Johannesburg, 09 November 2021: A leading South African broker is inviting young and aspiring South African artists to break out their brushes or any other artistic tools of choice to submit artwork that represents “The Spirit of Wealth”. Ubuntu Invest is providing a platform for artists to showcase their work and win cash prizes, an Ubuntu Invest account with cash value banked and ready to invest, plus an opportunity to bring their artistic vision to life on the walls of the Ubuntu Invest offices in Sandton. Winning artists will also be part of a PR press campaign and be given space to exhibit and sell their artwork at an exclusive event on 29 January 2022. Submissions are now open.

According to Ubuntu Invest Founder and CEO, Nelisiwe Masango, “The Spirit of Wealth” is more than just a company slogan. It is rooted in South Africa’s powerful entrepreneurial spirit and the concept of Ubuntu itself – the overarching respect for humanity that is sometimes translated as "I am because you are".

Masango says, “In hosting this competition, we hope to see South Africa’s new generation of great creative minds emerge and give them a chance to get some valuable exposure on a public platform. The Spirit of Wealth is a sentiment that applies to any South African, whether they are an artist, financial trader, labourer, spaza shop owner or anything else. 

“We all have the potential to attain wealth, which isn’t necessarily about monetary value. There is richness in doing what we love every day, in mutual respect, family and anything else that brings us happiness. This is the spirit we would like to see our artists interpret, however they personally envision it”. 

To enter, artists must complete their submission using an online form. The competition closes on 30 November 2021 and three winners will be handpicked by Ubuntu CEO, Nelisiwe Masango. Masango concludes, “When I pick the winners, I will be looking for personal pieces that speak to our communal spirit. The mediums the artist employs on paper are entirely up to them. We want to see creativity come to life and provide a chance for our local talent to shine”. 

To find out more about Ubuntu Invest, visit https://www.ubuntuinvest.com/. 

The One&Only Reaching for Young Stars held a cook-off for the final leg of its competition before the winner’s announcement in September. The beverage service category, sponsored by Sanpellegrino with their fine mineral waters and Italian Sparkling Drinks along with prominent South African spirit brands and wine estates, tested students to a fine-dining level of service on everything from cocktail creativity, wine and water presentation to food and wine pairings. Students, mentors, and judges share their insights from the day. 

South Africa, Cape Town, August 2021 – The intense focus on the young faces busy simmering and sautéing in the hot kitchen at the International Hotel School mirrors that of a restaurant kitchen pre-service, and the pressure is just as real, as students prepare their dishes in the cook-off. Delayed due to lockdown levels, the cook-off sees teams competing from seven Cape Town and Stellenbosch culinary and hospitality institutions. The organisers, Showcook.com have carefully designed categories to cover the full experience of fine dining, including baking, barista, and beverage service, as well as presentation of a three-course meal – and they’ve set the standards high. 

Judging the beverage service, Penelope Horwood says, “We have exceptionally premium sponsors this year, with S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna mineral waters, KWV brandy and Cruxland gin, and some of our leading wine estates. It just shows where Showcook.com has placed the competition, to encourage young sommeliers and chefs to reach for the level they will need working in a five-star milieu.” 

The seven schools - International Hotel School, Hurst Campus, CTIA, IHT Hotel School, CPUT, Capsicum Culinary Studio and Esiko – each field a team of up to five students to cover all the categories and are sponsored by a different wine estate, which the team visits to learn about and taste the wines. Mentored by the winemaker, the beverage student plays a key role in the team. “Deciding the wine pairings was part of my job description,” says Chrizaan Myburgh, Hurst Campus. “Our wine farm, Ernie Els, was 90 percent red wines with just one rosé and one chenin, so we adjusted our menu to the wines, the most amazing wines, beautiful styles, it was so exciting.” 

In the beverage prep kitchen, the intense focus is as apparent as in the next-door hot kitchens, students practising their two creative cocktails, one based on Cruxland gin and one on KWV brandy, using Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks as mixers. Others are rehearsing their wine bottle opening and pouring skills, ensuring that their glasses are sparkling and chip-free, and preparing set up of their mise en place. Each student has 30 minutes to do a full presentation to the judges demonstrating their cocktail, wine and water service skills and knowledge. 

Water Service

The students start by serving judges, Penelope Horwood and sommelier Luvo Ntezo of One&Only, a choice of S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna mineral waters. “We look at the water service as if it’s a five-star restaurant, hotel or game lodge,” says Penelope. “We see how they offer us water as we sit down, we want to see the knowledge of the water. You receive your water before you decide on your wines, so it’s important.” A lot is in the detail, which side they serve from, and that they offer water refills throughout the service, but it’s also about people skills. “We learnt a lot. How to talk to the guests, to interact in those awkward moments, how to come to the table,” says Seth Walburg, IHS. 

