New Electricity Customer Service Centre for Umhlanga

EThekwini Electricity will on 01 October 2014 open to the public a new customer service centre in uMhlanga, North of Durban offering an improved service to residents while saving taxpayers’ transport costs.

Residents from Umhlanga, Durban North, Phoenix, Mt Edgecombe areas have over the years been without the Electricity Customer Service Centre. However, they have been serviced by Besters and Jelf Taylor Crescent Centres.

The Northern Electricity Customer Service Centre, situated in Manhattan House, 15 Twilight Drive near Gateway Shopping Centre in uMhlanga will open its doors to the public to bring government information and services closer to where people live. It will also bring relief to the residents of the Northern areas as they will not have to travel to the City-Centre for their electricity-related matters. 

The Customer Centre will be open weekdays everyday from 07.30am to 15.30pm. It will also be opened on Saturdays from 08h00 to11h30.

Residents will be able to access a broad range of services at the Centre, including:

• New Applications

• Upgrade and Pre-Paid Applications

• Application Queries

• Account Queries

• Advice on debt management

• Technical Advice to public, electrical contractors and industry.

• Meter Reading Queries/Appointments

• High Consumption Investigations

• Cashiering Facilities/ Account Payments

• All electrification projects. 


The Centre will not only provide assistance to residents living in the Northern areas, but to all customers from other areas. 

(Source - Ethekwini) 


artSpace durban - Current Exhibition 

(One of the works by Jabulani Cele) 

29 September – 7 October (1+ week)

In the Middle Gallery:

“Different Situations” paintings by Jabulani Cele

is about telling the stories of people. Cele is inspired by the situations that people face on our daily basis, things that people go through to make a living and survive. People must expect to see how people live their lives in this twenty-first century from his point of view as an artist.

artSpace durban is at 3 Millar Road, Durban

3 October - SAM Store - Umhlanga Centre - 6h30pm 

This edition by +Fred Felton 

Award Winning Wine Festival Coming To Durban

The award-winning Pinotage-on-Tap Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary in Durban on Saturday 4 October at the picturesque Litchi Orchard Farm on Seaford Road in Salt Rock, in the heart of the KZN Country side.

Expect an endless flow of delicious Coffee Chocolate Pinotage  - literally ‘on tap’ from 12:30 until dusk.  Topped with an abundance of delectable food all included in the ticket price of R310.

For those who are familiar with the annual event, a few of SA’s best acts, entertainment and games will jam-pack your day. 

Book your tickets at Computicket  0861 915 8000 or visit www.computicket.com

Your Event Guide For The Oyster Box - October and November

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON THE MENU AT THE OYSTER BOX

There’s something for everyone on the Oyster Box’s entertainment menu in October and November.  From foodie and theatre events, to comedy and commentary, and fundraising occasions to show you care.

Highlights for the period include Curry & Comedy with Aaron McIlroy and Breakfast with Tony Leon in October and in November, a Food & Wine Dinner with Guest Chef Christo Pretorius and Dinner Theatre with local songbird Cat Simoni, doing a show dedicated to the great Ella Fitzgerald.   

Throughout the month of October the daily High Tea at The Oyster Box, will be pink-themed in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  A total of R10 will be donated to CANSA for each person attending High Tea in October.  The tea is R 195 per person. 

Also this month, Pig ‘n Whistle Productions bring the musical review Spice Up Your Life, to The Oyster Box.  Director Meryl Kurtz promises “an afternoon of music and entertainment, with a bit of everything from rock to  country and western.” A percentage of the ticket price goes to the Pink Phoenix Foundation for childhood cancer.  Tickets for the show (5 October) and a three-course lunch are R300 per person.

One of the highlights of the Oyster Box’s social calendar is Skabenga’s Birthday Bash on 7 October. Join our resident celebrity cat for a morning of birthday treats and activities on 7 October.  Kids, parents, grandparents are all invited to share in the feline festivities. Spread the love and bring along a donation towards Feral Cat Rescue.  Cost is R200 per adult and R150 per child.

                                                                       

An evening for adults with one of South Africa’s most popular and hilarious entertainers is not too be missed! Aaron McIlroy brings his comedic skill to the next Curry & Comedy event on 8 October. Experience him in action and you’ll see why. The evening includes a three course meal and the show.  Tickets are R 350 per person.

