The East Coast Radio House and Garden Show 2014 Is On The Way and Dance Auditions Today and Loads More Event

Details on the East Coast Radio House and Garden Show 2014

East Coast Radio Presenter Jane Linley-Thomas getting ready for the show.

PANSA KWAZULU NATAL

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Performing Arts Network of South Africa – KwaZulu Natal

Invites all members and other interested parties to its

Annual General Meeting

Date:

Monday 17 June 2014

Venue:

Catalina Theatre

Time:

17:30pm to 19:30pm

For more information kindly contact PANSA-KZN Regional Coordinator Nelisa Mzimela on Office Telephone: 031-201 4750 or via E-mail:kzn@pansa.org.za

Siwela Sonke Dance Trainee Programme

Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre (SSDT) is a professional award-winning dance theatre company based in Durban. Since its inception in 1994, SSDT has become one of the leading dance companies in South Africa, producing and touring work nationally and internationally.

The Siwela Sonke Dance Trainee Programme is a rigorous, season-long training programme. SSDT seeks 10 talented dancers to be available weekdays, 9:00 – 17:00. The trainees will form part of the SSDT Company in a trainee capacity and will have opportunities for performance throughout the 2014 / 2015 season. A stipend will be offered to successful candidates for the duration of their tenure as SSDT trainees. The Siwela Sonke Dance Trainee Programme is made possible through a grant from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF).

Auditions will take place on 29 May 2014 (8:00 – 17:00)

at Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre
Salbany 1st Floor
50 Albany Grove
Central Durban

Candidates should arrive early and be available for call-backs on 30 May 2014.

Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre operates on principles of non-racialism and equal opportunity. While every effort is made to create redress, the company strives for excellence and diversity. In this instance this audition is open to everyone, regardless of race or gender.

For more information please contact Elroy Bell at elroybell@gmail.com / www.siwelasonke.co.za or call 031 307 668

GIPCA Administrative Assistant
The Gordon Institute for Performing and Creative Arts (GIPCA) invites applications for an exciting 6 month contract as Administrative Assistant, commencing 01 July 2014 or as soon as possible thereafter. The main purpose of this position is to assist the GIPCA Director in ensuring the smooth running of GIPCA initiatives.

Full details are available at: http://www.gipca.uct.ac.za/employment-opportunity-gipca-administrative-assistant/
Closing date: 5 June 2014

Surf Carnival Coming Up

Pictured is Hugh Thompson from Natural Curve Surfboards, one of the product sponsors of the 2014 Durban Surf Carnival presented by Jeep Apparel which is free to the public and takes place from June 6-8 at New Pier Beach on Durban’s Golden Mile. Thompson will be designing a retro single fin board featuring “shark deterrent” designs for the winner of the Forgotten Soul Retro discipline as well as sponsoring a prize to a “stand out” surfer within the Longboard category!

The surf carnival, is free to the public to watch, and not only can you catch all the surf action, there is also a free to enter SNAP SHOT Photographic Competition that you can enter as well as a free Surfing clinic, so don’t miss out!
All entries close for participants on Saturday, May 31st. For enquiries call Paul Godwin 0835601185 or emailmw.nerve@mweb.co.za . For press release and information on the event you can visit the event bloghttp://durbansurfcarnival.blogspot.com 

Date: 21 June 2014

Time 9am

Venue: Chantecler Hotel, Botha's Hill

For bookings email ginny.sawc@gmail.com 

This edition by +Fred Felton 

The Pick n Pay Taste of Durban Is Coming

NEW TASTES…NEW FACES FOR TASTE OF DURBAN 2014

The Pick n Pay Taste of Durban is back from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July at Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World (Suncoast). Chefs from eight of Durban’s top restaurants will create special menus of starter-sized dishes, including their signature dishes, designed to reflect their individual philosophies, whilst showcasing seasonal and premium ingredients. Taste of Durban 2014 promises to be the most exciting ‘foodie’ event of the year.

Marcelle Roberts from Café 1999 is back for the third-year running with her inimitable brand of casual cuisine.  Louise Potgieter from Havana Grill at Suncoast and Little Havana and Chef Nardia Adams, from Asian Tapas spot Greedy Buddha, will be cooking up a storm and Lucy Markewicz will be flying the colours for Freedom Café.  Popular Indian restaurant Amaravathi Palki, Market and Beluga, brings the total of participating restaurants to eight. 

