Archive for 2024

Home Archive for 2024

Takes home the grand prize of a shared R1 Million and Brand New Suzuki Jimnys

Team Orange, comprising of Hungani Ndlovu and Dimakatso Calisa, were crowned the winners of Tropika Island of Treasure Zanzibar Season 11 during a special live broadcast on Expresso this morning at 7am. The duo's victory not only marked the culmination of an intense and thrilling season but also earned them a grand prize of R500,000 and brand-new 5-door Suzuki Jimnys each.

The pair, whose partnership blossomed into memorable alliance, navigated through weeks of fierce competition, physical challenges and emotional highs. Their win was a testament to their unshakeable teamwork, quick thinking and their surprising resilience under pressure.

Both Hungani and Dimakatso were overwhelmed with emotion as they received their rewards. The prize money will undoubtedly help them achieve personal dreams, while the Suzuki Jimnys, a symbol of adventure and freedom, reflect their shared spirit of exploration throughout the season. This morning's Expresso show was extra special for both Hungani and Dimakatso as they were interviewed by the talented Zanele Potelwa, who is also the official host for Tropika Island of Treasure season 11 Zanzibar.

In a heartfelt moment on Expresso, Dimakatso shared her gratitude with fans and reflected on her low moments on the show, describing how she had to be vulnerable on camera which is something she now looks at fondly as it shows how far she has come while Hungani spoke about the importance of trust and perseverance. Both winners expressed their deep appreciation for the incredible experience, their fellow contestants and the unwavering support from viewers.

“This has been the most successful season of Tropika Island of Treasure to date and it is all thanks to the incredible contestants that participated this year" – said Muhamad Omar Hajee, assistant brand manager at Clover.

The conclusion of Tropika Island of Treasure Zanzibar Season 11 marked a memorable and exhilarating finale for fans, with Team Orange emerging as the well-deserved champions. Their victory has added another unforgettable chapter to the legacy of the popular adventure reality show.

Relive the Drama, Excitement, and Ultimate Showdown! Catch the repeat of the thrilling final episode on:

· Monday 2pm on S3
· Monday 9pm on SABC 1
· Friday 6pm on S3

Enter to win big with Tropika:

Buy a Tropika promo pack and follow the entry instructions. Thousands of smooth prizes are up for grabs, including Samsung Freestyle Smart Projectors, a trip for two to Zanzibar, and the grand prize - a 5-door Suzuki Jimny!

TOUR EXTENDS FROM EAST TO WEST AFRICA AS MOVE AFRIKA: LAGOS

JOINS MOVE AFRIKA: KIGALI

Today Global Citizen, the international advocacy organization on a mission to end extreme poverty, announced EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum artist and producer, John Legend, will headline the next installment of Move Afrika, the first-of-its-kind music touring circuit headlined by international artists. Next year's tour will expand from East to West Africa, with Nigeria joining Rwanda as host countries. The tour will begin with Move Afrika: Kigali at the BK Arena on February 21, before continuing with Move Afrika: Lagos at The Palms on February 25, 2025. Move Afrika is a long-term, large-scale effort to pioneer the music touring circuit across Africa, driving economic investment, job creation and supporting entrepreneurship opportunities in each host country.

Move Afrika is Global Citizen’s initiative to address the world’s inequities by creating job and entrepreneurship opportunities for the continent’s emerging generations through an annual series of live music events. Showcasing the best of Africa to the world, these events will drive transformative investments within local communities, engage local artists, vendors, agencies and crews, and provide opportunities for on-the-job skill development and training. Producing a world-class experience for fans and artists alike, Move Afrika will set a new gold-standard for entertainment touring events, increasing demand from international and regional artists to tour in the region and building local capacity within host cities across the continent. Each year, additional countries will be added to the Move Afrika tour circuit, which will further expand across the continent over the next five years.

The 2025 edition of Move Afrika will drive a citizen-led advocacy campaign championing sustainable development and economic growth, with a dedicated focus on strengthening health systems across Africa. Together with campaign partners, Global Citizen will urge African nations to increase domestic health financing, prioritize primary care and sexual and reproductive health and rights, boost global investments in health resilience, and alleviate financial burdens on nations to strengthen public health.

A limited number of tickets for Move Afrika: Kigali and Move Afrika: Lagos are available for purchase at moveafrika.org. Additional details about the February Move Afrika tour, including how to earn free tickets by taking action with Global Citizen, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Partners of Move Afrika include pgLang and the Rwanda Development Board.

