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MARK BOUCHER

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Mark Boucher is a former South African cricketer, who played all three formats of the game. Boucher holds the record for the most Test dismissals by a wicket-keeper, with 532 catches. He has represented Border, Warriors, South Africa, Africa XI, ICC World XI and Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.

He had been a regular feature of the South African side since the 1997/1998 tour to Australia. From the time he replaced Dave Richardson until his retirement, Boucher was South Africa’s first-choice wicketkeeper, and is widely regarded as one of, if not, the greatest wicketkeepers South Africa has ever had.He holds the record for the most dismissals (catches and stumpings) in Test cricket. He reached the record originally when he overtook the former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy in the first test of the Bank Alfalah Test Series versus Pakistanin Karachi on 3 October 2007 when he stumped Umar Gul off the bowling of Paul Harris. He then lost the record to Adam Gilchrist before regaining it when he caught Mushfiqur Rahim of Bangladesh in February 2008. Boucher is also third on the all-time list in One Day Internationals.
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KEVIN PIETERSEN

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Kevin Piertsen is a former English cricketer. He is a right-handed batsman and occasional off spin bowler.

Pietersen was born to an Afrikaner father and English mother in Pietermaritzburg, Natal Province, South Africa. He made his first-class debut for Natal in 1997 before moving to England in 2000, after voicing his displeasure at the racial quota system in South African cricket. Being of English ancestry, Pietersen was eligible for the England team so long as he first served a four-year qualifying period in English county cricket. He was called up by England almost immediately after he completed four years with Nottinghamshire. He made his international debut in the One Day International (ODI) match against Zimbabwe in 2004 and his Test match debut in the 2005 Ashes series against Australia. Pietersen left Nottinghamshire for Hampshire in 2005, but the England team’s subsequent reliance on him resulted in Pietersen making only a single first-class appearance for his new county between 2005 and 2010. In June 2010, Pietersen announced his wish to leave Hampshire; he joined Surrey on loan for the remainder of the season, then moved permanently in 2011.

Pietersen was captain of the England Test and ODI teams from 4 August 2008 to 7 January 2009. Pietersen announced his retirement from all forms of international limited-overs cricket on 31 May.

Pietersen became the fastest batsman to reach both 1,000 and 2,000 runs in One Day International cricket. He has the second-highest run total from his first 25 Tests, behind only Sir Don Bradman of Australia, and was the fastest player, in terms of days, to reach 4,000, 5,000 and 7,000 Test runs. He became only the third English batsman to top the ICC One Day International rankings, doing so in March 2007. In July 2008, after a century against South Africa, The Times called him “the most complete batsman in cricket and in 2012 The Guardian called him “England’s greatest modern batsman”.
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AMIT BHATIA

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Amit Bhatia began his career working in mergers and acquisitions at Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch in New York before moving to Credit Suisse First Boston in London. He then incubated Swordfish Investments, a Mayfair-based private equity/venture fund, and Swordfish Capital Management, an investment management company. Investments included education, media, telecoms, financial services, technology, consumer goods and real estate. One of Swordfish’s investments, Supercell, was named in October 2013 the fastest growing gaming company in the world, with $2.5 million sales per day. The Finnish startup raised $130m at an impressive $770m valuation in spring 2013 before selling a 50% stake to Softbank at a $3 billion value. Bhatia was also an early investor in Dropbox.

His family are a co-owner of Air Asia India with Tony Fernandes and Ratan Tata.

Bhatia was the Chairman of Hope Construction Materials, the UK’s largest independent supplier of concrete, cement, aggregates and asphalt. The company was launched in January 2013 after the divestment of 200 sites by two of the UK’s biggest building materials companies, Tarmac Group and Lafarge. Hope’s assets include the largest cement works in the UK at Hope Valley in Derbyshire, 172 ready-mix plants, 4 rail heads, 5 major quarries, 7 national offices, a fleet of over 400 vehicles and over 900 employees. The company is the UK’s first construction firm to join the World Economic Forum’s Global Growth Companies (GGC) community and one of just two European construction firms to meet membership criteria.

In August 2016, Bhatia sold Hope to the Breedon Aggregates, making the newly formed Breedon Group the UK’s largest independent construction materials group. Bhatia remains on the board of the enlarged Breedon Group and is a substantial shareholder of the company.
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JONTY RHODES

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Jonty Rhodes is a former South African Test and International cricketer. He is commonly regarded as one of the greatest fielders of all time. He played for the South African cricket team between 1992 and 2003.

Rhodes was born in Pietermaritzburg, Natal Province, South Africa. Whilst being noted for his quickly running as a right-handed batsman, he was especially noted for his defensive fielding, particularly catching, ground fielding, and throwing from his most common position of backward point. However, he is also known to be a less accurate thrower than Herchelle Gibbs at point when a run-out chance was present.

A report prepared by Cricinfo in late 2005 showed that since the 1999 Cricket World Cup, he had effected the ninth-highest number of run outs in ODI cricket of any fieldsman, with the third-highest success rate.
During his career he also played club cricket for the University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg and first-class cricket for Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, KwaZulu-Natal, Natal and the Dolphins. Rhodes retired from Test cricket in 2000, and from one day cricket in 2003 after an injury during the 2003 Cricket World Cup.

Rhodes also represented South Africa at hockey, and was chosen as part of the 1992 Olympic Games squad to go to Barcelona; however, the squad did not qualify to go to the tournament. He was also called up for trials to play in the 1996 Olympics but was ruled out by a hamstring injury.

Rhodes made his Test début against India in the first Test of the “Friendship Tour” at his home ground in Kingsmead, Durban on 13 November 1992, scoring 41 in the first innings and 26 not out in the second.

Rhodes scored his first Test century during the first Test of a three match series against Sri Lanka at Moratuwa during the 1993–1994 season. Batting on the last day, Rhodes scored 101 not out and along with Clive Eksteen salvaged a draw. South Africa went on to win the series 1–0 by winning the second match and drawing the third.

