chronicle The Monocle
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A river cuts through rock not because of its power, but because of its persistence.
- Jim Watkins
Contents table
Netball
Hiking
Football
Mission Monocle
Netball club
The Netball Club kicked off the year with great momentum! We hosted a successful practice session that brought both new and returning players together. Our highlight this quarter was joining the ProVibes Corporate Challenge tournament, where we proudly won all three of our matches—an incredible achievement for the team. The energy, teamwork, and sportsmanship displayed have set a strong tone for the rest of the year.
We’re excited for the upcoming practice sessions and tournaments, and we encourage anyone curious to come check out a training session—we’d love to have you on court!
Football club
The Monocle Indoor Football Club continues to grow, welcoming several new joiners this quarter and showing promising development as a team. Competing weekly in Division 1 at Discovery Soccer Park Wanderers, we wrapped up the last season with a respectable mid-table finish.
Momentum is building both on and off the court as we prepare for the third edition of the Monocle Indoor Football Corporate Tournament this July—an exciting morning of league-style games where clients and colleagues alike come together to compete and connect. We look forward to another season of strong camaraderie and spirited play.
Arts & culture
In May, the Arts and Culture Club hosted a hands-on stained-glass workshop in collaboration with the talented team at Pisces Glass Studio. Held at the ever-vibrant Prison Break Market, 23 creatives gathered for a “Quick Class” that packed a punch in just four hours.
Under the expert guidance of Pisces Glass Studio, we dove into the copper foil technique and soldering basics. What emerged? A kaleidoscope of stunning creations - from delicate butterflies and quirky beer glasses to leafy plant designs and even a shimmering Golden Snitch (yes, Potterheads, we see you!).
Whether you were channelling your inner artisan or just there for the vibes, this event was a glowing success. Stay tuned for our upcoming events - because at the Arts and Culture Club, we don’t just make things… we make memories.
Boxing club
Over the past couple of months, we’ve seen a surge in interest in the Boxing Club, from complete beginners to highly skilled new joiners. This has reinforced the club’s inclusive spirit, welcoming members of all experience levels. To further encourage engagement and promote overall wellbeing, we’ve introduced a loyalty campaign, rewarding dedicated members with Kauai vouchers. This initiative not only celebrates commitment but also supports our community’s health and motivation.
The energy, diversity, and dedication shown this quarter have been truly inspiring, and we’re excited to keep building on this momentum.
Mission monocl e
Mission Monocle has had a lot to celebrate over the past few months and there is a huge amount to be proud of as a company. Significantly, we officially opened the new kitchen we had built for Diepsloot Primary School, which will help to provide a healthy meal to over 1,000 learners a day. This was a major upgrade from their existing facilities and is part of an ongoing support programme we have with the school.
We are excited for our upcoming Mandela Day event later in July, so watch out for an email coming out soon on how you can get involved and help us to raise R67,000!
We also kicked off our Matric Maths Tutoring programme on the 10th of May, which added huge value to a group of the Tomorrow Trust’s Matric learners. We will be having five tutoring days throughout the year, with the next one taking place on the 2nd of August. Please get in touch with Neil Mackenzie if you would like to get involved with any future events.
Running club
Over the past three months, our Running/Walking Club has been going strong, no matter the weather! We kicked off in March with the JP Morgan Corporate Run Challenge—great energy all around, followed by pizza and drinks at Chariots. That was followed by two crisp and cheerful Saturday park runs, where team spirit (and extra layers) kept us going strong.
A special shoutout to our amazing Comrades runners—you’ve shown true grit and determination, and we’re incredibly proud. Here’s to more runs, new personal bests, and great company every step of the way!
Arts & culture
To round off a busy April, the Monocle UK team gathered for a lively pub quiz at The Barrel Project, right in the heart of the vibrant Bermondsey Beer Mile. Splitting into teams, they put their minds and taste buds to the test, tackling quiz questions and craft beer with equal enthusiasm. Although some team members excelled more at the latter than the former, the Monocle teams acquitted themselves admirably and rightfully celebrated an evening well spent in good company before heading their separate ways.
Hiking club
As part of our commitment to team wellness and connection, the Monocle social Hiking Club recently tackled a challenging but rewarding hike at Rustig in Hartbeespoort. With steep climbs and rugged terrain, the trail tested our stamina—but proved that the best views often follow the toughest climbs. We also conquered De Wildt in the Northwest and capped off the adventure with a well-earned team lunch, made even better by great company. Looking ahead, we invite you to join our next hike at Vergenoeg—another scenic challenge—as we build momentum (and mileage) for the highlight of the year: our annual Drakensberg trip!
Padel club
The Monocle Padel Club kept the energy high this quarter. First up was a competitive and wellattended session at the Racket and Ball Club in Melrose Arch. Following the event, the team at Racket and Ball extended an exclusive membership offer to Monocle players, which includes some fantastic benefits—most notably, 60% off during off-peak times and 20% off during peak hours. Memberships can now be arranged directly with the Racket and Ball Club, so don’t miss out if you’re keen to get more court time in.
To keep the momentum going and beat the winter chill, we also hosted another great session at the indoor courts at Net Set Padel on the Sandton City rooftop. The covered courts made sure the only thing cold was the post-match refreshments!
Keep your rackets ready—more events are just around the corner!
Cycling club
Luke Jordan took part in the Cape Town Cycle Tour in preparation for his second Durban IM, beating his 2024 time by nearly an hour!
Carmen Luckemeyer finished an incredible 4th at Die Groot Trap and even took her place on the podium, finishing 2nd, at the East Side Crit.
Keenan spent plenty of time on the bike, competing in the 160km Race to the Sun and finishing top 20 at the Crater Cruise.
The Cycling Club is looking forward to bringing all Monocle cyclists together for social rides once warmer weather returns to Johannesburg later this year. See you there!
Diversity & inclusion
On the 23rd of May, our Johannesburg offices came alive in celebration of Africa Day with a vibrant karaoke evening. Colleagues gathered to honour the continent’s rich cultural heritage through music, laughter, and connection.
The event was a joyful celebration of African identity, with a diverse mix of songs representing various regions and languages. The performances lit up the room and showcased the shared pride and spirit of unity among attendees.
More than just a musical evening, the event fostered camaraderie and created lasting memories. Thank you to everyone who joined in and helped make the night a resounding success!
chronicle The Monocle