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 

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 

Durban Chamber Networking Events For Your Calendar

The Durban Chamber Of Commerce has quite a few events this month for your Calendar.

Time: 8h30
Venue: Hilton Hotel
Cost: R180 per person
Enquiries: hlongwap@durbanchamber.co.za

Loads of Prizes and Dinner Included.

For details and sponsorship opportunities: pillays@durbanchamber.co.za 

Presented by Mr Richard Cookson - Garlicke & Bousfield.

This event will focus on the importance of understanding international business culture and communications for Exporters. 

23 September at 8h30am. 

For more details email: hlongwap@durbanchamber.co.za 

This edition by +Fred Felton 

Tips from Darren Maule on how to prepare for the Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk

We received some tips today from Darren Maule on how to prepare for the Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk.

They sound legit.

1.  Don't enter the Big Walk if you don't know how to walk!  If you are not sure about this - get up off your chair, move one foot in front of the other and if your body follows - you are walking! Congratulations! NOW you can enter the Big Walk.

2.  If you are a relatively new Big Walker, perhaps consider putting on two pairs of socks.  They will rub on each other and not on your uninitiated footsies.

Um, I think we will rather share with you some expert advice:

• Talk to your doctor before starting a new fitness programme
• Plan and track your training programme
• Make sure you add stretching to your training routine
• Make sure you get the right gear!  Invest in quality footwear for training and the walk, make sure they fit well.  Wear them in before the big day to avoid blisters.  

More tips and advice on www.ecr.co.za and www.discovery.co.za 

The Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk is on 18 May 2014.

Enter online at www.ecr.co.za or at selected Totalsports outlets. 

Indaba Networking Golf Day

9 May 2014 at 9am

DCC Beachwood Golf Course 

For more info www.indabagolfday.co.za 

Email Melissa - melissa@indabagolfday.co.za

A Handful of Keys is sheer good fun

Keith Millar: WOW! Now that’s entertainment!

Ian von Memerty and Roelof Colyn are simply superb in A Handful of Keys currently on at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.              

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, with over 1,180 performances and having been seen by more than 375,000 people A Handful of Keys is one of the most popular, and enduring, South African musical productions of all time.

There are tributes to lady singer/pianists such as Norah Jones, Alicia Keys and Nina Simone, and men such as Fats Domino, Fats Waller and Billy Joel. South African music is not ignored with a wonderful parody performance of The Click Song, Pata Pata and Mama Tembu’s wedding. An extraordinary item in the programme is The History of Broadway Musical where no less than 143 segments of Broadway musical songs are played and sung in 12 minutes. A virtuoso piano performance.

A Handful of Keys runs until April 27 at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre with shows from Tuesday to Saturday at 20h00 and with extra shows on Saturday and Sunday at 15h00. Tickets R150 booked through Computicket.

YOUNG PERFORMERS PROJECT

AUDITION NOTICE

Directed by Themi Venturas, the 13^th annual PANSA Rainbow Young Performers Production for 2014 is Footloose – which re-unites Daisy Spencer (Choreographer) and Des Govender (Vocal Coach) the team that brought us Hairspray and Legally Blonde.

Auditions will take place on 26 April 2014

at Durban High School from 09h00 – 17h00.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL LEARNERS ONLY

We are looking for 30 talented young performers from KZN -

Footloose has approximately 13 parts for males and 14 parts for females.

We will also be seeking musicians to make up the ‘live’ band.

Applicants must be in able to sing, dance and act

Applicants must be available for rehearsal every weekend from

16 May – 22 June 2014

Previews and Performances are from 28 June to 13 July 2014.

Applicants must be available for the whole audition to qualify

Applicants must wear comfortable clothing / gym gear and appropriate footwear

Applicants are to bring their own refreshments – water / juice and lunch

Applicants must be prepared to wait between calls

For further enquiries please call

PANSA KwaZulu Natal Regional Coordinator: Nelisa Mzimela

                                     PANSA office Telephone: 031 2014750 or email: kzn@pansa.org.za

This Edition by +Fred Felton  

Events, Castings, Scholarships and Networking Meetings Around Durban

Glenwood High School, Durban, presents 'LORD OF THE FLIES'.

