The most magical night of the year is back! SPAR Carols by Candlelight with Jacaranda FM returns on Thursday, 4 December 2025, with a festive new production celebrating togetherness, joy, and the true spirit of the festive season. 

Taking place at the SunBet Arena in Menlyn, Pretoria, this beloved annual tradition invites families, friends, and music lovers to come together for an unforgettable evening filled with feel-good Christmas cheer, world-class performances, and moments that capture the magic of the holidays.

This year’s theme, Home for Christmas, returning for a second year due to overwhelming love from audiences, tells the heartfelt stories of what it means to be home for the holidays. It celebrates the magic of homecomings, the joy of reuniting with loved ones, and the deep emotional connections that make the festive season so special.

With only 7,000 seats available, fans are encouraged to book early to avoid missing out on one of South Africa’s most loved festive experiences. For those who prefer to soak up the magic from home, the event will also be streamed live via www.jacarandafm.com, giving families across the country unlimited access to the show, wherever they may be. 

This year’s star-studded line-up will see some of South Africa’s most talented artists take the stage, including: 

• Elandré
• Lee Cole
• Zoë Modiga
• Ruan du Toit
• Charlize Berg
• Lloyd Cele
• Jesse Clegg
• Ndlovu Youth Choir

Together, they’ll perform your favourite Christmas carols and classic festive hits, all backed by Jacaranda FM’s signature feel-good energy. 

Beyond the music and magic, SPAR Carols by Candlelight with Jacaranda FM continues to make a lasting impact. All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards Santa’s Shoebox, helping to spread love, joy, and light to families and children across South Africa this festive season. 

“Every year, SPAR Carols by Candlelight with Jacaranda FM reminds us of the incredible power of community,” says Vuyani Dombo, Managing Director at Jacaranda FM. “It’s become so much more than just a concert, it’s a celebration of hope, generosity, and togetherness. Seeing families come together to sing, smile, and give back truly captures what the festive season is all about. Knowing that every ticket sold helps bring joy to a child through Santa’s Shoebox makes it all the more meaningful. It’s the kind of feel-good magic we love to be part of.”

Maxine D’Amico, Advertising and Promotions Manage at SPAR Inland adds, “At SPAR, community has always been at the heart of who we are. SPAR Carols by Candlelight is more than just an event -it’s a celebration of togetherness, hope and the true spirit of giving. Every year, we’re reminded how special it is when families, friends, and neighbours come together to share in joy and make a bigger impact to those in need. It’s moments like these that reflect what SPAR stands for- creating connections that go beyond the store and into the heart of every community we serve.”

To keep the festive spirit alive, SPAR Carols by Candlelight with Jacaranda FM will be rebroadcast all day on 24 December via www.jacarandafm.com, just in time for Christmas Eve. It’s the perfect way to soak up the festive spirit and enjoy the magic all over again from the comfort of your home.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, 4 December 2025

Venue: SunBet Arena, Time Square, Menlyn

Doors open: 17:00

Show starts: 19:00

Ends: 20:30

Tickets: R85 via Ticketpro at https://shop.ticketpro.co.za/event/spar-carols-by-candlelight-presented-by-jacarand-fxni3d.

With fun family activities, festive treats, and a night of unforgettable performances, this is more than just a concert, it’s a celebration of coming together, giving back, and feeling truly at home for Christmas. Bring your family, your friends, and your Christmas spirit, and let’s make this holiday season truly feel good.

Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West invites guests to savour the summer season with an irresistible array of food experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for a forest picnic, a relaxed family lunch, a cheese and wine platter, or an artisanal ice cream, Vergelegen offers something to delight every palate and pocket – all in one of the Cape’s most beautiful settings.

Camphor forest picnics: The estate’s much-loved white tablecloth picnics are again located in the serene camphor tree forest, following a revamp of the picnic hub building where the wicker picnic baskets are collected.

The updated, all-inclusive standard menu offers favourites such as chilled vichyssoise, local charcuterie and cheeses, coronation chicken, spanakopita and tzatziki, dips and pâté. Dessert is homemade ice cream.

