Icy conditions, snow, rain and freezing temperatures are affecting parts of the #N3TollRoute. Light snowfall was reported around Swinburne; rain and sleet between Mooi River and Warden. Take care and allow extra travel time.

For help call 0800 63 43 57

MiTH LINEUP 19 AUGUST 2026 (Was 12th, postponed!)

The music you love in the place you love with the people you love. Join us for a very special MiTH – the Midlands’ beloved Music in The Hills hosted at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm. For just R50, you get access to the perfect blend of great music, and there’s good food, familiar faces, and drinks on sale. Every MiTH night is its own unique little treasure chest.

Venue: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

Entrance: R50.00 (cash or Zapper at the door)

Info: 082 331 7271

8:40 PM – Hooligoose

Meet Hooligoose, a funky rock trio that brings a fresh groove sound to the stage. Fronted by a dynamic vocalist with a passion for soulful melodies, the band is anchored by the steady, thumping bass lines of Malcolm. Rounding out the line-up is Ethan, the prodigious 13-year-old drummer, and son of the lead vocalist, whose youthful energy and killer beats drive the band’s funky rock pulse. Formed out of friendship, family, and a shared love for music that makes you move, Hooligoose delivers a sound that’s equal parts gritty and playful, drawing inspiration from the likes of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Parliament-Funkadelic, and classic rock swagger. Hooligoose isn’t just a band, it’s a celebration of connection, creativity, and the power of funk-infused rock.

7:40 PM – Staytree

Meet Staytree, the coolest trio of rockers ever to hit the stage! Made up of three brothers, this band is all about big energy, wild riffs, and having fun. With 13-year-old Ethan on drums, 12-year-old Rylee rocking the guitar, and 10-year-old Shaun bringing the noise on bass, Staytree is a force to be reckoned with. Their name, Staytree, comes from their mom, Stacey: “the tree that holds us together”. Inspired by bands like Just Jinger, Prime Circle, Creed, Imagine Dragons, Green Day, The Beatles and many more, Staytree mixes catchy beats with lyrics about just being kids.

7:00pm - Erin Fourie

Erin Fourie is a South African singer best known as a Top 16 contestant on the seventh season of the M-Net reality competition Idols. Erin’s audition got her four yeses from the Judges in Durban, which means that she could stop looking for a teaching job and start focusing on her singing skills. She was a Top 10 finalist of South African Idols in 2011.

Since 2003, Erin Fourie has become a well-known name on the Midlands music circuit. As a solo artist she has entertained at restaurants, coffee shops and events. She has worked in musical theatre on big stage shows such as Godspell, Young, Gifted and Gorgeous, and The Durban Playhouse's 2016 production of The Sound of Music. Closer to home she has performed in While My Guitar, 50 Ways to Leave your Lover, and Ladies Sing the Blues.

She’s been playing guitar since she was 13 and is currently trying to master the ukulele. Erin has a PGCE as well as an Honours Degree in Drama (from UKZN in ‘Maritzburg). She is certain that the stage is where she belongs: be it performing or singing, there’s nowhere she’d rather be. Erin is one of Hilton’s best-loved vocalists and is an utter treat to listen to.

ABOUT MiTH

Food and cash bar available on site. The KZN Midlands’ favourite live music venue, MiTH is a platform for beginners, professionals and music lovers to celebrate the joy of live performance. Hosted every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Hilton.

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH

Take the N3 to Hilton. Turn into Hilton Village and drive 5.2 km along Hilton Avenue, which becomes Dennis Shepstone Drive. Look for Knoll Drive on your right – the entrance to MiTH is the second left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm. Info: 082 331 7271, www.mith.co.za or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge | Maritzburg Race Charity Announced | The Oval: Sunday 23 August

A sold-out field of 4,000 runners will be making a big difference to this year’s Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge race charity, Dlalanathi.

