Relais & Châteaux has admitted 13 new member properties on three continents in January 2015: Asia, Europe and the Americas. Costa Rica and Hawaii join the family as new destinations. This underlines our willingness to open ourselves up to the world and share the founding values of our Association. It is another invitation to travel with the promise of savouring new tastes of the world through the Relais & Châteaux experiences.

Africa Mara Plains Camp (Kenya):

A discrete hideaway in the heart of predator country!

On the northern border of the Masai Mara, you’ll find Mara Plains Canvass Tents are tucked away amongst lush vegetation on the banks of the Ntiakatek River. This camp is one of the smallest in the region and offers the opportunity to get really close to nature and the local wildlife in the heart of a private conservancy with a very low density in vehicles and with abundant big cats. The programme is customised and very flexible – it is organised on a daily basis so that you can make the most of the unique experiences that nature constantly offers. The traditional safari styles tents, which are raised on decks and have a marquis ceiling, blend into the beautiful countryside and offer sweeping views of the savannah.   

Europe Tiara Yaktsa (France):

Between purple and indigo blue, a balcony overlooking the Mediterranean

Bathed by the Mediterranean luminosity and crowned by the Estérel massif, the Théoule-sur-Mer region is a land of contrasts, where the sea and the mountains are at close proximity. Spectacular vistas, a preserved environment, delicately perfumed by the fragrances of pines, create a favourable setting for the Tiara Yaktsa, which enjoys a perfect sunny location. www.relaischateaux.com/yaktsa          

The Greenhouse (United Kingdom):

An oasis of savours in the heart of London

Entering the world of The Greenhouse means enjoying the calm of a property in the heart of the London hustle and bustle and a unique culinary experience. Chef Arnaud Bignon, relying on his two Michelin stars, stages delicately flavoured dishes with a perfect balance of savours. He brings a new and creative dimension to classic French cuisine. The restrained and elegant décor is an ideal setting to fully benefit from the inventiveness of this cuisine. www.relaischateaux.com/greenhouse         http://www.ristoranteilpagliaccio.com/media/1381762135.jpg" >

Il Pagliaccio (Italy):

A culinary fixture of the Italian capital

Antony Genovese, born in France to Italian parents, delights our palate with new flavours. The creative Chef, who honed his talent in the Far East, continues to thrill his guests. Seared scallops served with teriyaki marinated beef and foie gras with a citrus fruit granite illustrate this in a savoury manner. www.relaischateaux.com/pagliaccio        

Asia Wasurenosato Gajoen (Japan):

A spot where time stands still in an authentic Japan

Situated in an enchanting setting, where lush vegetation blends perfectly into an authentic architecture, Wasurenosato Gajoen is surrounded by a calming atmosphere, away from the tourist ryokans. The omnipresent nature provides the place with a soul. The architecture is a sophisticated mix of thatched roof and ornamental pond. The delicately flavoured cuisine, carefully prepared with the vegetables from the garden, brings a picture to perfection, in which Japan and authenticity merge with elegance.  www.relaischateaux.com/gajoen      

Niraamaya Surya Samudra (India):

A gem facing the Arabian Sea

Surrounded by lush greenery and the Arabian Sea, Niraamaya Surya Samudra boasts 31 traditional cottages offering a perfect balance between old world charm and modern day comfort. Discovered by the hippies during the 70s, Kovalam has developed from a casual fishing village into one of the most important tourist destinations of the Southwest of the Indian peninsula. www.relaischateaux.com/surya        

Purity (India):

A romantic retreat on the shore of Lake Vambanad

Between the sea and the lake, the Purity showcases a pure and contemporary décor, where antiques and locally crafted components set the tone. Touches of turquoise blue and rose embellish the guest rooms to provide the interior design with a contemporary interpretation. In the beautifully manicured garden a sense of calm and serenity is prevailing. Cuisine highlights savours enhanced by local ingredients, whilst an always courteous and smiling service turns this moment into an unforgettable experience.   www.relaischateaux.com/purity        

Shakti 360° Leti (India):

Unique in the world in the Himalaya

Marvellously isolated at more than 2,400 metres, only accessible by hiking, the Shakti 360° Leti, is a spectacular adventure in itself which must be deserved. Its 4 cabins built with age-old techniques and local materials boast a contemporary design which stages in particular large bay windows. The scenery is truly breath-taking here and a real lesson of humility. The Shakti 360° Leti, which is conducive to relaxation and meditation, without electricity, offers an extraordinary experience during which the magic of the landscape creates constantly an out-of-the-ordinary atmosphere. www.relaischateaux.com/shakti    

