. Delicious food will be on offer from Lawmans for Mexican, Ole Smoki, and tasty burgers from Filthy Moustache.

If you want to learn new recipes try the Hirsch Test Kitchen or get some beauty tips at Edgars’ House of Red.

There’s R100 000 worth of premium camping gear, great escapes and outdoor kit, all from Khakibush magazine.

You can also meet Mario and Luigi at the Hirsch’s Nintendo Activation Area. If you score the fastest lap time on the Mario Kart game, a Nintendo console or merchandise goodies valued at R12,500 could be yours.

Look out for the iconic Porsche 911 display at Hirsch’s and you can also win Hirsch’s big prizes from Porsche and Smeg.

If you like to braai look out The BraaiBoss Challenge, the search for SA’s ultimate Braai Boss.

Secure parking at Centrum opposite DEC/Workshop/ICC.

Tickets available at Quicket.

City Engaged with Business Sector on 2026/27 Draft IDP/Budget

 

By Fred Felton | Apr. 20, 2026

The eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba has started a series of consultations with key stakeholders on the Draft 2026/27 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget.

EThekwini Municipality, led by Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, held its first sector consultation meeting at the Durban ICC, to discuss the Draft IDP/Budget for the 2026/27 financial year. | Photo: Supplied.

Mayor Xaba engaged with representatives from the business sector at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 13 April 2026.

There was a big turnout of business leaders at this session to learn more about the Draft Budget and its possible impact, while also providing valuable input to the City.

The total Draft Budget for 2026/27 amounts to a capital allocation of R5.9 billion and an operating budget of R68.8 billion. It’s geared towards building a resilient and inclusive economy that supports business development and job creation.

‘’Your input is important and critical to us. It has been a challenging budget to balance, given the global and domestic economic climate. We have placed a strong focus on upgrading infrastructure, accelerating service delivery, and investing in catalytic projects, particularly those that create employment,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

This budget introduced a range of initiatives aimed at stimulating economic activity and enhancing the ease of doing business. Key focus areas include infrastructure improvement, support for small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs), and digital transformation to modernise Municipal services and improve efficiency.

In partnership with the private sector, several large-scale developments are underway and these include the Durban Film City, TradePort expansion initiatives, and various nodal developments. These projects represent a combined investment value of approximately R217 billion and are expected to significantly boost the Municipal rates base while also creating thousands of job opportunities.

After the presentation, stakeholders were invited to provide feedback. While many welcomed the budget, others raised concerns relating to tariff increases, road and stormwater infrastructure, tourism development, the Go! Durban project, and the inclusion of local SMMEs in procurement processes.

Mayor Xaba reaffirmed the City’s commitment to working closely with the business sector to unlock economic opportunities, improve on service delivery, and position eThekwini as a leading destination for investment.

There will be upcoming engagements with a variety of sectors in the next weeks. Keep your eyes on the City’s social media platforms for more information on hearings in your area of eThekwini.

Register for Durban Business Fair 2026

 

By Fred Felton | Mar. 21, 2026

There is high demand for exhibition space at Durban Business Fair. Over 50 businesses have already booked exhibition space for the 28^th Durban Business Fair.

Businesses engage with potential buyers at a previous edition of the Durban Business Fair. Photo: Supplied. 

There is strong demand for the City’s flagship platform that connects small businesses to markets, opportunities, and potential investors.

The theme for the 2026 Durban Business Fair is ‘’28 Years of Connecting SMMEs to Markets and Opportunities.’’ The Durban Business Fair will take place at Durban Exhibition Centre from 30 April to 2 May 2026.

The eThekwini Municipality is inviting local entrepreneurs and business owners to register to exhibit at the fair before the deadline date of 17 April 2026.

The Durban Business Fair is the perfect place to showcase products and services, access new markets, and build valuable business networks. The fair will also feature a series of empowerment sessions focusing on innovation, access to funding, and connecting businesses to international markets.

‘’Since 1998, more than 40 000 businesses have participated in the Durban Business Fair, with over 130 000 buyers and visitors attending and engaging with exhibitors. The initiative has helped create more than 21 000 sustainable jobs, thanks to an investment of over R400 million over the past 28 years to support small businesses through this platform,’’ said Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli.

Business owners are encouraged to register early as exhibition space is filling up fast.

You can download a registration form here: https://tinyurl.com/ye96s948

Forms can also be obtained here:

§  199 Anton Lembede Street (7^th Floor), Durban

§  Sizakala Customer Centres

§  Online www.durban.gov.za (click the Business icon, select SMME Development, then the Durban Business Fair page)

§  Email zamani.shezi@durban.gov.za

 

‘’We are very excited to be exhibiting for the first time. We moved quickly to secure a spot as the Durban Business Fair comes highly recommended. We want to showcase our services, connect with new clients for design and construction projects, and position our company among like-minded businesses, potentially leading to subcontract work. We are looking forward to this exhibition,’’ said Anele Mabhoza, founder of Mabhoza Engineers in Hillcrest.

