A debating conference like none other, the South African Model United Nations (SAMUN) International Conference 2015 will see some of the country’s bright young minds go head to head over global issues, humans rights and international relations. Held at the Cape Town Metro Council on 12 Hertzog Boulevard from 15 October to 19 October, the winning teams from the provincial rounds will engage in debates based on the principles and format of the UN General Assembly.
Teams from Africa and a team from the United States will join the South African teams in the two debates. As part of the conference delegates will spend a night on Robben Island and will be joined by Deputy Minister of Basic Education Mohamed Enver Surty for the evening.
Having got to grips with the complexity of human rights and migration in the provincial rounds, these young diplomats will participate in two Model UN general Assembly debates, boldly tackling the issue of terrorism and the protection of cultural artefacts and heritage sites and the question of an anti-African bias in the International Criminal Court. The public is invited to watch these lively debates.
As in the provincial competition, each team participates as an allocated country, and as such familiarises themselves with that country’s social and political policies, cultural practices and the debates, views and stance on the discussed issues.
Unique to SAMUN is the twinning of resourced and under-resourced schools. Each team of four learners consists of two learners from a resourced school and two from an under-resourced school. Not only does this policy ensure that all participants have an opportunity to prepare and compete on an equal footing, but also promotes a cross-cultural exchange that encourages tolerance and understanding.
The first SAMUN was held in 1995 as part of the United Nations' 50th anniversary celebrations. Following the South African conference, a group of delegates accompanied former President Nelson Mandela on his trip to New York for the United Nations' 50th anniversary celebrations. Under the auspices of Education Africa, SAMUN has developed into one of the most credible Model UN programmes in the world, with over 500 South African high schools participating at a provincial level in 2015.
The SAMUN debates, chosen for their relevance, both globally and locally, are an exercise in developing research and communication skills, oral presentation and debating skills, and a keen sense of negotiation and diplomacy. SAMUN equips participating learners with skills, knowledge and experience that go beyond classroom debating and foster an interest in, and understanding of global politics, international relations and human rights issues. SAMUN has seen many of its alumni become leaders in the fields of law, politics, international relations, finance and medicine.
Winners of the provincial competition are as follows:
Eastern Cape – King William’s Town
Kingsridge High School for Girls & Hector Petersen High
Free State – Bloemfontein
St Michaels School for Girls & St Bernards School
Gauteng – Pretoria
Crawford College & Hoerskool Voortrekkerhoogte
KwaZulu Natal – Durban
Ridge Park College & JG Zuma High
Limpopo – Lebowakgomo
Dendron Secondary & S.J Van Der Merwe
Mpumalanga – Lydenburg
Mashishing High School & Skhila Secondary
North West – Potchefstroom
Ferdinand Postma High School & Potchefstroom High School
Northern Cape – Kimberley
Kimberley Boys’ High & Tetlanyo High School
Western Cape – Paarl
La Rochelle Girls’ High & New Orleans Secondary
For more information: Contact Tsholofelo Thema on 011 686 7300 or mail tsholofelo@educationafrica.org
For media queries, media accreditation, interview requests and to access high resolution pictures etc please contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632.
*PS There will be limited media access to the Robben Island event.
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Education Africa – www.educationafrica.org
Dorothy Masuka will be celebrated in conversation as part of her 80th birthday celebrations in heritage month thanks to visionary entrepreneurs. The globally acclaimed composer, singer and entrepreneur will be in a dialogue with a network of friends, associates, media and entrepreneurs on 23 September hosted by Newtown Junction mall, the Africans for Africa network and Skills Village 2030.
Masuka, fondly referred to as Mom D has performed on every continent, has dined with presidents and other world leaders, with Nelson Mandela also having named her as one of his favourite singers and continues to inspire.
Despite this, long term financial rewards have been a challenge – as is often the case with many celebrated African home-based artists, Newtown Junction mall, a hub for culture, arts and enterprise will bring together thought leaders and stakeholders from diverse sectors of the economy hoping to drive the change we seek. The dialogue is a platform enabled through a network of entrepreneurs determined to become a solution in advancing social cohesion through economic empowerment.
"As the new hub in the inner city we are delighted to be creating multi purposed retail spaces in Johannesburg to celebrate legacy and heritage. Hosting Dorothy Masuka on her 80th birthday is an honour and part of our vision to actively support arts, culture, heritage and entrepreneurship" says Michael Clampett, asset manager at Attacq Limited.
This celebration dialogue will also focus on how artists can conduct their calling as a lucrative profession and stream of entrepreneurship. Arts journalist and broadcaster Karabo Kgoleng will be speaking with Dorothy Masuka in this once-off event that is hosted by Entrepreneur Connect Africa a network under the Africans for Africa platform supported by JT Communication Solutions.
Entrepreneur Connect Africa is a network of influential entrepreneurs in the creative, business and professional industries. "The power of entrepreneurship in a digital era is exciting and offers champions who believe in positively exploring, using technology to its advantage to tell great African stories will advance how we share knowledge. The privilege to hear Mam Dorothy share her experiences is exciting" says Vanessa Perumal MD of JT Communication Solutions and architect of Africans for Africa and Entrepreneur Connect.
Using digital platforms, this network is revolutionising the way in which creative business owners can achieve great results, while maintaining full ownership of their work. Using #ECA on twitter, Entrepreneur Connect Africa hosts weekly live tweet events on Wednesdays at 19h30 CAT with creative leading entrepreneurs and influencers. Dorothy Masuka in Conversation will take this to the next level with a live tweet of the 23 September event, which will begin at 19:30.
Janet Landey of Skills village 2030 who stepped in to offer a much needed lifeline added that ‘this event is an opportunity for social inclusion, cohesion and integration honouring living legends in platforms like these events, we hope will be part of a solution where the legends themselves become beneficiaries.
To honour this queen of African music, the SAMA award winning singer & songwriter Nomsa Mazwai aka Nomisupasta one of South Africa’s most talented artists will alongside virtuoso jazz bassist and composer Olamide Timothy take to the stage, completing what is sure to be a dazzling and inspiring evening.
