The holidays are here, and Disney is sprinkling its signature magic to make this festive season unforgettable. From dazzling fashion shows and heartwarming stories to exciting new products and charitable initiatives, Disney’s Spark Joy This Holiday campaign is the ultimate invitation to celebrate the season with joy, wonder, and plenty of surprises.
A Magical Kickoff
This year’s festivities began with a vibrant fashion showcase featuring collections from some of South Africa’s biggest retailers—Ackermans, Jet, Pep, Mr Price, and Woolworths. Models and influencers hit the runway with fresh summer looks for the whole family, but the showstopper? A surprise appearance by Mickey Mouse himself, bringing pure Disney magic to the event.
Taika Waititi’s Holiday Gift
Adding to the holiday spirit, Disney partnered with award-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi to release a brand-new short film: The Boy & The Octopus. Available on YouTube, this enchanting story follows a boy and his unlikely octopus friend as they explore the wonders of the holidays together. Packed with hidden Easter eggs from Disney classics like Moana, Lilo & Stitch, and Toy Story, this short will warm your heart and delight fans of all ages.
Holiday Shopping Made Magical
Looking for the perfect gifts? Disney’s Spark Joy This Holiday collection has something for everyone:
- Moana 2 merchandise to celebrate the release of the highly anticipated sequel on 29 November.
- Apparel, toys, games, jewellery, and accessories that bring Disney stories to life.
- Stunning plush toys that double as gifts for a good cause.
Disney’s Chari-Trees Are Back
This year, Disney’s plush-filled Chari-trees return to 20 malls across South Africa. Presented by FNB, PEP, and ToysRUs, these festive installations allow shoppers to donate plush toys to the Reach for a Dream foundation, spreading joy to children in need.
Holiday Entertainment for All
Families can enjoy a feast of Disney holiday programming:
- Disney+, Disney Channel, and Disney Junior are streaming festive classics and new specials.
- Moana 2 hits cinemas, taking audiences on an exhilarating journey through Oceania.
Embrace the Magic of Giving
Disney’s campaign isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about celebrating the true spirit of the holidays. As Luke Roberts, General Manager of Consumer Product Commercialisation for MENA and Africa, puts it:
"The holiday season is such a special time of year, and Disney is using the power of its stories and characters to inspire joy and wonder in people all over the world."
This festive season, gather your loved ones, share laughter, and create unforgettable memories. Whether through a new adventure with Moana, a heartfelt holiday short, or a charitable gesture, Disney’s Spark Joy This Holiday campaign invites you to embrace the magic of the season.
Mark your calendars! Starting 30 November 2024, Air Tanzania is back with direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg. If you’ve been dreaming of an easy, luxurious journey between these two vibrant cities, the wait is almost over.
Get ready, South Africa! The sleek and sporty GWM HAVAL H6 GT is rolling onto our streets, promising a blend of thrilling design and high-performance features that’ll have everyone turning their heads.
The latest Suzuki Swift is here, bringing fresh style, best-in-class safety, and a fuel-efficient new engine to South African roads. This fourth-generation hatchback takes everything fans love about the Swift and amps it up with sleek new design elements, a tech-forward interior, and Suzuki’s innovative safety features.
Get ready to kick off the holiday season in true festive style! Join us at Hyde Park Corner on Thursday, 7 November 2024, for an enchanting evening of sparkle and joy as we light up our grand Christmas tree. The event begins at 18h00 in the Centre Court, and admission is absolutely free!
If you’re looking for an elevated dining experience in Johannesburg, we’ve got exciting news! Pigalle, a longtime favorite in Sandton, is reopening under new ownership as Pigalle by Villamoura on Friday, November 1st. And it’s not just a new name – the restaurant is now fully Halaal certified, marking the beginning of a new chapter with fresh offerings and the premium service that Pigalle is known for.
While National Liqueur Day on October 16 may have passed, there’s no reason to stop celebrating with the luxurious taste of Wild Africa Cream. Recently named Best Liqueur of the Show at the 2024 Investec Trophy Spirits Awards, the new Wild Africa Caffé Latte Cream Liqueur is a must-try for liqueur enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike.
