From football from some of Europe’s biggest cup competitions and African basketball, the weekend of 22 to 24 May promises wall-to-wall action featuring elite clubs, title-deciding fixtures and some of the sport world’s most anticipated match-ups this year.

Europe’s biggest soccer women’s clubs collide in Oslo

One of the standout fixtures of the weekend will see Barcelona take on Lyon in the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final on Saturday 23 May at 18:00 (CAT) from the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway. The final marks the first time the prestigious event will be hosted in Norway and forms part of ESPN Africa’s continued commitment to bringing world-class international sport to audiences across the continent. ESPN holds exclusive rights to the competition across sub-Saharan Africa.

The race to the English Premier League

Football fans can also look forward to the EFL Championship Play-Off Final from Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday 23 May, with kickoff at 16:30. Widely referred to as the “richest game in football”, the fixture determines which club could secure promotion to the English Premier League alongside the top two teams from the regular season.

Hull City and Middlesbrough are in the highly contested race for a coveted place in the Premiership, and will battle it out under the famous Wembley arch.

German giants battle for cup glory

The football action continues on Sunday 24 May at 20:00 with the DFB-Pokal Final from Berlin’s Olympiastadion, where Bayern Munich will face reigning champions VfB Stuttgart in Germany’s premiere domestic cup competition. Stuttgart lifted the trophy in 2025 after defeating Arminia Bielefeld 4-2 in the final and will now attempt to defend their title against one of Europe’s most formidable football clubs.

Africa’s best basketball giants head to Kigali

Basketball fans are also in for a major treat as the Basketball Africa League Finals tip off in Kigali, Rwanda from 22 to 31 May. Taking place at the BK Arena, the BAL Finals bring together the continent’s top men’s basketball clubs as they compete for African glory and a place at the 2026 FIBA Intercontinental Cup.

Kyle de Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa, said the upcoming weekend reflects ESPN Africa’s commitment to delivering the most exciting sport to audiences across the continent. “This is an incredible weekend for sport fans and we are delighted to be bringing all of this action to viewers across Africa. From massive football finals and promotion battles to the biggest club basketball competition on the continent, the quality and variety of sport on offer across ESPN and ESPN2 that weekend is exceptional. We can’t wait to see these teams in action and to share every big moment with fans watching from home.”

In 2026, The Rand Show answers with Jungle Magic, a larger-than-life jungle experience that transforms a hall into an immersive world designed to delight the senses. This isn’t something visitors ‘look at’. It’s something they will feel and delight in.

From the moment kids of all ages step inside, Jungle Magic will pull them into the wild. They’ll witness the sights, hear jungle calls echoing through the space, and smell that fresh jungle scent that makes it feel like they’ve been transported far beyond Johannesburg. Bright, bold colours set the tone for an experience that instantly sparks wonder, captivating kids and drawing adults in just as quickly.

And then there are the creatures.

Jungle Magic features giant, magical animals and show-stopping jungle elements that feel straight out of an adventure story; from a King Kong-sized gorilla ; to huge elephants; vibrant chameleons; and striking flamingos. Around every corner, something new awaits: giant spiders, dramatic jungle scenes, and a world packed with texture and detail that makes the space feel alive.

The experience blends fun with discovery. Along the way, visitors are encouraged to learn as they explore – pausing to take in oversized environments, Jurassic-sized flowers, and bursts of colour. Another highlight includes an indoor waterfall feature that brings the jungle to life in spectacular fashion.

For the brave (and the curious), there’s also the chance to touch and feel creepy crawlies, adding an extra thrill that children will love, and talk about long after they’ve left the show.

Jungle Magic is an experience unlike anything else in Johannesburg, and it reinforces The Rand Show’s position as Joburg’s best day out. For families looking for the best place to be over the Easter weekend, this is it: one huge hall filled with wonder, colour, sound and pure Jungle Magic – all at no extra cost to visitors.

The cost of the Jungle Magic attraction is included in the price of the entry ticket to the Rand Show.

