The tireless work of South African non-profit organisation Reach for Recovery (R4R) is funded each year by the Power of Pink campaign, a South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association’s (SAMFA) initiative. R1 from every pink punnet of fresh mushrooms sold nationally at Pick n Pay stores during October is donated to R4R’s Ditto Project.  The sole objective of this very special project is to provide free silicone prostheses to breast cancer survivors who cannot afford reconstruction after the life altering and heartbreaking reality of a mastectomy.

Launched in 2011, the Power of Pink campaign has resulted in just under 8000 silicone prostheses provided to financially strapped breast cancer survivors at a cost of more than R5,5 million. “To our astonishment,” exclaims Stephné Jacobs, Reach for Recovery’s National Chairperson, “2020 saw the highest amount raised since the campaign’s inception.  Big hearted South Africans contributed just under R700 000.00 despite their own financial hardships brought on by a year of lockdowns and job cuts. We and the Ditto Project recipients have been truly humbled by this generosity.”

“We couldn’t be prouder of our association with Reach for Recovery’s Ditto Project,” adds SAMFA Chairperson, Ross Richardson. “The dedication of every R4R volunteer – a breast cancer survivor herself – and the immense kindness of all South Africans who support the campaign is such restorative testimony to the goodness that lives in people.”

“Courage is grace under pressure,” said Ernest Hemingway in a 1929 interview with poet Dorothy Parker for The New Yorker magazine. He, of course, was right. Over these difficult Covid-19 years, it’s a mantra that has fuelled and furthered R4R’s most delicate of work, performed out of the public eye. “Lockdown regulations and the vulnerable health of breast cancer survivors in need brought about new challenges for R4R and our Ditto Project,” explains Stephné. “But being survivors ourselves, we realised very quickly that we could and must continue with our services in other ways! As we have done for 53 years, we continued our work with the assistance of advanced technology.

Our organisation’s Peer Support Services passionately offered ongoing much needed support via telephone, WhatsApp, and video conferencing. I am proud to be able to say that we were able to comfort women who not only went through mastectomies but who would also have had to live through the dreadful experience in complete isolation if we were not at the other end for them!”

Whilst fresh mushrooms and breast cancer have a strong humanitarian connection in South Africa, there is another scientific link between fresh mushrooms and the fight against breast cancer. In 2010, the Beckman Institute at the City of Hope Cancer Centre in California found that eating just 10g of mushrooms a day more than halved people’s risk of developing breast cancer.

That’s means eating just one fresh mushroom a day, a staggeringly easy step in self-care to avoid the ravages of such a terrible disease.  So, in 2021 let’s once again take courage together, for each of our own health and the restoration of breast cancer survivors. Let’s once again purchase fresh mushrooms in pink punnets at Pick n Pay stores from September 20 this year in an extended Power of Pink campaigns that will run until the end of October.

For more information, please contact Gina McLoughlin on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0824137538.

Alternatively go to SAMFA’s website: www.mushroominfo.co.za

The annual open weekends of the Stellenberg Gardens in Cape Town have gone virtual and currently everyone can enjoy these spectacular grounds from the comfort and safety of their homes and contribute to a great cause at the same time.

Since 2015, the Stellenberg Gardens, the home of Andrew and Sandy Ovenstone, have held Open Weekends in aid of St Joseph’s Home for Chronically Ill Children, a paediatric care facility giving children with life threatening illness a second chance at childhood.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have not been able to share the beauty of their gardens to raise funds for St Joseph’s Home. Like many charities, COVID-19 has negatively impacted the operations at St Joseph’s who rely on donations to provide free 24-hour specialised and general nursing care and rehabilitation to those who need it most.

Magical garden and history
St Joseph’s is very excited and grateful that a beautiful video has been made of the Stellenberg Gardens to enable anyone to visit by way of a virtual garden tour! It can be viewed on the GivenGain fundraising platform where donations can easily be made in aid of St Joseph’s. Thanks to donations from the many virtual visitors to the gardens, more than R80 000 has been raised for St Joseph’s to date.

The origins of the Stellenberg estate date back to the seventeenth century and Sandy Ovenstone and her dedicated team of gardeners have created a magical garden in harmony with the historical homestead that is unique in South Africa.