                                                                          

25- 27 March 2014. Glenwood School Hall. Tickets R30 scholars, R50 Adults. School Groups of 15 or more R25pp (includes a study guide)

Contact Ian Schoeman at: Schoeman@glenwoodhighschool.co.za   031 205 5241 Or visit www.glenwoodhighschool.co.za

YOUNG PERFORMERS PROJECT 2014 - AUDITIONS NOTICE

FOOTLOOSE

Directed by Themi Venturas, the 13^th annual PANSA Rainbow Young Performers Production for 2014 is Footloose – which re-unites Daisy Spencer (Choreographer) and Des Govender (Vocal Coach) the team that brought us Hairspray and Legally Blonde.

Auditions will take place on 26 April 2014

at Durban High School from 09h00 – 17h00.

We are looking for 30 talented young performers from KZN -

Footloose has approximately 13 parts for males and 14 parts for females.

We will also be seeking musicians to make up the ‘live’ band.

Applicants must be in able to sing, dance and act

Applicants must be available for rehearsal every weekend from

16 May – 22 June 2014

Previews and Performances are from 28 June to 13 July 2014.

Applicants must be available for the whole audition to qualify

Applicants must wear comfortable clothing / gym gear and appropriate footwear

Applicants are to bring their own refreshments – water / juice and lunch

Applicants must be prepared to wait between calls

For further enquiries please call

PANSA KwaZulu Natal Regional Coordinator: Nelisa Mzimela

PANSA office Telephone: 031 2014750 or email: kzn@pansa.org.za

Extras needed for Bollywood Movie

Looking for young white and indian people 18 - 25 years old.  Must be available 29 / 30th March.

Contact Sherae for details: 074-572-0654

Last call for Filmmakers

DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS

The largest of Southern Africa's film festivals and the most important film festival in Africa, DIFF hosts a film competition component and also presents screenings in township areas where cinemas are non-existent.

The festival will consider films completed in 2013 and 2014, and there is no charge for entry. All submissions must be entered via the Eventival online system. In order to submit a film you will need to create a visitor account if you have not already done so in past years. The deadline for all entries, including delivery of screeners, is 28 March 2014 for short films, documentaries and feature fiction films.

The extensive seminar and workshop programme featuring local and international filmmakers and industry professionals includes the 7th Talent Campus Durban (19-23 July) in cooperation with Berlinale Talent Campus, and the 5th Durban FilmMart (19-22 July) in partnership with Durban Film Office, as well as various other streams of programming including Durban Wild Talk Africa and Wavescape. Specific streams of programming for 2014 will include a focus on 20 years of democracy in South Africa, as well as films that explore architecture in various ways. This latter stream of programming acknowledges the World Congress of Architects which will take place in Durban in 2014, the week after DIFF.

"We look forward to once again receiving a wealth of top quality films from around the globe," says festival manager, Peter Machen. "We also welcome input from and engagement with current and potential partners who support the development of the film industry on the continent. It is through collaboration that we can offer film-makers and the public a festival of brilliant film and a worthwhile industry development programme."

The festival is supported by the National Film and Video Foundation, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the City of Durban and other valued funders and partners.
www.durbanfilmfest.co.za eMAIL: diff@ukzn.ac.za

Scholarships

For more details visit: www.act.org.za

Hirsch's Networking Breakfast

Artisan Gallery in Florida Road invites you to join them for the opening of their exhibition

Celebrate 3

Date: 26 March

Time: 17h30 for 18h00

Where: 344 Florida Road

Phone: 031-312-4364

email: info@artisan.co.za

This edition by +Fred Felton 

Book Launch Tonight, Art Show coming up and a Networking Breakfast

A great book launch coming up tonight for Durban.

