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Sunday, October 27, 2013

Events Around Durban & We Announce The Winners Of Our Samsung Giveaway



Quite a few events coming up for Durban

On 31 October there is Durban Digital Day, the digital media and tech conference for Durban.
Venue: The Factory Cafe.
Tickets:  R80 online or R100 at the door
Website: www.durbandigitalday.co.za
Hashtag:  #DbnDDay

(Source - Durban Digital Day)

St Clements has music


Something special this coming  Saturday evening: Ant Cawthorn-Blazeby and Nick Pitman.
An explosive mix of blues, celtic, jazz, rock and gypsy.
R80 at the door
7.30pm
Tel 031 2022511

(Source - St Clements) 

Long Journey - The Musical
The Playhouse Drama Theatre: 7 to 10 November
Gcugcwa Productions in association with The Playhouse Company proudly presents the high-energy stage show, Long Journey - The Musical, in The Playhouse Drama Theatre from 7 to 10 November 2013.
Written and directed by Zeph Nzama, Long Journey played to standing ovations during its triumphant season at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown this year. The production boasts a big-league cast of performers that includes Buhle Ntuli (African Footprint), Alex Mthiyane (Gagasi FM), Mandla Manzi (Maria Maria) and Thabani Mahlobo (Happiness Through the Mist). Other powerhouse artists appearing in the production include Bongani Mchunu, Sifiso Cele, Cyprian Nzama, and Siyabonga Zuma.
While it depicts men who have left their homes and are resourcefully facing the challenges of hard times experienced while working on the mines, Long Journey-The Musical focuses on the positive side of life. The show embraces a dazzling mix of contemporary, taptsula and gumboot dance genres, showcasing the skills of its exceptionally gifted cast.
It is performed to live musical backing. Performances are at 7pm. Tickets are R95 per person (R85 for block bookings), available through Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com. Tickets are also available at the Playhouse Box Office on 031-369 9540 (office hours).

COMING SOON….
Adult Panto 2013
Romeo and Juliet- an East Coast Story
The Zone Suncoast Casino: 12 November – 31 December
The long-standing theatrical tradition of the saucy festive season adult panto continues – this time the team tip their hat to the greatest love story ever told, Romeo and Juliet,  which will play at The Zone Suncoast from 12 November until 31 December.... except this version is probably not quite what Shakespeare had in mind...
 It has long been a tradition in Durban to celebrate the festive season with a trip to the naughty adult pantomime: a well-known story with a decidedly grown up twist,  a smorgasbord of well-known, sing along songs; saucy ensembles; boisterous fun and a fair amount of risqué one-liners. This year it’s one of the world’s most well-known stories  “ Romeo and Juliet- an East Coast Story”  … and needless to say, nothing is sacred. Scripted, directed and choreographed by Darren King.
 Booking through Computicket. Block bookings, party groups and enquiries – contact Ailsa on  083 250 2690 / ailswn@mweb.co.za.
 Shows are Tues – Sat at 7.30pm; Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are R150 per person. Doors open 90 minutes before for diners. There will be a full bar available. Tables seat 8 people – so book a whole table, or make new friends!  For corporate bookings of 26 tables or more -buffet menus on request. Corporates can buy the whole performance and choose a shorter, condensed “Party pack” version of the show - which is unlikely not to offend anyone!! No under 16s.

(Source - Pansa) 


Winners of the Samsung Cellphone Giveaways



We got a independent judge to wade through all the entries we received for this competition and these were the lucky winners.  

Patrick from Berea
Natasha from Durban Area 
Rachel from Umbilo 

Well done you each get a Samsung Ch@t 333 courtesy of Samsung 









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Monday, October 21, 2013

Review of Samsung Ch@t 333


We review the Samsung Ch@t 333 today.

Dynamite comes in small packages


This is a delightful treat.

Ch@t 333 comes pre-loaded with Twitter, Facebook and options for downloading instant messaing applications like MXit, as well as offering local language options such as Zulu and Xhosa.  The embedded Samsung Ch@tOn App is designed to let consumers easily share messages, images, contacts and calendars with their buddies one-on-one or in group chat.  The long-lasting battery and Opera Mini Web browser contributes to a great Internet experience.
(Pro-tip - we recommend you use the Opera Mini Web browser as you will use less data with it and save money that way.)

The handset is surprisingly light



Under the hood:

Features EDGE/GPRS QuadBand 850/900/1800/1900MHz



It has a 2MP Camera which takes a decent picture.
You also get access to Samsung Apps.
It also has Bluetooth.

Specs on the long lasting battery:
Talk time - Up to 15hrs (GMS)

Standby Time - Up to 650hrs (GMS)

It has a micro sd card with up to 32GB capacity.
It fits a single simcard.
A great plus is that it also has a radio.

(Pictures and specs courtesy of Samsung)

For more details on this model check out these useful links below:

http://www.samsung.com/africa_en/consumer/mobile-phone/mobile-phone/messaging/GT-S3330CWAXFA

www.samsung.com

The good folk at Samsung have given us 3 of these handsets to giveaway.
To be in line to win one of these handsets either Tweet us 
@UmhlangaLife on Twitter and tell us why you want to win or 
you can email us your name and contact details at falconscove@gmail.com
Use Umhlanga Life Samsung competition in the subject line.

(This competition is only for people who live in Durban and Surrounding area's.
Winners will have to collect their handsets in Durban.) 

We will do the draw on Friday 25th October 2013.

Good luck :) 

For a full list of Ts&Cs please see the competitions link - http://umhlangalife.blogspot.com/p/competitions.html

Update - This competition is now closed.




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Saturday, October 19, 2013

Schools across KZN embrace Toy Story



Children across KwaZulu-Natal are reaching out to fellow little ones through East Coast Radio’s Toy Story with Game. School collection drives are integral to the annual campaign which sees toys and food parcels distributed to underprivileged children at government hospitals, crèches, orphanages and child-headed households.

East Coast Radio’s Marketing Manager Renee Burton says, “Little ones know just how special toys are, which is why schools are encouraged to get involved in Toy Story. It’s heart-warming to see them embrace this project.” Principal from Atholton Primary School Graham Aaron explains, “We’ve been involved with Toy Story for a number of years now. Most of our children come from a privileged area and we just believe we can help those that are less privileged and it’s something that we enjoy doing. ”

Not only do the learners become someone’s hero through the Toy Story Schools Challenge, but the school that collects the most toys will win a floating trophy. Each child from the winning school’s top collecting class will also receive a stationery hamper sponsored by Game.

If your school would like to get involved contact anita@ecr.co.za or anusha@ecr.co.za to receive a collection box.  UTi will then make weekly school collections to ensure the toys get into the hands of the children in need this festive season.

To donate, drop off a toy at any Game store or make a cash donation online or in store. Kathryn Taljaard, Game’s PR and CSI Manager says, “With over 13 Game stores in KZN, every listener is able to find a store nearest to them to purchase and drop off toys. And for those who would prefer to make a cash donation to the campaign, this is possible at any till point within the store.”

(Source - East Coast Radio) 


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Thursday, October 17, 2013

News on ECR Toy Story and Arts News and Jobs



ECR Toy Story








You can donate a toy or make a cash donation at any Game store.
More details here:  http://www.ecr.co.za/calendar/event/toy-story-2013-be-someones-hero/

(Source - ECR)

Pansa News

Auditions

“THE BLUE MONDAY PLATFORM!!!”
11 November 2013
Do you want to showcase your talent to many eyes that might help boost your career in the arts? Well, the Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) brings you, 'The Blue Monday Platform'!
The Blue Monday Platform is, is an evening that gives performance artists an opportunity to showcase and demonstrate their craft and ability to key Performance Professionals that are active in the local performance industry and abroad.
All skilled and talented performers that want to break into the professional arena are welcome to audition in the following categories:
•             Writing
•             Directing
•             Acting
•             Singing/ Rapping
•             Dancing (All Genres)
•             Poetry
The blue Monday platform not only allows you to showcase your talent but gives you an opportunity to meet and network with other artists in the industry.
The Blue Monday platform is an exciting, eventful evening for the whole family, so bring your friends and support.
Date: 11 November 2013
Time: 6pm
Venue: Catalina Theatre. (Above Zacks restaurant at Wilson’s wharf)
If you're interested in participating, contact Mthokozisi Zulu at:
031 201 4750