There are 16 distinct areas in the gardens, namely the Garden Entrance, the White Garden, the Parterre Garden, the Vegetable Garden, the Garden of Paradise, the Herb Garden, the Shady Walkway, the main lawns and façade, the Wild Garden and reservoir walk, the Stream Garden, Lower-Stream Garden, the Lime Tree Walk, the Garden of Reflection, the Vine Walk allée, the Walled Garden and the Pool Garden.

Join them for a leisurely and inspiring stroll through these magnificent gardens by viewing the virtual tour here: https://www.givengain.com/cc/stellenberg-gardens-virtual-tour2021/

The video can also be viewed via the Stellenberg Gardens website at: www.stellenberggardens.co.za by clicking on “Virtual Tour” and there is a donate button that links to the GivenGain fundraising page. All funds raised are carefully monitored and faithfully distributed. Click here to read an interview with the Ovenstones.

St Joseph’s Home for Chronically Ill Children
Up to 500 children a year are looked after by St Joseph’s Home. A well-loved institution in Cape Town, it has provided intermediate, facility-based care for children with chronic or life-limiting conditions for the last 85 years.

Located in Montana, Cape Town, and established in 1935 by the Pallottine Missionary Sisters, this beacon in paediatric care in Southern Africa has provided expert and hands-on nursing and rehabilitation for over 23 000 orphaned and vulnerable children.

If you are interested in supporting this and other projects for St Joseph’s, there is more information here: https://stjosephshome.org.za/donate/

Contact:
Christa Robijn
Resource development manager, St Joseph’s Home for Chronically Ill Children
Tel. +27 21 934 0352
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

It’s been a magical year of note for young township junior magician Sesona Gagana - not only has he recently returned from representing South Africa’s magical youth on a whirlwind educational tour of Las Vegas and New York, but he was also awarded the much-coveted Siegfried and Roy Foundation Scholarship at the College of Magic’s annual graduation on Saturday 17 November 2018.

The 15-year-old teen illusionist from Khayelitsha is an ardent student of the magical arts who voraciously absorbs everything he can learn about close-up magic, stage magic, juggling and mime and clowning during his weekly lessons at the College of Magic, the only magical arts organisation of its kind in the world, in Claremont.

Each year, the College of Magic, now in its 38th year of teaching the art of magic and its allied arts as well as vital life-skills to children and adults, honours its exemplary students at two graduation ceremonies, one for the junior and one for the senior students.

As part of their annual SARMOTI Grant to the College of Magic, Siegfried and Roy present a bursary in the form of a full year’s tuition to a most deserving senior student. The Siegfried and Roy Scholarship is awarded this year to Gagana as the most deserving Course 5 student for his excellent achievements. This magical allrounder goes into his final year of training at the College of Magic in 2019.

Having met Siegfried, one half of the world-renowned illusionist duo on his recent visit to Las Vegas, Gagana is absolutely thrilled with his scholarship:

“Magic has transformed my life so much this year. Travelling overseas for the first time and meeting my magical heroes was a dream come true and now I’ve been awarded this scholarship! Thank you so much to Siegfried and Roy and to the College - I promise to make you all so proud of me!”, says the excited teen magician.

The College of Magic,a non-profit organisation, is equally pleased with this honour:

“We are committed to helping our young students realise their dreams through the art of magic. To have two of magic’s most iconic performers support this initiative and assist us in helping Sesona achieve the impossible is an absolute privilege and honour“, says Yolandi van Jaarsveldt, CEO of the College of Magic.

As the top senior juggler at the College of Magic, Gagana was also awarded the Senior Juggling Shield - another award to be proud of and to encourage him to strive for excellence in his Course 6 year in 2019.

Experience the impossible with the College of Magic in 2019:

An enchanting new learning adventure awaits aspiring Harry Potters who would like to follow in Sesona’s footsteps as the College of Magic welcomes new wizardry recruits to its beginners' programme, Course One, from Saturday 26 January 2019!

Course One will see the magicians-in-training explore the world of magic through a 15 week exciting and intensive diploma course which includes rope magic, card tricks and coin effects as well as an introduction to the allied arts, namely  juggling, mime, clowning and puppetry.This entry level course is suitable for learners aged 10 to 13 years old.

Course One will run at the College of Magic, 215 Imam Haron Road (previously Lansdowne Road) in Claremont each Saturday for six months from Saturday 26 January 2019 with classes at 09h00 and at 12h00. Fees are R 2950 and include all course equipment and notes, as well as participation in any or all of the allied arts on offer.

