There’s so much to love about the Easter weekend – the extra-long break, family lunches, spontaneous getaways, chocolate eggs, and making memories with loved ones.
As South Africans prepare for the long Easter weekend, some of the country’s most loved celebrities are pressing pause, leaning into family traditions, and finding moments of rest, reflection and celebration, each in their own unique way. Here’s how they are spending the Easter weekend.
Lalela Mswane, Former Miss South Africa
For former Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane, Easter is deeply rooted in family traditions. The long weekend sees her extended family come together for a few days filled with faith and fun. “I have two siblings so Easter weekend is hosted by one of us. We’ll be spending time with my brother, his wife and two daughters, my sister and her partner, myself and my partner and my mom,” the Tropika Island Of Treasure contestant says. “We arrive at whoever is hosting on the Thursday and attend church on the morning of Good Friday. After church we have lunch and game time – anything from Monopoly, Charades, 30 Seconds and cards. On the Saturday it’s normally relaxed and we do a movie marathon from the afternoon into the evening. Resurrection Sunday we’re back at church for the morning service followed by lunch at home and an egg hunt for the kids, although being the last born at home, I include myself because I’ll always be a baby in my family’s eyes!”
Xola Ntshinga, Jacaranda FM Radio Personality
Xola Ntshinga, who wakes up South Africa as part of Jacaranda FM’s beloved breakfast show Breakfast With Martin Bester, is prioritising stillness after a busy start to the year – and a birthday celebration. “A priority for me over this Easter break is trying to get some rest. A lot has happened so far this year not just here, but the rest of the world, so to get to switch off a bit will be very welcome. It won’t be as quiet as I would like, however, as Good Friday is preceded by my birthday which falls on the day before so there will be a little celebration. I also plan on getting out of the big city and head to the bush for two nights to complete my attempt to shut down so I can be ready, refreshed and rearing for the second quarter of the year when we return to breakfast radio on Jacaranda FM’s Breakfast With Martin Bester.”
Shandor Larenty, Group Wildlife and Conservation Manager at the Lion & Safari Park
For content creator and Group Wildlife and Conservation Manager at the Lion & Safari Park, Shandor Larenty, Easter is all about reconnecting with nature and slowing things down. Over Easter, I’m planning on getting out for a hike, which is always my happy place and the perfect way for me to reset and recharge,” he says. “There’s something about being outdoors and surrounded by nature that really helps me switch off and take a breather from the pace of everyday life. I’ll also be spending the long weekend with friends, making the most of the slower pace, good company, and a bit of well-needed downtime. For me, Easter is always a nice moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect.”
Carol Ofori, Radio Personality and Author
Radio personality Carol Ofori is also embracing the spiritual significance of the weekend with her family. “Easter is a special time for us as a Christian family. We start the morning by going to church on Good Friday, come home and have a meal together and remember the life of Christ and what happened on Good Friday. On Sunday, we repeat the process, but it is more joyous as He has risen. This year, however, we’re off to the Pumula Beach Hotel so on Friday morning we will wake up and pray and read the bible as a family before we go down for breakfast. The hotel has activities for the kids so they will indulge in egg hunts and on Sunday morning we will also spend some time in deep prayer. This year, we’re excited to travel as a family.”
Leandie du Randt, Actress, Presenter and Entrepreneur
While many will be using the long weekend to rest, Leandie du Randt, will be working. “Usually I go away with my father and brother and his family but this year I am actually working. I am the MC at the music festival HART EN HAAS on Saturday in Hartenbos then I will go spend the Sunday and Monday with my family-in-law in Cape Town,” the Tropika Island Of Treasure contestant says. “Easter for me is a lovely way to celebrate my belief with loved ones but I also do believe that it should be done regularly and anywhere and anytime.”
Nay Maps, Actor and Musician
This Easter weekend, Nay Maps is keeping it simple and meaningful with family. “I am planning to spend time with my family this Easter weekend. We will, of course, be going to church and spending time praising God as a family. We find it important because Easter is symbolic to the life of Christ and how Christ laid his life for us so we could be better people.”
At its heart, Easter remains a time to slow down and be present. Whether it’s through faith, family, or a bit of well-earned rest, Mzansi’s stars are making the most of the long weekend in ways that feel meaningful to them.
