Latest news with #KwaZulu-Natal-born
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Lifetime Achiever Award
Veteran filmmaker Angus Gibson stands proudly at the Umhlanga pier, holding his Lifetime Achiever Award received at the prestigious Simon Sabela Awards ceremony — a tribute to his enduring impact on South African storytelling and cinema. KwaZulu-Natal-born filmmaker Angus Gibson, one of South Africa's most influential and enduring cinematic voices, was honoured with the Simon 'Mabhunu' Sabela Lifetime Achiever Award, capping off a decades-long career that has helped shape the nation's visual storytelling landscape. Gibson was presented the award at a glittering event yesterday evening at Durban's International Convention Centre. Presented by the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, the awards are KwaZulu-Natal's premier celebration of excellence in film and television. Now in their 11th year, the awards recognise outstanding contributions across more than 20 categories, including best feature film, best director, best actor/actress, best documentary and best student film - all with a focus on KwaZulu-Natal talent and productions filmed in the province. Gibson has been the director behind Yizo Yizo, Mandela, Isibaya, and Shaka iLembe. He was honoured not just for his artistic achievements, but for his contribution to the cultural and historical record of South Africa. 'I first lived in a house with a sea view that stretched from the Bluff to Umhlanga. What I did not see was KwaMashu not far behind my Durban North house, or the traditional Zulu world beyond those canefields. I became curious about the spaces I did not see and in a way I have ended up telling the stories of the spaces that were shut out from my view as a young person.' 'The cane cutters on the weekend would beat their drums virtually the whole night… the sound was enigmatic and made me curious about the Zulu world and culture,'he recalled. For Gibson, receiving the province's top film honour was not just aprofessional milestone - it was personal. 'For the last 12 years, with both Isibaya and Shaka iLembe, we have been immersed in a Zulu world, so it is from the KZN audience that we most want approval. This award is an affirmation that makes me very happy.'
TimesLIVE
27-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
AmaZulu's attempts to lure two players hit contractual snags, sources say
AmaZulu's attempts to sign two players this month may hit contractual snags. While Usuthu deny approaching him, a source told TimesLIVE transfer proceedings between AmaZulu and Richards Bay FC regarding midfielder Langelihle Mhlongo have been halted due to an apparent contractual dispute between the player and his present club. AmaZulu might also face a legal challenge after apparently attempting to conclude the signing of winger Athini Maqokolo, who caught Usuthu's eye with his dazzling performances in the off-season Khabba Cup in Durban. AmaZulu denied trying to sign Mhlongo and said no deal was concluded with Maqokolo, though he has been asked to come to a trial. 'I hear you, but we have not signed any of the players you have mentioned nor have we engaged Richards Bay about Langa. As for Maqokolo, yes the club has invited him for assessment,' Usuthu PRO Philani Ndlela said. Having joined the Natal Rich Boys at the beginning of the 2021-22 season, Mhlongo, 24, has served his full professional career at the KwaZulu-Natal club. Dominated ABC motsepe in eastern cape , has experience in NFD as well @Football__Stage @snap_vino Athini Maqokolo semi final khabba cup — XHAMELA (@obhuzubhuzuu) June 12, 2025 After playing one game in his first season, Mhlongo demonstrated major growth over the next three campaigns, securing his place in the senior squad amid multiple coaching changes. The KwaZulu-Natal-born midfielder played 20 games in all competitions in 2024-25. Mhlongo has caught the eye of rival clubs with a source saying the player was spotted training with Usuthu on their return for preseason and recently completed a medical assessment with them. 'He was meant to sign the contract, everything was finalised, then boom, it appeared he is still under contract with Bay', the insider, who did not want to be named, said. However, that door has apparently been shut, Bay maintaining the player remains contractually bound to them. 'Mhlongo's contract is left with two years and an option to extend for one year,' Bay chair Sfiso 'Jomo' Biyela said. While that deal seems to have fallen through, after a mass offload of 16 players, AmaZulu have attempted to secure talented winger Maqokolo. However, this attempted signing might also hit a snag. Reports are the player signed for Usuthu before his contract with Pretoria Motsepe Foundation Championship side JDR Stars expires on June 30 and a legal battle might ensue for his services. Maqokolo impressed at the Khabba Cup annual off-season tournament held at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, outside Durban on June 7 to 9. Consisting of 32 teams, the tournament boasted several professional players from across all three top football divisions and young talent from the amateur leagues. Representing Khabba semi-finalists Two for Joy and scoring arguably the goal of the tournament in that match, Maqokolo caught the attention of the Usuthu scouts. A source told TimesLIVE that after hasty talks, the club had secured the services of the winger on a three-year-contract. 'I can confirm Athini has signed with AmaZulu — though he has not started training, he has signed a three-year contract,' an insider said. JDR are reportedly set to challenge the deal.
