More Than Fitness

The Durban North and Umhlanga communities are fortunate to have people like Claude and Trish Eksteen, whose work goes beyond fitness. Through their Adventure Obstacle Training (A.O.T.) and encouragement, they help people raise their perceived ceilings and overcome personal barriers. They’ve built more than a training programme. At its heart is a family-centred community where people come together through fitness, form meaningful connections, build lasting relationships and, one life at a time, discover a place...

Tune In, 031! – LU-ZER

Although their family moved to Centurion when they were five years old, their story began right here in Umhlanga Rocks. For years, Lu-Zer was a “wallflower”, paralysed by stage fright while producing in their bedroom. “I only found my confidence in adulthood; singing for friends and eventually testing my voice at local karaoke spots.” The turning point was winning the Lady of the House SA demo competition. It was the ultimate validation that their childhood...

Tune In, 031! – Tim Lewis

Tim was born and raised in a musical family in Pietermaritzburg. “In 2006, like most 10-year-old kids, I asked for an Xbox for Christmas, but I got a saxophone, which I was much happier about and can never thank my parents enough.” In the afternoons, while everyone was at sports practice, he would either be practising the saxophone, the drums, or learning to produce music on FL Studio. He was also part of the KwaZulu-Natal...

Tune In, 031! – Cam White

Cam White’s connection to music has always felt instinctive. By 12, he had discovered DJing, and after months of convincing his dad to help him buy his first entry-level controller, he immersed himself completely. A year later, he performed at his first outdoor event in Durban, a defining moment that marked the true beginning of his journey into dance music. “Umhlanga was where I began my journey of performing at 13. My first ever performances...

Tune In, 031! – Tatum Tides

At 19, while au-pairing in Europe, Tatum followed her dream of travelling. After buying her first ukulele in Italy, she started busking on the streets of Modena to support her travels. That small step allowed her to fund her solo adventures, and taught her something profound: music has a unique power to connect, tell stories, and heal. When she came back, while studying and working as a bartender for Big Night Out Productions, her friend...

Ridiculously Comfy, Seriously Funky

How Funky Pants grew from paddling prizes to pop culture. Billy and Tracy Harker, founders of Funky Pants, never intended to make and sell sportswear. In 1997, Billy forged a career in organising paddling races around the country. In the early 2000s, the paddling scene brought Billy and Tracy together, and she took on the role of organising event garments such as T-shirts and prize apparel. Noticing a gap in the market, she became passionate...

Finding Love Offline

Speed dating is making waves in uMhlanga, and people are loving it! If you’re still on the fence, we caught up with Chanelle Nundlal, the host behind these matchmaking events, to give you the lowdown. The Spark Chanelle, a 33-year-old attorney at CN Attorneys uMhlanga and a die-hard romantic, enjoys bringing people together. And here’s why: After coming out of a long-term relationship that ended, it seemed daunting and rather unsafe to enter the dating...

A Fashion Maven

Local designer Nikki Da Rosa shares how her hobby evolved into a business rooted in craftsmanship and community. Nikki grew up in Morgenzon, a farming community in Mpumalanga, where family, creativity, and strong values shaped her early years. Around 2000, she made the move to uMhlanga, which became an important part of her journey. “Living here allowed me to grow, study, and eventually establish myself within a supportive and inspiring community,” she says. Her journey...

Female & Fierce Part 1

Sureka Singh  Durban North Smile Center Who am I? I am one of the Directors of a management company called SMERA, a Sanskrit word translated as ‘smiling’ or ‘beaming’. My educational background consists of an MBA, complemented by an honours degree in Hindu Studies, and a Graphic Design Degree. I also have a diploma in Indian Classical Dance. Personally, and professionally, I have learned many valuable lessons. But by far, the most important thing is...

Behind & Beyond the Beat with Josh Klynsmith

When I listen to music, I love listening to each component that makes up the song. From the bassline to the hidden meanings in the lyrics. Every song is like a story to unravel. So, listening to Rescue Me by local musician Josh Klynsmith, the song evoked strong feelings in the listener through its blend of soulful lyrics and a sweeping melody.   Going into music was a natural progression for Josh. He was exposed...