Cape Weligama (Sri Lanka):

A large panorama of the Indian Ocean

Situated on a large promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean, only 30 minutes east of the historical town of Galle, the hotel Cape Weligama is home to a gorgeous collection of 40 freestanding villas and suites on a 12 hectare estate. A crescent-shaped infinity pool merges with the ocean. The style and the architecture of the property reflect the rich history of Sri Lanka, whilst allowing for contemporary and design elements. The light-bathed rooms offer incredible vistas of the ocean.  www.relaischateaux.com/weligama      

Americas The Inn at Hastings Park (USA):

Charm and elegance in New England

Only some 20 kilometres from Boston, the hotel is located in the historic town of Lexington. It is the ideal starting point to discover charming New England throughout the seasons and with all its colours. With a sophisticated blend of traditional and contemporary style, open fireplaces and cosy lounges, the atmosphere that prevails in the property proves that the soul and the spirit of the innkeeper have marked this Lexington manor. www.relaischateaux.com/hastingspark        

Royal Blues Hotel (USA):

Casual elegance on Florida’s Treasure Coast

Ideally located in Deerfield Beach, on Florida’s east coast, the Royal Blues Hotel opens up to the Atlantic Ocean. In the heart of a region with a rich cultural history and benefiting from local attractions, this hotel boasts a casual elegance and a beautiful white sand beach. A wine lounge in the interior lobby as well as a gourmet restaurant adorn this hotel, in which leather, wood and marble provide a contemporary charm. www.relaischateaux.com/royalblues        

Hotel Wailea (USA):

Charm and calm in Hawaii

Nestling in the heart of 6 hectares of landscaped gardens, the Hotel Wailea overlooks from its cliff the southern seashore of Maui, the protected and wild island of the Hawaiian archipelago. Its manicured gardens feature exotic plants. Cuisine is based on the ingredients from the hotel’s vegetable garden and local producers. Spacious suites, upscale spa service and amenities turn this property into a benchmark inviting to a detour to Hawaii.  www.relaischateaux.com/wailea        

El Silencio Lodge (Costa Rica):

The soul of Costa Rica between mountains and tropical forests

Nestling in the tropical cloud forest and mountain landscapes of Costa Rica, El Silencio Lodge is an eco-luxury hotel, which focuses on the environment. Located just 90 minutes away from the international airport of San José, surrounded by a magnificent jungle, it is an ideal place for romantic moments or family vacations. The spacious and light-filled rooms are built with natural materials and showcase a particular attention to details. Local products from the vegetable garden and a trout farm on-site offer the cuisine of Silencio Lodge a wide range of flavours. www.relaischateaux.com/elsilencio          

About Relais & Châteaux  

Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of more than 530 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants managed by a family of independent owners, innkeepers and chefs that has set the standard for excellence in hospitality since 1954. Together they open up new horizons for upscale hospitality by focusing on distinctive and personal experiences through which our guests are invited to experience the fine 'Art of Living' on all five continents.   From the vineyards in Napa Valley to the beaches of the Indian Ocean, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa and traditional Japanese hot spring Ryokan, Relais & Châteaux offers all the stops on the finest routes for discovering each region, culture and country.

Enchantment with the world and appreciating the beauty of our planet with a fresh view is the vision of Relais & Châteaux.   Through each individual property, Relais & Châteaux wishes to convey a message of preservation of nature and biodiversity, World Heritage of cuisine and customs and to share the beauty and unique offerings of the local terroirs with the world.   Our vision: “Making a better world through cuisine and hospitality.”  

For more information, visit: www.relaischateaux.com    

Ends/.

This press release has been distributed on behalf of our client, Relais & Châteaux.

Cape Town, South Africa – South African flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), announced the winners of its annual wine selection process at a prestigious banquet in Cape Town. The wine awards banquet is the culmination of SAA’s rigorous selection process which started in August.

For the 2015 SAA Wine Selection year, more than 800 wines were submitted by South African wine producers. A panel of the most distinguished, independent, local and international judges assessed the wines over a period of three days of blind tasting sessions.

