Latest news with #Durban-based
TimesLIVE
10 hours ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
KZN logistics company owner, drivers arrested in raid on undocumented foreigners
KwaZulu-Natal premier Thami Ntuli has vowed to continue a clampdown on businesses that flout labour laws by employing undocumented foreigners. He was speaking after a raid at Westmead Mining, a Durban-based logistics company where law enforcement officials arrested several workers without documentation. 'We will not tolerate the employment of undocumented nationals or anyone employed without due processes. It must be legal, ' said Ntuli. The visit follows an outcry from local drivers who complain undocumented workers accept lower wages, he said. An informer put the number of truck drivers working at the company at 85, said Ntuli. The owner was arrested More than 135 people were arrested in a crackdown by police for a wide range of crimes in the past two days, he said.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Sbonakaliso Mazibuko to give aspiring actors a shot at stardom
Smoke & Mirrors actor Sbonakaliso Mazibuko has started an acting school. Sbonakaliso, known for his roles on Amalanga Awafani, Uzalo and Durban Gen, has opened the Shogazi Academy in Durban to mentor aspiring actors. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, the 40-year-old said he is offering a free acting course with a level five certificate upon successful completion, focusing on Durban-based aspiring actors. 'The programme started with online auditions in June and aims to mentor 15 young talents over 11 months. The programme, named Durban Ten Actors in a previous initiative, intends to give young actors an opportunity to act in a stage play at the Stable Theatre in Durban, potentially exposing them to casting agencies and production houses,' he said. 'After some time, the aspiring actors will receive their monthly stipend. I'm in the final stage to conclude with the funders on how we'll operate in this academy. I'm excited about this initiative, as someone elsewhere played a huge role in the person I am today.' The Shogazi Academy mentorship includes online auditions. Sbonakaliso sees this as a way to give back to the community and believes acting talents need to be discovered and nurtured.
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Time out on sidelines has Etzebeth raring to go for Boks' home season
Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has allayed fears around his fitness ahead of the international season as the double Rugby World Cup-winner looks forward to adding to his South African record 131 caps in a busy year for the national side. The 33-year-old has been one of the Springboks' most influential players in the last decade and a key element of their back-to-back World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023, but is coming off a club season with the Durban-based Sharks plagued by injury. 'I didn't have such a good run at the Sharks with injury and concussion that kept me out for about four-and-a-half months,' Etzebeth said on Wednesday. 'It wasn't ideal, but I recovered and got a few games towards the back-end of the season. I just suffered a small setback in training just before the [United Rugby Championship] semifinal. 🗣️ "It's actually a difficult one to plan around." Rassie Erasmus on how the Springboks will be approaching the Barbarians match next Saturday. Click below to get your tickets now 👇 — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 17, 2025 'That was just a minor one and I'm very comfortable for the Springbok season ahead.' Etzebeth is an enforcer in the Springboks pack, with his ability at line-outs, powerful carries and organisation in defence. Far from looking at this past season as a wasted one, he suggests the time on the sidelines will leave him fresher for Tests against Italy [two] and Georgia next month, and South Africa's Rugby Championship title defence. 'It's not ideal that I didn't play as much as I wanted to, but at the end of the day your body is resting up a bit,' he said. Is 2025 the year that we see a changing of the guard in the Springbok front row? With Steven Kitshoff retired and injuries to the likes of Frans Malherbe and Trevor Nyakane, a few newer faces will definitely get their chance 💪 — SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) June 18, 2025 'We play week in and week out and the guys who aren't injured get bruised and battered. I'm a bit fresher. The body is feeling good.' South African players arguably play more rugby than ever before with their involvement in the United Rugby Championship and European club competitions. The Springboks also have 14 matches lined up this year, starting with a non-cap clash against the Barbarians in Cape Town on June 28. 'It's a big topic in South African rugby about our squads [size],' Etzebeth admitted. 'There is the Currie Cup, URC, Champions Cup. Do we have enough players in our squads? 'That's for the coaches to decide and I don't think they're too happy, but it's out of my [control].'