“I’m honored and excited to perform in Kigali and Lagos as part of the Move Afrika tour – an initiative that not only brings unforgettable shows, but also creates entrepreneurship and job opportunities, empowering young people to engage with Africa’s growing music and creative industries,” said John Legend. “Africa has always been a global cultural powerhouse, and it’s an honor to be part of the future of live music on the continent.”

“We’re thrilled to have John Legend, our longtime Global Citizen Ambassador and friend, headline Move Afrika, as we expand the tour from Rwanda to Nigeria,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Citizen. “As Move Afrika grows year over year, our goal is to equip and inspire Africa’s dynamic, young population to participate in the live music and creative industries, while investing in its future with lasting infrastructure that will mean the continent no longer needs to be excluded from the international touring circuit.”

“Global Citizen and Move Afrika’s return to Rwanda in February 2025 underscores our shared commitment to showcasing Africa’s creative talent and leveraging the global entertainment industry to address the continent's development priorities,” said Francis Gatare, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board. “Together, we aim to position Rwanda as an entertainment hub that benefits all African countries, including by creating youth-focused employment and income-generating opportunities.”

The first Move Afrika event, Move Afrika: Rwanda, held in Kigali in December 2023, was headlined by Grammy Award, Pulitzer Prize winning artist Kendrick Lamar, and prioritized job creation, skill training and youth entrepreneurship along the way. The event employed more than 1000 Rwandans, and engaged 75 percent local crew and production staff. Hailed by many as the most successful live music event ever staged in Rwanda, the show also featured performances by Zuchu, Bruce Melodie, DJ TOXXYK, Sherrie Silver, Ariel Wayz, Kivumbi King and Bruce The 1st.

The 2025 edition of Move Afrika will build on Global Citizen’s previous campaigns and events across Africa, including Move Afrika: Rwanda, held at the BK Arena in 2023; Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, which featured Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Ed Sheeran, Usher, Eddie Vedder, and Chris Martin of Coldplay in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2018; Global Citizen Live: Lagos, with performances by Davido, Femi Kuti, and Tiwa Savage at Fela Kuti’s New Afrika Shrine in 2021; and Global Citizen Festival: Accra, which brought Usher, SZA, Stormzy, and TEMS to the Black Star Square in 2022.

For more information visit moveafrika.org.

Connecting the past and present with style

South Africa’s vibrant heritage deserves to be celebrated every day, and the newly launched Kim Williams RAKGADI African Toile Interior Range powerfully encapsulates this essence. First unveiled at Decorex Cape Town in 2024, the range was born from the dynamic collaboration between acclaimed fashion designer Jessica Jane Molebatsi and esteemed Cape Town based interior designer Kim Williams.

The collection, inspired by the essence of togetherness and the powerful role of South African women in our lives, beautifully blends the rich symbolism of local culture with modern design, showcasing a commitment to community, heritage, and beauty. Part of the stunning selection of home décor items includes elegant placemats designed to instantly elevate any table setting, along with a beautifully crafted carpet collection in partnership with Airloom.

“Working with Jessica Jane has been a dream for me. Our synergy reflects a shared love for South African symbolism and the importance of community, and each piece captures a deep appreciation for South African artistry, bringing a mindful touch to modern living spaces. The RAKGADI African Toile print interior range embodies our belief that everyone’s home should be filled with meaningful, cultural elements that resonate with their history and heritage,” comments Kim.

Among the standout items in the RAKGADI African Toile print interior range there are a selection of disposable placemats, luxurious cushions, and an upcoming wallpaper collaboration with renowned designer Robin Sprong. These pieces serve not only as décor but also as conversation starters that tell the story of our roots and the vibrancy of our communities.

“Art should not only exist in galleries but should also grace our homes and with this collection, we aim to inspire and celebrate the craftsmanship found within our borders while offering affordable, beautiful pieces of art for every space and home,” added Kim.

A design and décor destination

To complement the launch of the RAKGADI African Toile print interior range, Kim is excited to unveil her new Cape Town showroom experience that allows clients to engage with the brand in a tangible way. The showroom will feature a curated selection of the RAKGADI African Toile print interior range alongside other exquisite offerings, including furniture from Woodbender, lighting by Willow Lamp, and tiles from Studio Mason.

“The showroom represents years of hard work and dedication to building meaningful partnerships with key players. This is a space where customers can explore design in its entirety - understanding how the feel, touch, colours, textures, and layouts come together to craft an immersive experience and visualise how these products can transform their spaces,” said Kim.

The Kim Williams Design showroom will be open to the public Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, Thursdays until 4 PM, and Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Private, personalised consultations with Kim Williams are available for clients seeking bespoke design advice, ensuring that every selection is tailored to their individual needs.