Dlalanathi is a non-profit organisation based in Pietermaritzburg, focusing on providing psychosocial support for children through play by training and supporting caregivers. The organisation that started about 25 years ago was born from a personal journey of grief, dedicated to helping children and families navigating loss.

Dlalanathi, meaning “play with us”, “play and be well,” signifies their mission to bring hope and healing to children impacted by loss through the joy of play. Their approach aligns with Nelson Mandela’s belief that children are the most vulnerable citizens in any society and the greatest of our treasures.

Through their work, they recognise the value of both children and caregivers, empowering them to be pillars of support in their homes, families, and communities. Their core values encapsulate hope, courage, respect, love and play - creating safe, nurturing spaces for children, youth, and families to heal, connect, and grow through play and creative expression.

Five Rand from every entry is being donated to Dlalanathi for their work in Pietermaritzburg and surrounds. They have a team of dedicated and passionate individuals. Their unwavering commitment, unconditional care, and ability to inspire hope make a profound impact on the lives of those we serve.

This year’s race will take place on Sunday 23 August with race pack collections for participants taking place on Saturday 22 August at the SPAR store that they selected. Goodie Bags will be presented to all finishing athletes on race day, as they successfully cross the finish line.

For more info follow the race on social media or visit wwwsparwomenschallenge.co.za

Photos by Val Adamson

Top image: Dlalanathi, a non-profit organisation based in Pietermaritzburg that focuses on providing psychosocial support for children through play by training and supporting caregivers, has been announced as this year's Maritzburg SPAR Women's 10/5km Charity. Pictured here with some of their therapy dolls are (l-r) Siya Mnguni (Youth Manager), Robyn Hemmens (Operations Director) and Lungelo Maphalala (Youth Worker)

The Pedal Power Association is renewing its call for urgent systemic reform across South Africa’s justice system as three tragic cyclist crash cases head into critical legal phases. While the road to justice remains fraught with investigative delays and lenient bail conditions, a landmark High Court ruling in Durban has offered a powerful beacon of hope for vulnerable road users nationwide.

A major victory for accountability: Veven Naidoo (Top)

CONVICTION

In a decisive turn for road safety justice, the Durban High Court has turned down the appeal of Giuliano Contu, confirming his six-year imprisonment sentence for culpable homicide.

In 2024, Contu was sentenced after crashing into cyclist Veven Naidoo along the M4 in Durban and fleeing the scene. Veven tragically succumbed to severe head injuries. Following Contu's attempt to appeal the ruling, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Durban formally notified PPA that the appeal was dismissed, requiring Contu to immediately begin serving his jail term. “The PPA wishes to thank the NPA in Durban for seeking justice on behalf of Veven Naidoo’s family, and the cycling community,” says CEO of the PPA Neil Robinson.

Three lives taken, shattered families left behind

Despite clear safety regulations and repeated calls for vulnerable road user protections, reckless driving continues to claim lives with minimal immediate consequence for perpetrators:

Kerry Grundlingh (21 - Below middle image), Princeton Student & Rower) was struck by a vehicle while training with her father on a Cradle of Humankind dedicated cycle lane in July 2025. Despite contradictory evidence surfaced by a family-appointed attorney, local SAPS initially resisted opening a proper investigation. Following a subpoena, the docket was finally submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) at the Roodepoort Court to determine if the driver will face charges. “There has been no response from the authorities with regards to charges. The PPA will continue to support her family in their effort to find justice for Kerry,” says Robinson.

Idries Sheriff (41 - Below LHS) was struck head-on by a BMW driver who crossed onto the opposite side of the road along Victoria Road in Camps Bay, during a training ride on 16 December last year. The driver, Bongani Mthethwa, was arrested at the scene and charged with culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving, and driving under the influence (DUI). Sparks of public outrage followed his release on R15 000 bail. After multiple post-investigation postponements, Mthethwa is set to return to the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on 14 August 2026. “ There needs to be consequences that are befitting the crimes for unlawful actions on our roads,” Robinson says.

