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.
South Africa’s most beloved holiday theatre tradition returns as the legendary Janice Honeyman stages her 38th annual pantomime with an all-new magical production of Pinocchio, running from 31 October to 24 December 2025 at the celebrated Joburg Theatre.
Xoliswa Ngema, CEO of Joburg Theatre, says:
“This year’s pantomime continues our legacy of joyful, world-class storytelling for the whole family. With Janice Honeyman at the helm, we know audiences are in for a visual feast, plenty of surprises, and a heartfelt message at the core”.
I first visited Sun City in 1989. I was 15 years old and my mom had just passed away.
My Uncle Lennie and Aunty Sylvia and his family took me along with them on their family vacation to Sun City. I had never been on a holiday before, let alone on a plane!
So I was beyond excited to get away from the reality of life without my beloved mom, even for a week. These vintage archival images are what I remember Sun City looked like.
Sun City in 1979Sun City Hotel in 1979
36 years later and I was invited to experience the newly revitalised Sun City Hotel.
Sun City has had “nips and tucks” over the years, but last year Sun International set about giving the famous entertainment and leisure area a complete facelift so gone is the drab, and back is the dazzle.
A few select media and influencers were invited by Sun City to experience the newly re-imagined Sun City Hotel for one night. We met at the Maslow in Sandton, and 3 hours later, we arrived at the Sun City Resort in the North West Province of South Africa.
In a city where culinary ambition is on the rise, Park Hyatt Johannesburg has quietly – and confidently – opened the doors to Room 32, a refined dining destination that blends fire-cooked cuisine, South Africa’s proudly local craft beverages and rich architectural heritage into one immersive experience.
I had the distinct pleasure of attending the exclusive opening of Room 32, an intimate affair curated for a select group of influencers, content creators, and members of the press. The afternoon was a culinary indulgence, featuring an exquisite tasting of starters, mains, and desserts from the restaurant’s full menu. Each dish was a masterful expression of flavour and finesse – an elegant preview of the gastronomic excellence that Room 32 promises to deliver.
Cushioned inside the newly restored Sir Herbert Baker landmark in Rosebank, Room 32 is the only communal space in what is now the world’s most intimate Park Hyatt – a 31-room sanctuary of understated luxury. The restaurant is not just a nod to fine dining; it’s a statement of intent.
Room 32 is where the story of food begins and lingers long after the last bite. The kitchen speaks through the freshest offerings. Every dish is crafted with respect and curiosity; every flavour layered with intention. Dining at Room 32 is more than a meal; it’s a shared moment, where culinary art and heartfelt hospitality meet.
“Room 32 was born from a desire to create a space that feels both grounded and elevated,” says Mitch Gemmell, General Manager at Park Hyatt Johannesburg. “In a hotel defined by privacy and discretion, this is our invitation to indulge in the city’s finest and classiest cuisine.”
This May, National Geographic invites audiences to take a mouthwatering adventure with acclaimed Academy Award® Nominee, Emmy®– and Golden Globe®-winning actor Stanley Tucci, as he travels across Italy in TUCCI IN ITALY.
From Tucci’s SALT Productions, alongside BBC Studios’ Specialist Factual Productions, the five-part series follows Tucci on a visually stunning and deeply personal exploration of the country’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and the complex connections with its food that have shaped each region’s distinct culture and, of course, their iconic pasta. TUCCI IN ITALY premieres Wednesdays at 20:30 (CAT) from 21 May 2025 on National Geographic (DStv 181, Startimes 220) and will also be available to stream on Disney+ in South Africa.
If you love your space, the Johannesburg HOMEMAKERS Fair is the ultimate destination to kick-start your home’s transformation journey. From 28 February to 2 March 2025, the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre will host three days of inspiration, expertise, and creativity to bring your home dreams to life.
I have 10 double tickets to give away to 10 lucky Mzansi Life & Style readers.
Simply send your full name, email address and cell phone number, WITH MZANSI LIFE & STYLE in the subject line, to info@purplepine.co.za to stand a chance to win!Entries close on 14 Feb. 2025. Tickets will be sent via email to the 10 x winners, who must reside in Johannesburg, as no travel is provided.
Michelle Crouwkamp, Head of Events at HOMEMAKERS, shares that after more than 30 years, the team remains deeply committed to the Home Improvement (HIP) industry. “With hundreds of exhibits to explore, the Fair offers a rich blend of inspiration, ideas, and solutions for every area of your home. More than just an exhibition, it’s an opportunity to dream big, explore options, gather comparative quotes, and make confident decisions—all while enjoying a memorable experience for the entire family.”
Mzansi Life & Style by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem 