Events Around South Africa and Auditions

THE SECRET TO UNLOCKING SOUTH AFRICA’S ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

Presented by Dr Taddy Blecher   

Dr Taddy Blecher is CEO of the Maharishi Institute, CEO of the Community and Individual Development Association, the Executive Chairman of Invincible Outsourcing; and Chairman of the SA National Government task team on Entrepreneurship, Education, & Job Creation. He is a pioneer of the free tertiary education movement in South Africa, helping create five free access institutions of higher learning.

Dr Blecher co-founded the Branson School of Entrepreneurship with Sir Richard Branson, and has raised over R450 million in cash, property and equity to support free access to post-secondary school education. As a result, over 5,500 unemployed South Africans have been educated, found employment and moved from poverty to the middle-class. These formerly unemployed youth now have combined salaries in excess of R250 million p.a. and expected life-time earnings of R9.5 billion. Over 600,000 young South Africans in schools have been reached with one-week education and life-skills training courses.

Dr Blecher was a 2002 World Economic Forum "Global Leader of Tomorrow" award recipient, a 2005 World Economic Forum "Young Global Leader of the World", a Skoll Global Social Entrepreneur winning a $1 million prize for his work, and has been honoured with two honorary doctorates. In 2009 he was named by author Tom Peters as one of his top 5 most influential entrepreneurs in the world over the last 30 years. Over 30 published books have profiled Dr Blecher’s work, including the three most recent books by Sir Richard Branson.

A qualified actuary and management consultant, Dr Blecher is passionate about the approach of Consciousness-Based Education, a system of education developing the full potential of every student. This has led the Maharishi Institute to wining the first prize in a global competition to find the most promising and innovative education initiative in the world in October 2010.

DATE:  16 July 2014

Venue:  The Great Ilanga - Elangeni Hotel

Time:  12:00 for 12:30 to 14:30

COSTS:  R380,00 pp Members – Non Members:  R550,00 (price includes VAT)

RSVP:  Phili Hlongwa – 031 335 1028

hlongwap@durbanchamber.co.za

2014 South African Book Fair satisfies book lovers’ appetites

The 2014 South African Book Fair, which took place between 13 and 15 June at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, has been hailed as a success. With over 120 events, access to 100 authors, illustrators, storytellers, book critics, puppet shows, book launches and book club brunches on offer under one roof, visitors were truly spoilt for choice.

For Batya Green-Bricker, the Fair’s Programme Director; the 2014 South African Book Fair attracted crowds from all walks of life, “Book lovers and casual readers were drawn into the magic of what the Fair had to offer. Books provided an escape, inspiration, education and entertainment. Whoever you are, whatever your reason for reading or picking up a book, the SABF was a space and time dedicated to making all sorts of books come to life.”

This year the fair attracted several thousand visitors, which is on par with the 2012 South African Book Fair. Other memorable highlights of the 2014 South African Book Fair included:

·         Children shrieking with glee at the sight of the larger-than-life Gruffalo, – Peter Rabbit, Spot the Dog, Maisy Mouse, and Where’s Wally. Children were also transported into a whimsical world with the Two Oceans Aquarium puppet shows

·         Hearing the views of three brilliant minds and personalities in three judges -Justice Edwin Cameron, Justice  Albie Sachs and Justice Lee Bozalek.

·         Seeing how education publishers have so successfully bridged the physical-digital divide. This includes the technological advancement of the Humanware Braillenote Apex BT32 Braille notetaker, which will empower South Africa’s visually challenged students in the 21^st Century. This was showcased by Pearson and Edit Microsystems.

·         Squeezing more chairs into an event venue to accommodate the overflow of listeners – especially in the self-publishing slots

·          Neil Stemmert talking heritage food with his poetical and authentic combination of English and Afrikaans

·         The diverse audience drawn by Professors Njabule Ndebele and Harry Garuba's talk on how to write our African story.

