South Africa – 12th September 2025 – adidas and Pharrell Williams’ Humanrace unveil the Adizero EVO SL ‘Earth’ in White and Black colorways, officially available on 13th September. With a design rooted in the striking elite DNA of Adios Pro EVO 1, yet built for the full range of everyday movement, this iteration is for purpose-led runners, those who want to look and feel fast.
The footwear pack presents a minimalist White and black platform option rendered in a motion-blur effect across the upper and midsole, activating at speed. With green, blue, and brown stripes, the colorway nods to the colors of our planet, promoting unity and connection through movement. With full-length LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam underfoot, the shoe offers a high-stack, smooth, dynamic ride, deliberately powered without stiffening elements. The engineered mesh upper delivers zone-specific support for enhanced breathability where it matters most.
Together, adidas and Humanrace invite runners into a ritual of running reimagined, where movement becomes meaning, performance meets purpose, and intentions underlie motion. The Adizero EVO SL ‘Earth’ reframes running not only as a sport, but as a holistic practice and everyday act of care for body, mind, and spirit. It’s built for the fast moments and the slow ones, offering cushioning that supports recovery just as much as acceleration.
This perspective positions running as a part of a broader ecosystem of wellbeing: a way to reset, restore, and strengthen. Through the Adizero EVO SL ‘Earth’, adidas and Humanrace encourage the community to see running as more than mileage; it’s a daily rhythm of wellness, mindfulness, and design-led innovation. Movement becomes a source of energy, clarity, and balance with the EVO SL as a tool for both performance and renewal.
“Humanrace is about transforming the everyday into the intentional – by creating tools that champion a way of living where individual and collective well-being are inseparable. With the Adizero EVO SL, Humanrace and adidas are bringing intention to running and the act of recovery. Every run with the Adizero EVO SL is a chance to align mind, body, and purpose, creating moments of performance in service of being well,” said Pharrell Williams.
Retailing for R3299, the Humanrace Adizero EVO SL by Pharrell Williams in ‘Earth’ colorways will be available at Sandton Halo store and at adidas.co.za on 13th September.
Johannesburg, 26 August 2025 | This World Wild Dog Day, celebrated annually on 26 August, the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve is shining the spotlight on one of Africa’s most remarkable and endangered predators: the African Wild Dog. Known for their striking coats, highly social packs, and incredible teamwork, these charismatic animals play a vital role in the balance of our ecosystems.
“African Wild Dogs are one of the most fascinating animals to observe and learn about. Their social bonds, resilience, and intelligence make them truly unique,” saysDidi Mahlo, field ranger at the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve. “This World Wild Dog Day, we want to inspire South Africans to celebrate and protect these animals, because they are an essential part of our natural heritage.”
As part of its mission to protect wildlife and educate the public, the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve shares 10 fascinating facts about African Wild Dogs and encourages readers to visit the reserve to see these incredible animals up close.
They are not actually “dogs.”
African wild dogs belong to the genus Lycaon. This makes them a distinct species from domestic dogs and other canids like wolves and jackals. Their scientific name, Lycaon pictus, translates to “painted wolf,” a reference to their unique coat.
Every dog has a unique coat.
No two African wild dogs have the same coat pattern. Their chaotic, colourful blotches of yellow, brown, black, and white are like human fingerprints and can be used by researchers to identify individual dogs.
They are one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores.
With an estimated population of only about 6,600 adults, African wild dogs are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. They face threats from habitat loss, human conflict, and infectious diseases from domestic dogs.
They have a 90% hunting success rate.
African wild dogs are incredibly efficient hunters, with a success rate far higher than lions or cheetahs. This is due to their exceptional teamwork and stamina, which allows them to outlast their prey in long, high-speed chases.
They vote on hunts by “sneezing.”
Before a hunt, pack members perform a ritual that involves a series of social sneezes. Researchers believe this is a form of consensus-building, where a flurry of sneezes can signal the group’s readiness to begin the hunt.
The entire pack helps raise the pups.
In a pack, only the alpha male and female breed. However, all members of the pack take on the responsibility of raising and feeding the pups, even regurgitating food for them when they are young.
They have massive ears.
Wild dogs have large, rounded ears that look a bit like satellite dishes. These ears help them hear faint sounds from far away, but they also serve a crucial purpose in helping the dogs dissipate body heat in the hot African climate.
They have only four toes.
Unlike most canids who have five toes on their front feet, the African wild dog has a unique physical characteristic: four toes on each foot and no dewclaws. This is thought to be an adaptation for speed.
