Family Literacy Project working with uMngeni Municipality to seize literacy opportunity as Reach Out to Read programme stands ready

A major literacy opportunity for children and schools in the uMngeni area is now poised for implementation as the Family Literacy Project awaits the final  commitment from uMngeni Municipality to nominate Reading Champions for training.

The Family Literacy Project’s Reach Out to Read (ROTR) initiative has already secured funding for both the training and literacy kits required for participants. The next training is scheduled to take place at the Michaelhouse Trust in Mooi uMngeni as soon as municipal nominees are confirmed.

The programme comes at a critical time for South Africa, where concerns around reading comprehension and literacy outcomes continue to dominate educational discussions nationally.

In March 2026, the organisation successfully trained 18 delegates at the Michaelhouse Campus in Balgowan through a five-day intensive Reading Champion workshop. Participants included ECD practitioners and community literacy leaders who were trained in:
• The science of reading and the reading brain
• Scarborough’s Reading Rope
• Phonics and phonological awareness
• Decoding, fluency and comprehension
• Multi-sensory learning approaches
• Practical classroom literacy implementation
• Community reading promotion strategies

Participants also conducted practical school-based implementation sessions at Simucelile Creche and Jabula Primary School.

Feedback from attendees described the programme as “transformational”, “practical”, and “highly relevant” to the realities facing rural and township schools.

Pierre Horn said the organisation remains deeply encouraged by the Municipality’s willingness to partner and hopes the final steps can now move forward.

“We have had very constructive engagements around this partnership for some time and are genuinely excited by what can be achieved together,” Horn said. “The funding is in place, the training team is ready, and the literacy kits are prepared. We are now looking forward to welcoming the Reading Champions identified by uMngeni Municipality into the programme.”

The Reach Out to Read programme operates in multiple districts across KwaZulu-Natal and focuses on strengthening literacy from early childhood through the foundation phase by equipping local Reading Champions to support children, teachers, parents, and caregivers.

Educational stakeholders say programmes such as Reach Out to Read are increasingly important in addressing literacy gaps in under-resourced communities and helping children develop the reading skills required for long-term academic success.

The Royal Agricultural Society has confirmed that the 𝟭𝟳𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 will take place from 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟳 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟭 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 at its new home, 𝗧𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹 in Howick.

Held under the theme “ 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 — 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.”, the 2026 Royal Show will bring together livestock excellence, agricultural innovation, industry engagement, family-friendly attractions, and a refreshed programme for exhibitors and visitors.

Highlights include the return of the 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 and 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, the launch of the 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲, new curated exhibition spaces such as the 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 and 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗲𝗻, and a lively programme of demonstrations, displays and entertainment.

JOMBA! MASIHAMBISANE DIALOGUES #6

Choreographies of Activism: Moving Bodies as Disruptive Presencing

27-29 May 2026 Online with Free Public Access

The Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, in partnership with the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, presents the 6th edition of the JOMBA! MASIHAMBISANE DIALOGUES (JMD26), taking place online from 27-29 May 2026.

Under the theme Choreographies of Activism: Moving Bodies as Disruptive Presencing, this year’s dialogues bring together artists, scholars, choreographers, and activists from across Africa and the Global South to explore dance as a form of embodied activism and political intervention.

“At a time marked by ongoing colonial legacies, global inequality, mass displacement, ecological collapse, and political violence in regions such as Palestine, Sudan, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, JMD26 asks urgent questions about the role of the moving body in resistance, survival, memory, and collective care,” explains committee member Dr Lliane Loots. “Rather than understanding dance as metaphor, the dialogues position choreography and movement as active political practices through which bodies assemble, disrupt, claim visibility, and insist on justice. Drawing on decolonial, feminist, queer, Indigenous, and Critical Black studies frameworks, the programme interrogates how movement generates forms of knowledge beyond institutional and textual politics.:

The three-day programme features keynote dialogues, paper presentations, panel discussions, screendance screenings, and a major book launch. International keynote guests include Hershini Bhana Young (South Africa/USA), Preethi Athreya (India), Nora Amin (Egypt), L’Antoinette Stines (Jamaica), and Kettly Noël (Haiti and Mali). Highlights include conversations on borders, memory, dance activism, ancestral embodiment, and transformative choreographic practices. Presenters from South Africa, Uganda, Brazil, Tanzania, Kenya, Haiti, Egypt, India, Jamaica, and beyond will engage questions of ecology, gender, migration, disability, and embodied resistance within the frame of activisms.

