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8th Durban FilmMart announces Official Project Selection for 2017 edition

A record 22 fiction feature films and documentaries projects in development from around Africa have been selected for the 8th edition of the Durban FilmMart (DFM) which takes place in Durban, South Africa from July 14 to 17. 

 

A joint programme of the eThekwini Municipality’s film industry development unit, the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), the DFM aims to showcase and increase awareness of African cinema through stimulating film production on the continent by encouraging collaborations amongst African filmmakers. 

 

The projects this year have been selected from across Africa, including Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Benin, DRC, Namibia, Somalia, Mozambique and South Africa. 

 

"We are more than delighted with this year’s submissions and selection of projects," says Toni Monty, Head of the DFO. "We have a range of countries represented as well as an interesting selection of topics and themes, which we are sure will engage and pique the interest of the visiting experts and peers. With 12 feature films and 10 documentaries, this promises to be a bumper edition and we look forward to welcoming and engaging with the film-makers on these projects in the hope that the DFM will act as a facilitator and catalyst for the further development of these films.”

 

“Ultimately the proof is when we see the projects come to life and get produced, distributed and screened,” Monty goes on to say. “Many of the projects selected from the DFM go on to be granted further opportunities to develop at other markets and incubators around the world. We have seen them doing well at festivals or picking up good distribution deals for cinema release. In the past we have seen many of these projects come to life and premiere at the Durban International Film Festival – a wonderful testimony to the value of the Durban FilmMart.”

 

The DFM provides a platform for African filmmakers, industry professionals, broadcasters and potential financiers, to come connect, network and engage in important conversations around projects. Over the years it has become an important networking space for film-makers and a solid springboard for new thinking and collaboration between African and other international film-makers.

 

The selected fiction and documentary film-makers will attend the DFM and will be meeting one-on-one with possible co-producers and financiers in the Finance Forum. They will also pitch their work to a panel of commissioning editors from local and international funders and financiers, and meet and network with a wide range of industry experts and possible collaborators during the four-day event.

Fiction

An African Tale (Kenya) – produced by Shirleen Wangar and directed by Gilbert Lukalia

Border (Benin) – produced by Idrissou Mora Kpai and directed by Arouna Sacca Mora Kpai

Borderlines (South Africa) – produced Kim Williams and Paul Egan and directed by Meg Rickards 

Dabulaphu (Short Cut) (South Africa) - produced Kethiwe Ngcobo and David Max Brown and directed by Norman Maake

Matigari (Congo) – produced by Dilima Luzuko, Balufu Bakupa Kanyinda, Fidelis  Duker, Cathy Muigai and directed by Balufu Bakupa Kanyinda

Miles from Nowhere (South Africa) – produced by Bongiwe Selane and directed by Samantha Nel

Rainbows Don’t Last Long (Egypt) – produced by Halina Dyrschka and directed by Mayye Zayed

Richard was Here (South Africa) – produced by Akona Matyila and Jack Chiang and directed by Akona Matyila 

The Girl from Wereldend (Namibia) – produced by Dylan Voogt and directed by Jana Brückner

The Lotus (South Africa) – produced by Bonita Sithebe and directed by Philani Sithebe

The Sovereign (South Africa) – produced by Gary King, Cait Pansegrouw and Elias Ribeiro and directed by Wim Steytler

The Woods (South Africa) - produced and directed by Kofi Zwane 

Documentaries

As I Want (Zay Mana Aiyza) (Egypt) – produced by Karim El Hakim and directed by Samaher Alqadi

Behind Closed Doors (Morocco) – produced by Cyriac Auriol, Hind Saih, Karoline Henkel and directed by Yakhout Elhabibi

Better Sundays (Kenya) – produced by Kelvin Kimathi and directed by Lydia Matata

Desterrados (Mozambique) – produced by Fabio Ribeiro and directed by Yara Costa

Encore (working title) (South Africa) – produced by Liesel Priem, Jolynn Minnaar and directed by Jessie Zinn and Jethro Westraad

Lobola, A Bride's True Price (South Africa) – produced by Sarah Basyouny and directed by Sihle Hlophe

Rajada Dalka (Nation’s Hope) (Somalia) – produced by Andy Jones, Cynthia Kane, and Lyric R Cabraland directed by Hana Mire

Softie (Kenya) – produced by Matrid Nyagah and Linda Ogeda and directed by Soko Sam

Working Womxn (South Africa) – produced by Tiny Mungwe and directed by Shanelle Jewnarain

Y Revolution (South Africa) – produced and directed by Suzanne du Toit 

“Of course filmmakers who do not have projects selected for the market are also invited to attend as delegates as there is a full programme of masterclasses, forums and networking events during the DFM..”

For more information on the Durban FilmMart and to register as a delegate visit www.durbanfilmmart.com

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SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge, Umvoti uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional at Wembley College -Greytown - May 13

The Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge will take place at Wembley College in Greytown next Saturday, May 13.

 

The small, yet traditionally very festive regional, sees five schools participating this year in a round-robin format with four times winners Wartburg Kirchdorf defending their title against host school Wembley College, Greytown High School, Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg and Domino Servite. Games will last 30 minutes, with 15 minutes play each way.

 

The defending champs Wartburg Kirchdorf have been hard at work in preparation for next week’s tournament, “We  hosted our own pre-season hockey tournament last term ending in the final against Carter High which ended in a draw,” explains coach Lisa Misselhorn. “And we attended the annual Voortrekker festival in which we won our pool and lost in the final to KEHS. It was a very pleasing result given that we have seven new players on the team.”

 

“We still have a number of players who have been in the team for a year or two and know the expectations of the tournament,” she continues. “And we are delighted that one of our players Elona Engelbrecht, who is U17, was chosen for the KZN U19 Inland Kites Team, which has been a major boost for the team’s morale.”

 

“Having won the regional tournament for four consecutive years, we are very aware that the other schools would like to have a turn in winning but we will not go down without giving of our best,” she says. “So, we would like to say good luck to everyone playing, and we look forward to a great day of hockey.”

 

The victorious team of this eighth regional will join winners from the Ugu and Sisonke Regional,  King Edward, Ferrum Skool (Newcastle), St Anne’s College (PMB North), St John’s DSG (PMB Central), Amanzimtoti High School (Durban South), Our Lady of Fatima (Durban North) and Durban Girls College (Durban Central). The remaining two regionals are to be played later this month.

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge Southern KZN Regional Suid Natal Skool: Saturday 22 April

 

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge

Southern KZN Regional

Suid Natal Skool: Saturday 22 April

 

Ardent first team hockey teams are heading to Suid-Natal Hoërskool to partake in the seventh SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 22 April. 

