“UniMedia together with the co-operation of all sectors promoting the game are slowly closing the gap between corporate engagement and women’s golf tournament accessibility, viability and lifestyle branding.”
The debate of how much money is awarded towards women’s professional golf in South Africa, has shown very little return for the player and for the cities in which it has been hosted.
While the pro men circuit enjoy up to 22pro tournaments per year, the women only 10 tournaments. For ladies, this works out to a limited 3 months of competitive golf, and the rest of the year it’s basically scraping together to get to tournaments abroad or as many have opted to do private golf coaching lessons to supplement their income.
This does present SA Pro golf with several challenges:
These are some of the challenges UniMedia are addressing through the PinkStig brand and movement.
UniMedia has begun to attract sponsors such as Sun International and luxury Italian car brand, Maserati as these companies see the value and potential in the relationship of the sport and the brand appeal to the viewer.
Additional to that, the company’s vision is to encourage the economic contribution that women’s golf can yield through its tournaments. Furthermore UniMedia through its PinkStig brand show that more tournaments will result in higher earnings and longer play time.
UniMedia has recently launched its first WPGA sanctioned and co sanctioned by the Sunshine Ladies Tour, ‘The Sun PinkStig Series’.
The event took place on the 17 and 18th October at Parkview Golf Course in Johannesburg. The 20 pro players competed for a purse of R100 000 and by the end of day two Nicole Garcia, was crowned the winner and Nobuhle Dlamini clinched a strong second place.
“Our vision, with our PinkStig movement is to celebrate leading young aspiring female golfers, in both playing the game and inspiring other young female golfer amateurs to become professionals. It is through our competitive initiatives that we will be able to close the gap between corporate engagement and the pro players, providing accessibility and growth into a new lifestyle brand.” Says Zahira Hansa CEO UniMedia
Zahira Hansa adds that: “We are committed to the following intervention and to work hand in hand with stakeholders to further invest in women’s golf through additional PinkStig Tournaments to create more competition to the professional golfer’s calendar.
The Sun PinkStig Series Finale takes place on the 4th - 6th December at Sun City which will be played at the Gary Player and Lost City golf Courses. UniMedia invited 30 players to competing for a purse of R250 000.
UniMedia would have paid out R350 000 over three months and projects having additional tournaments following the Sunshine Ladies Tour Season 2018/19.
Follow the Sun PinkStig Series on UniMedia Social Media Platforms
Facebook: @unimediapro / @pinkstigsa
Twitter: @unimediapro / @pinkstig
Instagram: @Unimedia_
YouTube: UnimediaPro
Contact: info@unimediapro.com
Tel: 0762547502/ 0825687757
#sunpinkstig and #livingthedream
For media queries, interview requests and access to high-resolution pictures and music contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632.
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of UniMedia Pro
Notes to Editor
PinkStig has passionately created platforms for dialogue, collaboration and participation to appease the growing interest of corporate investment into women’s golf.
At our forefront strategy, we intend to make the game more accessible to young women who show natural talent and demonstrate their appetite to be champions. The “adopt a pro” programme, currently in its infancy stage, is designed by UniMedia to support players financially, professionally and to develop and groom their talent further whilst providing opportunities to compete.
SA Youth attracts over half a billion people to his YouTube channel, driving tourism and giving our national parks an Edge. With You Tube already a partner on his channel and Facebook profiling him as a case study, the world is Nadav Ossendryver's oyster. The 22 year old is fast making tracks globally with Forbes listing him as one of the most influential people to look out for under 30.
Thanks to What’s On Your Plate, a new series that highlights young entrepreneurs, innovators and influencers who are shaping the future; more South Africans will get to hear about him.
On our second season of Bunnies in the Burbs: What’s On Your Plate; a JT Comms offering hosted by Wits student and youth entrepreneur Taynita Harilal, about sharing positive solutions of how a new generation of innovators are using technology and providing solutions to so many of the continents problems like job creation, nation building. 'We’re using our digitally enabled platforms to connect and amplify important, inspiring narratives that ordinary South Africans are creating to offer extraordinary solutions. Profiling Nadav in our Bunnies in the Burbs kitchen is an eye opener of how simple it can be sometimes to innovate without using any funds, working with what you have and building on one's passion. It's these kinds of stories that we believe can impact and influence how we use technology to create new futures." says Taynita Harilal.
Nadav Ossendryver has built one of the biggest YouTube followings in the country with his real-time wildlife-spotting service, Latest Sightings.
Latest sightings is a verifiable hit within the global wildlife and conservation community, with users not only being able to watch videos, but because of its crowd-sourcing model, can post their own encounters with nature and wildlife. Thousands of people around the world watch the live sightings and it's this kind of traction that Ossendryver's app is driving in profiling SA. His channel to date boasts more than half a billion views and has 537,969 subscribers.
The Latest Sightings app was named one of the Top 5 Most Innovative Apps for Culture and Tourism in the world at the World Summit Award (WSA) Innovation Congress, and Ossendryver was named one of Africa's Most Promising Entrepreneurs on the Forbes list for under 30’s for 2016.
Ossendryver's obsession with wildlife began when he was just eight-years-old, however it was only in 2011, when was 15, that he launched his first wildlife-spotting YouTube channel, Kruger Sightings, after a family holiday to the Kruger National Park. The channel was an instant success.