For media queries, media accreditation, interview requests and to access high resolution pictures etc please contact JT Comms on info@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632
Notes to Editor
This event is by invite-only and should media want to attend, please who must send accreditation request to info@jtcomms.co.za
Nomsa Mazwai is an award winning musician and artist, born in Johannesburg in 1985. Mazwai was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in 2010 and, while studying for her master’s degree in Economics at Fordham University, she gave a presentation to the United Nations on behalf of South Africa on how to engage young people on the Millennium Development Goals. She has been nominated for three SAMA awards and has won one — for Best Adult Alternative African album. She was the first female president of the Fort Hare University students’ representative council and has worked as a coordinator at the Nelson Mandela Institute, where she created educational progress opportunities for young people and students. She has also authored and published a book called ‘SAI SAI’. She is also the former director of Emthonjeni Arts, an artists’ residency in the rural town of Hamburg in the Eastern Cape which includes a theatre, a gallery, dance and recording studios. Recently she was invited to perform at the UN General Assembly with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
Olamide Timothy from Lagos, Nigeria, a singer/songwriter, bass player, composer, bandleader and producer with a singular artistic vision, began his musical journey at a young age. Ola, as he is affectionately called, would learn any instrument just by watching how it was played. As a teenager he received formal music instruction at the local community centre and later read for a diploma in music at the Lagos State University, later the Music Association of Nigeria (MUSON) and Berkley College of Music in Los Angeles, California which led to him being an ‘in-demand’ musician. His return to South Africa has seen him divide his time between Johannesburg and Limpopo, establishing in these two cities a reputation as one of the most exciting jazz bass players. He has performed, produced and recorded with several great musicians, both in Nigeria and abroad, musicians such as Biodun Batik, Earl Klugh, Ekemode, Jimmy Dludlu, Steve Rhodes Orchestra, the Golden Jazz band of Cameroun and Y.S Akinibosun amongst others. He currently works as an instructor of the Limpopo Youth Orchestra, South Africa, where previously he was the conductor and music director.
The event is supported by the #ECAfrica network, a dynamic collective of entrepreneurs, all thought leaders in their fields and includes organisations and individuals Thuli Magubane, Africa the Good News, Harem Clothing, Get Promoted Group, The Passionate Professional, Zinokwanda Online Media, Ndlovukazi Media, Mokorosi Financial Consulting and many more.
Dolly Rathebe to be honoured with digital memorial tombstone thanks to a generous donation from an inspiring entrepreneur
Heritage month sees an important milestone legacy project come to fruition thanks to the spiralling support of a school girl's call to action. On 19 September 2015, family and friends will join the Duru/Rathebe family, and a number of their sponsors including Gauteng MEC for sports, arts, culture and recreation in honouring the musician’s legacy and unveiling her tombstone at a special memorial event at the Roodepoort Cemetery at 09:00.
Earlier this year Taynita Harilal, a grade 12 pupil from Parktown High School for Girls used her school project on the late Dolly Rathebe and social media to kick start a conversation about one of South Africa's great music legends. In the chain of events that followed, she not only raised awareness about the singer, songwriter and actress, she also ensured that Rathebe’s memory would be honoured with a memorial site. Inspired by the call to action from Taynita, Bataung Memorial Tombstones Managing Director and inspiring entrepreneur Lebogang Khitsane stepped in to offer support.
Bataung Memorials an innovative plaque, statues and monument manufacturing company based in Ekhuruleni have generously donated a tombstone to the value of R150 000 fitted with a special QR code. This innovative service allows visitors to the gravesite to access and interact with content related to the deceased’s life and times and to share the memory while creating an online legacy for loved ones. ‘We are happy to have been part of the solution towards remembering this great icon said Lebogang Khitsane, MD of Bataung Memorial Tombstones.
On 19 September 2015, family and friends will join the Gauteng MEC for sports, arts, culture and recreation together with Rathebe’s family in honouring the musician’s legacy and unveiling her tombstone at a special memorial event at
Rathebe died in 2004 at the age of 75 and while she may have died a legend, synonymous with the history of Sophiatown, her family did not have the means to erect a tombstone.
The Gauteng Department for sports, arts, culture and recreation are supporting the family in the organisation of the event.
When she started the project, Harilal could not imagine the reach her history project would have and has been inspired by the generous offers of support and renewed interest in Rathebe’s life and music. In June she was awarded the Lead SA 702 Youth Hero of the Month and spoke about the project at this year’s Jozi Book Fair. She has been invited by Rathebe’s family to be a part of the ceremony on 19 September.
‘I am so excited and honoured to have been part of this project. Working on it has been an eye opening experience and very educational to me, making me realize the importance of legacy preservation in this lifetime’ said Harilal.
The family would also like to thank Johannes Henning-Schmitt of The Florist at Duncan Yard in Hatfield, Pretoria for the generous donation of flowers for the memorial site.
The ceremony will take place at the New Roodepoort Cemetery at 301 Elias Motsoaledi Road, Dobsonville, Soweto at 09:00.
Issued on behalf of Taynita Harilal and Bataung Memorial Tombstones by JT Communication Solutions
Wishing one of our "Living Legends" Mam Dorothy Masuka a very Special and Happy Birthday and may you enjoy many more to come. You are truly an inspiration to all of us and a good mentor and role model to the up and coming generations...
Wishing you all the best from Team JT Comms....
Newtown Junction, a mall that offers a superior shopping experience, diversity in dining opportunities and a space that lends itself to celebrating South Africa’s artistic and cultural diversity, continues to set the tone by hosting stimulating events and showcases.
In September Newtown Junction will be welcoming in Spring and celebrating Heritage month by featuring three events filled with the season's hottest, must-have hair trends, the pizzazz and high energy of dance, workshops and market.
So, on Saturday September 5, from 10am get in on the act and catch the magic of a variety of activities – stimulating and fun-filled with something for everyone!
First up is HAIR ON JUNCTION - hosted by two young entrepreneurs, Margaret Chandia and Lead SA’s Youth Hero Taynita Harilal, 'Celebrate your HAIRitage' is a one stop space and an exclusive showcase of the ‘must-know’ and ‘must-have’ trends in hair where entrepreneurs can market their products and consumers can see what kind of natural hair trends and products are available in Gauteng. A workshop, on how to tap into markets, style and set the trends, will start at 10am and a market will run until 4pm.
“We hope this Hair on Junction market will become grow into a market that we can scale across the continent” says Margaret, “It’s also a platform where ideas can be shared and we are encouraged by the opportunity new retail spaces allows for up and coming entrepreneurs to engage with their consumers,” adds Taynita.
Get a taste of Dansation - a swirl of colour, movement and music, innovative, trendy and entertaining - on Saturday September 5. At 13:30 you can get a sneak peak at Jazzy Masala Creative’s Dansation 2015 when they perform a few dance excerpts, plus a public dance session for all to join in. Dansation 2015, created by Versha Magan, producer, creative director and choreographer of the Jazzy Masala Academy, derives its choreography from a range of styles including Bollywood, Classic Indian, jazz and hip-hop and has a two day run on September 19 and 20 at the Lyric Theatre Gold Reef City - tickets cost R150 and can be bought at Computicket.
