Young Durban Designers Shine

 

June is Youth Month and we look at four young designers who are dazzling the design world thanks to eThekwini Municipality.

In 2020 four young designers from Durban were selected to design the outfits that will be worn by athletes that represent South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics’ opening ceremonies in 2021.

Mbali Zulu, Nompumelelo Mjadu, Sandile Sikhakhane and Sipho Lushaba were tasked with designing the kit that will be worn by South African athletes at the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics’ opening ceremonies.

The designers are products of the Durban Fashion Fair development programme.

‘’We welcome such progressive strides by one  of our flagship programmes, the Durban Fashion Fair which skills and empowers budding talent in the fashion industry,’’ said eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.

Umhlanga Life sat down with the four designers to find out more about them.

Mbali Zulu | Instagram: @MbaliZulu6

For Mbali Zulu the fashion madness started when she played with her Barbie dolls. ‘’I used to sew clothes from fabric around the house and have my own fashion shows,’’ said Mbali Zulu.

She praised the Durban Fashion Fair development programme which is an initiative of eThekwini Municipality. ‘’The programme helped with training me to be a better business women, opening doors to promote our brand on an international level,’’ emphasised Mbali Zulu.

The designer that inspires her most is David Tlale.

The outfit they designed for the athletes is very functional. ‘’The outfit was inspired by the Athletes. They wanted an outfit that will unite us all, we created a print by combining different animal prints and we added in the Olympics print. The outfit is ready to wear so they can even use it after the opening ceremony,’’ shared Mbali Zulu.

She gave this advice to young designers, ‘’Apply for programmes like the Durban Fashion Fair mentorships, they really help to mentor you and launch you as a designer. Start designing and making your clothes,’’ said Mbali Zulu.

Her brand ZuluM specialises in ready to wear, with an African celebration through colours and fabrication.

‘’Start doing what you love today not tomorrow, start with the little you have and build from there, start with making clothes for your family,’’ advises Mbali Zulu.

Youth Month is a reminder to her that we can all make a difference. ‘’We can contribute and make a change to better our lives,’’ stated Mbali Zulu.

Sipho Lushaba | Instagram: @svl_designs

For Sipho Lushaba the entrance into the fashion world was early. ‘’I used to watch my mother sew and from playing dress-up, using me as her own personal mannequin to style me, I developed a love for fashion so I decided to study fashion design at Lindiwe Kuzwayo Academy of Fashion,’’ said Sipho Lushaba.

‘’The Durban Fashion Fair helped me by giving me the platform to develop my skill through the mentorship programme where we were mentored by Fezile Mdletshe and had the opportunity to showcase our talents through the fashion, so it actually helped expose me to the fashion world,’’ notes Sipho Lushaba.

He got involved in designing the Olympic teams opening ceremony kit by being offered the opportunity by Durban Fashion Fair, eThekwini Municipality and Mr Price.

He is inspired by Alexander McQueen and Thebe Magugu.

Where did he get his inspiration for the kit? ‘’Mainly from the Madiba dream and how he wanted to unite us as a nation through sports and how we wanted to represent the athletes and their dreams of stepping foot in the world’s biggest stage, so we also incorporated elements of our cultural diversity which are represented by the big 5 and the Protea,’’ adds Sipho Lushaba.

His advice to young designers, ‘’Start now, look for opportunities which will help you in developing your skills and which help you get exposed to the world of fashion and also to value your craft, love what you do and never lose focus of what you wish to achieve,’’ shared Sipho Lushaba.

He uses his artistic brand SVL Designs to tell stories through art and fashion by fusing both in garments. 

‘’You can’t do everything by yourself at all times, seek out help where you can and be patient with yourself and the process,’’ advises Sipho Lushaba.

‘’Youth Month to me means that we shouldn’t let the sacrifices which were made for us to have a better future go to waste, we should take the opportunities given to us and make the most out of them, so those who made the sacrifices can be proud at the end of the day,’’ states Sipho Lushaba.

Nompumelelo Mjadu | Instagram: @jado_mjadu

‘’I started as a self-taught dressmaker. I was very passionate, this led me to pursue fashion as a career at Lindiwe Kuzwayo Academy of Fashion,’’ said Nompumelelo Mjadu.

She graduated with a fashion diploma in 2019 and had a specific interest in starting her own business.