(Source - Adams Bookshop)

Look out for this Art Show coming soon:

For more info call: 072-229-6530 

(Source - Mwimbi Fine Art Gallery) 

Are you interested in business networking?  This might be for you:

(Source - Hirsch's) 

You are invited to a Leadership Breakfast in Durban with Rod Smith

Join us this month for a leadership breakfast with Rod Smith and Yours Truly.
Rod will be speaking on leadership strategies and I will be MC and speaking
on 'How to Network.'  It will be a fantastic opportunity for business leaders
and entrepreneurs to network and learn.

Each delegate gets a workbook from Rod and a book on Twitter from me.

Where: The Benjamin Hotel, Florida Road, Durban
When:  8am for 8h30am start
Date: 25 July 2013

For bookings email Fred on falconscove@gmail.com

#RodSmithDurban

Loads of Apps from Blackberry just for you, Spar Hockey News and Networking Events

Blackberry Apps Just For You



(Picture Courtesy of Blackberry)

The latest BlackBerry® 10 apps available in BlackBerry® World™.

Gaming

• Draw War: Save Yer Booty (Synqua Games)
• Bejeweled 2 for BlackBerry 10 (Electronic Arts, Inc.)
• MONOPOLY for BlackBerry 10 (Electronic Arts, Inc.)

News & Magazines

• Maxim (Maxim)
• AP for BlackBerry 10 (The Associated Press)

Utilities & Productivity:

• Measure Treasure (InfoStretch Corp.)
• ClipMan Clipboard Manager (QtHelex)

Lifestyle & Entertainment

• Event Cinemas (The Greater Union Organisation)
• eCoffeeCard (EatDigital)
• Clipp (Clipp Pty Ltd)
• Tobit.Campus (Tobit.Software)

Here are some useful business apps for you this week:

• Vault Password Manager (XLabz Technologies Pvt Ltd): Never forget a password again with this secure and safe password manager and keeper.
• Business Cards for BlackBerry 10 (Saper-ek): Scan and store your business cards on your BlackBerry smartphone.
• Hide Files for BlackBerry 10 (Runisoft Ltd): Hide any file or folder on your BlackBerry 10 smartphones. This app is perfect if your company uses one device for multiple people, or if you simply want to keep your data safe from snoops.
• Find Near Me (XLabz Technologies Pvt Ltd): This app helps you locate a variety of places – from Restaurants to Wi-Fi hotspots – near your location.
• A Day in Life (XLabz Technologies Pvt Ltd): A Day in Life allows you to jot down your free-form thoughts in a digital journal for later reference.
• SayIt (BachKhoa University): If you ever find yourself needing a personal assistant, organizer, encyclopedia, or a dictionary while on the go with your BlackBerry Z10, you are going to want SayIt. Offering all of these features plus a 25 language translator, SayIt is a veritable Swiss knife of usefulness. This app is part of the Built for BlackBerry program, and you can find a handy video demo right here.

 For the latest BlackBerry news, press releases and headlines, follow @BlackBerry_ZA and @BlackBerryNews on Twitter.

(Source - Blackberry) 

SPAR aQuellé School Girls’ Hockey Tournament

Greytown High School

Saturday 20 April

Almost a year to the day since the 2012 tournament, girls’ hockey first teams from around the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi region will congregate atGreytown High School to compete in the third SPAR aQuellé School Girls Hockey Tournament on Saturday 20 April.

The Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi region has had two different schools representing the region down in Durban as they competed in the final of the growing tournament. In the inaugural tournament in 2011 Wembley College represented the region finishing 10^th overall in the province whilst Ladysmith High School were the 2012 champions, finishing 7^th overall in KwaZulu Natal.

The defending champions Ladysmith High School have prior commitments and will not be in the running to defend their 2012 title, leaving the title of the 2013 wide open with no favourites.

Tournament Director, Les Galloway enthused, “We are delighted at how the 2013 regionals have played out so far. The tournament at Wembley College last year was magnificent and we are anticipating another wonderful day of hockey with loads of fast paced action.”

Managing Director for SPAR KZN, Rob Philipson shared Galloway’s sentiments, “The tournament is turning three this year and I am amazed how it has fast become a firm favourite on the hockey calendar. We look forward to welcoming the new regional champion to the finals in July.”