Booking is essential for standard, vegan/vegetarian and children’s (three to ten-year-olds) picnics. The standard picnic is R540/person, children’s picnic R230/person.

The Creamery: This newly-opened outlet, situated in the picnic hub, sells delicious homemade ice creams, baked goods, old-fashioned sweets and coffee. Ice creams cost R50/single, R90/double, children’s serving R40.

Rose Terrace Tea Room: A charming venue for light breakfasts and lunches, and perfect for an indulgent tea with a choice of delicious cakes, tarts, scones and savouries. Book a table in the classic interior, or opt for outdoor seating with a view of the glorious rose garden.

Stables Restaurant: Renowned for its spectacular mountain backdrop and garden views, this bistro-style venue is ideal for a casual date or family gathering. The menu lists starters such as oysters, mains like beef sirloin, wood oven pizzas and burgers, and desserts such as crème caramel.

Wine tasting room: Perfect for two, the popular artisanal cheese platter offers a selection of local cheeses and pancetta, served with melba toast, Vergelegen green olive tapenade, and green fig preserve. The cost is R295/platter.

The wine tasting room has also launched a new offering of creamy Italian burrata cheese, served with a light salad. The cost is R165.

The Potting Shed Gift Shop: This is a charming spot to pick up treats to enjoy at home or to share as thoughtful gifts. Choose from a selection of estate honey, jams, chocolates and other delights.

With its stunning setting, welcoming service and focus on quality ingredients, Vergelegen is the perfect destination to relax and indulge in summer season flavours.

Find out more and book: https://vergelegen.co.za/restaurants/ | Email [email protected] | Phone 021 847 2111 | Book via Dineplan.

• Picnics: 1 November 2025-end April 2026. Open Mondays-Sundays. Picnic basket collection 12h15-13h30, picnic site closes 16h30. Reservations essential (at least 24 hours in advance). Email [email protected] | Phone 021 847 2111 | Reserve via Dineplan.
• Stables: Open Mondays-Sundays 08h30-17h00. Kitchen closes 15h30. Dinner trading hours Thursday, Friday, Saturday 18h00-21h00. Kitchen closes 20h30. Email [email protected] | Phone 021 847 2156.
• Rose Terrace Tea Room: Open Monday-Sunday 09h30-16h00. No bookings.

Estate hours: Monday-Sunday 08h30-17h00 (last entry 16h00).

Estate entrance fee: R30/adult, R10/scholars and pensioners. Free entrance for pensioners on Mondays. A Friends of the Farm access card, valid for 12 months, costs R500. This provides access for the purchaser plus three friends.

In the wake of the year-end exams, countless high school students and their parents are faced with the reality that they may need to make a call on whether to continue with Pure Maths or change to Maths Literacy. It’s a double-edged sword, as Pure Maths opens more doors when considering study options; however Maths Lit might translate to better performance, and therefore improve chances of receiving a Bachelors pass.

Dr Alucia Mabunda, Campus Head at IIE Rosebank College, says there are a number of considerations that should inform this important decision, and will assist parents and students with making an informed choice. The first myth that needs to be dispelled, is the idea that Pure Maths is just for gifted students, she says.

“With appropriate development, structured support, and encouragement, all learners are capable of engaging successfully with the subject. Mathematics is not inherently difficult; rather, the challenges often arise from the manner in which it is taught and the way in which learners perceive it,” Dr Mabunda says.

“Establishing a solid foundation in the early years of education is essential. Unfortunately, some adults recall being discouraged from pursuing Mathematics, having been told that it was too difficult. Such stereotypes have fostered a culture of fear which continues to influence students negatively. Overcoming these misconceptions through effective pedagogy and positive reinforcement enables all learners to realise their potential in Mathematics.”

DEGREE ACCESS & EARLY PARENTAL SUPPORT

It is true that Pure Maths opens more study and career pathways, but that is not reason alone to opt for the subject, Dr Mabunda says.

“The starting point should be a discussion about the child’s aspirations and career interests, ideally beginning in primary school rather than being left until secondary education. Early conversations enable parents to identify suitable subject pathways aligned with the child’s intended field of study.