“South Africa is ubiquitously known for its quality and diverse wine offering. It is not hard to imagine how challenging it was to arrive at naming the winning wines to be served to our esteemed passengers on-board SAA flights, marking the 29th anniversary of selecting the best-of-the-best wines for the airline. As SAA, we would like to congratulate and recognise the winners for their efforts and for the amazing quality of wines submitted,” says Bongi Sodladla, SAA Senior Food and Beverage Manager and Sommelier, who led the process.

The following entries received trophies for having the highest score across the board from all 11 judges:

White Wine of the Year

Winery:  Alvi's Drift Wines International
Wine Description:  Alvi's Drift Chardonnay 2013

Red Wine of the Year 

Winery:  Hartenberg Farm
Wine Description:  Hartenberg Shiraz 2010

Methode Cap Classic of the Year 

Winery:  KWV SA
Wine Description:  Laborie MCC Blanc de Blanc 2010

Port of the Year

Winery:  Boplaas Landgoed
Wine Description:  Boplaas Cape Tawny Vintner Show Reserve  N/V

Chief Executive Officer Award:  De Wetshof Estate Trust

Chairperson's Award:  Joy Wines

The judges for this year’s awards were:

Bongi Sodladla is SAA’s Group Sommelier and Global Food and Beverage Manager. She coordinates the SAA Wine Selection and Wine Awards for the airline and is a full-time member of the tasting panel. She graduated as the first black woman sommelier in 2010 through the Cape Wine Academy, and has since completed the Wine Evaluation Course run by Stellenbosch University’s Department of Viticulture and Oenology. She is also a tasting panel member for other wine competitions; for example, the Veritas Awards.   

Sandra Lotz has been the manager of Shiraz since 2008, and was previously CEO of Paarl Vintners for 12 years. She serves on the Wine and Spirit Board’s Paarl tasting panel and, in addition to SAA, also tastes for various wine competitions, such as SA Young Wines and the Veritas Awards.

Danielle le Roux graduated with a BSc in Viticulture & Oenology from the University of Stellenbosch. Thereafter, she set off to explore some of the world’s main wine regions, working vintages at Chateau de la Colline (France); Verité (California) and Terreno (Italy). She graduated as a Cape Wine Master in 2009, and serves on the tasting panels for Veritas, SA Young Wine Show and the Wine and Spirit Board. She contributes to WineLand’s tasting column, and is a qualified Pinotage judge.

Tatiana Marcetteau was born in the heart of the French wine region, Bordeaux. She is the Food and Beverages Manager and Sommelier at the Taj in Cape Town and has tasted on SAA in previous years.

Miguel Chan hails from Mauritius and is Group Sommelier for Southern Sun hotels, with overall responsibility for the group’s beverage and food standards. Miguel represented South Africa in 2007 at the Inaugural Concours International des Jeunes Sommeliers in Frankfort, where he reached the finals. He has been a taster for Platter’s South African Wine Guide, Old Mutual Wine Trophy and other competitions.

Gregory Mutambe is a sommelier at Azure Restaurant, at Twelve Apostles. His passion for food and wine is aptly demonstrated in the restaurant’s extensive wine list. He tastes for other competitions, among them the Best Value Wine guide and Platter’s South African Wine Guide.

Andrea Freeborough is Cellarmaster at Die Bergkelder. She is committed to ensuring that the successful winemaking team produces outstanding wines for both the premier Fleur du Cap Unfiltered and Bergkelder Selection tiers. In 2010, Andrea earned the title of South African Woman Winemaker of the Year, just one of the accolades that she has received during her tenure at Die Bergkelder.  

John Salvi is an English Master of Wine who has lived for the last 35 years in Bordeaux. The title of Master of Wine is the highest internationally recognised accolade for depth and breadth of wine knowledge. He is also an oenologist who studied under the famous Professor Peynaud at Bordeaux University.  

Petronella Salvi is South African by birth, French by residence. She is the managing director of Vino Fino Wine in Style. She has participated in a variety of prestigious wine-tasting competitions; for example, the Swiss International Wine Awards, the Michelangelo Awards and many others. She is also the member of Circle of Wine writers in the United Kingdom.  

Lyn Woodward works as a freelance food stylist, editor and wine commentator. In addition, to having worked at The Cape Wine Academy for seven years, Lyn has completed all of its wine courses—she achieved Cape Wine Master status in 2010.  

