Author: Tanika Laskey

‹ Back

Fynbos Money and SkyRun join forces to back the long game

Tanika LaskeyNewsLeave a Comment on Fynbos Money and SkyRun join forces to back the long game

Image Credit – Craig Kolesky/ Nikon

South African money platform becomes presenting sponsor of SkyRun as iconic mountain race celebrates 30 years of endurance

There are some things that cannot be rushed. Building financial security takes time. So does preparing to run 100 kilometres through some of South Africa’s most unforgiving mountain terrain. Both demand discipline, resilience and the willingness to keep going long after the initial excitement has worn off.

It is this shared belief in the value of the long game that has brought South African financial platform Fynbos Money and iconic mountain running event SkyRun together, with Fynbos Money becoming the presenting sponsor of SkyRun as the legendary race celebrates its 30th year.

For Fynbos Money, the partnership represents an opportunity to support a uniquely South African event whose philosophy aligns closely with its own approach to helping people build their financial futures. “SkyRun has been going for thirty years, which tells you something about what endurance really looks like. We are a South African company backing a South African race that celebrates the long game. It is the same mindset we believe in when it comes to growing your money,” says Adrian Hope-Bailie, co-founder and CEO of Fynbos Money.

Fynbos is an investment and savings platform built to make growing and managing money simpler for South Africans. Its focus on helping people build towards the future, rather than chasing short-term wins, is a philosophy that feels particularly at home at SkyRun.

SkyRun’s origins date back to New Year’s Eve in 1991, when adventurer John Michael Tawse completed a pioneering traverse of the Witteberg Mountains from Lady Grey to the Wartrail Country Club. The first official SkyRun followed in 1997, with just 15 runners taking on the challenge. Three decades later, SkyRun has become a fixture on the South African ultra-running calendar, attracting experienced mountain runners and first-time adventurers. Yet its essence remains unchanged: a demanding journey through spectacular and unpredictable mountain country, where runners must rely on preparation, judgement and determination.

The 100km SkyRun is renowned for testing far more than physical fitness. Its remote and challenging route requires runners to navigate and largely support themselves, while shorter distances offer others the opportunity to experience the same landscape and spirit of adventure.

For SkyRun race organiser Adrian Saffy, reaching the 30-year milestone is a celebration of the people and values that have sustained the event. “SkyRun has always been about the long game,” says Saffy. “It takes months of preparation to get to that start line, and then on race day it comes down to taking one step, one decision and one challenge at a time. That is what makes this partnership with Fynbos such a natural fit. We share a belief that meaningful things are built over time, through consistency, resilience and a willingness to keep going when the easy option would be to stop.”

For more information, please visit www.skyrun.co.za

Nedbank Gravel Burn and Open Cycles Brand Collab Announced – Limited Edition Open WIDE 2.0

Tanika LaskeyNewsLeave a Comment on Nedbank Gravel Burn and Open Cycles Brand Collab Announced – Limited Edition Open WIDE 2.0

Nedbank Gravel Burn has partnered with pioneering bike company Open Cycles to create a Limited Edition Nedbank Gravel Burn x Open WIDE 2.0 bike package. Born out of a longtime friendship between respective founders, this collaboration represents their intersecting philosophies – both pushing the frontiers of innovation, adventure and competition in the growing gravel category. 

Open Cycles supported the event during its initial development phase, providing a fleet of Open WIDE 1.0 bikes for route testing across the demanding Karoo terrain. Following the successful performance of the platform, the friendship and partnership has expanded into an official product co-development initiative.

Nedbank Gravel Burn founder, Kevin Vermaak said, “Andy and I have been friends for 14 years and Open supported us even before we’d actually launched the event. They helped us by providing 10 gravel bikes for our test riders to try out some proposed routes – our Trial Burn in 2014. They handled the rigours of the Karoo superbly. Recently, Open launched their new WIDE 2.0 and we agreed that a collab would be a great idea – a very special Limited Edition package.”

