Mzansi Life & Style showcases the best that South Africa has to offer in terms of entertainment, fashion, lifestyle, culture, cuisine, travel, beauty and celebrity news. Subscribe to my website by adding your email address in the "follow" button below.
LEGO® South Africa has pulled off its most ambitious project to date, shipping a detailed, up-scaled LEGO® Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance build from Singapore to South Africa, marking the largest life-size LEGO build ever brought into the country.
The grand reveal was held at the Mercedes-Benz experience centre at Zwartkops Raceway, where media and motoring enthusiasts gathered to witness the grand unboxing of the iconic build.
“The reveal forms part of LEGO South Africa’s ongoing commitment to celebrating creativity and innovation through play,” said Valery Kasimov, the newly appointed country manager for LEGO South Africa.
Global Olympic partner, and leading consumer electronics brand, TCL Electronics has unveiled its 2025 Mini LED TVs, incorporating HVA (High Vertical Alignment) panels and their own “All-domain Halo Control” technology to consumers in South Africa.
Recognised with three Global TOP 1 rankings – Ultra-large Screen TV Brand worldwide, Leading Mini LED TV Brand and No1 Google TV Brand globally – by the market research company Omdia, reaffirmed its commitment to delivering unbeatable performance, sophisticated design, and incredible value. However what truly sets TCL apart is that the full 2025 Mini LED range comes standard with HVA panel which can reach 178 degrees Viewing Angles, allowing the whole family to enjoy movies clearly from a wide range of positions.
I attended the launch last week. See highlights reel below:
Spanning up to an impressive 115 inches, making TCL the manufacturer with the largest screen in South Africa, the C6K, C7K, C8K, and P8 offering full range 144Hz refresh rate and cinematic viewing experience with next-generation QD-Mini LED technology.
Designed to deliver unbeatable performance and unbelievable value, the C6K lineup redefines home entertainment by combining next-gen display innovation, elegant aesthetics, and immersive sound. Featuring advanced QD-Mini LED technology with over 512 local dimming zones, high HDR brightness, and a wide colour gamut, it delivers ultra-vivid colours, sharp details, and superior contrast ensuring every scene is lifelike and cinematic.
C6K: Power of Mini LED, Elevated
This flagship performance is driven by TCL’s exclusive All Domain Halo Control Technology, which covers the entire light journey from generation to display. It integrates high-efficiency light-emitting chips, self-developed lens technology, super Micro-OD structure, precision light and shadow control algorithms, and TCL’s self-produced high-end CSOT HVA panels. This full-stack innovation dramatically reduces haloing, enhances black levels, and ensures image clarity from every angle
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By tackling common halo effects and improving light control at every step, TCL delivers unparalleled contrast, depth, and picture precision even in the brightest environments.
Key Features of the TCL C6K
QLED Technology Next-gen colourful quantum crystal material achieving a wide colour gamut for longer-lasting, vibrant visuals.
144Hz Native Refresh Rate Ultra-smooth, fluid motion for gaming, sports, and fast-action scenes.
ONKYO 2.1 Hi-Fi Sound Immersive cinematic audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X support.
Ultra-Slim Design Sleek profile with magnetic seamless wall-mounting and ≤ 60mm thickness for a refined aesthetic.
HVA Screen (85” / 98” Matte Display) Anti-glare, reflection-free screen for uninterrupted viewing in bright spaces.
178 degree Viewing Angle – you can see the image clearly from a wide range of positions.
High Contrast HVA Panels (75″ and below) Up to 7000:1 native contrast ratio and ultra-wide viewing angles for deeper blacks and richer details.
P8: Big Screen Brilliance Meets Everyday Excellence
The TCL P8 model brings cutting-edge display technology to a broader audience, combining incredible picture quality with smart, user-friendly features. Featuring stunning 4K UHD resolution and TCL’s AiPQ 3.0 processor, the P8 ensures vivid colours, crisp details, and smoother motion for all your favourite entertainment.
