Festive fever gripped Zinkwazi Beach over the Christmas period thanks to the creativity and dedication of a group of residents affectionately known as The Fab 5.

Inspired by the festive spirit, Zinkwazi residents adorned their homes with lights and decorations to compete in the Christmas lights competition, judged by fellow homeowners.

The competition formed part of the town’s broader community initiative as residents joined The Fab 5 to raise funds for the Zinkwazi/Blythedale Conservancy and the Zamani Orphans Outreach.

Founded by Alet Nel, the group includes Zinkwazi Beach Residents and Ratepayers’ Association committee members Sue Bamber and Karen Fischer, along with landscapers Livia Isabella and Augenette Vanderplank.

Together, they combined their talents to crochet and knit Christmas decorations for the village’s traffic circles, sidewalks, trees and light poles. Their efforts were aimed not only at spreading festive cheer but also at raising funds for other local charities.

The Christmas lights competition added extra sparkle to the festivities. Cole Rencken and Karen and Darrel Fischer could not be separated, sharing the R1 500 first-place prize.

Second place was also shared, with Adrienne and Alan Antonites splitting the R750 prize with Angela and Martin Steenkamp. Shona and Derek Bothma claimed the ‘Spirit’ award, winning a photoshoot worth R1 000 and a photo framing voucher of R750.

Other winners included Michelle and Travis Victor, who received a R500 voucher from Zinkwazi Lagoon Lodge and a R200 voucher from Out-The-Box Biltong.

Larne and Jared Smit earned a R300 voucher from Darnall Country Club and R200 from Out-The-Box Biltong, while the Naude family won a R200 voucher from Out-The-Box Biltong.

Five Zinkwazians formed part of the judging panel: Carey and Tony van Raalte, Kirsty and Guy Heath, and Andrew Livingston.

“We would really like to thank all the judges for their time and assistance. We cannot praise them enough. They took the event and evening very seriously,” said Sue.

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