Over three days, this unique international restaurant festival will bring together Durban’s most dedicated and sophisticated foodies in an

al fresco, fine-dining celebration. Visitors will have the opportunity to sip, sample and shop their way around the festival.   This year’s show offers a range of brand new features and culinary experiences, to ensure that there is something for everybody to enjoy:

‘Must-do’s’ include:

_          One of the show’s most popular attractions, the Pick n Pay Fresh Living Chef’s Theatre, where top chefs showcase their culinary skills in fun and informative cooking demonstrations, culinary challenges and entertaining Q & A sessions, is a unique opportunity to see the city’s top chefs in action and is also a chance to meet the people behind the award winning Fresh Living magazine.

-           The Pick n Pay Wine and Canapé Experience, is an interactive area where guests will learn how to create simple, stylish and delicious canapés, while being instructed by wine experts on how to pair each canapé with a wide range of wines to complement the balance of flavours.

-          LINDT, South Africa’s finest Swiss chocolate, will have their Master Chocolatiers on hand making delicious LINDOR truffles and fresh pralines. LINDT will also be selling their delectable EXCELLENCE and CREATION ranges, as well as LINDT hot chocolate, which can be enjoyed outside in the LINDT Al Fresco area.

The Chocolatiers will also be demonstrating their master skills, as they build and decorate intricate chocolate sculptures, in the Chefs Theatre.

-          Castle Milk Stout Experience - Castle Milk Stout will bring a taste experience to be savoured. A marquee including a lounge area with ambient smooth sounds of our DJ and a tasting experience that shows the full credentials of the full and complex flavours of our product and its pairing with food.       

                 

-          Robertson’s Butcher’s Block in association with Big Green Egg - A gastro theatre dedicated to all things meaty. Chefs will collaborate with local butchers to harness Robertson’s 90 years of sourcing and blending spices. Your braai will never be the same again as you create a Robertson’s Combination that comes alive with these versatile rubs.  All dishes will be prepared in The Big Green Egg, which rethinks the South African braai, using the ancient clay cooking technique ‘Kama do’. Featuring in the Butcher's Block is Certified Karoo Meat of Origin - mutton and lamb guaranteed to be free range, fully traceable from the Karoo region, free from added hormones and routine antibiotics.

-          BP Wild Bean Café- Two millions cups of Wild Bean Café coffee are sold and enjoyed every year.  BP Wild Bean Cafés use only 100% top-quality Arabic beans - sourced from Tanzania, Gautemala, El Salvador and Brazil – offering the best combination of sweetness, acidity and bitterness. At Taste of Durban, our Wild Bean Café Baristas will hand-make your favourite coffee, latte or hot chocolate to perk you up and keep you going!

EARLY BIRD OFFER – VALID UNTIL 3 JULY!

The following Early Bird discounts apply for Standard and Premium tickets up until the 3 July:

-           Early Bird Standard Entry – *R50 - Entrance to the festival including a glass
(save R30)

 -          Early Bird Premium Ticket – *R150 - Entrance to the festival

            including a tasting glass plus R100 worth of Scoins (the official

 currency)
*save R30

-          DStv Clubhouse Ticket- R685 - entry to the festival, a free tasting

glass, R150 Scoins, a private clubhouse to use as a base for the show with a complimentary bar service (wine, malt and soft drinks) plus a Taste of Durban Gift.

Taste of Durban Festival SCOINS

Scoins are the Festivals’ official “currency”, which can be purchased at the festival from the Taste Bank or Scoin Sellers walking around the festival grounds.  Visitors use Scoins to purchase sample dishes and drinks from the various exhibiting restaurants, bars and exhibitors.  Each Scoin is worth R5.  Change is offered in Scoins only.

