From Thebe and Thuso, top spots in SA to add to your bucket list
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From its vibrant cities to breathtaking landscapes, even our most recognised stars who trot around the globe hold South Africa's beauty to a different standard.
Thebe Magugu and Thuso Mbedu have earned gongs and recognition on the biggest stages in the world for fashion design and acting respectively. Their hometowns have always remained their favourite places in SA to find inspiration.
SA Tourism has put together five destinations to help you find the South Africa of Magugu and Mbedu that should definitely make your bucket list.
Explore Magugu's South Africa:
Step into history at The Big Hole, where the world's largest hand-dug excavation tells the story of the diamond discovery that put Kimberley on the map. The site offers visitors a glimpse into the industrial heritage that forms the backdrop of some of Magugu's childhood and designs.
At the William Humphreys Art Gallery, also in Kimberley, you can find a collection of local art that echoes Magugu's dedication to preserving and celebrating local cultural heritage. The gallery's mix of traditional and contemporary works mirrors Magugu's approach to blending cultural themes with modern design.
The Maboneng Precinct is a creative hub in Johannesburg mirroring the designer's innovative spirit, offering an eclectic mix of art galleries, trendy boutiques and rooftop bars, where the next generation of local creative talents takes shape.
Trace Mbedu's path from Jozi to Hollywood:
Explore these must-see spaces in Mbedu's hometown:
Visit the Natal Museum and Tatham Art Gallery, institutions that showcase the diverse narratives of the region. The Gandhi Statue is a reminder of the profound historical moments that have unfolded in Pietermaritzburg, much like the powerful stories Mbedu brings to global screens.
Between Mbedu's hometown of Pietermaritzburg and bustling Durban lies one of South Africa's most breathtaking treasures, the Valley of 1,000 Hills. Named for its endlessly folding hills that stretch as far as the eye can see, the region is formed by the meeting of the Umgeni and Msunduzi rivers. The Umgeni has carved a spectacular gorge that offers visitors far more than photo opportunities — it's where the untainted beauty of Africa comes alive.
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TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- TimesLIVE
From Thebe and Thuso, top spots in SA to add to your bucket list
SA Tourism has put together five destinations to help you find the gems that define two of the brightest stars in the country By From its vibrant cities to breathtaking landscapes, even our most recognised stars who trot around the globe hold South Africa's beauty to a different standard. Thebe Magugu and Thuso Mbedu have earned gongs and recognition on the biggest stages in the world for fashion design and acting respectively. Their hometowns have always remained their favourite places in SA to find inspiration. SA Tourism has put together five destinations to help you find the South Africa of Magugu and Mbedu that should definitely make your bucket list. Explore Magugu's South Africa: Step into history at The Big Hole, where the world's largest hand-dug excavation tells the story of the diamond discovery that put Kimberley on the map. The site offers visitors a glimpse into the industrial heritage that forms the backdrop of some of Magugu's childhood and designs. At the William Humphreys Art Gallery, also in Kimberley, you can find a collection of local art that echoes Magugu's dedication to preserving and celebrating local cultural heritage. The gallery's mix of traditional and contemporary works mirrors Magugu's approach to blending cultural themes with modern design. The Maboneng Precinct is a creative hub in Johannesburg mirroring the designer's innovative spirit, offering an eclectic mix of art galleries, trendy boutiques and rooftop bars, where the next generation of local creative talents takes shape. Trace Mbedu's path from Jozi to Hollywood: Explore these must-see spaces in Mbedu's hometown: Visit the Natal Museum and Tatham Art Gallery, institutions that showcase the diverse narratives of the region. The Gandhi Statue is a reminder of the profound historical moments that have unfolded in Pietermaritzburg, much like the powerful stories Mbedu brings to global screens. Between Mbedu's hometown of Pietermaritzburg and bustling Durban lies one of South Africa's most breathtaking treasures, the Valley of 1,000 Hills. Named for its endlessly folding hills that stretch as far as the eye can see, the region is formed by the meeting of the Umgeni and Msunduzi rivers. The Umgeni has carved a spectacular gorge that offers visitors far more than photo opportunities — it's where the untainted beauty of Africa comes alive.
