×

Warning

JUser: :_load: Unable to load user with ID: 4081
JUser: :_load: Unable to load user with ID: 4039
JUser: :_load: Unable to load user with ID: 4035

Clem Sunter to headline the 2nd Annual project and Construction Project Management Professions conference

Published: 08 September 2014

Clem Sunter, the now legendary futurist and strategist, is the keynote speaker at the 2nd Annual project and Construction Project Management Professions conference on the 20- 22 October 2014. Sunter will provide unique insights into the latest global economic scenarios and the possibilities they hold for the South African construction industry.  

This event is the industry’s only Project and Construction Project Management event endorsed by the department of Public Works where you will hear from industry thought leaders about the latest construction and project management trends, the role of built environment professionals in Infrastructure development and the 2014 construction regulations.  

The 2014 conference will address growth , development, and transformation of the Project and Construction Management Professions in South Africa and the continent.   Clem will offer the delegates his view on the world & South Africa beyond 2014 and the implications for the construction industry, how a fox sees it!  

For conference registration and information visit www.events.sacpcmp.org.za     

Event Information:

Date: 20 – 22 October 2014

Venue: Gallagher convention Centre, Midrand  

Contact

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

Tel: 011 318 3402   Book your seat to the conference!

Wits centre for entrepreneurship supports creating opportunities and addressing skills gap for woman in transport

Published: 01 September 2014

The transport sector has been highlighted by the government as a key contributor to South Africa's competitiveness in global markets and government has unveiled plans to tremendously increase its spend on improving the country's roads, railways and ports. As part of the solution it’s important to promote collaboration and coalition building among women entrepreneurs as a way to develop women in the industry as well as to advocate policy actions that support this.

As transport month draws closer, Mercatique Consulting in association with Women Economic Forum will be hosting The Women in Transport Forum, a one day medium where ideas and views on creating opportunities and addressing skills gap for woman in Transport sector will be addressed.

Wits Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) has partnered with Mercatique Consulting on this event. CfE welcomes this opportunity and looks forward to its full development and successful implementation.” Chimene Chetty, Director, Wits Centre for Entrepreneurship

The Women in Transport Forum is a platform for all leading organizations and government to discuss possible implementation strategies and provide solutions to the challenges currently faced by women in the sector. If you’d like to RSVP or find out about the forum, Please contact Calvin Ncube on 011 027 5842 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Forum Details:

Date: Thursday 16 October 2014
Time: 08:00 - 17:00
Venue: Donald Gordon Auditorium, 2 St. David’s Place, Parktown, Gauteng

Contact Person

Calvin Ncube
Tel: 011 027 5842
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

12 Hour Period Protection, No Strings and No Wings

Published: 18 August 2014

Woman of today have realized that getting their period every month is, well I guess, just the way life goes. In 1996, Instead, Inc. pioneered a new alternative to tampons and pads with the development and release of its innovative Softcup.

Now in 2014, Maybe MOM is proud to announce that they have made this product tagged ‘The Next Generation of Period Protection' available to the South African market. Maybe MOM Instead Softcup gives you 12-hour wear time, comfort and convenience during your period allowing ladies to live life without interruptions.

Softcup is a flexible cup that is worn internally, around your cervix. It collects, rather than absorbs menstrual flow. It's hypo-allergenic, latex-free and completely safe when used as directed. Softcup has gained popularity for its many advantages over traditional methods of feminine protection including greater safety, longer wear-time, and clean sex during “that time of the month. Softcup can be worn during any activity including sports, swimming and sleeping.  Use one reusable Softcup for up to three cycles, which makes it Easy on the Earth and Easy on the wallet retailing in stores for only R49.99.

More than 200 million Softcups have been sold since the product’s introduction in America in 1996, and there has never been a reported incidence of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). In extensive laboratory testing Softcup did not promote the growth of the bacteria that causes TSS. Softcup does not change the body’s natural environment nor does it alter the body’s pH levels, natural bacteria levels or absorb the body’s moisture. “It allows me to use the softcup until the last day of my period, even when my flow may be little to none, it’s comfortable and does not cause dryness or irritation” says Amanda, owner of Maybe MOM South Africa.