‘’When I joined the DFF mentorship programme I was very green. I had just come out of college. I was given a platform to prove myself, through the programme I developed innovative skills,’’ notes Nompumelelo Mjadu.

Coco Chanel and Laduma Maxhosa are designers that inspire her.

‘’It is ok to start small wherever you are, prove yourself! Make use of programmes like Durban Fashion Fair,’’ advises Nompumelelo Mjadu.

Her brand Jado Mjadu is an original feminine brand that focuses on the timeless style of women who value quality.   

‘’The hardest times are the best time to grow or create something new,’’ advises Nompumelelo Mjadu.

‘’Youth Month means that we as young people remain conscious of our vision and pave the way for the next generation to fight a different battle to ours,’’ said Nompumelelo Mjadu.

Sandile Sikhakhane | Instagram: @sandile_da_creactive

 ‘’My whole life has been fashion and design. I’ve been doing this since I was 13. I’ve always been thinking outside the box. I had a vision of turning people into walking canvases’’ said Sandile Sikhakhane.  

‘’The DFF Mentorship programme in 2020 gave me the tools that I needed to be where I am now,’’ stated Sandile Sikhakhane.

He is inspired by Alexander McQueen.

‘’If you can see it you can achieve it. Don’t stop, never stop. Just keep pushing. It takes a whole lot of hard work,’’ advises Sandile Sikhakhana.   

His brand sAnd!Le_da_creActive uses arts and crafts to bring value to what people think is nothing.

‘’I’ve learnt to turn my losses into lessons and my lessons into my earnings. If you learn you will earn. I’ve learnt how to cut costs. Collaboration is key, ‘’ advises Sandile Sikhakhana.

‘’Youth Month means it’s a reminder that I as a Youth have the power to change the world. We can do a whole lot to change. We can move mountains. We can become future kings and queens thus passing on knowledge,’’ said Sandile Sikhakhana.

For more information on how eThekwini Municipality is helping you visit: www.durban.gov.za

5 Reasons to visit uShaka Marine World

 

By Fred Felton | 10 June 2021

There is plenty to see and do at this theme park situated in the Point Waterfront of Durban, South Africa.

Here are 5 highlights to add to your bucket list:

Wet n’ Wild

The theme park has a great adventure park featuring many water slides, a variety of pools and of course the Lazy River where you can sail along at your own pace. There are also some extreme slides for the thrill seekers out there.

The Aquarium

The sunken plane | Photo: Fred Felton

uShaka Marine World has a huge collection of fish species that you can observe. The Aquarium features some amazing species and you might even spot a sunken plane. It is also where you can experience the Phantom Ship. It is certainly something to experience on your next visit.

The Village Walk

The Dangerous Creatures Exhibit at the Village Walk | Photo: Fred Felton

Not many people know this but situated next to the theme park is the Village Walk. uShaka Marine World has its very own outside mall. So if you are in the mood for some retail therapy you can experience one of the many boutique shops in the Village Walk. No matter what you need you can find anything from clothing to food to gourmet coffee and even banking right there. Many of these shops rely on tourists and locals and during these tough times it is important to support local shops.

The Dolphin Show

The theme park also has its very own Dolphin Show which is held at different times during the day. You can also experience the shows online by visiting the uShaka Marine World website.

The New Promenade Extension

Spectacular views from the new promenade | Photo: Fred Felton

Ethekwini Municipality has just recently extended the promenade further along from uShaka Pier. So grab a coffee at one of the nearby restaurants and take a leisurely stroll.  The promenade leads right up to the harbour entrance where you can experience some breath-taking views of Durban and the ships that enter and exit the entrance.

It’s important to check their website to find out their latest updates on opening and closing times based on the latest Covid-19 lockdown regulations. Please remember that all Covid-19 regulations will be in place at the park.

For more information on uShaka Marine World visit: www.ushakamarineworld.co.za

Human Rights vs. Covid-19 Lockdown

 

By Fred Felton | Apr 28, 2021

Are South Africans okay with having their human rights restricted during the Covid-19 lockdown?

Image: Pixabay

Apparently so according to recent surveys conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)¹ and the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

There does also appear to be abuse of human rights on a global scale while using Covid-19 as the scapegoat. This is according to a research article by Ben Odigbo, Felix Eze and Rose Odigbo.²

In it the authors go on to explain how certain countries have committed human rights violations and used Covid-19 rules as the excuse. As a result other human rights have also been abused and crimes against women have escalated.