 

The zealous participants will be taking part in the Southern KZN Regional. A combination of nine teams from Sisonke and Ugu areas will be taking to the fields in the hopes of being crowned champion of this region. Back to defend their title, the versatile team, King Edward High School from Matatiele are enthusiastic to retain the title for the third concurrent year. 

 

King Edward, having progressed to the Grand Finals held hockey giants Durban Girls’ College to a goalless draw in their pool match last year.  After being level on points in the pool stage, College had an edge on them on goal difference.

 

The respected and quiet giant slayers will be taking on their feisty neighbours, Kokstad College and the hard working Creston College, both previous winners at this regional. Joining them on the day will be host team, Suid-Natal Hoerskool, travelling teams Ixopo High School, Scottburgh High School and St Patrick’s College from Kokstad and local teams Port Shepstone and Southcity Christian School. 


The duration of the games will be 23 minutes with a 2 minute change over. The nine teams will be separated into two pools. Pool A will have five teams battling it out with Southcity, KEHS, Ixopo, Scottburgh and Sheppie High taking each other on. In Pool B, previous champs Creston and Kokstad meet early on, with Suid-Natal and St Patricks rounding off the four teams. 

 

At the conclusion of the pool games, the top two teams from each pool will meet in a cross pool playoff.  Points for the day are four points for a win, two for a draw with goals, or 1 point for a goalless draw and zero points for a loss. Two fields will be the scene for all the action, with the top field, Field A having the final on it.

 

Thereafter, the top eight teams will be revealed according to their points, they will all compete in the cross-pool playoffs and saving the best for last, the regional final as the decisive game of the day.

 

Coach for King Edward High School, Deidre Duminy shared, “We have a young, enthusiastic team that is raring to go! Our team is looking good. We have had a few games already and it has been going well, but we will be working hard through the holidays. The girls have huge hearts, and would love to make it three in a row, and get to travel to Durban again this year to take on the other finalists at the Grand Finals.”

 

The Southern KZN Regional for the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge will converge at Suid-Natal Hoerskool for nine schools with the winner progressing to the Grand Finals that takes place in July in Durban.


For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page.


ENDS

 

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge Durban Central Regional 3 Schools Trust: Sunday 26 March

 

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban Central Regional

3 Schools Trust: Sunday 26 March

 

Retaining their 100% record of the Durban Central Regional, Durban Girls College, raised the cup for the seventh time in the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge which took place at the 3 Schools’ Trust astroturf in Glenwood today (March 26).

 

In a seamless display of exquisite hockey, College dominated from the get go showing off why they have owned this regional since the tournament’s inception. Advancing effortlessly through to the finals, they met St Henry’s Marist College for the second time, having met earlier in the pool games. College maintained possession in the crowning game, breaking St Henry’s defense three times and not allowing any opportunities to find the back of their goals. Goal scorers for DGC Emma Sharratt, Bulelwa Mzimela and Georgia Cloete respectively, all were in the right spot at the right time to convert the field goals enabling them to determinedly claim victory over St Henry’s.

 

DCG Captain Lori Niemand, who was ecstatic with the win, said “We always love the SPAR tournament as it is loads of fun and there is great sportsmanship shown on and off the field.  Today we worked hard as a team, and kept passing to each other and communicating well, leading to the final outcome.”

 

The tournament, which was hosted by Durban Girls High School, had nine Durban schools participating including Durban Girls’ College; Durban Girls’ High School; Hoërskool Port Natal; Inanda High School; the INK team comprising of players from the Inanda, Ntumzuma and KwaMashu districts; Maris Stella and St Henry’s and newcomers to the tourney Durban Girls Secondary and Rossburgh High School.

 

St Henry’s quietly advanced through their pool games and finished second on the log, behind College. Durban Girls High and Maris Stella ended their efforts at the top of their pool. The four teams proceeded to a cross pool play off. Durban Girls College’s centre forward Georgia Cloete landed her teams two solid goals to Maris Stella’s nil sadly knocking them out of play.

 

In St Henry’s semi-final, they took on hosts Durban Girls’ High, with the final whistle revealing a one all scoreline. Five players from each side lined up for the deciding penalty shootout. After each team had five attempts, the scores still were level on three all. The game then advanced to a golden goal or sudden death. Melissa Calitz for St Henry’s eased her way to the right, going around DGHS’s Demi Tait to go one up. Latoya Boon then set off for DGHS and followed a similar path to Calitz trying to round Unathi Sibeko, but her attempt scared off by the diving keeper scraped agonizingly past the right-hand goal post which meant St Henry’s were through to the regional final.

  

A delighted coach for Durban Girls’ College, Bell Meek said after the prize giving, “I was impressed with the girls, they played with a really good spirit in everything they did. Throughout the course of the day, College showed great improvement, and built on that with every game. I was very happy with their progress.”

 

Complimenting her opposition, Meek stated, “I would also like to commend St Henry’s, they are playing fantastic hockey and with every year that passes, they get better and better!”

 

Talking about her team, Meek enthused, “We have a young team, with only two matrics. The youngsters stepped up and supported the experienced players rounding off the team nicely. I coached the U16 team last year, and a number of the youngsters have come through to the first team, so they are familiar with my game plan. Adding to the mix is my assistant coach, Kerry Gaze who is an incredible help. It is nice to be able to bounce off ideas with her. This is her first year with College and I must say we are a good balance.”

 

Concluding, Meek said, “After our indoor season, where we finished off middle of the table, this is an encouraging start to our outdoor season. We are heading to the St Mary’s Waverly tournament next and our goal is to just play good hockey. We are aiming for a top ten, and if we achieve that I will be extremely chuffed!”

 

Durban Girls’ College is the sixth team to go through to the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s in July, and will join Our Lady of Fatima, who won the Durban North Regionals on Saturday, March 25, and four other teams that have already secured their berth at the tournament, Ferrum High School (Northern KZN); St John’s DSG (PMB Central); St Anne’s College (PMB North) and Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South).

 

-ends

 

 

Pic by Jonathan Burton

 

Interview with  TAYLA GIBBONS - Captain of the Ashton International College First XI Hockey team.

Interview with  TAYLA GIBBONS - Captain of the Ashton International College First XI Hockey team.

Captain of Ashton International College, Defending Champions of the Durban North Regional, Tayla Gibbons is looking forward to a feast of hockey as she leads her team in the next tourney of SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge which takes place at Crawford La Lucia this Saturday, March 25.

The feisty all rounder player, whose role model is celebrated SA Hockey player Pietie Coetzee, usually plays forward or link but is happy in other positions and “will play where I am needed.”