A featured event within the programme is the launch of Encountering Disability and Citizenship Through Contemporary Dance in Africa (Routledge, 2026), co-authored by Yvette Hutchison and Lliane Loots. Emerging from a UKRI-funded research project, the publication examines how integrated dance practices across Africa challenge dominant understandings of disability, citizenship, and belonging.

All sessions are free and accessible online. The dialogues will be livestreamed via the official JOMBA! YouTube channel, and you can also apply for a direct Zoom access to join the live digital discussion space.

Access Information

The livestream can be accessed via:
JOMBA! YouTube Channel

Access the full programme updates and information:
https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/masihambisane-dialogues/masihambisane-dialogues-issue6-2026/

To apply for direct Zoom participation, contact:
Thobile Maphanga - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The 2026 JOMBA! MASIHAMBISANE DIALOGUES invites audiences to consider how moving bodies continue to hold memory, generate political possibility, and create spaces for collective imagination in deeply fractured times.

Top Image: Kettly Noël Un corps qui se souvient 4

Below: Hounfour of the Drum Choreographed by Dr. L’Antoinette Stines. Photo Sabriya Simon 

A new job, a longer commute, or even driving less than before can all affect how your vehicle is used. Keeping your vehicle insurance aligned with how you actually drive helps ensure your cover still suits your needs. Taking a moment to review your policy when circumstances change can help you stay properly protected.

If you would like help reviewing your vehicle cover, our team is always here to guide you.

HOWICK:
033 330 3601
101 Main Street, Howick

Hold My Hand's Brain Power Competition draws entries from across South Africa

Show us how you are growing the brain power of a child you care for. That was the challenge issued by Hold My Hand, South Africa’s national campaign for children. Three weeks into the Brain Power competition, entries are coming in from all nine provinces and all 12 official languages.

Singing mamas from Mpumalanga, a teacher in Gauteng who walks into class dressed as a book character. A grandmother in Limpopo playing handclap games. A father in KwaZulu-Natal teaching his children about love. A brother from Mpumalanga who uses a daily routine like teeth-brushing to teach his younger brother to count and measure things. These are some of the winners of weekly prizes. Over 500 South Africans have submitted so far and the competition doesn't close until 23 May 2026.

"We knew South Africans cared deeply about their children," says Mesuli Kama, social mobilisation lead for Hold My Hand. "What's struck us is how eager people are to show it. Every submission is someone saying: I see this child. I'm here. It’s all about having fun while we build our children’s brains.

The Brain Power competition invites parents, caregivers, siblings, neighbours and teachers to share the everyday moments that build young brains - through singing, storytelling, reading, playing or simply talking back to a babbling baby. Entries are submitted via WhatsApp as a short video, a voice note, or a photo with a short story.

The competition was launched in response to the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC), which identifies ‘growing children’s brain power through early learning and language development’ as one of ten national priorities. Science shows that 90% of brain development happens before age five, meaning the interactions that happen at home, long before school, lay the foundation for a child's lifelong learning. Mesuli reminds us that “It’s never too late to start, and engaging with children and teens is a good way to keep our brains powered up – you’ll be surprised just how much you can learn from children.”

Two rounds of weekly winners have been announced, drawing from KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo, North West and the Western Cape. R8 000 in cash prizes is awarded each week, with individual prizes ranging from R1 000 to R3 000.

With just over two weeks remaining, Hold My Hand is encouraging more South Africans to enter.

How to enter: Send the words Brain Power to 0600 411 111 on WhatsApp.

Competition closes: 23 May 2026

About Hold My Hand

Hold My Hand is a national communications and social mobilisation campaign in support of the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC), to ensure that the rights and well-being of South Africa’s children and teenagers are prioritised. The Strategy calls for an all of society approach and the Hold My Hand Accelerator for Children and Teens has been set up to fast-track certain priority strategies in the NSAAC.

www.holdmyhand.org.za

JOMBA! FEMME FORWARD Screen Dance Residency 2026

The 2026 JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s award-winning Centre for Creative Arts, calls for applications for its JOMBA! Femme Forward Screen Dance Residency, which takes place during the festival from 24 August to 29 August.