The Kim Williams Designs Showroom can be located at 10 Bella Rosa Street, Highstreet, Tygervalley – Durbanville. To make an appointment or to book a consultation contact the showroom on +27 (0) 21 903 2423.

For more information, please visit www.kimwilliams.co.za or email admin@kimwilliams.co.za.

Kim Williams Design Studio partners include over 40 curated collaborations formed over the last twenty years:

Woodbenders, Robin Sprong Custom Wall Coverings, Studio Masson, Molebatsi by Jessica Jane, Willowlamp Lighting, Wunders, Max on Top, Entrawood Office Furniture, Blum, PG Bison, Stonehenge. Phoenix Signage, Good Wood Guys, Renouve Studio, Flow Bathrooms, Locks and Levers, Lights by Linea, K Light, Cement Mixx, Airloom, Plastertex, Lunawood, Cosentino SA, Rubio Monocoat, Midas Paintsmiths, Vogue Doors, Hertex, Home Fabrics, Stuart Graham Fabrics, Loomcraft Fabrics, The Linen Drawer, Silkhouse, Cedarbrook, U & G Fabrics, Eshanima Fabrics, Lunawood, Coote & Wench Lighting, Geberit, Blutide, Hans Grohe, Franke, Tableview Glass and Aluminium, Wireworks, Global Stream Flooring including: COMA, Numi, Bonsai.

The countdown is on and the application window for the 2025 AMA GROOVE Songwriting Camp - an exclusive week-long creative retreat taking place from April 26th to May 3rd, 2025 - closes on December 17, 2024. Applications for 2025 will be reviewed by curators Muneyi (a storyteller inspired by Tshivenda folktales and modern sounds, whose indie-folk music transcends language to connect with the soul), Msaki (Devotee of Creativity, Songwriter and Artist), and Una Rams (Grammy award-winning Artist, Software Engineer and Creative Director), who have been appointed by One Groove, the Riky Rick Foundation and NIROX, and will lead the selection process. Their focus on inclusion and representation is to ensure a diverse group of participants across gender identities and musical genres.

Returning to the Kromdraai Impact and Co-Creativity Hub in the Cradle of Humankind and Johannesburg, this unique camp is proudly presented by One Groove, in partnership with The Riky Rick Foundation, AUTOR and NIROX, offering emerging musicians, songwriters and producers the rare opportunity to collaborate, create and learn in a setting that blends artistic innovation with cultural heritage. Included in this experience will be an attendance at the 2025 CottonFest Joburg for creative inspiration.

Why Should You Apply?

Selected participants will also gain the following:

Collaboration Opportunities: Working with talented artists, producers, and topliners to create music with global potential.
Skills Development: Honing songwriting and production skills through expert-led mentorship, masterclasses and workshops.
Industry Exposure: Receiving feedback from industry leaders during exclusive listening sessions.
Networking: Building connections with top-tier professionals that could open doors to future opportunities.
Insightful Themes: Exploring topics such as cultural heritage and mental health in the music industry.

AMA GROOVE Songwriting Camp goes beyond creating music – it is a celebration of cultural heritage and a platform for fostering mental health awareness within the music industry. Selected participants from Denmark and South Africa will delve into their own cultural roots while learning to ethically draw inspiration from others. This one-of-a-kind experience aims to equip artists with the skills to navigate the complexities of the music world, all while highlighting the critical connection between creativity and mental well-being.

In 2024, over 1,000 artists applied, but only 14 from South Africa and Denmark were selected. Emerging from this year’s AmaGroove Songwriting Camp, two of the artists - Chipego and Blaq Meuch - crafted something truly extraordinary. "My Love" celebrates collaboration, creativity and the unifying power of music. The track highlights Chipego’s unique fusion of African rhythms, Alternative RnB and soulful melodies, seamlessly paired with Blaq Meuch’s captivating beats. Rooted in the heartbeat of Africa, the song transcends borders with its universal appeal. Stream it now on all major platforms and watch the official video on YouTube!

As a lead-up to the 2025 Songwriting Camp, One Groove also recently hosted Music Maker Global 2024 sessions on December 9-10, 2024, featuring 12 standout music creators from hubs in Copenhagen, Johannesburg, Gaborone, and Casablanca. Hosted in partnership with A Night of Greatjoy (SA), Moratiwa Productions (Botswana), and Club Producer (Morocco), the sessions aimed to foster global collaboration and visibility.

For more information about ONE GROVE, please visit https://www.onegroove.world/.

For additional updates on social media, please engage via Instagram.