The 18-year old, who enjoys scuba diving in her spare time, also manages to play indoor and outdoor netball and soccer for the school.

Based in Ballito on the KZN coast, Tayla started playing hockey when she was 6 in Grade 1 and says that what she most enjoys about the game is “the family atmosphere that is created by the wonderful team and coaches and the obvious bonus of making such great friendships along the way.”

“The best bit of advice we got from our coaches, who are so passionate about the game, was to simply accept what happens on the field and play through no matter what. It's definitely got me through so many tough games and situations,” she says.

 The grade 12 learner, cites biology as her favourite subject, and wants to study advanced life support or occupational therapy either at UCT, Stellenbosch or in the UK, but not before travelling a little bit beforehand.

Ashton, has won this regional three times, and have made it through to the finals which are played at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof in July. Gibbons recalls how, despite the freezing cold and wet weather, playing in the finals last year  “really brought brought the team so close together. It was fantastic.”

And words she lives by? "Never give up" its a phrase my dad's been telling me since I was as a little girl. It helps when things get tough and you have to push through.”

Ashton joins host school Crawford College La Lucia together with Crawford College North Coast, Danville Park Girls’ High School, Our Lady Fatima DCS and Reddam House uMhlanga at Crawford La Lucia in the Durban North Regional on Saturday, 25 March. The regional begins at 7am and is in a round robin format with games lasting 18 minutes each.

For more information like the Facebook page.

 

-ends

 

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge Durban North Regional Crawford La Lucia: Saturday 25 March

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban North Regional

Crawford La Lucia: Saturday 25 March

 

Seven teams will be taking to the turf to participate in the Durban North Regional of the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge on Saturday 25 March at Crawford La Lucia.

 

It will be an early start to the regional, with the round robin games getting underway just after 7am. Teams will be playing in one direction in short 18minute burst games with the two top teams battling it out at the end of the day in the regional final.

 

Defending champions Ashton International College will be keen to reclaim the title for the fourth time in the seven years’ history of this tournament. Challenging them will be host school, Crawford College La Lucia together with Crawford College North Coast, Danville Park Girls’ High School, Our Lady Fatima DCS and Reddam House uMhlanga.

 

Previous winner, Danville Park (2012 and 2014) would like to have their name engraved on the trophy for a third time. And if Fatima’s feisty spirit is anything to go by, they too would love to lift the trophy for the second time, having taken the regional title in the inaugural tournament in 2011.

 

Tournament Director, Les Galloway said, “We are in for an exciting day of hockey at this regional. I have chatted to a number of the coaches and it appears that after a fantastic indoor season, the schools are raring to go with a number of teams eyeing out the regional trophy.”

 

Continuing, Galloway enthused, “What is also uplifting for the tournament, we have three new teams participating this weekend. We welcome Reddam House uMhlanga to the Durban North Regional and wish them well as they take to the turf. And two new teams that will participate in the Durban Central Regional, we welcome Rossburgh High and Durban Girls Secondary.”

 

MD for SPAR KZN, Max Oliva said, “The long-term weather forecast is looking a bit damp, but I guarantee the weather will not deter from any of the action expected on the turf! In the four previous tournaments, this year, we have been in awe by the big hearts that have stepped onto the fields. The sportsmanship displayed has been admirable, and I look forward to seeing more of this throughout the challenge!”

 

At the conclusion of the 22 games, the Durban North Regional will reveal the fifth team who will go through to the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s in July. Four teams have already secured their berth at the tournament, Ferrum High School (Northern KZN); St John’s DSG (PMB Central); St Anne’s College (PMB North) and Amanzimtoti High School (DBN South).

 

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page.

 

ENDS

 

 

SPAR KZN School Girls Hockey Challenge - PMB Central and North Regionals 11 March 2017

SPAR KZN School Girls Hockey Challenge

Epworth and UKZN Hockey Grounds: Saturday 11 March

The SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge welcomes back St Anne’s and a new team, St John’s DSG to the Grand Finals that will be held in July, as both teams were crowned regional champions in the 2017 Pietermaritzburg tournaments.

Ending Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High’s dominance in the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional, St John’s DSG toppled their 100% record when they beat them 1-0 in a riveting game in the round robin at Epworth College. Striker for St John’s DSG, Lise le Roux knocked in the all-important, only goal against the Green Machine, securing her teams place in the Grand Finals.

Coach for the Yellow Sticks, Lyndal ‘Binks’ Robertson stated, “The girls attitude today was what won us the tournament. They were phenomenal! The group of girls we have, have done well in other sports this term and this filtered onto the turf. I see great potential for our small school with such a big heart. We are trying to instil the mantra of ‘love what you do, love the game’ and this was evident on the pitch. All the players contributed, and the pace going forward resulted in some exciting goals.”

Continuing, ‘Binks’ said, “Luck was on our side, there were strong contenders in both tournaments, and it could have gone either way. For us against GHS and Epworth, we happened to connect earlier as a team. Those big hearts managed to put the ball in the back of the box, and that made the world of difference. On the field, we defended well and when we got to the other end of the field, we capitalised. And now, for the first time, we are heading to the Grand Finals. Everyone is so delighted.”

Retaining their Pietermaritzburg North regional title for the sixth time, St Anne’s had a bit of a yo-yo day on the turf at UKZN Pietermaritzburg, starting off with a win against long-time rivals, The Wickham Collegiate. Their second game, the defending champs were held to a 2 all draw against hosts, Hoërskool Voortrekker in a hard fought 25-minute tussle. St Anne’s then defeated Grace College 3-0. In their final game, Saints took on surprise package of the day, Treverton who had a phenomenal tournament and at one stage looked promising to possibly advance through to the Grand Finals. Saints lifted their game, leaving Treverton unable to stop them as they netted three solid goals.

Coaching the northern Saints for the fourth year, former SA Men’s coach Carlos Pereira enthused, “It was a great day for us. We played some nice hockey and passed the ball around well. We had good control in games, and a couple of patches where we let in goals. We were fortunate that our goals for us were stronger than where we let goals in today. But it was a good lesson, we know where we need to improve and where we need to work. But as I said, it was a great day of hockey overall!”

At each tournament, an umpire is recognised as the Most Promising Umpire, two umpires were acknowledged. For the second time, Sibusiso Ndlovu, a scholar from Voortrekker High was recognised for his umpiring abilities. Joining his is uber cool, Alana Marais representing Howick High School. Marais displayed superb levels of calm in all aspects of her game.