Poetry

The Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) presents:
17th Poetry Africa
International Poetry Festival
14 - 18 October 2013 - Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre: 7pm
19 October 2013 - Bat Centre: 7pm
The 17th Poetry Africa – International Poetry Festival presented in partnership with the City of Durban and the KZN Department of Arts and Culture is proud to announce the festival line-up, which promises to be an exhilarating showcase of diverse voices and sounds. Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) to take place from 14-19 October, this festival is a critical platform for self-expression that offers a space for cultural exchange in the city of Durban.
The festival's line-up features a ground-breaking poetry project – a 12 track recorded album entitled Insurrections – featuring poets and ethnomusicologists from India and South Africa. The project sees the rich sounds of the Indian music. The ensemble will perform on Thursday, 17 October.
Keeping with the musical theme of this year's edition, the festival will feature five poets who also work as recording musicians, and spoken word poets from Africa and abroad including four poets from the Irish poetry collective O'Bheal will present their work at the festival. This contingent consists of Paul Casey, Afric McGinchey, Billy Ramsel and American-born Raven. Completing the international line-up will be Ian Kamau (Canada), Barnabe Laye (Benin) and Raphael d'Abdon (Italy/ South Africa).


Careers in the Arts

Umsindo theatre projects from Umlazi is looking for a coordinator/manager.
Call for a coordinator/manager to work together with the artistic directors, Siso and Goso Shabalala. Umsindo Theatre projects from Umlazi is looking for someone who can work one day a week.

– He or she must have coordinating skills.
– He or she must have accounting skills in finances.
– He or she must be able to make a planning and make sure everyone knows about it and is
   where he or she is supposed to be.
– He or she should be able to write, with the input of the artistic directors  a funding proposal.
-  Good writing and speaking skills in English.
– Would be nice if one comes from Umlazi.
– No specific artistic skills needed.
– Most networking is done by the artistic directors, but it would be nice if the coordinator      understands the local politics.
– Having a driving license is always a plus!

Umsindo's mission is  a unique community arts centre, for the people, by the people from Umlazi, run in a professional way. We run after school activities in different disciplines. We make and present shows with the best talents from Umlazi to create confronting, entertaining theatre that is authentic, hilarious, raw and in a funny way disturbing.
Our vision is: to establish within five years an Arts Centre in Umlazi, with its own building and staff.  An art center with accredited training programs for individuals and schools.
For those who want to apply please send your letter and CV  before Monday 21th of October to Umsindo: umsindotp@gmail.com
The payment is according to the income of the projects.

Business/ Ops Manager, Artist Proof Studio

Reporting to the Board, the successful candidate should have a relevant degree, minimum of 5 years business management experience.

Managing a business unit for profit as well as an understanding of the arts and culture sector, CSI, and corporate funding. Accountable and responsible for the following job expectations:

* Manage the business of Artist Proof Studio, creating a motivating and enabling environment.

* Develop, implement and measure and drive the business through a business directed performance management system for the APS Business Units and Unit Managers.

* Develop business opportunities, creating business, public and private sector partnerships and managing fund raising, grants and donors.

* Co-ordinate, direct the strategic plan of Artist Proof Studio ensuring effective and efficient implementation.

* Comply with all corporate governance, HR legislation and sector legislation requirements.

To apply for the above position, please forward a relevant CV in MS Word format – to Artist Proof Studio at admin@artistproofstudio.co.za. Enquiries may be made by telephoning Thembe on 011 492 1278 Please do not send any certificates, diplomas or testimonials. We thank all applicants for their interest. Communication will be with short-listed applicants only.


PR & Marketing Officer position, MADE

MADE wishes to engage a creative and dynamic individual to develop, manage and implement MADE’s marketing and publicity strategies.

The individual will be vital in creating and maintaining the positive image of the organisation, building its reputation with the public. The candidate must be well versed in social media, media relations and local government.

Key roles of the Marketing and Publicity Officer will be to:
- Effectively promote the organisation and its activities to ensure maximum exposure to a wide range of the communities.
- Identify, develop and maintain positive relations with the public, media, funders, local arts groups and individuals, to secure the organisations operational and financial sustainability and development.

Main duties and responsibility:
- Using a range of marketing and publicity tools to maximise income, by increasing audience attendance at a range of activities and events, both at the organisation and across the communities as part of outreach and in-house initiatives.
- In conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer, developing, presenting, implementing and reviewing the organisations audience development, marketing and publicity action plan as part of the organisation’s overall business plan.
- Developing positive working relationships with printed and broadcast media to promote the organisation and its activities through the management and production of press releases and briefings, editorials, brochures, listing, social media and advertising campaigns.
- Management of press and publicity
- Identifying and implementing ways to increase awareness of the organisation and to promote activities and events locally, nationally and internationally.
- Research funding opportunities with various donors for projects and work of the organisation, and assisting with the preparation of applications to secure funding, and create sponsorship packages.
- Develop fundraising activities
- Develop our profile locally, nationally and internationally through devising appropriate marketing campaigns.
- Managing and updating the organisation’s digital communication including the website, e-newsletter and social media
- Preparing reports for the organisation for sponsors, external funders and others on the success of various initiatives, activities and events.
- Developing good working relations with artists, art groups and organisations, funders
- Representing the organisation at external meetings as required

Specification:
Matric/Grade 12 plus a 3 year tertiary qualification or a relevant certification accredited by SAQA as applicable.
2 – 3 years relevant experience
Excellent communication skills both oral and written
Ability to work independently and in a team
Ability to work well under pressure
Ability to think creatively and willing to work after hours
Working knowledge of MS Office

Position conditions:
The position is a Fixed-term employment contract.
Salary is negotiable
Successful candidate must have own transport

Applications:
Please reply with a concise CV, letter of motivation and 3 references to info@mzansiartsdevelopment.org with PR & Marketing Officer position in the subject line. Alternatively please fax to 086 241 6974.
Any queries should be directed to Mamello Hadebe at info@mzansiartsdevelopment.org or 086 241 6974.

Closing date: 31 October 2013.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

The successful candidate must be available immediately



Art Therapy Centre employment opportunity

The Art Therapy Centre is looking for an Operations/Programme Manager

The challenge to institutionalise an NPO in the psychosocial health sector with policies, efficient and effective systems and procedures to support multiple projects and ensure its sustainability into the future.

The key responsibility would be the rollout of the business and implementation plan for 12 identified projects to increase access to creative arts and community art counselling within disadvantaged communities in terms of the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.

In this regard you would have to do the following:

1. Project management

2. Develop and implement an organizational infrastructure which would support and sustain the existing and new projects into the future through the implementation of automated and manual systems, processes and procedures.

3. Performance management of the projects in terms of the NLDTF guidelines

4. Manage the NLDTF money in terms of the budget allocation and current and future funding reserves

5. Prepare and submit reports - monthly, in terms of the NLDTF guidelines and to the Board as and when requested

6. Develop and implement policies such as on Volunteerism, Interns and Facilitators.

7. Stakeholder and relationship management which is as diverse as corporates, donors and funders, rural and urban communities, trauma victims, children

8. Communication with all stakeholders

9. Fundraising, proposal submissions

NOTE: This is a one year fixed term contract.

To apply for the above position, please forward a relevant CV in MS Word format – to pinpoint one human resources via e-mail or fax to: response5@pinpointone.co.za or fax: 086 403 2154.

Enquiries may be made by telephoning Clive H Viveiros on 011 325 5101.

Please do not send any certificates, diplomas or testimonials.

