Tech News Around South Africa

The New Blackberry 9720 Smartphone Launches in South Africa

BlackBerry today introduced the new super social BlackBerry 9720 smartphone in South Africa. The new BlackBerry 9720 smartphone is now available from Vodacom, and is expected to be available from other authorized carriers and retailers in South Africa in the first week of September.

Loaded with Blackberry 7.1 OS, BBM, FM Radio and available with BIS.

For more details contact your network provider. 

(Source - Blackberry) 

SEACOM supports innovation centers in Kenya 

SEACOM, the Pan-Africa ICT enabler has given 100 mbps of internet connectivity to 4 innovation centers in Kenya to enhance their capacity to generate local content for a global audience. The Centers - iHub, m:Lab, naiLab and 88mph - will now benefit from super-fast internet speeds to launch their applications on the internet.

For more info visit:  www.seacom.mu 

(Source - SEACOM)

FNB adds the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini at R209 p.m. to its smart device family

More details here: 

https://www.fnb.co.za/promotions/smartphoneTabletOffer/Smartphone-Tablet-Offer.html

(Source - FNB) 

World Small Business Body To Meet In Durban

SME Conference for Durban

The World Association for Small & Medium Enterprises (WASME) will hold its 19th International Conference on SMEs (ICSME) in Durban on 18-21 September 2013. Taking place alongside the Durban Business Fair, which celebrates 15 years of successful operation this year, the 19th ICSME will bring together delegates from around the world, comprising policymakers, local governments, SME support organisations, business associations, commercial banks and development finance institutions, researchers and academics and entrepreneurs for 2,5 days of focused discussion on SME promotion. Organised under the theme: “Beyond the downturn – revitalizing the global economy through small and medium enterprises”, the conference will cast the spotlight on the role that SMEs worldwide can play in lifting the global economy to higher levels of growth and job creation. “The conference comes at a time when a large part of the global economy, including that of South Africa, struggles to lift performance to levels that can spur growth and create much-needed jobs”, says Septi Bukula, Director of the 19th ICSME. “The conference will bring together leading thinkers in the field to share experiences and lessons on policies and programmes that can help countries grow their small business sector and thereby create employment”.

The conference’s headline speaker, Mr Ashish Thakkar, is a successful young entrepreneur with diverse companies operating in 26 countries, with more than 7,000 employees. Dubbed Africa’s youngest billionaire, Thakkar, who is also the World Economic Forum Young Global Leader will share his story on how he founded and grew his company, the Mara Group, which had its beginnings in Uganda, East Africa. Some fifteen international and several South African speakers, all leading specialists in the SME field and entrepreneurs, will address the conference. The conference is endorsed and sponsored by the EThekwini Municipality, Department of Economic Development & Tourism (KwaZulu-Natal), Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, the Durban Chamber of Commerce & Industry and ABSA Bank. It will take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. For more details visit www.wasmeicsme2013.org.

(Source - ICSME)

Further Sponsorship for BASA

Stephan Welz & Co. throws weight behind BASA Awards

One of South Africa’s leading auction houses, Stephan Welz & Co., is throwing its weight behind the upcoming 16th Annual Business Day BASA Awards, supported by Anglo American.

The company has announced a three-year agreement with Business and Arts South Africa to sponsor the Long Term Partnership Award. This year’s event takes place on August 26th at the Johannesburg City Hall.

Commenting on their decision to sponsor the Long Term Partnership category, Alan Demby, Chairman of Stephan Welz & Co. said, “One of the major reasons behind our recent purchase of this company was that it was established 45 years ago, making it the market leader. Brands are built up over time and companies such as Stephan Welz & Co and the South African Gold Coin Exchange, which have survived and thrived through thick and thin, have a legacy. When trust and confidence are the catchwords, gold - with a 6000 year track record - is a clear winner.

Art, as with coins and other collectables, gives much pleasure over time. In many instances, time favours the value of collections, giving you double pleasure.

We are happy to be associated with the Long Term Award, as collectors also have a long term approach to their hobbies and collections. Because of this, collectors may profit more than investors. Time heals, even making the out-of-favour and discarded artists who are often ahead of their time... the ultimate heroes.”

Business and Arts South Africa CEO, Michelle Constant adds, “We are delighted to welcome Stephan Welz & Co to the BASA Awards.

It’s always good news when a business sees the value of supporting South Africa’s only awards celebrating business and the arts partnerships - especially in a category that recognises relationships built over a sustained timeframe.”