To book tickets: Visit ITickets on www.itickets.co.za or Pick n Pay tickets on www.pnptickets.co.za

Media Enquiries:  Joanne Hayes, Tumbleweed Communications

         Cell:  083 6277249      e-mail: tigerjo@iafrica.com

                                                                                                           

TASTE OF DURBAN 2014 – FAST FACTS

What, Where, When, How…

Festival times:

-           Friday 25 July: 18h00 - 22h00

-           Saturday 26 July: 12h30 – 16h00; 18h00- 22h00

-           Sunday 27 July: 12h30 – 16h00

Tickets:

Tickets are limited and booking is recommended – for further information and bookings visit ITickets on www.itickets.co.za or Pick n Pay tickets on www.pnptickets.co.za

-           Standard Ticket – *R80 - Entrance to the festival including a glass

 -          Premium Ticket – *R180 - Entrance to the festival including a

            tasting glass plus R100 worth of Scoins (the official currency)


-          Taste Clubhouse Presented by DStv Ticket - R685 - entry to the festival, a free tasting glass, R150 Scoins, a private clubhouse to use as a base for the show with a complimentary bar service (wine, malt and soft drinks) plus a Taste of Durban Gift.

Related articles

• The Pick n Pay Taste of Cape Town Festival
• #LindtHelloSA launch event
• London Wine Week 2014 Events

Trish Taylor from ECR gives You some Comrades Tips, Dance Auditions, Comedy Shows and More

East Coast Radio GM tackles her 10th Comrades Marathon

'I vowed to do only one!' says East Coast Radio GM Trish Taylor.
Now she is getting ready to tackle her 10th Comrades.

She has this advice for Comrades first-timers who are taking on the down-run this year:

• Determine a realistic finishing time and have a race strategy.
• Break the race up, into 10km blocks - it's mentally more manageable.
• You are going to experience pain like you have never felt before, prepare for it and distract yourself by talking to other runners and drawing on the crowd. 

As for the best Comrades advice she ever recieve?  'Have a race strategy and stick to it!' 

We wish her all the best.

Help out with the Global Urban Youth Survey

They are looking for people from all over Durban to help out and fill out their survey.

If you can help you need to be between 15-29.

You can fill out the survey here:

https://docs.google.com/a/youthfulcities.com/forms/d/1YMovv8QYTykbdykkgn31R16CmLVyCa8aqLgAtyxtfdw/viewform

Useful contacts if you would like to take part:

Aphiwe - email: aphiwetshalata@youthfulcities.com

www.youthfulcities.com 
http://www.facebook.com/youthfulcities
Twitter: @youthfulcities
Facebook: Youthfulcities
Google+: youthfulcities
YouthfulCities is a Decode venture
www.decode.net

14^th annual Young Performers Production, 2014

Presented by PANSA (The Performing Arts Network of SA); the Department of Arts and Culture of the Province of KZN, and Rainbow: RCL Foods

Footloose

UKZN Sneddon Theatre: 28 June to 13 July 2014.

Directed by Themi Venturas, the 14^th annual PANSA Young Performers Production for this year is Footloose which comes to the UKZN Sneddon Theatre from 28 June to 13 July 2014.

Footloose tells the story of a tenacious and rebellious city teenager, Ren, who moves to a small town where rock music and dancing have been banned by the conservative Rev Shaw and the town council. He leads the young people of the town in a protest against the town’s banning of the annual dance.

The stage adaptation of Footloose is by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford with music by Tom Snow and lyrics by Dean Pitchford and additional music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Logins and Jim Steinman.

Footloose has had two incarnations as feature film: in 1984 a youthful Kevin Bacon was Ren playing against John Lithgow’s Rev Shaw. Also in the cast were Lori Singer, Sarah Jessica Parker and Diane Wiest. The film was remade in 2011 and featured Kenny Wormald as Ren and Dennis Quaid as the Reverend. Also in the remake were Julianne Hough and Andie MacDowell. 

Footloose, the Musical was adapted for the stage from the film, and premiered in 1998 and became a Broadway and West End hit. It has been staged successfully globally since then. Footloose boasts some now-iconic musical numbers:  the theme song, Footloose,  which became a hit for Kenny Loggins; Holding out for a Hero, which was recorded by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler for the first film; and Let’s Hear it for the Boy which became a number one song for singer Denise Williams. Other songs from the musical include On Any Sunday; The Girl Gets Around, Somebody’s Eyes, Heaven Help me and Learning to be Silent.

The 2014 Young Performers Project sees Themi Venturas at the helm once more in a production which re-unites him with Daisy Spencer (Choreographer) and Des Govender (Vocal Coach) whom together worked on former YPP productions, Hairspray and Legally Blonde. Joining them for the first time as Musical Director is Luke Holder who successfully collaborated with Venturas in the acclaimed production ofMan of La Mancha at the Catalina Theatre and the National Arts Festival.