Nomonde Kubheka is Soweto-born but now a proud Capetonian who obtained her BSc Agriculture degree in Viticulture & Oenology from the University of Stellenbosch. A former winemaker at KWV, Nomonde now works as a freelance facilitator for the Pinotage Youth Development Academy, which is based in Stellenbosch. She has tasted for other wine competitions, among them Diners Club Winemaker/Young Winemaker of the Year.  

The logistical process of the tasting is coordinated by Bennie Howard, well-known Cape Wine Master.

For any questions or queries, contact SAA spokesperson Tlali Tlali +27 82 333 3880 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About South African Airways

South African Airways is a Star Alliance member that offers flights to 38 destinations worldwide. Domestically, SAA operates 544 flights a week between Johannesburg – Cape Town, Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth. Regionally, SAA offers 24 destinations across the African continent and its international network creates links to all major continents from South Africa through 10 direct routes. In the regional category, SAA has received the Skytrax ‘Best Airline in Africa’ Award for 11 consecutive years.   

Staff from City Lodge Hotel Lynnwood, which is located at the Lynnwood Bridge complex on the eastern side of Pretoria, recently visited Eersterus Old Age Home in Pretoria to bring them some a “sweet” surprise ahead of Christmas.

They arrived at the home armed with loads of sweets to bring some festive cheer into the lives of the senior citizens residing there.  As can be seen by these photos, their tasty treats were well received by the home’s residents. This is another demonstration of the City Lodge Hotel group’s “I’m Kind” programme in action. Opened in 2010, the 205-room City Lodge Hotel Lynnwood has become a popular accommodation destination for both business and leisure travellers in the Pretoria area. Ever since its opening, the hotel has ensured that it makes a meaningful contribution towards improving the lives of the less fortunate in nearby communities.  

City Lodge Hotel Lynnwood is one of several City Lodge Hotel Group hotels in the Pretoria area – the others being City Lodge Hotel Hatfield, Courtyard Hotel Arcadia, Town Lodge Menlo and Road Lodge Centurion. Importantly, it is not just at Christmas time that hotels in the City Lodge Hotel Group benefit the needy and less fortunate in various communities around the country. It happens throughout the year on a regular basis.

The group’s “I’m Kind” programme involves various acts of kindness that benefit children, the aged and other needy people. Hotels adopt projects within their neighbouring communities and get involved in helping them with various maintenance activities – such as painting – and through the donation of linen and various other items. Through bookings on its website, the group also donates money on behalf of guests to Hospice and Food & Trees for Africa. An annual donation is also made to the Cancer Association of South Africa as a result of tea and coffee bought by guests at 21 Road Lodges around the country.    

The Supreme Flour "A Recipe for Creativity" competition is open to all bakers who are residents of South Africa. If you are a professional baker, a student baker or bake to sell, this competition is for you!

Stand a chance of winning one 20 Macadams litre industrial cake mixer worth R14 500 by sending a recipe, accompanied by a photograph, of your favourite festive season treat. The recipe needs to include one or more Supreme Flour products, such as any Supreme wheat product or Supreme prepared mix. Ensure that the Supreme Cake Flour features as a core ingredient.

All entries must be received by Tuesday, 16 December 2014 at 23:59. The recipes will then be evaluated and tested by the Supreme Flour panel of judges on Thursday, 18 December 2014 and the winner will be announced on Monday, 22 December 2014. The winner will be contacted telephonically and published on the website. 

Here’s your chance to flourish your creativity and capability. Here’s your chance to win the magnificent cake mixer. Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity of displaying your Flour Power, that’s if you are indeed “Born to Bake.”  

Supreme has become one of South Africa's most loved and trusted wheat flour brand. Supreme offers a range of wheat flours, as well as prepared mixes, which are milled at Foodcorp's long-standing milling site in Pretoria. Supreme has been the professional bakers’ choice since 1919.

To enter the competition visit: http://www.supremeflour.co.za/competitions/?utm_campaign=festivecompetition&utm_source=TF&utm_medium=pressrelease. Competition prize queries may be directed to Foodcorp Milling Division on (012) 308 3208, from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until 16 December 2014.