“While Mathematics indeed opens access to a wide range of degree programmes and fosters valuable analytical and critical thinking skills, it should be pursued in a supportive manner. If a chosen career requires Mathematics, parents ought to provide early and consistent academic support, while also fostering a positive attitude towards the subject so that the child’s motivation is aligned with their long-term goals.”

WHEN TO CHOOSE MATHS LIT

Students who intend to pursue qualifications that do not require Mathematics as an admission prerequisite may benefit from opting for Mathematical Literacy. This option may also be appropriate for learners who find little interest in Mathematics or who lack access to well-qualified teachers with expertise in the subject.

“Choosing Mathematical Literacy reduces the academic pressure often associated with Pure Mathematics, thereby allowing students to dedicate more time and effort to other subjects that are directly aligned with their future studies. In this way, Mathematical Literacy remains a practical alternative that still fosters problem-solving skills while supporting broader academic success,” Dr Mabunda says.

She says the range of degrees and tertiary courses available to students who have taken Mathematical Literacy depends largely on the admission policies of individual institutions.

“In many cases, higher achievement levels are required for Mathematical Literacy than for Mathematics. For example, a qualification that requires 50% in Mathematics may require a minimum of 70% in Mathematical Literacy for admission.

“Despite these higher thresholds, there has been a notable shift in recent years, with many degrees now accommodating applicants with Mathematical Literacy. These include programmes in Education, Law, selected Accounting and Commerce fields, the Human and Social Sciences, Tourism, Humanities, and Business Studies. However, fields such as Engineering, Medicine, and Actuarial Science continue to require Pure Mathematics as a compulsory prerequisite.”

Overall, learners who have taken Mathematical Literacy still have access to a wide pool of qualifications, provided that their subject choices and performance levels are aligned with the entry requirements of their institution and chosen field of study.

IF PURE MATHS IS A MUST, BUT THE STRUGGLE IS REAL

Students who struggle with Mathematics but wish to pursue a degree that requires it should begin by investing significantly more time in mastering the subject, Dr Mabunda says.

This may involve engaging a tutor, attending additional classes, and making full use of available learning resources. Ultimately, success depends on the student’s determination and commitment to achieving the required marks for entry into their chosen field.

But equally important, is cultivating a positive attitude and perhaps a mindset adjustment towards Mathematics.

“A negative outlook can hinder progress, while a constructive mindset can enhance confidence and performance. For instance, in my own experience, I initially struggled with Mathematics due to a negative attitude. However, with renewed motivation in Matric and the guidance of a highly committed teacher, I achieved strong results. This demonstrates how persistence, support, and a change in mindset can transform performance.”

Living near others is part and parcel of owning or renting a home. You could live in a bustling complex, a suburban street, or a peaceful cul-de-sac – wherever you are, you’re going to have neighbours. Most of us want to enjoy our space in peace, but good neighbourly relationships are cultivated through respect, communication, and consideration.

According to Michelle Cohen, Principal at Leapfrog Johannesburg North East, “Healthy relationships with neighbours make everyday living easier and more enjoyable. It’s not about being best friends but creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and respected.”

Be friendly, not intrusive

You don’t have to host braais together or exchange life stories. However, acknowledging your neighbours with a smile, a wave, or a brief greeting can go a long way to building good neighbourly relations. A little friendliness can help foster mutual respect, and you never know when you might need a favour, from borrowing a ladder to keeping an eye on your property while you’re away.

If you’re new to the area, take a walk around the neighbourhood if it’s a walkable area. Greet those you meet, familiarise yourself with faces, and learn who lives where. Even if you don’t exchange numbers right away, knowing your immediate neighbours builds a sense of trust and community.

Keep your space tidy

A clean, well-kept property is good for your own enjoyment, yes, but it is also a courtesy to those who live nearby. Overgrown lawns, litter lying around outside, or clutter spilling into driveways can quickly cause tension. “Mess and neglect can often attract complaints from other neighbours,” says Cohen. “Additionally, they can lower property values and create an unpleasant environment for everyone.”

