Motorsports' Mad Mike Heads To South Africa

Drifting star Mad Mike Whiddett will head to South Africa in September.

Mad Mike - Image: Graeme Murray / Red Bull Content Pool

Off the back of appearances in Formula Drift in Canada and the US, Kiwi Drifting

Sensation , ‘Mad’ Mike Whiddett makes his way to South Africa to thrill local fans.

‘Mad’ Mike’ Whiddett has drifted a car up a mountain range in his native New Zealand and powerslid across a frozen lake in Japan and now he’s set to excite South Africa’s drifting enthusiasts, as he heads to our shores in September.

“I’ve heard so much about the South African fans and I can’t wait to get out there. I've seen the local SA drift scene in clips and it looks like a whole lot of fun,” said Whiddett from Japan where he was participating in Formula Drift. “I’m pumped to showcase what the Mazda RX8 is capable of and meet the fans first hand.”

Whiddett’s car, a 2004 MAZDA RX8 dubbed the ‘BADBUL,’ is being shipped directly from his appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

“The BADBUL is our threerotor turbo machine, equipped with the best products on the market. It has just finished wowing the crowds in the UK for Goodwood Festival of Speed where we took home the coveted 'Driver of the Event' award,” Whiddett said. ”High horsepower, killer sound I know it will be well received in South Africa. “

The ‘Mad Mike’ moniker hails from early on in his motorsport career – something he was called whilst participating in a freestyle motocross event. Although he hated being called ‘Mad Mike’ in the beginning and thought it was pretty cheesy, it stuck. He thinks it’s rather cool now.

Whiddett will be in South Africa to appear at two events – Wheels of Fury on the 17th of September at Grand West in Cape Town and then the SupaDrift Series at Carnival City on the 24^th of September.

He’ll also be filming an episode of his reality series ‘My Mad Mike Life’ while in the country.

It’s a maiden trip to Africa for Whiddett. “I’m stoked to head over to get amongst the local drivers and drive scene,” he said. “For me this trip is an exploration of both South Africa and its culture as much as it’s a motorsports trip.”

For more info head to: www.redbull.co.za/madmike

2016 Entrepreneur of the Year Competition

SA's leading entrepreneural competition now open for entries

By Pamela Sibiya

One of the biggest financial services group in South Africa, Sanlam and BUSINESS/PARTNERS is proud to announce the launch of the 2016 Entrepreneur of the Year competition.

Now in its 28th year, this renowned competition pays homage to courageous South African entrepreneurs who dedicate themselves to their businesses' growth. It is also in honour of the huge contribution by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to the South African economy.

This years' criteria is no different as it also seeks to recognise the importance of the contribution to job creation by SMEs by acknowledging them through recognition and promotion of their excellence.

Entrepreneurs who believe that they have succeeded against the odds, persevered through storms and have shown massive innovation and agility are some of the qualities that the judges are looking for.

There are also a number of quantative competition measures, such as turnover growth, profitability, owners' equity growth, positive cash flows and job creation that play a part in the competition's judging process.

There are five categories that the entrepreneurs can choose to apply to, namely, Emerging Entrepreneur, Small Business Entrepreneur, Medium Business Entrepreneur, Job Creator of the Year and Innovator of the Year.

Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply before the 16th of June, by downloading an online entry form found on the Entrepreneur Of the Year website, www.eoy.co.za.

They can also interact with fellow entrepreneurs and entrants on the competitions' social media platforms, @EOY_SA on Twitter and EOY SA on Facebook.

An Elegant Gala Fund Raiser With Horse Power!

Jets & Jewels will be the theme for Friday, June 3rd, in Hanger 8 at Virginia Airport, when two local NPO organisations, the Nicholas Rey Foundation and Rescuetech will be joining forces to host an extravagant gala fundraiser brought to you by the Gold Circle Champion Season.

These two NPO organisations have partnered to provide critical emergency care and long term medical assistance to the general public and in particular victims of equestrian related incidents.

The Nicholas Rey Foundation was formed by Ricky Smit, a friend of Nicholas Rey, a victim of an unfortunate freak accident playing polo in June 2004 which left him with a severe brainstem injury, from which he is unable to move or speak. Rey is the Patron of the foundation and still remains an avid admirer of the horse, despite his injury.

Smit who has experienced a horse‐riding accident of her own, is aware of how fortunate she was not to have been severely injured and was inspired to make a difference, especially once she realised the medical costs incurred by the Rey family. Although the Rey family came from a financially secure background and could afford to pay for the on‐going medical treatment and rehabilitation of Nicolas’s treatment, there were many other victims who could not which was the basis for the establishment of the foundation. “Since its inception we’ve been able to help different people who have been injured in horse related accidents,” she said.

Now in its tenth year, the foundation has lent its help by importing medical devices, paying for physiotherapy rehabilitation sessions and more.

Smit who is undertaking flight training is also the Marketing Manager at the King Shaka Aviation Centre (KSAC) has still maintained her passion to help those in need and therefore, being based at Virginia Airport, has joined forces between her NPO organisation and the voluntary emergency search and rescue service, Rescuetech.