“Because the Softcup was uniquely designed for the modern-day woman, it has grown tremendously and developed staying power in the American market, proving an excellent alternative to tampons and pads,” said Joseph Pike, CEO of Instead. Women have embraced the concept of the Softcup because of the greater flexibility and control it gives them over their lives.  In fact, when the Softcup is not offered somewhere, women seek it out rather than buy the alternatives.

The Softcup is an FDA-approved, reusable menstrual product made from a non-absorbent, non irritating polymeric material that has been used for over 20 years in health care products such as catheters and baby bottle nipples and contains no latex. It has undergone extensive toxicology, bio-compatibility and microbiological tests as well as human clinical testing, and contains no drying chemicals or fibers. 

12-Hour Period Protection, Instead Softcup is a proven advancement in period protection. Try it and you'll see how it fits into your busy life.  

For more information and to purchase contact (Wholesale enquiries welcome)  Facebook: www.facebook/maybe mom.com / Website:  www.aeadistribution.co.za /Your nearest Checkers and Checkers Hyper stores as well as Medi Rite Pharmacy’s    For Interviews: Amanda or Elie Kouaiky /Tel:   +2783 2928292 / +2782 8881816 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SECOND PHASE OF 42 HECTARE RESIDENTIAL ESTATE IN SOMERSET WEST TO LAUNCH IN SEPTEMBER

Published: 14 August 2014

The second development phase at Somerset Lakes, a 42-hectare residential estate in Somerset West, will be released to the market in mid September. The first phase sold out rapidly, with 114 sales being recorded within just six weeks of the launch. Construction of the first phase is well under way and occupation is expected to take place in mid 2015.

The new phase, Waterford Green, comprises 48 freestanding double-storey houses, selling from R1,3 million including VAT, no transfer duty. These two and three bedroom homes offer spacious, contemporary, open-plan living areas and private gardens. All homes include at least two bathrooms, one being en suite, and the three-bedroom design offers a garage and an optional guest toilet.

According to Dave Harris, Sales and Marketing Manager of Somerset Lakes, the new product has been specifically designed to help meet the growing demand for affordable, quality housing in the popular Somerset West area.

“We’ve been inundated with requests from buyers looking for houses,” Harris said. “People want freestanding homes with gardens, views and security, in close proximity to the centre of Somerset West, and that’s exactly what our latest product at Somerset Lakes has to offer.”

Designed by Schabort Associates Architects, the new development phase is located alongside the six-hectare lake that gives the estate its name.

“This unique feature is a huge attraction,” Harris commented. “It’s ideal for swimming, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing, and home to a rich variety of water birds. A magnificent community clubhouse on the shores of the lake, The Summer Club, will enhance the appeal of this fantastic recreational asset, providing residents with play areas, boat sheds, a sandy white beach, and a swimming pool and deck area with stunning views of False Bay and the Hottentots Holland mountains.”

The developers, Omwieco (Pty) Ltd, a consortium of highly experienced development professionals backed by financial giant Investec, have devoted no less than 40% of the estate’s total area to green, open space for the recreation of residents. This includes the lakes and other water features, a mature forest of stone pine trees, landscaped parks and gardens, and kilometres of walking trails and mountain biking tracks.

An indigenous fynbos nursery has been established on the estate, which was recently awarded the prized 2014 SALI Gold Award for landscape design by the South African Landscapers Institute.“No expense has been spared to implement the most technically advanced security system at Somerset Lakes,” said Harris. "These measures include electrified perimeter fencing with 70 high-definition surveillance cameras, which are monitored around the clock from the hi-tech guardhouse, 24-hour guarding and patrols, and an on-site rapid response team. Other advanced features include biometric fingerprint access control."

All homes in the estate will be hardwired with fibre-optic cabling for superfast internet access, DStv and VOIP telephone connectivity, which will allow free telephone calls within the estate.

A Curro Castle School is being constructed on the estate and is due to open its doors in 2015.

Convenient access to the Somerset West village has been provided by the developers through the R16 million construction of Reunion Drive, which links the main entrance of Somerset Lakes to Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Road under a specially constructed railway bridge. Just a few hundred metres from this entrance, an upmarket new shopping centre is now under construction, where Checkers, Woolworths Foods and Clicks will be the anchor tenants.The Vergelegen Mediclinic and the Somerset West CBD are less than two kilometres away, while popular Somerset Mall shopping centre is just 3,5 kilometres from the estate.