Registration for the College of Magic’s 2019 Course One is now open. Call +27 (0) 21 683 5480 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to secure your booking.

For more information about the College of Magic, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com.

The College of Magic, Cape Town’s only magical arts organisation, honoured its top students at two charming graduation ceremonies held at the Rondebosch Boys High School on Saturday 17 November 2018.

More than 160 aspiring magicians were awarded their various course diplomas,signifying their successful mastering of different levels of training in magic and its allied arts, including juggling, puppetry and drama, mime and clowning.

Now in its 38th year, the College of Magic 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.Each year, the College of Magic, based in Claremont, honours its exemplary students at two graduation ceremonies, one for the junior and one for the senior students. The Student of the Year trophy is awarded to the best all-round junior and senior students with a record of excellent performance and participation in College life and events.

In 2018, Jessica Williamson and Duncan Shelver were awarded Junior and Senior Student of the Years awards respectively.

Williamson (13), from Plumstead, is a dedicated student of the magical arts, having competed in and placed 2nd  in the Junior Clowning Contest, 3rd in the Junior Puppetry Contest, 2nd in the Junior Stage Magic Contest and 3rd in the Puppet Idols Finals contests. This young lady of magic is thrilled with her Junior Student of the Year trophy:

“I am so happy that I’ve won this incredible award! I love magic because it helps me to express myself. Studying the art of magic is unlike anything else and I cannot wait to further my studies!”

Shelver, who also won the 2018 Children’s Entertainment Trophy, has recently returned from a whirlwind magical and educational tour to Las Vegas and New York in the United States in early October.The 16-year-old Bellville resident was one of six students chosen to represent South Africa’s budding magical talent at a series of workshops, demonstrations and meet and greets with some of magic’s greatest entertainers including David Copperfield and Penn and Teller.

The teenage magical allrounder,who graduated from his final year at the College of Magic in 2018,  is ecstatic about his multiple awards:

“Wow, what an incredible honour to be recognised for my achievements with these awards! What I loved most about studying at the College of Magic is the sense of belonging to a magical family and the atmosphere and I am going to miss it. I’d encourage anyone who is thinking of studying magic, to join the College! ”

Each year, the College of Magic also honours staff, students and graduates for long service, community service and excellence in magic theatrical performance and its allied arts. The 2018 honourees include: Ann Pawley and Dion Wabanie, Seniors: Alfred Baba, Sesona Gagana, Anela Gazi, Liam Hewitson, Emma Hutchison, Dale McManus, Lukhanyo Mpondo, Luvo Mrolota, Jonah Poole, Thando Rala, Sahil Samlal, Jenna Shorkend, Zeta Wanamaker, and Juniors: Gabriella Mans, Ruby Park and Anja Steyn.

Experience the impossible with the College of Magic in 2019:

An enchanting new learning adventure awaits aspiring Harry Potters as the College of Magic welcomes new wizardry recruits to its beginners' programme, Course One, from Saturday 26 January 2019!

Course One will see the magicians-in-training explore the world of magic through a 15 week exciting and intensive diploma course which includes rope magic, card tricks and coin effects as well as an introduction to the allied arts, namely  juggling, mime, clowning and puppetry.

This entry level course is suitable for learners aged 10 to 13 years old. Course One will run at the College of Magic, 215 Imam Haron Road (previously Lansdowne Road) in Claremont each Saturday for six months from Saturday 26 January 2019 with classes at 09h00 and at 12h00. Fees are R 2950 and include all course equipment and notes, as well as participation in any or all of the allied arts on offer.

Registration for the College of Magic’s 2019 Course One is now open.

Call +27 (0) 21 683 5480 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to secure your booking.

For more information about the College of Magic, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com.

The Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve are proud to announce our incredible line-up for the coming 2017/2018 summer sunset concerts series  The Helderberg #SunsetConcerts series is an opportunity for music lovers to enjoy their favourite artists perform live in nature while contributing to the conservation of our much loved Helderberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West.  Over three months from December 2017 to February 2018, ten incredible bands will perform at this beautiful open-air venue, bringing a variety of genres and sounds right to the Helderberg Community’s doorstep.  