"It was one of those small YouTube channels and my first video ever, actually went viral," Ossendryver says.
This was despite some misgivings from the wildlife community about the possible interference of social media.
"At the time, that was the only way to get the community going. I couldn't think of any other way and I wanted people to know about this so they could share their sights, and because it's online, it's instant. In the past a lion could be a kilometer from you and you would have no way of knowing it."
Ossendryver, who is currently studying for a B-Com degree part-time, has taken his influence beyond YouTube.
He has capitalised on the channel's success, launching a website and app, and together with social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, updates wildlife enthusiasts on where interesting animals and birds can be spotted. The service also provides Kruger National Park accommodation recommendations and specials.
With Tourism Month in full swing, the South African National Park (SANParks) is once again opening its doors for free for South African National Parks Week from Monday, 18 September until Friday, 22 September.
The initiative is part of the annual South African National Parks Week. The campaign is held under the running theme ‘Know Your National Parks’ and allows locals, with valid identity documents, a chance to spend a day at a national park of their choice free of charge.
"Only when I finished Matric, had I realised that this community is so big and I decided let's try and monetise it so I could do something I love forever and I could make a living off it. So the monetisation kind of started in the past two years and YouTube and the media around it is a big part of it."
Ossendryver has also partnered with Tendopro, an online education platform to provide wildlife courses to students, particularly those in rural and poverty-stricken areas.
For media queries, media accreditation, interview requests and to access high resolution pictures contact JT Comms on info@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632
About JT Communication Solutions
JT Communication Solutions “JT Comms” is a dynamic 21st century PR, Media, Communication and Marketing agency rooted in Africa, with a global reach. The agency is strategically positioned as a technology aggregator using digital to scale clients’ businesses linking them to a global audience through creation of engaging content distributed beyond the continent onto a global stage. Through its investment in technological operations, the agency has successfully launched a 360-degree turnkey digital solution hub for existing and potential clients. The agency is also home to Bunnies in the Burbs, #ECAfrica-Amplifying African excellence and architects of the #ECAfrica hashtag.
Bunnies in the Burbs is a JT Comms initiative that launched in August 2016 and is a digital media cooking show about culture, cuisine and conversations and advancing positive African narratives. The show has a favourable footprint with viewership spanning beyond South Africa and the continent at large, being viewed and engaging audiences in countries such as United States of America, India, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Guinea, Niger, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago ,Mexico, Thailand, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Congo to mention a few. #WhatsOnYourPlate is the title of the second season of Bunnies in the Burbs where Youth Entrepreneurs are invited to cook a meal while sharing their entrepreneurial journeys.
Taynita Harilal (host) is no stranger to the hustle and opportunities of entrepreneurship. The 19 year old from Johannesburg first received media attention when she raised in excess of R150k for a tombstone for the late South African singing legend, Dolly Rathebe, garnering her place among the Lead SA Young Heroes in 2015, Yo TV's Achiever of the year amongst other accolades. She was born and bred in an entrepreneurial household and is making constructive use of the firsthand experience that this ongoing opportunity has provided by launching her own online television cooking show #BunniesintheBurbs #OurFamilyKitchen a JT Comms production.
South African National Parks
The inaugural South African National Parks Week took place in 2006 and was aimed at linking the South African national parks system to the global national movement and to also showcase the best of South Africa’s national parks. During the SANParks Week, members of the public are able to access most of the country's national parks for free. It is part of San Parks campaign to showcase the natural beauty of South Africa and its heritage. SANParks manages portfolio of 19 parks - a park for every region and one for every season. Table Mountain and Kruger National Park are international icons, but there other parks to experience and SanParks has tourism product development plans for adventure activities and other activities to attract visitors to Golden Gate National Park, which is accessible to the Gauteng market in particular.
What’s On Your Plate highlights young entrepreneurs, innovators and influencers who are shaping the future.
On our second season of Bunnies in the Burbs, What’s On Your Plate; a JT Comms offering hosted by Taynita Harilal, we profile a series of youth entrepreneurs, examining initiatives that have worked in youth employment and entrepreneurship; and hope to share lessons that can be adapted and adopted by entrepreneurs and the world at large.
"We have created this platform so as to commend SA's future leaders. Creating a platform for the youth to expand on their ideas that shape and transform South Africa's problems into solutions' explains JT Comms Marketing Manager Isabel Tapfumaneyi.
One of our feature guests profiled was Nadav Ossendryver, who has built one of the biggest YouTube followings in the country with his real-time wildlife-spotting service, Latest Sightings.
The 21-year-old's channel is a verifiable hit within the global wildlife and conservation community, with users not only able to watch videos, but because of its crowd-sourcing model, can post their own encounters with nature and wildlife.
His channel today boasts more than 500 million views and over 500 000 subscribers.
The Latest Sightings App was named one of the Top 5 Most Innovative Apps for Culture and Tourism in the world at the World Summit Award (WSA) Innovation Congress, and Ossendryver was named one of Africa's Most Promising Entrepreneurs on the Forbes list for Under 30s for 2016.
Ossendryver's obsession with wildlife began when he was just eight-years-old, however it was only in 2011, when was 15, that he launched his first wildlife-spotting YouTube channel, Kruger Sightings, after a family holiday to the Kruger National Park. The channel was an instant success.
