Latest news with #Highveld
New Paper
11-07-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
July 12 South Africa (Turffontein) form analysis
Race 1 (1,600m) (1) DAISY JONES confirmed the promise of her debut fourth over 1,500m by finishing second over 1,400m in her last start and this extended trip should unlock further progress. (2) MATCHA MINT would not be winning out of turn after three consecutive seconds, including back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1,600m. (3) REJUVENATE is closely matched with that rival, so she should play a leading role too. (6) STAMPEDE AHEAD has also shown enough to have a say in the outcome. Race 2 (1,160m) (9) SURPRISE PARTY did not go unnoticed on debut over this track and trip, despite showings signs of her inexperience. Newcomers (7) HEAVENLY GOOD, (4) COMIC ARTIST and (3) BABETTE'S FEAST are worth a market check. (1) CYBER SPIRIT has the form and experience to acquit herself competitively but is vulnerable to less-exposed rivals. Fellow 3YO filly (2) ICONIC WINTER would have benefited from a recent comeback and should have more to offer, especially on the evidence of her course-and-distance debut. Race 3 (1,160m) Well-bred newcomers (4) ECHO CHECK, (5) ECHOES OF WAR, (3) BEST CANDIDATE will not need to be special to play leading roles on debut. The same applies to (10) ONCEINABLUEMOON, who is not underestimated under bottom weight. Returning (1) AMANDLA NGAWETHU and Highveld newcomer (2) MONKEY PUZZLE are experienced older geldings vulnerable under top weight. (9) LANNYBOY would have come on from his course-and-distance debut fourth and ought to acquit himself competitively. Race 4 (1,160m) Unexposed (2) MISS ARGONAUT defied a market drift when winning at this level on her Highveld debut. She remains open to further progress and should have a bright future in the province. (1) ONE FELL SWOOP sets a good standard and boasts both the form and experience over track and trip to trouble the selection. (6) BLIZZARD SNOW and (4) KOMATI RIVER also have the means to get involved. Race 5 (1,160m) Last-start winner (8) BLINDFIRE, (7) GOLDEN ASPEN and (3) LADY OF MEMPHIS will be competitive if building on improved recent efforts. (2) VALIEVA was supported last time and had legitimate excuses for that disappointing performance, so she cannot be overlooked. (1) WE WILL ROCK YOU is out of sorts but dangerous to discount off a career-low mark and over this shorter trip under a 1.5kg-claiming apprentice. Race 6 (2,000m) (1) MOLOTOV COCKTAIL confirmed the promise of his fast-finishing debut fifth over 1,400m by winning from the front over 1,600m in his only subsequent appearance. This extended trip should be more to his liking, so it could pay to follow his progress. Well-bred class-dropper (3) DUAL PROPHECY caught the eye over track and trip last time and in his peak outing should pose a threat to the selection. (4) VOLTE FACE is another with earning potential. (5) FLAG BEARER and (9) GAMER are honest hard-knockers with the form and experience to make their presence felt too. Race 7 (1,600m) Course-and-distance specialist (9) JURY'S OUT would have tightened up after a much-needed comeback run over 1,160m and will likely fare better over this trip. (2) BACCHUS, (7) PRESLEY and (5) COMMAND PILOT are better than recent performances suggest and can take home a cheque. (1) WECANGOALLNIGHT acquitted himself competitively under 50kg in a stronger race over track and trip recently. He should have a role to play if reproducing that effort off an unchanged under 60kg. Race 8 (1,600m) Stablemates (3) BIRTHRIGHT and (7) THE PLAYBOY BOMBER are undefeated over track and trip. The latter overcame a wide draw when winning over course and distance last time in impressive fashion and is all set for another forward showing. However, preference is for the consistent former, who caught the eye with a fast-finishing fourth over 1,450m on the Inside track last month and will prefer the Standside track. (5) KING OF NUMBERS and (9) EIFFEL TOWER should be competitive for the places.