The United Nations (UN) has warned that some countries are ignoring peoples’ human rights under the disguise of counteracting the coronavirus, and called this ‘’a human rights disaster’’(OHCHR 2020).³

Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated that such countries should stop infringing on peoples’ basic rights in the implementation of these emergency measures.

A UN report gave mention of 15 countries where allegations of Covid-19 lockdown enforcement gave rise to human rights abuses. South Africa was listed as one of these 15 countries.

In South African there have been reports of shootings, beatings, teargassing, and water bombing people, sexual abuse and exploitation. There has also been reported gender-based violence during lockdown. Police have used rubber bullets, tear gas, water bombs and whips to ensure social distancing, especially amongst the poor in South Africa.

Wearing of masks in South Africa is now mandatory and anyone who does not wear one is liable for a fine or criminal offence. Certain people have even been arrested for not wearing masks. In certain places people have been arrested for walking on or near the beach during lockdown.

So are South Africans really okay with giving up their human rights if it means benefitting everyone due to the Covid-19 lockdown. Umhlanga Life took to the streets of Durban to find out and this is what we discovered:

We asked various residents of Durban if they felt that their human rights were being restricted by being forced to wear a mask when in public spaces.

‘’It’s difficult to make everyone happy especially during a state of emergency such as the Covid-19 lockdown. It’s better for everyone as a means to combat the virus. I don’t think it’s unreasonable,’’ remarked Ms Tembe, a Glenwood resident.

Ms Tembe also noted that gender-based violence has increased during the lockdown as most people are now restricted from movement and they cannot go to shelters during lockdown.

Other residents also felt the government was right in making you wear a mask.

‘’I think it’s right to wear the mask to protect all but not everyone is wearing it. I do think it’s not good to wear the mask all day. How do people breath like people who work,’’ said Addington Beach resident Cindy Polydorou.

‘’I think my human rights include being protected from this virus much as I hate my mask,’’ noted Carol De Wet of Umbilo.

It seems that most residents are quite happy to sacrifice certain human rights for the greater good of the country, especially in times such as this pandemic. Love them or hate them face masks will be with us for some time to come.

In South Africa your human rights are protected in the constitution.

South Africa has just celebrated Freedom Day and it is up to all of us to make sure our human rights are not being restricted in anyway.

If you feel your human rights are being abused you do have recourse and you can report such abuses to various places and institutions such as:

South African Human Rights Commission – www.sahrc.org.za

Lawyers for Human Rights – www.lhr.org.za

Journalists for Human Rights – www.jhr.ca

 

References:

¹ Bohler-Muller, N., Roberts, B., Davids, Y.D., Gordon, S. & Majikijela, Y. (2021) COVID-19 and  human rights limitations: taking public opinion into account. (HSRC Policy Brief, March).

 

²Odigbo B, Eze F and Odigbo R. COVID-19 lockdown controls and human rights abuses: the social marketing implications [version 1; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations] Emerald Open Research 2020, 2:45 https://doi.org/10.35241/emeraldopenres.13810.1

 

³https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25722

Interview with Ryan Kruger the director of Fried Barry

 

Fried Barry hits cult status.

By Fred Felton

17 Mar. 2021

Fried Barry is the debut feature film by director Ryan Kruger. It follows the story of Barry, an abusive man, drug-addled he goes on yet another bender, gets abducted by aliens and takes a backseat as the extra-terrestrial visitor assumes control of his body and takes it for a joyride through Cape Town.

The film has achieved cult status and has gone on to garner 22 awards around the world. It features an all-star cast including Gary Green, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Chanelle de Jager, Sean Cameron Michael and Brett Williams.

Ryan Kruger, the director of Fried Barry | Image: Supplied

I sat down with Ryan Kruger and asked him some questions about the film and his life:

 

You have shot many music videos. What has this experience taught you?

I think experience is everything in the film industry and actualy being on set is where you going to learn the most. Having done over a 100 music vids it’s a lot of years in experience and with my style of stuff am not always doing performance videos. I’m always doing short narrative films within a music video or something very visual. Which is where I think I got more of my style from, it’s almost like commercials as you only have a certain amount of time to get the idea or story across in a short amount of time.

