The iconic tequila brand Don Julio partners with South African talent for the Don Julio Artist Residency—a programme rooted in Mexico and South Africa, culminating in an experiential showcase of their art on the 17^th of December. The resident artists include hitmaker Kelvin Momo, award-winning fashion designer Lukhanyo Mdingi, milliner Crystal Birch, and visual artist Imraan Christian. This residency celebrates creativity and culture, uniting artistic expressions from South Africa and Mexico, in collaboration with Mexican artists like Claudio Limón.

Renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship, Don Julio is reimagining how we experience spirits with its “Por Amor” (For The Love) campaign. Through fashion, art, and music, Don Julio takes consumers on a journey that tells a South African and Mexican love story. Theo Zulu, Senior Brand Manager for Don Julio, says, “We sought artists who embody the brand’s core values. The heart of Don Julio is love, and these artists represent the soul of our ethos in both local and global contexts.”

Kelvin Momo, known for his innovative fusion of genres, will highlight the role of sound in artistic expression. “Music, like tequila, is crafted with passion and intention. This collaboration allows us to connect with global audiences,” he says.

The residency embodies Don Julio’s belief in the power of artistry. Each artist brings a unique perspective, blending their cultural backgrounds to create a shared vision of excellence. LVMH Prize winner Lukhanyo Mdingi draws from his Xhosa heritage to bring contemporary aesthetics to his designs. Mdingi says, “Craftsmanship is at the heart of what I do—whether it’s fashion or textiles. Together with Don Julio, we celebrate authentic storytelling.”

Mexican textile artist Victoria Villasana’s was part of Mdingi’s Mexican experience as part of the residency, as she merges traditional patterns with personal memories of Mexico’s vibrant celebrations. “Textiles are a tactile, comforting element,” Villasana shares.

In Mexico, Don Julio’s founder, Julio González, earned the nickname “the man in the hat,” making it a perfect fit for South Africa’s renowned milliner, Crystal Birch. Known for her bold designs, Birch is excited to merge Spanish and South African influences in her work. “This collaboration allows me to draw inspiration from Mexico’s vibrancy and share unique designs with the world,” says Birch.

Imraan Christian, a visual artist, uses his lens to explore social issues and identity. During his residency, he worked closely with Claudio Limón, a Jalisco-born artist known for his evocative use of colour. Christian reflects, “My time in Mexico was spiritual. This collaboration allows me to express the richness of my experience, connecting with the land and the community that helped build Don Julio.”

Ifeoma Agu, Head of Culture, Influencers & Advocacy – Diageo Southern, West & Central Africa, concludes, “The Don Julio Artist Residency celebrates talent and fosters cross-cultural connections. By collaborating with visionary artists, we are contributing to the global conversation that recognises  African creativity fuelled by the true spirit of love for craftmanship as heroed in the “Por Amor” Campaign for Don Julio.” We are excited about what the future holds as we cannot wait for the world to experience the Don Julio Artist Residency in its full bloom by the 17^th of December, 2024.

The residency allows the artists to engage in collaborative projects, workshops, and an exhibition showcasing their work, reinforcing Don Julio’s commitment to supporting global artistry.

World Children’s Day takes place every year on 20 November. The day marks the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959, as well as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1989. National Children’s Day is a dedicated time to celebrate the future of our nation by honouring its youngest members. At Afrika Tikkun Bambanani, we see this day as an opportunity to highlight the joy, growth, and wellbeing of the children in our care, as well as to recognise their remarkable potential.

This year, Afrika Tikkun Bambanani pulled out all the stops with vibrant celebrations across our centres. We believe in providing children with not only quality education but also experiences that nurture their physical health, creativity, and emotional growth. Here’s a closer look at the activities we were excited to share on this special day:

Health and Fitness Programme
Our Health and Fitness Programme is an essential part of our children’s development, teaching them the importance of staying active, making nutritious choices, and building healthy habits for life. Through fun physical activities, group exercises, and engaging games, we foster an appreciation for fitness that empowers children to take care of their bodies.

G2K Gardening Programme
Our G2K gardening programme had been transformative, especially for our youngest gardeners. This initiative not only teaches children to grow their own vegetables but also instilled values of responsibility, patience, and the joy of caring for living things. Watching children’s pride as they harvest their first crops is a celebration in itself, reflecting our commitment to building a sustainable future while teaching valuable life skills.

Concerts and Celebrations
At each centre, music and movement brought children together in joyous concert performances. These concerts were a platform for self-expression, where children could sing, dance, and act. Through these performances, we celebrated the vibrant, unique personalities of each child, bringing them confidence and a sense of belonging within their community. It was a beautiful way to showcase the skills they had developed in our Buzz Kids Foundation programme, which nurtured creativity through drama, dance, and music.

Grade R Graduations
Our Grade R graduations were a significant milestone for the children and their families, symbolising their readiness to take the next step in their education journey. These ceremonies were joyful yet poignant, as we witnessed how far each child had come, both academically and personally. Graduation day was more than a farewell; it was a moment of pride for our educators, parents, and the children themselves.