Spearheaded by PANSA (the Performing Arts Network of South Africa: KZN, the project ensures that the learners get a taste of working in the professional musical theatre arena. The cast of 40 were chosen at auditions on 26 April.  Rehearsals have begun with the cast meeting every weekend until the opening night. The project promotes discipline, develops confidence, and gives an opportunity to make life-long friendships, and to learn a huge amount from the professionals.

PANSA is grateful to the Department of Arts and Culture of the Province of KZN who have agreed to support the project for the next three years. Gracious thanks too to sponsors RCL Foods (Rainbow Chicken); Business and Arts South Africa (BASA); Black Coffee for wonderful technical support and the UKZN Sneddon Theatre.

Previous YPP projects have been: Curtain Up;  One Voice; Grease; Oliver; Fiddler on the Roof; The Wiz; Annie; School of Rock, SA; Big River; Hairspray; Seussical; Legally Blonde and last year’s, Can You Feel It?

The show will run at the UKZN Sneddon Theatre from 28 June until 13 July. Over the years the show has grown to be very popular with Durban audiences so booking is essential. Booking is through Computicket outlets at Shoprite Checkers, by phone on 0861 915 8000 or online atwww.computicket.com.

Our Late Night Comedy and Whose Line shows

Our Late Night Comedy and Whose Line shows have recently become such a hit (particularly with our local Durbanites) that we've decided to have a comedy show EVERY month! Catalina Theatre in association with On Fire Comedy, John Dory's restaurant and Spur is therefore proud to present WHOSE LINE?? - the hilarious improve comedy show featuring four top stand-up comedians! 

Bring your mom along for a belated Mother's Day outing, or get your friends together for some drinks and a show that's bound to be more entertaining than sitting at home in front of the TV. Catch some of Durban’s most popular comedians (shown below) for an evening filled with good food, top-class entertainment, beautiful surroundings and of course hilarious stand-up comedy bound to get bellies jiggling!

The show involves improv comedy games, audience participation, props and laugh-out-loud comedy mayhem made famous by the popular TV show, "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"

If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact our box office on 031 837 5999.

SIDE SPLITTING COMEDY - WHOSE LINE??

Date: 30th May 2014                         Time: 10pm - 11:30pm

Price: R80 (show only) R140 (show and dinner at John Dory's or Spur beforehand)

Bookings: At any Shoprite or Checkers stores or online here.Tickets can also be purchased on the night at box office which opens two hours prior to the show.

YOUR COMEDIANS:

CARVIN H GOLDSTONE

If you’re not a fan…then you’ve clearly never seen him perform before!

But if you have, you’ll understand why he’s one of Durban’s most successful comedy acts!

This award-winning comedian is 100% clean and currently the biggest name in Durban Comedy!

He’s also one of only 2 comedians to regularly sell out the 1200-seater Playhouse Opera Theatre. (The other being Trevor Noah!)

GARETH WOODS ( CAPE TOWN)

Ex-Durbanite, and now currently owning the comedy scene in Cape Town, Gareth’s intelligent wit and hilariously funny guitar parodies make him stand out from the crowd. He has performed stand-up on TV’s Comedy Central, and regularly shares the stage with some of the top acts in the country!

JEM ATKINS

“Ruthlessly Single,” sort of easy on the eyes, and one of the funniest guys in Durban at the moment. This ‘Single Dad’ has had a lot of media coverage lately. Come found out why…

ARNO ELSE

Fresh, witty and undeniably funny, Else is known for his off-the-cuff one-liners and edgy comedy style!

Audition Call: Siwela Sonke Dance Trainee Programme

Audition Call: Siwela Sonke Dance Trainee Programme Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre (SSDT) is a professional award-winning dance theatre company based in Durban. Since its inception in 1994, SSDT has become one of the leading dance companies in South Africa, producing and touring work nationally and internationally. The Siwela Sonke Dance Trainee Programme is a rigorous, season-long training programme. SSDT seeks 10 talented dancers to be available weekdays, 9:00 – 17:00. The trainees will form part of the SSDT Company in a trainee capacity and will have opportunities for performance throughout the 2014 / 2015 season. A stipend will be offered to successful candidates for the duration of their tenure as SSDT trainees. The Siwela Sonke Dance Trainee Programme is made possible through a grant from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF). 