Simple habits like keeping bins secure, maintaining your garden, and promptly fixing broken fences or noisy gates show that you care about the shared environment.

Considerate communication is key

If you’re planning a big event or renovation that might cause extra noise or parking congestion, give your neighbours a heads-up. A short note, WhatsApp message, or quick conversation can make all the difference.

Weekends are generally the best time for social gatherings, and if your celebration is likely to stretch into the night, manage expectations upfront. Mention the start and end times, and remind guests not to block driveways or park inconsiderately. If you’re on particularly good terms, your neighbours might even lend you a driveway or help you manage overflow parking.

When problems arise

Even with the best intentions, issues do crop up. Barking dogs, loud music, overhanging trees, or blocked driveways. Stay calm and approach the situation with empathy before escalating it.

Start with a friendly conversation. Assume the problem was an honest mistake rather than deliberate inconsideration. For example, instead of saying, “Your dog keeps me up every night!”, try, “I’ve noticed your dog has been barking quite a bit lately. Is there maybe something that’s upsetting him/her?”

If that doesn’t help, put your concerns in writing so there’s a record of communication. For sectional title or estate living, your next step would be to contact the body corporate or homeowners’ association, which often has formal dispute-resolution procedures.

For stand-alone properties, you can consult a community mediator or, as a last resort, contact your local municipality if noise or nuisance bylaws are being broken.

Know your rights

South African law protects residents from “unreasonable interference” with the enjoyment of their property. This includes excessive noise, illegal parking, or poorly controlled pets. But those protections go both ways and your neighbour has the same rights you do.

For example, noise complaints are typically governed by municipal bylaws, which outline acceptable decibel levels and quiet hours (often between 10pm and 6am). Similarly, pets must be kept under control and cannot cause a nuisance to others.

“Knowing your rights helps you navigate issues fairly and confidently,” says Cohen.“But rights come with responsibilities such as being reasonable, polite and willing to compromise.”

Ultimately, harmonious neighbourhood living is about balance and not about following a strict set of rules. Show consideration, communicate openly, and deal with issues promptly. In most cases, a bit of understanding is all it takes to maintain peace.

“Think of good neighbourly relationships as an investment,” says Coehn. “They pay off in the form of a safer, friendlier, and more enjoyable place to live.”

On Friday, 28 November, Showmax will drop the first episode of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa. The series will also air on Mzansi Magic on Saturdays from 6 December at 7PM.

This season brings together some of Africa’s most iconic Housewives for an unforgettable escape, set against the vibrant energy and sunshine of Brazil.

After the success of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: South Africa, the new season raises the bar with even more drama, more opulence, and moments that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The franchise is officially going continental as Housewives from South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria unite for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Representing The Real Housewives of Durban are Annie Mthembu, Angel Ndlela and Jojo Robinson. From The Real Housewives of Johannesburg, fans can look forward to seeing Madam Evodia Mogase and Christall Kay. Kenya brings The Real Housewives of Nairobi stars Dr Catherine Masitsa and Zena Nyambu, while Nigeria adds extra spice with Princess Jecoco from Abuja and Mariam Timmer from Lagos.

In anticipation of the new season, we caught up with Christall Kay, who is returning for the second time as an Ultimate Housewife. She spilled the tea on her prep, what viewers can expect and more.

As someone heading on Ultimate Girls Trip for the second time, what did you pack in your bag?
Well, knowing that it was a beach destination, the first thing I packed was my bikini – and definitely a thong, because it’s Brazil. I made sure to bring along some fantastic, killer outfits to blow those girls away. And maybe, just maybe, I thought I might meet the man of my dreams in Brazil. After all, they do have some of the best-looking men in the world, and I certainly wasn’t going to let that opportunity go to waste.

I also packed my samba outfit and my special dancing shoes, because there was no way I was going to let anyone down without a memorable salsa performance – and, of course, I gave them a special Christall Edition of it. I didn’t forget my sunglasses either, because according to some of the ladies last season, I shouldn’t go anywhere without them, ha ha.