The workshop on mineral waters, with S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, at the launch of the competition in June  was an eye opener for most of the students. “Before that I didn’t know that water service was a thing, so it’s amazing to learn, to have water be an interesting story to tell,” says Lehana Zandberg, IHT Hotel School. 

Water service also features in the barista category, “You serve a glass of water with your shot of espresso to experience all the flavour components of the coffee,” says Danae Uys, IHT, “I chose to use Acqua Panna still mineral water because it’s a nice palate cleanser and it’s smooth on the palate.” 

The Cocktails

With the cocktails the beverage students were able to let their creativity flow. As well as using the Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks for colour and flavour, they had created an array of infusions, syrups and other elements to add pizzazz. Smoke and chili caviar, salted caramel and rosemary infused tea, rose geranium and lemon verbena were just a few of the aromas wafting around the prep kitchen. 

Most of the students chose the Aranciata Rossa (blood orange) to mix with the KWV brandy, as the depth of flavour naturally complemented it, while they found either the Limonata (lemon) or Pompelmo (grapefruit) worked well for lighter gin cocktails. Zoe Stoffels, CTIA, found herself turning the obvious pairing around, “I used the Limonata for the brandy and the Aranciata Rossa for the gin. I’d infused the gin with some juniper berries and lavender and when I added that blood orange, it enhanced the drink just like that.” 

Chrizaan also enjoyed the whole experience, “I’ve studied being a chef, so the beverage side was completely new for me. We did some beverage training at school, but this was a whole new world. I absolutely loved working with the Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks as mixers, they’re so natural and light and complemented the flavours perfectly. So easy to incorporate.” 

Wine Service and Food and Wine Pairing

Pouring their wines, sharing their stories, and talking through their menus and wine pairings completes the beverage students’ presentation to the judges. 

The actual food and wine pairings are tasted and judged separately. Here Guy Webber, winemaker at Hill & Dale, says he is looking for a basic understanding of what they are trying to achieve, “Actually getting the food and the wine to complement each other rather than just be food and wine. Secondly creativity in terms of pushing the boundaries.” This is the hardest skill for inexperienced students to learn and it’s all about practise. “You’ve got to trust your palate, you can’t google these things, you can’t read from a textbook.” Consistency is key, he says, “You need to have that taste in your head so that when you’re cooking the dish you know – the fact that you’ve tied this dish to a wine for a pairing means that the dish can’t deviate. It’s next-level cooking.” 

A Learning Experience

For many of the students this was their first competition and they found it was a valuable learning experience. “It’s very motivating and great experience if you want to go into the hospitality industry,” says Wandile Mpakumpaku, Capsicum Studio. 

Learning opportunities present throughout the competition. “I was very new to wine and to cocktail making,” says Liyanda Madikane who is studying hospitality management at CPUT, “Due to Covid, we have been unable to partake in much practical bar and restaurant experience, so coming to this competition meant a lot.” 

Winners will be announced at a black-tie awards ceremony at the One&Only Cape Town Hotel on 2nd September. Sanpellegrino wishes all the participants the best of luck.

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About S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna
S.Pellegrino, Acqua Panna and Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks are international trademarks of Sanpellegrino S.p.A., which is based in Milan, Italy. Distributed in over 150 countries through branches and distributors on all five continents, these products represent quality excellence by virtue of their origins and perfectly interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of pleasure, health and well-being. Founded in 1899, Sanpellegrino S.p.A. is the leading company in the beverage sector in Italy with its range of mineral waters, non-alcoholic aperitifs, drinks and ice teas. As a major Italian producer of mineral water, it has always been committed to enhancing this primary good for the planet and works responsibly and passionately to ensure that this resource has a secure future. 

For Press Inquiries:
Paddington Station PR
Paul Reynell+27 21 467 0564
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

On behalf of:
Ania Odyniecka
Clearworld, South Africa.

ENGEN PITCH & POLISH IS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS!Pitch to win R80 000 in cash for your biz!

Running your own business? Want to run your own business? ENGEN Pitch & Polish is the platform you need to launch yourself on to the path of success.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is a national entrepreneurial workshop and competition programme that – so far – has helped over 10 000 entrepreneurs improve the way they pitch their businesses to potential investors.

As all entrepreneurs know, a perfectly polished pitch is one of the keys to growing and succeeding in business.

