The Safari Guide of the Year Awards (SGOTY) has announced its top five finalists for 2025, showcasing Southern Africa’s most exceptional field guides. This prestigious recognition, founded in 2011 by Mike Karantonis, an independent Safari Guide, in partnership with Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), celebrates the expertise, dedication, and passion of field guides across Southern Africa.

“For too long, field guiding was undervalued,” says FGASA’s Managing Director, Michelle du Plessis. “Through SGOTY, we celebrate guides who have achieved excellence, expanded their knowledge, and honed their practical expertise.”

For 2025, the SGOTY Awards will take place from June 19 to 22 at Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape’s picturesque Kariega River Valley. During this event, the top 5 guides will compete in a series of challenges that test their expertise, including:

• Game Drive
• Bush Walk
• Guided Photographic Experience
• Bird Slide and Sound
• Track and Sign
• Advanced Rifle Handling
• Storytelling
• Hosting and Hospitality

The competition will culminate in an awards ceremony, where the outstanding guide will be recognised for their exceptional skills and dedication to the field.

Competing this year are Cameron Schmidt from Pumba Private Game Reserve, Jason Gipson from Lion Sands Game Reserve, Kalie Otimile representing Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Matthew Derry of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, as well as Megan Heramb-Smith, a freelance Guide and Partner at The Great Outdoors.

To be eligible, the nominees were required to have a minimum of five years’ guiding experience, hold specific qualifications, and be FGASA members. A rigorous selection process, involving interviews and evaluations, narrowed the field to the top five finalists. A panel of experienced judges, including Karantonis, du Plessis, and other industry experts, will evaluate the finalists during the event.

“The competition is more than just an award; it’s a celebration of the hard work and commitment that field guides bring to their craft. These guides deliver exceptional safari experiences, enhancing South Africa’s global appeal, driving return tourism, and supporting job creation and skills development,” explains Karantonis.

With an aim to elevate the standards and profile of field guiding in Southern Africa, SGOTY Awards is set to highlight the importance of exceptional guiding in promoting conservation, tourism, and cultural exchange.

A nice glass of red by the fire. Snuggling in bed with a book. There is a lot to love about winter. Alas, as the temperatures drop, so does the humidity level. Then, the dry, winter air tries to even the status quo by drawing moisture from whatever it can, including you! This is why your skin feels so much drier in winter. It’s definitely not all in your head. It’s just science.

To make things worse, many of us tend to take longer, much hotter showers or baths during the chillier months. Again, this isn’t good news for your skin because these can cause the type of inflammation that disrupts your skin’s barrier function, the uppermost layers that essentially help you trap hydration. Happily, Lamelle has everything you need to help you beat winter dryness.

Prep and prime

To start, let’s make a clever swap regarding your cleanser. If you’re using something that contains a high concentration of foaming agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) it can be too “strippy” and only serve to dry you out further. Instead, switch to a no or very low SLS formula. Good examples of the latter would be our Serra Cleansing Gel, Nourish Daily Cleanse, or Dermaheal Foaming Cleanser. Better yet, they’re all enriched with powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Next up, you’ll want to know about our Skin Essence Rejuvenate fluid, to be worn under your moisturiser. It’s packed with probiotic lysates that improve the health of your cells to help your skin hold onto more moisture and have a better response to any other active ingredients you apply.

Another way to bump up your hydration levels – even before you’ve applied your daily moisturiser – is via our bestselling Corrective HA+ Serum. It’s made with four types of mega-plumping hyaluronic acid (HA), a molecule that occurs naturally in your skin with the ability to attract up to 1000 times its weight in water. It also contains HAFi fragments that stimulate your skin’s own hyaluronic acid production.

Moisturise cleverly

So, that’s your pre-game sorted. But what about the main event? While your current moisturiser may or may not be up to the task of helping you beat winter dryness, our Serra Restore Cream is! It contains cutting-edge ingredients that mimic the lipids in your skin’s bilayer, including our one-of-a-kind ceramide, Ceramide-P. Ultimately, it’s the best way to repair a busted barrier function situation because you’re not just adding hydration – it’s helping you seal it in. This way, you won’t lose your newfound moisture soon after you apply it.