Rhodes announced his retirement from Test match cricket in 2001 in order to allow him to continue playing until the 2003 Cricket World Cup in South Africa. His last Test match was on 6 August 2000 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo against Sri Lanka. Rhodes made scores of 21 and 54 in the two innings. Sri Lanka went on to win the match by six wickets.
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MALCOLM MARX

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Malcolm Marx is a South African rugby union player for the Lions in Super Rugby. His regular position is hooker, but he did play as a flanker at youth level for the Golden Lions.

He represented the Golden Lions at several youth tournaments. He played for them at the 2007 Under-13 Craven Week competition and the 2010 Under-16 Grant Khomo Week competition.

He was included in a South Africa Academy side in 2011 and, following the 2012 Under-18 Week competition, he was named in the South Africa Schools side and played against France and England in August 2012.

In 2013, he played for UJ in the 2013 Varsity Cup competition, making eight appearances and scoring four tries.

He was also a regular for the Golden Lions U19 side during the 2013 Under-19 Provincial Championship competition. He made thirteen appearances in total, scoring four tries – one of them in the final against the Blue Bulls U19. He was also named as the Golden Lions U19 Forward of the Year for his displays.
In 2016, Marx was included in a South Africa ‘A’ squad that played a two-match series against a touring England Saxons team. He came on as a replacement in their first match in Bloemfontein, but ended on the losing side as the visitors ran out 32–24 winners. He then started the second match of the series, a 26–29 defeat to the Saxons in George.

He was first selected for the Springboks for the 2016 Rugby Championship, making three appearances for his country during 2016. Marx made his debut for the Springboks on 17th September 2016, the same date as team mate Francois Louw’s 50th test. Marx replaced Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss in the 43rd minute, but had a disappointing debut, with South Africa losing to New Zealand 13-41. Marx earned his first start for the Springboks on 5th November 2016, putting a 51-minute performance into a 31-31 draw against the Barbarians Club, prior to being replaced by Bongi Mbonambi.

After a series of outstanding performances for the Lions, Marx became a regular starter for South Africa in 2017. On 10 June 2017, he was named man of the match for his performance in the first of three tests against the French.. Although his performance against New Zealand in the third round of the 2017 Rugby Championship was highly criticised, Marx performed to a world-class level throughout most of the competition and played in every test of the competition, with South Africa finishing in third place. Marx was not subbed off in either test against Australia during the competition, a rare feat for a hooker, the first test of which a 23-23 draw and the second test against Australia being a 27-27 draw. Marx lost out on winning Man of the Match to Australian back Kurtley Beale on both occasions.

Marx took his international career to new heights on 7th October 2017, with his performance against New Zealand becoming much-talked about and publicised, arguably his best individual performance to date. The performances of Marx, as well as fellow forwards Steven Kitshoff and newly-appointed Springbok Captain Eben Etzebeth allowed South Africa to compete well against the All Blacks, with Marx making four turnovers and many tackles on defence, also setting up replacement loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez for a try and scoring the final try of the game. Marx’s try was converted by Lions teammate Elton Jantjies to make the final score a narrow 24-25 loss to the All Blacks. Marx completed his 2017 rugby season by appearing in three of the four Springbok tests during the 2017 end-of-year rugby union internationals.
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MAPS MAPONYANE

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Maps Maponyane is a South African television presenter, actor, fashion designer, speaker, model, creative consultant, voice over artist, philanthropist and business entrepreneur.

Maps was born in Soweto in the Gauteng Province. He is the second son of the South African football player Marks Maponyane. As a 12-year-old boy in the township, he amused spectators by showing his wizardry with the ball in local football competitions, and he was destined to follow through the footsteps of his father. However, as he grew up, Maps discovered his potential at MCMing at the age of 16. He decided to hang up his football boots for good, and took up MCMing as a potential career more seriously. Masego completed his high school career at St John’s College in 2008. A terrific foo He studied at Wits University from 2010 until 2012 and completed his BA Degree in Media Studies, French and English (Majors) and International Human Rights.

While taking a year off his schooling in 2009, Maponyane started attending modelling and acting auditions, where he attained his first modelling campaign, while working as an assistant to Lucilla Booyzen, Founder of SA Fashion Week.

Maponye was named GQ’s “Best Dressed Man” in 2011 and Cosmopolitan Magazine’s “Sexiest South African Man” in 2013.

Maponyane received a supporting role in the second season of South African television drama series, Rockville in 2014.

He was a speaker at the Tomorrow’s Leaders Convention in March 2015.
In 2015, Maponyane starred in a lead role on South African spoof comedy series The Real Jozi A-Listers, alongside fellow South African entertainers Da L.E.S, Trevor Gumbi and his best friend Tol-A$$-Mo.

Maponyane is well known for playing a lead role in the South African film Tell Me Sweet Something, alongside good friend and fellow South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha. The film was released in South African theaters on September 4, 2015. The film was removed from major South African cinemas about 5 weeks after release by Ster Kinekor, despite having generated R1 million in the first five days and having done well.

Maps presented E! Entertainment’s E! Beyond the Red Carpet: Saftas,which is an after-coverage of the South African Film and Television Awards alongside Bonang Matheba on March 20, 2016
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CAMERON VAN DER BURGH

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Cameron is a South African competitive swimmer. He is Africa’s first home-trained world record holder and individual male Olympic Champion.

Van der Burgh trains with Dirk Lange and is based in Pretoria. He has represented South Africa at the 2008 Summer Olympics, at the 2012 Summer Olympics where he won the gold medal in the 100-meter breaststroke in a new world record, and the 2016 Olympics. He has won numerous World Championship medals since his debut in 2007 when he took a bronze medal. Three times he has won the FINA overall World Cup.

Van der Burgh set his first world long-course record (27.06s) in the 50 m breaststroke in the semifinals at South African nationals in April 2009, cutting 0.12 of a second from Oleg Lisogor’s old world record set in 2002. He won the world title in the same year at the Rome championship, also in the 50 m breaststroke.

He won the 50m breaststroke at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in a time of 27.18 seconds in a new games record and the 100m world title at the 2010 short course world championships. He won the 100m breaststroke gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in a new world record time of 58.46 seconds and paid tribute to late world champion Alexander Dale Oen afterwards. Van der Burgh later admitted to breaking the rules by utilising illegal dolphin kicks during the race which was confirmed by video replays showing Van der Burgh taking three dolphin kicks. Subsequently, FINA have suggested they may consider underwater video evidence to judge results, although van der Burgh’s results and medal are not under threat.