The first performance for the #SunsetConcerts Series is scheduled for Saturday, 16th December 2017 and sees the chart topper and rocker Mark Haze grace the stage with his original rock sounds. Known for his unbelievable versatility as a vocalist and high energy performances, Mark Haze has been on music lovers’ lips since his impressive success at the 2011 Idol’s competition where he was crowned 1st runner up and from which arose his record deal with Universal Music. Since then, Mark has toured locally and Internationally building a fantastic following. Impressively, he has shared the stage with rock greats such as Seether and Bon Jovi. Mark Haze promises a performance like no other. Expect soaring vocals, dynamic guitar work, pulsing rhythms plus plenty of crowd participation. 

Audiences are encouraged to pack a picnic basket and blanket, bring the whole family and settle on the lush lawns for an evening of amazing local music and a superb sunset in a remarkable venue.  

Supporting the Helderberg Nature Reserve, local artists, culture and businesses 

This year, Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve have outdone themselves with a brilliant line-up, including local legend, Koos Kombuis, international touring artists Raoul, ‘Lonesome’ Dave Ferguson and Mark Haze, Cape Town’s most sought-after act - Coda Africa. And local favourites Shiraz   This year The Friends of the Helderberg have also invited local schools Parel Vallei High School and Somerset College to showcase their young talented bands as opening acts for the headline artists.     

Tickets for the Sunset Concerts  

Tickets to the #SunsetConcerts Series are available online via http://tickets.tixsa.co.za/events/25889 or directly at the Visitor Centre at the Helderberg Nature Reserve.

This year Season Tickets for all concerts are also on offer at discounted rates.  

Ticket Prices

• Adult Single Ticket - R80 p/p
• Scholar Single Ticket - R50 p/p
• Adult Season Ticket - R350 p/p (all 5 shows)
• Scholar Season Ticket - R200 p/p (all 5 shows)
• Under 5 Years - Free

The Helderberg #SunsetConcerts are proudly sponsored by local businesses Ex Solar, who offer a bespoke solution for all your solar needs and Borehole Drilling Solutions who offer environmentally-friendly water solutions for your property.  

The Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve is an NPO which was established in 2008 and raises funds and assists with various projects that aid the management of the Helderberg Nature Reserve All Concert Committee Team members and crew are unpaid volunteers giving of their time to this worthy cause.

Artwork designed by graphic designer and volunteer Ian Whalley. Mandala artwork by volunteer and artist Marguerite MacRobert 

Full Line-Up 2017/18 Sunset Concerts at Helderberg Nature Reserve 

Sat, 16th Dec 2017 - Main Act: Mark Haze (Rock/Pop)
Opening Act: Parel Vallei High Show Band 

Sun, 14th Jan 2018 - Main Act: Shiraz (Covers 60’s to now)
Opening Act: Somerset College Band: The Disciples of Swest 

Sun, 28th Jan 2018 - Main Act: Coda Africa (Classical/Jazz/Afro Fusion)
Opening Act: Parel Vallei High Show Band 

Sun, 11th Feb 2018 - Double Bill: Dave Ferguson & Raoul (Blues/Rock)
Special Guest: Natalie Chapman

Sun, 25th Feb 2018 - Main Act: Koos Kombuis (Afrikaans)
Opening Act: Parel Vallei High Show Band 

The Bands are available for live and telephonic interviews   

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve
ExSolar Solar Solutions & Borehole Drilling Solutions
The Local Element
Tixsa  

WEBSITE LINKS

Main Artists

• www.markhaze.co.zawww.
• www.CodaAfrica.co.za
• www.shirazband.co.za
• www.raoulroux.com
• www.facebook.com/davefergusonofficial
• www.nataliechapman.com
• www.kooskombuis.com

Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve

• www.helderbergnaturereserve.co.za
• www.facebook.com/helderbergnaturereserve 

Ex Solar and Borehole Drilling Solutions

• www.exsolar.co.za
• www.boreholedrillingsolutions.co.za 

Artwork Designer and Artist Volunteers

• www.ianwhalley.com
• www.facebook.com/MargueriteMacRobertCreative

For more information on tickets, contact the Helderberg Nature Reserve on

+27 (0)21 851 4060, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go to http://tickets.tixsa.co.za/events/25889  

For press related enquiries, interviews and images, please contact:  

Natalie Chapman
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mobile: 072 355 7009   

A marathon a day through Australia’s Simpson Desert. This 6-day desert race will be David Barnard’s ninth, and the sixth leg of his quest to complete one on all seven continents. For this project, Barnard aims to raise funds for the Hippo Roller, promote its work, and contribute to increased public understanding of water-related issues around the world. 

