The 2018 Traditional Children’s Magic Festival, presented by the world-famous College of Magic, invites Cape Town’s families to escape from the freezing cold into a fantastical world of magic at the College’s warm and mysterious Victorian Manor in Claremont from Wednesday 27 to Saturday 30 June 2018.

Magical hijinks are the order of the day as the cast take Festivalgoers on a whirlwind tour of the century-old Manor with incredible magic shows, hands-on interactive workshops, thrilling games, magical photo opportunities and more!The Festival, now in its 24th year, is family entertainment at its best with more than 50 talented College graduates and students performing an array of fantastical feats including juggling, escapology, stilt-walking, mime and clowning.

It’s magic galore and all just for you!

The College of Magic, the only organisation of its kind in the world, has been teaching the art of magic and its allied arts as well as vital life-skills to children and adults since 1980.

It is thrilled to once again host the Festival:

“Our Children’s Magic Festival is a popular indoor winter school holiday event in Cape Town and we’re always looking at ways it can be even more enchanting for our returning magic fanatics. In addition to the non-stop magical fun for the whole family, we’re challenging our Festivalgoers to dress up to this year’s theme, "Parade of Superstars", and dazzle the cast as your favourite movie or TV show star. Join us for a magical winter family experience unlike any other- we cannot wait to entertain you! “says Yolandi van Jaarsveldt, CEO of the College of Magic.

The Festival will be held at the College of Magic, 215 Imam Haron Road in Claremont, with the 90-minute show programme running daily at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

Experience the impossible at the College of Magic this winter school holiday:

Tickets for the 2018 Traditional Children’s Magic Festival are R90 per person with discounts for family bookings. Book yours TODAY at www.collegeofmagic.com/tickets.For more information about the College of Magic, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com/tickets, call +27(0)21 683 5480 or follow them on Facebook

“Embracing change in an era of ‘business unusual’” #ITLA18

The 9th Annual IT Leaders Africa Summit was recently hosted at the brand new, green star-rated CTICC East Wing in Cape Town on 9 & 10 May 2018. Over the past decade of existence, the event has quickly established itself as the premier gathering of CIO’s and business IT professionals on the continent. Attendees from across Africa congregated in Africa’s tech hub to share best practices, and discuss the strategic roadmap to managing the evolving challenges, opportunities and risks associated with the IT departments’ ever-increasing scope of technology implementation and its related oversight.

Brett St Clair, CEO of Siatik and renown international speaker – delivered a powerful warning to the audience; “disruption is happening incredibly quickly; especially in the IT space – there are so many technologies that are hitting IT, wave after wave – and each technology generates another wave of technology, which can be very scary as the rest of the world feels like it is doubling efficiency and leap-frogging ahead whilst we continue to lag behind in Africa – constantly having to catch up.”

A common thread shared by the audience and speakers alike was that digital transformation is turning the industry on its head, and the CIO of the future needs to be well ahead of the curve to be able to deal and effectively counter the effects of prospective disruption to organisations. Transformation was also discussed on a higher level and resulted in a robust and thought-provoking debate regarding the duty of leading IT professionals to not only upskill existing staff as opposed to looking outside for talent; attendees also challenged the IT industry as a whole to work towards the development, mentoring and nurturing of millennials and more importantly women in the IT field.

Nithen Naidoo, Managing Director of Snode, who participated in the newly introduced sponsor hot seat panel discussion, encouraged the IT industry to invest in the development of future IT practitioners as this will set organisations on a sustainable path to success, “Millennials are looking for purpose – they want what they do to mean something; they want to add to something greater than themselves - and if you give them that, your organisation will be able to attract the right kind of talent…desire and [corporate] cultural fit is really important”.

This was a sentiment shared by Jamie Whittaker, Deputy CIO at Discovery, who encouraged organisations that want to succeed where others have failed, to take an ‘out-of-the-box’ approach, “In order for organisations to be successful, they need to understand that they should embrace change – It’s not business as usual but rather business as unusual”. Whittaker further elaborated that “IT is not about technology; it’s not about apps, databases or mainframes, nor the cloud – what it’s about, is People – they are the most valuable resource – they should be mentored and nourished, when you find these individuals; they should be treated correctly from the very first interaction with your organisation. Make sure that we invest in developing our people, so that they can leave at any stage, but treat them well so that they choose to stay.” The overarching message was that, change may be scary, but it should be embraced and seen as an opportunity as opposed to a threat.