Another way to winter-proof your skin is by using our indulgent, creamy-textured Serra Lipid Recovery Mask. Again, it contains Ceramide-P but also has extra water-binding ingredients to help you beat winter dryness in the most pampering way possible. Use it for just 15 minutes up to three times a week or slather it on and go to bed with it when you’re feeling extra dry. Either way, it’s the more indulgent way to nourish your skin. This way, you can enjoy all the best bits about winter, without having to worry about the cold air drying out your skin. So pour that big glass of red and let the chilly season fun begin!

Learn more at www.lamelle.co.za

Woodlands Mall is about to get a serious injection of colour. From Friday, 23 May to Sunday, 1 June, the mall will once again transform into an open gallery, celebrating the creativity of local schoolkids with the third annual Primary Schools Art Exhibit.

If you’re strolling through Woodlands Mall over the next week, expect more than just shopping. This exhibition brings together budding young artists from 12 local primary schools, showcasing their original work right in the heart of the community. From finger-painting prodigies to sketching standouts, learners aged 5 to 13 are taking centre stage – adding imagination, playfulness and raw creativity to the mall’s corridors.

It’s not just about fun and flair; there’s serious pride on the line. Thanks to this year’s sponsor, Thunder Valley Spur, there are prizes up for grabs for every grade. From Grade 0 to Grade 7, each year group will see a first, second and third place winner, taking home Spur food vouchers worth up to R1 000. And with a grand prize of R10 000 going to the school with the most winners, the stakes are higher than ever.

Winners will be announced on Monday, 26 May, with a special prize-giving hosted at Thunder Valley Spur on Thursday, 29 May at 6pm. Everyone’s welcome to come along, grab a table and be part of the celebration as we reveal the winners and honour the incredible talent on display.

This event has grown into a highlight on the Woodlands calendar, offering families a free, feel-good reason to visit. But more than that, it’s a clear signal of what the mall stands for: bringing people together, supporting local schools and putting community talent on display.

Whether you’re a proud parent, a curious passerby or someone in need of a dose of positivity, this is well worth a look. Stop by, admire the work and support the next generation of South African artists. You might just be looking at the future of the art world… paint-stained fingers and all.

Participating Primary Schools 2025:

• British Royal College
• Laerskool Constantiapark
• Eastside School
• Laerskool Elarduspark
• Laerskool Garsfontein
• Lynnwood Ridge Primary School
• Maragon Olympus
• Laerskool Menlopark
• Pure Hope School
• Reddford House The Hills
• Waterkloof House Preparatory School
• Woodhill College

EVENT LISTING

Event: Primary Schools Art Exhibit 2025

Date: Friday, 23 May – Sunday, 1 June

Time: 9am – 7pm daily

Venue: Throughout Woodlands Mall

Details: Woodlands Mall invites you to view its third annual Primary Schools Art Exhibit, featuring work from learners aged 5 to 13 from 12 local schools. The exhibition is free to attend and will be displayed throughout the mall.

Keep up with the latest events, exhibitions and community highlights, visit the Woodlands Mall website for more what’s on and what’s coming up.

The Kenya Tourism Board today announced A Journey Through the Wild Heart of East Africa, a multimedia branded campaign created for them by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions, that follows seasoned travel photographer and adventurer Jack Swynnerton on a stunning journey capturing the country’s dramatic landscapes and incredible wildlife.

In this new campaign, which launches today [Tuesday 20^th May] across online and social media, Swynnerton enjoys a once-in-a-lifetime experience as he discovers the true spirit of adventure in Kenya, documenting his journey in a photography essay and travel guide split into three chapters – Land, Water and Air.

On land, his adventure begins at the heart of Kenya’s wild frontier as he walks the plains of the Maasai Mara. Crossing the rugged landscapes of the savannah, he showcases Kenya’s world-famous wildlife, getting up close and personal with a pride of lions, and discovers the warm hospitality and cultural richness of the local Samburu community.

From there, we take to the skies and embark on a hot air balloon safari above the Maasai Mara at dawn, offering an unparalleled view of the wild, before taking a flight in a light aircraft to a remote elephant sanctuary and hiking off-grid up the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya, experiencing moments of stillness on Africa’s second highest mountain.

Finally, we dive into Kenya’s hidden coastal and aquatic gems. In Watamu on the Swahili coast, our guide paddleboards through tangled mangrove forests, kitesurfs along the turquoise waves of the Indian Ocean and heads out to sea on a traditional dhow sailing boat.

