Image supplied. Legendary Executive Chef Willie Mcotoyi is happiest when he is in the Boardwalk Hotel & Casino kitchens, and when he is able to identify promising chefs that he can nurture and pass his love of food onto. Ayonwaba Xalisile has all the culinary creativity Chef Willie looks for and at just 30 years old, he is a testament to perseverance, passion, and steady growth within the hospitality industry. Having started his culinary journey while still a student, Xal

Image supplied. Before we even commence with this conversation, I must say there is something refreshing about meeting people who are not simply creating events but building communities with purpose. That was exactly the impression I was left with after my recent conversation with Nicholas Dlamini, founder of The Ascent Summit, an exciting new platform set to make its debut on 11 July 2026 at the picturesque L'Avenir Wine Estate in Stellenbosch.

Image supplied. Kariega - Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) continues to support youth development through its participation in the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme, investing R40 million annually in support of this youth empowerment initiative. In 2026, VWGA welcomed 675 new trainees as part of the programme. From the 675 trainees set to be onboarded, 288 will be placed within the company (Kariega and Johannesburg) and 387 will be placed with external partners. This wil

Event artwork. The inaugural Live Beautifully Home Expo will take place on 10 and 11 October 2026 at the Boardwalk Hotel & Conference Centre's Exhibition Area in Gqeberha. As the first dedicated Home Expo to be held in the Metro in approximately seven years, the event is expected to attract homeowners, renovators, decorators, property investors, and anyone looking for inspiration, products, and services to enhance their living spaces. The organizers are inviting businesses fr

Image by: Towfiqu barbhuiya collection. Let’s be honest for a second. When you finish your varsity studies and take your first official steps into the working world, nobody gives you a handbook on how to manage your life. Suddenly, you are expected to navigate a workspace, figure out transport, and make your starter budget stretch to cover real-world expenses. By the way I have never had to do a budget for my own finances, I was on NSFAS in varsity and trust me there is nothi

Image Supplied. Kia South Africa is aware of the statement issued by the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) and Global NCAP regarding the #SaferCarsForAfrica crash test assessment of the Kia Sonet LS Model. The Sonet LS achieved three stars for child occupant protection and one star for adult occupant protection in the assessment. The adult assessment is specifically attributed to the absence of standard side curtain airbag protection in the entry-level specification

Residing in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape, a young man watched his visually impaired grandmother navigate daily life with courage and resilience. He saw the challenges she faced. He saw how something as simple as moving around independently could become difficult. And at just 11 years old, he made a promise to her: one day, he would create a solution that could help visually impaired people live more independently. Years later, that promise is becoming a reality. Today, E

Image supplied. Justin Sinani Nkhata - Retirement planning is often seen as a numbers game, but the truth is that it begins long before calculators, spreadsheets and investment projections enter the conversation. At its core, retirement planning combines vision, mathematics, realism, honesty and a trusted relationship with a financial adviser. Before you sit down to discuss your retirement strategy, it is worth asking yourself an important question: What does your ideal retir

Image supplied. I must say, there’s something unapologetically sharp about the way Big Xhosa speaks about his journey. No exaggerated industry mythology, no carefully polished superstar script, just honesty, resilience, and the mindset of someone who has had to build himself from the ground up.

Images supplied. Believe me when I say, there are destinations you visit, and then there are places that quietly leave an imprint on you long after you have driven away. Mansfield Private Reserve is exactly that kind of experience. The drive towards the reserve already feels like the beginning of something special. As the noise of town slowly disappears in your rearview mirror and the Eastern Cape bushveld begins to unfold around you, there is an unmistakable sense that you

On image: Khanyisa Xola, founder of Noir Beaute. Yes, in every city there are businesses that simply offer a service, and then there are brands that become part of the culture of the communities around them. In Gqeberha, Noir Beaute has quietly become one of those names. Over the past decade, the beauty brand founded by Khanyisa Xola has grown from a small side hustle into a respected beauty destination that continues to empower women, create opportunities, and inspire a new

On image: Founder and CEO of KellyGirl Skills Academy, Kelly Damons. There is always something powerful about people who choose to build opportunities where others only see challenges. In many communities across South Africa, young people are filled with potential but often lack access to guidance, practical skills and spaces that can help turn their talents into income and sustainable careers. That is why institutions focused on empowerment and development continue to play s

Image supplied. If you did not know, now you will know, that there are catering companies, and then there are institutions. The kind that quietly become part of the national fabric without needing to scream for attention. In Mzansi, where conversations are settled over smoke, fire and a paper plate balanced on one hand, Nyama Catering has mastered something far more difficult than feeding people at scale. They’ve mastered familiarity. The feeling of arriving at an event and k

On image: Anele Mni, Wellness Partner at Wisani Day Spa. Tucked away within the serene surroundings of Hoyo Hoyo Chartwell Lodge in Fourways, Johannesburg, Wisani Spa is redefining what it means to truly rest, restore, and reconnect. More than a spa destination, Wisani Spa offers a deeply intentional wellness experience rooted in African healing traditions, holistic therapies, and the belief that true beauty begins within. From the moment guests arrive, the atmosphere invites

On image: Siyabonga Williams, founder of Phactory memories. For some of us, it has been a privilege to be in front the lens while Siyabonga Williams directs and captures unforgettable moments in our lives. Today, we are once again privileged to bring him to the forefront and hear firsthand what it takes to build such a professional photography business, one that has become the go-to brand for students celebrating graduations, friends capturing birthday memories, and couples p

On image: L – R: Faizal Sallie (Powerphase Engineering), Martina Biene (VWGA Chairperson and Managing Director), Pumza Gwabeni (Nhaka The Legacy Group), Allon Raiz (CEO of Raizcorp). Kariega, Eastern Cape – With the vision of shaping a centre of excellence for Eastern Cape entrepreneurs, Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) and Raizcorp joined hands in April 2011 to establish the Volkswagen Business Support Centre in Kariega. In the 15 years since, the centre has incubated 178 en

Image supplied. The Algoa Bay Whale Festival 2026 returns with an inspiring and dynamic programme celebrating our marine environment, rich coastal heritage, and the annual humpback whale migration along our shores, with this year’s spotlight on exploration, science, and the mysteries of the deep. Set against the picturesque Willows Resort and Conference Centre, this two-day event blends conservation, exploration, cultural expression, family-friendly activities, and local cre

Image supplied. Gqeberha, South Africa - As South Africa’s higher education sector comes under increasing pressure to produce graduates who are not only qualified, but truly employable, Unity in Africa’s iGEMS programme is emerging as a practical example of the education-to-employment model the country urgently needs. The recently released BDO South Africa Higher Education Sector 2025 report underscores a critical national challenge: higher education must move beyond access a

On image: Event ad. The Mandela Bay Theatre Complex (MBTC) proudly presents the 5th edition of the annual Mandela Bay Jazz Legacy Festival, taking place on 29 and 30 May 2026 at the MBTC Main Stage, formerly known as the Port Elizabeth Opera House. Celebrating the richness, legacy, and future of South African jazz, this year’s festival brings together an exceptional lineup of established artists, rising stars, and leading jazz ensembles from across the country for two unforge

Archived. The future of South Africa has always been written in the footsteps of its youth. From the brave generation of 1976 who marched against the oppression of Bantu Education, to the #FeesMustFall movement that shook the nation's conscience in recent years, young people have always been the catalyst for historic change. Yet, today, a quiet and dangerous silence has crept into our democracy. Walk into any voting station during an election, and the lines are visibly grayin