They care for the old and sick.
Wild dogs are known for their altruistic behaviour. If a pack member is old, sick, or injured, the other dogs will continue to bring them food and care for them until they recover.
They have a very specific vocal range.
Instead of barking, wild dogs communicate with a variety of unique sounds, including squeaks, hoots, and chattering sounds, to coordinate while on the move or during a hunt.
Visitors to the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve can see African Wild Dogs up close during educational game drives and feeding sessions. By seeing these incredible animals up close, the reserve hopes to educate visitors on why protecting these predators is so important.
For more information, visit https://www.rhinolion.co.za/ or the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve’s Facebook or Instagram pages.
A summer of movement, freedom, and effortless style — captured in Cape Town
Cape Town served as the scenic canvas for a new lifestyle feature starring Nigerian creative GABRIEL UNIGWE, styled and produced by independent fashion platform THE BEAU GUIDE, in a visual story that celebrates freedom, travel, and timeless style.
This seasonal editorial spotlights a pair of BIRKENSTOCK EVA silhouettes — the BOSTON EVA and ARIZONA EVA in the refined EGGSHELL tone — styled against the vast coastal beauty of the Mother City. The imagery captures barefoot elegance and a sense of grounded movement, with BIRKENSTOCK styles anchoring every step.
Crafted from one-piece molded EVA, these lightweight silhouettes are water-resistant, easy to wipe down, and perfect for beach settings — blending durability with the timeless, structured aesthetic BIRKENSTOCK is celebrated for. Whether oceanside, in the city, or somewhere in between, the EVA range offers freedom of movement without compromising on elegance.
“There’s a simplicity to these shoes that mirrors the way I want to live — light,grounded, and always moving,” says Gabriel Unigwe, who styled his looks with clean layers and neutral tones to reflect his nomadic spirit.
Shot as a visual travel diary, rather than a traditional campaign, this story is an ode to summer movement, personal style, and the quiet confidence of everyday wear. With a focus on lifestyle and location, it reflects the kind of effortless dressing that’s both practical and beautiful
Shop the latest BIRKENSTOCK styles online at www.bashafrica.com and in BIRKENSTOCK stores across South Africa.
Through the perspective of four protagonists, the campaign shot by Dan Carter celebrates South African stories and style. The campaign with the tagline #ComeBackToYou explores how BIRKENSTOCK fits into everyday moments and the rituals of ease which enable the protagonists to feel more human, more present, and more themselves.
In a world moving ever faster, slowing down is often seen as a luxury, an escape. But the campaign illustrates that the real relief lies in coming back to yourself, in reconnecting with your body and your joy. It’s not a break from life; it’s what allows us to live it more fully.
The four local creatives featured in the Come Back To You campaign are Phola Gumede, Celeste Jacobs, Bee Diamondhead, and Bathandwa Ngwendu.
Phola Gumede, a DJ and Content Creator who co-founded Homie.Lover.Friend, is an integral part of the local music scene’s heartbeat. Phola experiences comfort when flipping a vinyl and immersing in every detail of the music. When savouring a cup of tea with her partner, or at a gathering with loved ones.
Phola, who describes her style as “quirky yet relaxed,” feels at ease when relaxing in balloon pants, a T-shirt and cardigan, as well as her beloved pair of BIRKENSTOCK Bostons. “Feeling authentic and pure,” she says. “Not trying too hard or showing up as anyone but myself, no matter the circumstance.”
When endeavoring to come back to herself, writer, editor, and celebrated film photographer Celeste Jacobs leans into stillness, slow observation, and creativity. Some days, it’s writing without an end goal. Or it’s her well-worn Birks, learning a new song on guitar, or noticing shadows dancing on a wall.
Known for his cinematic eye and multi-sensory storytelling, Bathandwa Ngwendu is drawn to things that carry intention, whether it’s a well-written sentence, a beautifully shot frame, or a sandal designed to last. “BIRKENSTOCK doesn’t chase trends; it focuses on what lasts. That resonates deeply with how I tell stories and how I move through the world. Trends can be fun, but I always come back to pieces that have integrity, story, and staying power.”
A name synonymous with fashion and style, Creative Director and Costume Designer Bee Diamondhead lives a fast-paced life moving between sets, shoots and strategy meetings. For her, the meaning of Come Back To You is about conscious style and the relief of slipping into her pair of BIRKENSTOCK after a day in heels. It’s spending time alone on a solo walk and taking leisurely baths. Bee says being part of the Come Back To You campaign is affirmation that you can lead with authenticity and still shape culture.