Auditions will take place on 29 May 2014 (8:00 – 17:00) at Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre

Salbany 1st Floor

50 Albany Grove

Central Durban

Candidates should arrive early and be available for call-backs on 30 May 2014. Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre operates on principles of non-racialism and equal opportunity. While every effort is made to create redress, the company strives for excellence and diversity. In this instance this audition is open to everyone, regardless of race or gender. For more information please contact Elroy Bell atelroybell@gmail.com / www.siwelasonke.co.za or call 031 307 6685.

Twitter Blanket Drive Durban Is Coming

When: 29 May 2014

Where: Protea Hotel, Umhlanga Ridge

Time: 6pm

Bring Your Blankets

#TBD2014

You can also download the Uber App and Uber will come and pick up your blankets for free.

How cool is that!

www.twitterblanketdrive.wordpress.com 

Event Guide For Durban - Includes A Surf Carnival, Business Events, Book & Design Fair

What's Happening?

The 2014 Drama for Life Sex Actually Festival engages a multi-dimensional approach to the thematic focus: human connection.

This year’s theme aims to interrogate and explore the questions of; what makes us human? How do we relate to each other? What do we learn about ourselves as individuals as well as through our relationships? What boundaries/borders are we aware/unaware of? How, and to what extent, do we celebrate and fully engage all facets of our humanness? What levels and modes of connection amount to intimacy and sensuality? What are our understandings of safety and health in the intimate spaces? How has history and space affected our practice of human connection?

Festival Dates: 19-30th August 2014             Application Deadline: Monday 9th June 2014

In a dynamic and information-sharing Afropolitan landscape, to what extent are our connections an integral part of our daily practice and human experience? Drama for Life is proud to open the call for applications, inviting all mediums and modes of artistic (health) practice to respond to this year’s theme: Human Connection.

Are you interested in being a part of the festival, either as artist or health practitioner? We wish you good luck!

Let’s Connect... Heart to Heart

for all queries please contact zandile bekwa on zandile.bekwa@wits.ac.za

2014 ACT Scholarship Awards open for registration

A new set of matriculants can start preparing to be put through their paces, and make their dream of becoming a performing artist a reality.

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), in partnership with the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO) and Nedbank Arts Affinity, is pleased to once again offer three Performing Arts Scholarships for local aspirant performers.

The ACT | DALRO | Nedbank Performing Arts Scholarships Programme is aimed at Grade 12 learners and individuals younger than 25 years of age who are neither registered for an undergraduate degree nor considered to be a professional performing artist. The programme takes the form of a competition where participants are assessed on their acting, dancing and singing potential and culminates in a final showcase before an independent panel comprising judges the likes of popular artist HHP, producers Hazel Feldman and Richard Loring, television personality Rozanne McKenzie and internationally acclaimed choreographer Gregory Maqoma, that auditioned the final round in the past.

In order to open this opportunity for as many aspirants as possible, this year’s audition circuit will include Nelspruit in addition to their usual stops in Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Bloemfontein. 

Auditions will take place in June and July.

Since the inception of the programme in 2009, nine scholarships to the value of more than R900,000 have been awarded. Steve Norman won the inaugural Scholarship and went on to study Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Zola Myeza (2010 winner) from KwaZulu-Natal also attended UCT, and is finding her professional feet thanks to support from her agent, sponsor Talent etc. In 2011 two Scholarships were awarded – Nomagugu Gumede from KwaZulu-Natal enrolled at Howard College; and Tankiso Mamabolo from the Eastern Cape is studying Theatre and Performance at UCT.

Three scholarships will be awarded in 2014, to the values of R150,000; R105,000 and R60,000; totalling R315,000. The winners will be announced after the Final, hosted by UJ Arts & Culture at the University of Johannesburg on 13 October 2014. Scholarship recipients will be at liberty to select their preferred performing arts course at any accredited South African tertiary institution.

The Scholarships Programme is currently open for registrations until 31 May 2014. For more information or to register for participation please visit www.act.org.za

Competition for energy efficient designs

Full details are available on the following website: www.lighting-design.co.za, or from the competition organisers at tel 021 949 7419 / 083 293 2848 or via e-mail at karin@dalajunction.co.za

Surf Carnival Time

This annual event, now in its 12th year is growing from strength to strength with surfers from all around the country gearing up to participate within the various categories as well an increase in support from the crowds year on year!
The Stand up paddle event will once again be the SUPSA sanctioned South African Championships which will enjoy an unprecedented third year in Durban and the Surf Carnival organisers are pleased to host this premier SUP wave riding event again.