Landon la Grange (61 - Below RHS) tragically lost his life in April 2026 after he was hit by a taxi. Siyabonga Myabalala was not arrested at the scene and was only charged weeks later. Currently facing a culpable homicide charge without having entered a plea yet, the accused briefly appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 28 July, but the case was postponed until 13 October as his lawyer was absent from court. There needs to be proper consequences for unlawful actions on our roads if that is proven to be the case in this particular case,” Robinson explains.

The fight for accountability

The Pedal Power Association (PPA) has appointed legal monitoring over the Idries Sheriff case, and work alongside investigating officers at Camps Bay SAPS and other jurisdictions on all the pending cases. Our advocacy efforts have drawn direct support from key parliamentary leaders, including Ian Cameron (Parliamentary Oversight Committee for Policing) and Nicholas Gotsell (MP in the National Council of Provinces representing the Western Cape), who have joined calls for structural accountability within SAPS and the NPA.

More urgent action is required

The PPA and its partners are calling for:

Members of the public, cycling communities and media representatives are encouraged to attend the upcoming court appearances to demonstrate solidarity for safer roads and equal justice. “The PPA will continue to advocate for competent policing that is meticulous in its crime scene evidence gathering processes, an NPA which is properly resourced and punishment which fits the crime,’’ Robinson concludes.

Bring your favorite moments to life with PostNet's self-service option you can print photos in an instant, giving you full control. Simply connect your device, digital camera, memory card, mobile phone, CD/DVD, or USB, and enjoy high-quality prints in minutes.

Need ID or passport photos? We do those, too! It’s 100% self-service, 100% simple. Drop by PostNet today and see how easy instant photo printing can be!

More about PostNet Hilton

Bella Donna Hair & Beauty is delighted to welcome Pam to our team!

Pam has 20 years experience, a passion for creating beautiful, confidence-boosting hair and specializes in:
✨ Highlights
✨ Balayage
✨ Tape-In Extensions

We’re also excited to announce that Bella Donna now offers professional Tape-In Hair Extensions!

Pam will be working a few days each week, so appointments are limited.

To our wonderful Hilton community, we’d love for you to help us give Pam a warm Bella Donna welcome by supporting her as she begins this exciting new chapter with us. We know you’ll love her as much as we do!

Book your appointment today and let Pam create your perfect look.

WhatsApp: 073 354 2896

As South Africa marks Women’s Month this August, the national conversation once again turns to women redefining leadership, breaking barriers and creating lasting change in every sector of society. While many stories celebrate visible achievements, some of the country’s most influential women are quietly transforming lives behind the scenes.

One such leader is Dr Aobakwe Segwe, a leading radiologist, entrepreneur and co-founder of the Centre of Medical Imaging (CMI). In a field where every diagnosis can alter the course of a person’s life, she is helping reshape the future of diagnostic healthcare through world-class technology, patient-centred innovation and a belief that access to quality healthcare should never be determined by geography.

Her journey extends far beyond medicine. As a business leader, mentor and mother who built a successful healthcare practice in a traditionally male-dominated profession, Dr Segwe represents a new generation of African women who are proving that leadership is not defined by title or recognition, but by impact. Through her work, she is investing not only in better healthcare outcomes, but also in the next generation of women and young healthcare professionals who will shape the future of medicine across the continent.

This Women’s Month, her story serves as a powerful reminder that some of the greatest advances begin with curiosity, courage and a determination to create opportunities where none previously existed. It is a story of purpose-driven leadership, quiet resilience and a vision for a healthier, more equitable Africa.

Meet Dr Aobakwe Segwe:
The Woman Changing the Face of Healthcare
There is a moment before every diagnosis when everything hangs in the balance. A patient waits anxiously for answers, a family hopes for good news, and a doctor prepares to make life-changing decisions.