New Paper
08-07-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
July 9 South Africa (Scottsville) form analysis
Race 1 (1,600m) (1) OPERA FAN made a smart debut for her new stable but has had her chances, although she had some promising Highveld form. Dean Kannemeyer has a stable of promising juveniles and the unraced (2) GIMMEANOTHERVIKING is bred in the purple. (5) OMNIA was much improved second time when trying a little further on the Poly. She should come on from that effort. (4) GATHERING WINTERcompletes the shortlist. Race 2 (1,600m) Paul Lafferty's runner (10) BRUH has come on with each outing and looks primed for this. (2) FRENCH WAR LORD has shown up well in two sprints and the step up in trip from a plum draw can see him home. (4) MASTER SPY was a well-beaten fourth over the trip last time, but he can improve on that effort. (1) PIED PIPER showed up well on debut and steps up to a more suitable trip. Race 3 (1,200m) (10) XENOPHON looks primed to fire after two smart efforts. Narrowly beaten last run and he should go close again. (4) NEXT OF KIN showed up well on debut over course and distance, and one can expect good improvement from him. (8) CARDINAL CHIEF ran on strongly on debut and the extra furlong should suit. (9) RAGING MOON has not been far back in two outings and has a money chance. Race 4 (1,200m) (9) CELESTIAL DIAMOND was a beaten even-money favourite last start. She has shown up well in both starts and should run another good race. (16) LUCIENNE has put in three good efforts and should be involved in the finish again. (5) TRAIL RUNNER was a beaten favourite at her last two on the Highveld. She was not far behind and should feature. (1) CHIMES AT MIDNIGHT made a smart debut at long odds and is one to watch in the betting. Race 5 (1,600m) (5) WORLD OF ROYALTY steps up to a mile but has two good sprints in the bag. Beaten favourite last run but this trip should suit. (1) EL CAPITAN has the best draw and has not been out of the money in four starts since his return from the Cape. (8) LIMELIGHT LEGEND has been runner-up in his last three and stays the trip well, so he has a strong chance. (9) QUEEN OF THE AIR showed up well in her first run back from a lengthy break and is one to watch. Race 6 (1,750m) (5) PRINCESS PALACE is seldom far behind and steps up in trip. She has a handy weight and rates a strong winning chance. (3) HODGEPODGE shoulders top weight but has consistent form and should be in the firing line again. (10) ELEMBEE should not be far off. (9) ANOTHER DREAM is a recent maiden winner but won well from a wide draw and can be involved in the finish. Race 7 (1,750m) (4) DANCING ON A CLOUD has been a touch disappointing since running out an easy maiden winner on this course. He does seem better than his last two and gets another chance. (6) LOCK AND KEY has been a beaten favourite at her last two but has been runner-up and can go one better in this line-up. (2) ROYAL INVITATION has improved at her last two and comes from a Cape stable that does not have many runners up for the season. (5) TIRPITZ steps up in trip. One to watch in the betting. Race 8 (1,000m) (4) MAJOR TOMMIE is lightly raced and was not far behind in his handicap debut. He has a big weight but should be right up there. (12) B FIFTYTWO was close-up at long odds last start. He should be competitive. (11) RHYTHM is holding form and goes well on this trip. Not out of it. The form behind (10) RAFA'S BOY could be the key. He jumped seven points in the handicap for his last win but now gets a 4kg claimer aboard.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How 'Madiba Magic' inspired Boks to 1995 World Cup glory
Nelson Mandela's decision to wear a green Springboks jersey at the 1995 Rugby World Cup final proved to be a symbolic moment in uniting a deeply divided nation [Getty Images] Three decades since some 'Madiba Magic' inspired South Africa to their seminal win over New Zealand in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, a Springboks legend has predicted the side are on course for an unprecedented third straight title at the next tournament in Australia. Standing 6ft 7in tall, Mark Andrews was one of the pillars of that World Cup success on 24 June 1995, but even he would admit it was the towering presence of statesman Nelson Mandela that loomed largest on the day. Advertisement "He was worth putting our bodies on the line for because of what he'd done," said Andrews of the political prisoner turned South African President. The final, played at Johannesburg's Ellis Park, around 1,800m above sea level, was going to be about the survival of the fittest in the rarefied Highveld air. The game was eventually settled in extra time by a drop goal from Springboks fly-half Joel Stransky, as the hosts edged it 15-12. Years later, when speaking to All Blacks great Ian Jones, who also played in the final, Andrews recounted the theory that the fitter Springboks had outlasted the visitors. Advertisement Jones shook his head and told Andrews why he thought South Africa won: "'You guys had 16 men on the field. You had Nelson Mandela.'" The Madiba effect Mandela had spent 27 years in prison but, after his release in 1990, he played a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition from apartheid to democracy and was elected President in 1994. His impact on the Springboks during the 1995 Rugby World Cup was immeasurable. Mandela's friendship with captain Francois Pienaar would later come to life in the 2009 film Invictus, which starred Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon as President and player respectively. Advertisement During the final Madiba, the clan name by which he was affectionately known, wore the Springboks colours which had long been seen as a vestige of apartheid. This gesture was a masterstroke as he sought to recast the emblem for all South Africans, sprinkling his charisma, known as 'Madiba Magic', on the momentous occasion. "I think back to what Mandela did, how he united a country by wearing that green Springbok jersey - the jersey of his