At the 2014 Commonwealth Games, he won the gold in the men’s 50 m breaststroke in a new games record.  He won silver in the 100 m breaststroke behind Adam Peaty, and was part of the South African team that won bronze in the men’s 4 x 100 m relay.

In 2015 Cameron went on to Break the World Record in the heats of the 50m Breaststroke at the World Championships but settled for silver in the final. He went on further to earn another silver in the 100m Breaststroke. Later that year he went on to record a 24 race unbeaten streak to win the overall mens Word Cup, the third of his career.

At the 2016 Olympic Games Cameron secured the silver medal in the 100m Breaststroke earning his second Olympic Medal. Later that year he went on the win another World Championship title at the World Short Cours championships in the 50m Breaststroke.
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KRIJAY GOVENDER

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The dynamic Krijay Govender is a rare mix of brains, beauty, fortitude, creativity and comic genius. She’s a regular act on the SA comedy circuit, actress, speaker and a director.

Her comedic acting talent also made its ways onto small screens, on the SABC sitcom, “Font and Sons”. She began working as a stand-up comic in 1993, but first made an impression on the South African comedy circuit in 2001 and since then she has been a regular performer with the likes of Barry Hilton. She was nominated for the Mzansi’s top comedian award at the Mzansi awards and was rated one of the top three MCs in South Africa in Gwen Gill’s column in the Sunday Times.

She is one of six comedians to appear in the 2010 film Outrageous, described as “South Africa’s first stand-up comedy film”. Her comedy career took off in Johannesburg after a routine on SABC2’s women’s talk show Motswako, The Mix. Nowadays she’s a hot favorite on the comedy circuit and regularly headlines as supporting act for top comics. She was selected to be the supporting act for acclaimed Canadian comedian Russell Peters’ show Made in India and is one of the few female comics to make it into THE HEAVYWEIGHT COMEDY JAMS.

With her sophisticated and clever humour, her unusual take on the economy, women in business and life in South Africa generally, she’s also one of the hardest working female MCs in the country.
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KEEGAN DOLLY

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Keagan Dolly is a South African international attacking midfielder who currently plays for French Ligue 1 side Montpellier HSC. Having made his PSL debut with Ajax Cape Town, Keagan went on to win the PSL Young Player of the Season in the 2013/14 season. His impressive performances caught the attention of Mamelodi Sundowns who won the race for his signature. During his season and a half with Sundowns Keagan managed to win a PSL league title, a Telkom Knock Out Cup as well as the CAF Champions League.

During that successful season Keagan was selected in the 2016 CAF Team of the Year. This saw interest in Keagan’s services increase with a number of European clubs expressing serious interest. In January 2017 he earned a dream move to Europe with Montpellier HSC concluding a transfer for Keagan’s services for €1.9m. Keagan has since gone on to establish himself as a regular at Montpellier and is one of only a handful of South Africans currently playing in Europe’s top leagues.
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SHAUN POLLOCK

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Shaun Pollock is a former South African cricketer and a former captain of all formats. A genuine bowling all-rounder, Pollock along with Allan Donald formed a formidable bowling partnership for many years. From 2000 to 2003 he was the captain of the South African cricket team, and also played for Africa XI, World XI, Dolphins and Warwickshire. He was chosen as the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2003.

On 11 January 2008 he announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket after his 303rd One Day International on 3 February. He attended Northwood School in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

He is joint 10th in the all-time best ever bowler ratings in the LG ICC Ratings, and has taken over 400 wickets and at the time of his retirement was one of only six players to have scored 3000 runs and taken 300 wickets in Test matches.

In June 2007 he represented an Africa XI in an ODI game against an Asia XI in Bangalore. Playing as a specialist batsman, Pollock scored 130 from number 7 in the batting order, the highest ever score by an ODI batsman in that position. The record would however not last long, MS Dhoni bettered it later in the series.

He is the leading wicket taker among South Africans, taking over 400 test wickets and scoring over 3,700 test runs in his 108 Test matches.
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AMANDA DLAMINI

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Raised in the rural land of Harding in Kwa-Zulu, Natal Amanda Dlamini has achieved what most young people in the rural areas can only dream of.

Amanda’s first encounter with soccer was at the age of 11 as a spectator of informal games played in the township of Harding. She later got promoted from spectator to being the only girl on the team and she never looked back. Amanda worked hard towards achieving her dream of playing in the women’s national team.

Amanda is passionate about empowering the youth and helping them realise their potential. When Amanda isn’t on the field playing football she gives motivational talks to the youth and continues her work with the Amanda Dlamini Girls Foundation.

In 2007 Aamanda received sports scholarship at the University of Johannesburg (UJ)., she was selected for South African Ladies National Team- Banyana Banyana and played her debut match against Nigeria in an Olympic Qualifying match. Amanda went on to represented South Africa in the USSA 24th Universiade World Student Games, and was awarded the Top Goal Scorer during the USSA championships. In 2010 Amanda was appointed as South African Ladies National Team Captain and served from 2010- 2013, she also claimed the top goal scorer at the African Women Championship – CAF Competition. After a successful career Amanda has decided to retire from Banyana Banyana after reaching 105 caps.

Amanda is very proud and passionate about her organization, The Amanda Dlamini Girls Foundation, a registered non-profit organisation, was founded upon Amanda’s return from the 2012 London Olympics.

The humble athlete wanted to help young girls in rural and underprivileged areas to get opportunities in sports and other avenues thus empowering them.
Amanda Dlamini Girls Foundation mission is to inspire young girls to make their dreams come true irrespective of their backgrounds and circumstances by creating an enabling environment that will allow them to be empowered through the use of sports and educational life skills. Amanda Dlamini Girls Foundations vision is to leave a legacy and help build a generation of women who are empowered and treated equally in society. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1849″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

NICO PANNGIO

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Nico was raised and schooled in Pretoria, South Africa and matriculated at Pretoria Boys High.