Speaking at the prize giving, Tournament Director, Les Galloway said, “A hearty congratulations to the twelve teams that took part in our tournament today! The action, both on and off the pitch was fantastic. I believe that everyone had an marvellously, enjoyable time. Your schools can be very proud of the way you represented them.”

MD for SPAR KZN, Max Oliva said “I salute you all. It is wonderful to see the camaraderie both on and off the pitch. Players having taken each other on, embrace each other in a friendly hug on the side-lines. This is the true meaning of sportsmanship and I am delighted to witness this!”

Two more teams have been decided for the Grand Final, St Anne’s College and St John’s DSG join Ferrum in July. Ten regional champions will meet at the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG.

For more info like our Facebook page.

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge 3 Schools Trust: Sunday 12 March

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge
3 Schools Trust: Sunday 12 March

For the third time in a row, the first hockey team from Amanzimtoti High School raised the trophy as the Durban South Regional champions in the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge.
It was anyone’s trophy going into the last game of the round robin, with the statisticians working hard double checking the points. As the final whistle blew, Kuswag Skool had a guaranteed place in the final and a penalty shootout was required to decide on the second team, taking to the field for a Toti duel were Kingsway High School and the defending champions, Amanzimtoti.
Kingsway took the first attempt with Leoni de Beer meeting the full force of brave keeper, Nomcebo Maseko who charged out and met her at the top of the circle. Youngster, Mvelo Mthombeni from Amazimtoti slotted in her attempt putting the score to 0-1 after the first round. Kingsway’s second attempt was reawarded as Maseko overzealously played the ball outside the circle. On the retake, Nosipho Mngadi levelled the score for Kingsway. 14-year-old Anani Xozwa chance was thwarted as she found the courageous Teneze Csouros.
At the end of the second round, the score was one a piece, Erin Main managed to avoid a flying Maseko, with an open goal tempting her, her shot went agonisingly wide for KHS. Captain for Amanzimtoti, Phiwo Myeza took to the spot and fired in her shot, with the ball floating over the cross bar. The decider then went to a sudden death. Mngadi put her hand up and stepped up to the spot, she found the right boot of a charging Maseko with the ball flying out of the circle. The captain, Myeza then determinedly found the back of the net in her attempt, taking her team into the final.
Coach for Amanzimtoti High School, Shanna Hughes said, “Phiwo came up to me after she missed her first attempt and ensured me, ‘Don’t worry Ma’am, I’ve got this and she did. She also scored the goal in the final, leading by example!”
The quick fire twenty-minute final between Kuswag and Amanzimtoti had loads of action in the middle of the field. Myeza managed to capitalise on an opportunity, finding the back of the box for the only goal. Kuswag, however never gave up and as the clock ticked down, their urgency increased but they were just unable to penetrate the impressive defence from Toti.
Continuing, Hughes stated, “What a hectic day, typical Toti girls, there was no sailing through for us! It had to be nail biting! Murphy’s law, our first game in any SPAR tournament is always a draw and we drew against Grosvenor. We have a very good team, and they are very intuitive, they shift together, and do what they need, together!”
“Our goalie is amazing, she has no hassle charging out of her box. It took a brilliant team effort. All around, with all the girls’ we really wanted it. It was an awesome day, the atmosphere was brilliant.”
Coach for Kingsway High School, Lloyd Jones said, “Everything went right for us. We had quite a few young ones and they put their hands up! The day before we participated in the Scottburgh tournament and we go beaten, physically and on the scoreline. It was a hard day, knowing we had six tough games today we pulled in some U16s. My player of the team was most certainly Nosipho, who didn’t shy away from any challenge!”
Chatting about the penalty shootout, Jones surmised, “Look, we are new to 8 second penalties so didn’t quite know what to do. I asked the girls if any of them wanted to try and the youngsters put up their hands and impressed me no end! My whole team did. We try to look for the silver lining, we won the lucky draw and everyone was so chuffed with that!”
In each region, an umpire is recognised for his or her abilities and is awarded the Most Promising Umpire prize. At the Durban South Regional umpire Kalvin van Rensburg representing Kingsway High School shone with the whistle and took the honours of the M.P.U. this year.
MD for SPAR KZN, Max Oliva stated, “In the blustery, hot conditions the action on the turf kept turning up a notch as the day wore on! Thank you to Grosvenor Girls’, Kingsway, New Forest, Queensburgh Girls’ High, Werda and of course, our two finalists, for coming down and putting on such a wonderful display of hockey. Well done to all!”
Amanzimtoti takes the fourth berth at the Grand Finals and join St John’s DSG and St Anne’s who both earned their place on Saturday at the Pietermaritzburg Regionals. The three teams will be accompanied by Ferrum who were crowned the Norther KZN Regional in Pongola
For more info like our Facebook page.

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge Big Derby Weekend for Hockey Pietermaritzburg- North and Central: Saturday 11 March

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge

Big Derby Weekend for Hockey

Pietermaritzburg- North and Central: Saturday 11 March

First girls’ hockey teams from around Maritzburg and surrounds will be taking to the pitch on Saturday 11 March to compete in the hotly contested derby for the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge.

The 12 schools taking part are divided up into the Pietermaritzburg North and Pietermaritzburg Central Regionals, with each regional having six teams. Epworth College and Hoerskool Voortrekker host the two tournaments concurrently. Epworth will host the tournament on their turf, and Voortrekker utilising the neighbouring turf at UKZN.

Holding a 100% record for the central tournament is Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High first. St Anne’s College from Hilton are the defending champions for the northern regional. Having dominated their regional, the team in blue have hoisted the trophy an impressive five out of six times in the seven years of this tournament. 

Saints will meet some strong competition in their hunt for a sixth title. They will take on hosts Voortrekker, The Wykeham Collegiate who have progressed through to the Grand Finals once, Treverton, Alexandra and Grace College. 

Under the guidance of a new coaching staff, the Green Machine are hoping to retain their fantastic record but will have a tough task as they are up against host school Epworth, Howick High, St John’s, Russell High and Maritzburg Christian School.

Both these regionals will be played in round robin format with 25 minute games, with a change over at half time.

“We are looking forward to a real festival of hockey this weekend, which will be packed with action and loads of fun,” says Tournament Director, Les Galloway. “Now in our seventh year, the tournament continues to provide opportunities for young talent to hone their skills. To be able to play against a number of schools, and learn from skills and techniques of other players, is hugely beneficial to growing the game.”

MD for SPAR KZN, Max Oliva says, “We wish all the players best of luck for these regionals, and although there is a focus on the game of hockey, we invite everyone to have fun and enjoy the spirit of playing with like-minded peers.”