For Dr Aobakwe Segwe, that moment has always represented a human life, not an image on a scan screen. “Behind every scan is a person waiting for answers and clarity, not just an image of their insides,” she says. Dr Segwe gives diagnostic healthcare a voice. She believes that where a person lives should never determine the quality of diagnostic care they receive.

It is a philosophy that has shaped every chapter of her remarkable journey from a naturally curious young girl growing up in Mahikeng to becoming one of South Africa’s leading radiologists, a successful entrepreneur and the co-founder of the Centre of Medical Imaging (CMI), one of the country’s most advanced private radiology practices.

This is also the story of a remarkable woman who has quietly navigated the demands of building a business in a traditionally male-dominated field while raising a family as a mother. Along the way, she has learnt that resilience is built in boardrooms and operating theatres, but also in the everyday balancing act of leadership, motherhood and staying true to yourself.

For Dr Segwe, success has always been measured in impact and never by titles or technology. Long before she wore a white coat, she was a child asking endless questions. She wanted to understand how the world worked, and was fascinated by nature and science. Looking back, she believes those early years quietly laid the foundation for everything that followed.

“Medicine became a natural extension of wanting to understand the human body and ultimately help improve people’s lives,” she reflects.

Today, that same curiosity extends to all aspects of her life. Away from the demands of running a leading radiology practice, Dr Segwe finds inspiration in art and creativity, believing they offer a different way of observing the world. Whether appreciating visual art, spending time outdoors or simply enjoying quiet moments with family, she values experiences that encourage reflection and balance.

It is this combination of science, precision and purpose that continues to inspire Dr Segwe every day. While many doctors are drawn to specialties where they spend their days directly consulting with patients, Dr Segwe found herself captivated by radiology, a field that quietly sits at the centre of modern medicine.

“Every X-ray, MRI or CT scan tells a story and has the potential to change a life. Radiology allows you to influence almost every patient’s journey, and helping clinicians make the right diagnosis at the right time can completely change someone’s outcome,” she adds.

In 2016, together with her business partner, Dr Segwe established the Centre of Medical Imaging at Life Carstenhof Hospital in Johannesburg. At the time, the hospital was still operating with analogue imaging systems while neighbouring facilities had already embraced digital technology.

Rather than accepting the status quo, Dr Segwe and her partner saw an opportunity to build something different. One equipment supplier refused to provide a quotation because they believed two newly qualified specialists would never succeed. Fibre infrastructure had not yet reached the hospital, meaning the team had to navigate municipal approvals and help develop the necessary connectivity themselves.

Many entrepreneurs would have walked away, but Dr Segwe was undeterred, seeing only possibility. She says that people often see obstacles where entrepreneurs see opportunity, and this mindset has become one of the defining characteristics of her leadership.

There were moments when she felt she had to work harder to prove herself as a female, earn credibility and have her expertise recognised. Rather than allowing those experiences to discourage her, they strengthened her determination to lead with quiet confidence, excellence and consistency.

At the same time, she was raising her family as a mother, learning to balance the pressures of entrepreneurship with the responsibilities of parenthood. It was not always easy, she admits, but those experiences taught her resilience, discipline and the importance of surrounding herself with people who believed in her vision.

Today, CMI is recognised for its investment in advanced diagnostic imaging, digital innovation and patient-centred care, offering technology that enables clinicians to diagnose disease earlier, collaborate more effectively and improve patient outcomes.

A Different Kind of Visionary
Despite leading a highly specialised healthcare business, Dr Segwe speaks less about machines than she does about people. Technology, she insists, is never the destination but simply the vehicle.

That people-first philosophy extends beyond her patients and into the way she leads. Having experienced first-hand the challenges women can face in leadership, she is passionate about creating opportunities where other women can succeed without feeling they need to fit a particular mould.

“Innovation only matters if it improves patient outcomes, and every investment, whether in artificial intelligence, imaging equipment or infrastructure, is only ever measured against whether it will help patients receive better care,” she explains.