The Citizen
28-06-2025
- The Citizen
BLOGGING THE VIEW: 7 family-friendly activities to keep kids busy this holiday
WINTER in KZN is a fantastic time of year – sunny but not too hot, with lots of outdoor events and festivals taking place. If you're looking for something fun to do with the family this holiday, here are some great winter break activities to consider. 1. Explore the KZN beaches We're fortunate to have some of the best beaches and, with our subtropical climate, they're even welcoming in winter. The sardine run, which sees shoals of silver fish heading north past the KZN south coast, is also active at this time of year and well worth a visit. Take a beach ball and a picnic for a full day of fun – at no cost. 2. Picnic out in nature This time of year is also great for getting out and exploring our many nature reserves and parks. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and Dlinza Forest are right on our doorstep, with several other great spots to explore a bit further afield. Try Yellowwood Park or Durban Botanic Gardens in Durban, or Shongweni Dam and Nature Reserve further inland for birdwatching. 3. Discover museums Museums are a fun and educational outing, especially on colder days. The KwaZulu-Natal Museum in Pietermaritzburg has fascinating exhibits on natural history, culture and archaeology. Most municipal museums in the province charge limited fees, making them an accessible option for families. Closer to home, there's the Fort Nongqayi Museum Village in eShowe, the Port Natal Maritime Museum in Durban, and the Luthuli Museum in Groutville. 4. Animal farm or reptile park Animal farms and small wildlife parks are great outings for younger children, offering hands-on interaction with animals in a relaxed setting. There's the Dayspring Equestrian Centre and Animal Farm just outside Empangeni, Zulu Croc Reptile Park in Hluhluwe, Flag Animal Farm in Ballito, PheZulu Safari Park in Hillcrest, and Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh. 5. Take a hike Hiking trails are among the best cost-effective activities available, and our diverse terrain means you can pick from beach walks, forest trails, or mountain hikes. There are many local hikes in the Dlinza Forest in eShowe, and the uMlalazi Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Park in Mtunzini. You could also explore further afield, trying the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve in Durban or the many hikes around the Drakensberg region. 6. Local events The drier, more inviting outdoor weather at this time of year means there are various community farm stalls, markets and outdoor events hosted in June and July. Check out the Zululand Observer for the latest community markets and winter festivals. 7. Fun at home If travel is a bit cost-prohibitive, you can have lots of fun at home with a bit of creativity. Consider hosting a movie night, garden scavenger hunts, cooking challenges, or arts-and-crafts days at home. The most important thing is to spend time with your little ones! Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
08-06-2025
- The South African
Thuso Mbedu wraps up filming on 'Children of Blood and Bone'
South African star Thuso Mbedu has officially wrapped filming on the highly anticipated fantasy epic, Children of Blood and Bone. The film, adapted from Tomi Adeyemi's bestselling novel, promises to bring a vibrant African-inspired world to life on the big screen. For Mbedu, who plays the lead role of Zélie Adebola, this marks another exciting chapter in her rising international career. The production is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, known for her acclaimed work on The Woman King , according to Elle The film's schedule was demanding, but Mbedu expressed her gratitude and excitement. 'To know that I have the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing people as we tell this great story is truly humbling. I'm so excited. I'm so grateful'. Children of Blood and Bone follows Thuso Mbedu's Zélie, a young woman in the fictional land of Orïsha. She embarks on a quest to restore magic stolen by the tyrannical King Saran. She embarks on this journey alongside her brother Tzain, played by Tosin Cole, and the king's children. The King's children are Princess Amari (Amandla Stenberg) and Prince Inan (Damson Idris). Zélie challenges the oppressive regime to reclaim her people's power. The story's rich West African influences and themes of resilience and hope resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Hollywood heavyweights Viola Davis, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, and Lashana Lynch. This ensemble reflects a pan-African and diaspora representation, which director Prince-Bythewood highlighted as the source of the film's 'magic.' She said, 'Our incredible ensemble reflects the whole of the diaspora. This is where our magic lies'. For South African audiences, seeing Mbedu lead such a significant project is a moment of pride. Thuso Mbedu has become a beacon of talent and determination, showing that local actors can shine on the global stage without losing their roots. The film's production in South Africa also underscores the country's growing role as a hub for international filmmaking. The filmmakers plan to release the movie in early 2027, and fans are already building anticipation. Both book lovers and newcomers eagerly await seeing how the magical world of Orïsha will come to life on screen. Mbedu's powerful portrayal of Zélie is expected to be a highlight, capturing the fierce spirit and heart of the character. In a recent interview, Adeyemi praised the collaboration with Prince-Bythewood and Thuso Mbedu. 'What Gina does so well is tell these deep, complex stories of women who look like us front and centre. This is especially so with incredible action set pieces and cinematography. It feels divine. It feels bigger than just making this project. We're really in sync'. As the cameras stop rolling, the journey for Children of Blood and Bone is just beginning. South Africa can proudly claim Thuso Mbedu's success as a shining example of local talent making waves globally. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