This year will also include SUP Course Racing which is a new discipline to the event and will see South Africa’s top SUP paddlers racing along the Backline of the Golden Mile.

The Forgotten Soul Retro surfing competition is also on the line-up again, exposing the history of South African surfing with surfers riding surfboards manufactured in the 70’s and 80’s as well as longboarding - going back to the “roots” of Surfing.

“Holding the SA Champs in Durban for the third year running is a huge bonus for the event which has religiously and faithfully included SUP surfing since 2007 and even before an SUP association even existed. New Pier as a venue is also a massive draw card for SUPers countrywide and once again we will be expecting a huge contingent from Cape Town,” says Paul Godwin from Nerve Events

The Longboarding event will once again see South Africa’s Style masters in action in various divisions.

This event is sanctioned by Stand Up Paddleboard Association of South Africa (SUPSA) and KwaZulu Natal Longboard Surfing Association (KZNLSA)

There will also be a free surfing clinic hosted by Learn to Surf - Surf School and a free SNAP SHOT Photographic Competition - both of these events are open to the general public to participate.
The surf carnival, which is free to the public, will showcase a number of exciting events from the SUPSA SA Stand up Paddle Surfing Champs; Naish SUPSA Racing; Forgotten Soul Retro Surfing; KZNLSA Longboard Surfing Competition; to the Free SNAP SHOT Photographic Competition and free Surfing clinic, so don’t miss out!

All entries close for participants on Saturday, May 31st. For enquiries call Paul Godwin 0835601185 or email mw.nerve@mweb.co.za. For press release and information on the event you can visit the event blog http://durbansurfcarnival.blogspot.com 

Durban Chamber Events 

The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry

invites you

TO  A PRESENTATION ON:

 

“BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT THROUGH MAURITIUS“

Date: 27 May 2014

Time: 9am

 

For More Details:                  Sholiphni Hlongwa  – 031 335 1000  

  hlongwap@durbanchamber.co.za

SanKofa Book & Design Fair Durban

Open Source Open City Open Season

‘SANKOFA Writing with the Future writing with the Past’

Friday 01 – Sunday 17 August 2014

Parallel Projects endorsed by the International Union of Architects (UIA) World Congress

Green Heart City Book & Design Boma

A meeting place for writers, illustrators, publishers, literary agents, booksellers, designers, architects and social entrepreneurs to network and exchange ideas trending on the literary and design landscape. KwaMuhle Museum will serve as the Nerve Centre for Boma activations. Key elements include The Frameside Lounge, Open House Durban Photo & Sketch Wall Exhibition, and Caravan of Words where writers will craft stories on ‘Durban and Democracy’. The KidZone will feature Life Size Scrabble, storytelling and character role-plays from African folktales. Food Wagons will serve traditional local foods - bunny chow, samp and beans, and local beverages such as Frankie’s Ginger Beer from the Midlands. The Goldilocks Freedom Word Mobile – Kunene Wagon will be stationed at the Book & Design Boma. 

Open House Durban

An artetexture showcase of 20 Durban structures through the photographic lens and the sketch block – to promote the idea of creative economy. A competition will be launched to encourage UIA 2014 delegates and the public to take photos or make sketches of the selected buildings. Entries will be displayed in an Open House Durban Photo & Sketch Wall Exhibition at the Book & Design Boma. Winners will be announced at a prize ceremony during UIA 2014.

Mobile Pop-Up Book Bench with Deaf Pavement Poets

‘Parks 4 Read’ is an ongoing initiative that is held in a park setting. BunnyKats, leprechauns, and Irish rag doll Bridie Beag exchange integrated tales to encourage a love for reading and drawing. This is achieved with the assistance of local writers and artists interacting with the public and sketching BunnyKats reading miniature classics on the BooK Bench. Hearing and Deaf Pavement Poets will write and perform poetry on 20 years of democracy in South Africa and what it means to them.