Articulate and outspoken, author, former DA leader and ambassador, Tony Leon remains one of South Africa’s most prolific political commentators. Join us for breakfast on 9 October at R290 per person (plated breakfast) to find out more about the man behind the persona.

Executive Chef at sister hotel, the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town, Christo Pretorius is our guest chef in November.  For the food and wine paired evening he will showcase Cape Malay spices and flavours using KZN’s local ingredients.  The five-course menu in the Grill Room is R550 per person and takes place on Wednesday 5 November at 19:00.

Leading up to the start of the festive season, on 20 November, The Oyster Box welcomes back Cat Simoni, with Cat Sings Ella - The Ella Fitzgerald Story.  Already a firm favourite with Oyster Box patrons, Cat will take you on a musical journey, revealing the woman behind ‘the iconic Voice’.  Often referred to as the "First Lady of Song" and the "Queen of Jazz", Ella was a notable interpreter of the Great American Songbook. The cost of R350 per person includes dinner and the show.

On Tuesday 25 November, The Oyster Box hosts fabulous South African chef and author of a number of popular cook-books including Abundance, Delectable and Sumptuous, Marlene van der Westhuizen for a delicious lunch and the launch of her new book, Secrets of A French Kitchen.  Van der Westhuizen invites you to steal a glimpse into the inner workings of her fiftieth cooking class in the French village of Charroux. Along with 80 new recipes, follow Marlene and her class as they lift the veil on the understated glamour of French country cooking, eating and living.

For further information on any of the events at The Oyster Box visit their website or contact               (031) 514 5000.  For all bookings contact restaurants@oysterbox.co.za

Big Airports Conference For Durban - Free Photography Workshop - Celebrate Halloween With SAM

ACI Africa Conference

12 - 14 October 2014

More Details: www.aci-africa.aero 

Photography Evening 

RSVP - warren@sony-centre.co.za 

Celebrate Halloween With SAM 

3 October - 6h30pm - Umhlanga Centre - Dress Ghoulish 

rsvp info@samstoresa.co.za 

Business Woman - Networking Event

9 October - 6h30pm - Hirsch Umhlanga

RSVP ana@hirschs.co.za 

Career Advice From ECR's Zaba - Catch Ewok's Show Tonight - Children's Theatre Festival Coming Soon

ECR presenter Zaba tells DUT students to “focus on your passion and work hard!”

(Students like Nonjabulo Shabalala asked Zaba for career advice - Image supplied) 

 “Passion is everything. When you pick a career, make sure it’s something you love!”  That’s part of the advice East Coast Radio presenter Zaba served up to students at the Durban University of Technology this morning (Thursday, 18 September 2014). “Don't worry about the money,” she told the scores of students who gathered to watch her in action. “Just focus on your passion and work hard at it. Everything else will fall into place.”

Zaba broadcast her 9am to 12pm show live from the DUT sports centre at the Steve Biko campus, getting to know students, giving them career advice, sharing fashion tips and of course posing for selfies.

“The two mottos I live by are: ‘Change comes in a little box called patience’ and ‘To get something you've never had, you've got to do something you have never done.’ So remember that everything changes but be patient. And when you go out there to get what you want from this world, take a few risks. They're very rewarding.”

While Zaba was live onair, DUT students got the chance to meet and interact with some of people who work “behind the scenes” at East Coast Radio, getting hands-on advice on technical and production issues.

ECR All Stars (made up of ECR staff members, including  Sirshin Moodliar and Jason McCall from the 9pm to midnight show, Trending Tonight) were brave (or foolish) enough to take on the DUT Basketball Team in a friendly match. Needless to say, DUT won 88-42, but everyone had loads of fun!

Ewok performs tonight for 1 Night Only

If you enjoy Poetry then this one is for you. 

Where: Seabrooke's Theatre, Durban,

Time: 7h30pm

Date: 25 September 2014

The Durban Children's Theatre Festival

6 - 11  October

Catalina Theatre

Bookings: Computicket 

This Edition by +Fred Felton 

KZN goes #FlipFlopFriday Crazy - Networking Breakfast - Digby And The Lullaby Coming to Durban

So flip flopping amazing! Thousands of people across KZN tweet their feet!

(People from all over KZN Tweeted for #FlipFlopFriday  

It was a flip flopping amazing day in KZN on Friday (19 September 2014) as thousands of people across our magnificent province tweeted their feet and exposed their toes!