Besides presenting edgy live contemporary dance, as well as workshops, talks and its dance-writers - and female-focused residencies, JOMBA! also supports, hosts and nurtures a digital dance platform that has an open call for submissions to be featured at the festival.

This year’s continuation of the JOMBA! Femme Forward Residency focuses on the development of female-identifying dance artists who are eager to develop their digital screen dance practice. Having screened almost 50 dance films over the past 5 years JOMBA! is dedicated to investing in the craft of screen dance making and following the 2023 screen dance residency run by Mozambican duo Pak Ndjamena and Ivan Barros JOMBA is thrilled to be partnering with Cape Town based Darkroom Contemporary Dance Theatre to execute this year’s 6-day residency.

The residency offers space for 5 female-identifying dancers / dance makers aged between 18 and 35 years who have some dance training and have a keen interest in upskilling themselves to become digital screen dance creators.

This JOMBA! Femme Forward Screen Dance Residency is being run in partnership with Darkroom Contemporary Dance Theatre (Cape Town, South Africa), a project-based company which was founded in 2010, and formed as a vehicle to reimagine dance through its innovative approach to staging and presenting contemporary works.

Founders Louise Coetzer, a dancer and choreographer, and Oscar O’Ryan, a photographer and filmmaker, bring together expertise from their respective fields to form a dynamic partnership. Their projects provide platforms and create opportunities for skills development and exchange among all artists involved. They focus on the use of new technology and digital media frame their artistic approach. Similarly does interdisciplinary exploration, with project collaborators including visual artists, musicians, designers, filmmakers and digital artists.

“We remain deeply committed to creating accessible, inclusive spaces for dance-makers,” says JOMBA!’s Project Manager, Thobile Maphanga. “The Femme Forward Residency is about amplifying young female-identifying voices in dance, and this year specifically in screen-dance, giving them the tools and confidence to tell their stories in powerful new ways, making their work accessible to wider global audiences.”

“We are excited to collaborate with JOMBA! on this residency,” says Louise Coetzer of Darkroom Contemporary Dance Theatre. “Screen dance opens up fresh possibilities for choreography and creativity, and we want participants to experiment, take risks, and discover their own unique voices in the digital space.”

The Residency will focus primarily on developing dance filmmaking skills (from conceptualisation, pre-production planning, filming to editing considerations). The outcome will be a short screen dance film, created individually by each participant. Included in the residency will be access to dance workshops by choreographers visiting the festival, assistance in forging a professional image and instilling good work ethic that will aid the young makers to promote their future work. The residents will also have access to the full festival programme and have the opportunity to meet and engage with professional companies and choreographers that are visiting the festival.

The selection will be done through an application process that requires the applicant to motivate why they want to be a part of the residency. Participants will be expected to be available for the full 6-day duration (24-29 August 2026) with the outcomes of the residency presented at the JOMBA! Forging Futures platform on Saturday, 29 August 2026. There is no cost to participate, and a nominal stipend is paid to support residents with transport and food for the 6 days. Applicants must reside in and around Durban.

For more information about the application criteria and selection process, go to https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/jomba-femme-forward-screen-dance-residency-2026/.

Applications can be made here https://forms.gle/8BcWYQVZgyPx4twf7 . Applications close on Monday 22 June 2026 at 5pm.

Heritage House Preschoolers and Their Teddies Had a Wonderful Time!

On Thursday, 7 May, the children at Heritage House enjoyed their annual Teddy Bear Picnic.

It was a fun-filled day as each child brought along their soft toy friend to share in the special occasion. Everyone had an extra-special lunchbox packed with love and care.

“It is a happy talent to know how to play.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Pictured here - Top: Amahle van Lelyveld-Biyela cozying up with her lovely teddey bear.

Below: Marnus de Villiers, Mukelo Mahlase and Cornel Rust having a great time with the soft toys and a special friendship

Contact: +27 (0)83 418 0538

Website: www.heritagehousepreschool.com

SATURDAY 6 JUNE - STARTS 6PM
DINNER & SHOW R350PP

British Invasion @Woodstone!

Relive the soundtrack of your life with British Invasion - a high-energy celebration of the UK’s most iconic music legends, with some poignant moments thrown in. From the swagger of rock ’n roll and the raw edge of alternative, to shimmering pop, new wave cool, and stadium-filling anthems, this show journeys through the sounds that shaped modern music. Expect everything from the psychedelic brilliance of Pink Floyd and the thunder of Led Zeppelin, to the infectious pop of Elton John and Robbie Williams, the art-rock genius of David Bowie, and the anthemic power of bands like Oasis, Coldplay, and Queen.