Open’s co-founder Andy Kessler said, “Two years ago Kevin told me about his idea of the race and he didn’t have to convince me of the idea for even a minute, and we became a ‘Founding Friend’ of the event. It all came together very last-minute, but I knew that if Kevin was building it, this would be an amazing adventure – and it is.”

Like with all their gravel offerings, Open’s new WIDE 2.0 pushes industry boundaries, combining aerodynamic features with race-ready geometry plus the ability to fit up to 66mm (2.6-inch) tyres – ready to tackle the toughest races.

Even after only one edition, the seven-day, 750km gravel stage race, held in South Africa’s Karoo region, is known as a “frontier-gravel” racing adventure experience, characterised by wild terrain and unpredictable conditions, including rugged road surfaces. The new Open WIDE 2.0 delivers the ideal bike solution for these conditions. The design provides a ride quality that better “insulates” the rider from the rough surfaces over seven consecutive days of racing.

Kessler said, “The collab model had to be the new WIDE 2.0 – the perfect bike, with generous tyre clearance ensuring more comfort on the rugged Karoo roads, while still being a genuinely fast race bike.”

The limited-edition frame features custom artwork inspired by the textures and palette of the Karoo landscape and the bonfires lit in the remote Burn Camps where riders congregate and share the experience, celebrating the unique aesthetic and identity of the event.

Vermaak said, “This livery features hand-painted details showing the textures of the Karoo, the hues of the gravel we ride on and the luminescence of the fires we sit beside at night – all reflecting on this unique journey we embark on each year.”

The Nedbank Gravel Burn Limited Edition Open WIDE 2.0 is offered as a complete package, including a custom-designed Open WIDE 2.0 with component spec tailored to individual rider preferences, exclusive Open x Nedbank Gravel Burn cycling kit made by Assos and one Nedbank Gravel Burn race entry, redeemable within three years. Package pricing from $11900 (US) and €11500. 

For complete info on the Open WIDE 2.0 model and specification options, visit opencycle.com. For further details and to order, contact Open Cycles co-founder Andy Kessler directly at [email protected].

For information on Nedbank Gravel Burn including race entries, visit www.gravel-burn.com

About Nedbank Gravel Burn

Nedbank Gravel Burn is a seven day, 750km gravel stage race set entirely in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. Starting in the historic Robert Sobukwe Town / Graaff Reinet, the race journeys deep into remote semi-desert landscapes, with all riders staying together in the purpose-built Burn Camps. The route spans the Great Karoo, concludes in Big 5 territory at Shamwari Private Game Reserve. Designed as a true pro-am experience, Nedbank Gravel Burn brings elite and amateur riders together in a shared journey defined by scale, remoteness and connection.

For media enquiries, please contact: Sarah Harrop at [email protected]

About Open Cycles

OPEN Cycle is a next generation bicycle brand founded by two bicycle industry pioneers and are guided by the philosophy of “working hard to stay small”. By stripping away corporate overheads and marketing noise, OPEN channels all its resources into pure product development and customer support – designing the bikes the team wants to ride and delivering them directly to riders and via independent bike shops. Learn more at www.opencycle.com 



Force USA Launches Partnership with Sportsmans Warehouse

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Force USA Launches Partnership with Sportsmans Warehouse

The global fitness brand brings its All-In-One trainers and wider strength, cardio and conditioning range to South Africa, giving consumers more options for training at home.

Expanding Access to Quality Home Gym Equipment

Force USA, a fitness brand built around making serious training more accessible without the need for a commercial gym budget or footprint, has officially launched in Sportsmans Warehouse nationwide.

Founded on the belief that effective training equipment should deliver more without taking up unnecessary space, Force USA created the All-In-One training category, bringing multiple training functions together in a single system. This approach allows users to build more complete training setups without the need for multiple machines or a large dedicated training space.

