South Africa Blog

Cape Town is gearing up to be inspired by all genres of design and an abundance of creativity in the days to come. The Design Indaba Conference and Expo is recognised the world over as a top design and trend event. Drawing the likes of speakers such as Alberto Alessi, Mark Shuttleworth, and Michael Wolff, Design Indaba 2011 is set to add stimulating conversation and a fresh take on creativity and design. The conference runs from 23 – 25 February, with the Expo open to the public between 25 – 27 February at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The 2010 Design Indaba Conference and Expo events attracted approximately 37 300 international delegates, media, buyers and members of the public and reinforced Cape Town’s positioning as a design-focused, creatively inspired destination. As part of the annual Design Indaba series of events, the Design Indaba Filmfest 2011 runs from 18-27 February at the Freeworld Design Centre Auditorium. (more…)

It’s out with the old and in with the new in typical Decorex Durban style. And yet, this time around it’s with a sensational new twist!

From 18 – 21 March 2011, at the Durban Exhibition Centre, Decorex SA in collaboration with the KSA Kitchen & Bathroom Faire will play proud hosts to an all new and totally fabulous décor, design and lifestyle exhibition. With the launch of Trends & Tastes 2011 Durban’s décor and design fundis can look forward to a veritable feast of design trends, delightful décor and the very best in good living.

Expertly conceptualised and created to offer a fusion of the finest in everything about the home, living and lifestyle, Trends & Tastes 2011 will look to provide the answers to those in search of ultimate sophistication. Give insight into what defines uber-chic and open doors to preciously guarded, exquisite pieces. All within a sophisticated yet relaxed environment that gives you the time and space to indulge the senses and defy sensibility – even if for a moment.

Cairey Slater, Decorex SA General Manager Exhibitions & Events is confident and excited about the launch of this all new show for Durban, “Trends & Tastes 2011 is an original offering that will bring a fashionable mix of home, décor, design and living under one very glam roof. We are super-excited about the variety and uniqueness on offer and we’re aiming to rock Durban by creating a relaxed yet cosmopolitan and forward-thinking experience. The beauty of Trends & Tastes 2011 has to be that there will be something for everyone. It’s all about a great day out and an opportunity to find the way of creating the space and life that you love.”

Here’s a sneak peak into what Durbanites [and those wanting to visit SA’s newest and hottest show!] can expect from Trends & Tastes 2011:

Trendy Décor & Design: A showcase of top décor and design talent from Durban’s amazing gene-pool and the promise of impressive heavy weights’ is on the cards. If it’s décor you’re into this is one show you don’t want to miss! From decorators and designers, to inspiring room settings, furniture, stylish accessories and fabric houses we’ve got the trendiest décor and design line-up in town!

Kitchens & Bathrooms: Our range of kitchens will make even the novice want to whip out their wok and our bathrooms will provide pure inspiration! The KSA are back in full force and Trend’s & Tastes promises to showcase the country’s largest, leading collaboration of specialist spaces!

Tantalising Tastes: Enjoy our organic food market and all things delectable in District Delicious. For foodies and those that love to roll up their sleeves, keep an eye out for an awesome schedule of free sessions and be sure to make a date with our line-up of big name stars and international guests. We’ll also be featuring a range of Durban’s top restaurants and a feast of delish delights to savour while at the show, so make sure you come hungry!

Expert Advice: From Plascon’s launch of their ‘love’ inspired 2011 colour forecast to the Living Green House – where an entire home is created and everything from frames to flooring ease our environmental footprint make sure you get the most of out of the free consultation you need to get you on track with your interior project. Make a date to spend time in our DStv Theatre of Ideas or Ask the Experts area and come away with all the tools, insights and inspiration that you need for your very own home. Whether your creation is gourmet artwork on a plate or a tastefully recycled ‘Louis’, a paradise of demonstrations and interactive sessions awaits!