oppressors - into the stadium," recalls Sean Fitzpatrick, who captained New Zealand in the final that day. "I don't think anyone else could have done what he did in terms of uniting a country." Advertisement Inspiring a nation South Africa's success resonated with a new generation of supporters, and on that historic day a young schoolboy by the name of Bryan Habana happened to attend his first ever game of rugby. "Getting to experience the euphoria of the Springboks overcoming the incredibly talented All Blacks with rugby's first global superstar in Jonah Lomu, and witnessing Nelson Mandela walk out there in that number six Springbok jersey lit a dream and an inspiration in a 12-year-old boy who'd never played the game of rugby before," Habana reminisced. Habana went on to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy in 2007 and, with his 15 tries across all tournaments, the winger sits alongside Lomu as the joint record holders for the most tries scored at Rugby World Cup finals. Advertisement "I get to tell everyone 1995 was a watershed moment in my life. For me 2007, winning the World Cup, was by far the pinnacle," Habana said. "But I honestly believe that 2019 was our proudest moment as a South African sporting country." Up until 2019, Chester Williams (1995), Habana and JP Pietersen (both 2007) were the only players classified as coloured, under South Africa's apartheid-era racial laws, to feature for the Boks in a final. Habana believes that the class of 2019 allowed the team to "speak to a community and a population of 60 million South Africans". Advertisement That side, under Siya Kolisi's captaincy, contained no fewer than six players of colour in the starting line-up and one more on the bench, showing that diversity can bring success. The Springbok 'must fall' Left-wing South African politician Julius Malema says the Springboks emblem "represents white supremacists" [Getty Images] However, not everyone shares Habana's sentiments. Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa's far-left opposition party, has described the Springbok emblem as "an apartheid symbol" which "represents white supremacists". The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) commander-in-chief said "the springbok must fall" and that the national rugby team needs a new jersey, colours and name. Advertisement Last week the United Kingdom denied Malema a visa to enter the country, ruling he was "non conducive to the public good" and citing remarks he has made calling for violence against white South Africans. Andrews believes that Mandela's vision of unity is what the Springboks stand for, and suggests that politicians like Malema "are trying to marginalise and divide". "I don't think they have what's best for South Africa at heart," the 53-year-old former number eight added. "They have what's best for them - to try and target and to make people angry and bitter." Advertisement The EFF has been approached for comment. Bidding for three in a row Siya Kolisi, the first black man to captain the Springboks, lifted the William Web Ellis trophy in 2019 and 2023 [Getty Images] The 1995 win set the tone for South African rugby and the country boasts a record four Rugby World Cup wins, including back-to-back triumphs in 2019 and 2023. Mandela might not be around to be the 16th man, but under coach Rassie Erasmus it is South Africa's powerful bench, nicknamed the 'bomb squad', which gives Andrews confidence that the Boks are on track for a hat-trick of titles in 2027. "No other nation has two equally strong packs like we have," he smiled. "It gives us an unfair advantage because of our depth of talent in those positions. I mean, if we have it, use it. Advertisement "If Rassie balances experience and youth - where you have the experience to just guide that ship, and then you have youth that just brings that energy and drive - absolutely, yes, they can [win the title again]."
BBC News
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
How 'Madiba Magic' inspired Boks to 1995 World Cup glory
Three decades since some 'Madiba Magic' inspired South Africa to their seminal win over New Zealand in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, a Springboks legend has predicted the side are on course for an unprecedented third straight title at the next tournament in 6ft 7in tall, Mark Andrews was one of the pillars of that World Cup success on 24 June 1995, but even he would admit it was the towering presence of statesman Nelson Mandela that loomed largest on the day."He was worth putting our bodies on the line for because of what he'd done," said Andrews of the political prisoner turned South African final, played at Johannesburg's Ellis Park, around 1,800m above sea level, was going to be about the survival of the fittest in the rarefied Highveld game was eventually settled in extra time by a drop goal from Springboks fly-half Joel Stransky, as the hosts edged it later, when speaking to All Blacks great Ian Jones, who also played in the final, Andrews recounted the theory that the fitter Springboks had outlasted the shook his head and told Andrews why he thought South Africa won: "'You guys had 16 men on the field. You had Nelson Mandela.'" The Madiba effect Mandela had spent 27 years in prison but, after his release in 1990, he played a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition from apartheid to democracy and was elected President in impact on the Springboks during the 1995 Rugby World Cup was friendship with captain Francois Pienaar would later come to life in the 2009 film Invictus, which starred Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon as President and player the final Madiba, the clan name by which he was affectionately known, wore the Springboks colours which had long been seen as a vestige of gesture was a masterstroke as he sought to recast the emblem for all South Africans, sprinkling his charisma, known as 'Madiba Magic', on the momentous occasion."I think back to what Mandela did, how he united a country by wearing that green Springbok jersey - the