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Category: Community Stories

Moments that matter, stories that inspire.

In this section, I share photo and video coverage from events that bring people together — from fundraisers and festivals to local initiatives and inspiring community efforts. These are the real, unscripted stories happening around us, captured through my lens to celebrate connection, resilience, and the human spirit.

  • FURR FIESTA DOG SHOW 2025

    FURR FIESTA DOG SHOW 2025

    A Doggone Great Day
    Out in White River!

    The Furr Fiesta Dog Show returned to Rob Ferreira High School on June 7th, and what a tail-wagging celebration it was! With an early start and a packed schedule of activities, this year’s event was bigger, furrier, and more fun than ever — bringing together dog lovers, families, vendors, and some of the most adorable four-legged stars in the Lowveld.

    From Sunrise Setups
    to Sunset Shenanigans

    The day began at 06:00 as eager vendors arrived to set up the market stalls, offering everything from pet treats and handmade crafts to delicious snacks and local goods. As the sun rose, the air was filled with excitement — and by 08:00, the music was playing, setting the mood for the fun ahead.

    At 09:00, Lowveld Canine Coaching kicked off the show with a paws-itively impressive demonstration, showcasing obedience, agility, and teamwork between handlers and their dogs.

    The Main Event: Dog Show Competitions

    From 10:00 onwards, the show arena became the heart of the fiesta, featuring a variety of fun and feel-good competitions:

    1. Loveliest Lady – The queens of the dog world took the spotlight at 10:00
    2. Handsome Guy – The dashing dogs followed at 10:30
    3. Best Party Trick – From twirls to high-fives, this crowd-favourite ran at 11:00
    4. Disabled Doggie – A beautiful moment of resilience and inspiration at 11:30
    5. Best Rescue Story – Tears and cheers at 12:00 for these heroic tails
    6. Golden Oldie – Our wise and wonderful seniors stole hearts at 12:30
    7. Worshond on the Go – A sausage dog sprint not to be missed at 13:00
    8. Coolest Yorkie in the Lowveld – Tiny dogs, huge personality at 14:00
    9. Look-Alike (Owner & Dog) – Double trouble and laugh-out-loud fun at 14:30
    10. Fashion Show – From bowties to tutus, the runway went to the dogs at 15:00

    Loveliest Lady

    Handsome Guy

    Best Party Trick

    Disabled Doggie

    Best Rescue Story

    Golden Oldie

    Worshond
    on the Go

    Coolest Yorkie
    in the Lowveld

    Look-Alike
    (Owner & Dog)

    Fashion Show

    Special Features
    and Prize Announcements

    The afternoon continued with heartfelt moments and community celebration:

    • At 15:35, SAACA (South African Animal Cancer Association) shared their mission and raised awareness for pets facing cancer.
    • The Mascot for 2025 was revealed at 16:00, winning hearts and big barks of approval.
    • Creative competitions followed:
      • Crochet or Knit Winners at 16:30
      • Paper Plate Art Winners at 17:00

    After-Dog Party

    As the sun dipped low, the Furr Fiesta wrapped up with a bang — the After-Dog Party kicked off at 17:30, offering a chance for everyone to relax, mingle, and celebrate a day full of love, laughter, and wagging tails. Music, dancing, and dog-friendly snacks made for the perfect end to a perfect day.

    The music stage lit up with a vibrant local lineup that had the crowd dancing, relaxing, and celebrating into the evening:

    Pieter Rischmuller

    Coenie & Band

    Die Samesyn

    Just Sam

    Tiffany

    Zane

    Whether you stayed to groove or just soaked up the vibe, the afterparty was the cherry on top of an unforgettable Furr Fiesta.

    Thank You for Making It Pawsome

    Huge thanks to all the organisers, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees — and of course, the dogs — who made Furr Fiesta 2025 such a special success. From the early birds who came to set up, to the late-night dancers at the After-Dog Party, this event was a celebration of community, compassion, and canine joy.

    Help Us Make the Joy of Furr Fiesta
    Last All Year Long

    Furr Fiesta may be over, but the mission continues — and you can make a difference.