“When you consider the amazing lifestyle advantages Somerset Lakes offers, the security, the convenience of the surrounding amenities, and the incredible natural beauty of the estate, I have no doubt our second phase will sell as fast as the first one,” said Harris.“I strongly advise anyone interested to register online for an invitation to a pre-launch sales opportunity, ahead of our public launch in mid September, to avoid disappointment.”

For further information visit www.somersetlakes.co.za or phone 021 202 2200.

Shoprite Holdings, Hungry Lion Brand Sees Record Sales Growth

Published: 12 August 2014

Hungry Lion’s Lucky Bucket Campaign Delivers Double Digit Sales Growth For The Brand

Hungry Lion’s new ‘Lucky Bucket’ campaign, has driven hundreds of thousands of feet into its newly refurbished fast food chicken outlets countrywide resulting in an impressive 37% increase in overall brand engagement and double digit sales growth in just four weeks. 

The new Hungry Lion integrated campaign, comprising a new TV and radio commercial, digital, PR and on the ground activations, which promise to ‘give Mzansi more’, have seen the Hungry Lion brand quickly winning with SA and Africa consumers and becoming a fast food favourite.

“We achieved the 37% increase in engagement in the first three weeks of our campaign and the level of redemption on vouchers via digital channels has been way above industry benchmarks,” says Tashalene Reid, Marketing Manager at Hungry Lion, a Shoprite Holdings company. 

She also attributes the increase in sales to Hungry Lion’s new brand image, refurbished outlets, its proudly South African heritage and a great product in the form of bigger portions of great tasting chicken served up in the brand’s visually appealing branded buckets. “Our Pride Bucket has been iconic to our stores for more than 12 years, so it remains at the centre of our new brand campaign,” she adds. 

The campaign is a follow-on from our first engaging TV commercial, which saw the Pride Buckets being flown in by helicopter into the metropolis and promising Mzansi More. 

“We then built on this story by bringing the buckets to life by using an on-the-ground mechanic in the form of 50 Lucky Bucket mascots who have been promoting the R7-million ‘spot a lucky bucket’ competition throughout South Africa in a fun and engaging way. To date, they have been seen climbing Table Mountain, riding on trains, touring the city, surfing and visiting iconic areas all over South Africa.” 

Reid explains that this particular campaign is a first for South Africa in terms of utilising these various touchpoints and in terms of integration, we have seen over 700,000 digital WiCodes already being issued within the first four weeks. 

“It has included pushing social media limits and digital interaction via mobile devices to include WeChat, VoucherCloud and Mxit as a mechanic for our market, providing a perfect platform for live interaction for all of South Africa and enabling both feature and smartphone users the opportunity to participate,” she adds.

According to SocialBaker’s latest social media report, the Hungry Lion brand has seen a 155% increase in engagement on their social channels alone, overtaking Nike Sportswear.

Hungry Lion, which launched in 1997, by the Shoprite Holdings Ltd Group, has seen a rapid growth trajectory by extending its footprint and now has a network of more than 160 stores in Africa and South Africa with operations in eight African countries.

Over the past two years, the brand has undergone major changes to its management, brand, stores and menu in order to achieve its goal of being a first-world Quick Service Restaurant (QSR). “We have had to restrategise, reformulate and rebrand our stores to make this a reality,” says Reid.

“Our goal is to provide all communities in Africa with tasty chicken in a first-world environment at competitive prices, whilst staying true to our 100% homegrown SA offering,” she adds. “The stores now boast a world-class design with ample seating and an inescapable focus on providing great chicken products in order to bring to life our brand vision in very diverse areas in South Africa.” 

Hungry Lion, which serves over a million customers per month across SA and Africa, prides itself on offering ‘MORE’ for every man, woman and child across Mzansi (South Africa and Africa) with the stores and menu being crafted for people who want more and for lovers of king-sized chicken. 

Reid explains; “Our product has undergone a major overhaul resulting in larger portions for bigger value, while remaining true to our brand promise of ‘giving Mzansi more’ and offering consumers more value for money in a fast and friendly environment.”

“Our integrated campaign for the launch of the ‘new’ brand aims to make South Africans aware of our brand promise in a fun, engaging and aspirational way. We needed to reach and impact on a larger scale than ever before,” she adds. “To do this we needed to push the boundaries in order to get more people to experience the new Hungry Lion at multiple touchpoints.”