Captured by photographer Dan Carter, Come Back To You embraces a return to self – supported by BIRKENSTOCK.
“Besides the obvious synergy that I live and work in my Birks, the dedication to authentic storytelling is something I admire about the brand and excites me to shoot,” said Dan.
Come Back To You highlights some of the most iconic and updated silhouettes, including the BOSTON in Suede, Oiled Leather, LEVE and Shearling options; the ARIZONA in Oiled Leather, Suede, Smooth Leather and Birkibuc finishes; along with the UJI and KYOTO Lena styles.
These styles are available online at www.bashafrica.com and in BIRKENSTOCK storesthroughout South Africa
Episode 9 delivers the long-brewing storm — the much-anticipated clash between the Zulu and the Ndwandwe.
Shaka (Lemogang Tsipa) is driven by an unyielding determination to avenge the death of Dingiswayo; Zwide(Wiseman Mncube) by his fury at the burning of his warriors and the loss of Cija. For Shaka, this is the moment his leadership will be truly tested.
Hungry for the fight, Shaka leads his men early to the chosen battleground. His battle plan is meticulous, but at the last moment he learns Mondisa of the Mthethwa will not send his army — halving Shaka’s expected forces. The betrayal stings, yet his resolve to avenge Dingiswayo does not waver.
As the massive Ndwandwe force approaches, Shaka calmly surveys the terrain, reorganising his tactics with precision. He demands his warriors trust him completely.
While Shaka commands the field, Nandi (Nomzamo Mbatha) moves urgently to strengthen the Zulu position through diplomacy. She secures support from the Mhlongo, then travels to the Qwabe. There, Phakathwayo offers his backing, but only if Shaka agrees to submit to him after the war. Nandi knows Shaka will never accept.
In stark contrast to Shaka’s strategic discipline, Zwide is blinded by arrogance and pride. He places his inexperienced son Nomhlanjana in command, sidelining the more capable Soshangana. Mzilikazi disappears from the Ndwandwe court and reappears at Shaka’s side — his defection both strategic and deeply personal. He will never forget seeing Zwide kill his father.
In the Ndwandwe capital, Goloza has had a vision of great importance to the battle. But grief and anger over Nyengelezi’s death keep him from telling his mother or warning Zwide.
Shaka’s army, even with Mzilikazi’s reinforcements, is far smaller than the mighty Ndwandwe, but his battlecraft is masterful. He lays trap after trap, drawing the Ndwandwe into disadvantage. On the field, Mzilikazi claims vengeance, killing one of Zwide’s sons. And then, one by one, the Ndwandwe princes fall to the Zulu blade.
Meanwhile, Sikhunyana adds urgency to the unfolding tragedy. After ensuring Hletjiwe’s safety, he persuades Golozato finally speak. The vision is clear: death will come for all of Zwide’s sons. But by the time the warning reaches the king, it is too late. Nomhlanjana is the final son, and he falls to Shaka’s spear — vengeance for Dingiswayo — as Zwidewatches helplessly.
The losses are not one-sided. Nyembezi, Liyana’s brother, also dies in the battle, his death sending ripples of grief through the Zulu ranks. Shaka remains composed, locking away his emotions until both sides retreat from the battle to regroup.
The power of this episode lies in its convergence: Nandi’s diplomacy, Mzilikazi’s betrayal, Sikhunyana’s warning, and Shaka’s brilliant strategy and execution all colliding at GqokliHill. Vengeance drives nearly everyone – Shaka for Dingiswayo, Mzilikazi for his father, Zwide for Cija.
As Zwide weeps, honouring each of his dead sons, he vows that Shaka will pay. The fire that burns inside him now will be felt by the Zulu.
Coming up in Episode 10
The Ndwandwes mourn. Zwide is shattered by heartbreak. Liyana confronts her grief, while Nandi uncovers a secret she must protect, even if it means defying her son.
Shaka iLembe season 2 is proudly sponsored by headline partner Telkom, associate partners Knorrox, Diageo and tactical partners Santam, Amka, Toyota, Spur, and Gordon’s Gin.
Missed the first two episodes of Shaka iLembe season 2? Watch it on Catch Up. For more information, viewers can visit the Shaka iLembe show page or join in the conversation by using #ShakaiLembeS2 on our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, X, and Tik Tok.