Spanning a period of 17 years to date, he has had the pleasure and privilege of working on various platforms of the entertainment industry, from theatre to soaps, TV series’, magazine and reality shows as well as feature films for the big screen.

His first ever stage performance was at the age of 12, as one of the princes in the PACT production of the King & I, alongside Joe Stewardson & Judy Paige at the Pretoria State Theatre. Nico was a cast member of shows such as Egoli & Generations, after which he was offered the lead role of George Kyriakis in 7de Laan. He spent 5 years there, honing his skills, and then decided to venture into the exciting world of freelance film and television work.
He spent the next few years exploring the industry and landing lead roles in various television series’, most notably the mini series ‘Ella”, ‘Vallei van Sluiers’, ‘Zone 14’ and Jason Parker in MNET’s ‘The Wild’.

In 2010 Nico was asked to be the host of Survivor South frica and he has hosted the last 3 seasons in Mocambique, Maldives and South China Sea. In 2014 he teamed up with Semi-Soet co-star Louw Venter, as lead actor in the Light & Dark Films feature ‘Konfetti’. This is a bilingual romantic comedy and the was shot on location in Cape Town and was released in February 2014. Also released in the same month, was the Comedy ‘Vrou Soek Boer’ in which he plays the romantic lead alongside Lika Berning (of ‘Liefling’ fame). The feature was shot on location in the small, farming town of Wakkerstroom in Mpumalanga. In 2014, Season 5 of MNET’s Survivor SA was also flighted, with Nico as host for the 3rd time.

In 2015 he hosted KykNet’s ‘Afri-Visie’ – a national television song writing competition and he also Co-Produced MNET’s new reality show ‘Power Couple’. Nico decided to get involved on the producing side of the business and he procured the format for this brand new reality show which was conceptualised in Israel. Power Couple is a huge hit in Europe, Israel and South America and this will be the first English language version of the show which hits SA screens in September 2015. He partnered with friend and associate Handrie Basson from Afrikaans to produce the show for DSTV’s premium platform MNET.
Nico is the co-owner of an import / export and commodities trading business and he is the Chairman of Missing Children SA an NPO which works closely with the authorities to locate children that have gone missing. He is addicted to trail running and an avid mountain biker and surfer, as well as a coffee aficionado, lover of chocolate and drinker of fine red wine & Irish whiskey. Most importantly, he is a devoted Christian and husband – married to his soul mate Christi Panagio and has 2 gorgeous adopted daughters, Evah and Shay. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][distance type=”2″][distance type=”2″][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”S7: Episode 10 Guests”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1817″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

RORY STEYN

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Rory Steyn is Nelson Mandela’s former chief of security. He also served as the security liaison for the New Zealand All Blacks during the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

In 2001, Steyn published a memoir, One Step Behind Mandela: The Story of Rory Steyn, Nelson Mandela’s Chief Bodyguard, co-authored with Debora Patta. In the memoir he claims that the All Blacks had “definitely been poisoned” before the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final, becoming the first high-profile South African to acknowledge any wrongdoing[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1821″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

THULISA KEYI

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Thulisa Keyi is a South African model best known for being one of the Top 12 finalists in the 2018 Miss South Africa pageant. Thulisa Keyi graduated from the University of Cape Town with a BComm Accounting and PGDA and is doing her articles to qualify as a chartered accountant.

The 26-year-old lives in Fourways but is originally from Mdantsane in East London in the Eastern Cape. She is one of four children and says her mother has been her pillar of strength since her father was killed when she was 17.

She loves exploring new restaurants and markets in Johannesburg, reads and keeps fit at the gym. When she was younger, she used to do karate and can still count from one to 10 in Japanese. She loves pasta but her payday spoil is lobster thermidor.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1820″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

MISS SA 2018: TAMARYN GREEN

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]23-year-old medical student Tamaryn Green walked away with the title of Miss South Africa 2018 on Sunday.  Her dream of helping others is what drew the beauty queen to medicine. Now, with the platform that the title of Miss SA will provide, Tamaryn says she can give back in more ways than one.

“Before tonight I was a medical student, I was almost qualified, and I was going to help in that way – I was going to help through medicine. And now I can do both.”  Her message to young women across the country is simple: “I want every girl to try and embrace who they are,” she explains.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][distance type=”2″][distance type=”2″][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”S7: Episode 9 Guests”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1807″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

PAUL SNODGRASS

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Paul Snodgrass is an actor and a comedian, best know for his work on eTV, he’s currently trying to get films made in South Africa. Paul Snodgrass started his career at the fresh faces section of the Smirnoff International Comedy Festival. He is best known for his work on eTV’s “That Sport Show” and for his work as reporter and producer for eTV Sports News. He has also successfully performed for many corporate clients and he has quickly made a name for himself as a multi-talented stand-up comedian and MC for many SA rock bands.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1806″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

JACQUES RUDOLPH

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Jacques Rudolph is a former South African cricketer who played for Glamorgan and in South Africa with Titans. He attended Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool, a popular and renowned public school located in Pretoria.

Rudolph was chosen for South Africa’s Test team in 2003. The selectors noticed him during one of his performances in domestic cricket. Rudolph was named the South African Cricket Annual Cricketer of the Year in 2003.

In his debut Test match against Bangladesh he scored 222 not out, his best first class score. It is still the highest Test debut score by a left-handed batsman and a Test opener as of 2013, when Hamish Rutherford made 171 for New Zealand against England.

He also broke the South African third-wicket partnership record, alongside Boeta Dippenaar, reaching 429* against Bangladesh at Chittagong. He saved a Test for South Africa in the Perth Test match in December 2005 after defying the Australian bowlers for more than a day to score 102* and ensure a draw. After declaring himself unavailable for selection by South Africa after agreeing to join Yorkshire under the Kolpak ruling he stated he did not want to represent South Africa again and hoped to possibly represent England, qualifying by residency, after deciding to buy a house and live permanently in Yorkshire.