Additional Celebrations and Programmes
In addition to these special events, we celebrated National Children’s Day with art and creative expression workshops, play-based learning activities, and social development games designed to promote friendship, empathy, and cooperation among the children. Thanks to our recent partnership with Lego SA, every centre now has a Duplo playbox for hands-on learning and creative construction. Children can experiment, build, and learn through play, expanding their cognitive and motor skills in ways that are both meaningful and delightful.

The Heart of Our Mission: Love and Equal Care
Theresa Michael, CEO of Afrika Tikkun Bambanani beautifully encapsulates the Bambanani philosophy: “In order to teach children, you have to love them first; and love them equally.” This commitment to love and equality lies at the heart of every initiative at Afrika Tikkun Bambanani. Our educators strive to make each child feel valued and cherished, providing not just education, but a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

Reflecting on Our Impact
On this National Children’s Day, we reflected on the incredible impact we had achieved together over the years: reaching over 30,000 children, supporting 300 ECD centres, and empowering 1,800 teachers through training programmes and resources. We were dedicated to closing learning gaps, empowering teachers, and creating a space where every child felt valued.

As we celebrated, we were reminded of the power of community and partnership in building a brighter future for South Africa’s children. At Afrika Tikkun Bambanani, every day is Children’s Day, as we strive to create opportunities and loving support that will carry our children into successful futures. Celebrating, nurturing, and empowering the children who are the heart of our nation!

For more information about Afrika Tikkun Bambanani, please visit https://afrikatikkunbambanani.org/

The global LGBTI community has concluded a landmark event, the ILGA World Conference, held this year in Cape Town, South Africa and hosted by local organisations Iranti and Gender DynamiX. The 31st edition of the conference — the largest in the history of the organisation — brought together over 1,450 delegates from more than 100 countries under the theme “Kwa Umoja We Rise”, referencing a phrase in Swahili that celebrates unity and collective progress.

This historic conference marked the first time in 25 years that the event returned to African soil, symbolising a renewed commitment to inclusion, alliances across movements, and solidarity across the continent and the globe.

For five days, the event brought together hundreds of LGBTI human rights defenders and development experts, policy makers, international human rights mechanisms experts, government representatives, researchers, journalists, funders, and allies— responding in global solidarity to the ongoing anti-rights pushback.

A constellation of many more events happened during and around the ILGA World Conference — including the ceremony of the inaugural International Pride Awards, a joint initiative by UNDP and ILGA World, and a strategic summit for intersectional and inclusive democracies.

The theme for next year’s International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) was also announced: in 2025, LGBTI communities and allies around the world will rally under the theme “The power of communities”, emphasising collective strength in overcoming challenges and driving change.

The member organisations of ILGA World also elected their new representatives to the Executive Board: Kimberly Frost (United States) and Yuri Guaiana (Italy) are the organisation’s new co-Secretaries General, taking the helm from Luz Elena Aranda (Mexico) and Tuisina Ymania Brown (Samoa).

Member organisations also elected the chairs of ILGA World’s Steering Committees: Hamlet Nkwain (Bisexual Committee), Obioma Chukwuike (Intersex Committee), Alejandra Collette Spinetti Nuñez (Trans Committee), Angelica Polmonari (Women’s Committee), and Gabriel Benjamin Barahona Escobar (Youth Committee).

Julia Ehrt, Executive Director of ILGA World, reflected on the event’s significance:
“In such polarised and contentious times, it has been heartening to witness so many people coming together, strengthening bonds to resist the anti-rights wave, and keep advancing the human rights of LGBTI peoples. This conference has been a testament to the resilience, courage, and determination of our global movement. In Cape Town, we witnessed the strength of our unity, and we are inspired to continue working toward a world where everyone is free to live authentically and without fear.”

Liberty Matthyse and Jade Jacobs-Wort, Executive Director at Gender DynamiX and Knowledge and Research Manager at Iranti respectively, said: “We are proud to have hosted the global LGBTI community in Africa, and to have created spaces for them to witness what activism looks like in our context, our work with grassroots communities, and how we keep pushing forward towards equal rights for all. Let this event be a testament to the true solidarity that can come alive when diverse movements work with each other and forge alliances.”

As the conference drew to a close, ILGA World announced that its next global gathering will take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, continuing the tradition of fostering collaboration and amplifying the voices of LGBTI communities worldwide.

Are you ready to push your limits and chase the ultimate adrenaline rush in 2025? Flight Centre’s Travel Experts have curated the ultimate travel bucket list packed with life-changing adventures – many of which are right here in South Africa!

Whether it’s free-falling into breathtaking depths or shooting through the skies at record speeds, these iconic experiences are guaranteed to leave your heart racing:

Bungee jumping: Bloukrans Bridge, The Garden Route, South Africa

• Adrenalin rating: 9/10
• Description: The highest commercial bungee jump in the world at 216 m, Bloukrans offers jaw-dropping views and a spine-tingling rush as you cut through the air.