The array of IT experts present at the event discussed other critical themes which are affecting the IT profession, including improving organisational cyber resilience in a world of evolving and increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks through continuous collaboration between big companies and SME’s in order to create a sense of community around the issue of cyber security. Naidoo cautioned organisations to stop viewing cyber security protection as a grudge purchase “cyber security wins battles in boardrooms, it’s a competitive advantage”.

Harnessing the true potential of data was also on the top of everyone’s minds with Collin Mamdoo, Principal IoT Specialist at Vodacom calling for “data democratisation”, with many others echoing this sentiment and encouraging both anonymous and visible sharing of data between companies. Overall, everyone acknowledged that data analytics is a key part to business success; the question rather centers on how you put that data together; which is contextual to your environment, industry, company and maturity according to Peter du Plooy, CIO of Engen, futurist and former Visionary CIO of the Year Award recipient.“Organisations that are winning; are organisations that are doing immense amounts of data analytics – they’re understanding their broader ecosystem…their customers, understanding their business inefficiencies and they are improving all of these things”.

This was a sentiment shared by Greg Groenmeyer, Head of IT Strategy & Architecture at Sanlam, “it is important for IT to be aligned to the business agenda and the overall business strategy; IT departments must always evaluate whether anything that is introduced has a business narrative – activities must be centred around mitigating the risks or improving the bottom line”

The IT Leaders Africa Summit has been providing IT executives with practical knowledge from industry experts and thought leaders since its inception 9 years ago.  With the assistance of an advisory panel of experience C-level IT executives, the summit covered the most current trends translating business strategies into IT functions, as well as many controversial and interesting debates on the future of IT in business.

“It has been exciting to witness the growth of the event as the IT industry matures. Kinetic is committed to strengthening the IT industry across the African continent through our involvement as a key information provider and business facilitator. We are encouraged by the number of companies who have already expressed interest in anticipation of the next edition later in 2018 which will be co-hosted alongside the Afrisecure Cyber Security Summit in Johannesburg” says Terry Southam, Managing Director, of Kinetic – the conference organisers.

In closing, Whittaker cautioned attendees that “Companies need to be looking for a business strategy for the digital age; if there are companies that consider business and IT to be two separate elements; they’re ripe for disruption”. 

Follow @ITLeaders on Twitter and join the conversation using the #ITLA18 hashtag

For more information about IT Leaders Africa, visit: www.itleaders.co.za

About IT Leaders Africa
The IT Leaders Africa Summit has been providing IT executives with practical knowledge from industry experts and thought leaders since its inception 8 years ago. With the assistance of an advisory panel of experienced C-level IT executives, the summit encompasses the most current trends concerning translating business strategies into IT functions, as well as cyber security, governance, and disruptive technology. We have recruited the top IT executives in Africa to present on the issues concerning IT leaders in today’s rapidly evolving market to ensure that you are ahead of the curve. 

About Kinetic
Kinetic is an international conference and exhibition company established as a key strategic information provider to the IT and Telecoms sector, our mission is to equip senior management executives with knowledge, market intelligence and viable commercial opportunities.

Group of Creatives is proud to announce that EVERYTHING CYCLING is coming to Cape Town at the end of April 2018!

BIKE FEST SOUTH AFRICA, is a cycling orientated lifestyle event encompassing everything from mountain biking to road cycling, and aims to cater for all levels of rider from the weekend warriors to those who live and breathe the sport.  Featuring more than 100 exhibitors with a twist on the traditional expo, the BIKE FEST expo places an emphasis on the stands providing a touch, see, try and buy approach.   Featuring not only all the major bicycle, component and accessory brands under one roof, the exhibition also features everything related from insurance through to travel and nutrition ensuring that guests are able to get the maximum experience in the wide open expo marquees.  But for many guests, the draw card will be that they can test ride almost every single bike manufacturer in one space, back to back on a custom designed Mountain Bike trail around the grounds by TokaiMTB, or head out onto the road to see how the road bikes perform.    

But there's a lot more to BIKE FEST than the expo, there is also a huge outdoor cinema and stage, which not only has a full schedule of talks, presentations, workshops and classes during the day, but at night comes alive to offer two cycling films each evening on the Friday and Saturday.  Talks from cycling pros, nutrition, bike fitness, explorers and those who have done crazy things with bikes, the talks run throughout the three days and all guests can sit down and enjoy them.   Surrounding the field are the hospitality marquees and a great selection of food trucks, beer gardens and a lot for the kids and family to do, from kiddies bike park through to a pump track and relaxing zone.