Magan is committed to shining the spotlight on the Indian performing arts, “Local talent needs a great platform and for me Dansation is another stepping stone to creating versatility with movement and Indian Dance. What we are presenting is diverse, magical and sensational and it will leave the audiences awestruck.”
“Given its location and history, Newtown Junction is more than just a shopping mall, it’s a cultural space and we invite all art and culture institutions, as well as members of the arts, crafts and cultural fraternity to come and engage with us and create a space that celebrates South Africa’s diversity, talent and culture,” says Asset manager at Atterbury Holdings, Michael Clampett.
For media queries, interview requests and to access high resolution images please contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632.
Driven by her sheer determination to succeed, Pietermaritzburg mother and successful attorney Yugandrie Maharaj has become one of the most respected names in the legal profession.
Outspoken, courageous, ambitious and spiritual, Maharaj is proud of her Indian roots and is grounded by her belief in the teachings of the Art of Living Foundation and humanitarian work.
Despite being part of an industry that bears a reputation for being cut throat and status-driven, Maharaj draws on her spiritual side to give the legal profession a human face that will inspire others to emulate. Not content with just running a successful and prosperous law firm she has embarked on a journey to spread the paradigm - for a business to grow and be truly sustainable it needs to have heart, be grounded in people and be profoundly generous.
She holds a BA (LAW) LLB degree from the then University of Durban-Westville and while Maharaj enjoys much success now her story is one of rags to riches. Her journey was not always this rosy. She is not shy to admit her childhood, especially her formative years were very “traumatic”. Maharaj says, “I was the eldest in a family of three children with an alcoholic father and a simple, humble mother.”
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Maharaj and her family struggled through poverty and unemployment, domestic abuse, personal health issues and the limitations placed on them by apartheid. Instead of succumbing to bitterness, anger and self-pity, she became a feisty activist in the anti-apartheid struggle and later found spiritual sustenance and direction from organisations influenced by the spiritual master, Sri Sri Ravi Shanker.
After much hardship, Maharaj completed her legal studies and 14 years ago become an attorney. Her determination and desire to excel and deepen her knowledge saw Maharaj go on to seek out experience in family & divorce law, commercial law, insolvency law, criminal and civil litigation as well as conveyancing. Her success is most evident in the formidable R10 million property portfolio she has subsequently built.
But as far as success goes the sky is not the limit for Maharaj. She has not forgotten the bumpy road she had travelled, nor does she ignore the fact that there are still so many people, particularly women, trapped in poverty, limited by circumstance and the lack of opportunity, and who needed help in shifting their mindsets.
She began by rebranding her firm: Yugandrie Maharaj Incorporated, into the highly successful YMi. As a brand it is now poised to leverage opportunities in:
Partnering with local municipalities, Maharaj’s social investments have profoundly transformed communities by combining entrepreneurial skills with the spiritual concepts found in meditation; stress release and wellness techniques and yoga. Maharaj has also played a central role in various development initiatives including being a member of the International Association of Human Values; executive director of Sari for Change - a women’s empowerment organisation; and CEO of Life with a Purpose; as well as conducting numerous international courses on self-mastery.
Michelle Mone (OBE), a leading UK designer observed of Maharaj: “I have experienced Yugandrie as inspiring, dedicated and willing to go the extra mile. She is certainly a leader of leaders and dedicates her time, energy and effort to her vision of inspiring and empowering people of all ages and globally. She is an empowered woman and a role model to many. She will leave a legacy of leadership for generations to come as she takes her message and services to the world.”
Maharaj has taken her own challenging circumstances and not only overcame her victimhood but packaged that experience into an insightful seminar and philosophy entitled: Transform your Health, Wealth & your Life. The write-up of the seminar poignantly sums it up: “Yugandrie Maharaj encourages you to discover your true personal power and innocence and gives you ways to fulfil the unimaginable potential of your unique path in life, by releasing the pain and limitations of past conditioning.”
It is this treasure that she is packing into her suitcase when she represents South Africa this week in the United States (Boston, Atlanta, Florida) and the Netherlands (Amsterdam).
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 Yugandrie Maharaj - http://www.yugandrie.co.za/
Note to Editor:
Personal:
Academic:
Experience:
Community and Cultural:
Yugandrie is also:
JT Communication Solutions, a leading African Media and Publicity specialists company is proud to announce its newly forged association with Newtown Junction - a mall that offers a superior shopping experience, diversity in dining opportunities and a space that lends itself to celebrating South Africa’s artistic and cultural diversity.
JT Comms has been in the forefront of scaling its PR offerings to any industry, and is now leading the way once again, with its offerings in the Marketing arena.
August is Women’s Month and Newtown Junction together with JT Comms is setting the tone with a month filled with exciting events and showcases.
Two decades of living and working in Europe, Beatrice Achaleke, a multiple award-winning serial entrepreneur, innovator an accomplished writer - listed as one of the most influential black women in Europe, the author of “Follow me to Africa - in an unspoken conversation with Nelson Mandela” and mother, relocates to SA to set up a partnership model with local entrepreneurs.
Armed with her suit cases, her two young children and her Globuntu business model from Vienna to Johannesburg Achaleke leads by example and is on a mission to create a future where African Entrepreneurship is accelerated to global markets.
‘For centuries Europe and the West have been perceived by both Africans and the rest of the world as the benchmark economy of the world, while Africa was made and kept the world’s helpless ‘patient’ says Achaleke. “This explains why many Africans go to the extent of risking their lives on fishing boats just to make it to Europe; only to either perish on the high sea or end up locked up in inhumane asylum homes (if they are lucky enough to survive the sea) with no perspectives she concludes”.
Now, thanks to the global digital revolution we are witnessing a significant paradigm shift with recent studies showing Africa increasingly becoming a frontrunner of future economic growth.
At the same time it is no secret that Europe’s challenges today are not only homemade, like a dramatically ageing population, economic stagnation and financial crisis but, most of all their inability to resourcefully handle the influx of immigrants especially those from Africa.
At a time when an increasing number of African migrants are losing their lives as they embark on their hazardous journey across the Mediterranean sea to Europe (according to the International Migration Organisation, over 2000 immigrants have lost their lives in the Mediterranean since 2004, 89% of them being Africans in search of a better life in Europe.
Achaleke leaves Europe to return to Africa where she intends to use her over 20 years of global experiences, expertise and lessons learned which she has branded to what she fondly calls the Globuntu business model to shift the old paradigm and present Africa as the continent that holds the future.
“This is the perfect time for smart Africans to claim ownership and champion this positive revolution the continent is currently experiencing. Coming back with Globuntu and partnering with African businesses like the Africans for Africa Network, JT Communications Solutions, and #ECAfrica, the SA Ubuntu Foundation and Harem Clothing amongst other businesses to defy the status quo. “It is my very humble way of giving back to the continent that gave me life” says Achaleke who has through her carefully crafted journey empowered SA entrepreneur Vanessa Perumal with a R1million real estate deal through this partnership.