Presented by Green Heart City Movement

Contact Mikhail Peppas, Sanabelle Ebrahim or Nomvula Sikakane at sankofabookfair@gmail.com

www.sankofabookfair.tumblr.com

www.facebook.com/SankofaBookFairDurban

This Edition By +Fred Felton 

News Of A Business Competition For Entrepreneurs and Highlights From The Hookup Dinner Durban

Last night was 'The Hook Up Dinner Durban' something that has started to become a big event for Durban.
What is it?  Well it involves a number of inspiring entrepreneurs who come together monthly to network and also to pitch.  The winner gets a nice cash infusion for their business.

(Entrepreneurs enjoy a networking mixer where they each have 1 minute to tell the group what they do.)

The event involves Pitches by Entrepreneurs, Audience Feedback on Pitches, Networking Mixers a Guest Speaker and then the winner is announced. After that more networking.  Add in drinks and meals and sounds like a wonderful enivornment for entrepreneurs.

The event is held at The Factory Cafe a local hive of entrepreneurs in the daytime.  It features free wi-fi and great coffee for customers.  We first heard from Arno from The Factory Cafe about their coffee and also how Fair Trade coffee works in the industry.

The Hookup Dinner had some great pitches including the winning one which featured branded tablets for companies.  Well done to Thembi for her winning pitch.

We also heard from the guest speaker Thulani Cele, former Chairman of the Franchising Assocation of South Africa.  He reminded us, 'If you have an idea there are people around you that can help you get to where you want to be.'  Wise words indeed.

Good news for Entrepreneurs.  Win your share of R6million in business support.

SAB KickStart has a great competition that you can enter.
You can find all the details here - www.sabkickstart.net
Deadline is 30 May 2014.


The Hookup Dinner happens around the country so tell your friends.
Find your local Hookup Dinner here - http://www.thehookupdinner.com/
Coming to Port Elizabeth on 26th May
Useful contact details
Twitter - @DrLifesgud or @TheHookupDinner

If you would like to pitch at The Hookup Dinner, upload your pitch on their YouTube Channel
JustPitchTVZA using the hashtag for your region eg #THUDJozi

Article and Image by +Fred Felton

Exclusive Interview With The ACSA Executive at Indaba 2014

Last week at Indaba 2014 I sat down with the Executive Team of ACSA and asked them all about managing the airports of South Africa.

(Terence Delomoney, GM of King Shaka International Airport, Yvette Schoeman, GM of Regional Airports SA, Dion Cloete, GM of Cape Town International Airport) 

The team I interviewed consisted of Terence Delomoney the GM of King Shaka International Airport, Dion Cloete the GM of Cape Town International Airport and Yvette Schoeman the GM of the Regional Airports of South Africa.

What is ACSA?

Terence: There are 9 airports in the country and ACSA is responsible for managing the operations at these Airports.  ACSA is majority state owned.  75% by Govt.  15% by PIC and the rest by minimum subscribers.

How many people travel through Cape Town International Airport?

Dion: We have 8.5 million people annually visiting us through Cape Town International Airport.  We are highly seasonal.  In the winter it is generally quieter.  Our focus is now on events.  We do very well when busy.  We are also aiming for unrestricted capacity. 

Tell us about your Regional Airports?

Yvette: We have 6 regional airports.  So we have smaller traffic and our focus is on non-aeronautic aircraft.  We are no different from other airports, just a closer community.

What happened to that Malaysian Plane that went missing?

Terence: It’s a mystery.  The industry will relook at their technology and hopefully this will never happen again.

Dion: Even though this happened, plane travel is still the safest form of travel.

What happens if there is a plane accident in South Africa or at your Airports?

Dion: First a plane has to get a safety check and certificate even before we allow them to take off so your first issue is to make sure the plane is safe. We take the lead if there is an accident.  We have a response for any emergency.

What do you think of Indaba?

Yvette: It’s my first one and it is amazing to see how many people pull together for Tourism and for Africa.

Terence: We are a key player in this place and we are very active with Tourism Agencies.  It’s a wonderful platform.  We are also now exploring the Pan African region as well.  We are looking into India and Ghana to expand our footprint.

Dion: Someone once told me if you don’t have an African strategy you don’t have a growth strategy.  This event helps with that.

Terence:  Indaba must stay in Durban.

Find out more about ACSA here - www.airports.co.za 

Interview and Image by +Fred Felton