The winners of these regionals will join Ferrum High School from Newcastle from who recently won the Northern KZN Regional, along with six other teams still to be decided from around KwaZulu Natal at the Grand Finals that will be hosted at St Mary’s DSG in July.

For more info like the Facebook page.

 

ENDS

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge Big Derby Weekend for Hockey

SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge Big Derby Weekend for Hockey

Pietermaritzburg- North and Central and Durban South Regionals


Next weekend, is a big derby weekend for hockey. Three hotly contested regionals will be played in the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge – both Pietermaritzburg North and Central Regional and the Durban South Regional.

Kicking off the second and third regionals on Saturday March 11, are the two Pietermaritzburg regionals running concurrently: The North is hosted by Hoërskool Voortrekker at UKZN, and the Central is hosted by Epworth College and takes place on home turf. Then on Sunday, March 12, the Durban South Regional, hosted by Hoërskool Werda takes place at the Three Schools Trust in Glenwood, Durban.

The Pietermaritzburg North Regional will no doubt see defending champions and five times winners St Anne’s and third in last year’s Grand Finals, aiming to hold onto the honours. Always a strongly contested regional other schools participating include Wykeham Collegiate, Treverton, Alexandra High School, Hoërskool Voortrekker and Grace College.


The Central Regional’s defending champs and six times winners Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High will be working hard to retain their 100% record against Howick, Epworth, St John’s, Russell High and Maritzburg Christian School.
Both these regionals will be played in round robin format with 25 minutes games, with a change over at half time.

The Durban South will also be played in round robin format and games last 20 minutes one way. Participating schools include regional winners and defending champs Amanzimtoti High who have raised the regional trophy twice, Kingsway High School, Kuswag Hoërskool, New Forest High School, Queensburgh Girls’ High School, and Hoërskool Werda.

“We are looking forward to a real festival of hockey this weekend, which will be packed with action and loads of fun,” says Tournament Director, Les Galloway. “Now in our seventh year, the tournament continues to provide opportunities for young talent to hone their skills. To be able to play against a number of schools, and learn from skills and techniques of other players, is hugely beneficial to growing the game.”

MD for SPAR KZN, Max Oliva says, “We wish all the players best of luck for these regionals, and although there is a focus on the game of hockey, we invite everyone to have fun and enjoy the spirit of playing with like-minded peers.”

The winners of these regionals will join Ferrum High School from Newcastle from who recently won the Northern KZN Regional, along with six other teams still to be decided from around KwaZulu Natal at the Grand Finals that will be hosted at St Mary’s DSG in July.
For more info like the Facebook page

Keeping it local  - “the Kandasamys” in Durban

Keeping it local  - “the Kandasamys” in Durban

The much-anticipated South African film Keeping up with the Kandasamys directed by Jayan Moodley and produced by the late Junaid Ahmed and Helena Spring premiered to an audience of almost 600 ten days ago at Gateway SterKinekor in Durban. It opens nationwide in cinemas this Friday (March3).

Keeping up with the Kandasamys was filmed on a variety of locations in Durban including the Woodhurst Hall, the beachfront, BMW Supertech in Edwin Swales Road, Chatsworth Hospice, various parks, Wilson’s Wharf and Bangladesh Market amongst others.

Set in Chatsworth, in Durban, director Jayan Moodley said in an earlier interview that she “believes that we have managed to not only capture its idiosyncrasies but also its heart and soul, that will make global audiences fall in love with it too, over a barrel full of laughs.” After seeing it with along with a local audience at the premiere,  Moodley said “It was nail-biting watching it with the people that know the place, as I believed they would be the most critical, but as we had all hoped, the punch-lines landed and the audience laughed and clapped with enjoyment. I hope people all over the country come out to see it and enjoy the laughter and warmth of humanity it provides.”

“The film is a truly home-grown Durban product,” says Toni Monty, Head of the Durban Film Office, the eThekwini Municipality’s film industry development unit. “It was written by Durban’s Rory Booth and Jayan Moodley and stars Durban actors Jailoshni Naidoo and Maeshni Naicker with Mishqah Parthiepha, Madhushan Sing, Rajesh Gopie and Koobeshen Naidoo and a host of local actors and extras in the cast totaling almost 500 from our city. And not only was the talent from Durban but forty-eight of the 80-strong crew including the director, writers and a producer were from Durban – that is something to make us all very proud. Big acknowledgments and thanks must go to the producers for their input in making this a proudly-Durban film.”

 “It is particularly poignant for us in the local film industry, as Durban-based producer, Junaid Ahmed, who, together with Helena Spring, was responsible for a number of other highly acclaimed South African films such as Happiness is a Four Letter Word, More than Just a Game, and Hard to Get, passed away in November last year during post-production of this film. It is a fitting “swan-song” for one of our own, who contributed hugely to the growth of the local industry through tireless efforts to nurture and encourage home-grown talent.”

‘We hope that the film is a shining example of what can be achieved in Durban, by Durban-people, and we look forward to welcoming many more film-makers to take advantage of the great locations we have in the city.”

Dueto open on circuit in South Africa on Friday, (March 3), the film has been made possible through support by the Durban Film Office, the KwazuluNatal Film Commission, The National Film And Video Foundation And The Department Of Trade & Industry. 

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Flatfoot Dance Company to perform one-show only at KZNSA 17 Feb 2017

 

“connections between a quartet”

 

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY @ the KZNSA Gallery

Friday 17 February 2017 at 6pm

 

Durban’s inimitable FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY continues its partnership with the KZNSA Gallery and its 2017 performance calendar with a once-off specially conceptualised performance “connections between a quartet” on Friday, February 17 at 6pm.

 

The work uses all the spaces of the KZNSA to evoke a journey through a site; a journey through the deeply interior (and ever moving) identities of the four FLATFOOT dancers as they collaborative create an evening to spark the senses, and which echo in the big and small spaces of the gallery.  

 

In “connections between a quartet”, Jabu Siphika, Zinhle Nzama, Sifiso Khumalo and Tshediso Kabulu, seamlessly move into the role of both choreographer and dancer as they begin to explore the nature of their own connections to one another and their connections to inner struggles around identity. As the dancers begin to metaphorically and physically peel off their layers of clothing, they reveal the vulnerable self that cannot but move audiences.

 

Directed and facilitated by FLATFOOT’s Artistic Director, Lliane Loots, this ‘event’ is a space to allow the emerging (and now award winning) artistic and choreographic voices of the four FLATFOOT dancers to shine.