Barely a week in SA Achaleke will be one of the key note panelists and a co-sponsor at the first Entrepreneur Connect meet held in celebration of Women’s Month at Newtown Junction later this month and hopes to launch her book at Jozie Book Faire as well as create a partnership with SA’s Ubuntu Foundation in Cape Town.
Note to Editor
free excerpt:
http://www.diversityleadership.eu/upload/8557627-Follow-me-to-Africa-free-Excerpt.pdf
book order link:
www.amazon.de/Follow-Africa-unspoken-conversation-Globuntu/dp/1505229227/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1430827327&sr=8-2&
www.diversityleadership.eu
www.linkedin.com/pub/beatrice-achaleke/14/bb4/a1
www.facebook.com/beatrice.achaleke
www.youtube.com/channel/UCXxjOqgfdZlBy_L1uCWj7dw
www.xing.com/profile/Beatrice_Achaleke2/portfolio
twitter: @AchaBeatrice
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 the Africans for Africa Network
Over the last year Newtown has seen the realisation of Newtown Junction, a mall that offers a superior shopping experience, diversity in dining opportunities and a space that loans itself to celebrating South Africa’s artistic and cultural diversity. August is Women’s Month and Newtown Junction is setting the tone, hosting a month full of inspiring events and showcases.
Kick-starting Women’s Month on 1 August at 11:00 is the Gold Reef Rhythmic Gymnastics Club with its African debut performance of the Save our Rhinos dance. This work premiered to much acclaim at the 26th International Gymnaestrada held in Helsinki, Finland last month. The 16 gymnasts of the Gold Reef Rhythmic Gymnastics Club are joined in this performance by five Pantsula dancers and a trio of acrobatic gymnasts. This is gymnastics with a message – the dance highlights the horrors of rhino poaching.
Shoppers at Newtown Junction will also be treated to a live performance from Khala- Black a special treat for Women’s Month. Their music embraces the heart and soul of an African Women.
The countdown to the Moretele Park Tribute Concert has started. This year’s annual event, to be held in the city of Tshwane on 29 August 2015, celebrates South Africa’s coming of age, while protesting against the xenophobic violence experienced earlier this year. Under the theme ‘We Are Africa’, the concert promises a star-studded line-up. In the build-up to this event Newtown Junction, supported by the Gauteng Department of Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, will host artists from the Puisano Jazz Programme in performance on the 7th, 14th and 21st August from 13h00 to 14h00.
In August Newtown Junction will host a first in a series of Entrepreneur Connect meet-ups in partnership with Centre for Entrepreneurship, Wits Business School, Africans for Africa and Africa the Good News and for a series of workshop events for entrepreneurs.
“Given its location and history, Newtown Junction is more than just a shopping mall, it’s a cultural space and we invite art and culture institutions, as well as members of the arts, crafts and cultural fraternity to come and engage with us and create a space that celebrates South Africa’s diversity, talent and culture,” says Michael Clampett, asset manager at Attacq Limited.
To create an event, collaborate and share ideas for future projects please contact Mercy Freemantle (marketing@jtcomms.co.za) or Dees Harilal (Dees@jtcomms.co.za)
For media queries, media accreditation, interview requests and to access high resolution pictures etc please contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632 or speak to Sinethemba Dywili
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf Newtown Junction – www.newtownjunction.com
PROTEC celebrated another win for Maths and Science education and took a step closer to improving South Africa’s global competitiveness in today’s technologically driven world. PROTEC, in partnership with Sanlam, launched their learner excellence and teacher development programme in the Pinetown district, Kwa Zulu Natal today 22 July 2015.
Acclaimed storyteller and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Ambassador Dr Gcina Mhlophe, joined the celebrations sharing a little of her storytelling magic with the audience. With her belief in the power of narrative and personal storytelling, Dr Mhlophe has joined forces with PROTEC to champion the STEM curriculum.
“If we don’t support our learners in these subjects, who will be our engineers that will build the roads that take us into the future?” She asks.
PROTEC will support five schools in the Pinetown District, in a supplementary STEM enrichment programme that holistically supports both learners with potential in these subjects and their teachers. With 33 years of experience behind them and a proven methodology, PROTEC have made giant strides forward in developing learners ready to take on careers in science, technology, English and mathematics.
Unique in their approach, PROTEC have selected 50 Grade 10 learners from the five under privileged schools in the district who will attend Saturday schools and vacation programmes, as well as receive long-term mentorship, skills training and exposure to the world of work. PROTEC offers support from high school, through university and into the work place. The schools benefiting from the Pinetown intervention are Dr JL Dube Secondary School, Isibonelo Secondary School, JG Zuma Secondary School, Northmead Secondary School and Zakhe Secondary School.
“We are extremely pleased to once again partner with the Sanlam Foundation and welcome the opportunity to support their philosophy to make a difference while building sustainability.
It is only through such partnerships and interventions that we are able to improve the lives of so many leaners and help them to succeed in their chosen careers” said Balan Moodley, CEO and GM: Finance, HR and Branch Relations of PROTEC.
In conjunction with the learner excellence programme, PROTEC will also offer the five participating schools a teacher support and development programme, that includes auxiliary learning materials and mobile science kits, ensuring that the schools’ overall STEM education is improved.
PROTEC’s annual results speak to its success; in 2014 all but one of PROTEC’s branches achieved a 100% pass rate. The PROTEC pass rate has consistently been higher than the National pass rate both at Matric and Bachelors level, with PROTEC learners achieving a 99.7% pass rate compared to the average 75.8% in 2014. PROTEC Bachelors pass rate was 75.8% compared to the national average of 28.3%.
NOTES:
PROTEC was established in 1982 by the South African Institute of Civil Engineers, in response to the country’s growing need for engineers in all fields. From its early beginnings in Soweto, PROTEC has successfully established a national programme that supports learners in disadvantaged areas.
PROTEC has worked with corporates and governmental organisations to establish sustainable supplementary school-to-world education solutions in over 46 disadvantaged communities across the country. As leaders in the field PROTEC have been at the forefront in the design and implementation of the Technology Curriculum and continue to support the Department of Education in the delivery of the CAPS Methodology.
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 on behalf of PROTEC – www.protec.org.za
Moretele Park Tribute Concert 2015
We Are Africa: Moretele Park Tribute Concert opens its borders from Cape to Cairo
The count down has started to the Moretele Park Tribute Concert 2015. Under the theme ‘We Are Africa’, this year’s concert Celebrates South Africa’s coming of age and protests against xenophobia and the abhorrent violence towards foreign nationals experienced earlier this year. With a diverse line-up, it is a star-studded procession of music royalty.