Eight teams have already reserved their spots in the finals that will be taking place at Thomas More College and St Mary’s DSG on the weekend of 20 and 21 July. They are Ferrum High School (Northern KZN); Creston College (Ugu and Sisonke); Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High (PMB Central); St Anne’s (PMB North); Durban Girls’ High School (Durban South); Ashton College (Durban North); Durban Girls’ College (Durban Central) and St Mary’s DSG (Highway).

The tournament has a Facebook page – SPAR aQuellé School Girls’ Hockey Tournament and a Twitter account - @SPARGirlsHockey. Spectators and players are encouraged to visit the page and check out all the action from the regionals.

Ladysmith High School defender stretches to gain possession of the ball in a very difficult game at last years regional which was won by Ladysmith High School.

(Source - SPAR Hockey) 

(Source - Hirsch's)

Networking Events, News For Writers, Tips For Bloggers and more

You Are Invited to this Networking Meeting

Monthly Event - Third Tuesday of every month: 4:00 PM (CAT)

The Square Boutique Hotel
250 Umhlanga Rocks Drive
Durban
South Africa

Music For You

Tim Wells Blues Band will play at St Clements this Fri 12 April from 19h30pm. R50 at the door. Tel 031 2022511

Attention Writers

The WGSA KZN committee would like to invite you to attend a meet and greet on Monday 15 April at 18h00.  During this session WGSA Council would like to get your input to put forward a programme for the rest of the year.

So, be there!

VENUE:
Smile Spa, Shop 2A, 136 Cowey Road
Musgrave

Entrance on Cowey Road
Free secure parking


Kind Regards,
Thea Aboud
Writers’ Guild of South Africa

Mobile: 082 575 6901
Office: 011 888 4349
Fax: 086 654 1972
Email: admin@writersguildsa.org / wgsainfo@gmail.com
Website: www.writersguildsa.org

(Source - WGSA) 

Master Class for Script Writers 

Twist Theatre Development Projects, in partnership with the National Arts Festival and PANSA, will be hosting the annual Novel-Script Project, a master-class for script writers, in Grahamstown from 22 to 28 June. 

This project brings together writers from South Africa, Zimbabwe and the Netherlands in an intensive 5 day workshop that focuses on writers honing their craft.
 
Participants are provided with travel, accommodation, a per deum, and an invaluable experience.
We will be selecting just two South African writers to be part of the project for 2013.

This is a professional programme, and writers must be mid-career, and meet the following criteria:

•Fluency in writing and conversing in English, 
•Experience with having staged at least 2 of their own original scripts on the professional stage,

•Computer literacy, and own lap-top for the duration of the project,
•Openness to constructive criticism and workshop processes,
•Full availability over the period 22-28 June,
•The project does involve some preparation, and participants must be willing to complete an assignment in May. 

Applicants should email an application to info@twistprojects.co.za by Monday 22 April. 
Applications MUST include the following:

1) A short Curriculum Vitae containing the following:
Personal Information  
Relevant Education and Training
Theatre Writing Experience

2) A short motivation for acceptance to the workshop, with names and contact details of two theatre-related referees 

3) A short 3 - 8 page sample of an original theatre script  (please do not send the full script). 

Applicants will be contacted by the end of April regarding the outcome of the selection process. 

Twist will be hosting a development workshop for less established writers later in 2013, and will make a separate call for this project. 

(Source - Pansa) 

Great tips in this interview with +Cath Jenkin for Bloggers, Writers and Copywriters.

A Short Story 

A DOG TALE by Andrew Verster 

“You’ve  run over my dog.”

“I certainly did not.”

“But it’s under the wheel of your car.”

“Can’t think how it got there.”

“Poor Bonzo’s dead.”

“No denying that.”

“But YOU did it.”

“I beg to differ.”

“What on earth are you talking about?”

“He was dead before I ran over him.”

“Are you MAD? Would YOU be walking a dead dog on a leash?”

“Certainly not. But I’m not you. And there’s no accounting for what other people do.”

“Look at him. As flat as a pancake.”

“Flattish.”

“Is that all you can say?”