Social networking site Twitter was flooded as thousands and thousands of people from across Durban, the north coast to the south coast, through to the Midlands and southern KZN sent through cute, zany, creative photos of themselves or their offices in flip flops, as they took part in East Coast Radio’s annual #FlipFlopFriday campaign.

#FlipFlopFriday was started three years ago as a celebration of provincial pride during Heritage Month, and we think we showed the rest of SA some serious KZN spirit!

Pics even came from South America and Germany!

There were group toes too, as offices got creative with a healthy toes, I mean dose, of zany.

Overall, a toe-tally, flip floppin’ awesome day in KZN! 

(Source - ECR) 

Networking Meeting 

Digby And The Lullaby coming to Durban

2 October - Cottam Castle

3 October - St Clements

4 October - Bellevue Cafe

7 October - Centre for Jazz and Popular Music 

A Durban Hackathon For Startups

It's almost time for a hackathon for Startups in Durban.

(Media Launch for Startup Durban)

To kick things off UKZN Graduate School of Business and Leadership will be hosting a free business workshop for people interested in attending the hackathon.

Date: 27 Sept 2014

Time: 8h30 for 9am till 1pm

Venue: Graduate School of Business & Leadership, Westville Campus, UKZN

Cost: Free

To book and for more info on Startup Weekend Durban visit: http://durban.startupweekend.org

After this workshop is Startup Weekend which is from October 3 - October 5 2014.

Over that weekend entrepreneurs get to pitch their idea to judges.  If the judges like what they hear the winning team stands to win big.  There will also be mentors and coaches to help you along the way. 

This is all in line with Statup Weekend - a Global event which is held worldwide.  The event is headquartered in Seattle, USA.  

Entrepreneurs come together and form a team of core members and work on their idea and then pitch it to the judges. 

You have 60 seconds to make your pitch your idea.  20 idea's will be selected.  Teams will comprise 5 members each.  On Sunday each of the 20 teams will have to present their business model to a panel. 

This year Mr Sewnarain of IBV Vaults will be the Patron of the event.  He reminded us at the media launch that this country needs entrepreneurs.  

There will also be inspiring speeches at the event as well.

If you like working late into the night on the next big idea then this event is for you.

'From concept to company in 54 hours' - this is the tagline for this event says Professor Cassim one of the team leaders behind the Durban event.  

For more details of how to join or for sponsorship details visit their website:

http://durban.startupweekend.org 

Article by +Fred Felton 

Your Weekend Event Guide Durban

Durban Business Fair 

19 - 21 September 2014 - Durban Exhibition Centre - Entrance Free

Bernice Stott Exhibition 

On at artSPACE durban - 3 Millar Road (off Umgeni Road) Tel: 031-312-0793

I Am An Entrepreneur

20 September 2014 - Royal Palm Hotel, Gateway Boulevard - 8h30am

Tickets R100 book at Computicket:  Info info@mystartupsa.com 

The Witness Hilton Arts Festival 

18 - 21 September - Hilton College 

www.hiltonfestival.co.za 

This edition by +Fred Felton 

Supercars Attempt Guiness World Record In Durban Sunday

Supercars - Master Chef Cooking - Short Story Competition - Film Location Scout Workshop

Catch The Supercars Guiness World Record Attempt - North Beach, Durban 

It is not every day that the super-rich deploy their deliriously expensive and enviable supercars to ameliorate someone’s life and surpass world records while doing so.

IBV Supercar Club is committed to making a discernible impact by driving a Guinness World Record supercar parade event in Durban on 21 September 2014. The Supercar Club aims to break a Guinness World Record by raising R1 million through a charity parade of 200 supercars down North Beach. Each supercar owner will be accompanied by an orphaned child who will be gifted a lifetime escapade.

“We are calling all supercar owners to join us at 7am at the Pavillion Hotel for this ground-breaking event by donating their time and a gift of a ride in their supercar to an orphaned child” invites Marc Rosseau, Manager of IBV Supercar Club, a distinguished supercar club in SA. 

There is a gauge of about 3.7 million orphans in South Africa. About 150 000 children are deduced to be living in child-headed households. 

Nedbank released a report which divulges that nine out of ten of South Africa's high-net-worth individuals give away some of their money, time or goods. The report looked at individuals who  earn more than R1.5-million a year or have R5-million worth of investible assets. South Africa has about 300 000 of these individuals.