According to Siphiwo Mahala, Head of Books and Publishing at the Department of Arts and Culture, “The South African Book Fair is an important platform in our endeavour to develop a literate and reading society. The importance of literacy and a vibrant culture of reading cannot be overemphasised. Literacy underpins development in all sectors of society in a modern world and contributes not only to a knowledge economy, but also stimulates economic growth and job creation.”

Due to the widespread popularity of the South African Book Fair, the Publisher’s Association of South Africa (PASA) has opted to nationalise the Fair. The 2015 South African Book Fair will take place in Johannesburg. “In line with requests from a number of key stakeholders, PASA believes that by positioning the Fair nationally, this will increase interest with current participants from a location point of view. In addition, we are targeting increased involvement with new regional stakeholders,” comments Mpuka Radinku, the Executive Director of PASA.

                                               Louise van Rhyn is coming to Durban. 

We are excited about the extent to which South African citizens are committed to helping to lead change in Education. If you want to know how you can use your own business and leadership skills to make a difference in our schools, then this is for you.

Date: Tuesday, 22 July 2014

Time: 15h30 – 17h30 (Registration at 15h30, the session will commence at 16h00)
Venue: Diakonia Centre, 20 Diakonia Avenue, Durban
(Tel: 031 310 3523)
Facilitator: Louise van Rhyn – louise@symphonia.net
RSVP: If you would like to attend the session, please book your place with Melissa:
Email melissa@symphonia.net • Tel 021 913 3507

Practical Sales Management 

Johannesburg
Oaklands, Oak Avenue
Ferndale, Randburg·
14 & 15 August

Cape Town
The Studio, 24 Southfield Rd
Plumstead, Cape Town
19 & 20 August

Durban
Hilltop Manor
Umhlanga Rocks Drive
21 & 22 August

The course for all sales managers to take. 

For more info email Richard on info@richardmulvey.com 

Master Choux pastry demo at Miele Umhlanga

Learn to make these pretty and delicious choux pastries
Baking demonstration in the Miele kitchen on a variety of delicious choux pastry
with Chef Kirti Kamal

You will learn how to make an Eclair, almond Paris Brest and profiterole.
Creme patisserie filling
Belgian chocolate glaze & lemon glaze
Saturday 26th July 10:00am
R250 p.p.

email: info@boutiqueboulangerie.com to book your space

The Lion King Auditions

Word Of Mouth Pictures, Disney Theatrical Productions official casting company in South Africa, once again calls on all singers and professionally trained dancers for open call auditions.

Singers between the age of 18 and 30, No previous experience necessary.
CAPE TOWN - JULY 4th & 5th - Venue: Artscape
DURBAN - JULY 12th - Venue: Playhouse Company
JOBURG - JULY 19th - Venue: Bassline, Newtown

Latin/Jazz duo Neil Gonselves and Demi Fernandez launch Latinfluence album

Dbn KZNSA Gallery, Glenwood: Friday 04 July

The performance at KZNSA Gallery is not only the official launch of the Latinfluence CD but also the first opportunity for audiences to enjoy a complete performance by Demi Fernandez and Neil Gonsalves in this duo format. To accommodate the acoustic and intimate nature of the performance, a grand piano is being especially hired for the performance in the gallery. 

Flamenco guitarist Demi Fernandez and jazz pianist Neil Gonsalves have been colleagues as music teachers, initially at Technikon Natal and subsequently and currently at the University of KwaZulu Natal for 20 years. Their musical partnership is more recent though and grows out of a mutual admiration of each other’s musicianship and the need to develop a creative outlet that would explore, at least initially the orchestral potential of the guitar-piano duo format and the vast terrain of Latin music. Their debut CD recording, ‘Latinfluence’ is the first instalment of their duo. 

This event is supported by Concerts SA and produced by iSupport Music Business. Concerts SA is a joint South African/Norwegian initiative that aims to stimulate live music in South Africa by finding and implementing ways to create regular, sustainable performance platforms.  It also aims to develop an interest in and appreciation of live music by showcasing music performances and conducting workshops at schools.