    The heart behind this event beats strongest at Pro Life Pet Rescue, where every day is about giving abandoned, mistreated, and forgotten pets a second chance at love and life. With a strict no-euthanasia policy, this Nelspruit-based non-profit is driven by compassion and community — and they need your help to keep tails wagging.

    Adopt

    Give a forever home to a dog or cat who’s been waiting for someone just like you.

    Foster

    Open your heart and home temporarily while we search for a match.

    Donate

    Every cent helps pay for vet care, food, and shelter — no gift is too small.

    Give Goods

    Have old clothes, furniture, books, or pet gear? Drop them at the Pro Life charity shop — it helps feed hungry bellies.

    Banking Details

    Pro Life Pet Rescue

    Standard Bank Nelspruit
    Account number: 03 02 609 65
    Branch code: 052852

    This Event was
    Sponsered by

    All Proceeds Are In Aid
    of Pro Life Pet Rescue

    Until the next event,
    Jean-Maurice Dhooge
    Photographer & Videographer

    Audio & Visual Content Creation

    Your Vision Our Mission

  • MBSDH – Potjiekos Competition 2025

    MBSDH – Potjiekos Competition 2025

    Fundraiser Potjiekos Competition in Aid of the Blind

    Capturing the Heart of Community: MBSDH Potjiekos Fundraiser 2025

    On March 21, I had the honour of capturing a truly inspiring event hosted by the Mpumalanga Blind Skills Development Hub (MBSDH) — the annual Potjiekos Fundraiser held at Bush Baby Pub & Grill.

    This day was more than just a culinary competition; it was a vibrant celebration of inclusion, talent, and community spirit.

    As a photographer and videographer, I’m often behind the scenes, but this particular event pulled me into the heart of something powerful — a reminder of what can be achieved when a community rallies behind a meaningful cause.

    A Flavourful Cause

    The Potjiekos competition brought together five energetic teams, each with four members stirring their way to delicious, slow-cooked perfection.

    What made this cook-off especially remarkable was that two teams included blind or visually impaired individuals, all of whom showcased independence, creativity, and skill in the kitchen.

    It was a proud moment to witness and document — proof that accessibility and empowerment are not just ideals, but realities when people are given the opportunity.

    Entertainment filled the day with joyful rhythm and emotional resonance.

    A major highlight was the debut of the original “Potjiekos” song, written and performed by MBSDH’s very own visually impaired artists: Vuyani Dube, Thabang Ndlovu, and Sithembiso Mnguni.

    Their performance had the entire venue singing along — a testament to the unifying power of music.If you haven’t seen the music video yet, I highly recommend checking it out: POTJIEKOS – MBSDH on YouTube.

    Additional performances from Winnette Strydom and Quiniso Mabaso brought warmth and charisma to the atmosphere.

    With Jannette Strydom as the MC, the event flowed seamlessly, and the audience stayed engaged from start to finish.

    Purpose Beyond
    the Plate

    Beyond the entertainment and the mouthwatering aromas of potjiekos, the day also featured educational moments.

    Francois Marais gave an eye-opening demonstration on assistive technology for the blind, while Richard Grannum spoke passionately about the value of guide dogs — underscoring the importance of support, awareness, and continued advocacy for people with visual impairments.

    Making It Happen

    This event wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of Sibinjala, Breet Braai, MBSDH, and the generous team at Bush Baby Pub & Grill who hosted the event.

    A special thanks goes to Zandre Pelser, who not only helped organise the day but also reminded us of a critical truth: with the right tools and trust, blind people can thrive independently.

    For more information on special needs events, contact Zandré Pelser at 084 518 7737.

    Making It Happen

    As the person behind the lens, I aimed to document not just the activities, but the emotion and purpose behind every moment. Events like these are a reminder of why I do what I do — to tell stories that matter.

    A Heartfelt Thank You to the Sponsors

    No community event thrives without the generosity of those who believe in the cause. A sincere thank you goes out to all the sponsors and supporters who made this day possible. From providing ingredients and prizes to offering time, energy, and resources, your contributions helped turn this fundraiser into a celebration of ability, dignity, and togetherness.

    Until the next event,
    Jean-Maurice Dhooge
    Photographer & Videographer

    Audio & Visual Content Creation

    Your Vision Our Mission