Pacofs, in collaboration with Crosspower Media, is proud to announce the highly anticipated kickoff of May with the iconic Gospel music legend Jabu Hlongwane's Crosspower Experience. Set to take place at Pacofs in Bloemfontein, this event promises an unforgettable Gospel music celebration on May 4, 2024.

Jabu Hlongwane's Crosspower Experience is renowned for its electrifying live recorded music, distinguishing itself from studio recordings. Attendees can anticipate a soul-stirring performance as Jabu showcases his beloved hits such as "Vus’owakho," "Uliphathe Kahle," "Ntate Nthuse," and his recent release, "Sihlezi Kahle," among others.

Adding to the excitement, the event will feature a groundbreaking segment known as the Gospel Music Spotlight. This segment will spotlight the top 8 singers selected from auditions held at Pacofs on April 10th and 11th of April 2024. Jabu Hlongwane expresses admiration for the remarkable talent from the Free State region, which has made the selection process both rewarding and challenging.

Gospel Music Spotlight serves as a platform for emerging talents, including former backing vocalists and church choir members, to showcase their gifts. Guided by Jabu himself, these individuals undergo training and preparation to deliver a professional and captivating performance on stage.

In addition to Jabu Hlongwane's performance, the event will feature former Joyous Celebration singers William Sejake and Andiswa Mbantsa. The show will commence at 6pm, with tickets starting from R200, available for purchase at Webtickets and Pick n Pay. Group booking options are also available at discounted rates.

Don't miss out on this extraordinary evening of Gospel music celebration and talent discovery. Join us as we experience the unparalleled magic of Jabu Hlongwane's Crosspower Experience and Gospel Music Spotlight.

For more information and ticket purchases, visit https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1545490487

South African radio icon, Wilson B Nkosi, has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. To celebrate his illustrious career and notable contributions to the South African music industry, T&S Platinum Concerts will be hosting a star-spangled gala set to take place on 29 June  2024, at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.

Born in Piet Retief and bred in Swaziland, Wilson B Nkosi has been entertaining and engaging generational audiences for more than 30 years. The gala is aimed at commemorating his legendary career which boasts a recent recognition with a lifetime’s achievement at the inaugural Cultural & Creative Industries Awards. This event will be a fitting tribute to Nkosi’s deep love for music and his ability to connect with his listeners through his radio shows. His influence on the country's music industry is immeasurable, and this gala will be a testament to his remarkable career.

All guests can anticipate an elegant soirée with tasty food, great company and the best music. The upcoming gala  is set to be a memorable spectacle featuring a star-studded lineup of some of the biggest names in the music industry featuring headliners: Sjava, Mafikizolo, and Lwa Ndlukulu who are expected to deliver electrifying performances that will leave the audience in awe.

In addition to these talented musicians, some of the best DJs in the industry will also be taking the stage to showcase their unique sound and style. These include Msizi Shembe, Sentle Lehoko, Collen Zondo, DJ Muntu, Morda and Tbose, who are all renowned for their exceptional skills and ability to get the crowd on their feet. With such a diverse and talented lineup, this gala promises to be an unforgettable experience for all music lovers. From soulful ballads to upbeat dance tracks, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

The celebration of Nkosi's career is expected to attract afro-soul lovers from across the country. Tickets for the concert are available at Computicket, starting from R500 per person.

Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime event! Join in the celebration of one of South Africa's most beloved radio personalities.

Morero Nhlanhla Moloi, affectionately known as “The Muffin Man,” is a determined and charismatic entrepreneur from Soweto who is making waves in the franchising industry.

Morero is the founder of McMore International, a food manufacturing company that specialises in making premium quality muffins. Despite facing personal challenges with dyslexia and ADHD, Morero’s determination led him to establish the business in July 2020. Starting from humble beginnings in a backroom at his great grandmother's house in Orlando West, Soweto, he invested all of his savings into building his business.

Inspired by his late grandmother who was a street vendor, and the teachings and books by the late Dr Myles Munroe, a renowned motivational speaker, author, and preacher who focused on personal development, leadership, and spirituality. Some key teachings from his books include legacy, where he encourages individuals to live with a sense of purpose and to leave a positive legacy for future generations. He believed in the power of vision and legacy-building as drivers of long-term impact and significance. With these teachings as motivation, Morero embarked on a mission to formalise the street vendor business sector and contribute towards the transformation of the franchising industry.

“My business was primarily established as a food manufacturing entity,” explains Morero. “My vision, however, was to be a leading micro-franchising organisation that offers aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to own a business.”

“The franchising industry has been one of the least transformative industries in South Africa, and is often inaccessible to many,” he continues. “I created a sustainable business model that empowered other entrepreneurs, where my business would manufacture the products, provide packaging, manage the marketing and offer customer support, leaving them with the sole responsibility of selling.”