Doors 6pm R60 Bookings: 031 201 9969

Heard of the Knysna Oyster Festival? - We also have Auditions, Jobs, Disney scores big and Business and Book Fairs

Heard about The Knysna Oyster Festival?


Happens 4 - 13 July

Plenty of Big 5 Events for Athletes and Fitness Fanatics.

More details here:

http://www.oysterfestival.co.za/the-big-5-sports-challenge/



SA's Got Talent Auditions

Johannesburg Auditions

7 – 8 June 2014

The Focus Rooms

Cnr Kikuyu and Leeuwkop StreetsSunninghill

Do you think you have what it takes to win SA’s Got Talent???

If you have any queries, please send us an email to

bahle@rapidblue.com/ naledi@rapidblue.com or call us on 011 348 140

Any act, any age, all welcome!!!!

Auditions for Performing Arts Scholarships in Bloemfontein

Aspiring performing artists are reminded that the deadline for participation in the sixth annual ACT | DALRO | Nedbank Performing Arts Scholarships Awards is fast approaching.

These substantial scholarships are awarded to enable ambitious youngsters keen to pursue a performing arts course at any accredited South African tertiary institution. Through an annual country-wide competition; participants are assessed on their acting, dancing and singing potential; with the process culminating in a final showcase before an independent panel of industry judges. Auditions are also held to choose a dynamic youngster to emcee the event.

Participants are invited to register to audition in six cities, as follows:

Saturday, 28 June: Durban, hosted by the Stable Theatre
Monday, 30 June: Cape Town, hosted by The Stage Performing Arts School and Theatre in Bellville
Wednesday, 2 July: Port Elizabeth, hosted by the PE Opera House
Tuesday, 15 July: Johannesburg, hosted by UJ Arts Centre
Wednesday, 16 July: Johannesburg, hosted by UJ Arts Centre
Saturday, 19 July: Nelspruit, hosted by Church Unlimited (R40 Baberton Rd.)
Saturday, 26 July: Bloemfontein, hosted by the Scaena Theatre at the University of the Free State

The closing date for registrations is Saturday 31 May, 2014. Eligible candidates who would like more information, or to register, can visit www.act.org.za.

Auditions for the MC of the event will take place at the same time – interested participants should email  rahiem@act.org.za, who will confirm timeslots and provide the preparation material.

Opportunities

GIPCA Administrative Assistant
The Gordon Institute for Performing and Creative Arts (GIPCA) invites applications for an exciting 6 month contract as Administrative Assistant, commencing 01 July 2014 or as soon as possible thereafter. The main purpose of this position is to assist the GIPCA Director in ensuring the smooth running of GIPCA initiatives.

Full details are available at: http://www.gipca.uct.ac.za/employment-opportunity-gipca-administrative-assistant/
Closing date: 5 June 2014

The Walt Disney Company Africa is proud to share the news that its television channels, Disney Channel (DStv, Channel 303) and Disney XD (DStv, Channel 304), as well as its iconic characters have received the thumbs up from South Africa’s youth at the 2014 Sunday Times Generation Next Awards announced last night, Thursday 29 May.

The awards, in their tenth instalment, revealed the winners from the 2014 Sunday Times Generation Next Brand Survey that gauge’s what the South African Youth, aged between 8 and 23 years, deem to be cool. The results of the survey, conducted by Hdi Youth Marketeers, showed that the youth of the country think that Disney is cool in four categories.

Coolest Channels:

For the first time, Disney XD (DStv, Channel 304) landed in the number 1 position as the Coolest Kids TV Channel/Block with the channel ranking tops with kids and teens aged 8-23 years of age. Coming in a close second is Disney Channel (DStv, Channel 303) which is about to celebrate its 8^th birthday in South Africa.