"It was one of those small YouTube channels and my first video ever, actually went viral," Ossendryver says.
This was despite some misgivings from the wildlife community about the possible interference of social media.
"At the time, that was the only way to get the community going. I couldn't think of any other way and I wanted people to know about this so they could share their sights, and because it's online, it's instant. In the past a lion could be a kilometer from you and you would have no way of knowing it."
Ossendryver, who is currently studying for a B-Com degree part-time, has taken his influence beyond YouTube.
He has capitalised on the channel's success, launching a website and app, and together with social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, updates wildlife enthusiasts on where interesting animals and birds can be spotted. The service also provides Kruger National Park accommodation recommendations and specials.
"Only when I finished Matric, had I realised that this community is so big and I decided let's try and monetise it so I could do something I love forever and I could make a living off it. So the monetisation kind of started in the past two years and YouTube and the media around it is a big part of it."
Ossendryver has also partnered with Tendopro, an online education platform to provide wildlife courses to students, particularly those in rural and poverty-stricken areas.
For media queries, media accreditation, interview requests and to access high resolution pictures contact JT Comms on info@jtcomms.co.zaor 011 788 7632
About JT Communication Solutions
JT Communication Solutions “JT Comms” is a dynamic 21st century PR, Media, Communication and Marketing agency rooted in Africa, with a global reach. The agency is strategically positioned as a technology aggregator using digital to scale clients’ businesses linking them to a global audience through creation of engaging content distributed beyond the continent onto a global stage. Through its investment in technological operations, the agency has successfully launched a 360-degree turnkey digital solution hub for existing and potential clients. The agency is also home to Bunnies in the Burbs, #ECAfrica-Amplifying African excellence and architects of the #ECAfrica hashtag.
Bunnies in the Burbs is a JT Comms initiative that launched in August 2016 and is a digital media cooking show about culture, cuisine and conversations and advancing positive African narratives. The show has a favourable footprint with viewership spanning beyond South Africa and the continent at large, being viewed and engaging audiences in countries such as United States of America, India, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Guinea, Niger, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago ,Mexico, Thailand, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Congo to mention a few. #WhatsOnYourPlate is the title of the second season of Bunnies in the Burbs where Youth Entrepreneurs are invited to cook a meal while sharing their entrepreneurial journeys.
Taynita Harilal (host) is no stranger to the hustle and opportunities of entrepreneurship. The 19 year old from Johannesburg first received media attention when she raised in excess of R150k for a tombstone for the late South African singing legend, Dolly Rathebe, garnering her place among the Lead SA Young Heroes in 2015, Yo TV's Achiever of the year amongst other accolades. She was born and bred in an entrepreneurial household and is making constructive use of the firsthand experience that this ongoing opportunity has provided by launching her own online television cooking show #BunniesintheBurbs #OurFamilyKitchen a JT Comms production.
ZA Central Registry NPC (ZACR) is set to delete some 12 613 org.za domain names on 01 September 2017 and make them available for re-registration on a first-come, first-served basis.
The move by the country’s .ZA domain name administrator follows an extensive two-year public awareness campaign aimed at encouraging org.za domain name owners to transfer their domains from ZACR’s Legacy platform to the EPP platform via the use of Accredited Registrars. It comes after 15 420 org.za domain names were already suspended on 01 September 2016.
“The unfortunate spectre of thousands of domain name deletions is looming over the local domain name industry and it’s entirely avoidable. We urge those org.za domain name owners who have not yet heeded our many requests to migrate to ZACR-Accredited Registrars to do so without delay,” said Lucky Masilela, ZACR CEO.
The ZACR is tasked with administering second-level domains within the greater .ZA namespace and this includes org.za. The intent to suspend non-compliant org.za domains from 1 September 2016 and to finally delete them on 1 September 2017 has been communicated by ZACR over a period of time.
The ZACR is responsible for the technical and administrative wellbeing of the entire South African presence on the worldwide web. It takes this responsibility very seriously, particularly in communicating and providing as much information and support to its clients.
More information about the suspension of the org.za domains can be accessed at org.za suspension information while a complete list of domain names that remain on the org.za default registrar is available at org.za default registrar.
ENDS
ORG.ZA DELETIONS SCHEDULED FOR 1 SEPTEMBER 2017
Should you still have clients whose org.za domain names have not yet been transferred to the EPP platform, we urge you initiate the transfer of those domain names before 1 September 2017.
For more information on the Org.Za Default Registrar Migration, please see our webpage (https://registry.net.za/content.php?gen=1&contentid=199&title=Org.ZA+Default+Registrar+Migrations)
For any questions please contact support@registry.net, the ZACR’s Support Department.
For media queries, interview requests and access to high resolution publicity photos contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or call 011 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of ZA Central Registry
ZA Central Registry NPC
The ZA Central Registry (ZACR) is a non-profit organisation (NPO) currently managing various .ZA second level domains, such as co.za, net.za, org.za and web.za. With over 1.1 million domain name registrations, the majority of these domain names are under co.za. co.za domain names represent 95% of the total number of registrations in .ZA, and a large percentage of ccTLD registrations for the entire African Continent.
In 2014 ZA Central Registry added 3 new gTLDs to its administration, namely: .dotJoburg, .dotCapeTown and .dotDurban.
