April 2014 edition

ISSN 2311-4819

April 2014 SA: R15.00(VAT INCL.)

SHRIEN DEWANI BACK IN S.A TO FACE THE MUSIC...

The World's First

Judge Thokozile, Oscar & The Players

Black African Astronaut

FERRARI FEVER HITS SOWETO 04

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April

CEO ASHLEY PETERS

EDITOR ASHLEY PETERS

NEWS EDITOR EDWIN NAIDU

Letter From the Hi ALL,

Editor

W

e've finally crossed the first hurdle and sincerely hope you enjoyed our first issue.

This month, we profile Judge Thokozile Masipa, the presiding judge in the high profile Oscar Pistorius case and find out just what makes this woman reserved and astute.

We also look at what Oscar’s being charged with as well as the main players in the trial.

Shrien Dewani is back in S.A and will he eventually “face the music” after 3 years?

The Big Apple will welcome South Africa for three weeks in October this year, when the city's iconic Carnegie Hall will host a music and arts festival focusing on the nation, called Ubuntu. th

The 20 Annual Sama Music Awards will take place this April at Sun City which is also a symbolic tribute to our first democratic elections 20 years ago.

Russian born designer Larisa Terblanche's amazing designs.

In our health section we look at Diabetes, the “silent killer” and look at the work Kanchana Moodliar and Dr Colette Kell is doing. They have recently launched their 1st book in the “You can be sugar free” series.

This one is subtitled “Indians vs Diabetes.”

Their follow up titles will be “Kids vs Diabetes” and “Blacks vs Diabetes.” Read more on page 30.

Our music section features Ndoh Dlamini.

We look at her music career as well as the personal obstacles this versatile talented woman has had to overcome.

S.A's very own Paraplegic tennis wheelchair champion Lucas Sithole's belief is that he is capable of overcoming any challenge is the strongest part of his game.

Township fever hits Soweto when Ferrari came to life in Soweto and amazed fans We interview S.A's winning “tom boy” lady courtesy Shell South Africa.

Romy Titus. She's a go-getter with a kind heart, and was recognized as one of the In our travel section we explore The Cape world's leading sports journalists by the Cluster and show you what magnificent 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards beauty lies within our own country.

Pulsating News brings you Cape Town's “open streets” an International concept from Columbia bringing communities together, then there's also our very own, first Black African Astronaut who'll be going into space very soon.

This month we have a CALL FOR ENTRIES for Miss Earth S.A. So to all the young ladies passionate about their environment and fighting Global warming, here's your chance to show just how passionate you are. Read more on page 18.

For all the fashionista's out there, we feature The KwaZulu Natal Fashion Council once again and also feature Haroun Hansrot and

In our Recipe Section, we bring you Mussels from Brussels, bon appetite!

We trust you will enjoy this our second issue and look forward to bringing you the reader, fabulous up to date and exciting news each and every month.

Until next month…..

Enjoy!

Ashley Peters editor@pulsemag.co.za Sms S.A: 072 907 2894 International: +27 72 907 2894

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202 Estcourt Street, Pretoria West, Tshwane Tel: +27 12 771 4597 Fax:+27 771 4597 email: editor@pulsemag.co.za Copy write subsists in this publication. Any unauthorised use ,reproduction, transmission, of the adaptation of the aforementioned or any part thereof in any manner, for or medium are act of copy write infringement and makes the infringer liable for damages and /or prosecution. Whilst every care is taken in the preparations of this magazine, the publishers can not be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein regarding articles and advertisements ir any consequence arising from it. The views and opinions expressed in the publication are not necessarily this if the publication or the publisher. All advertisers are responsible for the designing of their own advertisements & Pulse Mag cannot be held responsible for any images, text or spelling errors that have occurred or retrieved from the client or internet

CONTENTS COVER FEATURE 4 - 5 Judge Thokozile, Oscar & The Players

PULSATING NEWS 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

Shrien Dewani Ubuntu in New York Romy Titus - Sa’s Winning Lady Heshan De Silva Cape Town’s “Open Street” Festival Africas First Black Astronaut Miss Earth - Call for Entries

FASHION 20 “KZNFC” First Street Cred Winner 22 Haroun Hansrot 26 Larisa Terblanche

HEALTH 28

Diabetes - The Silent Killer

MUSIC 34

Ndoh back from the dead

SPORT 36

Sithole: Sa’s Wheelchair Tennis Champ.

MOTORING 38

Ferrari in Soweto

TRAVEL 40

South Africa’s National Parks The Cape Cluster

RECIPE 44

Mussels from Brussels

COVER FEATURE

THE TRIAL OF

R A C S O

What you should know...