BIKE FEST aims to entrench the culture of cycling in South Africa, by providing a great place for everyone who enjoys the sport of riding a bicycle, whether off road or on road, or even BMX'ing, to come together and enjoy the latest gear, films, talks and hanging out with friends and family.   The rise of cycling has seen South Africa take centre stage with events like the Cape Town Cycle Tour and Cape Epic putting the country on the map, and an amazing selection of trails and parks is continually growing, and BIKE FEST is uniquely positioned to cater to this growing market, connecting them with new experiences, and the industry.

BIKE FEST CAPE TOWN 2018 takes place at the Constantia Sports Centre, located in the picturesque Constantia valley, Cape Town from 27 through 29 April 2018, with the cinema evenings on the 27th and 28th.     There is a JOBURG event taking place in November 2018 at Innesfree Park in Sandton.   There are a variety of ticket options available online on www.webtickets.co.za 

For more information, please contact Group of Creatives on
(021) 788 9430
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www.bikefest.co.za

Global flexible office space specialists, Regus – with over 55 centres in South Africa and another 3 opening in December – is one of the key sponsors for Team Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag, the inaugural Hong Kong entry into the Volvo Ocean Race. The race – considered one of the world’s toughest – left Lisbon for Cape Town on its second leg of almost 7000 extremely rough nautical miles on 5 November 2017The opening of the action-packed Race Village on 24 November adds to the excitement and this is where the proud Regus team base will host the crew, media, guests and VIP’s.

11th time host, Cape Town, is recognised for the iconic Table Mountain, its love of football, wine and sailing and will welcome the entrants near the 27 November. With it, comes a welcome economic boost to the city and country’s economy with the 2014 event having contributed over R540 million.Established in 1973 the Volvo Ocean Race is considered one of the sports’ toughest and most dangerous races – taking the teams over 45 000 miles to 12 host cities across the world. Regus, who shares the Volvo Ocean Race values of commitment, quality, camaraderie, professionalism and a little adventure, were there to support the team when they left Lisbon and will do so again when they arrive in Cape Town.

Seasoned skipper of the Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag, David Witt, returns after 20 years with a strong team and the grit and determination to win. He is keeping his cards close to his chest. “You’re not going to win the race in the first leg. No one is. It is not the first 100 yards that counts. It’s the last 100 yards.”

He says of his team, ‘The Volvo Ocean Race is the absolute pinnacle of the sport. It’s such a big achievement to even get to the start line, never mind winning the trophy. I want to finish with the same guys we start with – I want them to sail every leg together. Out of that, comes friendships and relationships that you’ll keep for life – you can’t get that just having a beer in the pub.”

The travelling Race Village offers a new upgraded pit lane, featuring new and exciting team bases. You can experience the history of the race, rubbing shoulders with key players, while enjoying activities on offer with family and friends. The Race Village is an experience that will bring you as close as possible to the action.

For those fortunate enough to visit the Regus team base there will be the additional allure of the In-port Race, meeting the Sun Hung Kai/Scallywag crew and retreating in the lounge with a glass of boutique French wine, courtesy of Chateau de Berne wines straight from Provence. What could be more perfect?…………….……

........Winning.

In the spirit of continuing Women’s Month celebrations, a group of female magicians, from Claremont’s College of Magic, donated their time, skills and 34 care packages to young children at the St George’s Home for Girls in Wynberg on Saturday 2 September 2017.

Nine of the College of Magic’s students and graduates spent an afternoon treating the Home’s wards, aged between 3 and 15 years old, to card tricks, balloon modelling, rope magic effects and stories about how studying magic has changed their lives, before doing an official handover of the care packages to the Home’s manager Graeme Cairns.

The care packages, filled with treats and female necessities, were lovingly and creatively decorated at the College of Magic’s Ladies of Magic event, an annual celebration held for the organisation’s female magicians, in August 2017. 

St George’s Home for Girls, a non-profit organisation providing nurturing care and a home for young girls, was delighted and thankful for the College of Magic’s support:

“We aim to provide our girls with the best care and help them to know that there are people out in the community who care about them. We thank these ladies of magic for spreading a little bit of joy and putting a smile back onto our girls’ faces ”, says Cairns. For more information about the Home, please visit www.st-georges.org.za.