Coolest Characters:

Phineas and Ferb, the award-winning animated series on Disney XD and Disney Channel, about two inventing brothers who spend their endless Summer holidays experiencing the biggest adventures, was voted the Coolest Cartoon Show overall for a second year in a row.

The genius brothers also rank as the second Coolest Animated Brand/Entertainment Character across all demographics, but retained the number 1 spot in this category amongst kids 8-13 years of age. Remembering that ‘it all started with a mouse’, this year’s rankings saw Mickey Mouse enter at the number 9 spot in the same category.

The Coolest of the Cool:

Finally, Disney Channel and Disney XD landed in second and third places respectively in the overall Coolest TV ChannelCategory across all demographics. Breaking down the numbers: the channels ranked first (Disney Channel) and second (Disney XD) with kids 8-13 years of age.

‘We are delighted to receive this great nod of approval from South African kids’, says Christine Service, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for The Walt Disney Company Africa. ‘We look forward to sharing our upcoming slate of exciting content that we’re sure will continue to entertain and inspire fans over the coming months.’

More to come!

With Disney Channel (DStv, Channel 303), Disney XD (DStv, Channel 304) and Disney Junior (DStv, Channel 309) capturing the imaginations of the coolest kids around, the pace is set to continue with awesome live action and animated programming coming for the rest of 2014.

Highlights include:

-          The premiere of the hotly anticipated DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie) Cloud 9 on Disney Channel, Friday 27 June at 5pm

-          The continuation of the saga in a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars Rebels this Spring on Disney XD

-          The premiere of the second season of Sofia the First on Disney Junior, also this Spring.

The Walt Disney Company Africa has three channels on the Multichoice DStv platform which operates across the continent, making it the number 1 kids multiplex: Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD.

The Durban Business Fair is coming

EThekwini Municipality is gearing up for the 16th Durban Business Fair which will be held at Durban Exhibition Centre on 19 - 21 September. Registration is now open for exhibitors and will close on the 30 June 2014. 

The Fair which attracts more than 600 exhibitors from all over the country, will return with an impressive lineup of exhibitors, new innovations and will feature new programmes that are aimed at adding value to small and medium entrepreneurs. 

The Durban Business Fair has grown to be one of the most important events in the calendar of Durban with over 11000 visitors. The Fair provides a platform for SMMEs and big businesses to showcase, market products and services whilst creating business linkages and networking platforms through a variety of innovative activities. 

Mayor Cllr James Nxumalo said that the Durban Business Fair plays a major role in the economic growth and development of the City’s economy. “With this year’s theme: Connecting Business Fair globally, the Municipality has earmarked major projects working in partnerships with the private sector. This will see small businesses in particular benefiting through business opportunities,” says Nxumalo.

He added that some of these major projects include new infrastructure investments to support development in the north, particularly around the Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone and along the N3 corridor, the new dig-out port and many more.

The successfully hosting of regional business fairs in three regions of the Municipality, affirmed the importance of creating enabling participatory environments for small businesses, large corporate and government departments. 

Head of Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit, Philip Sithole, says that the importance of SMMEs and their contribution to economic growth has long been recognised and now enjoys a newly established Ministry headed by the Minister Lindiwe Zulu. Sithole says the Municipality has invested over R150 million towards the development of small medium business through the Durban Business Fair programme. 

Sithole says that the Durban Business Fair is the perfect programme for every SMMEs as it creates an enabling platform for them to expand and be more creative and innovative, to gain and enhance their business.

For bookings and registration contact:

Ikhono Communications on 031 266 9937/8 or email: info@ikhono.co.za or follow us on Twitter:@DBNBusinessFair or find us on Facebook: Durban Business Fair www:dbnbusinessfair.com

All book lovers save the dates 13 - 15 June at Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The SA Book Fair is in town.  Loads of writers and new books and workshops.

All the details: 

http://www.thebereed.co.za/southafricanbookfair/programme