As we begin the second week of the lockdown, people have become ever more creative in putting useful and entertaining things online for us to join in. #Trending rounds up online activities – for you and the kids – that will help with the constraints of confinement.
TINTSWALO SAFARI LODGE FREE VIRTUAL SAFARIS
It’s an opportune moment to consider our planet. Global emissions are down since we stepped into this time of isolation. The air seems clearer and, of course, the roads are emptier.
Take a virtual safari for free at the renowned five-star Tintswalo Safari Lodge.
Said Lisa Goosen, chief executive officer of Tintswalo: “The national lockdown has been very challenging for humans, but in the bush nature continues undisturbed as it has since the beginning of time. The conservation of our nature reserves and the protection of our precious wildlife remain a priority for the Tintswalo family.” Within the greater Kruger National Park region, the Tintswalo wildlife management team in the Manyeleti Game Reserve will be “on the beat” in the bush throughout the lockdown and “continues to monitor and safeguard our vulnerable fauna and flora”.
South Africa has some of the most majestic natural sights that, even if you cannot visit personally now, you can still experience through the reserve’s online video. “You can take a look at the lion and rhino and, if we stay on track, you’ll be making a physical booking in no time.”
Tiktok gymIKTOK GYM
TikTok has a plethora of content creators, and many are in the business of keeping you in shape. Their workouts are short, simple and fun and you don’t need any fancy equipment to follow along. Some great accounts to follow include @KellyKiKx, @chanegrobler and @bongiwebeepinana. We especially love Bongiwe’s dance routines.
Virtual gallery tours
Various galleries have made their offerings available to view through virtual tours. At the Standard Bank Art Gallery, you can view the Lumieres D’Afriques exhibition, made up of 54 pieces by 54 artists from 54 African countries, from the comfort of your own home. In Cape Town, the Zeitz Mocaa’s #MocaaFromYourCouch campaign highlights an artist, an exhibition or a display for its followers on social media each day, with each post giving a description of the artwork featured and a link to find out more. The museum has also done some 3D mapping for a few previous exhibitions and an audio tour through their SoundCloud channel. Check it out on their websites and social media.
MTN GiGYMa
Available on MTN’s Youtube channel and on social media @MTNza, GiGYMA is a digital home-based workout series that is easily accessible from any smartphone, tablet, laptop, or PC. Described as “a workout series by a South African woman, for South African women, using household items”, it features social media fitness trainer Ncumisa Pongoma showcasing how everyday household items can help you get into shape and keep up with your fitness goals while at home.
For instance, she makes clever use of a broomstick for one exercise. Each workout is about 5 minutes long, making it perfect for beginners.
YUPPIECHEF ONLINE COOKING CLASSES
Ordering takeaways has been put on pause for the next couple of weeks, so you might need help in the kitchen. Step up your skills with Yuppiechef’s online cooking courses, which vary in price and cover everything from cooking with fish (R195) to creating your own craft beer (R195).
The most expensive package is a lifetime cooking school bundle (R600), but its bakery course is free. Professional chefs Peter Goffe-Wood, Sarah Graham and Franck Dangereux will help the time fly by with their tricks of the trade.
. Available at yuppiechef.com/cooking-school.htm
QUARANTINE CONCERTS
There have been a slew of these in the US but not as many as one might expect locally. Nadia Nakai offered a performance with her #StayHome and Rap #WithMe performance on her YouTube channel.
The most notable is a lockdown House party featuring DJ Zinhle, Shimza and DJ Maphorisa, which was trending and sparked people to share their quarantine jam sessions as deejays played from a safe location.
Cassper Nyovest hit us with a TikTok concert on Thursday. Keep following your favourite stars on social media for more concerts.
PEP UP YOUR LOVED ONE
Reaching out to your loved ones virtually can really brighten up a day of self-isolation. myFanPark is a platform where fans can be gifted with personalised video messages from their favourite celebrities. How about getting Bonnie Mbuli to give your kid a pep talk, or Coconut Kelz to offer some laughter and sass, or Fezile Mkhize to motivate, or Gigi Lamayne to lift your spirits?
Other talent includes Gift Motupa, Hanyani Shimange, Katlego Maboe, Kuli Roberts, Lesedi Matsunyane-Ferguson, Letoya Makhene, Mbali Sibeko, Priddy Ugly and Zola Nene. From birthday wishes and messages of congratulation, to parents separated from their children telling them just how much they miss them, to marriage proposals and a pregnancy announcement – now your favourite public figure can do it for you. Prices for talent vary from R200 to R1 500.
LITERATURE PODCAST
Soundafrica.org is one of the most listened to podcasts in the country and it offers authors a platform to explain their books, world views and ideas for their next projects. If you’re looking to delve into more local literature, then you are just a click away from tapping into an abundant source.
FREE COVID-19 CATCH-UP COURSES
Mozambik restaurants has partnered with education group TutorBox, Mix 93.8 FM, The Citizen, Edgars Club and Mango Airlines to launch gratis online high school catch-up classes for grades 10 to 12, as well as digital edutainment packs to download to keep younger children entertained during the lockdown. The edutainment sets were designed by TutorBox’s education and childhood development specialists, with catch-up tutoring courses presented in a live-streaming environment by TutorBox’s teachers and tutors. Registration is open now, with the courses commencing on April 9.
“While there is limited space available for the live sessions, a rebroadcast will be made available and run for a period of time after the live course, dependent on demand,” says the group. There is also a cool activity puzzle pack you can download. All are available at mozambik.co.za and tutorbox.co.za with Covid-19 Catch Up registrations at covidcatchup.co.za
READ EDUCATIONAL TRUST HOME ACTIVITIES
READ Educational Trust is giving parents and children across South Africa access to a series of home activities called Busy “B” Activities, during the period of mandatory lockdown. Available through links on all its websites and social media pages, the Busy “B” Series will help you keep your children positively engaged at home. Every activity is 100% free and caters for kids from Grade 4 through to high school.
Visit read.org.za/busy-bee-home-activities/ to download the activities and follow them on Facebook at READEduTrust or Twitter@READEduTrust
It has been an interesting week with people coming up with spontaneous ways to help you wind down. Rapper Cassper Nyovest challenged Trevor Noah to a game of online Fifa, and his music nemesis, AKA, laid down a boxing challenge to him. Here are other internet preoccupations we recommend:
. Available on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube via tintswalo.com