Nominees for the Long Term Partnership Award at the 16th Annual Business Day BASA Awards, supported by Anglo American, represent the many different ways in which business can engage with an arts project over a significant period of time. The award celebrates a company which has significantly developed and expanded its commitment to an arts project over three years or longer, and can demonstrate the value to the arts project, the broader community and the business.

PPC has been nominated for the PPC Cement Young Concrete Sculptor Awards, RMB is in the running for its support of the Instrumental Training and Development project, Absa has earned a nomination for the ABSA Intensive Film Training, while ArcelorMittal South Africa is a nominee for its work with the Southern Guild Collectable Design Gallery.

In 2012 the Long Term Partnership Award was won by Sasol for the Sasol New Signature Art Competition – which Sasol has been sponsoring since 1990.

With an increase in entries to the 16th Annual Business Day BASA Awards, supported by Anglo American, as well as an impressive and diverse list of nominees in 12 categories, this year’s awards are set to be a landmark event on South Africa’s business and arts calendar.

For more information call the BASA offices on 011 4472295 or e-mail info@basa.co.za or go to www.basa.co.za

(Source - BASA)

FNB has sold more than 175 000 smart devices

FNB tops 175 000 smart devices and frees-up customer choice

6 August 2013 – As the market for tablets and smartphones begins to mature, FNB has noted that customers are placing equal focus on the latest technology and lowest cost of use. Access to affordable data has become a strong driver in the market.

“Since being the first to launch the innovative Smartphone and Tablet offer in October 2011, FNB has sold more than 175 000 devices.  We have now added more options for clients - enabling clients to choose a cost-effective package (consisting of top end devices and FREE value adds), most suited to customers’ needs” says Kartik Mistry, Head of Smart Devices at FNB's Core Banking Solutions.

“Smart devices are now an integral part of our daily lives; customers want the latest gadgets but don’t want a dent in their pocket. The next logical step is to give clients the freedom to choose packages best suited to their lifestyles” says Mistry.

Customers who switch to FNB can choose from a wide range of already discounted smartphones, tablets or laptops and then select a package, which offers FREE deals on airtime or data:

Option 1 ‘Voice Rebate’	200 Minutes, 200 SMS, 200 MB of 3G data per month x 12 months
Option 2 ‘Data Rebate’	20GB  of 3G data per month x 12 months
Option 3 ‘Uncapped ADSL Rebate’	Uncapped ADSL for 6 months (to the maximum value of R399 p.m.) Thereafter ADSL data is available at a discounted rate based on the client’s eBucks reward tier.

Existing customers will also see voice and data benefits flowing from their eBucks rewards tier/level – the higher the tier or level, the better the benefit.

Existing FNB Personal Cheque Account clients already get access to uncapped ADSL data and existing clients who take up a smart device can get access to 3G data (up to 500MB).  Existing clients can also receive a rebate on 200 minutes talk-time. The rebate is based on their eBucks rewards tier/level on the eBucks Reward Programme.

This is yet another way FNB is enabling clients to afford smart technology and to bank digitally on the award winning FNB Banking App.

The offer is available by SMSing "Deal" to 31138 or by ordering via fnb.co.za and expires on 30 September 2013. Standard network rates, terms and conditions apply.  Rebates may change month to month depending on movement between eBucks reward tiers/levels.

(Source - FNB) 

'Of Good Report' Coming to a Cinema near You

Yes that film that was banned and then unbanned is coming soon.

                                               Photo courtesy - DIFF

The good news is we have found out where and when.

Here are all the deets for all you film nuts:

Jahmil XT Qubeka's film 'Of Good Report' will be screening at the following venues this coming Friday, 09 August, 

More information is available on the film's facebook page,

Make sure not to miss out on this great film is you never got the chance to watch it,

OPENING 9 AUGUST

Cape Town - V&A Nouveau
Durban - Gateway Nouveau
PE - The Bridge
East London - Vincent Park
Pretoria - Sterland
Pretoria - Centurion City
Pretoria - Brooklyn Nouveau
Johannesburg - Rosebank Nouveau
Johannesburg - Southgate
Johannesburg - Carlton
Soweto - Maponya Mall

Find 'Of Good Report' on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1b0NRzs 

Twitter @OfGoodReportSA

Source - DIFF 

Article by +Fred Felton 

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The KZN Music Imbizo is coming and read about a new star for Isidingo

The KZN Music Imbizo is coming soon:

KZN Music Imbizo is back for the sixth time in 7 years. The premier music business exhibition and conference, which has been independently run since 2007, announced the dates for 2013 – the event will be held at the Royal Hotel (Durban) from Thursday August 29 – Saturday August 31, 2013.