• Adults (13+): R120 per person (single-day entry)
• Children (3–12 years): R90 per child (single-day) (children under 3 enter free)
• Pensioners: R90 per person (senior citizens)
• Family Package: R340 per bundle – includes 2 Adult tickets + 2 Children’s tickets (ideal for a family of four; available online only)
• Opening Day Special (Thursday 2 April): R50 per ticket for all ages – one-day only promo! (Available online and at the gate on 2 April)

• Showmax Originals and select titles are moving to DStv Stream, where they will live in a dedicated Showmax section within the app.
• The move ensures the award‑winning African stories remain widely available after the Showmax service closes on 30 April 2026.
• DStv Stream brings together on‑demand entertainment and live TV, including sport, in one streaming destination.
• Showmax Originals and more will be available to DStv Compact and DStv Premium satellite and streaming-only customers via the DStv Stream app.
• More movies and series will be added over the coming weeks.

“Showmax helped unlock a wave of world-class African storytelling,” says Nomsa Philiso, Director Content, General Entertainment English and Portuguese speaking territories at MultiChoice, a CANAL+ company. “Series like The Wife, Youngins, Devilsdorp , and Adulting, along with productions from Nigeria, Kenya and across the continent, were created through collaboration between MultiChoice’s content teams and local producers. That commitment to African storytelling does not change.”

The success of Showmax Originals has been built through partnerships with producers, writers and creative talent across Africa. Series such as Spinners, a co‑production between MultiChoice and CANAL+, which aired across Africa and in France, demonstrate how locally developed African stories are increasingly reaching global audiences. 

For South African customers, DStv Stream remains the platform where this content is available locally, alongside a much broader library of African and international content, live channels and sport.

“This move brings together Showmax Originals, on‑demand entertainment and live television in a single platform designed around how audiences want to watch and enjoy their content today,” says Willington Ngwepe, CEO of MultiChoice SA (Pty) Ltd, the broadcasting services licensee.

How to get Showmax on DStv

You (customers) can download the DStv Stream app or visit the DStv website, log in or sign up, and navigate to the Showmax section. Showmax Originals on DStv Stream are available on DStv Compact and DStv Premium packages. This includes satellite customers, who get access to DStv Stream as part of their package, as well as standalone DStv Stream customers. DStv Compact Stream is available from R299. 

Beyond its content library, DStv Stream includes a range of useful streaming features such as live and on‑demand viewing, pause and rewind, Watch From Start, offline downloads, recording, and the ability to adjust video quality to manage data usage.

Category	DStv Stream *Content and channels available varies per package.	Showmax (across plans)
Live TV channels	Yes	No
Live sport (incl. Premier League)	Yes – via SuperSport, Compact and above on all devices	Premier League and PSL only, on mobile plans only
Other live sport	Yes	No
MultiChoice Originals	Included	Included
Showmax Originals	Included	Included
International series & movies	Included	Included
All content in one place	Yes	Mainly Entertainment and some sport (split)
Single, simple platform	Yes	Multiple plans required
Devices supported	Mobile, Smart TV, laptop, Android TV, Apple TV, Hisense and more,	Showmax Entertainment: Mobile, Smart TV, laptop, Android TV, Apple TV and more. Showmax PL: Mobile only
Maximum resolution	HD (1080p)	HD (1080p)
Mobile‑only plans	No	Yes
Concurrent streams	Multiple (plan dependent)	Varies by plan (1–2 streams)
Downloads for offline viewing	Yes	Yes
Watch from start (live TV)	Yes	No
Catch‑up / replay	Available (not all content)	Not available
Reverse EPG	Yes (selected channels)	No
Kids profiles & parental controls	Profiles, PINs & age limits	Profiles & age limits
Split / shared bill payments	Yes (Split My Bill via MyDStv App)	No
Rewards & loyalty benefits	DStv Rewards (earn & redeem Coins, incl. bill payments)	No
Advertising model	Ad‑supported streaming	Ad‑free
Overall proposition	All‑in‑one live TV, sport, entertainment and value platform	Entertainment and sport accessed via separate plans

The film follows Powell’s character as he attempts to secure his rightful slice of a messy family inheritance, a setup that leans into chaos, suspicion and sharp-witted maneuvering. Think the quirky, self-aware storytelling style of the Knives Out franchise: playful narration, eccentric characters and a tone that flirts with absurdity without completely losing the plot.