 

FLATFOOT has a reputation for offering politically-charged dance theatre and this work is no exception. Small site-specific relationship vignettes play our between dancers who seamlessly move and flow between one another in close encounters. The gallery space allows for a more intimate engagement with the dance work and is ideal for a slightly voyeuristic look into the lives of others. As Loots says; “The four FLATFOOT dancers have created a landscape of intimate and deeply profound personal storytelling and I feel that we are seeing the new generation of Durban’s choreographers being born – do not miss it!”

 

“connections between a quartet”, is for one night only. The performance begins at 6.15pm on Friday the 17th February at the KZNSA Gallery and tickets are R50 can be purchase up to 40mins before the show. The KZNSA Coffee Shop will be open at this time.

 

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The Wound to Make World Premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival

The Wound to Make World Premiere at the

2017 Sundance Film Festival

Johannesburg, South Africa — The Wound, a film by by John Trengove, will make its world premiere in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. The Sundance Film Festival takes place January 19-29 with screenings in Park City, Salt Lake City and at Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah. The Sundance Film Festival has introduced global audiences to some of the most groundbreaking films of the past three decades, including Boyhood, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Fruitvale Station, Whiplash, The End of the Tour, Little Miss Sunshine, Reservoir Dogs, An Inconvenient Truth, Precious and Napoleon Dynamite.

The Wound tells the story Xolani, a lonely Xhosa factory worker who joins the men of his community in the mountains of the Eastern Cape to initiate a group of teenage boys into manhood. When a defiant initiate from the city discovers his best kept secret, Xolani's entire existence begins to unravel.

The Wound was co-written by John Trengove, Thando Mgqolozana and Malusi Bengu and produced by Urucu Media. It stars multi-talented musician and novelist, Nakhane Touré in his first ever film-role, alongside Bongile Mantsai and Niza Jay Ncoyini. It was shot entirely in South Africa with an all-male Xhosa cast.

"What a privilege to have worked with this fearless cast and insanely talented team of collaborators. I am so grateful for the many Xhosa men who contributed in big ways and small ways, and, miraculously, trusted me to make this film. Whatever comes next, we made The Wound with our eyes and hearts wide open," says Trengove.

The Wound is a co-production between South Africa, Germany, The Netherlands and France and was shot on location in the northern region of South Africa. The film was developed with the assistance of The Hubert Bals Fund and ARTE International Prize. The Department of Trade and Industry and The National Film and Video Foundation supported production and the film presold to broadcasters ARTE France and ZDF in Germany. International Sales will is handled by Pyramide in Paris. The film’s intended release in South Africa is July 2017.

This is John Trengove’s debut feature film.

For more information about The Wound, visit www.urucumedia.com/thewound

 

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Next week’s annual Jazz Jol is going BIG - Durban, South Africa

Next week’s annual Jazz Jol is going BIG

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal presents its 28th Jazz Jol on Wednesday, November 30 at 6pm.

The annual Jazz Jol, has become something of a legendary year-end celebration for music-lovers, with proceeds going to the Ronnie Madonsela Scholarship that assists disadvantaged jazz students at UKZN with financial aid or support. This year the Jol features student ensemble Nyimbo ya Bantu, the recently launched UKZN Big Band, the UKZN Trebles - a vocal group featuring UKZN Voice students, as well as a selection of students that have featured in the Centre’s showcases throughout the year.

Nyimbo ya Bantu, which means “people's song” in a blend of kiSwahili and isiZulu, is comprised of junior and senior jazz studies students from UKZN’s music discipline within the School of the Arts: Tseleng Mokhatla on flute, Ildo Nandja on double/electric bass and vocals, Nic Pitman on guitar, Zibusiso Makhathini on piano and Riley Giandhari on drums.

The ensemble’s repertoire mixes original compositions influenced by classic jazz, afro jazz and world music, with South African jazz standards and music by local artists from KwaZulu Natal. At the Jazz Jol they will perform, amongst other pieces, Rachel, composed by Pitman; Metamorphosis, composed and arranged by Nandja; End Times by Giandhari and Spirit of the Messenger by Makhathini. Audiences can also expect a cover composed by renowned South African pianist Bheki Mseleku. Nyimbo ya Bantu has performed at the Grahamstown Standard Bank Youth Jazz Festival, the Oslo Jazz Festival in Norway as part of the Nordic showcase and performs regularly at the Chairman in Durban.

“Audiences should expect a high quality musical performance with a fresh blending of traditional classic jazz with contemporary sounds of African and world music,” says Nyimbo ya Bantu’s band leader Nandja.

Directed by Burton Naidoo, the UKZN Big Band which was launched in June this year features a line-up of top talent - pianists Abigail Giddings and Jaedon Daniel, bassist Llewelyn Chetty, drummer Riley Giandhari, trumpeters, Siyanda Zulu, Sanele Qwabe, Phuti Mofokeng, and Talente Mhlongo, guitarist Kaylin Naidoo, Snothile Mkhize on clarinet, alto saxophonists Nwabisa Kheswa, Simone van Niekerk, Tim Lewis and Phumlani Mtiti, Tenor saxophonist Bonginkosi Mkhize and Trombonists Thembinkosi Khumalo, Mokgethisi Nkotsi, Tseleng Makhatla (flute) with Special guests Prof Salim Washington (tenor saxophone), Prof Mike Rossi from South African College of Music, University of Cape Town and George Mari (trumpet).

The Band will play a selection of favourites from their repertoire including standards such as Moten Swing by Buster Morten and two songs by living legend Ndikho Xaba arranged by John Kordalewski - Mad Mad and Nomusa.

“We are particularly excited by the band’s selection of music,” says Neil Gonsalves, Director for the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, “John Kordalewski and Bab’ Ndikho Xaba, the great KZN pianist and struggle stalwart, met in the late 1970’s while Bab’ Ndikho was living in USA Washington DC. It was here that he mentored John. In 2014, John came to see Bab’ Ndikho and spending time at the keyboard together in his house led to the idea of writing arrangements of Baba’s music to preserve his cultural legacy. John wanted to create a unique combination of the “big band” sounds and colours with South African fundamentals that are in Xaba’s compositions. They eventually recorded a few ideas, which John uses as a reference for his arrangements. John worked with the UKZN Big band in September, and is excited to present his arrangements of these works with these talented musicians.”

The Ronnie Madonsela Scholarship also provides bursaries for deserving students and also funds students’ travel visas for overseas trips, as well as national travel and accommodation to the National Youth Jazz Festival in Grahamstown and other educational festivals, workshops and conferences.