Internationally celebrated choreographer and dancer Versha Magan continues to shape South African Indian contemporary and Bollywood Fusion dance. Her recent production proves that Magan is experienced and has artistically grown in her approach.
Titled Deewangi, the piece explores the concept of movement and freedom, using dance as a medium.
The freedom to move is fundamental to our evolution. When people are free to explore, grow and move, they’re free to fulfill their potential and realise their dreams says Versha Magan.
Magan’s passion and drive for dancing has earned her a respected name in the entertainment industry and she is leaving behind evolutionary footprints in dance.
Deewangi brings you just that, arealisation of dreams. With a spectacular array of dance, exploring a variety of genressuch as Bollywood, Classical Kathak, Hip-hop and contemporary, itcapturespure heart and soul.The productionpromises to be rich, vibrant, soulful and entertaining with its choicest foot tapping Bollywood music and more.
With a cast of over 100 dancers whocreate magic,engage and enthrall audiences from start to finish, Deewangi also sees a 10 year celebration of Versha Magan; founder of the Jazzy Masala dance academy as an artistic directorand producer. The dance academy teaches an amalgam of dance forms, with a strong foundation in North Indian classical dance.
Versha, who left a lucrative career in the corporate world to pursue a dream, has been working tirelessly on Deewangi and is excited about the milestone her academy has achieved, citing “Ihave been fortunate to follow my passion; such that it has allowed me to work in a space that adds value to my soul and a space that allows creativity to influence social cohesion through dance. Seeing the results of the hard work that is put in a production makes it all worthwhile and more. Having people and fellow dancers commit to seeing your vision become a reality, that’s remarkable. Believing everything is possible is what makes the whole thing magical.”
Deewangi opens on September 16 at 20:30 at The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City, Johannesburg and tickets can be bought at Computicket.
Jazzy Masala would like to thank Shereno Printers, Kolor World and BASA for their unwavering support.
For media queries, interview requests and access to high resolution publicity photos contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or call (011) 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Versha Magan and Jazzy Masala Creative
EDITOR’S NOTE
Among her many career highlights her choreography with Surya in 2007 and Garam Masala a year later which was showcased at the FNB Dance Umbrella. 18 dance productions with Dr Lalloo. She assisted with the choreography for the internationally acclaimed 2006 production of Red by Raza Jaffrey who performed in Bombay Dreams with Andrew Lloyd Webber. Magan also assisted with the choreography in the production of Fusion, by Tyrone Watkins and choreographed the Bollywood dance scenes as well as played a supporting role in South Africa’s comedy king, Leon Schuster’s, Mr Bones II – Back from the Past. Magan also played a role in the popular local soapie Isidingo where she played the character of Meera. Performance for Mr Mahendra Modi (Priminister of India) 2016
Her previous productions include Naach (2009), Dil Se (2010), Desh Ya Pardes (2010), Armaan (2011), Rang (2012), Footprints of a Dancer (2013) and Badtamasti (2014),Badtamsti Returns (2015), Dansation (2015), Dance ka Josh (2016)
The African business story is on an upward trajectory and communication specialist Yelang Prue Jinka is on a mission to share business narratives that are putting the continent on an equal global footing. She travels across the continent seeking out CEOs, business leaders and entrepreneurs, who, through their personal and professional choices, confront challenges, embrace opportunities and on a whole epitomise success.
“Identifying Africa as a sustainable emerging market is one thing. Harnessing her human capital and collaborating with others on the challenges that exist on the continent, is another. Our Global economic and geo-political playing field is evolving; therefore Africa’s continental mutual interdependence now requires collaborative business conversations” says Jinka.
Leading from the front Jinka is executive producer and host of Access Africa commissioned by Brand South Africa. After the first two successful seasons, Jinka is proud to announce a third season this time focusing on Business in the City. The show interrogates successful and challenging South African businesses in cities across the African Continent.
In each fifteen-minute slot, Jinka invites her guests to tell the business story and divulge their path to success. This is followed up with a focus on key business trends and investment opportunities. Her discussions are informed by an analysis of current leadership as well cross cultural and diversity research.The Access Africa series goes to the heart of Africa's growth story, progressively looking at business in a number of sectors.
Jinka’s warm pragmatic approach, business acumen and sharp intelligence drives the show and her ability to get to the heart of the matter, sets the agenda for a new global conversation about the untold stories of African economic triumph.
With over twenty years’ experience in the media industry internationally, both as a researcher and content producer, Jinka herself epitomises the success she aims to showcase in others. She provides content for multiple platforms and is an accomplished speaker, addressing organisations with interests in optimising leadership, management, marketing, customer service and team dynamics.
Her passion for the continent and its story is tangible and her belief absolute “Africa has so much to offer the planet; not just our resources, but our people and innovations the future is truly African!”
For media queries, interview requests and access to high resolution publicity photos contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or call (011) 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Yelang Prue Jinka and the ACCESS AFRICA CHANNEL team
In the run-up to the annual Moretele Park Tribute Concert at Moretele Park on Saturday, 26 August 2017, a free music business workshop will be held in Pretoria to assess the status of live entertainment in South Africa.
All music industry stakeholders are invited to be part of a free in-depth discussion that delves into the state of the sector in general, and the live music scene in particular.