Media contact person:
Liezel van Bergen, FC HO Marketing
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel: (011) 549 1086

November 2014

On Monday, 24 November, the 5-star Kurland Hotel, situated in Plettenberg Bay, hosted this year’s CXPRESS Garden Route Culinary Awards, at its seasonal restaurant, Katarina’s Kitchen + Bar. At the awards ceremony, Kurland Hotel Restaurant was presented with the Best Service 2014 Award, which was accepted on behalf of the Hotel by Executive Chef, Leon Coetzee.

Owner of Kurland Hotel, Peter Behr says: “We are proud to receive the Best Service Award and it’s a wonderful way to start the summer season ahead. It was also a great platform to showcase some of our culinary offerings for the season ahead at both Kurland Hotel Restaurant, the finer dining option, and Katarina’s Kitchen + Bar which is family bistro style cuisine.” 

This event was judged by head honcho of the South African Chaîne de Rôtisseurs, Francois Ferreira and Anne Hadley, local foodie supreme and better half of the late Ian Hadley, who started the awards shortly after the turn of the century to acknowledge local service and cooking excellence. The judges were supported by a team of 16 ‘ghost diners’.

This press release has been distributed on behalf of our client, Kurland Hotel.

For more information,

contact Reservations on 044 534 8082.

Kurland Hotel can be viewed at: www.kurland.co.za

Ornico Launches The Media Report 2014  

Sandton, South Africa – Wednesday 26 November 2014. Brand Intelligence™ and media research company, Ornico, today launched its second annual edition of The Media Report. Aimed at helping brands, marketers, media companies and advertising agencies better understand the forces that shape the sub-Saharan media sector, The Media Report 2014 is an electronic magazine available free for download from MarkLives.com or Ornico.co.za 

With over a hundred pages of insights on Africa’s media and research industry, The Media Report 2014 includes contributions from amongst South Africa’s most influential editors and advertising personalities. Gareth Cliff, SA’s ‘enfant terrible’ of radio, talks about streaming media and the reinvention he and his team effected with CliffCentral.com.  

Undoubtedly the most influential and powerful woman in the media in South Africa, former Editor-in-Chief of Huisgenoot, You and Drum, Esmaré Weideman – the CEO of Media24 – speaks about her responsibility for the commercial success of Africa’s largest publishing group, and talks about freedom of expression, advertising, independence and media monopoly. 

Other contributors include Chris Roper, Editor-in-Chief of the Mail & Guardian, who answers questions about editorial independence and honest information. Herman Manson, founder and editor of Marklives.com, talks about the marketing site’s investigative approach to trade media. Anton Harber, Adjunct Professor of Journalism, writes on the fine balance that delivers autonomy in newsrooms and enables journalists to produce more interesting, impactful and useful journalism. 

The Eyewitness News Editor-in-Chief, Katy Katopodis, answers 15 questions on her life, her values, the hurly-burly of daily news, and media independence. But that’s not all. Paulo Dias of Primedia Broadcasting explains the difference between technology and trust in radio, while Lyn Jones, Marketing Manager of Continental Outdoor Media, explores effective out of home advertising in Africa. 

The theme of The Media Report 2014 is independence. “Despite the fact that media independence and open information are the hallmarks of democracy, what we’re seeing is that there is an ongoing attack on media freedoms both in Africa and across the globe,” says Oresti Patricios, CEO of Ornico. 

“The most recent findings of the World Press Freedom Index, which is undertaken by Reporters Without Borders annually, shows that media freedom is on the decline on all continents,” bar Asia. “Africa is one of the biggest culprits and the freedom index indicates that when it comes to media transparency, this continent is in real trouble,” he says.

“Independent media is critical to Africa’s growth, not only because the press can be a watchdog that reports on abuses of power, but also because it educates and informs. Media independence is important to Africa because the media sector plays such an important role in economic growth and social development. Which is in part why we’ve invested resources in creating this media annual,” says Patricios, who adds that this media annual will become a permanent feature of SA’s publishing landscape.

Download your free copy The Media Report here: http://website.ornico.co.za/newsletters/  

-ends-

ABOUT ORNICO:

Ornico provides Reputation, Media and Brand Intelligence™ research across the African continent, making sense of the tsunami of brand, advertising and media information flooding the media space. By collecting and analysing media data and brand publicity across many media channels, Ornico helps put marketing decision makers in the know about the most important strategic decisions they'll ever make regarding their brands. Ornico employs a dedicated team of over 120 people in offices in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana, and has clients that include many of Africa's top companies.