 

The Jazz Jol takes place at The Centre for Jazz and Popular music (CJPM), Level 2, Shepstone Building at UKZN Howard College Campus. Tickets are R120, pensioners R80, and students R60 at the door. For more details contact Thuli Zama on 031 260 3385 or email Zamat1@ukzn.ac.za

 

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African Art Centre – Christmas Exhibition - Florida Road, Durban

Media Release

African Art Centre – Christmas Exhibition - Florida Road

The African Art Centre will be opening its annual Christmas Exhibition on Thursday, 11 November 2016. This year’s exhibition, titled “An African Christmas”, will feature a wide range of affordable handcrafted beaded, wood carved, telephone wire and embroidered ornaments produced by artists and crafters from the KwaZulu-Natal region.   

Since its inception in 1959, one of the Centre’s core objectives has been to facilitate development projects to enhance the creative skills of our crafters and artists. The new direction of the Centre to make our craft more contemporary but keeping the African aesthetic has become the focus of the development project which was the precursor to the 2016 Christmas exhibition.  It was decided that this year’s new design theme “An African Christmas” would break away from the traditional Christmas look and will draw inspiration from contemporary vibrant African textile designs.

Crafters who have contributed towards the exhibition inlcude Happiness Dladla, Dumsile Mathe, Thokozane Mathe, Ntombi Mbambo, Mavis Jali, Nqobile Jeza, Tholani Mchunu, Ntombizonke Hlambisa, Maningi Mbonambi, Hlengiwe Mbhele, Mbaliyethu Mabuza, Ntokozo Mseleku, Sphindile Nkosi, Widus Mtshali, Sibusiso Gumede, Bheki Mkhumbuzi, Sibusiso Maphumulo, Phumlani Mbhele, Jabulani Mkhize and Vincent Tshulupi.

“An African Christmas” will be opened by celebrated South African composer and performer Sazi Dlamini.

The public is invited to enter the festive season in a proudly South African style and to support local craft producers exhibiting at “An African Christmas” exhibition.

The exhibition will be open on Thursday, 11 November 2016.  For additional information contact the African Art Centre on 031 303 4634, or visit at 94 Florida Road, Morningside.

 

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A Right to Quality Education: Is your child denied this right?

Media Release

A Right to Quality Education:  Is your child denied this right?

Action in Autism is hosting a meeting bringing the Department of Education, including directorate, parents and autistic people together in a dialogue session to air view and discuss challenges with a view to ensuring that every autistic child is able to access quality education.  

All parents, educators, managers of schools and autistic people who feel displaced inside or outside of the schooling system are invited to bring their voices to this meeting which takes place at the George Campbell School Hall from 2pm to 4pm on on Saturday 15 October.

 Action in Autism, a non-profit organisation, has been actively lobbying for a right to education for autistic children.  This advocacy work led to the creation of the Autism Action Plan for the province of KwaZulu Natal.  This was a three year plan to ensure that autistic children were included in the education system.  However there are still too many children being denied an education or receiving education that is substandard in South Africa public schools.   Action in Autism sees the impact on the family and the community when a child is left with no stimulation at home.  The organisation meets with parents and autistic learners to facilitate accessing a school.   Many families still struggle to receive fair and equal treatment within the schooling system, this despite the South African constitution that grants all children a right to education. 

Action in Autism, based in Sydenham, houses an early learning intervention centre for children ages 2 to 6 years, and provides free support, advice, research and information to people with autism and their families. A free monthly diagnostic clinic is offered to families who do not have access to medical aid, and Action in Autism runs bi-annual training workshops, hosted by a team of professionals, that aims to share information and transfer skills and techniques for communication to parents and professionals.

Entry to this meeting is free, and participants are invited to bring a plate of snacks to share. Please RSVP to 031 207 4858, or email info@actioninautism.org.za. 

For more information about Action in Autism and to attend the dialogue session with the Department of Education, please call 031 207 4858 or email info@actioninautism.org.za.

 

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Further information:

Kirsten Miller

ACTION IN AUTISM

031 207 4858/083 7774468

info@actioninautism.org.za

 

 

 

 

 

Uvo Lwamaciko Ethu (Expression of our creatives) - at The African Art Centre - Florida Rd Durban

Uvo Lwamaciko Ethu (Expression of our creatives)

The African Art Centre announces its hosting of the Uvo Lwamaciko Ethu Exhibition (Expression of our Creatives) in commemoration of South Africa’s National Heritage day. Observed annually on 24 September, this public holiday encourages South Africans to celebrate their cultures, diversity of beliefs and traditions and to embrace our multicultural society. The group of 10 exhibition participants is comprised of both emerging and established artists and crafters who have visually interpreted and celebrated Heritage day through a collection of two and three dimensional works. The participant exhibitors are: Welcome Danca (Painting on canvas), Zakhele Hlabisa (Painting on canvas), Jabulani Cele (Painting on canvas),  Sabastien Pillay (Pen and ink on paper), Lindelani Ngwenya (Softwire sculpture), Innocent Hlela (Hardwire sculpture), Bhekinkosi Gumbi (Wood sculpture), Angeline Masuku (Ilala basketry), Lobolile Ximba (Beaded sculptural dolls) and Xolile Ndlovu (Embroidered textiles).

The various forms of art are indicative of our culture.  Many of these traditions have been passed down from one generation to the next.  The Centre has over the past 55 years not just fostered the development of our local traditional art forms but has also promoted the production of it.  The value of indigenous craft is celebrated on a daily basis when someone purchases a piece of art or an international visitor recognises the mastery and beauty created by local hands.  This exhibition provides a shared platform for artists and crafters to showcase traditional and modern contemporary visual art and craft trends.  By presenting multiple genres of visual work, the Centre is celebrating the multiple creative voices of our artists and crafters and is encouraging preservation of our heritage.

Lobolile Ximba (1953) is a household name in the beaded doll making tradition of KwaZulu Natal; she is a master doll maker who has passed her skills to numerous doll beaders. Her sculptural dolls are clothed in bright beaded regalia; each outfit signifies either a young girl, unmarried woman or a married woman. Lobolile’s mastery of the doll making tradition is clearly depicted by her almost life size 1 metre high doll sculpture clad in colourful beadwork, isidwaba skirt and an adorable pair of canvas takkies.

Bhekinkosi Gumbi (1971) is a skilled self-taught wood-carving artist from Nongoma, in northern KwaZulu Natal. His painted sculptures are carved out of Umganu wood and he enjoys making figurines of political figures, celebrities, musicians and sports personalities. The most intriguing element on his work is his ability to capture striking realistic appearances combined with caricatured facial features and an expression of emotion and personality through gestures.