The Oscar Pistorius trial is not Judge Thokozile Masipa's first high profile case. In the 16 years since becoming judge she has presided over four major cases and has become known for handing down stiff sentences. (Image: Graphic by Mary Alex

Judge Thokozile Masipa Reserved & Astute

In her judgement, Masipa said Moyo was a detriment to society who forced his victims to become prisoners in their own homes after he he judge presiding over the Oscar had attacked them. She added that the rape Pistorius trial is accustomed to highvictims never recovered from the trauma and profile cases. Since becoming a high court said, “What weighs with me very heavily is judge in 1998, Thokozile Masipa has that the accused showed no remorse, presided over numerous ground-breaking therefore it is difficult to imagine he can be trials. But despite gaining so much media rehabilitated.” attention over the years, she remains reserved and averse to the spotlight.

In another case of a violent crime against a woman, in 2009, Masipa handed down a life While working as a crime reporter for The sentence to police officer, Freddy Mashamba, World, Post and The Sowetan newspapers, for shooting and killing his wife, Rudzani she reported on the difficulties of life under apartheid. It piqued her interested in law and Ramango. During an argument over a divorce settlement in May 2008, Ramango and her she became an advocate in her late forties before being the third black woman in South aunt, Patricia Ramango, jumped into a vehicle and tried to flee from Mashamba. The Africa to be appointed to the bench in 1998, following Constitutional Court Judge Yvonne officer, enraged, gave chase until they stopped behind the charge office at the Louis Mokgoro and High Court Judge Lucy Trichardt police station. It was here that he Mailula. shot at his wife, hitting her seven times in the In the years that followed, Masipa has face and three in the chest. She died at the presided over four cases that attracted media scene; Patricia Ramango escaped unhurt. attention. Two in particular showed her He was tried at the Polokwane High Court willingness to hand out maximum sentences with Masipa as the judge. She said the to men convicted of violent crimes against sentence she handed Mashamba was meant to women. serve as a lesson to police officers that No mercy for abusive men conflict cannot be solved with violence. “No In May last year she handed down a 252-year one is above the law,” she said. “You deserve sentence to serial rapist and robber, Shepherd to go to jail for life because you are not a protector, you are a killer."

Moyo, after he was arrested and tried after a seven-year crime spree. Moyo terrorised residents in northern Johannesburg; he would Main players in the trial ransack their homes and in some instances, All cameras will be focused on Pistorius. But rape his victims. little is known about the other role-players in the trial, namely the presiding judge, Masipa found him guilty on 11 counts of housebreaking and robbery, three of rape and Thokozile Masipa, prosecuting lawyer, Gerrie one of attempted murder. She sentenced him Nel, and Pistorius's lawyer, Barry Roux. to 15 years for each of the 11 robberies, 12 The judge: Thokozile Masipa years for attempted murder and life sentences Since becoming a high court judge in 1998, for all three rape charges.

T

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Thokozile Masipa has distinguished herself in three major trials. According to the Mail & Guardian, she threw out a R85-million unfair dismissal lawsuit against Eskom brought by former Eskom chief executive Jacob Moroga.

A former crime reporter, Masipa was the second black woman to be appointed to the bench after Constitutional Court judge Yvonne Mokgoro.

The prosecutor: Gerrie Nel Advocate Gerrie Nel is a state prosecutor for the National Prosecuting Authority. He previously headed the Gauteng a division of the Directorate of Special Operations, also known as the Scorpions. In 2010, he successfully prosecuted Jackie Selebi, the former South African Police Services commissioner, who was found guilty of corruption and handed a 15-year prison sentence.

The defence lawyer: Barry Roux Senior advocate Barry Roux has won out in a number of high-profile cases, including tax charges against mining magnate Roger Kebble, the father of politically connected murder victim Brett Kebble. At Pistorius' bail hearing, Roux's masterful cross-examination skills helped secure the athlete's release on a R1-million bond. According to the Mail & Guardian, his sharp questioning may have changed the course of the case.

The detective: Vineshkumar Moonoo Case investigator lieutenant-general Vineshkumar Moonoo was appointed as the head of the Pistorius murder investigation after detective Hilton Botha resigned from the police in March 2013. Police commissioner Riah Phiyega has described him as the "top detective in the South African

Police Service". He has led a number of highprofile investigations, including the 250 robberies where suspects wore police uniforms and used blue-light vehicles, and the bombing of Czech businessperson Radovan Krejcir's gold dealership in Bedfordview, Johannesburg.