Rudolph was recalled to the South African Test squad in October 2011, for the two-Test home series against Austrailia.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1808″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

RYAN MOON

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Ryan is a young ambitious Striker currently playing for Kazier Chiefs and Bafana Bafana, Ryan was an all-round athlete at School. Little known fact is that Ryan went to Maritzburg College on a rugby Bursary but his passion for football overtook all his other sporting interest. Amongst the many things that make Ryan happy is his family, with his brother Bryce Moon former and Pananthiakos player as his role model and all in all a tight nit family of 4 boys.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][distance type=”2″][distance type=”2″][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”S7: Episode 8 Guests”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1800″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

ROB LOUW

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Rob played 19 tests for the Springbok squad from 1980 – 1985 with 6 tries.  He played flank.  He received 6 Currie Cup Winner’s Medals.  He also played for Wiggins Rugby League from 1985 – 1988 and won 4 Rugby League Medals for Wiggins.

Rob was involved with the Sevens Rugby squad as the team manager.  He is also the owner of Robbi Thatch a thatching company that has been going for the past 21 years.  One of his prestigious achievements was securing the Ratanga Junction contract for Murray & Roberts where his company did all the thatching, Cape Reed ceilings as well as the cape reed fencing around the walkways. He also did all the work for Mr Rupert, including his houses at Leopard Creek and Somerset West.

Rob is married to Azille (Bekker). They have three daughters, Roxanne, Mistique, D’Shahnee and one boy, Robbie.  He and his family live on a smallholding in Durbanville.  Rob is fanatical about nature and the outdoors.  He is a keen surfer, paddles and plays touch rugby to keep fit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1799″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

KURT SCHOONRAAD

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Kurt Schoonraad is one of South Africa’s most instantly recognisable stand-up comedians. With his earthy humour and comedic range he connects with audiences from every corner of South Africa, not to mention internationally, even making the front page of the New York Times.

The actor and comedian says that hailing from Mitchell’s Plain in Cape Town, one of South Africa’s largest townships, was highly influential in developing his sense of humour and comedy style.

Kurt’s professional comedy career took off almost two decades ago. In that time he has been consistently performing stand-up comedy onstage, and has also gone on to produce and perform his hugely successful one man shows all over the country.

Kurt first earned attention as the quirky accidental tourist on the hit TV series “Going Nowhere Slowly”. He has since been acknowledged as one of SA’s favourite TV personalities, hosting game shows, appearing in the well-known BBC format “Who Do You Think You Are?” and “Comedy Central presents Kurt Schoonraad”. He stars in various big screen productions, with his most recent lead performance in the international award-winning South African movie “Skeem”.

Kurt pioneered Cape Town Comedy Club from its humble festival origins, to its exciting permanent home at the historic Pumphouse at the V&A Waterfront, becoming Cape Town’s only dedicated international stand-up comedy venue. The club was recently acknowledged as one of the ten best comedy clubs in the world.
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TABRAIZ SHAMSI

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Tamraiz Shamsi is a South African cricketer. He has played first-class cricket for teams such as Dolphins, Gauteng, Gauteng Under-19s, KwaZulu Natal, KwaZulu-Natal Inland, Lions, and Titans.

His batting style is right-handed and he is known for his slow left-arm chinaman bowling.[1]He has been criticised for his fielding during the one day and T20 series against India by dropping more than 6 catches.

Shamsi was the leading wicket-taker for the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League T20 in 2015. He was included in the Easterns cricket team squad for the 2015 Africa T20 Cup.

In April 2016, Shamsi was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore as a replacement player for the injured Samuel Badree during the 2016 IPL and made his debut against Rising Pune Supergiants at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune where he took 1/36 in 4 overs as Royal Challengers Bangalore won by 13 runs.

In August 2017, he was named in Stellenbosch Monarchs’ squad for the first season of the T20 Global League. However, in October 2017, Cricket South Africa postponed the tournament until November 2018.

He was the leading wicket-taker in the 2017–18 Ram Slam T20 Challenge, finishing the tournament with 16 wickets from 11 matches. He was also the leading wicket-taker in the 2017–18 Momentum One Day Cup, with 26 wickets in 9 matches.
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DEAN FURMAN

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Dean Furman is a South African professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for SuperSport United in the Premier Soccer League.

He made his debut for the South Africa national team in 2012, representing the nation at two Africa Cup of Nationstournaments.

Furman received his first international call-up for South Africa for a friendly on 19 August 2008 against Australia. He was an unused substitute in that match. Furman earned his first cap for South Africa in a friendly against Brazil on 8 September 2012. Furman earned his first man of the match award in the country’s 2–0 defeat of Mozambique on 11 September 2012.

Furman was selected for the final squad of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations tournament hosted by his home country. In the second group match of the tournament, the Bafana Bafana convincingly defeated Angola 2–0 and Furman was named as Man of the Match. Furman played the full 90 in South Africa’s final group game, a 2–2 draw with Morocco, that secured Bafana Bafana top spot in the group and ensured their first passage to the quarter-finals of the competition since 2002. The quarter-final game against Mali on 2 February ended 1–1 after extra time and Furman had his penalty kick saved by Soumaila Diakité, as Mali won 3–1 in the penalty shoot-out.

Furman was named captain of Bafana Bafana ahead of 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan in Durban on 15 November 2014.
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JENNY MORRIS

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Jenny Morris, also known as The Giggling Gourmet, is a celebrity chef and radio personality from South Africa. She has starred in four series with Food Network, and has become a household name among audiences in Europe, the Middle East and Africa she also broadcasts a weekly show on Heart Radio Breakfast show one of the largest Radio Stations in South Africa and you will find her annually at the Taste of Abu Dharbi and Taste of Dubai.

She has cooked for many presidents and royals hosts her own shows on Food Network, Creator of Yumcious a fine casual dining restaurant. Author, of 5 books, a Contributor to Next 48 Hours she was voted onto the 2012 Oprah Winfrey Power List alongside amongst others Madonna, Lady Gaga and Hilary Clinton, she an accredited international judge and examiner, teacher and culinary tour guide, Events MC and Voiceover artiste.  Jenny has had an on-going love affair with food since she was a child. It’s a love affair in the true sense of the word, one that employs all the senses,. Jenny is the founder and creator of the Giggling Gourmet Cooks Playgound now known as South Africa’s biggest and leading recreational and corporate TeamCooking cooking school.
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ASHWELL PRINCE

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Ashwell Prince is a former South African cricketer who played all formats of the game for South Africa and a former captain. A left-handed middle order batsman, he has a high-batted stance and is strong through the offside. He is noted for his gritty style of batting and also for being an athletic fielder in the covers. At the age of 29, he became the first non-white man to captain the South African cricket team when he stood in for the injured Graeme Smith in two Tests.