“Corporate Social Investment is very important to us. We fully support IBV’s vision to host 200 orphaned and under privileged children. As corporates it is our responsibility to stabilize the social and economic environment and we will continue to make an effort to improve the living conditions of the communities in which we operate,” Akash Maharaj, Centre Manager at Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

All donations will be audited by Guinness World Records and Ernst & Young for all proceeds for the benefit of the following charities: IBV Children’s VIP Day, The Sunflower Fund, UNICEF and Child Welfare South Africa.

In the wise words of Nelson Mandela “Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.”

The parade will be escorted by Harley Davidson & Ducati Bikers, and led by a helicopter formation and special police escort.

For more information please contact Marc Rosseau on 073 852 5340 or visit www.ibvsuperclub.com

2015 Commonwealth Short Story Prize Open for Entry

Writers have two months to enter their short story.

Each year, we select five winning writers from five different Commonwealth regions who share a total prize money of £15,000. The overall winner receives £5,000, one of the highest amounts for an international short story prize open to unpublished writers. Regional winners receive £2,500. 

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize brings stories from new and emerging voices, often from countries with little or no publishing infrastructure, to the attention of an international audience. You don’t need an agent, just an internet connection to submit your unpublished story of 2000-5000 words. 

Entry is free. Stories translated into English are also eligible.
The closing date is 15 November 2014.

Submit your short story via the online application form between 15 September and 15 November 2014. 

This year’s Commonwealth Short Story Prize is part-funded by The Sigrid Rausing Trust. 

http://www.commonwealthwriters.org/enter-2015-prize/

Durban Film Office Providing Training For Location Scouts For Movies

The Durban Film Office is launching SCOUT, the first location scouting mentorship and development program.

If you would like to learn about being a location scout for a movie attend their workshop:

Where: Botanic Gardens 

Date: 9th October

Time: 9am to 4pm

To book your place contact Faiza Williams: email - faiza.williams@durban.gov.za 

This edition by +Fred Felton 

Business Advice From Speakers At The Durban Business Fair Seminar

Yesterday I attended the Durban Business Fair Seminar.

This event is one of many in store for Durbanites.   This is all in line with the Durban Business Fair which happens in the city from 19 - 21 September.  Attendance to the Fair is free so swing by and see what is on offer.  Loads of small business will be in attendance showing off their products.  Their will also be an International Pavilion where companies from other countries will be interacting with local companies and seeing if they can partner with them or do business with them.

The Business Seminar was a very inspiring event filled with some amazing speakers.

Lynette Ntuli (IgniteSA) kicked things off along with Andile Khumalo (MyStartUP).

Here are some of the business tips that these business leaders shared with us:

Ipeleng Mkhari - Motseng Investment Holdings 

• Entrepreneurs need to love risk
• You have to back yourself each day
• Understand your business and understand the sector your business is in
• Perfect your disaster plans and success plans
• Stay abreast of the latest developments
• Develop ideas 
• Get public speaking and writing skills
• Learn how to write a proposal
• Know how much business your company can cope with
• Learn financial and leadership skills
• Know the laws involved with companies be they tax laws or labour laws.
• At the end of the day it starts with you.

Mzamo Masito - Vodacom Africa

• How do you craft a brand for life?
• I hope your ambition is to create a brand that will outlive you
• The first person representing the company I see is You.  
• Learning = 70% On the job + 20% Coaching and Reading + 10% Formal Training
• You need to love reading books or even YouTube videos.
• A great reputation = Winning + Strong Values.
• You can't sell something you don't know
• Your product must be consistent
• Consistency breeds trust
• Hang with people who are better than you, who intimidate you
• You can't score a goal from the presidential suite.  You have to be on the field.
• Be communal.  Help other people out.
• How diverse is the group you hang out with?
• You have to love your brand
• Why does your business exist?
• You must fall in love with the people you serve
• You need to make your brand visible to your customers
• Immerse yourself in your customers world
• Give samples of your product to get business then you get a reputation and loyalty

Shelley Walters 

• I surround myself with positive people
• Exercise
• Get 8 hours sleep
• Everyday write down 5 things you are grateful for
• Before you meet clients start thinking about what you want to ask your clients.
• After meetings check how it went
• You can't move up if you don't stand out
• Promote your brand
• Dress well 

After those speakers we heard from the Finance community and we were introduced to the Small Enterprise Finance Agency.  It's worth it to check them out as they can help your small business.

http://www.sefa.org.za/

The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) informed us of a great free tool that they provide which can help you if you need a business plan.