JOHANNESBURG, June 8, 2017  

David Barnard has been participating in multi-stage desert foot races in remote parts of the world since 2010. From the Kalahari, Namib and Sahara Deserts in Africa, to the Gobi Desert in China, the Atacama Desert in Chile, the Grand Canyon in the United States, and the most extreme of them all, The Last Desert Race in 2014 in Antarctica, David is on a quest to complete one of these extreme desert races on all seven continents.

“My next desert race is the 250km Big Red Run from 24-29 June 2017 in the Simpson Desert in Australia. It will be my ninth multi-stage desert race, and the sixth leg of my quest to complete one of these races on all seven continents,” said Barnard.“

I enter these events both for the physical challenge associated with running self-supported through the deserts of the world, as well as to raise money and awareness for organisations at the forefront of responding to many of the key development challenges facing Africa,” he said.

For this project, Barnard aims to raise funds for the Hippo Roller, promote its work, and contribute to increased public understanding of water-related issues around the world.

Running for Water

Water is a precious resource, a source of life and the basis of all human activities, from drinking to washing to cultivating land and producing food necessary for sustenance. It is also a scarce resource, and its presence and availability is often taken for granted. South Africa is currently recovering from the worst drought in living memory.

Though the UN Sustainable Development Goals (launched in 2015) include a target to ensure everyone has access to safe water by 2030, making water a key issue in the fight to eradicate extreme poverty, there remain more than 600 million people worldwide, many of them living in rural Africa, who are still without a safe water supply close to home.

As a result, they spend countless hours queuing or trekking to distant sources, and carrying heavy buckets. 

Simple ideas. Changing lives.

Barnard said, “Fortunately, a unique South African invention makes it extremely easy to collect, move and store water in rural conditions – up to 5x more water than a single bucket, by simply rolling it along the ground.”

The Hippo Roller is a simple solution to millions of people living in areas without adequate access to water. Specifically designed to last many years in tough rural terrain, it enables them to transport up to 90 litres to their homes and gardens, making more water and time available for education, household tasks and food production.

Youthzones, our future

It costs $125 to manufacture and distribute a Hippo Roller, and Barnard’s aim is to raise $6,250 (see: http://givewater.hipporoller.org/david-barnard) – the cost of manufacturing, and distributing 50 hippo rollers to needy communities in South Africa.

Whilst Imvubu Projects will take care of the manufacturing of the Hippo Rollers, it is the work done by Youthzones within communities, helping distribute the Hippo Rollers amongst the most needy, which really drives home the impact that access to clean, safe water can have.

Said Youthzones’ Schalk van Heerden, “We are delighted to continue our relationship with social enterprise, Hippo Roller. Working with Hippo Rollers has been a huge benefit to the Youthzones network as now water can be collected easily, without multiple trips to wells, in turn giving people energy and productivity!”

Said Barnard, “The impact of the Hippo Roller is real. It is immediate. And it changes the lives of millions of people. The world’s future and our lives depend on having enough clean, safe water. We need extraordinary commitment to ensure clean water for all.”

“Please join me on this journey and let’s make a difference in the lives on those that could benefit from better access to water with the Hippo Roller,” he said.

/ends

--

About David Barnard

Professionally David has more than 25 years’ executive and senior management experience in initiating and leading development programmes across Africa, with extensive expertise encompassing international development, advocacy, fundraising, corporate citizenship, civil society strengthening, policy, ICT4D and governance. He is passionate about applying information and communication technologies in support of social, economic and political development processes.In addition, David is an extreme ultra-marathon athlete, dedicating his participation in multi-stage desert races to organisations working in response to key development issues in Africa.

To interview David Barnard about the Big Red Run and his Hippo Roller campaign:

David Barnard

Mobile: +27 (82) 870 8968

Skype: dbarnard23

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/david_barnard

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Desert2DesertRunning4SocialCausesAndCampaigns/

Desert 2 Desert blog: https://desert2desert4socialcauses.wordpress.com/

Fundraising: http://givewater.hipporoller.org/david-barnard

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbarnardza/

David will be available for pre-race interviews until the close of business on 19 June 2017.

He will be available for post-race interviews from 4 July 2017.

It is envisaged that distribution of the Hippo Rollers will take place on Mandela Day, 18 July 2017.