It’s a straightforward story, easy to follow, and anchored by a lingering sense of intrigue that keeps you guessing, especially as it builds toward a twist worth sticking around for. This is precisely where Powell thrives. The role fits him like a glove, allowing him to flex that effortless charm that’s quickly becoming his trademark.

The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that works in its favour. It taps into a proven formula, stylish mystery meets comedic timing, that continues to resonate when executed well. That said, it’s not flawless. A few antics stretch believability a little too far, and the script could’ve been tightened to sharpen its impact. Still, as an enjoyable, switch-off-your-brain watch, it absolutely delivers.

Powell is joined by a strong supporting cast, including Margaret Qualley (Maid, Happy Gilmore), Jessica Henwick (Iron Fist, The Matrix Resurrections), and the legendary Ed Harris (A Beautiful Mind, Westworld).

If you haven’t been paying attention to Powell’s run, where have you been? From Anyone but You to Hit Man (and more on the way), his catalogue is growing fast, and wisely chosen.

Shout out to Sun Africa Group for hosting the pre-screening.

Verdict: If you’re after a dose of stylish, slightly silly escapism, a film that entertains without demanding too much, How to Make a Killing is right up your alley.

Offering fans a relaxed and revealing look at his life and growing career in the land of the rising sun, Jesse in Japan will run across ESPN Africa’s social and digital platforms throughout the year, with a premiere episode each month.

Life beyond the try line

Kriel has been part of the Yokohama Canon Eagles since 2020 and reached a historic milestone in November 2025 when he was appointed the team’s first foreign captain. Jesse in Japan steps away from matchday pressure to capture the quieter rhythms of his life, from training sessions with teammates and recovery routines to favourite local restaurants, neighbourhood errands and moments of downtime. In addition, expect glimpses into differences between Mzansi and Japan, prepping for the next match, gym routines, insights into this exciting league and more.

The series will offer an unfiltered glimpse into how the South African rugby player has adapted to daily life in a new culture, balancing elite performance with curiosity, discipline and the small comforts that make a place feel like home. Jesse’s status as an athlete and rugby professional has grown exponentially in recent years through his successes with the South African men’s national rugby team the Springboks, which he has recently captained, his successes in Japan and his dedicated approach to health and fitness.

“ESPN remains committed to offering viewers cross the continent an unparalleled offering of the very best of US and international sporting leagues,” says Kyle De Klerk, Director of Sports at The Walt Disney Company Africa. “We are delighted to be working with Jesse Kriel to bring Jesse in Japan to viewers, offering complementary programming that gives an insight into the life and career of not only this sporting legend but also the thrilling Japan Rugby League One as he, together with his teammates, create historic sporting moments.”

“I am excited to be collaborating with ESPN to offer rugby fans and viewers the opportunity to be a part of my exciting journey in Japan,” says Jesse Kriel. “The series is an invitation to celebrate the food, culture, people and of course rugby action that I have am lucky enough to be a part of in the Japan Rugby League One and beyond.”

JRLO Exclusive to ESPN Africa

The prestigious Japan Rugby League One features a number of South African sporting icons such as Faf De Klerk, Cheslin Kolbe, Kwagga Smith, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Malcolm Marx  and Pieter-Steph Du Toit.

As the Japan Rugby League One season unfolds, only on ESPN, the series will track Kriel’s journey as the competition builds towards the finals in June. Viewers can catch the action on ESPN (DStv 218, StarSat 248), on ESPN2 (DStv 219, StarSat 249), and on Disney+ in South Africa with two live games every week and repeat broadcasts to ensure that no big moment is missed.