“FLAT, then. Is that better?”

“I’ll report this to the police.”

“You do that, and in the meantime would you move your dog. I have a meeting and I’m late.”

“What did you say your name was?”

“I didn’t.’

“No matter, I’ll just tell them the ugly man with halitosis did it.”

“But I’ve just brushed my teeth.”

“Brushing’s not enough. Try flossing.”

“Thanks for the tip.”

“No problem. Where did you say Musgrave Centre was?”

“Right here. We are IN it.”

“Must rush. Nice to meet you. Don’t forget your dog.”

Andrew Verster is a Artist and Writer based in Durban

Email: ANDREWVERSTER784@GMAIL.COM

Related articles

• A picture is worth more than a thousand words.

Auditions, Networking Meetings, Short Story Competitions and Theatre News

PANSA/Rainbow Young Performers Project 2013

AUDITIONS
ON SATURDAY 13TH APRIL
AT UKZN (Howard College) DRAMA DEPARTMENT
For the original production
‘CAN YOU FEEL IT?’Written and Directed by Peter Court and Charon Williams-Ros

Rehearsals: Every Weekend from 14th April – 23rd June
Full time 25th / 26th /27th June
Performances at the ELIZABETH SNEDDON THEATRE
from 28th June – 14th July 2013

REGISTRATION: 09h00 – 10h00

•Singers•Dancers [All Styles]
           

•Gymnasts/Acrobats•Physical Actors

•Mime Artists•Magicians

•Special Skills [Skateboarding/Trick cycling/Parkour/Free running, Juggling/Diablo/Baton twirling, etc.]

•Musicians [portable instruments only – must be your own]
NB: Audition is open to High School learners only
Enquiries: PANSA Tel: 031 201-4750 /email: kzn@pansa.org.za

If you are considering a career in theatre, this is your chance!

(Source - Pansa)

Catalina Theatre - Call for Proposals for 2014

Catalina UnLtd is calling for proposals for productions to be staged at the Catalina Theatre, Wilson’s Wharf, Durban for 2014.

The productions may be full theatre productions, children’s shows, music performances, dance, comedy, and the like. The aim is to get an interesting, innovative and eclectic mix while still focussing on good, solid mainstream theatre.

Please send a brief proposal consisting of:

·         Name and contact details

·         Type of show (e.g. music performance)

·         Synopsis or basic story line of the show

·         Number of cast members/performers

·         Brief director & actor/performer bios

·         Who would the show appeal to

Please email catalinasagm@gmail.com for more information or to submit your proposal.

Make 2014 your year to get on stage.

(Source - Catalina Theatre) 

(Source - Hirsch Umhlanga) 

Short Story Competition

Just a last reminder to have a go at the SA Writers College short story competition before the deadline of March 31st. Or if you've written your story but not sent it yet- now's the time to tweak it and submit it! 

Theme: Doing the right thing. This is not the title.

Word count: Less than 2000 words

Open to all South African writers who have not had fiction published in mainstream publications 

Email as an attachment to Nichola@sawriterscollege.co.za 

(Source - SA Writers College) 

Speaking of Short Stories, here is one by Andrew Verster.

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER

The stuffing’s coming out of your chair.

We are all losing ours as well.

Aren’t you going to do something about it?

At some moment you give up and let nature take its course.

That is defeatist.

Realistic.

It’s avoiding the issue.

Is that bad?

One can’t let circumstance ride roughshod over you.

Why not?

You must take a stand about everything.

Even things you can’t change?

That’s different. You must be realistic.

Look life right in the eye?

Something like that.

Say what you think?

Yes.

You are the ugliest person I’ve ever seen.

You’re no oil painting either.

But I won that round.

Because you got in first?

No, because I said what was on my mind.

The truth never hurts.

You ARE the ugliest person I’ve ever seen.

You look like a Tretchikoff.

Now THAT hurt.

Bye, mom. See you around.

Bye darling. Close your eyes when you cross the road.

Andrew Verster is a World Famous Artist and Writer Based in Durban.

Email ANDREWVERSTER784@GMAIL.COM