A Great Day Out: The Good Living Pavilion incorporating a range of attractive options for lifestyle estates as well as an invigorating wellness arena promise to make it an entertaining and fabulous day for the family. Live entertainment, with food and drinks from some of Durban’s best restaurateurs further add to this great day out. Keep an eye out for amazing prizes and competitions that we’ll be running during the show and stand a chance of winning thousands in trendy home décor, design and lifestyle items!

With a line-up of show-stopping fashionable ‘home-wear’, the best in design and décor talent, a twist of lifestyle enablers, all things trendy and tasteful and a splash of fabulous family entertainment, Durban’s new show Trends & Tastes 2011 is set to top even its predecessor is certainly one not to be missed! Visit www.decorex.co.za for more. Trends and Tastes is proudly sponsored by Plascon, with DStv as media partner.

Links: To find a place to stay see Durban Accommodation.

This is a unique expo as it brings together a combination of healthy living with an astrological twist. So many South Africans today are looking to live their lives in a more healthy manor and with this in mind The Body and Spirit Expo promises to have something for everyone, be it information, inspiration or inner peace or the latest in holistic health and fitness.

This expo will appeal to people from all walks of life and all enthic and cultural backgrounds. Satisfy that curious nature of yours. You will be able to purchase a number of products, watch demonstrations and participate in live readings as well as a host of other activites.

Venue: Ebandla Hotel
Times: 10h00 to 17h00
More Information: Telephone +27 (0)31 584-6856
When: Sunday, 20 December 2009
Accommodation: Ballito Accommodation

Now in its seventh year, The FNB Whisky Live Festival has grown into the largest whisky and lifestyle event of its kind, attracting more visitors and brands than any other whisky festival globally.

And the organisers have promised that this year’s show – which runs from 4th to 6th November 2009 in Cape Town and 11th – 14th November 2009 in Johannesburg – will be bigger and better with more to taste, see and do.

Based on the success of last year’s event, which attracted more than 16,500 visitors, an extra day has been added to the Johannesburg festival. This means visitors now have four days to sample a few of the 180 whiskies available, mingle with the experts behind the brands in The Tasting Hall and attend some of the many entertaining whisky workshops.

According to the Scotch Whisky Association, South Africa is the fifth largest Scotch market by volume in the world. Last year’s FNB Whisky Live visitor breakdown further confirms that whisky is fast becoming the tipple of choice amongst South Africans, and that the profile of whisky drinker is changing to include more women, and younger, upwardly mobile adults.

In fact, 30% of the attendees to last year’s festival had never been to the festival before and around 71% of the total visitors were aged below 45, indicating that whisky is on its way to being an affordable luxury that is more approachable and suits the lifestyle of many younger South Africans.

Sian Neubert, co-organiser of the FNB Whisky Live Festival, says: “In order to appeal to this ever changing and dynamic market, we have introduced a number of exciting innovations designed to take both whisky connoisseurs and novices alike on an unforgettable journey through the allure, origins, flavours and history of whisky.

“This year’s event,” she adds, “will have something for everyone, and will provide visitors a fun and interactive platform from which to learn about and discover the mystery of whisky.” The educational hub of the festival – The Back to Basics Zone – will offer an interactive experience for visitors to experience a visual understanding of the whisky-making process.

It will offer festival-goers the opportunity to interact with leading whisky experts, enjoy live demonstrations of the distillation process as well as enjoy sensory experiences such as smelling the peat, tasting key flavours and feeling the barley.
Crowned as the official mixer of the 2009 FNB Whisky Live Festival, Schweppes will join forces with LiquidChefs adding a whole new dimension to the Back to Basics Zone with the vibey and entertaining Schweppes Art of Whisky Cocktail Making Zone.

Visitors can enjoy an interactive cocktail making experience, fit for the most royal of royals. Three Schweppes Art of Whisky Cocktail Making workshops will take place each night at this year’s event, with around 20 people per workshop. Guests will be taught how to make a variety of stylish and sophisticated whisky cocktails, in a fun, hands-on workshop that is sure to impress. Workshops will be held at 18h30, 19h45 and 20h30 each night and will last for approximately 40 minutes each. Seats will be reserved on a first come, first serve basis.

In addition, visitors will be able to learn more about the Maturation process and understand the great importance of wood. Led by a leading whisky expert, two workshops per night will run in this new area, and will operate on a first come first served basis.

Whisky workshops, which have been consistently voted as the best learning experience/best value for money at the show by visitors, will once again be available at the festival. These one-hour tutorials are led by whisky experts, who have the knack of explaining whisky jargon in simple everyday language. They also provide visitors the opportunity to taste unique whiskies generally not available in the Tasting Hall or even in South Africa. Be sure to take advantage of the combo package which provides entrance to the Tasting Hall as well as a workshop of your choice.

Some of the festival favourites are also making a comeback. The Lexus Whisky Leisure Lounge will once again provide the perfect forum for client entertainment¬ in an exclusive lounge, offering dinner, whisky cocktails and exclusive tastings of ‘unusual whiskies’ conducted by a well-known whisky host.

New releases include Compass Box Orangie Liqueur, an extension of the Highland Park range, GlenDronach, and a selection from the McDuff range of whiskies including Grand Macnish, Lauders and Islay Mist. The Really Great Brand Company will showcase a unique whisky sensory experience to the South African public for the first time at festival. This exciting experience, which takes whisky consumers on a journey of all their five senses, will entice, excite and intrigue visitors. Brands present at the sensory experience will range from a selection of prestigious single malts, whisky liqueurs, American and Irish whiskies.

The ultimate guided tour of the festival – the Lexus Connoisseurs Experience – will again also offer a chauffeur drive, a personalised guided tour of the festival and ‘unique’ tastings followed by dinner in the Lexus Whisky Leisure Lounge.

“As a fair portion of last year’s attendees where women – 36% to be exact – we are ensuring that there are more attractions that appeal to ladies at this year’s event. Besides the extensive range of whiskies, there will also be whisky cocktails and liqueurs, fine foods, jewellery, entertainment as well as some great prizes on offer – including a chance to win a trip to Ireland to visit the Wild Geese distillery, a Royal Enfield Motorbike or even the Bushmills distillery manager’s classic Jaguar!”

The FNB Whisky Live Festival will run from 18h00 to 22h00 daily in Cape Town at the Cape Town International Convention Centre and in Johannesburg at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Tickets to the Tasting Hall cost R180, with a range of other ticketing options available through Computicket from 15th September, including new multi-day passes and group bookings.

The FNB Whisky Live Festival promotes responsible drinking. No persons under the age of 18 years old will be allowed into the Tasting Hall, and dedicated driver tickets are available. Discounted food vouchers and a bottle of Valpre mineral water are included in the ticket price, and taxis will be on hand to ensure that everyone in your party is able to have a good time.
Part of the proceeds will continue to be donated to The Foundation of Alcohol Related Research.

For more information please visit the website – www.whiskylivefestival.co.za – or e-mail contact@whiskylivefestival.co.za.

To find accommodation for these events see Johannesburg Hotels for 11th – 14th November 2009 in Johannesburg and Cape Town Hotels for 4th to 6th November 2009 in Cape Town.

Next Week, don’t forget to visit “Embellishing Space” at Decorex Johannesburg. Themed ‘Embellishing Space’ Decorex 2007 marks the return of beautiful spaces. Rich in symbolism and meaning. Provocative spaces to touch, feel and experience. 

‘Things are pretty, graceful, rich, elegant, handsome, but, until they speak to the imagination, not yet beautiful. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, American writer and poet) . What are the forces driving design? Who are the new faces? What are the icons up to? Decorex 2007 will show and tell.  Celebrating its 14th year Decorex SA sparkles and shines with a new sense of glamour.

When? 8 – 12 August 2007
Where? Gallagher Estate, Midrand
How Much? Entry Fee: R50.00 per person
Times? 10hoo to 18hoo Daily.
See you there!

Related Links:
Johannesburg Accommodation
Johannesburg Festivals & Events

Celebrating its 14th year Decorex JHB sparkles with a new sense of glamour and a theme -  Embellishing Space – to match. Get ready for five days dedicated to décor and design with halls filled with 650 exhibitors and the finest furnishings, finishes, kitchens, bathrooms and accessories to delight décor trade professionals and home passionates. Decorex JHB won the coveted award from The Exhibition Association of South Africa (EXSA) as the best large consumer and trade show of the year in 2006. 

Calling all Colouristas: engage with colour as Plascon unveils its Colour Forecast for 2008. Anne Roselt, Plascon colour manager predicts the palette of 2008 to express many moods and emotion. The latest issue of COLOUR, Plascon’s trendsetting magazine devoted to colour inspiration will also be launched at Decorex.  At Plascon’s interactive Virtual Showroom, created by Switch Design, visitors can get intimate with the latest colours on different finishes through hi-tech software and light projection.

The new Sanlam Dream Rooms Hall is filled with breathtaking roomsettings and exuberant interpretations of the show’s new-luxe theme.   Decorex SA patron Stephen Falcke’s signature stand will once again show why he is revered the world over.        

Fresh talent shines at the unveiling of the new Decorex Limited exclusive décor range designed by Yolande Wieners. Turn up the tempo with a flourish of homegrown fabrics at the annual Sanlam Young Designers Thinking Ahead competition themed Fabric. Form. Function.

Get the latest buzz on the built environment at the dedicated Architects Conference Programme on 8 August. Keynote speaker Leon van Schaik, Professor of Architecture (Innovation Chair) at RMIT, Melbourne looks at ‘energizing cities, building design cultures’.

Admire the soulfilled nature of handmade objects at the Ceramics SA exhibition, held alongside Decorex JHB for the first time.  Connect with original art at the Decorex & Kizo AffordART collection featuring works for under R3000 to encourage living with art. A panel of art experts also carefully selected all art exhibited at the show. Revel in the uniqueness of artisinal pieces at The One of a Kind design-craft trade exhibition hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry and Tourism Enterprise Programme (TEP) in partnership with Decorex.

Turn over a new eco-sensitive leaf at the Green Living installation, as organic objects and nature-loving modern materials make their way home.  The Delicious by Design fundraising initiative challenge decorators to create beautiful table settings in aid of the Starfish Greathearts Foundation. 

When? 8 – 12 August 2007, 10 am – 6 pm daily
Where? Gallagher Estate, Midrand
How much? R50 per person (R40 pensioners and students)

Mediatech Africa is the trade fair for cutting edge technology in the Live Entertainment, Broadcast, Audio Visual and Corporate Communications industries. It has a comprehensive offering of equipment, applications and demonstrations by the industry leaders as well as both Technical and Creative conferences and workshops.

mediatech africa 2007, South Africa’s only all-inclusive broadcast, media, entertainment and AV exhibition is building momentum for a truly innovative and well timed event in 2007, as the country prepares for some big events in the near future. The biennial show will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, from 12 – 14 June 2007.

Organised by Thebe Exhibitions, mediatech africa 2007 showcases cutting edge technologies and services from industry leaders in television and broadcast, sound and audio, lighting and staging, animation, communication, and every related field. The combination of technology, demonstrations, networking opportunities and special events attracts top quality visitors from all parts of the media, entertainment, broadcast and communication industries.

“The awareness of mediatech africa has grown both nationally and throughout Africa, and we are confident of continuing to expand the numbers of visitors,” says Simon Robinson, director of Thebe Exhibitions. “International exposure has played an important role in boosting the profile of the show: in 2005, Thebe Exhibitions secured the support of the department of trade and industry (dti) to encourage visitors from African broadcasters, an initiative which boosted the profile of the show by hosting delegates from countries including Botswana, Swaziland and Nigeria,” he says.