The launch marks a new retail partnership between Force USA and Sportsmans Warehouse, bringing the global fitness brand into the retailer’s offering for the first time. The partnership gives South African consumers a new way to access Force USA’s range and experience its approach to flexible, performance-led training.

“For years, people in South Africa who wanted commercial-grade training results have had to choose between a full gym membership or settling for entry-level home equipment. Force USA closes that gap. Our All-In-One trainers give people the depth of a fully equipped gym in a fraction of the space, and launching with Sportsmans Warehouse means South Africans can finally access that experience at home,” says Simon Heinrich, International Sales Manager at Force USA.

Built Around the All-In-One Trainer

Two products anchor the South African launch and demonstrate what sets Force USA apart:

  • C10 All-In-One Trainer & Sliding Bench: The C10 features a patent-pending central cable system, six pulley stations and dual 200-degree adjustable upright pulleys, together with the C10 Sliding Bench. Designed to offer a well-rounded training experience in one setup, it brings a broad range of training options to a compact footprint.
  • G3 All-In-One Trainer: The G3 combines a Smith Machine, Functional Trainer, Power Rack, Core Trainer and Multi-Grip Chin-Up Station, with optional upgrade kits available.

Together, the C10 and G3 demonstrate Force USA’s approach to bringing multiple training capabilities into a single system.

The Wider Range: Strength, Cardio and Conditioning

Beyond its All-In-One trainers, Force USA’s wider range covers strength, cardio and conditioning, offering equipment for different training goals:

  • Strength: The Force USA range includes versatile equipment designed to support a variety of strength-training needs, including the C10 Functional Trainer, G3 All-In-One Trainer and Compact Leg Press & Hack Squat.
  • Cardio and Conditioning: The range also includes equipment such as the Stepper, designed for high-intensity cardiovascular conditioning, alongside other cardio and conditioning solutions for a complete training setup.

“The arrival of Force USA marks an exciting new addition to the Sportsmans Warehouse offering. We’re proud to bring the brand into our fitness range, giving our customers access to quality home gym equipment for those who want more from their training. With a focus on quality, versatility and performance, Force USA offers equipment designed to help take home training to the next level,” says Nicole Schumann, Marketing Manager at Sportsmans Warehouse.

Availability

The Force USA collection is now available to explore at Sportsmans Warehouse nationwide, in stores and online, giving consumers the opportunity to find equipment suited to their individual training goals. From building strength and improving conditioning to creating a more complete training setup, the range offers solutions for taking training further, without requiring a commercial gym environment.

CYCLE LAB – WEST RAND STORE EMPORIUM

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on CYCLE LAB – WEST RAND STORE EMPORIUM

Cycle Lab is proud to announce the opening of its newest store at The Falls Shopping Centre in the West Rand. A self-contained retail space paired with a full-fledged workshop, the launch marks the continuation of Cycle Lab’s mandate to bring world-class cycling facilities closer to the people who love the sport.

Launch Details

  • Launch Event: Opening dinner-time launch at 17:30 on 8 October 2026, featuring deep discounts across the range to kick off trading.
  • Location: The Falls Shopping Centre, West Rand, Johannesburg.
  • Trading Hours: Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 18:00, and Sunday from 09:00 to 15:00. The store will be open 362 days a year, closing only on Easter, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Strategic Location & Riding Hotspots

The West Rand has become a firm favourite among Gauteng cyclists, with the Cradle of Humankind and Cradle Moon Mountain Bike Park among the region’s standout riding destinations, alongside a broader network of gravel and mountain bike routes across the area’s smallholdings and reserves. Positioned at The Falls Shopping Centre, the new emporium puts Cycle Lab at the heart of this riding community, easily accessible for both established riders and newcomers to the sport.