Welcome Danca (1978) grew up in Port Shepstone but currently lives in Durban. His artistic talent was spotted while in high school where he sketched in pencil and charcoal and when the late renowned artist, Trevor Makhoba took the young artist under his wing and mentored him. Welcome paints in oil and acrylic paint on canvas where he explores personal memories and everyday life scenes. This artist has lately been producing oil paintings executed in rich painterly marks in a semi-abstract technique through which he makes commentary on social issues. 

Lindelani Ngwenya (1975) learnt wood-carving and drawing skills at the age of 10, by watching his father who was a wood-carver. This artist has worked in etching and lithograph mediums as well but has become widely known for his woven copper wire sculptures. He created a unique wire-weaving technique by meticulously plaiting two pieces of copper wire into a long strip which is thereafter woven into 3 dimensional shapes. His current work is woven in the same technique but in colourful telephone wire instead. His netted telephone wire figurines often portray individuals in expressive poses such as singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments.

Angeline Masuku (1967) is a widely respected master Ilala weaver in and outside South Africa. She learnt the grass weaving method from her aunt, Khawulina Gcwensa; by 1984 Angeline was already designing her own Ilala woven baskets. Angeline is known for producing cylindrical shaped Ilala grass baskets depicting geometric and figurative patterns.  What has set this crafter apart was her ability to master the traditional Ilala weaving technique and being able to skillfully transform her products into contemporary vessels which are sought after by public and private collectors and interior decorators.

Xolile Ndlovu (1981) grew up in eMzinyathi Area and currently lives with her son in Richmond Farm also located outside Durban. Xolile was part of an African Art Centre embroidery skills development project called ‘Ntokozo’ group where a group of women narrated colourful stories on embroidered textiles. In this project the participating women were taught new skills of embroidery, beading and appliqué; this group produced the beaded South African flags which now hang at the Constitutional Court of South Africa and the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Xolile became an outstanding member of the group as she continued to transpose everyday life scenes and historical symbols onto embroidered textile wall hangings. Her work has become a powerful tool of sharing personal stories with the public, her textiles are collected and treasured not only by local clientele but also by an increasing number of international art lovers.

Innocent Hlela (1971) currently lives in Ntuzuma Township outside Durban; he has been part of the Durban art scene for a number of years. He recalls his artistic journey to have begun at the age of 11 when he produced toy cars from salvaged wooden tomato crates and selling them to people in his community.  In the early 1990s, he joined the Velobala Art Group, an African Art Centre outreach project where he was recognised as one of the highest achieving students. This self-motivated artist is highly expressive in mosaic, sculpture and telephone wire, more recently specialising in 3-dimensional telephone wire figurines neatly woven in the hardwire weaving technique.

Jabulani Cele (1981) is an emerging artist residing in Inanda Township outside Durban. He mainly works in oil and acrylic on canvas and his subject matter is concerned with his surroundings and township lifestyles.

Zakhele Hlabisa (1987) is from Mtubatuba area in KwaZulu Natal. He describes himself as a natural born conceptual artist when it comes to portraiture. He initially participated in the iSimangaliso art programme and later joined the Velobala Saturday Art Classes conducted by the African Art Centre. This artist works in many mediums but is commonly known for his acrylic paintings executed in an almost realistic technique. His work depicts ordinary individuals engaging in mundane but emotion-provoking situations.

Sabastien Pillay (1995) is the youngest participant in the group; this will be the third time that he showcases work at the African Art Centre. Sabastien has worked in his unique signature style of detailed pen and ink drawings on paper. His almost illustrative works challenge traditional composition principles and bring an exciting fresh contemporary twist to the exhibition. 

For more details contact the African Art Centre on 031 312 3804/5 or email
africanartcentre@afri-art.co.za.

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Musa Hlatshwayo receives Eric Shabalala Contemporary Dance Champion Award at JOMBA!

Media Release

Musa Hlatshwayo receives Eric Shabalala Contemporary Dance Champion Award at JOMBA!

The Centre for Creative Arts and the Jomba! Contemporary Dance Experience Dance Festival honoured  acclaimed Durban dancer, choreographer and dance educator Musa Hlatshwayo, with the Eric Shabalala Dance Champion Award last night.

‘The JOMBA! Eric Shabalala Dance Champion Award, now in its 6th year, is in honour of the memory of Eric Mshengu Shabalala who tragically passed away in 2011; he was a local dancer, choreographer, teacher and one of the founding dancers of the Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre in Durban,” says Artistic Director of JOMBA! Lliane Loots. “ In a fitting tribute, the Centre for Creative Arts and Jomba! each year honour KwaZulu-Natal’s stalwart dancers and dance teachers – in the name of Eric Shabalala.”

 

“This award is given not only in recognitions of performance or choreographic excellence, but also more profoundly and more importantly it is given in recognition of dance practitioners who have worked tirelessly to help grow a culture of dance and dance training in Durban – who have supported the growth of dance as an art form at both community and regional level,” she says.

 

“The selection of award winners for this prize, by the Jomba! Committee, goes beyond just the selection of the best dancer but of those who also make the biggest social contribution to their communities. It looks at those who go beyond the call of duty, often with little or no funding, to put KZN dancers on the international map. This is the spirit of Eric Shabalala that we see living and continuing in Musa’s work.”

Musa is a multi-award winning young choreographer, performer, educator, voice artist with experience in the performing arts and community development. He completed BA  in Media and Communications as well as Drama and Performance Studies at the UKZN.  He trained with the Flatfoot Student company for 2 years and received an opportunity to go and train at the Copenhagen School of Modern Dance before returning to UKZN where he received his BA Honours and a Dance in Education postgraduate certificate which he completed while working as one of the founding members of Flatfoot Dance Company in 2003. He has also worked with the Fantastic Fish Dance Company, Portia Mashigo Dance Theatre, Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre, Phenduka Dance Theatre, First Physical Theatre Company, the Handsfree Puppetry Company, the Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company and a list of other independent theatre directors, choreographers and producers.

Hlatshwayo is passionate about the role of contemporary dance in a developing communities and the role it plays in fostering dialogue across socio-political divides. He has been seen in various educational institutions locally and abroad as a tutor, guest lecturer, course coordinator and external examiner in the arts departments. 

The festival continues this weekend closing off tonight (Saturday) and Sunday at 7.30pm at the Sneddon Theatre with the African premiere of acclaimed dancer/ choreograper Vincent Mantsoe’s work “KonKoriti’, who will also perform this piece at the Wits Theatre on September 8.

JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience is organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN) with valuable support from the eThekwini Municipality. 

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Caption to pic: David Wa Maahlamela, Director of the Centre for Creative Arts hands over the Eric Shabalala Dance Champion Award to Musa Hlatswayo.