You can check it out here:

http://www.enterprisesa.com/nef/?module=menu&sub_module=display_content&id=1

The NEF will also provide you with a mentor if they give you funding. 

Reggie Naidoo from FNB informed us that each big FNB has a business manager to help you out.

They can also assist you with registering your business if you open an account with them.

Next we heard from some more inspiring speakers:

Andile Khumalo - My StartUp 

• If you're not selling you're not in business
• Focus on generating cash

Lynette Ntuli - IgniteSA 

• There is much potential and opportunity in Africa

Dumi Jere

• Have a positive social impact
• Your product must be disruptive
• If you want to sell in Africa your product must be Pan African

Useful Social Media Contacts For The Speakers

• https://twitter.com/MsNtuli
• https://twitter.com/Andile_Khumalo
• https://twitter.com/PeleMkhari
• https://twitter.com/mzamomasito
• https://twitter.com/Shelley_Walters
• https://twitter.com/Dumi_Jere
• https://twitter.com/DrBonnke
• #DBFSeminar

The Durban Business Fair is on from 19 - 21 September.

www.dbnbusinessfair.com 

Article by +Fred Felton 

The Script Coming To Durban - A Meal Special Out Of This World - Bawdy Tales

Irish band, The Script, to perform in Durban!

(The Script Coming To Durban 1 Night Only - Image Supplied) 

Durban, get ready for yet another top international music act! Irish smash hit pop/rock band, The Script, will be heading to Durban next year for a once-off performance brought to you by East Coast Radio and MNET.

The Script will be wowing fans for one night only, at the ICC Durban Arena on 6 February 2015.

The guys from The Script have sold over 20 million albums worldwide since they burst onto the music scene in 2001! What’s more, all three of their albums went multi-platinum throughout the world.

Hall Of Fame, the lead single from their last album #3, globally topped charts with fans snapping up over 5 million copies. The video has notched up more than 133 million Youtube views.

Lead singer, Danny O'Donoghue, has promised KZN fans all their mega-hits including, The Man Who Can’t Be Moved, Breakeven (Falling To Pieces) and For The First Time. He says they will also be sharing music from their new album No Sound Without Silence.

The Script’s music has been featured in popular TV programmes like 90210, Ghost Whisperer, The Hills, and The Vampire Diaries.  

They will be supported by five-time SAMA-nominated and MTV MAMA award-winning Durban band, Gangs of Ballet.

The Script’s last SA tour was a complete sell-out so to avoid a serious case of FOMO, make sure you get your hands on your tickets early.

Tickets are R295 – R520. They go on sale on Monday, 15 September 2014 at 9am from Computicket.

Brought to you by East Coast Radio and M-Net. Another Big Concerts Experience.

A Meal Special Out Of This World

Bawdy Tales - A Reworking of 'The Cantebury Tales' 

One night only at St Clements tonight 6pm.  Join Pieter Scholtz, Margaret Logan, Rick Andrew, 

Fred Felton and Jane Ross for a wonderful evening of laughter. 

Table Bookings: 031-202-2511

Your Weekend Event Guide Durban - Digital Festival - Nat Nakasa Lecture - Salsa

arts&design Digital Festival

DUT City Arts Campus - Fri 12 Sept - 6h30pm

The Inaugural Nat Nakasa Lecture

Moses Mabhida Stadium, Presidential Atrium - Fri 12 Sept - 6pm

RSVP thabile.majozi@durban.gov.za

Do You Salsa? - KZNSA Gallery - Fri 12 Sept - 6pm 

Prepare To Be Hypnotized

10 - 28 Sept - Sneddon Theatre - Bookings Computicket

Art Exhibition

(Bernice Stott Artwork) 

Bernice Stott will be giving a walkabout on Saturday 13 Sept 2014 at 11am
artSPACE durban, 3 millar road, Tel: 031-312-0793

Looking Forward - Book Launch - Exclusive Books

Exclusive Books Westville - 22 Sept - 10am 

info: westville@exclusivebooks.co.za 

This edition by +Fred Felton

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