In conjunction with Batho Pele (PTY) LTD, Drakensberg Promotions will host a music business workshop, designed as a panel discussion and presented by top industry professionals aimed at musicians and others in the industry eager to know more about the business of music. The workshops cover business operations, event production, royalties and the latest trends in the music industry.
The interesting panel of music professionals will draw on their experiences, and share ideas aimed at ensuring that emerging music professionals know how to market their skills and develop their careers.
Victor Mampane of Batho Pele (PTY) LTD, conveners of the workshop says “We will discuss various careers in the music industry that are behind-the-scenes, but crucial to the success of recording artists, songwriting, rights administration (performing, mechanical and needletime rights), business management, publishing, recording, performances and the protection of intellectual property rights, all with a view to enhance income streams.”
Facilitators include:
“We want to create an after-effect that is meaningful for artists. The workshop should assist them in developing their skills and empower them in their future endeavours,” he further adds.
“The workshop is, amongst others, aims to impart business skills to musicians and music business practitioners. We have seen high profile artists dying poor despite their immense talent; we see this as a step in the right direction towards changing the lives of the local musicians and artists, “added Sam Mangwane of Drakensberg Productions.
The Tribute Concert Music Workshop will take place at the Eskia Mpahlele Library Hall, Sammy Marks Shopping Complex, corner Lillian Ngoyi and Madiba Street, Pretoria on Saturday, 26 August 2017, from 09:00 to 14:00.
This FREE workshop is facilitated by Batho Pele (PTY) LTD and Drakensberg Promotions. To register for this important industry workshop, contact Hlengiwe on drakensberg1@telkomsa.net, alternatively call 011 482 4973
On 02 September, the Tribute Concert at Moretele Park in Mamelodi will pulse with the sounds of Lira, Amanda Black, Kwesta, Ringo, Selaelo Selota, Sandz, Ladies In Jazz, Black Motion, Bhudaza, as well as Musa and Robbie Malinga.
The concert is also the perfect opportunity to witness the next generation of bubbling-under talent in the making, as emerging jazz artists and groups will also perform on the day.
Concert details
For event details contact (011)482 4937 – drakensberg1@telkomsa.net
Media Accreditation is open for the Concert, so secure yours ASAP by mailing media@jtcomms.co.za
For media queries, media accreditation, interview request, access to high res pics etc please contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Drakensberg Promotions
SAMRO Overseas Scholarships Semi-finalist, Neil Robertson, is to pursue his Masters at the University of Michigan, USA. Neil has been the only organist chosen for this year’s SAMRO Overseas Scholarships competition for Keyboard Players, is certainly an exceptionally gifted musician. In 2016, he graduated with distinctions in Flute, Organ, Music Theory & Analysis, and Chamber Music at the South African College of Music, University of Cape Town. In addition, he made it unto the Dean’s Merit List during his undergraduate studies.
Last year, Neil entered the SAMRO Overseas Scholarships Competition for Instrumentalists as one of four flautists to make it to the semi-final round. This year he, once again, was chosen as a semi-finalist to participate in the competition for keyboard players. The competition this year will take place at the ZK Matthews Hall at UNISA which hosts the the famed Rieger Organ that incorporates 55 stops and some 3500 pipes, spread over the three manuals and pedals.
Just after this year’s semifinalists were announced Neil withdrew from the competition. ‘Why would a brilliant young musician pull out of such a prestigious event?’ you ask. Because his dream to study abroad was fortuitously granted.
Neil recently auditioned for a Master’s in Music at three of the five schools to which he applied in the USA. He was successful in all these endevours, being offered a place at three, and wait-listed at two. He also received scholarship offers from two prestigious universities, which, in itself, is an outstanding achievement.
Neil has been fortunate enough to be accepted as a master’s student at the University of Michigan where he will be starting in September. Apart from the generous scholarship he received upon admission, he has received support from the Friends of Orchestral Music, the Apollo Music Trust, and most recently from the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust. This opportunity is just too good for him to turn down.
Nevertheless, Neil remains on good terms with the SAMRO Foundation, and in his withdrawal message he stated:
‘As a result of all these developments, I am regrettably forced to withdraw from this year's scholarships competition. I would rather pass on this incredible opportunity to another deserving candidate who hasn't participated before AND who needs the financial support SAMRO offers. I would feel terrible if I participated and wasn't able to give it my all when another person could.
‘I cannot thank [the SAMRO Foundation] enough for this immense honour, especially since it's the second honour you've given me as I participated in the competition last year.’
The SAMRO Foundation’s Managing Director, André le Roux’s message to Neil was: “You are an amazing talent and we wish you well and hope to continuously follow your career as a cultural ambassador.”
We wish Neil the greatest success in his fast growing career and will be sorry to miss him at this year’s Final Round event to be held on 26 August 2017.
For interview requests, access to photos and media queries please contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of SAMRO Foundation - www.samrofoundation.org.za
Ends
About SAMRO:
Since 1961, SAMRO has been the country’s music rights champion. We protect the rights of composers and authors (music creators) both locally and abroad. Collecting licence fees from music users – television broadcasters, radio stations, in-store radio stations, pubs, clubs, retailers, restaurants and all other businesses that use music. Today, SAMRO has grown into an internationally recognised collecting administration business representing more than 12, 000 music creators. It has built a solid reputation as the primary representative of music Performing Rights in Southern Africa, and is well respected among its global peers in the music industry.