Prince started his career with Eastern Province in the 1995/6 South African cricket season. Since then, he has represented Western Province, Western Province Boland, Cape Cobras, and Warriors in South Africa’s domestic competitions. He has also had spells in England, first at Nottinghamshire and later Lancashire where he is currently playing.

In 2002, Prince made his Test and One Day International (ODI) debuts for South Africa. He played 52 ODIs between 2002 and 2007, and 66 Tests between 2002 and 2011. All eleven of his international centuries came in Test cricket, in which he averaged 41.64. He originally announced his intention to retire from professional cricket at the end of the 2014 English cricket season, but stayed on for another season before announcing his retirement for a second time in September 2015.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][distance type=”2″][distance type=”2″][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”S7: Episode 6 Guests”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1713″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

LAURA WOLVAART

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Laura attended Parklands College and started playing cricket with boys teams at the age of 5. Throughout Primary school, she continued to play with the boys teams and started playing for WP girls u19 when she was 11.

Laura made the South African u19 squad at the age of 13. Laura worked her way through the ranks, playing for WP women a year later.

Laura got invited to a South African training camp and debuted for South African Womens side against England at the age of 16.

Cricket has always been one of Laura’s passion and what  she does for fun. School work was always extremely important for Laura, she started studying Medicine at Stellenbosch University earlier this year, however, due to it being such a busy cricketing year for our team, Stellenbosch has granted her an ‘interruption of studies’ allowing Laura to play cricket full time and get re-apply for Medicine next year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1714″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

TATJANA SCHOENMAKER

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]South Africa finally has another female swimmer who can hold her own in the pool.

Tatjana Schoenmaker won South Africa a gold medal while setting a new record time for Africa in the 200m breaststroke at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.  Tatjana Schoenmaker won gold medals in women’s 100 meter breaststroke and the women’s 200 meter breaststroke.

Schoenmaker set a time of 2.22.02 and toppled the previous African record, which was set by Suzaan van Biljon in 2012. Remarkably, Schoenmaker is the first able-bodied female swimmer to win Commonwealth gold since South Africa’s readmission to international sport.

For the first 150m of the 200m race, Schoenmaker was in a tight battle with England’s Molly Renshaw, but the South African broke loose after the last turn and beat Renshaw by more than a second. After being the first to touch the wall, the Pretoria-based swimmer looked up at her time and her eyes grew wide. She said she hadn’t expected to clock such a good time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1712″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

KHANYISA BUNU

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]It’s not often that a newcomer gets to open a show for mega comedy stars such as Trevor Noah but the hilariously funny Khanyisa Bunu will have this privilege.

The former teacher from the Eastern Cape left teaching nine years ago. It had taken longer for her to realise that her gift of the gab can turn into a fruitful career. After matric, she first registered for law, and never studied for her exams. As a result she failed dismally and admits to wasting her parents’ money.

She had to stay home in Whittlesea, a small town south of Queenstown in Eastern Cape, for a year until she figured out what to do.Teaching was a way forward because she figured it was “easy”.  Khanyisa taught Geography and English at Zolani High (in Whittlesea) but was not entirely happy. She came to Gauteng in 2008 and entered a writing competition organised by Maskew Miller Longman publishers. The company published her Xhosa novel Umbhodamo, which is currently a set book for Grade 8 and 9 in Eastern Cape. Still, she wasn’t completely fulfilled. After coming across an advert, asking “So you think you are funny”, she decided to enter. She was confident because her whole life people have told her she was funny. During the auditions in Bloemfontein, she was told the judges don’t laugh – but when it was her turn the judges fell off their chairs. She made it to the top six.

In 2011 Bunu came back to Joburg and started pursuing her comedy career. Three years later her career reached new heights as she won the 2014 Savanna Comic’s Choice Audience Choice Award – the first woman to win the coveted award. Soon after she performed and hosted a number of major headline events, including Kings & Queens of Comedy, Blacks Only and the Comedy Central Roast Battle in 2016.Bunu has performed on the international circuit too, with outstanding performances in Botswana, Nigeria, Swaziland and most notably at the Greenwich Village Comedy Club in the capital of comedy, New York. Her most well-known performances have been on Season 4 of Ses Top La on SABC 1 and recent appearances on e.tv’s Scandal.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][distance type=”2″][distance type=”2″][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”S7: Episode 5 Guests”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1702″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

RYK NEETHLING

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Ryk Neethling is one of the most accomplished swimmers in history. An Olympic Gold Medallist and the first South African athlete to represent his country in four consecutive Olympic Games, he also holds the title of three-times World Champion and four-times World Record Breaker.

Following his retirement from swimming, Ryk’s successful business career started with the launch of the Ryk Neethling Swimming Schools franchise in 2008 before he moved to the elite Val de Vie Estate in the Western Cape where he is both a Shareholder and the Marketing Director.

Since 2016, Ryk has served as an Ambassador to the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation alongside Francois Pienaar and Terence Parkin in South Africa. He is also actively involved in the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and is an Ambassador for Hope Through Action.  In 2017 Ryk was named CEO of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.

The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation was established in 2012 and has since reached over 300,000 people worldwide in its quest to reduce death by drowning, with operations being established in South Africa in 2013. The work of the Foundation is internationally acknowledged and celebrated for raising public awareness about the dangers of water, teaching children essential water safety skills and how to swim.

In 2016, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation SA taught 2,507 children to swim and 27,242 children essential water safety skills through 23 projects in South Africa.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1700″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

APHIWE DYANTYI

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Aphiwe Dyantyi is a South African rugby union player, currently playing with the Lions in Super Rugby and the Golden Lions domestically. His regular position is winger.

The Lions speedster actually gave up rugby after school when he was told he was too small to play. However, he forced his way into the professional ranks after impressive performances in the Varsity Cup.