June Chepkemei, CEO Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), said: “This campaign marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to diversify Kenya’s tourism offerings beyond the traditional experience. By highlighting the rich tapestry of adventure activities from mountain trekking and aerial safaris to coastal exploration, we are positioning Kenya as an excellent destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. ‘A Journey Through the Wild Heart of East Africa’ highlights the immense potential of adventure tourism and reinforces our commitment to offering visitors a dynamic and unforgettable travel experience.”

Jihane Rassasse, VP of Content Partnerships for MEA, Turkey and the Mediterranean, BBC Studios, said: “This thrilling journey across Kenya and the stunning visual storytelling of Jack Swynnerton provides the perfect lens through which to explore adventure tourism in the country. From spotting elephants on safari to marvelling at mountain views, we’ve showcased some amazing experiences which will offer audiences around the world a taste of just what an adventure in Kenya can offer.”

A Journey Through the Wild Heart of East Africa launches today across a range of innovative digital formats on BBC.com. Swynnerton’s visual storytelling is also available to view as branded content across social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok through photography reels, behind-the scenes footage and more.

To create the campaign, BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions leveraged BBC Studios’ world-renowned creative and production capabilities that are behind some of the most beloved storytelling on the planet. 

BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the BBC, relaunched BBC.com and the BBC app last year, transforming the way audiences read, watch and find the BBC’s journalism and storytelling outside of the UK. Since relaunching, BBC.com has seen double-digit year-on-year growth for nine consecutive months, with audiences in Kenya increasing by 10 per cent in the first year. Today, BBC.com reaches 130 million visitors globally.

Building on the phenomenal momentum of the past two years, South Africa’s iconic youth radio station, Y, proudly announces the return of GRYND 2025 – the ultimate content creation convention. This is where passion meets strategy, where timelines come to life, and where creators level up — from nano to mega, and everything in between.

Originally launched in 2023 as a response to the growing youth unemployment crisis, GRYND was created to spark critical conversations around entrepreneurship and innovation. Now in its third year, GRYND 2025 continues to evolve as a powerhouse of opportunity, arming young people with practical tools, real-world knowledge, and a mindset geared toward sustainable self-employment. With a key focus on the “how-to” aspect of content creation, GRYND is more than a convention, its unique offering is a launchpad for success. You’ll leave inspired, informed, and ready to turn content into currency.

This year’s edition for the first time will see GRYND speakers go beyond inspiration, guiding attendees through step-by-step sessions and live creative demonstrations that show exactly how to level up as content creators. This hands-on approach is a major highlight, designed to deliver real, actionable value – all designed to foster growth, creativity and collaboration. GRYND is your ultimate creative playground.

Backed by Y’s influential reach and deep cultural insight, GRYND 2025 promises to once again unite aspiring entrepreneurs, side-hustlers, and established industry leaders for a day of powerful exchange.

Confirmed for the 2025 speaker lineup are the faces you double-tap on daily, South Africa’s most dynamic voices in tech, finance, media and business – each bringing their journey, insights and blueprints for success to the stage. Keynote speakers include young powerhouse business entrepreneurs Alphi Sipho, Sibu Mabena, Ntando Zikalala and Sabelo the Kreator alongside various other dynamic industry disruptors. These speakers include collaborative creator Thato Rampedi, beauty influencer Jay Pharasi, dance influencer Hope Ramafalo, tech influencer Okay Wasabi, agency owner Kyle Clark, foodie creator Onezwa Mbola and Y’s own fashion influencer Fresh by Caddy, reality star Sinaye and broadcast royalty Ayanda MVP.

As we mark Youth Month in the country, GRYND 2025 stands as a testament to the power of ideas, community, and fearless innovation. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the movement that’s shaping South Africa’s next generation of game changers. Atlas Studios turns into the epicenter of creator culture next month, so mark your calendar for Saturday, 28 June 2025 and pull up – GRYND is going down with an unfiltered, full-throttle experience made for young visionaries ready to shake things up.

Y Managing Director Haseena Cassim, remarked, “GRYND has evolved beyond a moment into a movement that continues to grow with the ambitions of South Africa’s youth. In 2025, we’re doubling down on our mission to equip young people with more than just inspiration—we’re providing access, insights, and actionable tools. GRYND is about shifting mindsets, unlocking creativity, and empowering the next generation to build their futures through innovation and digital fluency. We’re not just opening doors—we’re showing young people how to walk through them with confidence.”