When? 12 – 14 June 2007
Where? Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
More Info? http://www.mediatech.co.za/
Accommodation & Travel: Sandton Hotels or Sandton Accommodation (Guest Houses, B&B and self Catering Options also available).

Hobby-X will be in Cape Town next weekend at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. (1-3 June, thats Friday, Saturday and Sunday!). So stop twiddling your thumbs and start using your Hands! It’s time for South Africa’s biggest, most exciting and colourful exhibition of all the ideas, tools and materials you need for hobbies and crafts.

Unleash your creativity. Express yourself. Get to South Africa’s biggest hobby exhibition next weekend!

Hobbies and crafts which will be represented at Hobby-X include the following:

Archery , Astronomy, Beads, Calligraphy, Candle Making, Card Making, Carving, Ceramics, Clock Making, Collectibles, Decor, Decoupage, Drawing, Electronics, Embroidery, Etching, Fabric Paints, Fine Arts, Glass Art, Jewellery, Kids Crafts, Miniatures, Mosaics, Mould Making, Needlecrafts , Painting , Paper Crafts, Philately, Photography,Pewter, Radio Controlled , Resins, Rubber Stamping, Sand Blasting, Scrap booking, Sculpture, Silk Screening, Soap Making, Stained Glass, Stencilling, Stamping, Sugar Art, Teddy Bears , Weaving, Woodwork.

1 -3 June 2007 Cape Town International Convention Centre.

South Africa’s Biggest and most spectacular Bridal Event: The Wedding Expo, held at the Coca-Cola Dome, in Northgate, Johannesburg, is South Africa’s largest bridal exhibition showcasing everything a bride and groom could wish for on their memorable wedding day. With over 200 exhibitors including the finest bridal designers, photographers, florists, confectioners, jewellers and many more excellent suppliers in the industry. If you are engaged and planning your wedding, then his exhibition is a “must-attend” event.

Dates: Saturday 5th May and Sunday 6th May 2007
Saturday 5 May: from 09h00 – 17h00
Sunday 6: May from 09h00 – 17h00
Venue: Coca-Cola Dome, Northgate, Johannesburg
Entrance: R50.00 per person (tickets at the entrance)
Telephone: 0861 113 997
By visiting Wedding Expo you will have a list of South Africa’s most respected and sought after bridal specialists in a variety of businesses, just what you need to plan your dream day!

Wedding Sites:
Wedding Expo Site
South Africa Wedding Venues (over 1200 Wedding Venues listed throughout South Africa)

“Themed ‘Embellishing Space’ Decorex 2007 marks the return of beautiful spaces. Rich in symbolism and meaning. Provocative spaces to touch, feel and experience”.

On this week in Cape Town from 26 April to 29 April 2007 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, this leading décor and interior design exhibition sparkles with a new sense of glamour and a theme to match. ‘Embellishing Space’ marks the return of beautiful spaces – rich in symbolism and meaning; provocative spaces to touch, feel and experience.

This year Decorex Cape will be showcasing top interior decorators, the best in home fashions, furnishing, and fine finishes. Special attention will the paid to fabrics this year, creating an exclusive environment for top décor clients in Dream Rooms!

State of the art kitchens will be on show, as well as the best in designer tap ware, Therapeutic showers and trendy tiles. Come and see it all under one roof at Decorex Cape.  
 
Kitchens & Bathrooms
Kitchens and kitchen accessories, bathrooms, taps, tiles, and bathroom accessories
Fine Finishes
Floors, Walls & Windows
Décor Inspiration
Room settings, home accessories and furniture.
Sanlam Dream rooms
Stunning room settings and luscious design. 
Decor and Interior Design Publications
Indonesian Pavillion
The best in Indonesian products on display at Decorex Cape Town

Event Times:
Thursday 26 April: 10am – 5pm
Friday & Saturday 27 – 28 April: 10am – 8pm
Sunday 29th April: 10am – 6pm
Cost: R45.00 per person, Bookings: Either at Computicket or at the door.