For more information on SAMRO, please visit www.samro.org.za
The Tune Recreation Committee (TRC) announces their much-anticipated Album Launch Tour in July 2017. The formidable quintet comprising of some of Cape Town’s finest young musicians, featuring Clement Benny on drums, Nicholas Williams on bass, Keenan Ahrends on guitar, Mandla Mlangeni on trumpet and Mark Fransman on alto saxophone, flute and accordion.
The unit has performed to rousing applause in this year's 18th annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival. The Cape Town –based TRC takes original tunes and reinvents nods from their influences to embracing the vibrant underground music scene of drum and bass to Balkanology. Fusing imported sounds and exporting to their own flavour, either going into a Ghoema -tinged feel or just improvising around the melody.
The T.R.C is the playground for the interrogation, assimilation and extended extemporization from the canon of South African jazz heritage.
Performance Dates and Venues:
For media queries, media accreditation, interview request, access to high res pictures etc, please contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Tune Recreation Committee (TRC)
Africa in partnership with St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls in Boksburg will present the 6th Annual Education Africa International Marimba and Steelpan Festival 2017 on Saturday 29th July and Saturday 30th July 2017 at St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls, St Dominic’s Road, Boksburg.
Despite no major funding for this Festival the Festival will still go on and we look forward to welcoming nearly 2000 performers from all over South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Nigeria. It is at this Festival where you will hear some of the world’s best marimba and steel bands perform at what is regarded as the largest festival of its kind in the world!
Bring your whole family to this outdoor/indoor event. Besides the hotly contested marimba and steelpan competitions which provides non-stop performances for two days, entertainment also includes a flea and craft market, opportunities to learn to play the marimba, djembe drum and steelpan, a massed djembe experience as well as a massed steelpan and marimba item. You can also learn to dance several African dances including Gumboot dancing!
Major funding is still needed to help 500 disadvantaged youth from all over the country to get to the Festival. We are calling on all corporate companies to seriously consider giving back to our youth and our country by sponsoring a child to attend the festival. Please contact joan@educationafrica.org if you wish to get your company involved in this major festival.
You can book online for only R150 for a full weekend pass which includes entrance to ALL entertainment and activities visit http://www.internationalmarimbafestival.org/register-spectator.asp
Alternatively, get your tickets at the gate on the day:
R150 per person for a full all inclusive weekend pass OR
R80 per person for a full all inclusive day pass OR
R30 entrance for adults for a limited day pass that includes admission to the competition venue only: all other workshops and activities to be paid for separately at the information desk
R20 entrance for school-going children for a limited day pass that includes admission to the competition venue only: all other workshops and activities to be paid for separately at the information desk
Block bookings also available contact: Thami: 011 6857300 or thami@educationafrica.org
For media accreditation, interview requests and access to high res photos please contact media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632 and speak to Dee’s
Issued by JT Communication Solutions of Behalf of Education Africa – http://educationafrica.org/
Thirteen young keyboard maestros will do “hand to hand combat” in the SAMRO Overseas Scholarships Competition in August.
This week, the SAMRO Foundation unveiled the semi-finalists who have been selected to compete for one of the most sought-after music education awards in Jazz and Western Art music.
After testing their skills and endurance during another two intensive rounds of competition, the two winners will each receive a R200 000 scholarship to pursue their professional development internationally.
The 2017 semi-finalists are:
Western Art Music: Peter Cartwright, Willem de Beer, Lourens Fick, Megan-Geoffrey Prins and Bronwyn van Wieringen (all piano), as well as Neil Robertson (organ)
Jazz: Lifa Arosi, Elizabeth Gaylord, Blake Hellaby, Teboho Kobedi, Ntando Ngcapo, Thandi Ntuli and Nicholas Williams (all piano)
“Due to an unusually strong field of candidates combined with a tough adjudication process, for the first time in the competition’s 55 year history more than 12 candidates were selected to proceed through to the semi-finals round” noted SAMRO Foundation Managing Director André le Roux. This was as a result of the marginal call between the adjudicators’ scores and their ranking of candidates. Therefore it was decided to allow ‘the magnificent seven’ candidates instead of six in the Jazz category.
Interestingly, four candidates are making repeat appearances this year: three participated the previous time the SAMRO Overseas Scholarships Competition was held for keyboard players in 2013 and another candidate took part in the instrumentalists contest just last year.
Two of this year’s jazz semi-finalists, Lifa Arosi and Nicholas Williams are hoping for second time lucky. Arosi won the SAMRO/De Waal Award in 2013 and Williams was the runner-up to Bokani Dyer that year while also scooping two subsidiary awards.
Furthermore, Megan-Geoffrey Prins was the Western Art music runner-up (to winner Jan Hugo) in 2013 and won a string of additional prizes too for his prowess on the piano.
In an extraordinary twist, multi-talented Neil Robertson was a semi-finalist in the 2016 SAMRO Overseas Scholarships Competition for instrumentalists, as a flautist – walking off with the SAMRO/Bonhams Music Study Award. Just one year later, he has again made it to the semi-finals but this time as the only organist, proving he has several strings to his musical bow.