“KZN Music Imbizo is an independent annual music business exhibition and conference that is held in Durban (South Africa). The conference collects various music industry stakeholders under one roof to map the way forward for the KwaZulu-Natal music industry. It is a platform to exhibit, network, share expertise and knowledge “explains Sphe Mbhele, the project manager.

The event theme for 2013 is the question “IS THE INDUSTRY IS DEAD?” It will concentrate on the independent recording labels, support structures plus new and existing revenue streams. A special session on eventing and event licenses is on the cards. True to its slogan MUSIC IS BUSINESS TO MY EARS, the KZN Music Imbizo is all about practical ways in which all involved in the music industry can exploit their talents for financial gain.

KZN Music Imbizo will look the digital and mobile era. The local online platform KASI MP3 will be used as a case study.

“We are not afraid to say it. Music is business. It has made a few people rich and left a lot of people poor and exploited because they did not know any better. Music (like any other career) is also about passion, love, talent and many other things however the Imbizo is about understanding the business side because a lot of people spread the myth that music is only about the gift to connect on stage with people ” the KZN Music Imbizo project manager further explains.

The KZN Music Imbizo is divided into five sessions, namely:

1. Panel Discussions

2. Exhibition

3. Music Equipment Demonstration

4. Music Producers’ Lab

5. KZN Music Imbizo Festival

The KZN Music Imbizo festival is a three days event that will be hosted at LiVE The Venue from Thursday 29 August to Saturday 31 August. The festival will feature six genres from Hiphop, Kwaito, Maskandi, Rock and Gospel to House music – and some established, legendary and new voices of the KZN live music scene.

Look out for the KZN Music Imbizo Festival campaign launching at the end of June.

KZN Music Imbizo 2013 registration opens on June 1, 2013. The exhibition and music equipment demonstration will be free access areas (no entry fee) however you will need to register prior to the event.

For the panel discussions, music producers’ lab and the KZN Music Imbizo Festival:

1. VISITOR PASS – FREE (Access to the exhibition area and music equipment demonstrations area)

2. ONE DAY PASS – R50.00 (Access to the music producer’s lab, panel discussions, exhibition and music equipment demonstrations plus one show of the KZN Music Imbizo Festival)

3. TWO DAY PASS – R100.00 (Access to the music producer’s lab, panel discussions, exhibition and music equipment demonstrations for the two days plus one show of the KZN Music Imbizo Festival.

For more information on exhibition and sponsorship opportunities contact:

Sphe Mbhele (Project Manager)

Tel 031 301 8739 / 031 836 0311

Cell 072 058 6675

Email info@kzn-musicimbizo.co.za

Visit our website: www.kzn-musicimbizo.co.za

Follow us on twitter: @kznmusicimbizo

Facebook Group and Page: KZN Music Imbizo

Flickr Photostream: kznmusicimbizo

(Source - Pansa) 

A New Star Joins Isidingo 

Kajal Bagwandeen joins SABC3's Isidingo 

Durban born actor and television presenter Kajal Bagwandeen recently landed another role 

in one of SA’s most anticipated soapies Isidingo, the need.

Kajal graduated with an honour's degree in accounting, auditing and taxation but through her 

love and passion for the entertainment industry she made up her mind and gave up her 

Chartered Accountant career path to focus on her performing career. Her first big stage role 

include the glamorous musical Bombay Crush which was directed by Junaid Ahmed, 

choreographed by Jay Pather and produced by Video Vision entertainment where she played 

the lead female role. She was subsequently seen in many musicals and stage dramas. She is 

also no stranger to the SA film industry and feels positive about the growth of the South 

African entertainment industry.

One of her recent career highlights include presenting on the red carpet and performing for 

the star studded SAIFTA’s (South African, India, Film and Television Awards) launch.

Kajal quickly became a popular face on television after presenting for Dharma moments, and 

Eastern Mosaic then landing the roles of Asha on SABC2’s 7delaan and now as Devina on 

Isidingo.

Things take turn when Prada’s grandfather passes away and leaves him and his brother 

R1million inheritance. The good news about Prada’s grandfather’s will is tempered with a 

dramatic twist. The will contains a clause that neither brother will receive a cent until they are 

both married; to a woman! What will Prada do when Devina, the blushing bride appears on 

the scene?