Being the best parent you can be means you can’t miss the 2006 exhibition of the year! The original and best is already in three cities around the country - Cape Town, Johannesburg and now, at last, Durban.

Baba Indaba has, over the last three years proven itself as the first and most successful baby and parenting event in Africa. Our wealth of countrywide exhibition experience can only mean an incredible experience for the visitor – the legendary Baba Indaba Vibe.

Where kids go and good ideas come from.

When? 27-29 April 2007
Where? At the Durban Exhibition Centre
What Time? 09h30-20h00
How Much? R30 Adults, children free, grandparents free on Friday.
Contact: 0860 98 88 88

The Jo’burg Wine Show, in association with media partner Beeld, returns to Gallagher Estate from Friday 15th June to Sunday 17th June 2007 to liven up your taste buds, with a remarkable selection of local and international wines to suit every palette and pocket.

Forget pretentious wine affairs and wine stewards – The Jo’burg Wine Show brings wine alive in a three-day show packed with entertainment, education, interaction and fun. Uncover the mystery and romance of wine and wine-making at tutored wine tastings in the Wine Theatre, or participate in stimulating debates with wine-makers and wine personalities in the Recline with the Vintners Lounge.

And if you are living la vida loca, local chefs will demonstrate a variety of scrumptious menu ideas and recipes with corresponding wine pairings in the ‘Friends for Dinner Theatre.’

(more…)

Your Baby Show™ 2007 is back at The Coca-Cola Dome, Northgate from 17-20 May 2007 and will showcase over 200 exhibitors, Barney™, the world’s best loved dinosaur brought to you by Baby City, a Barney™ playground where Barney™ will be making unscheduled visits, a Guinness World Record attempt at getting the Largest Gathering of Pregnant Women, Cuddlers nappy change rooms, Johnson’s Baby Indulgence Zone, Sally Hansen Nail Kiosks, free Baby City parenting talks and so much more.

Your Baby Show™ 2007 is the only place to be whether you are a parent or parent to be as it offers all the information, goods, services and entertainment you will need from 0 – 6 years old.   Parenting can be a daunting task so let Your Baby Show™ help you be the best you can be.

Your Baby Show™ has, over the last three years proven itself as the largest and most successful baby and parenting event in Africa.  Its success has been due to the exceptional exhibitors who return time and again to the show as well as new and innovative exhibitors who join every year, and the combination of outstanding organisation by Exposure Marketing and the expertise of Alchemy Publishing (publishers of Your Pregnancy, Your Baby, Baba en Kleuter and Your Child magazines).   

Cape Town and Durban:
Good news for Durban and Cape Town too – Your Baby Show™ along with Barney™ will be coming to you this year.  This leading event will be in Durban from 31 August – 2 September at the ICC and Cape Town from 30 November to 2 December 2007 @ the CTICC.

Your Baby Show™ 2007 must be seen to be believed – everything you can dream of under one roof – making pregnancy, birth and parenting a lot easier and a little more fun! For more information contact Exposure Marketing on (011) 7046695.

Wordfest is about current issues and South African voices. Our book launches, lectures and panel discussions feature prominent South African writers who explore authentic South African issues.

Wordfest is also about development. Central to the festival’s ethos is the desire to inspire new and aspiring authors to sharpen their skills at the creative writing workshops conducted in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa each morning. Speak out on burning literary issues or perform their own work at Open Mike and the Wordfest Free Speech Stand each afternoon. The Young Reader Buzz reading and writing programme is jam-packed with children’s literary activities.

At the heart of Wordfest you can discover these emerging Eastern Cape word artists. Spot talented writers of poetry, fiction and drama at the Literature Live performances, Wordfest’s Xhosa component of authors. And join the Isivivane Street Parade, a colourful toyi-toyi for books down High Street.

Officially opened by the MEC Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, and attended by district officials, this year’s literature live performances will be punctuated by the appearance of several prominent and published Xhosa-speaking writers.