Now in its 18th year and regarded as a premier event in the country's music calendar, the Capital City of Tshwane once again plays Host to the ever-popular annual Tribute Concert on Saturday, 29th August 2015 in Pretoria.
Organisers Drakensberg Promotions have unveiled this year’s line-up featuring an exceptional parade of artists who will head to Mamelodi for a daylong revelry pulsing with jazz, pop, soul, dance and traditional music. Featuring the who's who of the African music industry, the line-up spans the continent from the DRC, to Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Among the stars headlining the 2015 event is veteran performer and elder statesmen of home-grown music, Caiphus Semenya. He will be joined by Lesotho’s much- loved and inimitable Bhudaza, who first captured the public’s imagination as the leader of seminal eighties Afrobeat group, Sankomota.
Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi, nicknamed by his fans ‘Tuku' is also billed to perform, joining prominent soukous musician ‘Kanda Bongo Man’ from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The platinum selling Thandiswa Mazwai, who ever since bursting into the public consciousness as lead vocalist and songwriter of the award-winning group, Bongo Maffin adds to the bill. Mango Groove who have enjoyed over 12 Number 1 hits, receiving every conceivable SA music and video award, as well as a number of global accolades in their illustrious career also join the vibrant mix of artists. Grammy award nominated and Mamelodi born, Vusi ‘The Voice’ Mahlasela, naturally blessed with the gift of song also joins the star-studded line up.
Keeping to their longstanding resolution to creating opportunities towards economical development, Drakensberg Promotions has made sure that regional and up-coming bands from Tshwane are added to the bill, thus getting a chance to share their craft with the festival audience.
The younger generation of alluring musicians is well represented and includes the award winning vocal acapella sensation ‘The Soil’ who have recently bagged a nomination at this year’s BET Awards for ‘Best International Act’. Soulful crooner Afrotraction, house duo ‘Black Motion’ and artists from Gauteng the Puisano live music programme add to the not to-be missed music encounter.
Sam Mhangwane, part of the organising team paying homage to South Africa's music luminaries while showcasing the next generation of bubbling talent said ‘he was happy with what the festival had achieved since inception and looks forward to its growth’.
On August 22nd, Drakensberg Promotions will host a music business workshop in Pretoria hosted by various experienced music industry individuals. The induction is designed as a panel discussion presented by top industry professionals and aimed at musicians and others in the industry wanting to know more about the business of music. The workshop will cover business operations, event production, royalties and the latest trends in the music industry. Members of the public, the music industry and entreprenueurs are invited to participate.
Get in on the act and catch the magic of Moretele Park Tribute Concert at a series of lunch time concerts hosted by the Newtown Junction mall on Fridays the 7th, 14th & 21st August supported by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation. The concerts will feature development artists from Puisano Jazz Bands and will take place at the Newtown Junction mall on Fridays from 13h00 to 14h00.
Join the thousands of revellers at the Moretele Park Tribute Concert in Mamelodi, and book your tickets from Computicket before they sell out.
For media queries, media accreditation, interview requests and to access high resolution pictures please contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Drakensberg Promotions
In February this year Jazzy Masala Creative caused a stir at the Lyric Theatre in Gold Reef City, with a sold out show and standing ovations. Following public demand, they are back to create a sensation with a two day run of their new production Dansation. On September 19 and 20th, at the Lyric Theatre, Jazzy Masala Creative will entice with its stylistic innovation, dazzling costumes and talented dancers.
Created by Versha Magan, producer, creative director and choreographerof the Jazzy Masala Academy, Dansation draws its choreography from a diversity of styles including Bollywood, Classic Indian, jazz and hi-hop. It is a swirl of colour, movement and music, innovative, trendy and entertaining. Audiences who went home wanting more in February won’t be disappointed by this ambitious new production.
Magan is commited to shining the spotlight on the Indian performing arts, which are often overlooked in South Africa. Evidence of this commitment lies in her decision to leave behind a lucrative career in the corporate world to channel her passion and resources in the training of young dancers, giving them an opportunity to excel while instilling a culture of team-work, leadership and self determination.
“Local talent needs a great platform and appreciation by the public. Dansation for me is yet another stepping stone to creating versatility with movement and Indian Dance. With a cast of over a 100 dancers, what we are presenting is diverse, magical and sensational. Dance brings out various moods when performed and observed by an audience. Our aim is to leave the audiences awestruck.”
Magan has a deep-seated respect for her craft, learnt under the guidance of mentors, envisions Jazzy Masala Dance Academy maintaining the art form, creating opportunities and transforming lives. She actively encourages collaboration and the chance to share the Jazzy Masala experience with new communities.
Dansation will be on at the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, for two nights only; September 19 and 20. Tickets cost R150 and can be bought at Computicket.
For media queries, interview requests and access to high resolution publicity photos contact Dee’s on media@jtcomms.co.za or call (011) 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Versha Magan and Jazzy Masala Creative
On the 1st and 2nd August 2015, 1600 participants from all corners of South Africa as well as Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland will be gathering at the annual EDUCATION AFRICA INTERNATIONAL MARIMBA AND STEELPAN FESTIVAL which will take place at the beautiful St Benedict’s College, Harcus Road, Bedfordview, Guateng.
Over 250 performances featuring some of Africa’s top marimba and steelpan bands will be featured in non-stop competitions over the two days. These competitions will be adjudicated by 6 top class experts in not only marimbas and steelpans but also in music and music education.
All these adjudicators will also be featured in our FRINGE EVENTS and will be giving lecture/demonstrations, performances, master classes and fun music activities for the whole family. Amongst our illustrious adjudicators are: ANDY NARELL, a patron of the festival, who hails from France and is one of the world’s top solo steelpan performers will be giving 2 solo performances. MARK STONE, who comes from the USA, an expert on world percussion will be conducting lecture/demonstrations on the DAGARA GYIL, the marimba of Ghana. This is a must for anyone interested in African music. South Africa’s multi-talented world-class songbird, SIBONGILE KHUMALO will be conducting 2 MASTER CLASSES in voice at the Festival. This is a rare opportunity for all those singers out there to meet her and be heard by one of the greatest and most versatile talents South Africa has ever produced! Who knows, your voice career could be launched at the Festival?