About Hippo Roller (Imvubu Projects)

Imvubu Projects, which operates as a social enterprise (rather than as a non-profit entity), has been trading as Hippo Roller since 1997. It outsources manufacturing of the Hippo Roller to keep overheads to a minimum, and focuses its resources on securing corporate social investment, crowd-funding and individual donations, in order to donate Hippo Rollers to needy.

To date, Imvubu has distributed more than 50,000 Hippo Rollers to at least 25 countries, impacting the lives of millions of people.Imvubu partners with local NGOs and community leaders familiar with identified communities and best positioned to identify individual beneficiaries with empathy and insight.

Hippo Roller contact:

Grant Gibbs

Mobile: +27 (82) 447 1848

Skype: grantgibbs

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hipporoller

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantgibbshipporoller/

https://www.hipporoller.org/

About Youthzones

Youthzones was started in 2009 as a 2010 World Cup Legacy project under the leadership of Roelf Meyer, with the LOC, Minister of Sport and Recreation and the Foundation for a Safe South Africa (FSSA) collaborating to touch the lives of young people by using football and skills development as a vehicle for transformation. A sports and educational development project, Youthzones works with the poorest-of-the-poor in 43 of South Africa's most-in-need communities.

A flagship project of FSSA, Youthzones today supports more than 330 football and netball teams, across all nine provinces in South Africa, as well as in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.Youthzones is about the youth doing it for themselves - giving them a chance to once again believe in themselves and to pursue their dreams.

Youthzones contact:

Schalk van Heerden

Mobile: +27 (82) 815 1224

Telephone: +27 (11) 485 2146

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/youthzones_za

http://www.youthzones.com/ 

BAR DI BAR, SECOND WIND 

Bar Di Bar, the original mobile craft beer truck is now on Jumpstarter Crowdfunding. The fairytale that started with the 1975 VW Kombi bar conversion has come to a crosrsoads, with no happy ending in sight. We lost our home and our brewery and have come to the people via Jumpstarter Crowdfunding to see if they can brew some magic. Let’s start at the beginning.  

If you Google “Hipster”, you’ll find several descriptions, but the one that rings most true is from Urban Dictionary. It categorizes Hipsters as  “A subculture of men and women typically in their 20's and 30's who value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and witty banter.” 

So one night, after sampling several of South Africa’s finest craft beers and talking about progressive politics, indie-rock, creativity blah di blah….the idea of a “hipster mobile” was born. What if we take something old, make it look new and add something cool? One beer led to another and Bar Di Bar became a reality. 

Fast forward 2,5 years and we managed to successfully open a Craft Beer and Tapas Bar, contracted our very own American Pale Ale (APA) and were 80% completed and on our way to opening our brewery. The universe had other plans and on the 22nd December 2016, disaster struck. The liquor license got declined, the farm we were on changed hands and we were handed notice. Blood sweat and tears and lots of our hard earned savings went into the project and now we are left with nothing. 

“I saw one of my favourite local bands, f@k#fpolisiekar, using crowd funding very successfully for the launch of their first independent album in 11 years and thought let’s give it a go.” Says owner Conrad Harley. “We have big plans. The brand is solid and really interesting and with a little help, things could snowball and we could see more than one Bar Di Bar in South Africa.” He continues. We have staggered the fundraising process to buy kegs, which then allows us to contract brew and distribute to trade.

We would then continue to target key events in Johannesburg and launch our APA up north.It’s not all about giving as we also created a fun and engaging reward structure for those willing to assist with level three donors receiving a “don’t worry, be hoppy” shirt for every R200 donated. The ultimate goal is to have our own brewery, so although we are not using this platform to raise funds for the brewery, it could just provide the impetus necessary to get there.

To get in touch:

Conrad Harley

Tel: +27731004716
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web: www.bardibar.co.za
Twitter: @craftbeervan
Facebook: Bar Di Bar

The College of Magic, Cape Town’s only magical arts organisation, will transform the Helderberg area into a winter wonderland when it launches its National Lotteries Commission funded ‘Hope in Flight’ community programme, in partnership with the Imibala Trust, as a six week training Juggling and Card Skills course, from Thursday 4 May to Thursday 8 June, 2017.  

