Dana Winner SA Tour

By Elsje Vermeulen

Dana Winner, the world acclaimed Belgium song bird, is mesmerising her South African fans during her World Platinum Tour taking place during March across the country.
She kicked of her SA tour in Mpumalanga and visited the Vaal Triangle (Gauteng) in Vanderbijlpark at the Emerald Casino Resort last Friday (March 7).
The casino's events hall was packed with eager fans, who weren't disappointed. The show started off with local singer Gerrie Pretorius, who sang songs from his latest CD release, in tribute of the late SA singing sensation, Bless Bridges.
After a short break Dana took to the stage and boy, did she give a performance. Not being familiar with her music, I was taken by surprise with her powerful voice. The live band added to a very professional performance, making the night a huge success and something to remember.

Prestige Ultra Triathlon 2008

Elsje Vermeulen
There was no stopping the Storm brothers on Sunday during the twelve annual Prestige Ultra Triathlon held at the Vaal Triangle Campus of the North West University in Vanderbijlpark. (More than 400 athletes competed in this testing event).
Elder brother Brad (29) and Anton (24) emerged first from the 1,9km swim and stretched their lead even further in the 90km cycling. They took to the road in the final event (21,1km running) together, but with the finish line is sight, Brad had that little extra to give him the gold medal only eleven seconds ahead of Anton. Brad's winning time was 04:11:58, Anton's time was 04:12:09 and third place winner, Brand du Plessis' time was 04:14:17.
Kathryn Cronje was the first woman home in a time of 04:32:32, which also saw her take the overall 13th position. She had no competition from the rest of the ladies. Second place went to Natasha Gorrie almost 18 minutes later.
In the sprint division (750m swimming, 90km cycling and 5km run), youngster Jason de Jager (15) impressed friend and foe, taking first place in a time of 01:15:02, outclassing even the senior athletes. Second place went to Dieter Stricht in a time of 01:15:52 and third place to Michael Gibson in a time of 01:19:37. (See more photos on www.flickr.com/photos/snapattack2

Vaal Marathon

The annual Cape Gate Vaal Marathon (42 and 21 km) took place on Sunday (March 2) at Dick Fourie Stadium in Vereeniging (Gauteng, South Africa) and once again attracted hundreds of runners.
In the main event, the 42km race, Joseph Mhuthi (Nedbank) dominated the men's division to take top honours in a time of 2:21:04, followed by Moses Rachaka (ADT) in a time of 2:24:56 and Michael Msini (GRRR) third in a time of 2:28:29.
In the women's division first place went to Maritiza van der Westhuizen (Benoni Harriers).
In the 21km race, Sampie Mokgatla (Nedbank) who came fourth last year, clinched victory this time around in a winning time of 67:59. Second place went to William Mkwalakala (Mr Price) and third place to Peter Muthubi (Nedbank).
In the women's division Moipone Mokoena (Rand Water) took first place in a time of 93:39, followed by Phina Tsepetsi (Rand Water) and Madrie Marx (Nedbank) respectively.

Rugby: Cheetahs vs Falcons

Cheetahs rugby fans in die Sedibeng (Gauteng, South Africa) and Sasolburg (Northern Free State) were treated with top Vodacom rugby action when the Cheetahs and the Falcons took each other on in an official league game in Sasolburg on Saturday (March 1).
The day started early with school and club teams playing before the main game. But a heavy thunderstorm shortly before the start of the main game, almost ruined everything. It sent spectators running for cover and approximately 30mm of rain was measured in the thunderstorm that lasted for almost half and hour..
But the skies dried up and the game started right on schedule. Almost 1 500 spectators hurried back to the pavilions. It turned out to be a day to remember as the Falcons put up quite a display of skill and character, taking on the much loved Cheetahs.
The Cheetahs recorded their second consecutive Vodacom 14 victory (36-33).