“The fact that these four gifted instrumentalists have entered again demonstrates not only the prestige attached to this competition but also their tenacity. Through this competition and our other programmes we are steadily growing the SAMRO alumni to include young musicians who feel they have a welcoming and nurturing home in the organisation together with many of our other cultural ambassadors” Le Roux said.
“We pride ourselves on remaining closely involved in the career trajectories of these bright young stars as they navigate their way through the ranks of the local and global music industry” said Nothando Migogo, newly appointed SAMRO CEO.
The 13 semi-finalists will now be flexing their fingers in preparation for the semi-final round on Thursday, 24 August 2017, at UNISA’s ZK Matthews Hall in Pretoria, ahead of the much-anticipated final round on Saturday, 26 August 2017, at the same venue.
For more information, visit www.samrofoundation.org.za.
For interview requests, access to photos and media queries please contact Dee’s on media@jtcomms.co.za or (011) 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of SAMRO Foundation - www.samrofoundation.org.za
Ends
About SAMRO:
Since 1961, SAMRO has been the country’s music rights champion. We protect the rights of composers and authors (music creators) both locally and abroad. Collecting licence fees from music users – television broadcasters, radio stations, in-store radio stations, pubs, clubs, retailers, restaurants and all other businesses that use music. Today, SAMRO has grown into an internationally recognised collecting administration business representing more than 12, 000 music creators. It has built a solid reputation as the primary representative of music Performing Rights in Southern Africa, and is well respected among its global peers in the music industry.
For more information on SAMRO, please visit www.samro.org.za
SA Business Woman a finalist in the 2nd Common Wealth Business Women's Network Awards Commonwealth Businesswoman of the year finalist Vanessa Perumal has turned her small business into a significant brand. This world class nominee has established a globally recognized business that has its main operations at The African Media Resource Centre of Excellence in Johannesburg. The centre is the result of the evolution of an idea of a business that goes beyond the ordinary.
As the founder of JT Communications Solutions which began 11 years ago from humble beginnings, through her vision Perumal is scaling business operations and embracing the opportunity technology enables. Perumal, a disruptor has always done things differently. With her philosophy rooted she infuses traditional communications and marketing trends with contemporary tools. This is the ethos central to the JT Comms brand and is the catalyst behind the company`s rapid growth into diverse business markets.
The Commonwealth Business Woman of the Year nominee has taken advantage of the technology era as a level playing field between East and West, thereby advancing aligned traditional businesses to become trailblazers in the 21st century. Her many accolades, including the Mbokodo Award for Women in Arts and Media, can attest to this. Farzana Varachia of Xanopia Women’s Business Group, a regional partner for CBW for Africa described Perumal’s nomination as recognition not only to her and JT Comms but to Xanopia and the rest of the continent. "To be recognized in 53 countries is a great deal and an excellent marketing platform for any company," says Varachia.
The media centre has state of the art equipment that allows for the creation of quality content tailored for its African market in a global village which has an audio studio, an edit suite and meeting rooms in which creative ideas are sprung out from the team and later turned into global concepts. Up scaling her business operation puts Perumal in a dynamic position to grow JT Comms and offer solutions in the design, marketing, branding and eventing sectors to enable diverse turnkey business solutions.
JT Comms prides itself in employing a diverse resource of skills that include a network of freelance journalists, researchers, writers’, event and market specialists, video editors, script editors and strategists amongst others who have a passion for content generation. The business has stimulated the increase in supplies of digital marketing collateral that enables Africans to own the means of the production of quality content. "African women need to power trade into the global economy. The Commonwealth provides the largest market which accounts for 20% of world trade and rising and of which they are a key part which they can tap to do this where the costs are 19% less" says Arif Zaman, Executive Director, Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network (CBW), an accredited organisation focused on women’s economic empowerment recognised by 53 governments across five continents.
As South Africa gears up to celebrate Youth Month, What’s on Your Plate is determined to give a voice to the youth passionate about making a difference in South Africa. In this innovative competition, students are invited to share their big ideas, while cooking up their favourite fare.
Using a digital cooking platform, What’s on Your Plate is an online cookout competition that challenges students to cook a meal using the “student, fridge and pantry” all while sharing their innovative and positive solutions to SA's problems.
The competition is about using food and cooking as a platform to create meaningful conversations around transforming SA. It is about enabling ideas that can shape South Africa and change the negative narrative into a positive solution.
"We are aligning the campaign with Youth Month as we commend SA's future leaders. Creating a platform for the youth to drive the ideas that can shape and transform SA's problems to solutions, is an opportunity to empower the youth' explains JT Comms Marketing Manager Isabel Tapfumaneyi.
“Entrepreneurship is about creating opportunities and, as we learnt in the Fees Must Fall campaign, students need to be able to create their own economies. The lack of finances affect students’ ability to sustain themselves and by linking entrepreneurship to youth education we are determined to be part of a solution,” added Tapfumaneyi.
What’s on Your Plate invites corporates and businesses to partner with them in creating platforms of empowerment and supporting tomorrow's leaders today.
The show will be recorded in a 12 part series profiling 12 student innovators chosen from a national entry submission.