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘A brand-new chapter': Minnie Dlamini joins Gagasi FM
Dlamini replaces Thandi Mhlongo, who co-hosted the drive show with Sphe and Naves. Television presenter and businesswoman Minnie Dlamini has officially joined the SABC Durban-based radio station, Gagasi FM. The 34-year-old media personality is the new co-host of the weekday drive show, The Gagasi Fastlane, which airs weekdays from 3pm to 6pm. Minnie made her Gagasi FM debut on Tuesday, joining the popular duo Sphectacula and DJ Naves, affectionately known as The Kings of the Weekend. Announcing her new venture, Minnie shared a heartfelt video featuring her son on the beach, along with glimpses of her home. 'Some places never stop calling you back. Where the waves hold your memories and the wind whispers what's next… my heart lies at Gagasini, and that's where I return. Durban, I am home for a brand-new chapter,' she says in the voice-over. ALSO READ: 'I will continue to pursue legal recourse': Minnie Dlamini breaks silence after MacG's apology Minnie replaces Thandi Mhlongo Minnie joins the station following the departure of Thandi 'Zisto' Mhlongo, who previously co-hosted The Gagasi Fastlane with Sphe and Naves. Zisto resigned in March this year after eight years with the station. In a lengthy social media statement, Zisto explained that she chose not to renew her contract as she has joined another station, East Coast Radio. 'I am truly grateful for the incredible journey I have had with Gagasi FM over the past eight years. From starting out as a young broadcaster on the weekend breakfast show to co-hosting the afternoon drive for the past three seasons, it has been a fulfilling experience. 'While this decision was not easy, I believe I have made my contribution to this amazing brand, and I have also grown immensely as a person. At this stage of my life, considering my personal and professional aspirations, I feel it is the right time to move on,' she added. NOW READ: 'Spring Awakening' musical wins big at 20th Naledi Theatre Awards
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
'Beats, balance & breaking barriers': DJ Sonic on awards, Durban love and leaving a legacy
Gagasi FM's DJ Sonic is showing no signs of slowing down. With an infectious mix of energy, humility and vision, the Durban-based DJ and host of The Midday Connexion sat down with TshisaLIVE ahead of his high-voltage performance at Langa Res' Superhero Night on Saturday to talk about recognition, representation and rhythms that connect generations. 'Winning Best Radio DJ was an incredible honour,' DJ Sonic shared with pride. 'It validated the years of passion and effort I've poured into both radio and live performances.' But for Sonic, real name Philani Malwane, it wasn't just about the accolade. 'It gave me a deeper sense of responsibility — not just to entertain, but to inspire and elevate the culture.' Since the win, he's doubled down on curating boundary-pushing sets that spotlight emerging talent, while also taking bolder risks on stage. 'The recognition gave me the confidence to take more creative chances. It's about energy, connection and making each show unforgettable.' Langa Res in Kwa Ndengezi, Pinetown, is known for its wild, unapologetic energy and is one of DJ Sonic's favourite places to perform. And on Saturday night, he's bringing the fire. 'My peeps can expect a high-energy set that's bold, unpredictable, and unapologetically fun,' he said with a grin. 'It's going to be a journey — something you feel in your chest, not just hear.' When asked how he approaches events like Superhero Night, he revealed it's about reading the room and feeding off the crowd's intensity. 'Langa Res brings the vibe, and I'm here to match it beat for beat.' On his radio show The Midday Connexion, DJ Sonic isn't just spinning hits — he's shaping the culture. One of his proudest moments? Breaking in a local artist who went from unknown to unmissable. 'Playing Mastende Landlord — Upete for the first time gave me chills,' he recalled. 'Within days, it was circulating online, and soon they were booked at major gigs, featured on playlists, and making waves.' Sonic is intentional about using his platform to uplift grassroots talent. 'That's the power of radio it can change lives.' Looking to the future, he sees South African music stepping even further onto the world stage. 'Afro house, amapiano, gqom, and kwaito — they're not just trends; they're cultural exports. What excites me most is how rooted the new wave is in authenticity. The world is tuning in, and we're leading with soul.'