How did you get the idea for ‘’Fried Barry’’?

Fried Barry was born out of total frustration where I was in my career. I am known in South Africa as a music video director for doing narrative storytelling within music videos and sharp visuals. Although I always came up with my concepts and bands trusted me and let me do anything I wanted, I was still in a box as I had to think about their audience and their music and being able to get it on major music video channels. So I couldn’t really do my style. Originally Fried Barry was just a three minute long experimental film that did really well. We had 59 official selections around the world at festivals and picked up 13 awards. But what came from that was all of these amazing pieces of fan art from all over the globe, which was a surprise because people just seemed to really love the main character. I never planned to make it into a feature film at all. I just looked at it as that short was a success and that’s it. But where I was at the time I was in a bad place. I had an operation on my kidney and got sepsis and nearly died, went through a break up and my cat got cancer and I went into depression. It was all too much for me at the same time. So while I was in this dark hole I just said to myself what is the number one thing I’ve always wanted to do with my life, and it was to make a film. I just got the idea one night and I knew that this was the film to make.

How big was your crew for ‘’Fried Barry’’?

We had a big cast and crew on this film but we used multiple different people for certain crew members as we shot the film over a year and a half but only shot 28 days in total. Some days we had a small crew depending on what we where shooting on that day. Other days for big set ups we had a large number. When we shot the hospital riot scene on that day we had over 90 people on set including cast which was crazy but a lot of fun.

Did you get any big financial backing for this film?

Fried Barry is definitely the first of its kind for SA cinema! It’s a cult-style film with mashing up genres like horror and comedy and the height of indie-dark cinema. In SA we normally make dramas or comedies or films about the history of our country, So its not the type of film that gets made here and the content is really out there and not for the faint hearted so I new nobody would back this type of film, so me and my producer set out to make it ourselves. But things are starting to change in SA cinema which is great. There are so many amazing films coming out. But it’s good to show that this type of film can make money and there is an audience especially overseas. At the end of the day the film business is a business you need to be able to sell your film so you can make another one.  And if we keep making the same type of films here the industry will never change or grow.

What camera models did you use to shoot ‘’Fried Barry’’?

We used a Red Dragon for all of the film and a Phantom camera for high-speed slow motion scenes.

For a first time director what budget-friendly camera would you advise them to use to shoot a film?

I think making content is the most important thing. Getting out there and creating stuff so if you haven’t got budget for a nice camera its ok. You can use a 5d or a black magic and maybe get good lenses which will make all difference.

For a film shoot what is the minimum crew you should have on set?

Well I love indie cinema and I’ve done a lot of stuff super low budget with minimal crew, and there’s so much you can do with less than 5 people. I guess it all depends on what you are making. One of the last experimental films I made was just me my camera guy and my producer and we all helped in different areas and it looks amazing. I think it’s more about getting the right people that know what there doing.

What advice do you have for first time directors looking to make their break in the film industry?

Get out there and make movies! It’s a cliché, but it’s true! Worrying about whether your gear or your movie will be good enough only leads to praxis paralysis. A bad movie is better than no movie. It’s all about creating content to share.

You can watch the trailer here:

Fried Barry is set for international release in May 2021.

5 Tips for Valentine's Day

What to do? What to do? The eternal question that everyone asks when Valentine’s Day starts to appear in your diary. Well not to worry. Umhlanga Life has got you covered.

Here are 5 great ways you can spoil that someone special in your life:

 

Share the love with Cadbury this Valentine’s Day

Cadbury is giving away 10 local love-cations valued at R50 000. All you have to do is get a Cadbury P.S. for that loved one in your life and for yourself.  

To enter:

Buy any 2 Cadbury P.S. bars

Dial *120*101112#

Enter the unique codes found inside the wrappers and choose the love-cation of your choice

Tour the love-cations and see all the Ts. and Cs on https://cadbury.co.za/psvalentinesday/

Here is one tip courtesy of Cadbury on how you can spoil your loved one. Set up a home spa for you and yours. Make your own body scrub using salts, olive oil, zesty citrus and lavender. Then light a few candles and relax. Snack on some strawberries dipped in delicious Cadbury Dairy Milk of course.