GRYND 2025 champions a new era of innovation, resilience, and bold ambition, celebrating young trailblazers who are redefining what success looks like on their own terms.

Be part of the movement. Come GRYND with us. Snap it. Swipe it. Build it.  Reserve your spot now and unlock the GRYND experience that could transform your future. This is GRYND 2025.

BOOK HERE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DATE:        Saturday, 28 June 2025

VENUE:     Atlas Studio (Milpark)

TIME:         10h00 – 17:00  

At Town Lodge Roodepoort, part of City Lodge Hotels, management and staff love surprising regular guests with traditional African meals that transport them home. It’s a nostalgic treat; a comforting reminder of family, flavour, and togetherness.

With Africa Day coming up on Sunday, 25 May, what better way to celebrate the spirit of ubuntu and the incredible talent of our hotel team than by showcasing their take on a traditional Seven Colours Sunday lunch. This flavourful South African tradition celebrates family and community through a colourful spread of meats, vegetables, and starches, with each dish reflecting regional variations of age-old recipes passed down through generations. We’ve captured some of the flavours, joy, and meaning that are especially close to the hearts of the Town Lodge Umhlanga team.

“When we prepare these dishes as a special treat for our regular guests, they absolutely love it,” says General Manager Roslyn Khumalo. “It’s a taste of home, which means a lot when you’re away and travelling. As good as our Eat-in menu is, there’s something uniquely comforting about being served a traditional, homecooked dish. It also strengthens our guests’ connection with the hotel.”

Junior Assistant General Manager Mpho Magampa agrees, adding: “We call this hotel our guests’ home away from home and now they get to taste it too – nostalgia at its best!”

As a gesture of appreciation for the team, Roslyn and her kitchen team prepared a truly African staff lunch, featuring authentic homemade dishes. Chef de Partie Andrew Machaba says all ingredients are easily sourced from the hotel’s regular suppliers. They created:

• Tripe: Mogodu (Sesotho) – Cow or sheep stomach and intestines, slow-cooked and seasoned with salt and Rajah Mild & Spicy.
• Chicken Livers: Seasoned with Cajun spice and chicken stock and quick-fried.
• Cow Heels: Amanqina (isiXhosa) – Slow-boiled with onions, garlic, tomatoes, chillis, beef stock, turmeric, Worcester sauce, black pepper, salt and Rajah Mild.
• Chicken Gizzards: Izingingila (isiZulu) – Flavoured with chicken and Cajun spices and basted in Prego sauce, served “streetwise-style” on skewers.
• Snapper Rock Fish: Oven-baked whole with a lemon, fish rub, onion, tomatoes, and wholegrain mustard stuffing
• Beans: Amabontshisi (isiZulu) – Boiled with chopped onions, tomato sauce, and vegetable seasoning.
• Cabbage: Ikhabishi (isiZulu) – Chopped and fried with onions, garlic, green peppers, curry powder, and Aromat.
• Squash: Steamed in salted water with butter; apple slices added for a sweet note.
• A range of traditional sides completes the meal, including amagwinya (vetkoek), dombolo (steamed bread), spicy chakalaka, and salads in summer.

“These recipes were learned at home, passed down from parents, aunts and grandparents. We saw our elders prepare these dishes, and now our children are growing up with them too,” says Mpho. “We add our own touches, but the key ingredients remain: simple, cost-effective staples with lots of heart.”

“The great thing about these meals is they’re affordable, easy to make, and full of flavour. You don’t need special skills or fancy equipment,” adds Commis Chef Nosipho Sithole. “We use onions, tomatoes, white and black pepper, salt, maybe Aromat or Rajah curry spices, and either fry, boil or steam them. It’s uncomplicated – anyone can do it!”

“Although most dishes are still prepared in large pots, we’ve incorporated modern appliances like air fryers and use a bit more spice. However, at heart, we still use the same recipes our ancestors did hundreds of years ago,” explains Andrew.

Roslyn says preparing a traditional dish or full Seven Colours Sunday lunch for guests isn’t just about the food; it’s also about creativity, pride, and teamwork.

“Each of us brings something unique to the dish and the day, and we encourage one another to show up in our own way. We share, taste, and keep innovating – it’s a true team effort!” She adds, “Much as we love celebrating Africa Day and expressing our Africanness through food, for us, every day is Africa Day. We are proud of our South African identity and heritage, and the dishes we serve reflect that.”