That philosophy has become increasingly important as AI reshapes healthcare around the world. While headlines often ask whether artificial intelligence will replace doctors, she believes the conversation misses the point entirely and the future will always belong to both innovation and humanity.

“AI is an incredible support tool, but it can only enhance, not replace clinical judgement, experience or compassion. At CMI, AI already assists with specialised imaging such as cardiac analysis, helping radiologists work more efficiently, but every report is still interpreted and signed off by a specialist.

Ask Dr Segwe what she is most proud of and she is unlikely to mention her achievements and business milestones. Instead, she speaks passionately about mentoring young healthcare professionals and creating opportunities for others to grow.

“Leadership isn’t measured by personal success alone but by how many people grow because of your influence,” she says.

Dr Segwe refuses to accept that today’s standard of diagnostic healthcare is good enough, and will continually challenge, innovate and collaborate to build a better future for her patients, healthcare professionals and communities, while she continues to never forget that behind every scan is a person whose life may be changed by the answer it holds.

Through Impact for Good, the practice’s non-profit initiative, she and her team visit schools to encourage young people to pursue careers in medicine and healthcare. Their mission is to normalise the idea that young South Africans, regardless of their background, can become doctors, specialists and healthcare leaders.

She is particularly passionate about showing young women that there is room for them in science, medicine and entrepreneurship. By sharing her own journey honestly, including the obstacles she has faced, she hopes more young women will see leadership not as something reserved for others, but as something they can aspire to themselves.

Thinking beyond borders
Although her work is rooted in South Africa, Dr Segwe’s vision stretches across the continent. She believes Africa has an opportunity not only to improve healthcare but also to shape it. Too often, African clinicians rely on research conducted elsewhere, based on populations with very different healthcare realities, but Segwe wants to see that change.

Building African-led diagnostic research, she argues, will ultimately lead to better diagnosis, better treatment and better healthcare outcomes for millions of people. It is a vision that positions her not simply as a successful doctor, but as someone helping shape the future of medicine on the continent.

In an age where success is often defined by accolades, influence and financial growth, Dr Segwe’s own definition is strikingly grounded. She hopes that one day people will remember her as someone who made healthcare more accessible, challenged conventional thinking and invested in people as much as technology.

She also hopes her journey reminds other women that success does not require choosing between ambition and compassion, or between professional achievement and personal fulfilment. For her, the two have always gone hand in hand.

While medical imaging has the power to reveal what cannot be seen, Dr Aobakwe Segwe believes the greatest advances in healthcare will always begin and end with the human being behind the diagnosis.

She hopes to continue building advanced diagnostic imaging practices and develop the next generation of healthcare professionals.

“I aim to drive research that lets Africa contribute its own evidence to global medicine, rather than importing findings built on other populations,” she concludes.

To follow Dr Aobakwe Segwe on LinkedIn and to read more on her insights on diagnostic imaging visit cmiradiology.com.

There has certainly been no shortage of excitement at LivPadel Hilton recently, and our courts have been buzzing with energy as players continue to embrace the fast-growing sport of padel.

Our recent SAPA Men's and Ladies' Tournaments were undoubtedly one of the highlights of the season. Welcoming players from across the region, the tournaments showcased everything that makes padel such an exciting sport—high-quality rallies, fierce but respectful competition, incredible teamwork and, above all, outstanding sportsmanship. It was wonderful to see familiar faces alongside new competitors, all sharing a passion for the game and creating an atmosphere that was both competitive and welcoming. We would like to congratulate every player who participated and thank everyone who came along to support the event. It was another fantastic milestone for our growing club.

The celebrations are far from over, however, as LivPadel Hilton proudly celebrates its second birthday on 22 and 23 August, and we're inviting the entire Hilton community to join us for a fun-filled Birthday Bash Weekend.

On Saturday, 22 August, we'll be hosting a lively Mixed Americano Social Tournament, giving players of all abilities the chance to enjoy friendly competition, meet new playing partners and celebrate everything that makes our padel community so special.