Why This Store Matters

  • Prime Location: The West Rand’s trails are rated among Gauteng’s best, providing instant access to the top riding that locals crave.
  • Ready-to-Go Workshop: From fitting to full repairs, the on-site workshop gives every rider the on-hand expertise that backs the brand’s reputation for “unintimidating” service.
  • Community Focus: A safe, welcoming space for riders of all levels, with the shop actively partnering with local clubs and training groups.
  • Expertise from Zero to Hero: Designed to make every visit welcoming and educational, helping newcomers overcome any intimidation when stepping into a bike shop.

“Our focus wasn’t to just open a store in the West Rand, we wanted to build a home for the local cycling community,” says Marketing Manager, Taryn Logan. “With the Cradle of Humankind and surrounding trails right on the doorstep, this is one of the most active riding regions in Gauteng, and the emporium lets us match that energy — with a full retail range, a proper workshop, and a coffee shop where people can actually hang around before or after a ride.”

“Whether it’s a family getting their kids on bikes for the first time, or someone chasing their next big upgrade, our team will be there with the range and the knowledge to help,” Logan adds. “We can’t wait to welcome the West Rand cycling community through our doors.”

Meet the Expert Team

The new store brings substantial industry depth to the West Rand:

  • Deane Poulter (Store Manager): A seasoned rider and mechanic with experience working at the Absa Cape Epic, Deane serves as the face of the shop and the technical backbone of the crew.
  • Ellick “Boeta” Steyn (Community & Technical Liaison): Brings 12 years of mechanical experience, including four years as a UCI professional mechanic, national duty at the 2024 Commonwealth Games and the 2023–24 Africa Championships, alongside UCI road and mountain bike team support.
  • Christo (Sales Lead): Brings fresh energy to the customer service experience.
  • Deon (Sales Team Lead): A top-performing Sales Consultant transferred from the Fourways store to ensure high service standards from day one.
  • James (Technical Specialist): Oversees bike fitting and repairs.

Much of the proven Fourways crew’s sales and technical experience has transferred across to ensure the store opens with a team local riders can trust immediately.

Premium Brands & Stock Selection

The emporium stocks road, mountain, gravel, eBike, and children’s bikes from Giant, SCOTT, Silverback, Liv, Marvel, Merida, Orbea, and Titan Racing.

  • Apparel & Helmets: Apparel is available from Ciovita, Wattz, Assos, and First Ascent, alongside helmets from MET, SCOTT, Leatt, Giro, and Oakley.
  • Tech & Nutrition: GPS bike computers and indoor trainers sit alongside nutrition from Biogen, Maurten, Cadence, and more to keep riders fuelled through the season.
  • Components & Fitment: Component upgrades from PRO and saddles from Fizik and Selle Italia round out the store’s fitting and performance offerings.

Media & Contact Information

Cycle Lab invites riders from Johannesburg, the West Rand, and beyond to experience a store that blends world-class facilities, highly trained staff, and a culture that celebrates every twist of the route.

Contact: Taryn Logan, Marketing Manager, Cycle Lab

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +27 11 563 5000

The Purple Speedos Return: Hollard Daredevil Run 2026 

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on The Purple Speedos Return: Hollard Daredevil Run 2026 

It’s the one day of the year when thousands of South African men proudly swap formal work wear for purple speedos, all in the name of saving lives.

The 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run is taking place on Friday, 23 October and entries are now open.

Over the past 17 years, this iconic men’s health movement has raised millions for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa. Funds are used to help expand education and raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancer across the country.

This campaign continues to deliver tangible results for men’s health across South Africa. Since partnering with the Hollard Daredevil run, CANSA has reached over 59 000 men through awareness initiatives, conducts an average of over 2 000 screenings annually and referred hundreds of abnormalities for further medical care. Last year alone, CANSA completed 610 PSA screenings during the 2025 Daredevil Run campaign. 

Long-standing campaign partner, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa, has also transformed funds raised through the Hollard Daredevil Run into meaningful action. With this support, the Foundation has hosted 143 education and awareness events, supported hundreds of men and their families through its national helpline, expanded access to prostate cancer educational resources in multiple South African languages, and this year will launch South Africa’s first National Prostate Cancer Registry.