Another amazing artist to be featured at the festival will be DANNO PETERSEN, the 12 year-old “DRUMMER WUNDERKIND” from the Cape now living in Gauteng. Dynamic Danno is the youngest University student in Africa. He is also the YOUNGEST WORLDWIDE YAMAHA ENDORSED DRUMMER for the past 8 years! At the Festival he will be featured at the massed marimba and steelpan event as well as in a number of workshops and performances where adults and children alike can enjoy his performances and will also have the opportunity to ask him questions. Danno is an inspiration to all who meet him! This is definitely something not to be missed!
Also featured in our Fringe Events Programme are gumboot, Sotho, Tswana, Greek, Indian and Afrikaans dance workshops. We also have graded djembe drumming and marimba workshops given by leading teachers from Gauteng. South Africa’s steelpan master: DAVE REYNOLDS will be giving walk-in steelpan classes and many other experts will be giving talks and workshops on subjects as diverse as boom whackers and games to play in the classroom.
Highlights at the MAIN FESTIVAL VENUE include: the massed marimba and steelpan event, the interactive djembe drumming event and of course the 250 marimba and steelpan competition performances!
There is something for everyone including a flea market with wonderful food and arts and crafts!
Ticket prices at the gate per day:
R30 for adults/R20 for children 6 years and older
Workshops an additional R30 p/workshop.
Alternatively
R60 per day for adults and children which includes ALL WORKSHOPS!
Full weekend pass may be pre-booked online: www.internationalmarimbafestival.org
For more details contact: Bongi on 011 685-7300 or bongi@educationafrica.org alternatively contact Joan on 011 685 7300 or joan@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 International Marimba and Steelpan Festival - www.internationalmarimbafestival.org
Listen to the interview that Sam Cowen did with Taynita Harilal on Radio 702 on the 9th June 2015.
Semi-finalists sing the tune of a new South Africa
12 young vocalists advance in the country’s most prestigious SAMRO competition for overseas study awards in music
JOHANNESBURG, 17 June – Last week, SAMRO Foundation administrators and a distinguished panel of adjudicators completed an intensive selection process – narrowing a pool of 35 applicants to 12 semi-finalists. On 27 August these talented South African vocalists, six in Western Art (“classical”) music and six in Jazz, will compete live during the intermediate round of the Foundation’s annual Overseas Scholarships Competition. One singer in each category will claim the ultimate prize: a R170 000 study award and the opportunity to accelerate their journey towards artistic and creative excellence.
The SAMRO Overseas Scholarships Competition has evolved much over 53 years. This evolution has followed South Africa’s compelling journey towards a unique cultural identity that reflects our history, our struggles, triumphs and visibility on the global stage.
“We are now starting to hear a truly South African sound” notes Andre Le Roux, Managing Director of the SAMRO Foundation. This year, SAMRO Foundation administrators and adjudicators took note of and were impressed by several candidates who chose South African compositions for their competition repertoire. Compared to previous years, “there seems to be increased appreciation of South African composition. For us as a Foundation within Africa’s largest music rights organisation and composers’ society, this is proof that we’re doing impactful work to preserve our rich heritage and shape the new inclusive voice of our country.”
All 12 semi-finalists are between 22 and 30 years of age (average age 25) and are pursuing their passion as top achievers in the music world. Many have already honed their musical prowess as professional performers.
This year’s top six in the Jazz music category are:
Ms Amy Campbell (UCT)
Ms Mikhaela Kruger (UCT)
Ms Palesa Modiga (UCT)
Ms Nelmarie Rabie (TUT and UP)
Mr Kwena Ramahuta (UKZN)
Ms Amy Walton (UCT)
The Western Art music category’s semi-finalists are:
Mr Khanyiso Gwenxane (TUT and UCT)
Ms Andiswa Makana (TUT)
Ms Nombuso Ndlandla (NWU)
Mr Levy Sekgapane (UCT)
Mr Makudupanyane Senaoana (UCT)
Ms Victoria Stevens (UCT)
Four finalists – two in each category – will compete for top prizes on 29 August at the Linder Auditorium. This thrilling final round is open to the public, features live accompaniment, special guests and performances of a selection of musical works including a South African composition specially commissioned for the occasion.
The SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition rotates every year between awards for vocalists (2011, 2015), instrumentalists (2012, 2016), keyboard players (2013, 2017) and composers (2014, 2018). At least three SAMRO Overseas Scholarship winners have been recognised as Standard Bank Young Artist Award recipients, and countless others have gone on to pursue successful professional careers as internationally renowned Western Art and Jazz musicians. Each year, candidate submissions are evaluated by a panel of adjudicators appointed from the top echelons of music academia and practice.
About The SAMRO Foundation
The SAMRO Foundation (http://www.samrofoundation.org.za) is a registered non-profit organisation that replaced the SAMRO Endowment for the National Arts (SENA) in 2012. The Foundation is the social investment and music education arm of the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) Group of Companies. Since 1962, SAMRO has invested more than R100-million in supporting and nourishing the South African cultural landscape through bursaries, scholarships, commissions, the preservation of music heritage and other industry enrichment projects.
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
Email samrofoundation@samro.org.za for general information.
EDUCATION AFRICA is a South African non-profit organisation that has over 22 years of experience working together with disadvantaged communities to address the issue of inequality in education, a legacy left behind by the system of Apartheid. Our motto is: “Making real change happen; poverty alleviation through education”. Currently we run 10 projects that address various educational needs in South Africa from early childhood development workshops to scholarship funding; from the distribution of bicycles to school children who would otherwise have to walk long distances to school to maths buddy programmes facilitating improved mathematical literacy.
One of these ventures is The International Arts and Culture Project. There are a variety of endeavours that fall under this main project: International Marimba Tours; The Annual International Marimba and Steelpan Festival and more recently the establishment of Marimba Hubs in under-resourced areas and the annual fund-raising concert: Sounds of Celebration held at Emperor’s Palace and hosted in partnership with the Sydenham Highlands North Shul and Community Centre. One of the chief aims of a marimba hub is to give children a safe place to be after school hours. Here they can be engaged in productive and creative activity rather than spending after school hours on the street where they are at risk in numerous ways.
As a direct result of the first Sounds of Celebration concert in 2013 a Marimba Hub was opened at Ithute Primary School in Alexandra near Sandton. Ithute Primary School is also the sister school of King David Primary School, Linksfield Johannesburg. In 2014 both King David Linksfield and Ithute Primary started their marimba programmes. At the end of April 2015 another remarkable initiative by King David Linksfield started. Grade 3 children from both King David Linksfield and their sister school Ithute Primary in Alexandra, began meeting every Wednesday afternoon to play marimbas! 30 children aged 9 and 10 are learning to share music and create harmony in our beautiful but racially scourged South Africa. These children are making friends through music and are creating bonds that hopefully will transcend racial boundaries.