Michelle Gore and Linesri Thaver, graduates of the College of Magic and organisers of the Ladies of Magic event and donation drive, are passionate about spreading love and magic to girls and women in disadvantaged communities:

“The Ladies of Magic event began as a means of empowering young women and fostering a sisterhood in an otherwise male-dominated performance art.Over the past four years, we’ve seen how magical and important that sisterhood and support for our girls has become and we wanted to share that with others. The St George’s Home for Girls was the perfect fit for us. We thank them for welcoming us and allowing us to share the wonder of magic with them”, says the enthusiastic duo.

Celebrating its 37th year of teaching the art of magic and its allied arts as well as vital life-skills to children and adults in 2017, the College of Magic is a non-profit organisation and the only one of its kind in the world.For more information about the College of Magic and its social outreach initiatives, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com.

Ten young magicians vie for provincial champion titles and top honours

The ultimate provincial magical teen battle of the year, the 2017 Western Cape Junior Magician Championships, returns to Cape Town’s Bergvliet High School on Saturday 23 September 2017.

Hosted annually by the College of Magic, Cape Town’s only magical arts organisation, the Championships will see ten of the province’s most promising young wizards go wand to wand in two thrilling contests for the Western Cape Junior Magician title and the opportunity to attend international magical events.

It is every teenage wunderkind for his or herself as they prepare to wow a judging panel of entertainment veterans and the audience with their competing acts in the dexterous art of Close-Up magic and stunning illusions of Stage magic.

While the judges deliberate about winners for the Close-Up and Stage magic events at 4pm and 7pm, audience members can enjoy the not-to-be-missed Street Magic Contest. The contest sees mischievous buskers perform their marvellous coin magic, card tricks and balloon modeling up close for fans who can then vote, via ballot paper, for their 2017 Street Magic Champion.

Celebrating its 37th year of teaching the art of magic and its allied arts as well as vital life-skills to children and adults in 2017, the College of Magic, a non-profit organisation and the only one of its kind in the world, has proudly hosted the Championships for more than three decades:

“It is an incredible honour to host the Championships, one of the most highly anticipated magical events of the year, once again. A family- friendly event of this nature not only prepares our contestants for competing in the professional magical world but it also gives magic fanatics a taste of astonishing entertainment they won’t soon forget!”, says David Gore, director of the College of Magic.

Be a spectator at the ultimate teenage magical battle of the year:

An entertaining afternoon/evening of magical showmanship awaits spectators at the Western Cape Junior Magician Championships at Bergvliet High School on Saturday 23 September 2017! Tickets for the Championships start from R100 and are available at www.collegeofmagic.com/tickets. Book yours TODAY!

For more information about the Championships and the College of Magic, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com or call +27(0)21 683 5480.

Following a global magical tour, award-winning sleight-of-hand artist Stuart Lightbody returns home to Cape Town this winter to present his breath-taking new show, Unique Wonders, at the Alexander Upstairs Theatre, from Monday 31 July to Saturday 19 August 2017.

Directed by Tara Notcutt, the 75 minute Unique Wonders show will see two-time South African Close-Up Magic champion and multiple winner of the Grahamstown National Arts Festival Silver Ovation Award Lightbody use his signature style of magic and sleight of hand to take audiences on a journey into the magician’s mind, a place where anything and everything is possible.The magicians' secret world exists behind locked doors and this is the curious audience’s opportunity to see what lies behind them.

Every piece of magic has a hidden story: Tales of great magicians from the past, travels around the world, and unusual adventures. Each night willing audience members are given a key to explore Lightbody’s mind and get to choose from the many strange objects available on stage, deciding themselves which wonders unfold. No two performances are alike and this is the wonderful, irresistible appeal of “Unique Wonders”.

With several international accolades, including the Weekly Best of Fest Award at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, the Creative Award at the Prague Fringe Festival and a three-time nomination for the Australian Fringe World Festival's Theatre Award to his name, Lightbody has been captivating the imaginations of international and local audiences for almost 20 years.

He is thrilled to be debuting his new show in the Mother City:

“Unique Wonders offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Not just because each night the audience will decide on many of the pieces in the show, but because the adventure doesn’t end there. After the show, everyone is invited to explore deeper. An even more immersive experience of wonder is available if they follow the clues, to see where their curiosity takes them and what their key opens. This show is guaranteed to be unlike anything Cape Town audiences have ever seen before”.