The ten-year edition of the programme is being hosted in partnership with Engen Petroleum, Nedbank and Raizcorp and local partner, NYDA. You can register as a delegate to attend the workshop or – if you feel you have what it takes – you can complete an online entry form to be selected as a contestant.

During one exhilarating, fun, exciting and free day, participants undergo comprehensive and interactive entrepreneurial training on how to pitch like a pro!

The session is facilitated by Justin Cohen, best-selling author, international speaker and TV talk-show host.

After the training session, contestants pitch their ideas or businesses to the whole audience. This is where things get really interesting, with both Justin and the audience providing feedback on how pitches can be improved. The regional winners of each leg will have the opportunity to be crowned the ultimate pitch champion at the final glittering round of the competition held in Johannesburg later this year.

There are many funders and investors invited to the final and, over the years, finalists (not necessarily the winners) have received millions of rands in investments and hundreds of thousands of rands in grants.

Book your place now for the Cape Town workshop on 3 August. SMS “Pitch” to 43719 (SMSs charged at 50c) or visit www.pitchandpolish.com to complete an entry form, and maybe you will find that R1 million investment you desire.

ENGEN PITCH & POLISH IS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS!

Pitch to win R80 000 in cash for your biz! Running your own business? Want to run your own business? ENGEN Pitch & Polish is the platform you need to launch yourself on to the path of success.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is a national entrepreneurial workshop and competition programme that – so far – has helped over 10 000 entrepreneurs improve the way they pitch their businesses to potential investors. As all entrepreneurs know, a perfectly polished pitch is one of the keys to growing and succeeding in business.

The ten-year edition of the programme is being hosted in partnership with Engen Petroleum, Nedbank and Raizcorp. You can register as a delegate to attend the workshop or – if you feel you have what it takes – you can complete an online entry form to be selected as a contestant.

During one exhilarating, fun, exciting and free day, participants undergo comprehensive and interactive entrepreneurial training on how to pitch like a pro! The session is facilitated by Justin Cohen, best-selling author, international speaker and TV talk-show host.

After the training session, contestants pitch their ideas or businesses to the whole audience. This is where things get really interesting, with both Justin and the audience providing feedback on how pitches can be improved.

The regional winners of each leg will have the opportunity to be crowned the ultimate pitch champion at the final glittering round of the competition held in Johannesburg later this year.

There are many funders and investors invited to the final and, over the years, finalists (not necessarily the winners) have received millions of rands in investments and hundreds of thousands of rands in grants.Book your place now for the Bloemfontein workshop on 27 July.

SMS “Pitch” to 43719 (SMSs charged at 50c) or visit www.pitchandpolish.com to complete an entry form, and maybe you will find that R1 million investment you desire.

Pitch to win R80 000 in cash for your biz! Running your own business? Want to run your own business? ENGEN Pitch & Polish is the platform you need to launch yourself on to the path of success.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is a national entrepreneurial workshop and competition programme that – so far – has helped over 10 000 entrepreneurs improve the way they pitch their businesses to potential investors. As all entrepreneurs know, a perfectly polished pitch is one of the keys to growing and succeeding in business.

The ten-year edition of the programme is being hosted in partnership with Engen Petroleum, Nedbank and Raizcorp, as well as local partners NYDA and iHub.  You can register as a delegate to attend the workshop or – if you feel you have what it takes – you can complete an online entry form to be selected as a contestant.During one exhilarating, fun, exciting and free day, participants undergo comprehensive and interactive entrepreneurial training on how to pitch like a pro!

The session is facilitated by Justin Cohen, best-selling author, international speaker and TV talk-show host.After the training session, contestants pitch their ideas or businesses to the whole audience. This is where things get really interesting, with both Justin and the audience providing feedback on how pitches can be improved.

The regional winners of each leg will have the opportunity to be crowned the ultimate pitch champion at the final glittering round of the competition held in Johannesburg later this year. There are many funders and investors invited to the final and, over the years, finalists (not necessarily the winners) have received millions of rands in investments and hundreds of thousands of rands in grants.

Book your place now for the Port Elizabeth workshop on 13 July. SMS “Pitch” to 43719 (SMSs charged at 50c) or visit www.pitchandpolish.com to complete an entry form, and maybe you will find that R1 million investment you desire. [ends]

You’ve got ideas. You’ve got talent. And as a young creative, you just need the world to see your amazing creativity, artwork and execution, right? 

Now here’s your opportunity: Submit your most impressive creation for the official Loeries T-Shirt, in partnership with Barron, and you and a partner could be VIPs at Loeries Creative Week in August. 