Performed by Tongue-in-Cheek (Charles Webster, Grace Botha (Top image), Rebecca Webster and Rudi Engelbrecht), British Invasion blends rock, pop, new wave, alternative, prog rock, and indie into one unforgettable night. With a set list inspired by legends such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Genesis, The Police, Fleetwood Mac, Eurythmics and Radiohead the show is less a tribute and more a joyful musical time machine.

Born from a one-night-only tribute that refused to stay that way, Tongue-in-Cheek brings their signature warmth, wit, and rich harmonies to every performance. Don’t just watch - sing, dance, and become part of the experience. British Invasion - timeless songs all served with a wink and a grin.

Jennifer Gordon: "25 years later, and my favorite part of the job hasn’t changed: making new friends.

To me, a successful closing isn’t just a ‘sold’ sign—it’s the start of a lasting relationship. I love that my ‘work’ is really just about helping people I care about to find a place to call their home. If we haven’t met yet, I can’t wait to turn our first meeting into a lifelong friendship!"

Visit at 122 Main Street, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Telephone+27 (0)33 330 8066

5 Easy Steps to Create a Thriving Haven for Birds, Bees and Biodiversity

Picture-perfect gardens can sometimes be green deserts.

They may have manicured lawns, colourful flowers and razor-sharp edges, but beneath the surface the soil is struggling, invasive plants are taking over, and there is little shelter or food for the birds, pollinators and other small creatures that make a garden feel alive.

International Day for Biological Diversity takes place on 22 May, and GARDENA is lifting the lid on the hidden world beneath your garden’s surface.

Creating a garden rich in biodiversity starts with restoring balance. “Biodiversity isn’t limited to nature reserves,” says Fathima Mathen, Marketing Manager for GARDENA. “It belongs in your garden too, no matter the size. When you focus on healthy soil, a mix of plants and thoughtful care, you create a garden that becomes more resilient, self-sustaining and full of life.”

What’s more, a garden that hums with activity is its own reward.

The good news is that it doesn’t require a complete overhaul either. With a few simple changes and the right tools, you can turn your outdoor space into a thriving mini ecosystem.

So how do you achieve this balance? Mathen shares a few practical tips:

1. Start with the soil

Adding compost, mulch and organic material improves soil structure, helps retain moisture and naturally boosts nutrients. Healthy soil is also teeming with microorganisms, which are the foundation on which everything else depends. Without them, even the most carefully chosen plants will struggle. And a cultivator, soil rake or hand tool from GARDENA makes it easier to loosen, prepare and care for the soil without overworking it.

2. Choose plants that belong

Opting for plants indigenous to your region is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your garden's living ecosystem. Local pollinators thrive among native plants, with some even depending on them entirely for survival.

But supporting pollinators isn’t just about what you plant; it’s how those plants provide for them across the seasons. Planting a mix of flowering plants, shrubs and ground cover ensures something is always in bloom, giving pollinators a reason to keep coming back through every season. The more variety you plant, the more visitors you will attract.

3. Give them a reason to visit

A pollinator-friendly environment does not need much of an invitation. A bird bath or small water feature gives birds, butterflies and bees a place to drink and cool down. Dense shrubs, hedges and small rockeries create pockets of warmth, shade and shelter that different creatures depend on. Together, these simple additions turn your garden into a place they will keep coming back to.

4. Leave some room for nature

Allowing self-seeded plants and natural ground cover to establish in less-visited corners of your garden quietly adds to its biodiversity in ways that cost nothing and require very little effort. GARDENA's range of light maintenance tools also makes it easy to keep pathways and flower beds neat while nature takes care of the rest.

5. Go easy on the chemicals

Pesticides and herbicides do not discriminate between the harmful and the helpful. Overuse can quietly damage the very soil organisms and beneficial insects your garden depends on. When treatment is necessary, apply sparingly, explore organic alternatives where you can, and use GARDENA's pressure sprayers to ensure precision and avoid waste.

“A mini ecosystem does not need to be perfect. It just needs to buzz with diversity,” concludes Mathen. “By making a few considered adjustments, your garden can become a place where plants, birds, bees and other small visitors can flourish, gradually beginning to care for itself. There’s also a quiet satisfaction that comes from knowing your garden is doing more than just looking good."