The College of Magic, now in its 37th year of teaching the magic theatrical performing arts and its allied arts (including juggling, puppetry, mime and clowning), with a social and life- skills component  to children and adults, is a non-profit organisation and the only one of its kind in the world.   Helderberg’s aspiring Harry Potters are invited to get a sneak peek behind the magician’s curtain at the Imibala Trust’s charming base in Bright Street in bustling Somerset West.   H

ere, the College’s voluntary staff, led by renowned South African magician and the face of world-famous beverage brand Coca Cola’s global relaunch campaign, Olwethu Dyantyi,  will introduce the wizarding recruits to the wonder of magic with a two-hour long lesson each week.  

Students from diverse backgrounds, between the age of 10 and 15 years old, will learn all kinds of fantastic effects in these incredible sessions, including the gravity defying effects of juggling which improves hand and eye coordination and the dexterity of card magic. In addition, these lessons offer learners the chance to improve their social and communication skills as well as equip them with employable skills.  

The Juggling and Card Skills course forms part of the College of Magic’s community training programme, a project funded with a grant of R500 000 from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) which supports disadvantaged students.   The ‘Hope in Flight’ community programme is an extension of the College’s successful Magic in the Community programme, which provides young people from poor communities with the opportunity to participate in an innovative performing arts training and development programme and promote a platform for the understanding and affirmation of South Africa’s cultural diversity.   

The College of Magic is thrilled to be commencing the next phase of its ‘Magic in the Community’ programme with the Imibala Trust:  

“The Imibala Trust has a strong community and youth development focus which makes them the perfect partner to help launch this phase of our programme and share the wonder of magic with a new generation of magic students. We look forward to motivating and inspiring the youth alongside them”, says David Gore, director of the College of Magic.   

Clare Jeffrey of Imibala Trust concurs:

“Magic has the ability to unite people, especially children, from all backgrounds. The College of Magic has a proven successful record of promoting diversity and unification through their teaching and we are committed to implementing this practice into our programmes.”  

A portion of the generous NLC grant has been used to appoint Dyantyi, a 2015 South African Magic Championships Grand Prix winner and a charming illusionist from Khayelitsha, who has performed all over the world, including China, USA, UK, Croatia and Italy, as the Magic in the Community coordinator.  

The talented performer can’t wait for the Juggling and Card Skills course to begin:  

“Kick-starting our “Magic in the Community’ project in the Helderberg area is so exciting! I can’t wait to meet my new students and help them develop their self-confidence. I have so much to teach them about the amazing world of magic”, says Dyantyi.  

The NLC relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act guides the way in which NLC funding may be allocated. The intention of NLC funding is to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organisations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organisations in the fields of charities; arts, culture and national heritage; and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to South Africa’s development.  

“We support the College of Magic’s vision for improving the lives of disadvantaged youth through the art of magic and are proud to be associated with the Magic in the Community and rural programme. We look forward to seeing how these programmes and our contribution can positively influence their futures”, says Ms. Marcelle Musson, the NLC Provincial Manager of the Western Cape.   Please visit the National Lotteries Commission website www.nlcsa.org.za to find out about the NLC mandate and other projects they fund.  

Calling all aspirant mini-magicians in the Helderberg area:  

Youngsters, between 10 and 15 years old, keen to learn the wondrous art of magic, are invited to  join the College of Magic’s Juggling and Card Skills course, to be held weekly for six weeks at the Imibala Trust’s premises in Bright Street, Somerset West from Thursday 4 May to Thursday 8 June, 2017 from 3.00pm to 5.00pm.  

For families who can afford, the fees are R1200 and include notes and magical equipment, which will be provided by the College of Magic.   Registration for the Juggling and Card Skills course is now open. Please email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 021 852 0418.    

For more information about the College of Magic and its social outreach initiatives, please visit www.collegeofmagic.com.  

Portion of funds to be used to appoint SA magician Olwethu Dyantyi as project coordinator  

The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has awarded the College of Magic, Cape Town’s only magical arts organisation, a substantial grant of R500 000 to roll out its successful Magic in the Community  project to rural areas in the Western Cape.  

The College of Magic, now in its 37th year of teaching the magic theatrical performing arts and its allied arts (including juggling, puppetry, mime and clowning), with a social and like- skills component  to children and adults, is a non-profit organisation and the only one of its kind in the world.  

In addition to boosting the College of Magic’s training efforts, the NLC grant will assist the College in sharing the wonder of magic with youth from poor communities, through its Magic in the Community programme and the development of a new rural areas programme.  