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Imagine streaming your favorite show, catching live sports, or staying connected with loved ones—all from 35,000 feet in the sky. Thanks to Qatar Airways, this is no longer a dream but a reality. On October 22, 2024, Qatar Airways launched the world’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 777, redefining in-flight connectivity and passenger experience. And the best part? It’s completely free.
Nestled in the heart of Africa’s richest square mile, a game-changing nightlife destination has arrived: welcome to OKIO and the Bellucci Luxury Lounge.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Clover—a household name in South Africa—is once again showing its commitment to a cause that touches millions of lives. This year, Clover is partnering with PinkDrive to raise awareness and provide crucial support for breast cancer screenings, especially in underserved communities.
If you're dreaming of your next great South African road trip—whether it's cruising along the Garden Route, exploring the rugged beauty of the Drakensberg, or heading for a weekend escape to the Cape Winelands—the new OMODA C9 might just be the perfect set of wheels to take you there in style.
There’s always something happening at the 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa… and right now, also at Thesen Islands.
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TANG Hospitality Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Erick Oshiro as its new Global Culinary Director. With over 20 years of experience in the international culinary landscape, Chef Oshiro brings unparalleled expertise in Japanese, Pan-Asian and Nikkei cuisine, poised to elevate TANG’s gastronomic offerings to new heights.
A Japanese-Peruvian native, Chef Erick has had an illustrious career, most notably serving as the Global and Regional Corporate Executive Chef for the Buddha Bar Group. During his tenure, he was instrumental in opening 22 restaurants worldwide, overseeing culinary operations, and establishing Buddha Bar as a leading name in Pan-Asian, Japanese and Nikkei dining. His innovative approach and mastery in blending diverse culinary traditions have earned him a reputation as a visionary chef, admired across the industry.
In his new role, Chef Erick will take charge of TANG’s international expansion, including the highly anticipated opening of TANG Dubai at the iconic Palace Downtown, located in the heart of the city with sweeping views of the world-renowned Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain.
This 10 000-square-foot space will echo the vibrant energy of TANG’s flagship locations in South Africa, delivering an opulent blend of Japanese izakaya-style dining and classic Cantonese cuisine.
“Nicky van der Walt’s vision for TANG has always been to offer a luxury dining experience that marries contemporary Asian cuisine with exceptional service and stunning locales,” says Chef Erick. “I am honoured to be part of this journey and look forward to contributing to the success of the group’s global growth.”
Chef Erick will collaborate closely with Group Executive Chef, Vixa Kalenga, who will continue to oversee operations at TANG’s award-winning establishments in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront and Sandton’s Nelson Mandela Square. Together, they aim to offer guests across the globe an unmatched culinary experience that reflects TANG’s signature style: modern, luxurious, and authentic.
The opening of TANG Dubai marks the next chapter in TANG Hospitality Group’s growing footprint. As one of Dubai’s most anticipated dining destinations, TANG Dubai will fuse Chef Erick’s expertise with the group’s hallmark flair for creating memorable, high-energy dining environments.
TANG Hospitality Group’s founder, Nicky van der Walt, is confident that Chef Erick’s leadership will be pivotal in shaping the future of the brand. “Chef Erick’s rich background, from overseeing Buddha Bar’s global operations to his deep knowledge of Nikkei cuisine, aligns perfectly with our vision for TANG. His appointment signals an exciting era of culinary excellence as we expand into Dubai and beyond.”
TANG Dubai will open its doors later this year, with its luxurious design, curated by award-winning interior architect Tristan Du Plessis, creating an immersive dining experience that is bound to captivate the Dubai culinary scene.
If you're looking for a luxurious, memorable getaway, The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, South Africa is the perfect destination. My recent stay here for my babymoon in May, which also coincided with my 27th birthday, was nothing short of magical. The 12 Apostles Hotel, part of the prestigious Red Carnation Hotels collection, offers an unparalleled blend of elegance, comfort, and breathtaking natural beauty.
This September, embracing Tourism Month’s theme of tourism and peace, The President Hotel celebrates the season of renewal and invites guests to experience tranquillity and rejuvenation with its “Peace within and peace without” approach to spring festivities.