For more gardening inspiration, visit GARDENA SA at https://gardening.co.za. 

JOIN US FOR 1000 PAWS 2026!

It's just a few weeks to go until this year's 1000 Paws Walk event on Sunday, 7 June at Highgate Wine Estate near Howick (entrance to 1000 Paws is from the Piggly Wiggly car park).

There will be live music from Clifton Prep's marimba band, lots of stalls, the agility fun zone for dogs and their owners, and the usual popular arena competitions. There are wonderful lucky draw prizes up for grabs, as well as the 1000 Paws raffle's luxury Drakensberg getaways to The Cavern, Cathedral Peak, and Champagne Sports Resort. The draw takes place at 12h30...
You could also win a stay at the legendary Cleopatra's Mountain Farmhouse in the Paper Plate Sniffer Dog Challenge, featuring the dogs from the K9 Academy!

So please come along and join us. It's the largest annual fundraiser for the three Midlands' SPCAs, with funds shared equally between our Mooi River & District SPCA, and the uMngeni and PMB SPCA branches.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
08:00 Gates open and walks open
08:30 Clifton Prep Marimba Band performance
09:00 Arena events begin (R10 per entry)
09:45 Dancing With Dogs display by Jeanne Schutte and Riley
10:00 Precious Pups Competition (Puppies up to 6 months)
10:15 Clifton Prep Marimba Band performance
10:30 Terrific Teens Competition (Dogs aged 6 to 18 months)
10:45 Awesome Adult Dog Competition (Dogs aged 18 months to 7 years)
11:00 Golden Oldies Competition (Dogs aged 8 years and older)
11:15 Owner and Dog Look-a-like Competition (Owners may dress up to resemble their dogs, but dogs may only wear regular dog gear)
11:30 Most Special Rescue Dog Competition (Open to dogs from any recognised rescue organisation apart from the SPCA)
11:45 SPCA Champion Dog Competition (Open to dogs adopted from any SPCA)
12:00 K9 Academy Demonstration and Sniffer Dog Paper Plate Challenge: Win a luxury stay at Cleopatra’s Mountain Farmhouse
12:30 1000 Paws Raffle Draw
14:00 End of event

Whether attending with a beloved pet, supporting animal welfare, or simply looking for a fun, fresh air family outing, visitors to the Hill’s 1000 Paws Walk for SPCAs event can expect a memorable day packed with entertainment, compassion and community spirit. Bring your family, bring your dogs, and help make a difference to animals in need — one paw at a time!

We had the privilege of hosting former South African Olympic paddler Cyprian Ngidi this past weekend, who ran a slalom paddling course from Friday afternoon through to Sunday.

While the primary focus was on the four paddlers selected to represent South Africa in Poland this July—Jayden Davis and David Dent (Treverton), Hannah Trower (TWC), and James Gotte (Maritzburg College)—we also included a group of paddlers who have been showing great interest and promise. This is part of our ongoing effort to grow the discipline of slalom paddling with the future in mind.

Around 12 paddlers gathered at the Treverton College dam on Friday afternoon for flatwater training on the slalom course. As one of the most technical forms of paddling, slalom benefits greatly from flatwater conditions, allowing athletes to refine their core skills.

Training then moved to the Bushman’s River at Black Rock on Saturday and Sunday. Once a sought-after slalom venue, Black Rock has not been used for over ten years due to a decline in the sport and safety concerns. However, it proved to be an excellent choice, with strong flow from Wagendrift Dam at a time of year when many rivers are typically at their winter low.

It was incredibly encouraging to see how quickly all the paddlers improved over the weekend. A big thank you to Cyprian Ngidi for sharing his knowledge, and to the parents who came out to support!

Education is an Adventure!

For further information please visit www.treverton.co.za

Our Grade 11 leadership camp at the beautiful White Mountain resort was an unforgettable journey that pushed the learners far beyond their comfort zones.

The experience was intentionally challenging, forcing learners to tackle rugged terrain and complex problem-solving tasks that tested their resilience and grit. However, these trials served a greater purpose by uniting our cohort; they quickly learned that success could only be learned by leaning on one another.