“It has taken us two years of planning, new brand implementation and roll-out for us to be ready to market the brand and the success over the last month is testiment that South Africans are responding well to the new brand,” she concludes.

Join the conversation on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hungrylion or on Twitter: @HungryLionSA #luckybucket

Tribute to South African Music Heroes Concert 2014 - Moretele Park Tribute Concert

Published: 11 August 2014

Moretele Park Tribute Concert to toast 20 years of Freedom with all-star line-up  

Come and celebrate spring and the country’s 20 years of Democracy with a star-studded procession of South African music royalty at the annual Tribute Concert, taking place at Moretele Park on Saturday, 30 August 2014, Mamelodi in Pretoria.  

The City of Tshwane once again plays Proud Host to this ever-popular concert, now in its 17th year, which is renowned as one of the premier events on the country’s music calendar.  

The line-up for this year’s special-edition Moretele Park Tribute Concert, which pays homage to our Democracy and its musical Heroes and Icons, reads like a who’s who of the local music industry. Organisers Drakensberg Promotions have assembled a parade of exceptional artists that will head to Mamelodi for a daylong party pulsing with jazz, pop, traditional and dance music.  

Headlining the 2014 event are Afro-pop duo Mafikizolo, the comeback kids who recently collected two MTV Africa Music Awards to add to the eight South African Music Awards they won at this year’s ceremony.  

Plus, sensational dance maestros Mi Casa will be getting the crowd up on their feet with their essential and uplifting house grooves.   The one and only Johnny Clegg – our very own Le Zulu Blanc, a true living legend who has been fêted as a French Knight of Arts and Letters and who received the Order of Ikhamanga back home – will also be performing on the day.  

He will be joined by fellow music veterans Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Letta Mbulu, Jonas Gwangwa, Thomas Chauke and Ringo. The younger generation of dazzling musicians is well represented by Lira, Bhudaza, Musa (last year’s Idols winner) and Zonke – all adding up to an unmissable music encounter par excellence.  

Emerging jazz artists and groups will also perform on the day, which pays homage to South Africa’s music luminaries while showcasing the next generation of bubbling-under talent.  

“We are immensely proud that the Moretele Park Tribute Concert is now widely regarded as being the hottest springtime party in the country,” says Leonard Sithole of Drakensberg Promotions.  

“This year’s event is a particularly special occasion for us, because it gives us the opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a country in the two decades since the dawn of democracy – but also to celebrate our musical riches, from our evergreen stalwarts right through to our talented young upstarts.”  

Join the thousands of revelers at Moretele Park Tribute Concert in Mamelodi, at one of the year’s most festive parties! The entertainment starts at 11am, and continues into the night. Tickets cost R300 and are available at Computicket.  

Concert details    

Event: Moretele Park Tribute Concert 

Date: Saturday, 30 August 2014 

Venue: Moretele Park, Mamelodi in Pretoria 

Artists: Mafikizolo, Mi Casa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Lira, Johnny Clegg, Don Laka, Letta Mbulu, Jonas Gwangwa, Ringo, Bhudaza, Idols 2013 winner Musa, Zonke and Thomas Chauke 

Time: 11h00 

Tickets: R300 at Computicket    

For event details contact (011)482 4937 - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

For media queries, media accreditation, interview request, access to high res pics etc please contact JT Comms on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (011) 788 7631/2  

Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Drakensberg Promotions

With Spur’s help I am the mother of many

Published: 08 August 2014

Solomon’s Haven was founded in 1992, when Maria Solomons and her family opened their hearts and doors to vulnerable children in the area, creating a place of safety and equipping them with the necessary education and skills and to prepare them for their future, and developing them intellectually, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

Maria explains that, in her area, so many women are caught up in a vicious cycle of abuse and neglect that they struggle to look after themselves, let alone their children. “When deciding to leave her abuser, she is usually faced with either living on the streets ór going to a shelter, where she and her children can stay for three to six months… and then? Sometimes they are faced with being thrown out on the streets or going back to the origin of the abuse,” Maria says concerned.

It is with one such incident that Solomon’s Haven was founded. When her late son, Nadeem, was in Grade 5 he started bringing a 7–year old friend home every day. Maria spoke to the boy and he eventually disclosed that his father was very abusive towards him, his siblings (aged 4 and 9) and his mother. Maria eventually invited the boy’s mother for dinner and after a long talk she told Maria that she is faced with a huge problem: her husband is molesting her two daughters!