Patriots and Seahawks ready for championship showdown

The Patriots and Seahawks, both with a rich history in the Super Bowl, will bring star talent and high stakes to the field. Fans can expect dynamic plays, tactical match-ups and high-stakes moments as quarterbacks, receivers and defensive standouts face off under the brightest lights in American sport. The game promises a contest of skill, strategy and determination as each team aims to leave its mark on NFL history.

Halftime show and ways to catch the action

The popular Super Bowl halftime show, which will air during the live broadcast, will feature Grammy-winning global superstar Bad Bunny, bringing Latin rhythms and high-energy performance to the biggest stage in American football.

Viewers who cannot catch the live broadcast will have multiple opportunities to see the game with repeat airings later in the day at 08:00 on ESPN 2, 11:00 on ESPN, and at 15:00 on ESPN2. A 55-minute highlight package will also air during the week for fans to relive the game’s defining moments.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the Hisense booth at CES 2026, marking his first attendance at the event. He toured the exhibition with FIFA’s Chief Business Officer Romy Gai, viewing the Hisense Elite Collection for FIFA World Cup 2026, which is a customised lineup of televisions, laser projectors, and home appliances designed for football-related scenarios.

Elite Collection for tournament operations

The Elite Collection includes RGB MiniLED TVs that will be integrated into tournament operations across multiple areas. The displays are designed to provide enhanced clarity and performance for officiating workflows, enabling clearer visualisation of fast-moving actions and fine details during matches.

The technology reflects Hisense’s three consecutive FIFA World Cup partnerships, each featuring technological advancements from large-screen viewing to professional-grade visual solutions for elite match operations.

Gauteng: Big City Festive Magic

Gauteng is bursting with festive cheer this December. Highlights include:

• Nelson Mandela Square’s “Celebrations on the Square” – a sophisticated festive pop-up featuring local artisan gifting, champagne tastings and gourmet treats in a luxurious glass marquee.
• Candy Cane Lane at Eastgate – a sweet, interactive family experience with games, treats and creative activities for kids.
• Menlyn Sky Kids Zone – a free outdoor festive playground with crafts, games and a cosy brew bar for parents.
• Zootropolis 2 Mini Golf at Mall of Africa – a themed nine-hole mini golf adventure inspired by the Disney film.
• Melrose Arch’s Destination Christmas – iconic Christmas lights, a roller-skating rink and glowing quad bike rides.
• Sandton City’s City of Enchantment – an immersive Christmas world where kids bake, decorate, write letters to Santa and meet him.
• Neon Glow Mini Golf at Bedford Centre – a colourful, glow-in-the-dark mini golf experience for all ages.

Western Cape: Festive Feel-Good Moments

The Western Cape offers heartwarming holiday experiences:

• Cavendish Square Philharmonia Choir – free live Christmas carol performances beneath the Christmas tree.
• The Sweet Festive Trail at Liberty Promenade – hands-on crafting, baking fun, photo moments and a magical bubble snow globe.

KwaZulu-Natal: Play, Creativity & Speed

KZN brings festive fun with a playful twist:

• Gateway LEGO® F1® Experience – build, race and test reflexes, plus see the largest LEGO® Technic F1 car ever displayed in South Africa.
• Midlands Mall’s Festive Artspace – a free creative zone where kids paint, build, play and meet Santa.

Eastern Cape: Disney Delight

• Vincent Park’s “Unleash the Holidays with Disney” – a vibrant kids’ zone featuring colouring walls, plush hunts and interactive play, with proceeds supporting Reach for a Dream.

Make This Holiday One to Remember

Whether you’re after creative play, festive treats, dazzling lights or family-friendly adventures, this guide makes it easy to plan unforgettable holiday moments, wherever you are in Mzansi.

Save it, share it, and start ticking experiences off your festive bucket list!

I attended the high-level dialogue where the CGCSA, HEINEKEN Beverages, SANTACO, and the Road Traffic Management Corporation laid out concrete plans to address alcohol-related harm and road incidents during the festive season.