This year’s tagline, “Lekker balls, Lekker life!” celebrates the idea that taking care of your health today means being more aware, prioritising regular screenings and getting checked early.

“Wearing a purple speedo isn’t just about having fun. It’s about making a statement. Every participant who takes part in the Daredevil Run helps break down stigma, encouraging more men to prioritise their health and understand which health checks could one day save their lives,” says Adel Kriel, Head of Experiential Marketing at Hollard.

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in South African men. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with Black African men facing a 60% higher risk than other population groups. A simple PSA blood test could help detect prostate cancer early, when treatment is most effective. 

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa recommends that Black African men and men with a first-degree family history of prostate and/or breast cancer have an annual PSA test from the age of 40. For all other men, annual PSA screening is recommended from the age of 45. 

While less widespread, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged 15-49, affecting approximately 1 in every 250 males. When caught early, it is also highly treatable. 

According to CANSA, men aged 15 to 49 should perform a monthly testicular self-examination and consult a healthcare professional immediately if they notice any lump, swelling or unusual change.

The very message at the heart of the Hollard Daredevil Run for both prostate and testicular cancers, is that early detection can save lives. A simple check today could make all the difference tomorrow. 

The 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run takes place at Zoo Lake in Johannesburg on Friday, 23 October at 3pm, with runs also taking place that day at various locations, countrywide.  Entries are available at Hollard Daredevil Run – This Run Takes Balls at a cost of R200, which includes a couriered registration pack and purple speedo.

The campaign also encourages all South Africans to make a difference by donating directly through the Hollard Daredevil Run BackaBuddy page.

Last year’s Daredevil Run raised R1 200 000. This year, Hollard is aiming even higher, calling on more South Africans to take part, donate and help make an even greater impact.

For more information, go to www.hollard.co.za/daredevilrun.



PUMA X SAYSKY Get Back To Business With A Collection For Runners Who Never Clock Out

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on PUMA X SAYSKY Get Back To Business With A Collection For Runners Who Never Clock Out

PUMA and Copenhagen-based running brand SAYSKY unveil Back to Business, the final chapter of their collaboration, rooted in the mindset of runners who carry their passion for the sport into every part of their day.

For runners, the next mile is never far from mind. Whether it’s before sunrise, between commitments or after hours, running is always part of the plan. It’s woven into the decisions they make, the routes they map out and the goals they chase. Because for runners, running is their business.

Conor Cashin, Lead Product Line Manager, PUMA said: “Running has evolved beyond sport – it has become a culture, a community and a way people express who they are. With Back to Business, we wanted to capture the mindset of runners who organize their lives around the miles that matter most. Together with SAYSKY, we created a collection that bridges performance and everyday office style, reflecting the way runners move through the world today.”

Inspired by classic business attire, the PUMA x SAYSKY Back to Business collection reimagines everyday tailoring through a performance lens. Combining SAYSKY’s signature Scandinavian design language with PUMA’s advanced running technology, the collection features clean silhouettes, refined colour palettes, statement pinstripe detailing and elevated finishes, creating a modern uniform designed to transition effortlessly from everyday life to the start line.

Leading the collection are exclusive editions of two of PUMA’s standout running silhouettes: the PUMA x SAYSKY Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4 and the PUMA x SAYSKY MagMax NITRO™ 2.

Built for race day, the PUMA x SAYSKY Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4 is engineered for speed with NITROFOAM™ ELITE cushioning, delivering exceptional responsiveness and energy return, paired with a full-length PWRPLATE carbon-fibre plate for maximum propulsion and efficiency.

Designed for everyday training, the PUMA x SAYSKY MagMax NITRO™ 2 delivers maximum cushioning through a high-stack NITROFOAM™ midsole, a breathable engineered knit upper and a durable PUMAGRIP outsole, providing comfort and bounce across every mile.