Maria decided there and then to provide shelter to the women while she took steps against her husband, with Maria’s support. Maria took care of them, reminded of her own background of abuse.

“I did not really have role models, growing up under difficult circumstances, with an abusive father.  We were five to six children sleeping on a bed, without blankets – we had to use carpets and our clothes to keep warm. This gradually formed me to become strong, which helped me to survive and definitely helps me to assist the children of Solomon’s Haven today,” she adds proudly.

Maria is, however, very happy that times have changed and that women are better protected through improved legislation. “When I grew up, men in our community beat some women to a pulp, women felt powerless to take any action and as a result nothing was ever done about it. Now it is a whole new picture. When you lift your hands for a woman (or man!) you will, in most cases, go to jail,” she adds.

“I have a compassion for children, especially those growing up under difficult circumstances, and I am a mother, with a huge heart for children. I do not want to see my children getting hurt… I do not want any child getting hurt, for that matter. Nelson Mandela once said something along the line of: ‘If you have a head and a heart, you see everything differently’ and I feel that is very applicable to me. It does not matter what is ‘wrong’ with the child or what his or her condition or problem is – I just love them.” You can see the kids that arrive here are broken, but I give every child as many hugs and love as possible. The kid realises that you care for them as soon as you give them hugs. It sometimes takes two weeks or more for them to start trusting me, but eventually I do manage to break through their ‘walls’ with love,” Maria says.

Some of the children have grown up with one, but in some instances even two abusive parents. Maria is concerned that in the latter case, the children are left without any caregiver and nobody to protect them. Without a mother a family literally falls apart. Maria adds that in such cases, there usually is no bread in the house and the children have to ask neighbours for a piece of food… or hope somebody will help them.

“Kids like these do not know the security of a family and that is what we are trying to reinstate in their lives.  A family stick together, no matter what happens, like me and my family. We carry each other through difficult times. We want the kids to experience the same and a feeling of home and somebody being there for them after school. Do you know how gratifying it is when they arrive home after school and ask, “Where’s Mommy?’”

“With the help of generous organisations like Spur Foundation, I can be their mommy and provide them with a family. We never eat separately, but together as a family – an aspect that truly resonates with Spur’s focus on the family. In the evenings when we sit in front of the TV, they massage and wash my feet. That is how they give back. They cry when I take my feet back, as it signifies rejection to them.  Pampering me is a thank you from their side,” she says with a smile.

Maria stresses that it is not an easy job – both financially and emotionally. “On the financial side I have to provide food for all of them. Organisations like Spur Foundation contribute regularly and it helps, but it does not cover all our needs. As an example, the 17 kids currently in my care, eat at least ten loaves of bread per day!” she adds.

“On the emotional side I also have to be the strong woman for them. I can only cry or show emotions when I am alone in my room, as I become such a part of these children’s daily struggles. Spur Foundation’s support has shown me that they believe in what I do and that that they believe these children need help. It lessens the burden on me, as I know there is somebody that cares. Spur Foundation recently donated new bed linen to all the children on Mandela Day (18 July) – it was probably the first time in their lives that they slept under new duvet covers! " she adds.

Since its inception between 400 and 500 children have been helped at Solomon’s Haven, with Maria assisting some of them to train as boilermakers, policemen, social workers and more. For this remarkable work Maria was nominated as a finalist in the Cape Times Woman of Worth 2003 Competition and in 2004 she won the award.

“For the next year my big wish would be bigger premises, so that everybody has their own space and can feel special,” she adds. “Feeling special is something they have not experienced a lot in their lives, but the love and support for the children make them look past the fact that there might not be another tomorrow,” Maria concludes.

Spur salutes this great mother of so many of the neglegted and destitude children in her area.

---

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

NAME: Ronel van Dijk, Chairperson of the Spur Foundation and Chief Financial Officer of Spur Corporation Limited
TEL: 021-555 5100
E-MAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WEBSITE: http://www.spurfoundation.co.za
TWITTER: @SpurRestaurant
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SpurSteakRanches  

GIPCA PRESENTS PRE-LIFE IN THE RUN-UP TO THE 2ND LIVE ART FESTIVAL

Published: 06 August 2014

In anticipation of the Live Art Festival, the Gordon Institute for Performing and Creative Arts (GIPCA) presents two Pre-LIFE events, introducing some of the themes around which the 2014 Festival has been curated. The Pre-LIFE events will take place on Thursday 14 and 21 August at Hiddingh Hall, UCT Hiddingh Campus.