This year, the 2nd Sounds of Celebration concert held in March saw King David Linksfield performing alongside The John Wesley Community Centre Marimba Band from Etwatwa on the East Rand as the pre-concert entertainment. The John Wesley Community Centre Marimba Band had just returned from a highly successful tour to the United Kingdom with Education Africa. A great friendship struck up between these two bands as they watched each other perform and within minutes of them getting to know each other the John Wesley Marimba Band was encouraging the novice King David Linksfield Marimba Band to dance and interact with them when they performed.
This year, Education Africa is proud to present the 4th International Marimba and Steelpan Festival, taking place on the 1st and 2nd August 2015. King David Linksfield is partnering with their new John Wesley Community Centre Marimba Band friends to compete in the category “strictly classical”. They will be playing a medley of tunes by the great composer Beethoven! The two bands are working on the music in their own communities and will practise together to hone their final performance! The combined band of grade 3s of King David Linksfield and Ithute Primary will also be competing together in the “open large ensemble” category.
The Sounds of Celebration concert and the opening of (thus far) two marimba hubs has resulted in remarkable partnerships. The Jewish youth of King David Linksfield have benefited enormously from meeting and performing with their far more experienced peers from the John Wesley Marimba Band which has twice travelled with Education Africa to the UK. They have graciously welcomed their novice contemporaries from the King David Marimba Band guiding them through the art of dancing with their instruments and initiating them into the marimba community.
This year the Sounds of Celebration concert brought together 150 children from 11 different institutions and schools, performing in 14 acts on a variety of instruments, a choir, gumboot dancers and Jewish singing sensation Choni G all on a single stage. If that single event gave us the inspiration for the possibility of social cohesion then these ongoing partnerships prove that peaceful harmony can endure both through and beyond the music created. These children are living, breathing symphonies of hope and optimism and are forging the path forward, creating a world where we are all citizens together in fellowship and goodwill.
“No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Nelson Mandela
Block booking enquiries may be directed to Bongi at bongi@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 International Marimba and Steelpan Festival - www.internationalmarimbafestival.org
Singer and model Dolly Rathebe was one of South Africa’s great jazz and blues artists, her voice inspired a generation of music lovers. Now her life is being celebrated by young South African. Taynita Harilal, a Grade 12 learner at Parktown High School for Girls was so inspired by Rathebe’s life, talent and her ground breaking contribution to South Africa music that she has set out to remember her in ways that will both her honour her memory and her family.
Using a history project as her starting point, Harilal is using social media to raise awareness about the life, times and music of Dolly Rathebe. During her research Harilal discovered that while Dolly Rathebe may have died a legend, there was never enough money to raise a tombstone in memory of her. Harilal now hopes to take the project further by raising funds that will go towards erecting a tombstone in her honour.
Harilal kicked off the project by consulting Dolly Rathebe’s peers. Abigail Khubeka a life long friend was the catalyst in advancing the conversation of possibilities to support legacy building through the project. She highly urged Harilal to continue efforts started years ago to solicit support for the legacy project beyond the school room and assist the family to finally make the tombstone a reality in celebrating the legacy of Dolly Rathebe.
Inspired by Harilal’s efforts, Lethabo Nyathi, a young designer, has added her support by donating a design based on Ntiski Duru’s (Dolly Rathebe’s only surviving child) preference for the artwork. Jessica Mbangeni has also stepped forward to assist the family in raising funds. ‘The opportunity right now is to ensure we continue to work in collectives to see how we can reach the financial support that can allow us to complete this project” says Harilal.
Photographer and filmmaker Jurgen Schadeberg who is well known for his iconic images of Rathebe, along with his wife Claudia are looking to join Harilal in keeping the memories of Rathebe and other jazz greats alive. They hope to erect iconic portraits of these music legends on the streets in Newtown that now bear their names and Harilal is hoping to create a platform and conversations on how this project can become a reality.
Apartheid left many talented musicians in the shadows and by honouring Rathebe in this way, we start a conversation that is important in rewriting a more inclusive history of the country’s diverse cultural landscape. Both projects are seeking the funding necessary to realise them.
“This project has shown me that we can all become active citizens and use our networks and our voices to build our country’s legacy and make a difference.” says Harilal. ‘While my school project is now complete I am hoping this call for assistance will encourage South African business and interested persons who are able to assist with contributing to the tombstone will step up and offer a solution where the legacy project can become a reality and where we can support nation building.
To contact Taynita Harilal or the Duru Family, please write to media@JTComms.co.za or call 011 788 7832 or write to tshepoduru@gmail.com (Dolly Rathebe’s grandson) who is launching the Dolly Rathebe Foundation.
Note to Editor
Issued and supported by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Taynita Harilal and the Duru Family
Featuring Black Coffee, Hotstix, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Zubz, Pops Mohammed, Ntsiki Mazwai, Bianca le Grange and many more…
Join the National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa (NCPPDSA) in celebrating diversity at the iStart2Sing Festival at Constitution Hill on 31 May 2015 and “share the sun” with the R450 000 donation of solar lights to various charitable organisations.
Top artists, musicians and dancers will join iStart2 Ambassador Pops Mohamed in embracing the spirit of solidarity and highlighting diversity, disability and sustainability and showcasing a variety of art forms including music, dance and performance. The full day festival features musicians like Black Coffee, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Zubz The Last Letta, Sheraaz, Hotstix Mabuse, Jonas Gwangwa, Bianca le Grange, Ntsiki Mazwai, 2J, Somerfaan, Zain Bhikha, TapTap, Dudu Majola, Luanga Choba, Bacchus Nel, Richard Marconi, Obakeng & Zuki, Bob90 & the Bino’s.
The event aims to create the awareness that artists with disabilities can function and perform with mainstream artists.
“If persons with disabilities do not form part of our diversity thinking, then our society will not succeed, “said Therina Wentzel: National Director NCPPDSA.
DJ sessions with DJ Noah, Cuebur, Speedsta, ICU Featuring Morgan the Beatboxer, Twins on Decks, The Pencil Boy, Bazy B, TMO (VOW FM), Franky will take place on the youth stage.
With the promise of entertainment for all, the Share the Sun Festival will be great day out for families
The iStart2 Share the Sun Festival is a collaboration between the NCPDSSA, iStart2Global, National Arts Council, Waka Waka Foundation and ISEEU. It takes place on 31 May 2015 at Constitution Hill from 10h00 to 20h00.