For more information about the Durban Business Fair call 031 311 4500

Growthpoint Rebalances its South African Portfolio

 

By Fred Felton | Feb. 11, 2026

Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) has successfully rebalanced its SA portfolio with two property deals that reduce its exposure to Gauteng and unlock around R2bn in capital to go into its strategy to target higher-performing regions and sectors.

One of the Growthpoint properties 29 Richefond Circle in Umhlanga which features a roof-top garden.  Photo: Fred Felton

Two transactions have been agreed between Discovery and the current co-owners of the Discovery buildings at Sandton Summit, Growthpoint and Truzen 114 Trust, which hold 55% and 45% respectively.

For the bigger transaction, Growthpoint will sell its stake in the Discovery head office, or Discovery Phase 1, to Discovery in a cash transaction with proceeds of R2.3bn. Growthpoint’s 55% stake in the building equals to 50,466m², which was valued at R2.2bn at the end of Growthpoint’s most recent financial reporting period, 30 June 2025. Truzen will sell its 45% stake to Discovery.

Growthpoint is also acquiring Truzen’s 45% stake in the adjacent Discovery Phase 2 at an attractive, market-aligned consideration of R323 million. The 19,369m² multi-tenant building was fully let on 30 June 2025.

Once these transactions are finalised, subject to conditions including approval from the Competition Commission, each building will be 100% owned by its respective owner – Discovery will wholly own Discovery Phase One and Growthpoint will be the sole owners of Discovery Phase 2 – on a sectional title basis.

Growthpoint’s domestic strategy is to increase portfolio weighting towards sectors and regions expected to delivery better growth over the longer term, specifically retail and logistics properties.

Estienne de Klerk, SA CEO of Growthpoint Properties. Photo: Supplied. 

One only has to look at its property portfolio in KwaZulu-Natal to see the wide range of premium properties that it has which include: Lincoln on the Lake, Mayfair on the Lake, The Boulevard, Gateway Hospital, Ridgeview, La Lucia Mall, Westville Mall and even Student Accommodation at UKZN like Hluma Studios – UKZN – Howard College Campus which is scheduled for opening in 2027. Growthpoint also has properties in Hillcrest area like Busamed – Hillcrest Private Hospital, Hillcrest Corner, Watercrest Mall and Trade Park in Mount Edgecombe and more developments being built in the Cornubia area.

‘’Effective capital rotation is a balancing act. We continually review the portfolio to identify where it makes sense to reduce overweight positions and sell assets attracting investor demand to fund our strategy and add value. In this case, the Discovery Head Office was identified for disposal despite its P-grade quality and blue-chip tenant,’’ noted Estienne de Klerk, SA CEO of Growthpoint Properties.

These combined transactions reduce Growthpoint’s office concentration in Gauteng and Sandton by more than 30, 000m² to a more appropriate level, realise value and unlock almost R2bn which can be used for further strategic asset rotation. This enables Growthpoint to manage its portfolio weighting responsibly while keeping overall portfolio quality.

With 100% ownership of the P-Grade Discovery Phase 2, Growthpoint increases its exposure to potential upside from shorter-lease, multitenant offices in a market where rental conditions are firming. Multitenant offices also offer more diversified income and less letting risk.

Growthpoint will continue its long-standing relationship with Discovery as a tenant at Discovery Phase 2 and elsewhere.

‘’These transactions are a vote of confidence in Sandton, its office market and its blue-chip tenants, all of which Growthpoint will continue to invest in at suitable levels. Discovery Phase One has attracted a significant investment from Discovery. With our 100% investment in Discovery Phase Two, Growthpoint retains an appropriate presence in the Sandton Summit precinct, where we are also due to break ground on the R1.2 billion Olympus Sandton residential development with Tricolt later this month,’’ noted de Klerk.

The financial effects of the transaction will be reported in the results for Growthpoint’s six months ended 31 December 2025, which will be published on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. The transaction will have no impact on these interim results. The transactions are expected to have little, if any, effects during Growthpoint’s financial year to 30 June 2026.

According to Growthpoint once final, the transaction will result in a higher reported office vacancy percentage, as a large, fully let asset is removed from its portfolio.

Jockey Elevating Everyday Underwear

 

By Fred Felton | Feb. 4, 2026

For almost 150 years, Jockey has helped define what quality, comfort and innovation mean in the manufacturing of underwear.  Jockey South Africa has now also launched the Sports Mesh range, a product shaped by fabric engineering advancements, performance technology and precision in manufacturing. Jockey has long understood that leadership is not defined by reacting to trends, but by anticipating them.