Witnesses There are 107 witnesses listed for the trial from friends and neighbours to security guards at the Silverwoods Country Estate, where the shooting took place.

Pistorius' ex-girlfriend Samantha Taylor will testify for the prosecution. She has claimed to have witnessed the runner angrily fire a gun through the sunroof of his car after being stopped at a police roadblock. After they broke up, her mother, Trish Taylor, reportedly posted on Facebook that she was glad Samantha was "out of the clutches of that man". The alleged comments were later removed. Trish will also take the stand at the trial.

Christo Menelaou, Pistorius's neighbour at Silverwoods, will also testify. In a Drum magazine article, he claimed to have woken up startled by what sounded like three thunderclaps at eight minutes past three in the morning. An hour later, when he went to the bathroom, he peered outside and saw blue and red lights flashing outside Pistorius's house.

The South African Justice System on the Oscar Pistorius Trial

2013. He claimed to have mistaken her for an intruder. In December last year two additional charges were added to the trial, for separate incidents of illegally discharging a firearm through the sunroof of a car, and under a table at a restaurant.

6. How was the judge appointed?

The Judge President (or senior judge on duty) generally decides on the allocation of cases to the various judges. This may involve a consideration of the importance of the case, the seniority of the judge concerned or even a 2. Pistorius's case is considered a Schedule specialist knowledge which the judge has of 6 offence. What is a Schedule 6 offence and the law to be applied. Having said that, all what sentence does it carry? judges are required to be able to hear and decide any case put before them.

Schedule 6 offences relate to premeditated murder, killing of a law enforcement officer, 7. Why is the trial being held before the killing as a result of rape or robbery with High Court? aggravating circumstances, robbery with the The High Court in South Africa hears serious use of a firearm that results in grievous cases related to civil matters involving more bodily harm, rape, gang rape and rape of a than R100 000 and criminal cases deemed too person under 16 years, or a mentally or serious for the Magistrates' Court. Though physically disabled person. If found guilty, Pistorius's trial can be heard in the the suspect receives a life sentence which is a Magistrate's Court, the High Court is in a minimum of 25 years . He will only be better position to hear such a high profile eligible to apply for parole after serving that case which will attract media attention. Cases term. in the High Court are usually presided over by one judge. As with the Pistorius trial, the judge may appoint two experienced and often This will depend on the offences of which the retired advocates or magistrates, to assist in accused is convicted. The new(ish) minimum the case if it is a very serious crime. They are sentencing provisions contained in schedules referred to as assessors.

1 and 2 to the Criminal Procedure Act 1977 8. How is Pistorius trying to prove his provide in the case of premeditated murder innocence? for life imprisonment.

The Paralympian is trying to prove that the

3. What happens to Pistorius if he is found guilty of premeditated murder?

4. If proven not guilty of premeditated murder, what will he be charged with?

He can be found guilty of a lesser charge of culpable homicide based on negligence. This is because Pistorius claims he fired his gun in self-defence, thinking there was an intruder behind the bathroom door. If the judge believes him, he may receive either a noncustodial sentence or face up to 15 years in prison.

killing was due to negligence. He claims he had no intention of killing Steenkamp as he suspected an intruder had entered his home.

According to the Criminal Law Act, South African courts have traditionally applied the following test to determine whether the accused had been negligent: 

Would a reasonable person, in the same circumstances as the accused, have foreseen the reasonable possibility of the occurrence of the consequence, or the existence of the circumstance in question, including its unlawfulness?



If so, would a reasonable person have taken steps to guard against that possibility?



If so, did the accused fail to take the steps which he should reasonably have taken to guard against it?

5. If Pistorius is found guilty of premeditated murder, what are his appeal options?

South Africa's hybrid legal system consists of Roman-Dutch civil law, British common law, and customary law inherited from the indigenous population. Oscar Pistorius's trial will follow a procedure similar to English law for criminal cases, without a jury. As is the practice in South Africa for serious crimes, the Paralympian will appear in the High Court in Pretoria and the trial will be overseen by one judge, Thokozile Masipa.

She has appointed two assessors, Janet Henzen-du Toit and Themba Mazibuko, to help her with the verdict.

Here is a list of FAQs to help familiarise you with the South African justice system in relation to the Pistorius trial.