Get Ready to be Mesmerised by the sounds of Renowned Jazz Maestro Mandisi Dyantyis, as Trailblazing Five August House’s Creatives Illuminate the Venue with their Artistic Brilliance

Fans of South African jazz and soulful storytelling, as well as the visual arts are in for an unforgettable day as Mandisi Dyantyis, one of the country’s most celebrated musicians, graces the stage at 250 on Cedar on 15 December 2024, while the featured visual artists – Kamogelo Masemola, Bekezela Mabena, Mamase, Wisani Manyisi, and Mbali Tshabalala – present an exquisite collection of works that complement the soulful, jazz-infused melodies of Mandisi Dyantyis. Their art explores themes of identity, heritage, and community, providing a powerful visual accompaniment to the evening’s musical journey.

“This unique collaboration will see the fusion of music and visual art, offering audiences a multi-sensory cultural experience. Patrons can look forward to a showcase of curated works that resonate with the soulful melodies and storytelling essence of Mandisi Dyantyis, a musical powerhouse celebrated for his fusion of jazz and African traditional sounds,” says Tshepo Riba, event promoter, and owner of 250 on Cedar.

Known for his powerful voice, extraordinary trumpet skills, and heartfelt compositions, Mandisi Dyantyis has earned critical acclaim both locally and internationally. His music blends jazz, gospel, and African traditional sounds, creating a unique and deeply moving experience for audiences.

As a space synonymous with nurturing artistic innovation, August House has consistently produced some of South Africa’s most compelling creatives. This collaboration reflects the intersection of art and music, celebrating the depth of African narratives and creativity.

250 on Cedar, nestled in the heart of Johannesburg, has become synonymous with intimate, high-quality live performances. The venue’s warm atmosphere and exceptional acoustics make it the perfect setting for this rare and exclusive performance.

“This collaboration celebrates the intersection of music and visual art, offering audiences a multi-dimensional cultural experience. August House, a cornerstone of South African artistic innovation, is delighted to support this fusion of creativity, highlighting the talents of its resident artists in a vibrant new context,” says Kamogelo Masemola – Visual Artist.

The afternoon promises to be a feast for the senses, where breathtaking art pieces and live music come together to celebrate South Africa’s rich cultural landscape.

This initiative highlights the synergy between two vibrant cultural disciplines, emphasizing the rich tapestry of South African art. Concertgoers will witness breathtaking music and engage with visual masterpieces displayed throughout the venue, creating a dialogue between sound and sight.

Join them for an afternoon of pure musical brilliance and inspiration as we celebrate one of South Africa’s most iconic artists. Don’t miss this extraordinary day, where music and art become one!

Tickets are now available at Computickets and Webtickets. Secure your place early, as demand is expected to be high.

As Black Friday approaches, South Africans are looking forward to massive deals and discounts – both instore and online. However, while the excitement of pre-holiday shopping can be tempting, they are cautioned to consider the financial landscape before diving into impulse purchases.

According to research commissioned by fintech Capital Connect and conducted by the Bureau of Market Research, South Africa will generate R88 billion this Black Friday.

“Various factors will influence spending patterns this year, and people should be mindful of the long-term impact on their finances,” advises James Williams, Chief Marketing Officer at short-term online lender, Wonga. “Impulse purchases can impact people’s ability to save for education, retirement or emergencies, so it is best to have a set spending budget before diving into this year’s Black Friday deals.”

Here are five factors that will drive Black Friday and what you should keep in mind before hitting the checkout button:

1. Two-pot retirement savings withdrawal

South Africans have access to their retirement savings under the new "two-pot" system. This reform allows for a portion of retirement funds to be accessed before retirement, potentially providing a boost to cash flow but taking away from their future. People should be mindful of using their hard earned income or savings on Black Friday deals for non-essential items.

Williams urges caution, “Using these funds for non-essential purchases could jeopardise long-term financial security. Think carefully about the long-term impact on your retirement before considering a Black Friday splurge.”

2. Upcoming December bonuses or 13th cheques

For many people, a December bonus or 13th cheque are a welcome financial boost. These lump sums can be tempting to spend on big-ticket items or holiday gifts, however Williams advises people to budget wisely. While it’s easy to treat the bonus as "extra" income, it's important to prioritise savings or debt repayments.

3. Impact of US elections and tax changes on imported goods

With the recent US election results, the global financial landscape is set to experience volatility, which could impact the value of the South African Rand. While exchange rate fluctuations may affect the cost of imported goods, there’s another factor to consider: South Africa’s changes to the tax regime for online orders, particularly from Chinese retailers like Shein and Temu.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced plans to impose higher taxes on imports, especially clothing, from these platforms starting in 2024. This shift could significantly increase the cost of goods purchased from Shein and Temu, adding up to 45% in import duties plus 15% VAT on clothing orders. Currently, there’s confusion surrounding the exact thresholds and how taxes will be applied, but consumers may soon face more transparent and higher fees on these products.