To enter the competition 

1. Give us your design of what you think the ideal Loeries T-shirt should be. No limits… 

2. Go to loeries.com and download the T-shirt template. Post your creative design to Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag: #LoeriesBarronDesign. Share your designs with the world and get your people liking and loving your posts. The 20 most liked designs will be shortlisted and the Loeries committee will select the winning design. The winning design will be used for the Official Loeries T-shirt at Creative Week.

The winner receives two VIP tickets to Loeries Creative Week, 19 to 25 August, 2019, in Durban (Travel and accommodation excluded). 

Barron has been creating unique corporate and promotional products for over 25 years and is also the proud sponsor of the Media Innovation Category at the Loeries this year. It is a category focused specifically on new methods and approaches to advertising, on any media platform.  

Loeries CEO Andrew Human explains that “the Loeries Africa Middle East celebrates creativity and brilliance in the advertising and marketing space. It rewards brand communications that make us feel something, question the status quo and rethink our way of doing things. We’re delighted that Barron is sponsoring this competition, and we fully expect some unique and interesting design entries.”  Loeries Creative Week takes place in Durban from 22 to 25 August. Go to loeries.com for more information and to book your tickets

Loskopdam, South Africa – On Saturday, 3 November 2018, Loskopdam, A Forever Resort hosted their own fishing competition. The competition, Catch for a Cause raised funds for two NGOs, Boikano Disablity Care Centre near Groblersdal and Middelburg Care Village.

With more than 100 entries the day was filled with sunshine, lucky draws, good food, swimming and entertainment including a performance by the band, Vancout. An awards ceremony took place after the competition for winners of the two biggest Carp and Mudfish alongside a junior boy and girl who won themselves a bait boat. The heaviest fish of the day was a Carp weighing in at 3, 34 kilograms.  

A total of R49 300.00 was raised for each of the two NGOs. However, one loyal fisherman took it up a notch and made a donation that raised the total to R50 000.00 for each of the two NGOs. “As much as this was a jovial family day, we couldn’t help but get emotional when we handed the cheque over to the two NGOs as this money will help approximately 130 children”, said Monica van der Linde, General Manager at Forever Loskopdam. 

“Our hearts are so grateful to each and every person and child who attended the Catch for a Cause, we are also thankful to have had incredible sponsors who made this day possible  for our community and would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Seagull Lifestyle Products, Boude & Blaaie, Outdoorsman Witbank (Andre Booysen), Frik Geyser, Sand & Klip, Macy’s & Fiyas, Isabel & Alwyn Pretorius, Mbidi Lodge, Action Car Traders, Janet Sweets – Squeezy, Musketeer Engineering, Pentagon Security, Pretoria West Trading, Pest Control Specialists, Promoworld, Lucy and Andre Tlam, Aubrey van Wyngaardt, Legend Liquors Witbank, Midas Middelburg, Vleismark Groblersdal, Wurmhoekie (Rudi Stoltz), Forever Badplaas, Warmbaths, Swadini and Mount Sheba, Forever Resorts (PTY) Ltd, Heneck Sacks, Tevo as well as Buco Middelburg”.   

“We would also like to extend a special word of thanks to our Service Providers Radio Kosmos, SAPD Waterwing (Capt. Grobler), Legacy Emergency Services, Columbus Fishing Club, Loskopdam Nature Reserve (Andre Hoffmann) and our passionate Forever Loskopdam Staff”. 

Cape Town based gallery StateoftheART is pleased to announce the 10 artists shortlisted for the inaugural StateoftheART Gallery Award 2018.

After careful consideration of several hundred entries by artists from around South Africa, the judges have shortlisted 10 artists working across a number of mediums including sculpture, painting and printmaking. The work of the shortlisted artists will go on show in a special exhibition at StateoftheART’s Cape Town gallery from 06 – 22nd September 2018 for the final round of judging.

The winner will be awarded a R10 000 cash prize and a solo exhibition with the gallery in 2019.

For further details on the Award, to be invited to the opening event or to arrange a viewing, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Shortlisted artists:

Jo Roets; Janna Prinsloo; Anna-Carien Goosen; Nadine Hansen; Lezanne Kotze; Adele Van Heerden; Anina Deetlefs; Lebogang Mabusela; Tina Teles; Chloe Obermeyer.

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Notes to the editors
The members of the StateoftheART Gallery Award jury are Mirjam Asmal, director of the AVA; Mandy Conidaris, visual art consultant, art writer, and visual arts educator; Carol Hodes, curator and collector; Masixole Ncevu, award-winning artist and photographer; Jennifer Reynolds, founder of StateoftheART. 