The College launched the Magic in the Community project in 2000 as a means of providing young people from poor communities with the opportunity to participate in an innovative performing arts training and development programme and promote a platform for the understanding and affirmation of South Africa’s cultural diversity.   

The new rural project will see the College grow its reach to the rural areas of the West Coast, Winelands and the Overberg during 2017:  

“The pressing need for innovative interventions to transform and empower our youth, equip them with employable skills and give them hope for the future is well known. Thanks to the generosity of the National Lotteries Commission, expanding this project to the greater Cape is now possible and we are so thankful”, says David Gore, director of the College of Magic.  

Plans for the rural areas programme includes actively recruiting new students from outlying areas,  opening up the possibility of joining the College of Magic’s six year magical training and development programme available to them as well as providing food, transport and equipment support.  

A portion of the generous NLC grant has been used to appoint renowned South African magician and the face of world-famous beverage brand Coca Cola’s global relaunch campaign, Olwethu Dyantyi, as the Magic in the Community coordinator.  

A 2015 South African Magic Championships Grand Prix winner and a charming illusionist from Khayelitsha, who has performed all over the world, including China, USA, UK, Croatia and Italy, Dyantyi is a natural choice for the role. His new responsibilities will include the co-ordination of the Magic in the Community programme and setting up and running the rural areas programme.  

Dyantyi is thrilled with his captivating new role:  

“Learning and performing magic has changed my life and given me the chance to see the world. I can’t wait to share my magical knowledge with eager new students in the community and help them realise their own dreams! ” says the excited magician.  

The NLC relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act guides the way in which NLC funding may be allocated. The intention of NLC funding is to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organisations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organisations in the fields of charities; arts, culture and national heritage; and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to South Africa’s development.  

“We support the College of Magic’s vision for improving the lives of these disadvantaged youth through the art of magic and are proud to be associated with the Magic in the Community and rural areas programme. We look forward to seeing how these programmes and our contribution positively influence their futures”, says Ms. Marcelle Musson, the NLC Provincial Manager of the Western Cape.  

Please visit the National Lotteries Commission website www.nlcsa.org.za to find out about the NLC mandate and other projects they fund.  

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

Towards the end of Mo'vember – when the moustaches will be in full flourish – join us for a charity fun run/walk through the Stellenbosch vineyards at Remhoogte Wine Estate as we give one final hurrah to the impressive 'Taches of the month. In aid of Operation Smile SA and The Lunchbox Fund, Signature of Hope Trust will be launching the inaugural Cashes for 'Taches 5km fun run. Your 'Tache need not be real; all mouth brows, face-grown or otherwise, are welcome. After a quick morning jaunt (or stroll) through the beautiful countryside, you can enjoy your first half-pint of Wild Beast craft beer on us in your custom Cashes for 'Taches beer glass (which is yours to keep!).

The day of family fun starts with the off-road 5km fun run/walk and continues with lounging on the lawn with your celebratory beer in hand. There will also be food stalls, a cash bar and a jumping castle for the kids. Everyone under 16 years of age can participate for free. Spot prizes will be awarded for the best Bro-merangs of the day!We encourage you to make a day of it by bringing blankets and chairs to picnic on the lawn but, please note, no food or drink (other than water, energy drinks and snacks for the race) will be permitted. There will be food and drinks (soft drinks, coffee and alcoholic) available for purchase on the day.

A first aider/paramedic will be on site for the duration of the race. Please follow the instructions of the marshals along the route at all times. In an attempt to reduce litter, there will be no water stations or bins along the route, so please bring your own water bottle or camel pack and keep your trash secure until the end of the race where bins will be provided. Secure parking will be available on the day. Facilities will be open during the event. Please arrive early to avoid the rush. The race starts at 9 am sharp, but try to arrive from 8 am to secure your parking space at the front (and perhaps grab a coffee from our on-site vendor). Dogs are unfortunately not allowed.

Disclaimer: All participants entering and participating do so at their own risk. Signature of Hope Trust and Remhoogte Wine Estate shall not be liable for any claims /s or damage arising or suffered either directly or indirectly from personal injury or harm whatsoever, including death, or any damage whether direct or indirect to personal or other property whatsoever, and howsoever caused. Furthermore shall, by doing so, be deemed to indemnify the above mentioned parties and their employees against any liability for damages, howsoever caused.