For now, shoppers should be cautious when buying from these sites, as tax rates on small parcels vary widely, and SARS has yet to clarify exactly how it will implement these changes. In the meantime, the rand's fluctuating value may also play a role in the final price tag. With these factors in play, it’s advisable to stay informed about both exchange rate trends and the evolving tax regulations before making online purchases from international retailers.

4. Recent interest rate cuts

Recent interest rate cuts by the South African Reserve Bank have sparked renewed optimism among many people. Lower borrowing costs may encourage spending, particularly using credit. However, Willams warns against relying on credit for impulse purchases. “While lower interest rates make borrowing more attractive, they can also lead to higher debt levels if not managed responsibly. It is essential to assess your financial situation before making any major purchases,” he explains.

5. Petrol prices

Fluctuating petrol prices will undoubtedly affect peoples' overall spending power during Black Friday 2024. The recent increase in fuel costs have once again put pressure on household budgets and could make it more difficult for some consumers to indulge in non-essential shopping. With the holiday season approaching, it is important to factor in the rising cost of living including electricity, transport and travel expenses before committing to Black Friday spending.

“While Black Friday may offer incredible deals, we encourage people to make responsible, well-informed decisions,” cautions Williams. “It’s easy to be swept up in the excitement, but unplanned purchases can lead to regret down the line and can affect your financial situation going forward.”

“Before adding items to your cart, take a moment to assess whether the purchase is truly necessary, and whether or not it aligns with your long-term financial goals,” he concludes.

The South African State Theatre is thrilled to announce the launch of SAST TV, an innovative video streaming platform that brings the magic of live theatre directly into homes across South Africa and beyond. Designed to engage and inspire audiences of all ages, SAST TV will feature diverse high-quality content, including original theatre productions, dramatic performances, animations, podcasts, music, and exclusive live performances.

With an intuitive, ultra-HD interface, SAST TV delivers an immersive viewing experience that places the viewer at the heart of each production. The user-friendly platform boasts a responsive menu that makes browsing and discovering content simple and enjoyable. Subscribers can easily explore genres, from contemporary drama to animated storytelling, and dive into culturally rich podcasts that highlight the best of South African and African theatre.

"We are delighted to bring SAST TV to life," says Aubrey Sekhabi the Artistic Director at the South African State Theatre. "Our platform is not only a digital stage but a bridge that connects artists and audiences, transcending geographical boundaries. It’s a groundbreaking way for us to celebrate, share, and preserve our culture and talent, while ensuring that everyone has access to world-class theatre experiences."

As SAST TV launches, it brings with it a rich array of productions that reflect the unique and diverse voices of South Africa’s arts scene. The service promises new releases monthly, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and interactive events to foster engagement among theatre enthusiasts. Specially curated playlists will highlight local talent, with a mix of upcoming shows and beloved classics.

Subscribers can access SAST TV through their mobile devices, computers, and smart TVs, bringing the magic of South African theatre to viewers anytime, anywhere. The platform aims to make theatre accessible to all, offering a variety of subscription plans, including student and family options, and ensuring that quality content is available to everyone.

Engage with them on their social platforms, or visit our website www.statetheatre.co.za

Facebook: The South African State Theatre
X: @sastatetheatre
Instagram: @sastatetheatre
TikTok: @sastatetheatre

About the South African State Theatre:

The South African State Theatre has long been a beacon of cultural expression, creativity, and excellence. With its commitment to showcasing diverse voices and artistic talent, the Theatre remains dedicated to making the arts accessible and enriching South African culture for generations to come. The launch of SAST TV marks a new chapter in this mission, allowing audiences to experience the richness of South African theatre at their fingertips.

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Team Orange Wins Tropika Island of Treasure Zanzibar Season 11

GLOBAL CITIZEN ANNOUNCES JOHN LEGEND TO HEADLINE MOVE AFRIKA IN FEBRUARY 2025

Embracing South African roots with RAKGADI Interior Range

FINAL CALL: APPLICATIONS CLOSING SOON FOR THE 2025 AMA GROOVE SONGWRITING CAMP - MSAKI, MUNEYI and UNA RAMS TO LEAD THE SELECTION PROCESS

Music & Visual Art Fusion at 250 on Cedar: An Unimaginable Immersion for Art Lovers

Five factors to consider this Black Friday

The South African State Theatre Launches SAST TV: A New Era in Streaming Theatre