Overall, I was fully armed and ready for this amazing new adventure.

What advice do you have for the other ladies who are doing this for the first time?
Number one: be real and authentic. Number two: enjoy the experience and take in the beautiful surroundings. But very importantly, number three: do not insult or bully me because you will definitely regret it. Don’t mess with me. I never start, but I do respond!

If you could create your own Ultimate Girls Trip with Housewives from across Africa, who would you choose?
I would choose Tarina, Mrs Mops and Lebo from Season 2 of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg. Then I’d add Evodia from Season 1.

To spice things up, I would include LaConco from RHOD and, of course, myself! That would make a great group. I think we’d have plenty of fun and games, lots of spice, but all in good, healthy fun!

Looking at the Brazil cast, who would you replace and why?
I don’t really know any of the girls except for Jojo and Evodia. Evodia was my archenemy in Season 1 of RHOJ, but I am looking forward to meeting my worthy opponent again, there was a certain level of respect between us. We always had our fights, but we also came together as well, so we’ll see what happens this time. And as for who I would swap and replace, let’s wait for the season to play out before I comment.

Going into the trip, are you a fan of any of the other ladies on the show? If so, who?
Yes, I am a fan of only one of the ladies and it is Jojo.

Which Housewives from other cities do you still keep in touch with?
I keep in touch with Tarina, LaConco and Mel.

Which celebrity is a fan of yours that people might not expect?
Somizi is a fan of mine. He even invited me to sing along with him and his crew at Metro FM, which was an absolute blast!

Why should people watch you on the show?
People should watch the show because I am the girl who is always at the centre of the fun and drama. The other girls are often jealous of me and try to insult or bully me, but I always give it back and rise above it with my wit, charm, and sense of fun!

Join the social media conversation:

#UltimateGirlsTripAfrica

South Africa’s Constitutional Court is advancing equality by overturning gender-based legal restrictions, ruling that, among other reforms, husbands can now take their wives’ surnames. This landmark decision signals more than just a technical legal change, it reflects a broader commitment to fairness, equality, and personal choice in family life.

“Family law is evolving rapidly, and these changes reach into the most personal parts of people’s lives, influencing how families define their structure, share their finances, and make choices about care, identity, and equality,” says Karabo Kopeka, Managing Director at Clientèle Legal.

Equality in names and identity

The September 2025 ruling in Jordaan and Others v Minister of Home Affairs (CCT 296/24) found that the Births and Deaths Registration Act 51 of 1992 was discriminatory because it allowed only women to assume their spouse’s surname after marriage. The Court’s interim reading-in now permits husbands to adopt or hyphenate their wife’s surname, while Parliament works on permanent legislative amendments.

The Births and Deaths Act has also been amended to better accommodate the rights of same-sex couples. To help eliminate legal obstacles and ensure equal treatment for same-sex couples, the Civil Union Amendment Act 8 of 2020 repealed provisions that allowed marriage officers to opt out of solemnising same-sex marriages.

Recognition of customary marriages

As families become more mobile and cultural practices blend, more couples find themselves navigating both customary and civil systems, often without clear guidance on how these overlap legally.

Kopeka cautions that South Africans entering into traditional marriages should be aware of provisions of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 120 of 1998 that legally recognise traditional marriages after certain ceremonies have been carried out – even though these marriages do not have to be registered with the Department of Home Affairs. “When couples do not know that their traditional marriage is legally binding and thus do not formally divorce before entering into new civil marriages, these new marriages are deemed to be bigamous and therefore illegal, and succession disputes often arise.”

Fairness in divorce and antenuptial contracts

Our courts have also broadened their approach to antenuptial contracts. While spouses rely on these contracts to protect their assets, and choose the kind of contract that best suits their needs, recent rulings under the Divorce Act 70 of 1979 allow courts to adjust outcomes where fairness demands it. This includes cases where one spouse has made non-financial contributions or faces undue hardship, thus ensuring that contracts do not result in inequitable outcomes.

Parental leave and the changing workplace

Parental leave has also undergone a transformative update. Previously, fathers were limited to 10 days of leave while birth mothers received four months structured around the birth of a child.