After representing Eastern Province at U13 level in 2007, Aphiwe Dyantyi was touted as an exciting talent at school level. However, during his time in High School, he was told he was too small to play for the 1st XV during his matric year. Having missed out on his rugby goals, he eventually gave up on the sport after school and decided to pursue other interests. He enrolled at University of Johannesburg to study BCom Marketing and played soccer. However, he quickly found his way back to his first love. “I was living on res at campus. Some of my friends from school asked me if I could play for the Koshuis team as they needed players. They played on a Wednesday, so I was happy to help them out. After a few games, I was asked to train with the Varsity Cup team and that’s when things started happening,” Dyantyi.

In 2014, he played for UJ’s Young Guns and sevens. In 2015, he played for the senior side and was one of the star performers during the Varsity Cup. This saw him called up to the Golden Lions U21s.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1701″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

CONNELL CRUISE

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Connell Cruise is charm and charisma personified. The South African singer-songwriter has a smile to brighten any room and an attitude to match. With a stylish elegance, reminiscent of a bygone age and boyish sense of curiosity, Connell has a love for life that has seeped into his music.

His rise in the music industry can only be described as meteoric. After being discovered locally by David Gresham Records, he released his South African debut in 2013 and received three South African Music Award nominations for the following year.

In April 2014, a social media frenzy surrounding the iTunes release of his single “Into the Wild” grabbed the attention of none other than music industry titan, L.A Reid. Connell’s subsequent deal with Island Records in New York City is considered the largest and most significant record deal in South African music history, introducing him to the international music scene and trailblazing the way for a new wave of South African talent.

Connell was born in a small suburb of Johannesburg into a very musical family. His grandmother a well-known Spanish performer who toured extensively throughout Europe, had each of her grandchildren learn a performance art at a young age. “It was a rite of passage for us” he remembers. “ My grandmother loved music and wanted us to experience that same passion for ourselves.” For Connell she selected the piano, classical training began on his fourth birthday and years dedicated would later earn him a qualification for Trinity College in London.

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RYAN SANDES

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]36 year old Ryan Sandes is a local and international trail running sensation, competing on all corners of the globe. He was the first person to win all 4 races in the 4 Desert Series and in 2013 became the first person to ever win an ultra trail race on all 7 continents. In 2011, Ryan won the Leadville 100 miler mountain race in Leadville, Colorado, setting the 3rd fastest time in the history of the race and the fastest time by a non-American – it was his first 100 miler.

He is an ambassador of the prestigious Laureus Foundation and special mention about his phenomenal career was made at the International Laureus Awards in Abu Dhabi. Ryan’s biography, Trail Blazer, written by Steve Smit, was launched in English in 2016. In 2017 his book was translated into Spanish – the 2nd most spoken language on earth. What started out as a “passion project” has turned into a best-selling book.
At the beginning of 2018 Ryan and a friend, Ryno Griesel, set a new trail running record on a section of the Great Himalayan Trail through Nepal. An eye-watering time of 25 days 4 hours and 24 minutes was set on a combination of the high and cultural route on the GHT. A distance of 1 435km was covered, which the men ran virtually non-stop, climbing 63 721m in elevation gain which is the equivalent of climbing 7.5 Mount Everest’s.

Ryan is a doting father to son Max, as well as their adopted fur-child, Thandi and he has been married to his actress/business-woman wife, Vanessa Haywood-Sandes for 3 years. People are inspired not only by Ryan’s athletic ability but also his humble and down-to-earth approach to life. He is a highly sought after motivational speaker and is considered one of the world’s leading ultra trail runners.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1689″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

PEARL THUSI

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Pearl Thusi, a true force to be reckoned with, is a treasured gem of South African waters. Her combination of fierce talent and admirable beauty continues to make waves internationally. Her audience spans across the globe, starring as lead actress in Universal’s The Scorpion King: The Book of Souls alongside Zach McGowan, along with her recurring role in ABC’s Drama Series Quantico.

As ‘Best Actress’ nominee at the Rapid Lion Awards, Pearl has starred in feature films including Tremors 5, Rosa 2, and Kalushi – The Solomon Mahlangu Story. Her magnetism translates onto the small screen too, in popular South African TV shows Isidingo, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Rhythm City and Zone14, naming but a few. Pearl Thusi’s talent and work ethic has moved her into businesswoman stature with the popularity of her Afro Botanics hair care range patented Black Pearl. Her ever-growing list of accolades includes hosting the highly acclaimed TV show MTV Lip Sync Battle Africa as well as an outstanding host at the BET Red Carpet in Los Angeles. Pearl Thusi has been editorial cover star of multiple famous glossies such as Elle, Cosmopolitan, True Love, Grazia, Glamour, and Women’s Health in both South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1688″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

HENRICHO BRUINTJIES

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Henricho Bruintjies is a South African sprinter. He broke the 10-second barrier with a run of 9.97 seconds in 2015. He has represented his country at the Summer Olympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games. He is a silver medalist in the 100 meters in the 2018 Commonwealth Games

Bruintjies took up athletics as a grade 1 schoolboy. In 2013, he was the South African under-23 champion in the 100m, defeating Akani Simbine in 10.44; at the national senior championships, he placed second behind Simon Magakwein 10.58. In 2014, Bruintjies improved his personal best to 10.17 and ran the opening leg for South Africa’s relay team at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow; South Africa placed fourth in a national record 38.35. Bruintjies also competed in the 2014 African Championships, taking part in both the individual 100m and the 4 × 100m relay; in the individual event, he was eliminated in the semi-finals. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][distance type=”2″][distance type=”2″][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”S7: Episode 3 Guests”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1682″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

JEREMY BROCKIE

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Jeremy Russell Brockie was born 7 October 1987 in New Zealand. Jermey is a professional footballer who currently plays for Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African Premier Soccer League.

He has represented New Zealand at senior international level, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and at the 2008 Olympic Games, earning him 51 caps.