Some of Morero’s greatest challenges with his business included navigating the strict regulations of the food industry, and tackling the tough competition with industry giants. After reading a newspaper article about the transformative impact that the SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme had had on a bakery in KwaZulu-Natal, Morero was then motivated to apply. This sought-after programme became Morero's accountability partner, providing invaluable support and a grant that enabled him to expand his business operations.

Throughout the 18-month programme, his business experienced remarkable growth. Prior to enrolling, Morero employed five individuals. He now employs 13 permanent staff and 22 temporary employees. He also supplies and supports 22 micro franchisees and is in the process of onboarding 50 new internal sales employees. The company's annual turnover has soared from R150 000 to well over R1 million during his participation in the programme.

With plans to launch nationally and internationally, McMore International is already making great strides by supplying private hospital groups, selected SuperSpars, and more. The company has also started testing markets in the USA, Netherlands, Ghana, and Mozambique.

“For me, entrepreneurship has been both sweet and sour,” reflects Morero. “It's the craziest journey one can embark on and is filled with wonderful moments as well as some tough challenges.”

Despite the hurdles he has faced along the way, Morero remains undeterred in his pursuit of success. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating the transformative power of perseverance, innovation, and having the right support structure.

Enjoy the treats made with passion… contact McMore International on 011 023 1881 or via email info@mcmoreint.com

Riky Rick Foundation for the Promotion of Artivism, in partnership with One Groove, Nirox, and AUTOR, proudly announces the upcoming Ama Groove Songwriting Camp –Setting the stage for an unforgettable songwriting journey in Cradle of Humankind, Joburg.

From April 6th to 13th, 2024, this cross-cultural initiative will unite 14 exceptionally talented music creators, split evenly between South African and Danish residents. The camp is designed to foster collaboration and creativity, focusing on mental health, cultural awareness, and artistic interpretation within the realm of music production. By bringing together talent from different corners of the globe, the collaboration seeks to break down barriers, foster understanding, and celebrate the universal language of music.

Participants will immerse themselves in the inspiring environment of Nirox, renowned for its scenic beauty and conducive atmosphere for creative exploration. Over seven days, these music creators will engage in collaborative songwriting sessions, workshops, and networking events to enhance their skills and expand their artistic horizons.

A Vibrant Blend of Artists From a Talent-Rich Pool

Within a fiercely competitive applicant pool, curators Muniye, AusTebza, and Elu Eboka selected the artists based on their talent and solid profiles. Their discerning choices reflect not only skill but also passion, commitment, and self-resourcefulness, resulting in a dynamic mix of individuals with unique and shared artistic qualities. Appointed by Riky Rick Foundation and NIROX, the curator team ensured inclusion and representation throughout the selection process -resulting in a dynamic mix of artists from diverse gender identities and musical genres, fostering a vibrant and inclusive artistic community.

Camp Exploration Insights

The 14 artists, including producers, songwriters, top-liners, and vocalists, each bring their unique expertise to the camp. Through collaborative efforts, they will strive to create potential global breakthroughs, foster meaningful relationships, and build an inclusive professional network. In addition to ample collaborative writing sessions, the intensive program will include attending CottonFest Joburg, masterclasses and panel talks, culminating in a final listening session with industry professionals.

Driving Positive Change Through Art and Collaboration

Co-director of Riky Rick Foundation and wife to the late Riky Rikhado shares:

"Ama Groove Songwriting Camp, which links beautifully with the 2024 instalment of Cotton Fest Joburg, is yet another form of promoting the unearthed talent that our country has bred. It also gives us great pleasure to facilitate these safe spaces of connection and creation – something that Riky was incredibly passionate about. We welcome the participants from Denmark to Johannesburg, South Africa and wish them and our local producers a fruitful and inspired time during the Songwriting Camp."

Rasmus Allin, Co-founder of One Groove, adds,

"At One Groove, we see music as a powerful force for change. Our work towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable music industry resonates deeply with the ethos of the late Riky Rick and the Riky Rick Foundation. This shared vision has led to the collaboration and establishment of the Ama Groove Songwriting Camp. An initiative that provides a safe space and a nurturing environment where music creators from Denmark and South Africa can converge, collaborate, and craft music that authentically captures their individuality and cultural essence."

Meet the AMA GROOVE artists:

Hosted at the immaculate Inanda Club in the heart of Johannesburg, the scene is set for a fantastic polo encounter. Once again, a limited number of Picnic Sites will be sold which will be located along the side of the field, in the open air, and close to the action!

Known as the Mecca of polo, Argentina holds thousands of competing players. The nation has won more international championships than any other, and has rarely been defeated since the 1930s.