The celebrations continue Sunday, 23 August, with a two-hour hitting session led by Coach Charlie, designed especially for our younger players. Families are encouraged to bring the kids along for an enjoyable morning of learning new skills, building confidence and experiencing the excitement of padel in a relaxed and supportive environment.

To make the weekend even more memorable, we'll be offering a special Birthday Bash Court Rate of just R220 per court for 60 minutes—that's only R55 per person for a full court of four players. Every court booking made during the weekend will also receive one automatic entry into our Birthday Bash Raffle, where one lucky winner will walk away with a surprise hamper. Court bookings for the weekend are now open, and we encourage everyone to reserve their preferred times early. There will also be plenty of additional activities, surprises and celebrations taking place throughout the weekend, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.

As LivPadel Hilton celebrates two wonderful years, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Hilton community for its continued support. Your enthusiasm, encouragement and passion for padel have helped shape the club into the vibrant sporting community it is today. We look forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces onto the courts as we continue growing the game together.

For bookings and enquiries, contact us on 083 796 7793 or visit us at LivPadel Hilton, 2 Hilton College Road or pop us an email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Is Burnout Quietly Affecting Your Workplace?

Burnout is far more than simply feeling tired. Left unaddressed, it can affect employee wellbeing, productivity, communication, engagement, absenteeism and overall organisational performance. It can also have a significant impact on physical health, relationships and quality of life.

Join Sandra Nel Coaching and Infinity HR Consulting for a practical and interactive workshop that combines expertise in workplace wellbeing, human resources and labour law.
Together, we will explore how organisations can recognise burnout early, understand their HR and labour law responsibilities, and implement practical strategies that support employee wellbeing while reducing organisational and legal risk.

Whether you are leading a business, managing a team or supporting employees through HR, you will leave with practical tools and strategies that can be implemented immediately.

Who should attend?
• Business owners
• Managers and team leaders
• HR professionals
• Supervisors
• Anyone committed to creating healthier, more resilient workplaces

Workshop Details
📅 Date: Wednesday, 19 August 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Venue: African Enterprise Conference Centre, 1 Nonsuch Road, Pietermaritzburg
💰 Investment: R800 per person

To reserve your place or request further information:
Sandra Nel
📞 082 290 5640
📧 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sindy Marais
📞 083 305 6219
📧 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Spaces are limited. Early booking is recommended.

Just a quick heads-up on how entry to the festival grounds works. It’s R100 per car, R50 per car for pensioners. That fee covers your parking for the full weekend, with unlimited pass-outs if you’d like to come and go. Before you leave, simply pay at the Information Stand or Box Office - just like you would at a mall.

Show tickets are sold separately Webtickets

We can’t wait to be reunited in just a few days.

Friends wandering from one show to the next, children wide-eyed with wonder, music spilling through the trees, beautiful things to discover, good food to share, and art that makes you feel something.

The arts bring us together. They help us feel, think, laugh, question, imagine and connect - and this year at Hilton Arts Festival, there’s more of that magic than ever before! With exciting new additions, beloved festival favourites, and so many ways to spend the day, we’d love for you to come and be part of it.

Hilton Arts Festival | 7 - 9 August | Hilton College

We finished scanning late last night: 18 MRI scans for KZN Vets MRI completed in FIRST week!

Each one with a clear outcome, professional VIS report and a plan going forward. Thanks to all the Team players: Partners in KZN Vets MRI, Lomaen Medical, Esaote Healthcare, Standard Bank - South Africa, Veterinary Imaging Specialists (VIS), local vets that sent referrals and Sr Megan Sinclair, our brilliant nurse who worked tirelessly to make sure all animals made it through examination safely! Well done team!

Location: 72 Hilton Avenue, Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 3245

Telephone: 033 343 4602

Geek Culture gets its own stage this August, with tabletop gaming, an Artist's Alley, a cosplay competition and more - running all weekend at Hilton College.