Completing the collection is a premium apparel and accessories range that transforms business inspired design cues into technical running essentials. Lightweight performance materials, elevated construction and refined details create versatile pieces built for runners moving between work, training and everyday life.

As the final chapter of the PUMA x SAYSKY collaboration, Back to Business reflects the belief that running extends far beyond the miles logged. It influences how runners think, move and approach each day.

To mark the launch, PUMA and SAYSKY are hosting the Out of Office Relay in Copenhagen on 20 August, turning the Back to Business concept into a real-world running experience. Inspired by the collection, the course transforms an office building into an unexpected running environment, taking participants through elevators, stairwells and parking garages before culminating in an evening of food, drinks and celebration.

The PUMA x SAYSKY Back to Business collection launches on 20 August 2026, and is available to purchase on PUMA.com, PUMA Retail stores and Shelflife. Note the  SAYSKY Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4 will not be available in South Africa.

Celebrate Heritage Day the adventurous way.

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Celebrate Heritage Day the adventurous way.

We’re proud to announce the Torpedo SwimRun at Plaisir Wine Estate, happening on Thursday, 24 September 2026.

Set at the foot of the majestic Simonsberg mountains, this unique event combines trail running and open-water swimming through beautiful farm landscapes, offering an experience that’s as rewarding as it is unforgettable.

Three Courses. One Incredible Setting.
Designed for every level of athlete:

  • Long Course: 14 km
  • Short Course: 6 km
  • Kids Sprint Course: 2.5 km

Each route winds along scenic trails and across tranquil dams, immersing you in the natural beauty of the Simonsberg region.

Enter HERE https://www.quicket.co.za/events/373445-torpedo-swimrun-plaisir-2026#/

Race with Purpose
A portion of your entry fee will go toward supporting the Banhoek Conservancy, an initiative dedicated to:

  • Protecting indigenous biodiversity
  • Creating employment through conservation work
  • Removing invasive species to restore natural ecosystems
  • Releasing vital water back into the tributaries of the Berg River

We recognise our shared responsibility to actively improve natural rivers and mountain catchment areas—helping secure water resources for future generations. Read more about the great work here

https://banhoekconservancy.org/

Make a Day of It
After your race, unwind in true Winelands style.
Book your post-race Plaisir wine tasting experience here https://www.plaisir.co.za/taste/

Relax on the lush lawns beneath ancient oak trees and enjoy a well-earned family-friendly lunch, with burgers and pizza on offer, while taking in the breathtaking views of the majestic Simonsberg Mountains.

Why You Don’t Want to Miss This

  • A unique SwimRun experience in a world-class setting
  • Courses for all ages and abilities
  • A meaningful contribution to environmental conservation
  • A festive Heritage Day atmosphere for friends and family

PURA Joins Soweto Freedom Ride to Mark 50th Youth Day

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on PURA Joins Soweto Freedom Ride to Mark 50th Youth Day

As South Africa marked the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising this Youth Day, PURA Beverage Co joined community members in Soweto for the Freedom Ride, a cycling event that brought together nearly 100 riders to commemorate the day.

Led by a convoy of PURA vans, cyclists travelled a 10-kilometre route through Soweto, passing landmarks including Vilakazi Street. Riders ranged from experienced cyclists to children taking part alongside family members, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the morning.

While the ride honoured the events of June 16, 1976, it was also a celebration of the role young people continue to play in their communities today.

For PURA Beverage Co, supporting the Freedom Ride was an opportunity to be part of a community event that reflects many of the values Youth Day represents: participation, resilience and bringing people together.

“Today was truly special as we joined the Freedom Ride in Soweto, commemorating 50 years since the Soweto Uprising,” said Jerry Matlejoane, Field Marketing Specialist at PURA Beverage Co.

“We had just under 100 cyclists parading through the streets, with children joining in as well. The atmosphere throughout the route was incredible and it was inspiring to see so many people come together to honour Youth Day in such a positive and meaningful way.”

