White Star, one of South Africa’s most trusted and loved maize meal brands, has made a heartfelt comeback to KwaZulu-Natal with its new campaign titled “Own Your Shine.” More than a relaunch, the initiative celebrates the deep cultural roots, strong food traditions and vibrant community spirit that define the province.

For years, White Star has held a special place in South African homes. It is more than maize meal, it represents comfort, togetherness and heritage passed down across generations. With this new campaign, the brand strengthens its bond with the people of KZN, reaffirming its connection with families who have grown up with its familiar taste.

The campaign highlights three inspiring personalities who proudly represent KZN:
• Zamani Mbatha, a well-known actor from Umlazi, admired for his ambition, values and storytelling.
• Azana, an award-winning Afro-soul singer from Durban whose voice captures the feeling of homecoming.
• Chef Lucia Mthiyane, a celebrated KZN-born chef known for her passion for traditional flavours and generational recipes.

From township kitchens to large family gatherings, White Star has long been part of everyday life in KZN. Through this campaign, the brand will reconnect with communities through vibrant local activations and uplifting initiatives across Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Umlazi, KwaMashu, Inanda and surrounding areas.

“KwaZulu-Natal holds a powerful place in the heart of our national narrative. It is a province rich in culture and community spirit,” says Jonita Cuff, Marketing Manager for White Star. “Our brand’s values are deeply rooted in these same qualities. Through this campaign, we are honouring the proud spirit of KwaZulu-Natal and celebrating local families with a brand that has always belonged here. No matter where life takes us, the taste of home will always be White Star.”

As a tribute to KZN’s artistic heritage, White Star has partnered with Cosmo Extraordinary Creations, a local artisan group known for their beautiful beadwork inspired by Zulu culture. This collaboration includes a limited-edition set of beaded wooden spoons, a meaningful nod to the traditional role wooden spoons play in preparing pap. The partnership seamlessly blends culture, craft and cuisine, celebrating homegrown artistry and everyday cooking traditions.

Cosmo Mafoti, founder of Cosmo Extraordinary Creations, shares, "Being part of a brand that has been an integral part of so many South African homes is truly an honour. Our beadwork tells the story of Zulu culture and tradition, and to see it paired with something as cherished as White Star pap feels like a perfect harmony of heritage and community. We are proud to bring this beautiful art to the everyday kitchen, making each meal a celebration of who we are."

The “Own Your Shine” campaign will roll out through Shisa Nyama activations, in-store visits, product sampling, media events and township engagements. Along with this, consumer rewards will bring added value and joy to families across the province, reinforcing White Star’s place as a brand that truly belongs to KZN.

Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island has announced the promotion of Manas Lal to the role of Hotel Manager, appreciating his leadership, operational strength and consistent focus on elevating guest experiences.

In this new role, Manas will guide the resort’s overall direction with a focus on service excellence, team development and strengthening Pullman’s presence as a preferred choice for both leisure and business travellers visiting Ras Al Khaimah. With the resort’s recent renovation now completed, he will also ensure the refreshed spaces and upgraded facilities continue to enhance the guest journey and support the property’s market positioning.

Manas has been a key contributor to the success of Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island over the last four years. Serving most recently as Director of Operations, he has played an important role in improving service quality, boosting operational efficiency and contributing to stronger guest satisfaction. His experience across respected hospitality brands in the UAE and India has helped him build deep expertise in hotel operations, quality assurance and revenue-focused strategies.

Evan Harrington, Cluster General Manager, said, “Manas has consistently gone beyond the expected, combining sharp commercial acumen with a genuine passion for hospitality and guest experience. His leadership comes at a pivotal moment for Ras Al Khaimah and for our resort and I am confident he will help unlock a new chapter of growth and innovation as we showcase our enhanced, post-renovation offerings on Al Marjan Island.”

Expressing his gratitude, Manas said, “It is a privilege to take on this role and continue serving a property that I hold in high regard. I look forward to building on our achievements and introducing the renewed Pullman experience to both returning and future guests.”

As Manas steps into this leadership role, Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island is set to further strengthen its presence on Al Marjan Island through exceptional service delivery, improved guest engagement and a refreshed operational approach that reflects the spirit of its newly revitalised spaces.

Emirates is adding festive cheer to every part of the travel experience this December, inviting passengers to enjoy the warmth and joy of Christmas from the moment they begin their journey. With more than 2.3 million departures and 2.5 million arrivals expected in the coming weekends, customers flying with Emirates can look forward to winter-themed menus, special treats, and holiday entertainment.