Pre-LIFE 1 comprises visual presentations and a panel discussion around one of the core themes in the Live Art Festival: The Periphery as Threshold. Speakers will consider notions of periphery and centre – what these mean as concepts in society and then for artists working outside the gallery system. Does the periphery exist by choice, by design, by force or tacit exclusion?  These ideas, as well as ideas around fringe art production and traditional gallery systems, how artists may resist definition by the legitimised space and the limitations of spaces defined as alternative and otherwise, will be pursued. Panelists include Loyiso Mkize, Astrid Gebhardt, Gavin Krastin,Nompumelelo Mamqwathi Rakabe, Kirsty Cockerill and Jarrett James Erasmus, chaired by Jay Pather.

Pre-LIFE1 will take place on Thursday 14 August at 17:30 at Hiddingh Hall, University of Cape Town (UCT) Hiddingh Campus, Orange Street, Cape Town; and is free. Refreshments will be served from 17:00; no booking is necessary. For more information, contact the GIPCA office on 021 480 7156 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.gipca.uct.ac.za.

NOTES TO EDITORS About the panellists: Kirsty Cockerill is currently Director of The New Church Museum, having been the Director of the AVA gallery and Collection Manager at Iziko South Africa National Gallery. Her passion for the development of cultural capital in South Africa motivates her involvement with projects that engage with public space, the development of emerging curators and professional practice in the visual arts arena.

Jarrett James Erasmus is a resident artist at Greatmore Studios and a member of Burning Museum collective. He graduated with a BFA from Rhodes University, was awarded the David Koloane Award from the Bag Factory Artist Studios and participated in a residency at Nafasi Art Space in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Erasmus’ work has social leanings that focus on the current state of society in a post-apartheid reality. He works mainly on a two-dimensional plane, but has recently moved towards performance, video and site specificity.

Nompumelelo Mamqwathi Rakabe is a multimedia artist, founder of BlackFossil Soul Creation and a curator. She is currently pursuing a post-graduate degree in Visual Art at the UNISA, and works in a freelance capacity for MOCCA Museum and Commune 1 Gallery. Her work has been showcased in various open spaces including the Greatmore Studios, Whizz ICT, Polokwane Art Gallery Women’s Journal Annual Exhibition, Limpopo Arts & Culture Association, UNISA, University of Limpopo and Haenertsburg Farm Gallery.

Gavin Krastin is an award-winning South African performance artist with an interest in the body’s representation, limitation and operation in alternative, layered spaces. His work is inspired by his immediate environment and the history embedded in its shifting socio-political climate. Apart from operating within conventional theatre, Krastin advocates the migration towards unconventional spaces where unknown risk factors are imminent. He has presented works at numerous festivals in South Africa and internationally, has lectured at Rhodes University (from where he obtained his MA) and UCT, and has worked with theFirst Physical Theatre Company.

Born in Butterworth, Loyiso Mkize is an artist and illustrator. After completing a diploma in graphic design, he launched a visual art company Loyiso Mkize Art (Pty). He illustrates the Supa Strikas monthly comic in You, Drum and Huisgenoot magazines.  Mkize’s subjects, generally African, explore the complex nature that makes up modern man, his environment, predisposition and culture. He has exhibited at The Framery and Avital galleries in Cape Town and in Johannesburg. In 2014, he travelled to New York and exhibited at a group exhibition funded by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Astrid Gebhardt graduated with a BA in Fine Arts and an Honours in Curatorship from UCT. She currently lives and works between Johannesburg and Cape Town, working predominantly with painting, but including sculptural installation and print media. She is particularly interested in the process of art making - makingeach work a celebration of obsessive compulsion and repetition.

About the Live Art Festival: The 2nd Live Art Festival runs from 27 August to 7 September 2014 and features over thirty-five works of innovation. The Festival brings together a range of artists from the fields of visual arts, dance, theatre, music, architecture and literature. Most works are collaborative and interdisciplinary, with artists from across South Africa as well as Switzerland, the United Kingdom, United States, Cameroon, Nigeria, Netherlands and Ghana. The Festival will take place in various spaces at UCT’s Hiddingh Campus, the Cape Town City Hall and several clubs in and around Green Point. Full programme available on www.gipca.uct.ac.za and bookings through www.webtickets.co.za.