Visit an Art Gallery

Take that special someone on a date to an art gallery. You are in luck The Gallery at The Studios at The Lifestyle Centre in Ballito is having an exhibition at the moment. Experience the art at Contagious Creativity together. Who knows you might just find that special artwork for that special someone.

Pop the question with Granada Square

Could be your lucky day. | Image: Supplied

Yes we all know. It’s very cheesy but everyone does it in February. I’m talking about asking someone to get married. Luckily for you Granada Square is at your disposal for your proposal. The shopping centre in Umhlanga is running a ‘’Will You Marry Me’’ competition for the month of February. You can enter the competition on their website and tell them about your love story, upload a memorable romantic picture of you both. Big prizes are up for grabs.

To enter visit: https://www.granadasquare.co.za

Ts and Cs apply and can be found on their website. Competition closes at 4pm on February 26^th, 2021.

 

Bake something special for that someone special

Bake some Madeleines for your loved one. | Image: Supplied 

Everyone loves a home cooked meal. So why not surprise your loved one or bestie with a delicious meal. Here is a great recipe for Madeleines courtesy of award-winning TV chef, cookbook author and dessert diva Grace Stevens:

Ingredients

·         2 eggs (100g)

·         100 g caster sugar

·         100 g flour (extra for dusting tin)

·         40ml lemon juice

·         Zest of one lemon

·         3ml baking powder

·         100g melted butter (cooled slightly)

 

1.       Grease a Madeleine tray and dust with flour. Tap off excess flour and set aside. You may freeze the tray for a larger ‘pearl’

2.       Whisk eggs and sugar until light and airy.

3.       Fold in remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 60 minutes or overnight.

4.       Preheat oven to 200C. Fill each shell three quarters of the way with cool batter.

5.       Bake for 5 to 8 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. There could be a small rise in the centre. This is called the ‘’pearl’’.

6.       Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tray and dusting with icing sugar.

7.       Best enjoyed fresh out the oven within the hour.

For more recipes from Grace Stevens visit www.gracestevens.co.za

Take a romantic walk on the beach

Bronze Beach, Umhlanga Rocks. | Image: Fred Felton

For that special someone in your life take them on a romantic walk along the beach. Durban has some of the most beautiful beaches on this planet so why not pick a romantic one and take a stroll at sunrise or sunset. Why not try Bronze Beach at Umhlanga Rocks at sunrise. Simply get to the beach and turn left and keep on walking.

Valentine’s Day is on 14^th Feb 2021.

This edition by Fred Felton | @fredfelton 

25 Golden Globe Nominations for Movies and Series on DStv

 

The Golden Globe Awards are around the corner and there are 25 international series and movies nominated for awards. 

Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant star in The Undoing available on Showmax. Image: DStv

The Undoing leads the pack. This mystery psychological thriller picked up 4 nominations. The all-star cast features Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. 

The hosts for the awards will be the talented comic due of Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. 

Yolisa Phahle, Multichoice Group CEO of General Entertainment and Connected Video, says; ''The Golden Globes are a benchmark for the industry and we are delighted that our content selection has garnered so many nominations.'' 

Other nominated shows include Lovecraft Country, centered around the 1950s Jim Crow America in which a black man searches for his missing father while having to survive terrifying monsters as well as racial terrors. 

Lovecraft Country is nominated for Best Television Series Drama at this years' awards. The show aired locally on M-Net City (DStv Channel 115) and is available on Showmax. Image: DStv

The 78th annual Golden Globe Awards will be broadcast on Sunday, 28 February and can be viewed on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) at 03:00am (South African Time).

This edition by Fred Felton | @fredfelton 

Alert Level 3 Lockdown Regulations

 

As the City of Durban deals with the Covid-19 virus the President of South Africa has released the new rules which we all have to comply with during Alert Level 3 of the lockdown.

The eThekwini Municipality has released a handy guide to help you comply with these regulations. 

Please keep the following in mind:

1. All beaches are closed. However you can still walk or jog on the promenade.

2. Do not have parties at home and discourage visitors.

3. Wear your mask. It is now a criminal offence if you do not wear your mask.

4. Funerals can only be attended by up to 50 people. 

5. If you have a public transport business you can only allow passengers in if they are wearing a mask.

6. Sale of alcohol is not allowed and you are not allowed to transport it. 

7. Report to the police anyone disregarding the lockdown regulations. 

These rules have been put in place to help stop the spread of the virus.