jersey of his oppressors - into the stadium," recalls Sean Fitzpatrick, who captained New Zealand in the final that day."I don't think anyone else could have done what he did in terms of uniting a country." Inspiring a nation South Africa's success resonated with a new generation of supporters, and on that historic day a young schoolboy by the name of Bryan Habana happened to attend his first ever game of rugby."Getting to experience the euphoria of the Springboks overcoming the incredibly talented All Blacks with rugby's first global superstar in Jonah Lomu, and witnessing Nelson Mandela walk out there in that number six Springbok jersey lit a dream and an inspiration in a 12-year-old boy who'd never played the game of rugby before," Habana went on to lift the William Webb Ellis trophy in 2007 and, with his 15 tries across all tournaments, the winger sits alongside Lomu as the joint record holders for the most tries scored at Rugby World Cup finals."I get to tell everyone 1995 was a watershed moment in my life. For me 2007, winning the World Cup, was by far the pinnacle," Habana said."But I honestly believe that 2019 was our proudest moment as a South African sporting country."Up until 2019, Chester Williams (1995), Habana and JP Pietersen (both 2007) were the only players classified as coloured, under South Africa's apartheid-era racial laws, to feature for the Boks in a believes that the class of 2019 allowed the team to "speak to a community and a population of 60 million South Africans".That side, under Siya Kolisi's captaincy, contained no fewer than six players of colour in the starting line-up and one more on the bench, showing that diversity can bring success. The Springbok 'must fall' However, not everyone shares Habana's Malema, the leader of South Africa's far-left opposition party, has described the Springbok emblem as "an apartheid symbol" which "represents white supremacists".The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) commander-in-chief said "the springbok must fall" and that the national rugby team needs a new jersey, colours and week the United Kingdom denied Malema a visa to enter the country, ruling he was "non conducive to the public good" and citing remarks he has made calling for violence against white South believes that Mandela's vision of unity is what the Springboks stand for, and suggests that politicians like Malema "are trying to marginalise and divide"."I don't think they have what's best for South Africa at heart," the 53-year-old former number eight added."They have what's best for them - to try and target and to make people angry and bitter."The EFF has been approached for comment. Bidding for three in a row The 1995 win set the tone for South African rugby and the country boasts a record four Rugby World Cup wins, including back-to-back triumphs in 2019 and might not be around to be the 16th man, but under coach Rassie Erasmus it is South Africa's powerful bench, nicknamed the 'bomb squad', which gives Andrews confidence that the Boks are on track for a hat-trick of titles in 2027."No other nation has two equally strong packs like we have," he smiled."It gives us an unfair advantage because of our depth of talent in those positions. I mean, if we have it, use it."If Rassie balances experience and youth - where you have the experience to just guide that ship, and then you have youth that just brings that energy and drive - absolutely, yes, they can [win the title again]."
The South African
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
These fun Highveld festivals are warming up the region this winter
It may be winter, but these Highveld festivals radiate creativity and warmth. Spanning Gauteng and the Free State, events are taking place across the colder months. There's an emphasis on the arts across both provinces, though you'll also find lots of delicious food on the menu. There's even one that's all about champagne and chocolate… The event programmes are varied, featuring top local performers, as well as a couple of GRAMMY winners. Whether you're for thought-provoking talks or dancing the night away, you can pick and choose from these four festivals. One of a series in events at Constitution Hill, Basha Uhuru Creative Week runs next week. The four-day festival will host print exhibitions, poetry readings and film screenings. Then there's an amapiano showcase and a market for creative brands. A big focus is the industry workshops that span multiple art disciplines. Topics include poetry, hemp and cannabis, and the business of fashion. This is a Highveld festival that creatives in the area won't want to miss. 25-28 June Johannesburg, Gauteng The Vrystaat Kunste Fees, or Free State Arts Festival, is an Afrikaans language festival that aims to collaborate with English and Sotho cultures. The University of the Free State is a key partner, hosting the event on its Bloemfontein campus. This Highveld festival has a multidisciplinary programme that ranges from music to literature. In addition to performances and exhibitions, there's a series of hands-on workshops. These include therapeutic writing and resin pouring. 15 – 19 Jul 2025 Bloemfontein, Free State One more gathering for the Highveld, the Cullinan Champagne, Chocolate & Gin Festival brings a sparkly touch to this winter. The event brings together South Africa's best MCCs, craft gin and artisanal chocolates. In addition to the gourmet goods, the festival also hosts a market of arts and crafts stalls. It's a good excuse for taking a short drive outside Tshwane to Cullinan's old-world streets. 30 August 2025 Cullinan, Gauteng This premier music festival runs across two days outside Tshwane. Music lovers will appreciate that headliners include GRAMMY award-winning artists Doja Cat and Leon Thomas. There are multiple stages across the weekend with a kaleidoscopic variety of artists. With the festival taking place on a farm, this Highveld festival also offers a camping and glamping experience for visitors. 30-31 August Tshwane, Gauteng Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