The vision of Rescuetech is to provide a voluntary, emergency rescue support service, additional to all existing ambulance, rescue, and safety services. Rescuetech is committed to both human and animal rescues. Since response‐time in emergencies is critical and high angle rescue services scarce, its mission is to react in the shortest possible time, to either conduct the rescue/medivac and or to assist in the rescue/medivac, and to help stabilise victims of medical and trauma emergencies.

They specialise in high angle rope rescues and works in conjunction with the SAPS, the SAAF and other emergency services. They operate to the highest technical standards according to their own detailed SOP and conduct regular training practices. Due to the nature of the various activities, the unit requires specialist equipment designed and manufactured to the highest standards. A great deal of the operating cost goes toward the maintenance and resupply of this equipment. At present although they receive some sponsorship there is still a financial shortfall which Rescuetech members are supporting from their own pockets.

To support these two well deserving NPO organisations, get dressed up in your elegant finery and purchase your ticket for just R400 per person at a table of ten and enjoy this unique fine dining experience in Hanger 8 at Virginia Airport.

The evening, which starts at 6pm for 6.30pm will have South African singer and songwriter, Dennis East, provide the entertainment, and you will have the opportunity to mingle with local movers and shakers with television and sporting personalities in attendance. The highlight of the evening will be an auction featuring items ranging from jewellery to art and will culminate in the racing career of a horse which is up for grabs.

Show some “horse power” with your generosity for these two volunteer organisations and be a part of giving back to those who volunteer by lending their helping hand to our loved ones. Call Ricky Smit now on 083 231 6458 or

email her at rickysmit@mweb.co.za.

For more info go to www.rescuetech.co.za

Need a mid-year break?

The Easter holidays came very early this year so if you’re heading towards the middle of the year feeling ragged already then it’s no wonder! The push to mid‐year is stressful enough but what lies on the other side of the mid‐year bump is even more intense.

Stress levels start to spike, road rage incidents are on the increase, managers who were previously understanding and supportive are becoming impatient and short‐tempered and you’re not feeling yourself either. Your family life starts to suffer, the flu bug gets hold of you and you’re not quite sure you’re going to make it. All very good reasons you should be planning a mid‐year break. It doesn’t have to be a long break. A quick getaway to reset your equilibrium and your family’s is really all you need.

WorldVentures has some ideas on how you can relax on one of their DreamTrip holidays – hassle free as they do all the work for you because there really isn’t any point in planning a holiday when it’s as stressful as getting through a day’s work.

Rest with the beasts of Africa:

On this DreamTrip to Zimbabwe, you’ll be staying in Antelope Park, an area dedicated to the conservation of African lions. Walk alongside these majestic big cats through the Zimbabwe bush, then watch from close by as the pride rushes toward a pile of meat, their deep roars rumbling and vibrating the ground as they feast.

https://www.dreamtrips.com/trips/1605zw1380/gwerumidlandszimbabwe

Doing it Island Style:

Island hopping in the Seychelles aboard a 21‐cabin motor yacht Pegasus. Winter blues can really get the better of you when it gets cold in South Africa, why not pop across to the beautiful tropical islands in the warm Indian ocean to revive yourself.

https://www.dreamtrips.com/trips/1607sc9598/maheseychelles

This will float your Boat:

Head out on a sightseeing river safari aboard a pontoon boat and see a variety of indigenous wildlife, including waterloving birds, hippos, elephants and more. Discover even more of Zimbabwe’s flora and fauna – including lions, leopards and buffalo – on a game drive around the Zambezi River. Meet and interact with the Wild Horizons elephants, gentle giants known for their friendly demeanor. Visit the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust and learn more about the organization dedicated to raising awareness of sustainable natural resources and environmental conservation.

https://www.dreamtrips.com/trips/1607zw8303/victoriafallszimbabwe

Switch off to the sights and sounds of Zim:

This DreamTrip to Zimbabwe is a one‐of‐a‐kind adventure filled with possibility. The excursions available to travellers include a game drive, cultural village tour and sundowner cruise to experience the lakeside sunset.

https://www.dreamtrips.com/trips/1607zw3107/karibadistrictzimbabwe

Assault your senses with the Serene:

This DreamTrip to Namibia takes you on one thrilling ride after another, beginning with a dolphin and seal cruise aboard a spacious catamaran. Sip sundowner cocktails on a leisurely nature drive to one of the most picturesque points on Sossusvlei Lodge’s private reserve. Take in stunning sights at Sesriem Canyon and explore Deadvlei and Sossusvlei, salt and clay pans surrounded by vibrant red dunes. Many of these dunes reach heights of more than 250 meters, reflecting the golden light of the sun as it rises over the vlei.

https://www.dreamtrips.com/trips/1607na2124/swakopmunderongonamibia

Prefer to stay local? Here are two amazing destinations you might be interested in:

Shop till you drop and take in some SA culture in Cape Town:

Three days and two nights in beautiful Cape Town at a four star hotel including a tour of the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain for R4800 including breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Bask in the beauty of the Berg:

Cathedral Peak hotel invites you to stay for three days and two nights and experience some of the most tranquil and beautiful scenery that South Africa has to offer. Guided hikes and meals included included in the price of R3200.

What’s stopping you?

For more information, please visit http://www.worldventures.com/