About GIPCA: The University of Cape Town’s Gordon Institute for Performing and Creative Arts (GIPCA) facilitates new collaborative and interdisciplinary creative research projects in the disciplines of Music, Dance, Fine Art, Drama, Creative Writing, Film and Media Studies. Interdisciplinarity is a key theme of the institute and projects are imbuedwith innovation, collaboration and dialogue with urbanism and community. GIPCA was launched in December 2008 with a substantial grant from Sir Donald Gordon, founder of Liberty Life. An Advisory Board comprising Heads of Departments of all Performing and Creative Arts Departments at UCT helps to shape contexts for the instigation and development of projects by students and staff, as well as a wide range of institutions and individuals outside the University.

GIPCA Director: Associate Professor Jay Pather

Chair of the GIPCA Board: Professor Sakhela Buhlungu

ISSUED BY: The Gordon Institute For Performing And Creative Arts (GIPCA)

CONTACT:

Samantha Saevitzon
TEL: + 27 21 480 7156
EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Minister Mr T. W. Nxesi formally endorses the 2nd Annual Project and Construction Management Professions Conference

Published: 05 August 2014

The Minister of Public Works, Mr T. W. Nxesi, has formally endorsed the 2nd Annual Project and Construction Management Professions Conference and will once again be an integral part of the programme including the pre and post conference deliberations.

In his endorsement statement, The Minister said:"The theme of the conference addresses the government priorities in relation to infrastructure roll out as a tool to leverage regional economic integration and development – and to drive job creation, skills development and empowerment. It will provide an important opportunity for engagement and to forge synergies between government plans and private sector service providers with contributions and consultation with civil society and academia. 

This conference should bring tangibles on job creation, enterprise development to allow new entrants from historically disadvantaged communities and mentorships using public private partnerships in government’s infrastructure roll-out."

For early bird registration discounts and more information about the conference, visit www.sacpcmp.org.za.

VenueDate: 20 October 2014 to 22 October 2014Time: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PMLocation: Gallagher Estate Convention Centre,

Visit www.sacpcmp.org.za

Contact:

Lynn McLeod
Company: SACPCMP
Tel: +27 11 318 3402
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Women and Humanity Arts Festival 9th August 2014

Published: 01 August 2014

PMHP at the Artscape 

Celebrating Women’s Day and Women’s Month, the 8th Women’s Humanity Arts Festival will take place at Artscape Theatre Centre from 6 - 9 August 2014. The theme of the 2014 festival is HUMANITY and the objective this year is to celebrate and salute those women who actively strive to better their own lives and the lives of countless other women in our society today.  The Perinatal Mental Health Project (PMHP) is honoured to take part in this very important event to highlight the impact of mental health on the well-being and development of women and their babies. The PMHP is a non-profit entity that has been operating for nearly 12 years, in partnership with the Departments of Health and Social Development. We provide mental health services for pregnant and postnatal women, train those who work with mothers to improve the quality of their care, form partnerships to promote the scale up of services and inform global interventions through robust research and advocacy. We envision mental health support for all mothers to promote their well-being, and that of their children and communities. Our mission is to develop and advocate for accessible maternal mental health care that can be delivered effectively at scale in low resource settings. On the 9th August, Dr. Simone Honikman, the PMHP founder and director will host a discussion together with one of the projects former clients, who works as a psychologist in the HIV sector.   Furthermore the PMHP will host a display table providing further information about the project.  

About the Discussion: Why Maternal Mental Health matters? Pregnancy and the postnatal period is a psychologically distressing period for many women, particularly those facing social challenges like poverty, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS. The prevalence of common maternal mental disorders (including depression and anxiety) in low-income communities in South Africa is very high. One out of three women in South Africa suffers from depression during or after pregnancy. When left untreated, mental illness can contribute to maternal mortality, poor maternal and child health, and consequently, negative development outcomes. In response to this problem, the Perinatal Mental Health Project (PMHP) was started in 2002. The mission of the PMHP is to develop and advocate for accessible maternal mental health care that can be delivered effectively at scale in low resource settings. Simone Honikman, founder and director of the PMHP, will present on maternal mental health as an integral part of maternal health!

Page 6 of 9