Sindiwe Magona launches her book, Mother to Mother, and in discussing the background to this book about the death of Amy Biehl poses the question: “Does a writer choose her subject or does the subject choose the writer?” and attempts to trace this journey of trepidation – from conception of the work to the present – where it has taken her as a writer, a woman, and a human being. Dr Sindiwe Magona, motivational speaker, author, poet, playwright, story-teller, and actor recently relocated to her home country, South Africa, after a successful career spanning two decades at UN Headquarters, New York, USA. Besides Writers’ Conferences, Magona has given readings and addresses at numerous other international fora, including the United Nations, the Kennedy Centre, The Riverside Church, the Ford Foundation, Temple and Columbia Universities, to name a few. She has received numerous awards in recognition of her work in women’s issues, the plight of children, and the fight against apartheid and racism. Her first 10 years at the United Nations were in the Department of Public Information where she worked in the Anti-Apartheid Radio Programmes.

Mtutuzeli Nyoka launches I Speak to the Silent, a disturbing first novel by a powerful storyteller who tells his history as he sees it. Mtutuzeli Nyoka, a medical surgeon now in private practice, has first-hand experience of what it was like to work with victims of political violence in an Eastern Cape hospital during the political unrest in 70s and 80s. In 1985, perhaps the bloodiest year in the history of our political struggles, he was an intern at the Livingstone Hospital. This put him at the forefront of the battle where he tried to revive wounded souls, sometimes succeeded but often failed. He is also an avid historian and his book tells a lot of the history of the Eastern Cape and its people. “This book tells the stories so many of us are familiar with but the veracity of which is bound to be doubted by younger generations. The author tells it with simplicity of diction and poetic beauty. And yet it is a captivating ‘insider’s’ tale that has many lessons for us in contemporary, democratic South Africa.” Barney Pityana – Human Rights Commission

E.K.M Dido launches ʼn Stringetjie Blou Krale and discusses her fascinating exploration into Afrikaans re-identity. Her first novel, Die Storie van Monica Peters, appeared in 1996 and with that she became the first black woman to publish in Afrikaans. Dido serves on the board of directors of several voluntary organizations striving for arts and culture awareness, promoting the use of the mother tongue, and promoting literacy – amongst other issues, of all citizens. She is also a member on the board of directors of the Suid-ooster festival; and of the Klein Karroo National Arts (KKNK). In September 2005 Dido received an honorary D. Litt. Degree from the University of the Western Cape for contributions made to the literary world. Dido, the third eldest of twelve children, was born in Tsomo, Transkei. On completing grade six in her home town she had to continue her schooling in Cofimvaba. She completed grade ten in Cradock whereafter she had to abandon her education as well as her dreams due to lack of finances. She chose nursing as a career and trained in Kimberley where she obtained a diploma as a General Nurse. She moved to Cape Town where she obtained her diplomas as a Midwife and a Psychiatric Nurse. Thereafter she fulfilled her dream by obtaining her Matric certificate through a correspondence course. She became a part- time student at UNISA and achieved her BA (Cur) degrees in Nursing Administration, Nursing Education and Community Health Nursing. Dido is a nursing lecturer at Netcare Training Academy, Cape campus.

Mzi Mahola launches and reads from his book Dancing in the Rain. Mzi Mahola must rank as one of South Africa’s most seasoned and profound poetic voices currently at work. His poetry, though deeply rooted in the literal and cultural earth of his traditional upbringing, has a global and contemporary reach. His is a praise singer’s voice, perfectly attuned to the political and social complexities of the moment, intensely patriotic but also boldly outspoken in its criticisms of leaders and populace alike. Mahola laments for the loss of the cultural values of respect and humanity and yearns for reconnection with the rhythms of nature and rurality. He expresses a general disillusionment with ‘man’s rotten morals’, and is critical of the different standards that apply to rulers and ‘commoners’. His plea is for an accountable humanity. Mahola runs a voluntary poetry project for young writers at their Port Elizabeth community library. He has started a programme of creative writing workshops with educators for learners. They have established a structure called Isithatha Literature Programme whose objectives are to restore the forgotten culture of reading and writing in the classroom; to inspire young people to love their languages which are going to be their tools as writers.