1. What is Pistorius being charged with?

Pistorius is facing charges of premeditated murder and the illegal possession of ammunition after shooting Reeva Steenkamp, his partner, to death through the closed bathroom door in his house on 14 February

An accused person who is convicted in the High Court may appeal to either the Provincial Division (to be heard by a Full Court of three Provincial Division judges) or directly to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

However, the accused needs to apply, in the first instance to the judge who passed sentence for permission to appeal. If the judge is of the opinion that there is a reasonable prospect that another court may come to a different conclusion, leave to appeal will be granted. If not, leave to appeal will be refused. If refused, the accused may then petition (apply) to the Supreme Court of Appeal (to be dealt with by two judges on the record of the proceedings) and they may grant leave to appeal or refuse the petition.

An accused may appeal ultimately to the Constitutional Court, who will decide whether to entertain the appeal.

According to Johannesburg legal advisor, Kajol Singh, Pistorius's appeal will purely be based on whether new facts, which would prove his innocence, come to light.

9.How much weight does witness testimony have in comparison to forensic evidence?

This depends on the evidence, and is difficult to give a general answer – more obvious where the accused denies being present at the scene but the fingerprint or DNA evidence provides otherwise.

Where ballistic experts testify, and their evidence conflicts with the viva voce evidence, the court will have to decide which is more probable. If, however, only one side provides expert scientific-type evidence the court may be forced to accept that evidence where not rebutted. There are no easy answers to this question.

PULSATING NEWS

SHRIEN DEWANI TO FACE THE MUSIC IN S.A After more than three years of fighting extradition to South Africa, murder accused Shrien Dewani may finally arrive in the country to be tried by a judicial system already proving robust and competent as the world watches the Oscar Pistorius trial. ruling the Supreme Court blocked any further appeals in English courts.

For now he spends his days in a camper van parked on the grounds of the hospital where he is being treated. In testimony in 2011, at his first extradition hearing, psychiatrist Dr Alan Cumming testified Dewani had been overcome by hopelessness and despair since his wife's murder.

Shrien Dewani has denied that he had anything to do with the murder of his new bride Anni Dewani.

F

rigid Bristol, England, is not usually the bolthole of choice for someone trying to evade justice in a sunny clime. But that is where Shrien Dewani, accused of having his new bride murdered, finds himself. From behind the locked gates and reinforced concrete, razor wire-topped walls of the Fromeside Secure Clinic he has fought, since 2011, South African attempts to extradite him.

A final High Court ruling means that Dewani may be in the country as early as April 8 to face the justice system that he has tried to evade since Anni Dewani's murder in November 2010. The High Court has ruled that while his medical conditions – post traumatic stress disorder, hyperacusis (a hearing disorder similar to tinnitus) and related problems with concentration made him unfit to stand trial, he should be held in South Africa until his condition improved. The three-judge panel headed by the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas, did stipulate that Dewani must be returned to England in a year if his condition did not improve sufficiently for him to stand trial.

Doubts for a fair trial In the three-plus years since Anni Dewani's kidnapping and murder, the defence has fought his extradition while also working to cast doubt on the competence of the South African police, raising the spectre of rape in prison and highlighting the supposed collapse of the mental health system in the country. The lawyers argued that Dewani would not get a fair trial and he would not get access to medical treatment while awaiting trial or if he was convicted, that he would not be safe in a South African prison, effectively run by the prison gangs and not the Department of Correctional Services.

There is still the option of appealing to the European Court of Human Rights but Mthunzi Mhaga, spokesman for the Ministry of Justice, says that there has been no indication that Dewani would appeal the latest ruling.

Mhaga says that after landing in South Africa, Dewani "will be kept in a medical facility due to his peculiar condition. We are working tirelessly to ensure that his return to our shores brings to finality this protracted legal process. We are confident that he will receive a fair trial in our courts."

From the time of his arrest in December 2010 Dewani has appeared in court ten times, including his bail hearing. Three times extradition has been affirmed and twice his team has been allowed to appeal. After the third

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Cummings, a witness for the South African government, added that extradition would increase Dewani's suicide risk in the short term, but his condition would improve after a "spike". He insisted that Dewani's health could be managed as well in South Africa as in the UK. At the time of his first extradition hearing, Dewani was being visited every 15 to 20 minutes because he was a high suicide risk. Clare Montgomery QC (Queens Counsel, the equivalent of a senior advocate in SA law) argued that extradition would increase the risk of suicide to an unacceptable level.

Montgomery argued that "‌the South African government were incapable of fulfilling the limited assurances given. The suicide management capacity of the South African prison system was 'inadequate', as had been admitted by the Prisons Inspector. Experts also agreed that there was no evidence that the psychiatric hospital available to care for him could adequately treat his complex illnesses."

Beyond that, she continued, he was also at serious risk of violence from other prisoners. There were limited undertakings to protect his health but, "no effective undertakings had been given to protect him from sexual violence or other violence at the hands of prisoners".