Lightbody’s astonishing turn in Unique Wonders will be directed by acclaimed local director Tara Notcutt (miskien, Mafeking Road, The Three Little Pigs, and Three Blind Mice).  Notcutt and Lightbody have worked together on numerous shows, including Illusive, Devilish, and Sleepless Dreams, and most recently Memorable Moments, which travelled to the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. Unique Wonders will be their fifth collaboration.

Follow Stuart Lightbody down the rabbit hole and into a world of Unique Wonders:

Stuart Lightbody’s Unique Wonders runs at the Alexander Theatre Upstairs from Monday 31 July to Saturday 19 August 2017 at 9pm every evening (except Sundays). Tickets are R140 (R120 online) and available at alexanderbar.co.za/show/uniquewonders or +27(0)21 300 1652.

For more information about the show and the incredible Stuart Lightbody, please visit www.stuartlightbody.com.

Cape Town’s families are invited to escape from the blistering cold into a fantastical world of magic as the College of Magic once again proudly presents its popular winter school holiday event, the 2017 Traditional Children’s Magic Festival from Wednesday 5 to Saturday 8 July 2017.

The four-day enchanting Festival programme will see more than 50 beguiling jugglers, clowns, mimes, escapologists, magicians, stilt walkers and more cast an entertaining spell on the young and the young at heart with magical workshops, thrilling magic shows and so much more!

The College of Magic’s warm Victorian manor in Claremont provides the perfect venue for this unique journey into a world of fantasy where untold surprises and mysteries await in every room. From amazing performances by special guest artists to hands-on interactive workshops where aspirant wizards can learn how to perform their own tricks and not-to-be-missed photo opportunities with our resident magical bunny, the affordable Festival experience is non-stop charming fun for the whole family.

Now in its 37th year of teaching the art of magic and its allied arts as well as vital life-skills to children and adults, the College of Magic is thrilled to be hosting this must-attend winter family experience:

“The Children’s Magic Festival has been a highlight on the magical calendar for both our performers and the public since 1994, attracting magic fanatics from all over Cape Town. This year, we’re excited to once again welcome all of you and encourage you to dress up to the Festival theme – a World of Fantasy! Fairies, magicians, princesses and superheroes, we want to see you all at our incredible event this winter school holiday!” says David Gore, director of the College of Magic.

The Festival will be held at the College of Magic, 215 Imam Haron Road in Claremont, with the 90-minute show programme running daily at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

Book your tickets and join us in our World of Fantasy at the 2017 Traditional Children’s Magic Festival:

Tickets for the 2017 Traditional Children’s Magic Festival are available from R80 with a discount for family bookings. Book yours TODAY at www.collegeofmagic.com/tickets.For more information about the festival and the College of Magic, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com or call +27(0)21 683 5480.

The College of Magic, Cape Town’s only magical arts organisation, honoured its graduating 2016 class and exemplary students in a dazzling ceremony held at Rondebosch Boys’ High School on Saturday 19 November, 2016.

The College of Magic, now in its 36th year, is the only organisation of its kind in the world and offers a six year on campus diploma that covers all aspects of the magic theatrical performing arts. Following six years of learning the mysteries of magic, including how to entertain audiences around the world and meeting internationally renowned performers, 17 teenagers from across the Mother City, finally bid farewell to their magical studies at the glittering Senior Graduation event.

The 2016 Course Six class has been fortunate enough to be a part of a very successful year for the College – one that has included spectacular gala shows like the Imagine! Family Spectacular at the Artscape Theatre in May, sold-out public performances, a week-long Spellbound Show at the V&A Waterfront in October and incredible trips to international magic conventions.

For 2016 Senior Student of the Year, Qaqambile Mnqika (15), from Khayelitsha, who represented the College and South Africa at the Magic Live Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada in August, it’s been a whirlwind of fantastic moments:

“What a great journey…phew! Studying magic has introduced me to a world of possibilities and the belief that with magic, I can do anything I set my mind and wand to. Thank you to the College of Magic! ”

This year’s Silver Medallion award winner is Aaron Simon (18) from Plumstead. The Silver Medallion is the highest accolade awarded to a graduate of the College of Magic who has perfected his craft to an excellent level of performance.

“I can hardly believe it! It is such a huge honour to be recognised for my magical craft with a Silver Medallion,” said the excited teen.