Brockie started his youth football for Richmond Athletic and his senior career at Matson’s Premier Football Leagueside Nelson Suburbs before going on to play for Canterbury United in the 2004–05 season of the New Zealand Football Championship.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1680″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

BONGANI DUBE

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]A young comedian from Venda, who happens to speak 2 minutes of Afrikaans and English like he was raised by The Jeersons, themselves. Bongani Dube has been in the scene well over 2 years. Nominated for the Savanna Comics Choice Awards in the best newcomer category.

With passion and enthusiasm to entertain crowds with mic-in-hand, Bongani can often be found at Parker’s Comedy and Jive Club, The Goliath Comedy Club and The Box Comedy in Maboneng. He also enjoys hosting and has embellished many a corporate as an MC. This all round fun guy has not only found his passion in life, but also carries the charsima and charm it requires.

Bongani is one, highly animated comic and naturally imprints a positive energy on those he encounters, leaving you as an audience member in stitches and wanting more. 2018 has been so far a great year for this young comic. Recently on the Trevor Noah Nationwild Tour, this young man is destined for great things.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1681″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

DON MADGE

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Don’s obsession with martial arts began at 6yrs old with traditional forms such as karate. Always an athlete, Don excelled at school with sports like rugby, cricket etc. Once in high school, Don’s love for combat sports grew and he fell in love with Muay Thai at age 14. Soon after starting Muay Thai, Don had his first fight which he won in spectavular fashion by knocking out his opponent with brutal knees from the clinch.

Don displayed incredible talent for fighting and by age 16 was the South African Muay Thai champion, finishing every one of his opponents. Travelling to Thailand soon after, to pursue his Muay Thai career; living, fighting and gaining experience in Thailand. By 18, Don was already a seasoned veteran of Muay Thai, racking up multiple titles.

Now with over 70 professional Muay Thai fights in and around Thailand and only ever losing three fights; two to then world champion Panom Kaewsamrit, Don had become a star in the Thai fighting scene.  In 2011, Don returned to South Africa and was met by the massive populariy of mixed martial arts. He soon followed suit and began training MMA full time at age 20.

In June 2013, Don became the youngest EFC champion at 22yrs old by defeating then champion and BJJ black belt, Costa Iannou by rear naked choke in the fifth round. This was a real display of Don’s evolution as a mixed martial artist.

December 2015, Don received his bjj brown belt and now holds three stripes, bringing him to near master status. After only 6 years of MMA & BJJ training, Don’s evolution has been fast and exciting. Being one of the most popular MMA athletes in South Africa, Don has graced the covers of multiple magazines, including the cover of Men’s Health magazine, making him the first South African MMA athlete to do so.

Don regained the lightweight strap in April 2017, by defeating champion Dave “The Pain Train” Mazany from Las Vegas, USA by submission in the second round of their sold out main event at Grand West Arena. Making Don’s finish win/finish ratio at 100%; 7 wins, 4 TKO’s & 3 Submissions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][distance type=”2″][distance type=”2″][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”S7: Episode 2 Guests”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1667″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

MARIUS SCHOEMAN

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]SARU Manager and Head coach of the SA 7’s Academy.  Head coach of the blitzbok, and a prior 7’s player with 47 caps for the blitzbok.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1666″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

JUSTIN HARRISON

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Justin Harrison, born 20 April 1974 in Sydney, is a former Australian international rugby union player, who played lock forward and is currently head coach for RC Narbonne in France. Played 34 test matches for Australia 2001 – 2004.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1668″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

MILS MULIAINA

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Mils Muliaina is a professional rugby union player who most recently played for San Francisco Rush in the US PRO Rugby competition. He plays primarily as a fullback, though he has also played as a centre and on the wing.

Born in Salelesi, Samoa, Muliaina moved with his family to Invercargill, New Zealand, at the age of three. At international level Muliaina played for New Zealand from 2003 until his retirement after the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Muliaina became only the second All Black to reach 100 caps during the World Cup quarter-final against Argentina in 2011. He scored 33 tries for New Zealand and remains among the top 30 highest try scorers in rugby union test history.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][distance type=”2″][distance type=”2″][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”S7: Episode 1 Guests”][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1631″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

LUNGISANI NGIDI

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]A tall, imposing paceman, Lungi Ngidi can reach speeds in the 140s kph making him one of South Africa’s most promising cricketing prospects.

Lungi Ngidi came to light as a young bowler of exceptional pace during the inaugural edition of the Africa T20 Cup competition. He was then given his international chance at the age of 20 for the Proteas in the T20 International Series against Sri Lanka in 2017

He achieved the standout feat of being named Man of the Match on debut and followed it with career best figures of 4/19 in his second match.

He was chosen for the subsequent SA A tour of England but injury cost him the chance of continuing his T20 International career in the England series.

He made his Test and ODI debuts against India in 2018, taking an impressive 6/39 on his Test debut at his home ground, SuperSport Park in Centurion.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1632″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

NDUMISO LINDI

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Ndumiso Lindi, the comedy Gentleman we know as the Roosta, is a brilliant and genuinely funny South Africa comedian.

His novel blend of nu-school style and solid tradition makes for a brilliant and outstanding South African comedy act.

With rave reviews in Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya and playing shows in the U.K. and U.S., this man is taking SA comedy to places few would manage or imagine.His sold out second one-man show, “Diluted People”, followed on the success of his first show, “Colour Mine” which was aired on Comedy Central Africa. He is an expert at capturing characters and moments directly from life around him, and sketching himself for the amusement of his fans.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1427456041204{margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1633″ border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

PIERRE SPIES

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Pierre Spies is a retired South African rugby union player. Between 2005 and 2015, he spent the majority of his career playing Super Rugby for the Bulls and domestic South African rugby for the Blue Bulls. He also represented South Africa between 2006 and 2013.

He made his first class debut for the Blue Bulls in 2005 in a match against Griquas. He made his Super 12 debut against the Brumbies, becoming the youngest player ever to represent the Bulls.

After representing the South African Under-21 side at the 2006 Under 21 Rugby World Championship in France, Spies made his Springbok debut in 2006 against Australia.

Pierre Spies was nominated for the 2008 Currie Cup Player of the Year, South African Player of the Year, International Player of the Year and won the award for South Africa’s Most Promising Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][distance type=”2″][distance type=”2″][/vc_accordion_tab][/vc_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row]