Ornico - Know how. To grow.

CONTACTS: Oresti Patricios – CEO

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

Twitter: @orestaki  

Mongezi Mtati – Marketing Manager

Call: 011 884 5041

Ornico Head Office: Tel: +27 11 884-5041

Fax: +27 11 783-6931

Twitter: @OrnicoMedia

Web: www.ornico.co.za

Moms trust Cuddlers to take care of their little ones. A dry, comfortable baby is a happy baby, and happy babies mean happy moms. Thanks to Cuddlers’ innovative new topsheet and backsheet, you can enjoy your time with your little one without having to worry about irritated skin and nappy rashes. The new Cuddlers nappies might be as cute as a button, but they’re as hard-working as they are adorable, just as they should be.  

The new, super-cute backsheet that suits both boys and girls also shows off the changes to Cuddlers’ gentle new topsheet. Cuddlers are the only value nappies that have a combination of Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and Dry Guard™, keeping baby’s skin smooth, dry and protected. Cuddlers Newborn 1 nappies also have a cute new backsheet with a change indicator to help moms know when their newborn is ready for changing, which is vital for protecting their delicate skin.  

The new nappy keeps baby dry for long and protects against nappy rash and irritation. The Aloe Vera and Vitamin E not only softens your baby’s skin, it’s also much softer against their skin, so you can enjoy those special moments together safe in the knowledge that your little one is comfortable and protected.  

Attractive new packaging means Cuddlers nappies are easy to spot, and with all the important information clearly printed on the packaging, you can immediately find exactly what you’re looking for. They’re also great value for money, and every new mom knows that saving time and money is important!  

Cuddlers cares for your baby, and you. Entrust the safekeeping of your precious gift’s delicate skin to the people who know just what it takes to keep you worry-free. Go on, enjoy every delightful moment and let Cuddlers take care of the rest.  

Cuddlers nappies are priced from R37.50.

For more information call 0860 777 111 or visit www.cuddlers.co.za or chat to us on www.facebook.com/cuddlersnappies

Issued on behalf of: Cuddlers – Nampak Tissue, A Division of Nampak Products Ltd
Issued by: Sebrena Sodalay - Tynago Communications
Tel: 011 656 2405 or 083 540 6608
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Foscam would like to issue a warning as we go into the silly season.

Christmas is such a magical time of year... lots to be thankful for and wonderful parties to attend. Some of us are lucky enough to get away for a change of scenery. Those of us who stay at home may tend to have a more relaxed outlook on life. But please, beware, criminals are most likely to strike when given half the opportunity, when your guard is down or even better, when a home is empty.

Foscam, leaders in surveillance cameras supply households and companies alike with security cameras that send live footage directly to your cellphone or web browser.

Foscam IP cameras, or in lamans terms, ‘internet cameras’, simply require a wifi signal that they can pick up on where they are installed (either ADSL or by means of 3G), and a standard electric point. Once the camera is configured, download an app to your smartphone and no matter where you are in the world, you will be able to login and monitor your most prized assets.

So if you are going on holiday this December, or simply want to beef up your security, why not take a look at our website, www.foscam.co.za where you can purchase your security cameras online. We deliver countrywide and sell a wide range of indoor and outdoor security cameras to suit your needs.

Foscam South Africa
Tel: 011 4695165
www.foscam.co.za

Firstly we would like to thank all our fans, followers, friends and partners for your continued love and support. The emails you’ve been sending asking questions and the calls you’ve made show us how much you care for us and how important Red Diamond FM has been to you whether for inspiration, entertainment or the growth of your music career as an artist. We would like to assure you all that this establishment is permanent.

Red Diamond FM went through structural and organizational changes over the past two months. We decided to sit down and plan and strategize, we went back to the drawing board to revisit our mission which was to help unsigned musicians and start up record and music labels grow. Having than this, we chose to expand our media platforms in Red Diamond World for the benefit of South African musicians, in all genres. We are working on building a community of young celebrities who deserve to be celebrated because of the hustle they have put in towards their success.

Today Red Diamond FM is under the media division of Red Diamond World (Pty) Ltd (K2014198007), a South African tech company run by young innovative entrepreneurs. The company holds various major market shares in the South African technology industry and above that has founded two unique social networks and a world class eCommerce store.