Following the Constitutional Court’s ruling in Van Wyk and Others v Minister of Employment and Labour (CCT 308/23), parents, including adoptive and commissioning parents, can now share up to four months and 10 days of leave between them. This gives parents options on who the primary caregiver of their child will be and enables female breadwinners to return to work while knowing that their newborn is being cared for by the other parent.

To help families navigate these new changes with confidence, Kopeka recommends the following 3 practical steps:

1. Learn what the parental leave law covers and what documentation you’ll need. Know how these rights apply at your workplace, as policies and UIF processes vary between employers, especially at smaller businesses.
2. Discuss leave plans early with your employer, especially if both parents will share time off. While Clientèle Legal helps you understand your rights, plan for any reduced income by reviewing cash flow, emergency funds, and savings priorities in advance.
3. Plan together, decide how to share the leave. Discuss what works best for recovery, bonding, and family routine, and set clear return-to-work plans so both parents feel supported.

South Africa’s latest family law reforms go far beyond technical legal updates, they’re reshaping how families live, work, and make decisions together. These reforms aren’t just about policy, they’re about choice, equality, balance, and reflect the everyday lives of South African families,” says Kopeka.

For millions of South Africans living with diabetes, the condition is a daily negotiation between lifestyle, access to care and financial strain. Around 4.5 million people in the country have diabetes and many more remain undiagnosed. As the burden of chronic illness grows, it’s becoming clear that medical aids must go beyond paying for medicine to enabling holistic, continuous care that safeguards both health and dignity.

‘The typical approach for the treatment and management of diabetes comes down to managing glucose levels, but understanding the individual behind the condition, their habits, challenges and support structures, is just as crucial,’ says Dr Themba Hadebe, Clinical Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund. ‘Medical aids need to be active partners in helping members live well in a holistic manner, instead of simply focusing on managing the immediate and most obvious aspects of a disease.’

This shift in thinking is crucial, he adds, since diabetes doesn’t exist in isolation, with chronic conditions like hypertension and heart disease often accompanying it. The fragmented approach that focuses narrowly on funding prescriptions leaves patients unsupported in critical areas like nutrition, mental health and education.

‘If medical aids are to deliver meaningful health outcomes, they must replace fragmented care with coordinated, member-centred systems,’ he says. ‘Bonitas’ Diabetes Management Programme represents this evolution in action as a shift from transactional care to proactive, personalised support.’

Holistic diabetes care

For medical aids to make a measurable impact on the country’s chronic disease burden, diabetes care must evolve from a benefits table to a coordinated ecosystem. The task is to integrate the many moving parts; the family doctor, pharmacist, dietician, care coordinator and the digital tools need to be part of one ecosystem that helps patients stay engaged.

Several schemes are already adopting this approach. Bonitas, for example, offers a Diabetes Management Programme that has been structured around personalisation and continuity, with the treating doctor remaining central to care and supported by a wider clinical team. This allows members with multiple chronic conditions to receive consistent, informed treatment across disciplines.

Care coordination is also becoming a cornerstone of effective managed care. Schemes can effectively close the gaps that often lead to disengagement among patients by giving members direct support from healthcare professionals who guide them through treatment plans, assist with lifestyle adjustments and connect them with specialists when needed.

In addition, digital tools such as mobile apps, wellness questionnaires and feedback platforms make it easier to track health metrics and access educational resources that encourage members to take ownership of their wellbeing. When used effectively, these systems support the kind of proactive healthcare that prevents complications rather than reacting to them.

‘Diabetes often progresses silently, which makes annual screenings essential for identifying risk early and preventing long-term damage. When patients are diagnosed sooner and have the knowledge and tools to manage their condition, outcomes improve for both members and the medical schemes funding their care,’ says Hadebe.

For South Africa to make meaningful progress against chronic diseases like diabetes, medical aids must continue to expand their scope beyond medicine and adopt a long-term, human-centred approach. The future of healthcare lies in understanding and in giving every person the chance to live well, not just live longer.