We thank all applicants for their interest.

Communication will be with short-listed applicants only.


THEATRE
The Glitter Girls
Rhumbelow Pmb: 20 Oct
Rhumbelow Dbn: 25 – 27 Oct; 1 – 3 Nov
The Glitter Girls: Reunion of ’89  Lisa Bobbert, Liesl Coppin and Marion Loudon. The Berlin Wall... Spandex... Dallas... 1989 was a special year. But now these three girls have to go back! Back to neon, back to big hair and back to Skolliesville High!
24 years later, Skolliesville High is finally having their 20 year reunion (on account of Tina Davis nee Davies having misplaced 2002 - 2005). And that means the Glitter Girls are going to relive their greatest triumphs and heartbreaks at the reunion of the century! All the hits, all the boys (and a few crazy characters you'll never forget), all from the past... And where they are today!

(Source - Pansa)

Article by +Fred Felton 


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Friday, October 11, 2013

Useful contacts for Young Ladies with an eye on IT as a career


SA 'needs to close gender divide in technology'

Today I was invited to the Girls In IT event in Durban #GirlsInIT

(Picture by Colin Browne - www.colinbrowne.co.za )

There is still a yawning 'gender divide' in the number of women using technology and pursuing IT careers in South Africa.

The organisation 'Girls Invent Tomorrow' aims to change this.
The U.N. has declared 11 October as 'International Day of the Girl Child.'

At this event today more than 100 young high school learners arrived eager for knowledge.

Thuli Sibeko founder of 'Girls Invent Tomorrow' said it was vital to empower girl learners.  ICT is one of the best areas to get into for South African girls.

For one of the key sponsors of the event Intel, gender equality is an issue close to its heart.
It has launched Girl Rising a social action campaign to educate and empower women and it also launched
She Will Connect aimed at reducing the gender and technology gap around the world.

Thabani Kupe - Intel South Africa
(Picture by Colin Browne - www.colinbrowne.co.za )

'We believe that closing the Internet gender gap has tremendous potential to empower women and enrich their lives as well as all the lives they touch.'  - Thabani Kupe of Intel South Africa.

'A lack of role models is one of the greatest barriers to women leaders.'  - World Economic Forum Corporate Gender Gap Report 2012.





Thuli Sibeko - Girls Invent Tomorrow
(Picture by Colin Browne - www.colinbrowne.co.za )

'Technology needs girls to help invent the future' said Ms Sibeko.

We were treated to a very interesting panel discussion from some inspiring ladies that are doing some amazing things in the technology sector.




Panel Discussion - Picture by Colin Browne (www.colinbrowne.co.za)

The panel included
Candice Potgieter from KZN Science Centre - @CRPotgieter
Mokgaetsi Madise - App Developer and Microsoft Student Partner - @fruitymo
Palesa Sibeko - In Mobile and Community Sector - @palesa08
Rene Petersen-Parker - Director of RLabs - @reneparker
Suzanne Smith - Media Rep for 'She's The Geek' Blog
The panel was facilitated by Natassia Badenhorst - Communications Specialist - @ndevilliers

Rene Petersen-Parker shared these tips about blogging:

  • All you need is something to say
  • Don't steal other people's content
'Apps and Hackathons are all about solving problems' - Mokgaetsi Madise






Eager Minds - Picture by Colin Browne - (www.colinbrowne.co.za)


So for all you young ladies interested in IT above are some interesting contacts for you to pursue.
Reach out to them, you will find their twitter handle next to their name.

For young ladies interested in a career in the IT Sector start a conversation with
HP - @HP_S_Africa and also with Intel - @Intel_Africa

Chat to Thuli Sibeko as well - @Thulilo

To see more insightful tweets about the event track the hashtag #GirlsInICT on Twitter.

Useful links
Website:  www.girlsinventtomorrow.com
Email: info@girlsinventtomorrow.com


Article by +Fred Felton




Tuesday, October 8, 2013

2 Book Launches And A Call For Photographers


This week there is a double book launch at Ike's Bookshop, Florida Road.