Dumisani Ntshentshe, editor of the Xhosa edition of Bona magazine, talks about the complexities of producing a national magazine in translation, keeping language usage current, the contribution of Bona magazine to language development and the magazine’s mission to inform, educate and entertain. Dumisani Ntshentshe was born in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape. He did his primary education at Mkankomo Junior Secondary School and then moved to Qaukeni Junior Secondary, matriculating from Botha Sigcau High School. He joined Bona magazine as a Xhosa translator in 1986, working under two former Xhosa Editors, Ms Primrose Williams and Mr Osborne Dzingwa. He attended courses on translation, interpreting and editing at UNISA and the Durban Institute of Technology. In 1995 he was promoted to his current position as Editor of the Xhosa edition of Bona magazine. He has since attended many Xhosa language workshops organised by the Eastern Cape Provincial Language Board and Pan South African Language Board.

Two other events on the programme include Poet of Africa, Zolani Mkiva, featuring isiXhosa poetry in performance to music brought to Wordfest by Old Mutual Encounters @ Wordfest. And Professor Mini, head of Lexicography at Fort Hare, will talk about language terms.

For more information visit www.wordfest.co.za

ABOUT WORDFEST
Wordfest is based at the Institute for the Study of English at Rhodes. The event is held in the Eden Grove Building on campus. Administration is in the hands of an experienced team led by Prof Chris Mann (convenor). The finances are controlled by the Financial Division of Rhodes.

Our principal support comes from the NAC (National Arts Council), the NLDTF (National Lottery Development Fund), Rhodes University and the Institute for the Study of English in Africa which support Wordfest as an outreach project, the Eastern Cape Government, BASA (Business Arts South Africa) and Exclusive Books.

See more about this Event at: Wordfest – http://www.sa-venues.com/events/easterncape/wordfest/

Getting married soon and worried about that ‘First Dance’? Or are you one of the many fans of the hit TV programme ‘Strictly Come Dancing’? For the next two weekends in May the rhythms of ballroom and Latin American dance will pulsate from the Amphitheatre at the Waterfront, as Celebration House and Tango & Tonic invite you to:

Go Dancing at the Waterfront! As a run-up to the Cape Town Wedding Festival (which takes place at the Waterfront from 19 to 21 May), you will have the opportunity to let leading dance experts entertain you with their ease and grace on the Amphitheatre stage.

So shed those ‘First Dance’ nerves and come and be inspired by these talented young South Africans, as they demonstrate the technique and precision of the dances that won them their South African titles.

Go Dancing at the Waterfront! will feature:
Jeroncio Josephs and Gretchen Pinto – South African Adult Ballroom and Latin Champions
Riyadh Marlie & Deidre Michaels – South African Youth Ballroom and Latin Champions
Keenan du Plessis & Melissa Swartz – WP Youth Latin Champions
And although only 8 and 9 years old respectively, Wade Thomas and Paxton Simons will also amaze you with their grace and style.

Dates:Saturday: 13 May 2006 & Sunday 14 May 2006
Saturday: 20 May 2006 & Sunday 21 May 2006
Time: 14h00 – 15h00
Place: Amphitheatre, V & A Waterfront

EXCITING NEWS FLASH:
We’re delighted to announce that at the show on Saturday 20 May 2006, there will be a special guest star appearance by deejay and television presenter Zuraida Jardine, and Michael Wentink, professional Latin American dancer, the recent Winners of SABC TV2′s popular ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ competition.

Between 12h30 and 13h30 on 20th May, the popular dance band Tuxedo will be on stage at the Amphitheatre to warm you up before we all

Go Dancing at the Waterfront! – Don’t miss it.Related Sites:
Cape Town Wedding Festival
Celebration House
Cape Town Weddings