The multimedia division of Red Diamond World aims to bring innovative internet radio, television and great features via the online magazine T·R·E·N·D·S. This division also assists unsigned South African artists get their music on to over 40 digital stores including iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.

The scope of involvement at this stage of the process transcends the traditional approach to multimedia. What Red Diamond World aims to achieve through its multimedia division goes beyond merely fulfilling the market’s need. Multimedia is a tool for social engineering and it is important that it is used for such. ‘Conscious broadcasting’ is integral to the vision of Red Diamond World. Today, technology has limited the boundaries which were yesterday exploited for much monetary gain. The music industry has become so open with much accessibility to music production that separating the entertainer and the entertained is becoming impossible. Social commentators have also expressed the coming age where genres will be done away with. Music is not the only multimedia division experiencing changes. The worlds of art and fashion have also been demystified through the embrace of pioneers who dare to legitimize the unusual- multimedia has no boundaries.

Red Diamond World is committed to furthering the cause of innovation and creativity. The aim is to bring entertainment to the entertainer. The recognition of upcoming entertainers is pivotal in all our initiatives. Music, art and fashion on radio, television and T·R·E·N·D·S will be geared at exposing fresh innovative expressions of multimedia today.

The underlying principal behind ‘conscious broadcasting’ is the philosophical belief that profit is NOT worth getting by using every means necessary. Red Diamond World understands the failure of unregulated capitalism. Good initiatives end up existing solely for capital gain when their pursuit for profit is achieved at the expense of the basic laws of humanity. Thus, ethical broadcasting is at the forefront of our multimedia division. We have taken great cognisance of the need to humanize every initiative we are involved in including the various companies who have aligned themselves with us. We aim to solidify the image of our partners as well as help achieve their goals in so far as we are able to. ‘Conscious broadcasting’ is geared towards broadcasting with a purpose. It is an ongoing balance of enjoying, shaping and gaining from our world.

Website: rediamondworld.com

Newly launched Indigenus is an evolved, standalone collection of planter designs with its roots in Africa  

It is sadly ironic that the natural allure of plants is rarely complimented by the vessels in which they are housed... Options do not stray too far from the typical Italian terracotta and its descendants, or variations on the glazed Chinese staple. Stylish contemporary planters for home, hotel and lodge are scarce. But all that is set to change with the launch of Indigenus, an evolved collection of contemporary planter designs that trade in the realm of beauty, as befitting their botanical occupants.

Indigenus is the brainchild of design entrepreneur Peter van der Post, who understood that there was a real need for desirable upmarket planters for both indoors and out, from his experience of running sister company Yin Design. Yin Design specializes in high-end planters that cater largely to the corporate office environment and events industry. With Indigenus, Peter’s intention is to create a premium global brand with South African roots that promotes high-end design in the specialized arena that crosses between interior design and landscape architecture.

To this end, he has commissioned custom designs from top South African designers as the basis and distinguishing factor of his unique collections. Indigenus launches by proudly presenting its first set of designs by award-winning designers such as Haldane Martin, Gregor Jenkin and Laurie Wiid Van Heerdeen of Wiid Design. In 2015, the Indigenus launch range will expand to include distinctive creations by renowned architects Stefan Anthoni and Greg Truen of SAOTA fame, and woven iterations by Philippa Thorne of Gone Rural.

The 2014 launch collection features jaw-dropping solutions for both interior and exterior application. All Indigenus designs are styled to suit indoors and engineered to weather the harshest of exteriors. All the planters are constructed from natural materials, such as sustainably sourced timber, iron and limestone, and handcrafted by master joiners and artisans as a warm riposte to mass-produced goods.

“From a quality and a longevity perspective, I am tired of artificial materials,” Peter explains. “Anything mass-produced is losing its lustre, and these are handmade; a person’s hand goes into designing and making these things and this gives them something more special.”

“I am no longer inspired by simply utilitarian manufactured objects and I would really struggle with pushing Indigenus through if it was just another challenger to an already over-saturated market,” Peter states.

Indigenus is indeed a standalone offering. This timely and magnificent solution to a need in the marketplace is matched with design integrity and local production authenticity.

Visit www.indigenus.co.za or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for enquiries. 

IMAGES:Images supplied by Indigenus & available in high resolution.

All plants supplied by Starke Ayres.Images by Micky HoyleProduction by Tina-Marie Malherbe [ENDS]PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY:Lauren Shantall (Pty) Ltd