The timing is critical. December consistently sees increased traffic volumes and elevated crash rates across South Africa, with last year’s festive season recording thousands of serious road incidents nationwide. The dialogue brought together sectors that directly influence road behaviour, from retail and alcohol manufacturing to taxi transport and law enforcement.

Concrete commitments for December 2025

The partners outlined specific areas where they’ll coordinate efforts over the coming weeks. Consumer education on responsible drinking will expand across retail stores and brand platforms, whilst the taxi industry commits to improved fatigue management and safer rank practices on peak travel days.

The RTMC will increase enforcement visibility along high-risk routes identified through crash and fatalities data. Retailers will strengthen compliance measures to prevent underage and irresponsible alcohol purchases. All sectors will push consistent messaging promoting “Don’t Drink and Drive. Get Home Safely.”

Zinhle Tyikwe, CEO of the Consumer Goods Council, emphasised the retail sector’s reach during the session. “Retailers engage millions of South Africans every day, especially during the festive season. As the CGCSA, we are committed to ensuring that retail spaces promote responsible purchasing behaviour and support national road safety efforts.”

Transport sector addresses peak-period pressures

SANTACO President Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe, although absent from the dialogue, highlighted December’s unique challenges for the taxi industry through an official statement. “December is one of the busiest periods for the taxi industry, and the safety of our passengers remains our highest priority. This dialogue provided a valuable platform to align with partners on fatigue management, driver conduct and safer taxi ranks.”

The taxi sector’s involvement is particularly significant given its role in moving millions of South Africans during the festive period.

Driver fatigue and overcrowding at ranks have been persistent concerns, and SANTACO’s commitment to address these issues through the dialogue represents a direct acknowledgement of the sector’s responsibility.

Enforcement and behaviour change

Refilwe Mongale, Acting CEO of the RTMC, who also was absent, stressed that enforcement alone won’t solve the problem. “The festive season requires heightened vigilance on our roads, especially high-risk areas. Through partnerships like today’s dialogue, the RTMC can strengthen enforcement visibility and deepen behaviour-change communication. It begins with me; it begins with you and all of us! Let us ensure a safe festive season and cross alive to 2026.”

The RTMC’s data-driven approach to enforcement positioning means resources will focus on routes where festive season crashes have historically occurred, rather than random deployment.
Industry takes shared responsibility.

Millicent Maroga, Corporate Affairs Director at HEINEKEN Beverages, made clear that alcohol manufacturers recognise their role in the broader safety ecosystem. “Road safety cannot be solved by one sector alone. Today’s dialogue reflects our shared commitment to encouraging responsible consumption, promoting safer behaviour, and supporting the national call to ‘Don’t Drink and Drive. Get Home Safely.'”

What Is Real QLED?

Samsung’s Real QLED has earned official certification from the globally respected German testing body TÜV Rheinland. This mark verifies that Samsung QLED TVs comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62595-1-6 standard, which defines the application of quantum dot (QD) light converting unit combined with blue light sources for standard QLED displays.

In simple terms, the Real QLED mark confirms that your TV delivers superior picture quality, powered by genuine Quantum Dot technology. When it comes to visual brilliance, Samsung’s Quantum Dot technology is leading the charge in delivering a picture-perfect viewing experience.

Why It Matters: The Samsung Difference

Here’s what the Real QLED certification guarantees:

• True Quantum Dot Display: A real quantum dot light-converting film combined with blue light sources ensures richer, more accurate colours than ungenuine “QLEDs.”
• 100% Colour Volume*: Samsung QLED TVs produce a multitude of shades, delivering vivid and consistent colours at any brightness level. Whether you’re watching a summer cricket match in broad daylight or a late-night blockbuster, the picture remains stunningly real.
• Colour Accuracy: TÜV Rheinland testing confirms the separation of red, green, and blue light sources — the foundation of lifelike, vibrant images.
• Environmentally Responsible Technology: Samsung’s Real QLED is cadmium-free** and built with sustainability in mind, aligning with global eco-conscious standards. More than sustainability, it’s also about safety for humans. Cadmium is a hazardous chemical, and that is why it has been removed from the manufacturing process.