Amidst the hard work, there was plenty of room for fun, from late-night challenges and activities to cheering each other on during outdoor activities. Ultimately, the intense bonding that occurred transformed our group of individuals into a cohesive team of leaders ready to take on their final years of high school.

Unilever Food Solutions' Future Menus 2026 report provides the latest insight into what professional kitchens will need to stay competitive in the year ahead. Now in its fourth year, it draws on global chef expertise, consumer behaviour and millions of online searches, unpacking what is shaping menus worldwide, from heritage-driven dishes and elevated street food to smarter personalisation and culturally respectful cross-border cuisine. This year, UFS has also introduced an AI-powered personalised platform designed to help operators move from knowing what is trending to understanding what that could mean for their own business. More than a food trends forecast, the report delivers practical inspiration for chefs, restaurateurs and foodservice operators looking to balance creativity, efficiency and value in a rapidly evolving market.

Top Foodservice Trends for 2026 Revealed

Rising costs, tighter margins and discerning diners. That is the reality facing professional kitchens in 2026, and according to Unilever Food Solutions’ latest Future Menus report, it’s reshaping what ends up on the plate.

Now in its fourth edition, the report has become a key global reference for chefs, restaurateurs and foodservice professionals. It draws on data from millions of online searches, insights from more than 250 chefs across 75 countries, and real consumer behaviour to provide a clear view of what will shape menus in the year ahead.

This year, Future Menus also introduces a new AI-powered personalised experience, designed to help operators move from inspiration to implementation. By combining chef-led insight with operator-specific inputs, the platform delivers tailored, actionable recommendations that help food businesses make smarter decisions for their own kitchens, customers and challenges.

“Last year’s Future Menus report showed diners responding to gourmet ingredients and the theatre of elevated eating. This year, the focus has shifted to honest storytelling, quality ingredients and value for money in every bite,” says Yonela Motloung, Marketing Director for Unilever Food Solutions South Africa.

At its core, the report shows that in 2026, foodservice is about making smarter choices, creating food with meaning and delivering dishes that feel worth every cent.

“The pressure in today’s kitchens is real. Costs are rising, margins are tighter, and diners have more choice than ever before,” explains Motloung. “They’re exposed to more restaurants, more recipes and better food, which has significantly raised expectations. At the same time, younger consumers, especially Gen Z, are looking for value for money, creativity and experiences that feel personal and authentic. Together, those shifts are driving demand for food that delivers on quality, story and value.”

For chefs, she says, the opportunity lies in being more deliberate about what earns a place on the plate. “In 2026, success is not about adding more. It’s about doing better with what you have. Diners are looking for food that feels honest, tells a story and delivers real value for money. The opportunity is to meet that moment with creativity, without adding unnecessary complexity. With the new AI-powered experience, chefs can also use those insights to help them make quicker decisions; whether they’re looking to reduce waste, improve menu value or make better use of local ingredients.”

The report highlights four key trends shaping global foodservice in 2026:

Culinary Roots: A continued focus on heritage, where indigenous ingredients, traditional techniques and ancestral recipes are reimagined for modern diners. The trend celebrates authenticity, local sourcing and food that tells a story of place and identity.

Street Food Couture: A shift towards accessible, premium-feeling food rooted in street culture, where craft, technique and regional pride take centre stage. The focus is on bold flavours, smaller formats and dishes that feel both indulgent and real.

Borderless Cuisine: A move away from traditional fusion towards a more thoughtful blending of global cuisines, where chefs draw on techniques, ingredients and traditions from across cultures with greater understanding and respect.

Diner Designed: A more refined approach to personalisation, where diners still have choice, but without unnecessary complexity. Simpler menus, modular builds and flexible formats allow for customisation while keeping kitchens efficient.

Motloung says the value of the report lies in how practical and relevant it is for anyone working with food. “Whether you are an aspiring chef, an established restaurateur or leading a five-star kitchen, Future Menus 2026 offers ideas and inspiration that can be applied in real and meaningful ways. It combines global intelligence, chef expertise and AI-powered personalisation to help operators move from knowing what is trending to understanding what it could mean for their own business.”

The full Future Menus 2026 reports are available to download for free and includes recipes, practical tips, trend insights and chef-led inspiration for every corner of the kitchen.