Throughout the route, residents stopped to watch and support the riders as they moved through the streets of Soweto. Although organisers were unable to reach the Hector Pieterson Memorial due to the number of activities taking place in the area, the significance of the day remained front of mind for participants.

Fifty years after the Soweto Uprising, Youth Day continues to provide an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on the courage shown by the young people of 1976 and the impact their actions had on the country’s future.

For many of those taking part in the Freedom Ride, the day was about remembering that history while celebrating the energy and potential of today’s generation.

As the cyclists made their way through Soweto, one thing was evident: young people are still finding ways to come together, participate in their communities and play an active role in shaping the future of South Africa.

-ENDS-

Stockists
Available at Checkers, Spar, Pick n Pay, and Clicks | R14.99–R16.99 per can

About Evolve Brands Inc. t/a The Pura Beverage Company: The Pura Beverage Company was founded in 2017 and has scaled rapidly to become an audacious global beverage company. Pura Soda is on a mission to create a movement around modern refreshment, by offering better-for-you drinks that break the tension between taste and refreshment, to celebrate and invite consumers to live a little PURA.

Media Enquiries
Kerry du Toit for PURA Beverage Company
Email: [email protected] | Tel: 082 881 1843

A Must Read: The Hell Inside Our Heads

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on A Must Read: The Hell Inside Our Heads

The book was launched  at Exclusive Books Sandton City on the 11th of June. The Hell Inside Our Heads was written by Brandon Fairweather, Brand Manager for Biogen South Africa, and he also fulfils a dual strategic role as Health Category Marketing Manager for Dis-Chem Pharmacies. He has more than two decades of experience in wellness, sports nutrition, and consumer health, yet this book is not written from the theory, it is bravely written from his own lived experience with crippling anxiety. 

“We are not just launching a book, we are launching conversations that we’ve avoided for far too long. Because the truth is, every single one of us here is battling some kind of silent struggle, whether we like to admit it or not. Some of us wear that struggle openly. Some of us hide it behind humour, confidence, perfection, productivity, work, whatever it is,” said Jon Boynton-Lee the emcee and close friend of Fairweather. The two were talking about impossible dreams over coffee and Fairweather’s impossible dream was to write a book and Boynton-Lee’s was to write and star in a movie. A couple of years later, they have both done it. 

Born with a congenital aortic valve defect, Fairweather was always destined for open-heart surgery but never expected to need it at just 28 years of age. Following the successful heart surgery, he experienced several further complications, including a stroke ten years later, followed by a devastating, life-threatening loss of blood in the same year. Adding insult to injury was a brutal cancer diagnosis in 2023, after a misdiagnosis the year before, and a successful fight to remission. 

Fairweather said, “The book is about a simple idea that changed my life. It’s about a mission to share a message with as many people as possible and hopefully make their journeys through life just a little bit lighter. That idea found me at the lowest point in my life, where I experienced debilitating levels of anxiety to the point that I just made a decision that this can’t be for nothing. And I think that’s become a central theme of this book is to turn pain into purpose and to use your adversity for your advantage.” 

This is an inspirational journaling of thoughts and a discovery of meaning and peace born from the depths of severe anxiety. The aim of this book is simple: to feel healed, healthy and stronger, while offering practical, effective lessons to navigate mental health struggles with greater ease. 

 This deeply personal account of life at the height of severe anxiety combines vulnerability, authenticity, humour, and practical solutions to help manage day-to-day anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. It’s a patient’s perspective, filled with golden nuggets of coping mechanisms and processes aimed at short- to medium-term peace and recovery. 

 It’s honest. It’s raw. It’s deeply human. And above all, it’s hopeful. 

 Fairweather reassured attendees that he did intend to write a second book, The Hell Inside Our Heads, Sports Edition, a story worth telling, around high performing athletes and coaches and the mental struggles they content with, and rise above.

 The book is intentionally structured as a non-profit project, with all proceeds redirected toward purchasing additional copies for donation and support for nominated charities in time. 