Students can enter by:
o #BunniesInTheBurbs
o #WhatsOnYourPlate
What’s On Your Plate will be available on various platforms:
Youtube Channel JT Comms TV
jtcomms.co.za/my-product/bunnies-in-the-burbs-bibs
bunniesintheburbs.wordpress.com/
About JT Communication Solutions
JT Communication Solutions is a dynamic 21st century PR, Media, Communication and Marketing agency rooted in Africa, with a global reach. The agency is strategically positioned as a link to scale businesses using the media to tell their story.
About Bunnies in the Burbs
Bunnies in the Burbs is an initiative by JT Communication Solutions launched in August 2016. It is a media digital cooking show about culture, cuisine and conversations and advancing the positive African narrative
Watch ‘Bunnies in the ‘Burbs’ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb5qV6sIqZzawxJ9l8KtNTQ/videos
Instagram - @bunniesintheburbs
Youtube - @JT-TV or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb5qV6sIqZzawxJ9l8KtNTQ/videos
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Bunnies-in-the-Burbs-479330615526448/
Twitter - @Bunnies_Burbs and #BunniesInTheBurbs
For media queries, interview requests, access to high res images etc please contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632.
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Bunnies in the Burbs
As South Africa gears up to celebrate Youth Month, What’s on Your Plate is determined to give a voice to the youth passionate about making a difference in South Africa. In this innovative competition, students are invited to share their big ideas, while cooking up their favourite fare.
Using a digital cooking platform, What’s on Your Plate is an online cookout competition that challenges students to cook a meal using the “student, fridge and pantry” all while sharing their innovative and positive solutions to SA's problems.
The competition is about using food and cooking as a platform to create meaningful conversations around transforming SA. It is about enabling ideas that can shape South Africa and change the negative narrative into a positive solution.
"We are aligning the campaign with Youth Month as we commend SA's future leaders. Creating a platform for the youth to drive the ideas that can shape and transform SA's problems to solutions, is an opportunity to empower the youth' explains JT Comms Marketing Manager Isabel Tapfumaneyi.
“Entrepreneurship is about creating opportunities and, as we learnt in the Fees Must Fall campaign, students need to be able to create their own economies. The lack of finances affect students’ ability to sustain themselves and by linking entrepreneurship to youth education we are determined to be part of a solution,” added Tapfumaneyi.
What’s on Your Plate invites corporates and businesses to partner with them in creating platforms of empowerment and supporting tomorrow's leaders today.
The show will be recorded in a 12 part series profiling 12 student innovators chosen from a national entry submission.
Students can enter by:
o #BunniesInTheBurbs
o #WhatsOnYourPlate
What’s On Your Plate will be available on various platforms:
Youtube Channel JT Comms TV
jtcomms.co.za/my-product/bunnies-in-the-burbs-bibs
bunniesintheburbs.wordpress.com/
About JT Communication Solutions
JT Communication Solutions is a dynamic 21st century PR, Media, Communication and Marketing agency rooted in Africa, with a global reach. The agency is strategically positioned as a link to scale businesses using the media to tell their story.
About Bunnies in the Burbs
Bunnies in the Burbs is an initiative by JT Communication Solutions launched in August 2016. It is a media digital cooking show about culture, cuisine and conversations and advancing the positive African narrative
Watch ‘Bunnies in the ‘Burbs’ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb5qV6sIqZzawxJ9l8KtNTQ/videos
Instagram - @bunniesintheburbs
Youtube - @JT-TV or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb5qV6sIqZzawxJ9l8KtNTQ/videos
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Bunnies-in-the-Burbs-479330615526448/
Twitter - @Bunnies_Burbs and #BunniesInTheBurbs
For media queries, interview requests, access to high res images etc please contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632.
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Bunnies in the Burbs
As art graffiti is amazingly effective. Many thousands see it and it almost always elicits a response, be it awe or anger. It pushes its way through the noise into the conscious and unconscious in a way few pieces of art are able to do in a world dominated by messaging. This year Newtown Junction has initiated a project that embraces the power and artistry of graffiti and supports arts and culture in the inner-city.
Dedicating the wall next to its Nedbank Offices, Newtown Junction will regularly showcase the work of Joburg’s many talented artists. The first mural to catch the eye of visitors, shoppers and passersby is by the multi-talented artist Mr.Eksê. His recently finished work – JoVendor’sBurg – is a tribute to the many female vendors who line Joburg’s streets. They are, he says, “the unassuming backbone of the city’s economy.”
With two decades of street art to his name, Mr.Eksê favours graffiti over other mediums declaring it the most democratic of all art mediums.
“As artists we are committed to sharing the beauty and transformative power of visual art with the widest sector of people. We liberate art from the confines of galleries and encourage ordinary people to imagine and dream as they go about their daily lives,” he says.
Showcasing some of the events created at Newtown Junction ...
Some of our Clients and the work we do ...
Taynita Harilal and Keneilwe Shota enjoying some quality time together for a Girls Night Dinner - Let the good times roll
Newtown Junction & Space.LGBTI are ready to entertain and raise awareness
Listen to Mathapelo "EmTy" Maliehe on Power FM with Sebenzile Nkambule on Power Up chating about the upcoming event at Newtown Junction on the 18th February 2017 where Space.LGBTI will have a fun filled day of music, poetry, awareness, stalls and more.
Bunnies in The Burbs cooking in Jodhpur India with Nikky (Mohanlal) Gihani