Compared to the C6K, the, TCL C7K steps up with additional brightness and more precise lighting control. While the C8K comes equipped with audio by Danish luxury audio brand, Bang & Olufsen in the 50″–98″ models, providing a rich, cinematic soundstage that enhances everything from blockbuster movies to high-intensity gaming.
TCL also offers a variety of smart home capabilities, primarily through its Google TV platform and various connected devices including air conditioners, all designed to work together and be managed through the TCL Home App. The new FreshIN 3.0 series aircons, equipped with an A+++ energy rating, while achieving up to 36 percent energy saving is a favourite for the cold winter nights and hot African summers.
“At TCL, we are passionate about driving innovation that transforms everyday experiences, and we’re proud to be the first to introduce All Domain Halo Control Technology to South Africa with our new range,” says Mike Chen, General Manager of TCL South Africa. “South African consumers have shown incredible enthusiasm for TCL’s innovations, and the launch of the C6K series is another step in delivering premium technology, immersive entertainment, and unbeatable value to homes across the country.”
The launch of the full range of QD Mini-LED series is yet another milestone in TCL’s mission to transform the home entertainment landscape, offering South Africans an unrivalled combination of performance, design, and value.
TCL’s exciting new2025 lineup is now available across South Africa at a special launch promotional rate.
C6K Series Promotional Pricing:
55” C6K – R9,999
65” C6K – R13,999 (includes a free S643W 3.1Ch Soundbar)*
75” C6K – R19,999 (includes a free S643W 3.1Ch Soundbar)*
8TCL Electronics (1070.HK) is a leading consumer electronics brand and leader in the global television industry. TCL now operates in more than 160 markets around the world. The company specialises in the research, development, and manufacturing of consumer electronics products ranging from TVs, audio, home appliances, mobile devices, smart glasses, commercial displays, and more. Visit the TCL website at https://www.tcl.com.
Say “May the 4th Be With You” out loud and you’ll hear the pun that Star Wars fans worldwide have turned into a rallying cry to proclaim their love of the saga.
This Sunday – 4 May – is the day to say “May the Force be with you” to all and celebrate the beloved Star Wars story that binds our galaxy together. From dressing up as their favourite characters, reliving the classic film moments by holding Star Wars movie marathons, holding Star Wars-themed parties (complete with blue milk and Death Star Popcorn Balls, Wookie Cookies and more) – the only limit is a fans imagination that stretches a galaxy (far, far away)!
To celebrate with fans, Disney has prepared an out-of-this-world array of special programming and exciting retail products that offer the perfect way to celebrate the Star Wars universe – there is something for everyone.
Emad Mostaque, Founder of Stability AI and CEO of Schelling AI, delivered a compelling keynote at the SingularityU South Africa Summit 2024, advocating for a future where decentralised AI empowers individuals and nations alike to ensure equitable access to this transformative technology, ultimately increasing the collective intelligence of humanity.
“AI allows us to do more things, as everyone has access to an army of really intelligent graduates at their fingertips,” said Emad Mostaque, Founder of Stability AI and CEO of Schelling AI, as he addressed hundreds of delegates at the SingularityU South Africa Summit 2024, in collaboration with Old Mutual. He took to the stage on day 1 of the summit to talk about ‘the future of decentralised Al’, alongside a host of other local and global speakers at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Last week, my family and I attended the ESPN Africa Sports Fest, where we got to see first-hand what’s in store for sports fans across the continent and participated in themed sporting activities.
ESPN Africa is set to warm up the mid-year Winter viewing with a thrilling line-up of non-stop action from American leagues and brand new sports documentaries this season.
Guests at the ESPN Sports Fest included media, influencers, affiliates, clients and families, who enjoyed an NBA Basketball activation, together with photo opportunities with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, an American football shoot the hoop activation, cricket fun, a Koodoo gaming station and soccer ball tricks with a local player. Former professional soccer player Janine Van Wyk, who played in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the US, that ESPN broadcast, appeared at the event and shared her excitement that the league is now available for local audiences.