*Samsung achieved the Digital Cinema Initiative’s colour standard DCI-P3 and achieved 100% colour volume for the first time in the world — thereby presenting unparalleled colour expression.

**Samsung’s quantum dot technology has been recognised by global testing organization Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) for its excellence in cadmium-free design — an environmentally conscious approach that eliminates the use of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal known to pose risks to human health and the environment.

Ask the Right Questions Before You Buy

When shopping for a TV this Black Friday, don’t just be swayed by a label. Ask the real questions:

• Is it cadmium-free?
• Does it deliver 100% colour volume?
• Has it earned Real QLED certification or any recognition for environmental responsibility?

If the answer is “no,” then it’s not a Real QLED.

Built for Now, and for the Future

A Samsung Real QLED TV isn’t just an investment in a screen; it’s an investment in true-to-life colour, unmatched brightness and lasting quality. Whether it’s family movie nights, high-action sports weekends or gaming marathons, Samsung’s QLED TVs deliver the kind of performance that brings every moment to life. The 2025 TV line-up is even better, it features Samsung’s most advanced TV technologies yet – including QLED and OLED panels powered by Vision AI.

This Black Friday, when you see the QLED label, don’t settle for less. Look for the Real QLED mark and enjoy a Real experience.

This exclusive event, held at Ster-Kinekor Eastgate, that offered attendees an early glimpse into the film’s richly imagined universe, delivered all the sparkle of a major premiere, blending spectacle and anticipation as guests experienced the film ahead of its national release in cinemas on Friday 21 November 2025.

A positively spellbinding guest list

The yellow brick road arrivals carpet buzzed with a show-stopping line-up of South Africa’s most recognisable personalities, each adding their own touch of magic to the Wicked For Good celebration. Among the many farmiliar faces were Bontle Modiselle, Mrs SA Verushka Singh, Tamara Day, Hope Ramafalo and others. 

Kim Jayde took the spotlight as the official host, guiding the event with her signature charm and vibrant presence. Her energy kept the crowd enchanted as she welcomed guests on the carpet and in cinema, celebrating the magic, the emotion and the cinematic spectacle that define Wicked for Good.

Guests were also treated to a live rendition of the film’s beloved song “For Good” by the Johannesburg Queer Chorus, whose heartfelt harmonies filled the room with emotion and added a beautifully poignant touch to the celebration.

More Wicked For Good magic to come

Wicked For Good tells the untold story of the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda as they navigate love, rivalry and the forces that will shape their destinies, long before Dorothy ever arrives in Oz. With ticket bookings now open, local cinemagoers are encouraged to secure their seats for the nationwide release this Friday, 21 November. Not one to be missed, we can safely and confidently declare that after seeing the movie. Whilst you wait, check out the official trailer below:

The 234-metre skyscraper was illuminated with striking “TRON: Ares” – inspired visuals, echoing the film’s digital world and signature neon aesthetic, symbolising the film’s bold leap from the digital world into the real world.

This Johannesburg moment adds to “TRON: Ares” global celebration, following a series of international stunts and activations that have captured audiences’ imaginations around the world.

“TRON: Ares” follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings. The feature film is directed by Joachim Rønning and stars Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Hasan Minhaj, Arturo Castro and Cameron Monaghan, with Gillian Anderson and Jeff Bridges.

Sean Bailey, Jared Leto, p.g.a., Emma Ludbrook, p.g.a., Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, p.g.a., and Steven Lisberger are the producers, with Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, Russell Allen, and Joseph Kosinski serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Jesse Wigutow, with story by David DiGilio and Wigutow, based on characters created by Steven Lisberger and Bonnie MacBird.

Disney’s “TRON: Ares” is now showing in cinemas nationwide.