Each year, the College also honours staff, students and graduates for long service, community service and excellence in magic theatrical performance and its allied arts. The 2016 honourees included Odwa Bauti, Grant Best, Xolile Dyani, Olwethu Dyantyi,Jamian Fortune, Vuyolwethu Foslara, Anela Gazi, Caitlin Hutchison, Faris Jacobs, Mpumelelo Makeleni, Nokutenda Masiyanise, Sonwabile Mekuto, Qaqambile Mnqika, Zaakia Mohammed, Siyamthanda Mzangwa, Siphesihle Ndayi, Tamarin Philpott, Duncan Shelver, Aaron Simon, Yonela Sipoko, Grant Staniland, Hayley Tomes, Seshen Thaver, Yonela Toni, Ian Van Niekerk and Fazielah Williams.

In addition to the Senior Graduation, the College of Magic hosted a junior ceremony for its younger students who are progressing to the next captivating level of their wizardry training. Exemplary honours were awarded to 13 year-old Sesona Gagana as 2016 Junior Student of the Year.

Registration for the College of Magic’s entry level Course One for aspiring Harry Potters is now open. Course One will commence on Saturday 28 January, 2017 and fees are R490 per month or R2 700 for the entire course (Includes lessons, notes, magical equipment and allied arts such as puppetry, juggling and mime and clowning sessions.)

For more information, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com or call +27(0)21 683 5480.

Amidst a flurry of glitter fireworks and cries of jubilation, two of Cape Town’s most beguiling teens, Jamian Fortune and Vuyolwethu Foslara, were crowned the 2016 Western Cape Junior Magician Championships winners at Milnerton High on Sunday 18 September, 2016!

Hosted by the College of Magic, Cape Town’s only magical arts organisation, the Championships was a thrilling showdown, testing the mettle of eleven of the province’s most talented teen wizards in the art of magic but there could only be two winners: Fortune (19) from Bishop Lavis took top honours in the Close-Up magic category while Foslara (18) from Khayelitsha snagged the Stage magic title.  

Fortune held spectators in thrall with his comedic repartee and blink-and-you-miss-it sleights and card effects while Foslara paired his love of watching flowers grow with a passion for grand illusions in a fascinating florist magic act.  

The charming duo’s imaginative acts and hard work paid off, captivating the attention and approval of celebrity judges and star graduates of the College of Magic, Francis Chouler, Marcel Pretorius, Stuart Taylor and Sithembele Tyutula.  

Fortune, a burgeoning tech whizz and first time Championships competitor, is thrilled with his achievement:  

“This is just unbelievable! I always enjoy the reactions my performance gets from audiences but to be recognised for it by such a prestigious panel of judges is a real honour.”  

Foslara, an accomplished performer who has previously competed in the 2014 edition of the Championships, adds:

“Winning the Stage Magician Championship title is a dream come true for me and proof that with magic, anything is possible! I look forward to sharing my winning act with the world.”  

The terrific twosome, who can now proudly lay claim to the prestigious Championships titles as well opportunities to perform at international magical events, accepted their awards, alongside runners-up Xolile Dyani (19), from Khayelitsha, in the Close- Up Championships and Caitlin Hutchison (15), from Claremont, in the Stage Championships.

Further awards presented were the Supreme Trophy for Up-and-Coming Junior Magician which went to Sonwabile Mekuto(19), from Delft and the people’s choice Street Magician of the Year title was won by Siyamthanda Mzangwa (21), from Khayelitsha.  

In addition to the thrilling contests, audiences were treated to a special musical guest performance led on the keyboard  by Olwethu Dyantyi, the 2015 South African Magic and Grand Prix Magic Champion. Dyantyi, a College of Magic alumnus who has dazzled audiences in theatres in Las Vegas, Italy and China, is currently the star of Coca-Cola’s One Brand “Taste the Magic” ad.  

Celebrating 36 years of teaching the art of magic and its allied arts as well as vital life-skills to children and adults in 2016, the College of Magic is a non-profit organisation and the only one of its kind in the world. The College has been hosting the Championships for more than 30 years.  

“This year’s competition was a tough one and we are so incredibly proud of all of the contestants. Jamian and Vuyolwethu are worthy winners and we can’t wait to see which amazing feats they’ll conjure in the future!” says David Gore, director of the College of Magic.  

For more information about the College of Magic and the 2016 Western Cape Junior Magician Championships, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com or call +27(0)21 683 5480.