Throughout the month, the airline is serving festive flavours in all classes. From 17 to 26 December, customers can enjoy aromatic hot chocolate across all cabins. Between 24 and 26 December, travellers departing Dubai will receive seasonal treats, including dark chocolate truffles in Economy Class, homemade gingerbread cookies in Premium Economy and Business Class, and a raspberry Paris-Brest pastry in First Class.

In First, Business, and Premium Economy Class, festive dining begins with dishes like salmon gravadlax marinated in beetroot and orange, pickled herring with potato and quail egg salad, or smoked salmon topped with crab mayonnaise and salmon roe. Main courses include classic turkey with jus, chestnut and turkey bacon stuffing, truffle potato gratin, caramelised chestnuts, and roasted brussels sprouts. Select routes will also offer dishes such as herb-crusted lamb shank, duck confit glazed in cranberry jus lié, and seared venison with sage butter and blackberry sauce. Desserts continue the celebrations, with First Class guests receiving an edible Santa made from fresh strawberries and cream.

Economy Class passengers will enjoy roasted turkey with chestnut and turkey bacon roulade, maple-roasted parsnips, and desserts like orange-soaked fruit cake or a mini mousse cake decorated with one of Santa’s reindeer.

At the A380 Onboard Lounge, the festivities continue with sweet treats such as mince pies, stollen, panettone, festive macarons, ginger profiteroles, dark chocolate ganache, cranberry financier, hazelnut and cranberry jars, biscotti, and candy canes. Guests can also enjoy a hearty Christmas sandwich filled with turkey, roast beef, cheddar, cranberry sauce, and chilli tomato relish. Seasonal selfie props are available for passengers to capture festive moments.

From 15 to 31 December, Emirates’ First and Business Class lounges in Dubai transform into festive culinary spaces offering traditional roasted turkey with jus and cranberry sauce, glazed chestnuts, vegetables, and new potatoes. Guests can enjoy festive cocktails like the Emirates Cognac Crème Panettone and a refined Champagne selection, including Moët & Chandon Ice Brut and Ice Rosé, paired with special sorbets. Elegant new canapés such as foie gras bon bons and miso-pumpkin tart are also part of the menu. Desserts include traditional stollen, mince pies, apple pie with cinnamon ice cream, and cranberry sorbet. Visitors can warm up with gingerbread lattes or Galaxy hot chocolate by Costa Coffee.

Across Emirates lounges worldwide, guests will find Christmas dishes tailored to regional tastes in countries including Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK and the USA.

The celebrations also extend to fine wines and Champagne. In First Class, Emirates will debut the rare Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2, 2006, along with wines from the airline’s exclusive cellar, including Montrachet Grand Cru 2013 – Bouchard & Fils and Château Montrose 2005. Business Class will offer wines such as Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion 2010, Chateau Olivier 2010, Beaune du Chateau 1er Cru 2020, Two Hands Bella's Garden Shiraz 2021, and Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2020. Premium Economy travellers can enjoy wines like Tenuta Luce Lucente 2021 and Chablis Saint Martin Michel Laroche 2023 or choose the exclusive Chandon Vintage Brut 2018.

Emirates will also celebrate Orthodox Christmas from 24 December to 8 January on flights between Russia, Cyprus, Ethiopia and Dubai. First and Business Class menus will feature dishes such as Olivier salad, lobster tail with celeriac purée and Sevruga caviar, pickled herring, smoked salmon with crab mayonnaise, duck confit with cranberry jus lié, herb-crusted lamb shank, and festive desserts like white chocolate and peppermint mousse cake with cranberry compote or chocolate gingerbread cake with cranberry jelly. Economy Class offerings include Russian potato salad, Waldorf salad, barbecued chicken with chestnut and turkey bacon roulade, creamy beef stroganoff, and desserts such as peppermint mousse or classic fruit cake.

Emirates’ inflight entertainment, ice, will feature 39 Christmas movies, including new releases like Tinsel Town and Dear Santa, along with classic favourites like Last Christmas, The Holiday, Elf, The Polar Express, and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer from 1964. Passengers can also explore 42 Christmas TV shows and specials, along with festive music albums and playlists.

Travellers searching for last-minute gifts can explore the EmiratesRED Winter 2025 catalogue featuring over 300 products from brands such as Armani, Creed, Amouage, YSL, Kilian, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Customers using the EmiratesRED pre-order service will receive a 10% discount with the code RED10. Emirates’ festive capsule collection at the Emirates Official Store offers Christmas jumpers, family pyjamas, themed stockings, hats, and mugs.

Emirates is also encouraging festive kindness with its ‘You Donate, Emirates Doubles’ initiative, where the airline will match customer donations up to $10,000 to support the Emirates Airline Foundation. Donations can be made in any currency through envelopes onboard or via credit card, cheque, Skywards miles, or bank transfer.