The new sports mesh range from Jockey South Africa. Photo: Fred Felton

Today sees the convergence between activewear and daily clothing, driven by consumers who expect comfort, breathability and something that will last. Underwear is now seen as a garment expected to support movement, regulate temperature and deliver comfort. As a result Jockey has speeded up their investment in advanced fabric development, moisture-management systems and innovations in manufacturing which paved the way for Sports Mesh.

‘’At Jockey, innovation doesn’t start with trends it starts with how garments are made. Our focus has always been on manufacturing excellence, because that’s where real comfort and performance are created. Sports Mesh reflects years of investment in fabric development testing, and construction, and displays how we continue to evolve everyday essentials through meaningful, technical progress,’’ said Rob Hogg, National Sales Manager at Jockey South Africa.

The next-generation mesh fabric has been engineered to be lightweight and deliver an instantly cooling, icy hand feel. This is in line with industry trends moving towards materials that actively regulate the body. The mesh design maintains softness, elasticity, and structural integrity, while meeting the demands of an active lifestyle.

The sports mesh design also supports consistent body temperature in changing conditions. The underwear range also helps to maintain dryness, keep body temperature stable, and deliver comfort all day long.

‘’Consumers today expect more from their everyday underwear,’’ added Hogg.

Sports Mesh also integrates antimicrobial protection right into the fabric, stopping the growth of odour-causing microorganisms, while supporting hypoallergenic comfort.

The sports mesh design also eliminates side and back seams, helps reduce chafing and assists with freedom of movement and comfort.

This underwear range is available in Long Leg, Short Leg and Boxer brief silhouettes; the Sports Mesh range has colour options of Black and Midnight Navy with sizes from S to 2XL.

They certainly look and feel great and have a wonderful fit for those that have busy lifestyles.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner this might just be the perfect gift for that someone special in your life.

You can get the Jockey Sports Mesh range at jockey.co.za

Enter the 5th Durban Tourism Business Awards

 

By Fred Felton | Jan. 27, 2026

Durban Tourism has proudly announced that entries are officially open for the 5^th Annual Durban Tourism Business Awards, a flagship competition that celebrates excellence, resilience, and innovation within the tourism and hospitality sector.

Enter the 5th Durban Tourism Business Awards. Photo: Fred Felton. 

Businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector are invited to participate by submitting their applications or nominations for the 5^th annual Durban Tourism Business Awards competition.

Entries opened on 23 January and close on 23 March 2026.

To begin the entry process, all tourism businesses within the eThekwini Municipality should follow this link: https://durbantourismawards.com

You will receive an automated email response confirming a successful online entry.

Those businesses that are selected will receive developmental prizes to assist them to elevate their businesses.

All of the category top winners will receive up to R50 000 in prize money.

Award Categories Include:

The Accommodation Awards, Excellence in Hotels and Non-Hotels

MESE Awards: Honouring Meetings, Exhibitions, Special Events, and world-class MESE Venues

Visitor Experiences Awards: Celebrating the destinations that create unforgettable memories for visitors

Tourist Guides Awards: Recognising Nature, Adventure, and Culture Guides

Tour Operators Awards: Awarding excellence for the in-bound travel package curation and execution

Rickshaw Pullers: Honouring the cultural heritage and service of our local operators

Crafters: Celebrating the artistry of local creators

Event owners and Promoter Destination Promotion and Leveraging Platform: Recognising high-impact events as vehicles that promote and profile the destination, while attracting national and international visitors for attendance.

Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year: Specifically recognising black-owned SMMEs who have achieved notable success since starting up

Green Tourism Awards: For leaders in sustainability and eco-friendly practices

Film Makers Award: Recognising film production that is shot in Durban and significantly showcases our destination through the lens of a visitor

Why should you enter?

Prestige: Be part of the business excellence recognition your businesses contribute in tourism growth

Exposure: Benefit from media coverage, marketing opportunities and development

Growth: Use the winner’s seal to build trust with global travellers

To ensure integrity the awards will have a thorough tabulation and audit of the competition process..

This will then be followed by a public voting phase to raise awareness of local tourism products.

An independent panel of judges will adjudicate the competition by visiting the nominated businesses to assess them.

Community Tourism Organisations (CTOs), tourism industry stakeholders and organised tourism business, and the public are encouraged to identify and motivate tourism businesses in their areas to enter the awards.

For more info email: info@durbantourismawards.com or call 031 322 4164. You can also visit www.durbantourismawards.com or www.durban.gov.za or follow @DBNTourism on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

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.