Download your copy

A HISTORIC FIRST: GUY BUTTERY BRINGS LIVE MUSIC TO ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH, DARGLE — FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 142 YEARS

The Dargle Valley, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands

• Date – Saturday, 23 May 2026
• Venue – St Andrew’s Church, Dargle
• Address – The "Dargle Church", Dargle Valley, KZN Midlands (14 km along the Dargle Road from the R103)
• Time – 3:30pm to start shortly after
• Price – R200
• Contact – Gilly - 083 271 7338 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Tickets – https://qkt.io/darglechurch

World-renowned guitarist Guy Buttery will make history on the 23 May 2026 as he performs the first ever concert at St. Andrew's Church in the Dargle Valley, a landmark occasion for both the local community and South African cultural life.

Consecrated on 30 November 1883 by Bishop Macrorie, the modest stone church was erected through the collective efforts of the surrounding farming community and has stood quietly in the foothills of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands ever since. In all that time, as best as research can determine, no formal concert has ever taken place within its walls. Until now.

Guy Buttery, Standard Bank Young Artist Award recipient, multiple SAMA winner, and one of South Africa's most celebrated acoustic guitarists will perform alongside special guest Quintin Song, a versatile multi-instrumentalist of rare and distinctive voice. Together they will bring an afternoon of intimate, world-class music to one of the Midlands' most historic sacred spaces.

The concert promises to be a truly singular occasion, the ancient timbers and corrugated iron walls of St. Andrew's offering an acoustic and atmospheric setting unlike any conventional venue. With the Dargle Valley as its backdrop and 142 years of quiet history as its witness, the church will hear music for the very first time.

Seating is strictly limited and booking is essential. Find the ticket link here.

Photo credit: Jacki Bruniquel

Make Her Day Extra Special!

Mother's Day is just around the corner! Whether she loves a snug night in or a stylish day out, Big John Clothing Company has the perfect piece to show her how much she’s loved.

Choose the perfect gift from our collection of Peaks, Sunhats, Scarves, Socks, Bags, Slippers... and so much more!

Can't decide? Let her choose her own favourites! Stop by and pick up a gift certificate or voucher for your wonderful mom today.

Prices valid May 2026

Pop into 40 Main Street, Howick to try them on, or WhatsApp to order. We courier countrywide! 📦

📲WhatsApp queries & orders on 𝟬𝟲𝟯 𝟭𝟱𝟳 𝟬𝟭𝟵𝟬

📞Call on 033 330 4129

📩Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

💻View our website https://bigjohn.co.za/

📍Visit at 40 Main Street Howick

It is colder now - we really need more 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘆𝘀! Especially Large sizes.

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 are essential & expensive - if you have spare ones lying around we will sanitise first, then use them again & again!

We really need more 𝗞𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 & 𝗣𝘂𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 - please put that at the top of you shopping list for us!

For your convenience, donations are accepted at the SPCA clinic, the kennels and at our shops in Hilton and Howick.

Because of YOU, we can do what we do!

For adoptions and other queries call uMngeni SPCA on 033 330 4557 during office hours or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For VET bookings call us on 064 671 8646

For animal emergencies please call 082 567 8297

Your journey is our priority. Passport Centre PMB will make your next trip a smoother journey through professional visa assistance to the world's top destinations.

TRAVEL VISAS WE ASSIST WITH

UK - Tourist, Family Visit, Business & more. We make your UK visa process simple and stress-free.

AUSTRALIA - Visitor, Family, Business & Sponsored visas. Expert help for a smooth application experience.

USA - Tourist, Business, Family Visit & more. We guide you every step of the way.

EUROPE - Schengen Tourist, Business & Family Visit visas. Travel across Europe with confidence.

WE ASSIST YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROCESS

DOCUMENT CHECK & GUIDANCE - We review and guide you on all required documents.

APPLICATION PREPARATION - We complete and prepare your application with accuracy.

APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING - We book your visa appointments at the nearest embassy visa center.

ONGOING SUPPORT - From start to finish, we are here to support you every step of the way.

VISA RESULT - We track your application and keep you updated until you get your visa.

PASSPORT CENTRE SERVICE OFFERINGS

Unabridged Certificates

Passport and ID Bookings

International Holidays and Work Visas

Irish Foreign Birth Registrations

Irish Passports

UK Birth Registrations

British Passports

UK Spousal Visa

UK Ancestral Visas

Procurement of Foreign Certificates

Holiday Visas To Most Countries

CONTACT
033 342 2247 or 033 342 2248
069 445 4432
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.