Geek Culture is officially joining the programme at this year's Hilton Arts Festival. Just Geekin' , a brand-new addition to the 34th Hilton Arts Festival, from 7 to 9 August 2026 at Hilton College, bringing three days of tabletop roleplaying, Esports gaming, cosplay and comics to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

Curated by award-winning, multidisciplinary South African graffiti and hip hop artist, poet, and activist Ewok (aka Iain Robinson) and well-known artist and musician Daniel Sheldon, the Just Geekin’ Festival hopes to attract a new audience of creative thinkers, gamers, artists and performers.

Just Geekin’ takes place in the Hilton Theatre complex, with a packed 3 days programme that includes:

Tabletop Roleplaying Games, including Dungeons & Dragons sessions for new and experienced players

The Artist's Alley, showcasing comic and concept art from local creators

E-Sports Tournaments, and free-play stations (entry fees apply for play) in collaboration with Konke Gamers, led by Durban-based gamer and adaptive surfer, David Williams. Konke creates accessible spaces for people with disabilities, bringing adaptive controllers and accessible gaming setups to disabled gamers. Williams teams up with the festival to champion esports for people with disabilities, opening up competitive gaming to a community too often left out of it.

Celebrity Games - with local celebrities (experienced or not) will try their hand at Tabletop Roleplaying Games- including whacky musician Veranda Panda, theatre personalities radio presenter from PlayZN Keri Miller, and Steven Stead. These games can be viewed from arena styled seating or watch on the big screen at the fest or on Twitch .

A Cosplay Masquerade in partnership with GES-Cosplay, on Sunday 9 August, is open to all (experienced pros, beginners, adults, children and the elderly too) - with incredible prizes to be won. These include goodies from the Just Geekin’ Market, a Les Gateaux voucher, and tickets to ICON Durban, the Renfaire Hellfire Gala and to the rAge Expo.

A comic book launch, film screening, workshops and discussions as well as various live art activations and a rotating line-up of other geekin’ activities.

Young Gunz and Trail Blazers is an opportunity for artists between the ages of 12 and 23 to attend and exhibit at the festival, with prizes including an Inscape Graphic Design course, courses from Dweba School, and a signed comic book . This is through a partnership with Dweba School – the online school for artists and creators, that will also be doing hands-on workshops and giveaways, including illustration courses, sticker packs,digital drawing tablets. Just Geekin' @ The Hilton Arts Festival, is curated for newcomers and lifelong enthusiasts in equal measure, offering a complete Geek Culture experience including a Geek Market for geek-styled retail therapy within one of South Africa’s most established cultural calendar events.

A ticket unlocks a whole day. Day tickets are R75, with a full weekend pass available for R100, and both grant access to the Geek Lounge with a variety of activities, with no restriction on coming and going as you please. Additional ticketed activations and add-ons will be available in the Geek Lounge as well.

Follow for updates and programme on social media:

Instagram: justgeekinza

Facebook: Just-Geekin

Website: https://hiltonfestival.co.za/geekin/

For participant, vendor and media enquiries, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Top: Just Geekin’ @ Hilton Arts Festival is curated by award-winning, multidisciplinary South African graffiti and hip hop artist, poet, and activist Ewok (aka Iain Robinson) (right) and well-known artist and musician Daniel Sheldon (left), the Just Geekin’ Festival hopes to attract a new audience of creative thinkers, gamers, artists and performers.  In centre is Durban-based gamer and adaptive surfer, David Williams of Konke Gamers who is collaborating with the festival bringing adaptive controllers and accessible gaming setups to disabled gamers.

On Saturday, 8th August, the Hilton Rotunda, will once again, play host to the Pietermaritzburg Orchid Society’s annual winter show.

There will be an orchid display, plant sales and a raffle.

Knowledgeable and experienced POS members will be on hand, to answer all your questions, on, growing, planting, splitting, feeding, pests, repotting and general caring for your orchids.

Open from 9am till 2pm, entrance is free.