Pieter-Dirk Uys and Brent Meersman (facilitated by Illa Thompson)  will read from and speak on their novels ,
Panorama and Five Lives at Noon (both published by Missing Ink) .

Date : Wed 09 October 2013  , 5.30 for 6.00 pm
Venue :  Ike’s Books and The Collective Art Gallery , 48A Florida Road , 
Durban ph : 031 303 9214 (Joanne Rushby)
Rsvp : cedric@adamsbooks.co.za   or  082 873 2702 . 
Media enquiries : Illa Thompson 083 326 3234

Pieter-Dirk Uys with his new novel

Pieter-Dirk Uys :  Panorama  (Missing Ink)
For twenty-four hours in 1987, Sibi Makhale is allowed to visit her dying father in the maximum security prison of Robben Island. The daughter of banned parents, Sibi comes face to face with two suspicious and frightened white Afrikaans schoolteachers resident on the island. It will prove to be a life-changing experience for all of them.
Over two decades later, Sibi returns to the island – now a World Heritage Site – with her two born-free sons. It is an attempt at closure for her, an adventure for her boys, and for the reader, a remarkable journey back from the dark past.
Pieter-Dirk Uys’ Panorama celebrates the people who, through their shared passion for a beloved country, managed to communicate and even laugh with each other in spite of fear, guilt and prejudice. This story about South Africa’s yesterday and today is inspired by Pieter-Dirk Uys’ internationally acclaimed play of the same name.

Author Brent Meersman

Brent Meersman’s Five Lives at Noon follows a generation of young South Africans turning 30 during the turbulent years from the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990 to the day of the first democratic election in 1994.
A young white man and a young black woman return from exile in London; a human rights lawyer searches for a missing comrade and his own redemption; and an ex-South African Defence Force soldier descends into the carnage of the civil war in KwaZulu-Natal. Their lives will be set on an inevitable, but unexpected, collision course.
Five Lives at Noon ventures into the very heart of the civil war and to KwaZulu Natal, the crucible in which the new South Africa was forged. As South Africa marks 20 years since the advent of democracy, these five lives uncover the price paid for that political settlement.
Please RSVP if you are coming.
(Source - Publicity Matters) 
Call For Photographers
Durban Digital Day is looking for your images of Durban.  The best image will be selected and used for their website.  The winning photographer will get a  credit as well.
So if you like to take pics or fancy yourself a Instagram King or Queen send them your latest pics of Durban.
Inbox them on Facebook with your hi-res pics of Durban and all of your details.
Find them on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/durbandigitalday 
Good luck.
(Source - Durban Digital Day) 

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Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Auditions in Durban



Casting For a Corporate Video in Durban

Black Male and Female to present to the camera reading from a teleprompt,
should have an excellent command of the English Language, speak fluently with no heavy accents,
be well presentable and groomed, for 1 day shoot, good pay

email casting@gobigproductions.co.za for details and the script.  Send a pic less than 1MB size
and full contact details.

Ages:  25 - 40 yrs should apply.

(Source - Go Big Productions)


iLembe will be presented in association between The Playhouse Company and the Sibikwa Arts Centre.  Auditions will be held from 7-12 October 2013, from 09:30 am to 16:30 pm. “iLembe” will be staged at the Playhouse in April - May 2014 as part of The Playhouse Company’s New Stages season. iLembe is a potent drama depicting  the last few months of the reign of King Shaka before his death.

The Directors seek to audition male dancers between the ages of 20 -30 years who can sing and have training in contemporary and African dance. The Dancers are required to prepare a short dance piece and a song. The Directors are looking for three women who have some storytelling experience and are above 35 years old to sing and play traditional South African bow instruments.  To read more click here

Aspirant performers must have professional experience. Auditions will take place at The Playhouse in the Arts Administration Building , Rehearsal Room A1. Please contact Phyllis Klotz on 011 422 4359 or emailphyllis@sibikwa.co.za by Friday 4th October no later than 12pm to book your audition slot.


(Source - Pansa) 
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