“It's been wonderful shooting with the team. Everyone made me feel part of the family which 

is always welcoming when you're the newbie. As an actress, working in a new professional 

environment helps you grow and just being able to practice your craft amongst other talented 

people makes the experience all the more exciting” says Kajal

You can be sure that this vivacious lady will continue to grace your screens, stages and 

glossy pages!

Lookout for Kajal from the 6th of August 2013, 7.30pm only on SABC 3 Monday to Friday. 

Also follow her on Twitter @KajalBagwandeen

Edition by +Fred Felton 

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News on a Film and Politics Conference, A Meeting for Writers in Durban and some poetry for You

African Film and Politics Conference

Conference organised by the
Africa Media Centre, University of Westminster

Date: Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November 2013

Venue: University of Westminster, London

This is the first call for papers for a two-day conference on African film and politics in changing local and global contexts. Film in Africa, just like popular music, theatre and literature, has reflected and affected past and present political realities. African filmmakers have developed effective and powerful film stories infused with political ideologies, values and everyday politics. Global, national, regional and personal political themes are evident in some of the most popular African films. Some of the films become popular because audiences easily recognize the political portrayals and subtle themes reflected on the screens.

The African film industry is itself ridden with tension, power and politics. Funding, training opportunities, language use, story structures and roles with films are often distributed according to existing political priorities. It is arguable that power relations have followed political thinking. Conditions and the environment of filmmaking in Africa have been political since colonial times. After independence film politics is more evident in front of and behind the camera. African film audiences are now using social media in ways that have complicated the political dimensions.
However, there are questions about how power and politics has been included in African film. Which African political story is told through films? Whose voice is represented? Who speaks on behalf of whom? To what extent have films expanded identities, power and political relations? In what way has politics influenced film production, distribution, exhibition and consumption in Africa? If political stability and political socialization are the answers in the African film industry, what then are the questions?

This conference seeks to debate issues of politics, ideology, power and diversity in African film industry. It seeks to examine, amongst other issues, how broadly-defined politics relates to generational, gender, ethnic, racial, traditional/modernity and language issues in African films. The conference welcomes contributions that will debate these issues from different theoretical and methodological orientations.
Papers may focus on, among other topics, the following:

• Political history, myth and identity in African film; • Racial, class, religious and ethnic politics in African film; • Audiences and the reception of politics in African films • Indigenous language films and everyday politics • Gender and sexual politics in African cinema; • Politics of exhibition, financing and distribution of African film; • Power politics and crises in African Cinema • Film festivals and the development of national cinemas in Africa; • Auteur politics, Political film genres and form • Collaborative filmmaking in the global north/trans-national collaborations • Liberation and emancipation in African film philosophy • Filmmakers exiled or imprisoned for their work.
• Institutions, policies and film agencies

DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACTS
The deadline for submission of abstracts is Friday 9 August, 2013. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 30 August, 2013. Abstracts should not be more than 300 words long. They must include the title of the conference, presenter's name, affiliation, email and postal address, together with the title of the paper.
Please ensure when saving your abstract that your name is part of the file name.
Please email your abstract to Helen Cohen, Events Administrator at:
(journalism@westminster.ac.uk).

PROGRAMME AND REGISTRATION
This two day conference will take place on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 November, 2013. The fee for registration (which applies to all participants, including presenters) will be £175, with a concessionary rate of £95 for students, to cover all conference documentation, refreshments lunches and administration costs. Registration will open in September 2013.

(Source - Versfeld & Assoc.) 


Writer's Guild of South Africa Meeting - Durban - 5 August 2013 - 6pm - Ike's Bookshop 
48A Florida Road, Morningside, Durban 

Topic:  How To Publish Your Work

Business Development Manager of Adams Book Store, Cedric Sissing will share the process of publishing, give tips on the best publishing methods and explore self-publishing.  He will endeavour on the journey of publishing, ensuring that performance writers not only produce their work but also publish in order to reach a wider audience and to obtain copyright of the published work.

Bookings essential admin@writersguildsa.org.

Entrance is free for this meeting. 

(Source - Writer's Guild of SA) 

Some Poetry For You 

Winter Song

The mindless things we did in Winter

To the sound of trains in the night,

While the white swallows are bitter

As words coming into the light.

Paragraphs have nothing left of the sea

In them but her mouth wades

As a lagoon was a tumult of soliloquy

Over the bridges and glades.

Upon these confines of death moonlight

Pulls the shelf

Of rowers, old sea captain’s right.

The reef lures him away sleeping to self

Of a dream outside the mirror.

Timothy Sparks   July 2013

Edition by +Fred Felton 

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