About the Award
StateoftheART launched the inaugural StateoftheART Gallery Award in February 2018, to unearth undiscovered talent by artists from around South Africa and provide a platform for artists to gain industry recognition and boost their career. Five respected people involved in the art industry have selected the shortlist of 10 finalists whose work shows originality, a strong signature in a South African context, and technical skill.

About StateoftheART
Established in 2010, StateoftheART is a boutique gallery specialising in affordable contemporary art by early and mid career South African artists. The gallery offers an online ‘click-to-buy' service for collectors unable to visit in person.

For further media information/interview opportunities please contact
Jennifer Reynolds on 072 4709272 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Andrea Stallbom on 061 129 1899 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We have great news to share – ENGEN Pitch & Polish will be in Cape Town on Saturday 4th August 2018, to host their free Entrepreneurial training workshop and competition at the CAB Conference Centre.

Below is the press release for you which includes information on how your audience can be part of it. Please share with them, as it’s a fabulous opportunity for all who attend. Please diarise the date – as we’d love to host you at the event.

WIN R80 000 IN CASH FOR YOUR BIZ!

Running your own business? Want to run your own business? Either way, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is the platform you need to launch you on the path to success!

Now in its ninth year, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is a national entrepreneurial workshop and competition that – so far – has helped around 10 000 entrepreneurs improve the way they pitch their businesses to potential investors. A perfectly polished pitch is key to growing and succeeding in business! Magic always happens when investors hear a well-rounded pitch, as seen at the 2017 final where the winner was offered R2.5 million in potential funding.

This year’s programme is hosted in partnership with Engen Petroleum Ltd, Nedbank and Raizcorp, with the first leg taking place in Cape Town on 4 August. You can register as a delegate to attend the workshop or – if you feel you have what it takes – you can complete an online entry form to be considered as a contestant.

During one exhilarating, exciting and fun free day, participants undergo comprehensive and interactive entrepreneurial training on how to pitch like a pro! The session is facilitated by Justin Cohen, best-selling author, international speaker and TV talk-show host.

After the training session, the pre-selected contestants can pitch their ideas or businesses to the whole audience. This is where things get really interesting, with both the facilitator and the audience providing feedback on how pitches can be improved.

Book now to ensure your place in Cape Town on 4 August. SMS “Pitch” to 43719 (SMSs charged at 50c) or visit www.pitchandpolish.com to complete an entry form.

Aaron Matumbike, the handyman at Trinityhouse Little Falls Pre-Primary in Roodepoort, did not know that the purchase of Plascon paint last year would change his life. Matumbike took his chances and entered the Plascon Bumpa Competition with great hopes of winning, but never expected what lady luck had on the cards for him. To much excitement, the grand prize of a Ford Ranger valued at R500 000 was handed over to an astonished Aaron in a surprise ceremony arranged at the school on 27 March 2018. With the school children in on the secret, Aaron was overwhelmed by the goodwill from the people around him.

About his amazing windfall he said, “I am very excited. Even though I was very hopeful, I did not expect to win. I am grateful for the prize, as this is the first step towards buying a house for my family. Thank you to the Plascon team for the life-changing prize, there are not enough words to express my gratitude” Aaron further thanked Trinityhouse Little Falls Pre-Primary, who have been like family to him, for their support and kindheartedness.

 Principal Lynn van Jaarsveld said, “Uncle Aaron as the kids call him is such an amazing person. He helps with the school maintenance, is friendly and always does his work with a smile. He has a wife and one-year old daughter and walks to school every day even though he has a driver’s licence. There is honestly no one better deserving of this prize which we believe will change his life completely.” Aaron has been working at Trinityhouse Little Falls Pre-Primary since January 2015 and is a much-loved member of the school and local community. 

Katlego Kondlo, Plascon BU Head Decorative, Colour and Professional said “We are so thrilled and incredibly happy for our winner, Aaron. The immense joy that was created not only for him but also for all those around him lets us know that we as Plascon are on the right journey in our Designed For Life philosophy which we adopted last year. This simply means, that if what we do does not change people’s lives, then it isn’t Plascon. We wish that this experience for Aaron becomes the catalyst for even greater and positive changes in his life. And when his dream house comes along, let’s hope it’s Plascon that makes life for him and his family even more colourful.”

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Social Links

Facebook: @PlasconSA
Twitter: @Plascon
Instagram: @Plasconsa
Website: www.plascon.com   

For more information, images and interviews, contact:
Louise Hunt, Director Hunt PR, on behalf Kansai Plascon
Mobile: 083 708 6078
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Or

Mbali Mpofu, Hunt PR Account Executive, on behalf of Kansai Plascon
Mobile: 081 474 8002
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.