Tickets cost R100 per person and can be purchased from https://loveparty.nutickets.co.za/istart2festival
For Interview requests and access to high resolution pictures contact JT Communication Solutions on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of iStart2Global
Notes:
NCPDSSA
The National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa is a non-governmental organisation with a footprint throughout South Africa. The vision of the council is to live in a society where people with physical disabilities are enabled to exercise their full rights as citizens and the incidence of physical disabilities is minimised. For more information visit: http://www.ncppdsa.org.za
iStart2
iStart2 is a not-for-profit company partnering with government, business, multiple celebrities, the arts and the community as a whole. It has identified seven sustainability concepts (e.g. electricity, water, waste) to be addressed to create economic, environmental and social wellbeing. By using the arts, iStart2 aims to involve the youth to communicate the message of leaving sustainable footprints in a language everyone can understand. For more information visit: www.istart2.com
Waka Waka Foundation
The WakaWaka Foundation is an internationally operating NGO combating energy poverty. The Foundation provides safe, sustainable and self-sufficient energy and light solutions to people living at the bottom of the pyramid.
These solar solutions are comprised of the WakaWaka Light, providing up to 80 hours of LED lighting, and the WakaWaka Power, the smartest and most efficient solar LED light and charger in the world. Using the WakaWaka products provides life-changing benefits for health, the environment, safety, education and financial stability.
The Foundation devises strategies to make solar solutions available to those who suffer from extreme poverty, live in remote regions or are victims of forced migration. For more information visit: http://wakawakafoundation.org/
I SEE YOU
The I SEE YOU programme for employment and economic empowerment aims to change the attitudes towards and regarding persons with disabilities, no less by and among persons with disabilities themselves.
The programme aims to foster a new way of seeing disability as part of the diversity agenda of our country with Human Rights as the basis of our diverse equality. This view inclusive of persons with disability will bring to the fore the critical dialogue on human rights and economic empowerment.
It is absolutely necessary that we begin to influence and effect this change, through awareness and activism; to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the diversity agenda, and that this actually happens throughout civil society and especially in government and corporate South Africa.
Inspired by a school assignment which my daughter Taynita Harilal worked on for her History Grade 12 project in producing African Narratives the opportunity to create legacy content and information that can advance South African heritage using digital becomes easier to share.
The ten things I have learnt about Dolly Rathebe, a maverick and extraordinary South African who was an artist, actor, model, singer and fashion icon and was born in Randfontein on 2nd April 1928 and passed away a the age of 76 in Pretoria in 2004.
iStart2Sing festival embraces diversity, disability and sustainability
Under the African sun there is a place for everyone; South Africa’s diversity is her strength and it is something to celebrate. Join the National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa (NCPPDSA) in celebrating diversity at the iStart2Sing Festival at Constitution Hill on 31 May 2015.
The full day festival will showcase a variety of art forms including music, dance, performance, fine art, poetry and writing. The event aims to create the awareness that artists with disabilities can function and perform with mainstream artists. Top artists will join iStart2 Ambassador Pops Mohamed in embracing the spirit of solidarity and highlighting diversity, disability and sustainability.
“If persons with disabilities do not form part of our diversity thinking, then our society will not succeed,” said Therina Wentzel: National Director NCPPDSA.
With the promise of entertainment for all, the iStart2Sing Festival will be a great day out for families. Artists like Ntsiki Mazwai and Zubz are already lined up, with more to be confirmed in the coming weeks. There will be performances by the Field Band Foundation and DJ sessions on the youth stage.
The Festival is also literally “sharing the sun” with a R450 000 donation of solar lights to various charitable organisations. This donation serves to improve lives and educate disadvantaged communities about renewable, sustainable energy.
“When we focus on creating a sustainable world, when we let it sing from every village and every town, from every city and every country, we will be able to join hands and leave sustainable footprints for our children,” says Pierre du Toit from iStart2 Global
Artists, organisations, charities, the media, the disabled community, and people who are serious about creating a sustainable world for all who live in it are invited to unite, join hands and celebrate diversity, in what promises to be a remarkable event.
The iStart2Sing Festival is a collaboration between the NCPPDSA, iStart2Global, National Arts Council, the WakaWaka Foundation and ISeeYou. It takes place on 31 May 2015 at Constitution Hill from 10h00 to 20h00. Tickets cost R100 per person and can be purchased from https://loveparty.nutickets.co.za/istart2festival or at the venue on the day. Artists wishing to participate should contact event management on (012) 667 5898 or iStart2Global@gmail.com or visit www.iStart2.com.
For Interview requests and access to high-resolution pictures contact JT Communication Solutions on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632
Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of iStart2Global
Notes:
NCPPDSA
The National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa is a non-governmental organisation with a footprint throughout South Africa. The vision of the council is to strive for an inclusive and accessible society where persons with disabilities have equal rights to economic and social opportunities. For more information visit: www.nappyrun.co.za and/or www.casualday.co.za
iStart2
iStart2 is a not-for-profit company partnering with government, business, multiple celebrities, the arts and the community as a whole. It has identified seven sustainability concepts (e.g. electricity, water, waste) to be addressed to create economic, environmental and social wellbeing. By using the arts, iStart2 aims to involve the youth to communicate the message of leaving sustainable footprints in a language everyone can understand. For more information visit: www.istart2.com
WakaWaka Foundation
The WakaWaka Foundation is an internationally operating NGO combating energy poverty. The Foundation provides safe, sustainable and self-sufficient energy and light solutions to people living at the bottom of the pyramid.
These solar solutions are comprised of the WakaWaka Light, providing up to 80 hours of LED lighting, and the WakaWaka Power, the smartest and most efficient solar LED light and charger in the world. Using the WakaWaka products provides life-changing benefits for health, the environment, safety, education and financial stability.
The Foundation devises strategies to make solar solutions available to those who suffer from extreme poverty, live in remote regions or are victims of forced migration. For more information visit: http://wakawakafoundation.org/
I SEE YOU
The I SEE YOU programme for amongst others employment and economic empowerment aims to change the attitudes towards and regarding persons with disabilities, no less by and among persons with disabilities themselves.
The programme aims to foster a new way of seeing disability as part of the diversity agenda of our country with Human Rights as the basis of our diverse equality. This view inclusive of persons with disability will bring to the fore the critical dialogue on human rights and economic empowerment.
It is absolutely necessary that we begin to influence and effect this change, through awareness and activism, to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in diversity agendas, and that this actually happens throughout civil society and especially in government and corporate South Africa.
The youth band Nu-Notes opened for Maceo Parker at both performances. The Nu Notes is a group of young talented jazz musicians all part of the Cape Town Jazz Orchestra programme that aims to develop young South African musicians, through music education and skills development.
Parker was joined by the remarkable talent of Greg Boyer on trombone, Will Boulware on keys, Bruno Speight on Guitar, Rodney “Skeet” Curtis on bass, Tony Mason on drums and Martha High and Darlene Parker on vocals.
Some Pictures if you missed the performances...