 Available from Exclusive Books, Estoril Books, selective Bargain Books and Reader’s Warehouse, Takealot, Amazon, Loot.co.za also available on e-readers via Amazon Kindle and Apple Books and https://traceymcdonaldpublishers.com

Follow Brandon on Instagram: @brandonfairweather 

Publisher: Tracey McDonald Publishers 

ISBN: 978-1-0672290-8-5 

Format: Paperback 

Genre: Memoir/Health & Wellness 

RRP: R290 

Book size: 215x140mm 

Page extent: 288pp 

Publication Date: June 2026 

Also available as an ebook: 

eBook ISBN: 978-1-0672290-9-2 

Hollard Daredevil Run Hands Over R1.2M and Kicks Off 2026 Campaign

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Hollard Daredevil Run Hands Over R1.2M and Kicks Off 2026 Campaign

Hollard has donated R1 200 000 to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation, with every rand raised by the purple speedo-clad heroes who took part in the 2025 Daredevil Run. At the same event, the 2026 campaign was officially launched and South African men will be called upon to lace up, strip down and do it all again!

Seventeen years in and the Hollard Daredevil Run shows no signs of putting its trousers back on. Under this year’s tagline “Lekker Balls; Lekker Life”, the 2026 cheque handover and campaign launch took place today at Hollard Campus in Parktown, Johannesburg.

The R1.2 million raised in the 2025 Hollard Daredevil Run was formally handed over to CANSA and the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) to fund awareness campaigns, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening and patient support. “The Hollard Daredevil Run is an unforgettable experience that raises awareness in a fun, engaging manner and sparks dialogue about men’s health in a non-threatening way,” says Hazel Chimhandamba, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Hollard.

“In 2024, we raised R1 million, 100% of which went directly to supporting prostate and testicular cancer awareness programmes. We are incredibly grateful to every Daredevil who dared to run in a purple speedo. It takes a special kind of bravery to turn heads for something that truly matters. Because behind all the laughs is a very serious mission: getting more men to check in on their health and each other,” adds Hazel.

The stakes are real. Prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in South African men. One in eight men is expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with Black African men facing a 60% higher risk than other population groups. South Africa’s mortality rate due to prostate cancer is particularly high, largely due to underscreening, sociocultural stigmas and lack of health education.

Testicular cancer, while less widespread, is most common in young men aged 15-49, affecting approximately 1 in every 250 males. When caught early, it is highly treatable. A two-minute self-examination can detect lumps, swelling, or changes early, that’s considerably less time than it takes to run 5km in a purple speedo and the payoff is just as big.

A simple Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test for men over 40 can detect elevated protein levels before a single symptom appears. “The Hollard Daredevil donation is the largest single donation the PCF receives each year,” says Andrew Oberholzer, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa. “The funds help PCF distribute accurate, multilingual educational material and keep free PSA screening programmes running nationwide.”

He goes on to say that the run has also contributed to the development of South Africa’s first comprehensive prostate cancer registry, launching in 2026, which will track incidence, treatment and outcomes. The campaign further funds PCF’s helpline and support networks for men and families navigating a diagnosis.

Lorraine Govender, National Manager: Health Programmes of CANSA states, “The Hollard Daredevil Run has become far more than a fundraising event – it’s helped build a national movement that encourages men to speak openly about their health and seek help sooner. We are incredibly grateful to Hollard and every participant whose courage and commitment enable CANSA to continue providing awareness, early detection, screening and support services to men across South Africa.”

The event returns to Zoo Lake in Johannesburg on Friday, 23 October at 3pm with participants elsewhere able to register and run in their own neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools or universities anywhere in the country.

Registrations for the 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run open from 1 July and tickets will be available from Ticketpro at R200, which includes the courier of a registration pack and a complimentary purple speedo.

For more information, go to www.hollard.co.za/daredevilrun.