Their polo standards are considered the highest in the world so the event this year will no doubt be full of fast-paced action, fashion and celebration! Take a look at https://www.sapolo.co.za/media/details/nedbank-int.-polo-2023 to see a snap shot from last year’s event.

If you haven't already booked, please email Vicky on picnicsites@sapolo.co.za or call on 071 608 8793.

In an age where environmental concerns are at the fore, our team at Mpact Recycling urges various industry sectors to visualise the potential of circularity beyond packaging as the basis of a more innovative, sustainable, and resilient world.

Not only a compelling and provocative thought, but a tangible destination for the collecting, sorting, and recycling journey of waste.

In recognition of Global Recycling Day, Mpact Recycling encourages businesses to continue adopting circular principles. The circular economy is inclusive, and it offers industries worldwide the opportunity to reimagine products, processes, and systems, and create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Technology 

Consumer tech is one of the fastest-moving industries, with an alarmingly short amount of time between market entry and market saturation or standardisation when it comes to innovation and product or technological developments.

The most expensive smartphone, television or computer available in 2014, doesn’t come close to an entry-level product made in 2024. At the same time, products are pivoting to “smart”, silicon-based modes of operation. Rapid development means that it’s impossible to “future-proof” even the most expensive products. Between the upgrade obsession and constant advancements in the tech space we balance quality of life with quantity of waste.

Textiles and fashion 

Fashion was more sustainable than it is today, before trends were harnessed by industry to artificially stimulate buying culture, people kept only a small selection of clothes (and textile products in general). Consumers relied on artisans like tailors and haberdashers to keep clothing in a healthy, wearable state and clothing was rarely thrown away. Every item was designed to last. Handing clothing down to younger family members wasn’t just viable, it was the norm.

Today, fashion is an industry that has become notorious for its lack of sustainability. The term ‘fast fashion’, relating to the increased cycle of production, retail, and discarding of clothes, continues to drive the creation of waste.

We have the technology to break down existing clothing into their base materials, which could then be remade into new, fashion-forward, garments over numerous cycles – why are we not using it?

Agriculture and food 

Before grocery stores and supermarkets, we lived off crops of grain, fruits and vegetables. We used seeds and cuttings, reared livestock, and catered for our own eggs, meat, dairy, and hide.

The shift from agrarianism to consumerism has changed our relationship with food to one defined by excess and waste. It’s not just food packaging going to landfills (these are, fortunately, mostly recyclable and the packaging industry is working towards solutions that ensure that all packaging is recyclable), but the food itself – a lot of it perfectly edible, but not recyclable.

One solution for this is mainstream adaptation to artificial foods. The artificial meat industry already exists and is currently thriving as a novelty, served in expensive restaurants and wealthy homes. The potential of cultured meat as a mainstream product, however, is vast – offering truly affordable, sustainable access to protein that’s not associated with deforestation and habitat destruction for grazing land.

Construction

 

Landfills are mostly comprised of construction waste like bricks, concrete, tiles, metal and wood – so finding ways to repurpose these materials is crucial for sustainable development.

A brilliant example of repurposing? Container homes. Many people utilise old shipping containers for all manner of building as they’re cheap, structurally sound, relatively modular, and durable. The problem with containers however, is they’re only available in set sizes, offering few options with regard to room layout.

Recycling could be a crucial part of construction if the technology to convert rubble back into base building materials existed. This tech would produce high-quality materials that could be used in construction projects, making for an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution. More importantly, this would keep rubble out of landfills, minimising the compound environmental impact of construction projects.

Towards a circular future

 

The circular future presents a transformative vision for industries worldwide, where innovation, sustainability, and circular design principles intersect to create a more resilient and eco-conscious global landscape. By adopting a circular approach, we can rethink the way we produce, consume, and dispose of products, ultimately creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

About Mpact Recycling

Mpact Recycling is the leading collector of recyclable packaging (such as paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and cans) in South Africa. As a division of the Mpact Group, their branches provide a place to store, sort, and bale recyclable materials collected from both pre- and post-consumer sources. The company plays a crucial role in promoting the importance of recycling in Southern Africa, collecting over 700,000 tonnes of recyclables in 2022 alone.

In addition to its recycling operations, Mpact Recycling runs various community-facing programmes, such as the Ronnie Recycler Schools Programme, which educates young learners about recycling and sustainability. The company has also established community drop-off sites and a Residential Estates Recycling Programme, providing convenient access to recycling facilities for individuals and communities across the country.

Mpact Recycling has two head offices located in Tulisa Park and Germiston, respectively, and 15 operational branches spread across Gauteng, the North-West Province, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. For more information on Mpact Recycling, please visit www.mpactrecycling.co.za