“The pendulum bungee technology ensures a smooth jump, with a swing-out rather than abrupt recoil, promising a more comfortable experience. Additionally, the jump site’s renowned safety record and incredible staff make this a top-tier bungee experience,” comments Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa.

• Who can do it? Participants must be at least 14 years old and weigh between 35 and 150 kg. The SkyWalk Adventure is available to children from 8 years old.

Ziplining: K3 Zipline, Caledon, South Africa

• Adrenalin rating: 8/10
• Description: The K3 Zipline holds the title of the longest zipline in the world, stretching a staggering 3.2 km. Riders soar up to 500 m above the Overberg region, reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h.
• Who can do it? Participants must weigh between 60 and 120 kg and be over 8 years old.

White water rafting: Zambezi River, Batoka Gorge, Zambia/Zimbabwe

• Adrenalin rating: 9.5/10
• Description: The Zambezi River, particularly near Victoria Falls, delivers some of the most intense and dangerous rapids in the world. The Grade V (and a few Grade VI) rapids have earned names like ‘Commercial Suicide’ and ‘Ghostrider,’ making them legendary for white-water lovers. With the thunderous backdrop of Victoria Falls and dramatic drops like Stairway to Heaven, it’s a full-on thrill fest.
• Who can do it? Varying by provider, participants generally need to be over 15 years old and be able to fit into a life vest.

Paragliding: Interlaken, Switzerland

• Adrenalin rating: 7.5/10
• Description: Paragliding in Interlaken comes with magical views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Launched from elevations of 1,300 to 1,500 m, the flights last up to 40 minutes, sweeping riders through sprawling alpine terrain. If you’re after extra thrills, opt for an acrobatic tandem flight, which mixes spins and flips into the experience.
• Who can do it? Tandem paragliding is open to travellers from 7 years old. However, weight restrictions typically range between 30 and 100 kg.

Canyoning: Extreme Dominica Canyon Experience, Dominica, Caribbean

• Adrenalin rating: 8.5/10
• Description: Canyoning in Dominica means trekking through challenging terrain, rappelling down waterfalls, and jumping into natural pools, all while surrounded by the Caribbean rainforest. The experience includes descending places like the Trafalgar Falls, with the option to take things to the next level with night canyoning tours – a chance to explore the canyons under the stars.
• Who can do it? A relatively fit person above 6 years old (some tours may have different restrictions based on age, weight, and physical condition).

Kloofing: Suicide Gorge, Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, South Africa

• Adrenalin rating: 8.5/10
• Description: The Suicide Gorge kloofing experience involves hiking, bouldering, swimming, and cliff jumping through an intense 16.2 km journey filled with mandatory 7 metre jumps into deep rock pools.

“The element of compulsory jumps, including optional ones up to 21m, makes this gorge a true test for even experienced adventurers,” says Turner.

• Who can do it? Swimmers in good physical condition and with hiking experience. Age requirements vary, generally from 18 years old.

Rollercoaster riding: Aqua Slidecoaster on Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Cruise Line

• Adrenalin rating: 6.5/10

• Description: Debuting in April 2025, this hybrid rollercoaster-and-water slide at sea (the first of its kind) is quite literally unlike anything else. With dual slides winding around the ship, magnetic lifts that propel you, and a beautiful view of the ocean from three stories above, it’s an electrifying way to cruise and defy gravity at the same time.
• Who can do it? Age, weight, and height restrictions will be released closer to the ship’s launch.

Volcano boarding: Cerro Negro, Nicaragua, Central America

• Adrenalin rating: 8/10
• Description: Volcano boarding on Cerro Negro in Nicaragua is one of the most unique and daring adventure sports in the world. Participants hike up the active volcano, Cerro Negro, before racing back down its steep, ashy slopes – on nothing but a board. Reaching speeds of 80 km/h, you’ll zoom down 45-degree inclines, getting covered in volcanic ash. The heat from the active volcano below you adds to the thrill for an ethereal, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Who can do it? Participants must be in moderate physical shape to make the trek up the volcano and must be over 18 years old due to the extreme nature of the sport.

Ice climbing: Sólheimajökull Glacier, Iceland

• Adrenalin rating: 8/10
• Description: Ice climbing on Sólheimajökull Glacier is the ultimate cold-weather adrenaline rush. Equipped with ice picks and crampons, climbers ascend towering vertical ice walls formed by the frozen movement of ancient glaciers. The terrain is constantly shifting, and climbing up sheer ice makes every moment a challenge. What makes this experience stand out is the spectacular glacier landscape of deep crevasses, glittering ridges, and ice formations – picture-perfect in every way!
• Who can do it? Participants must be over 14 years old and in good physical condition. No prior experience is required, but professional guiding is mandatory.

Safety first

“While these adventures will be memories you’ll never forget, it’s important to remember safety! Always ensure everything is done under certified, professional supervision. Be sure to check local requirements and restrictions, and trust only licensed operators to guide you through these adrenalin-pumping experiences,” Turner concludes.

Inspired? 2025 is the perfect time to swing, swim, jump, or dive into an adventure worth travelling for!