Arguing that European and English governments held their legal system to a higher standard than South Africans, extradition would be incompatible with articles 2 (the right to life) and 3 (prohibition on torture) of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protect the right to life and prohibit inhuman and degrading treatment.

His expensively assembled team included super publicist Max Clifford - until his arrest and trial for a series of indecent assaults - who orchestrated a smear campaign on the sidelines of the legal battle. It was Clifford's job to provide the smoke to bolster the argument that the South African justice and penal system is indeed barbaric.

The campaign began with a statement calling the charges against Dewani, "totally false accusations blaming him for what happened to his wife from people seeking to divert this matter away from security in South Africa for ordinary people".

At the first extradition hearing in May 2011 the court heard from Sasha Gear from Johannesburg's Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation that in the eyes of other convicts Dewani would be guilty of a "sissy crime" which, along with his wealth and looks painted a target on his back.

Dewani's counsel has also raised the prospect that his client is being set up for Anni's murder by police desperate to deflect attention from their country's skyhigh crime rate. The multipronged attack also included criticism of the initial investigation and claims that the police forced confessions from the men imprisoned for the crimes to fit with their interpretation of the night.

Unfortunately the South African Police Service played into the defence's hands.

In December 2010, then Police Commissioner Bheki Cele was quoted as saying, "A monkey came all the way from London to have his wife murdered here. Shrien thought we, South Africans, were stupid when he came all the way to kill his wife in our country. He lied to himself."

Dewani's lawyers jumped on the use of the words 'murderer' and 'monkey' to argue that their client had been prejudged and was therefore unlikely to receive a fair trial in the country.

Then in March 2011 the original investigating officer and detective, Colonel Christiaan Theron, credited with arresting Dewani's alleged co-conspirators, was accused of racism (the formal charge is crimen injuria) and fraud.

Clifford argued, at the time, that this was an indication that racist South African police officers were looking to pin the murder on non-white suspects and Dewani was the easiest target.

Too many unanswered questions In October last year Dewani's defence asked the Crown Prosecution Service, the English version of the National Prosecuting Authority, to prosecute him in England instead of extraditing him to South Africa. Allowance is made for these prosecutions in England but only for crimes committed in an EU country. Among the Commonwealth nations, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa can apply for an extradition order without having to present prima facie evidence at the hearing.

This was an idea raised by a former South African acting High Court judge, Paul Hoffman, in an interview with the BBC in March 2012. He admitted that it was an unusual arrangement but the deal could be negotiated between the UK and South African judges. Hoffmann's argument was based on Dewani first being found guilty in a South African court. A UK Ministry of Justice spokesman knocked the suggestion down by pointing out there was currently no prisoner transfer agreement between the countries, but "we hope to get more agreements with other countries and one of them may be South Africa".

Melanie Riley of English NGO Friends Extradited, and a Dewani ally, told the Guardian in October last year that sending Dewani to South Africa as an awaiting trial prisoner was cruel and unusual punishment, and that with his medical history Dewani would languish in prison or in a secure medical facility while waiting for his condition to improve. She said that given the conditions in South Africa this would take much longer, if ever.

"Prolonging a trial delay serves neither victim nor defendant. Whatever the medical facilities abroad, Britain should only extradite for trial, not treatment."

In denying Dewani the right to appeal its decision the High Court judges wrote, "South Africa has now a material track record of respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Those are highly material factors to the court's acceptance of the undertakings..."

For Anni's family, which has swung from supporting a son-in-law, to wondering what he is hiding, to praying for a judicial end to the nightmare, none of the legalities matter. They are not convinced of his guilt but want justice to be seen to be done.

There are too many unanswered questions for them. As Ami Denborg, Anni's sister has said, "I don't know what to believe sometimes. I just want the truth to come out and the end of this story so I can move on with my life."

Shrien Dewani has been held at a secure hospital in his hometown in Bristol, but is allowed daily visits home.

PULSATING NEWS

Celebrating UBUNTU at New York's Carnegie Hall T

he Big Apple will welcome South Africa The Big Apple for three weeks in October, when the will welcome city's iconic Carnegie Hall will host a music South Africa for and arts festival focusing on the nation, called three weeks in Ubuntu.

October, when An exciting array of events has been planned the city's iconic for the famous space and for partner venues Carnegie Hall will throughout New York City. Audiences will be host a music and able to explore the dynamic and diverse arts festival cultures of South Africa through music, art and film. Ubuntu, which can be roughly focusing on the translated as "I am because you are", is a nation. philosophy born of South Africa's many cultures and languages – there are 11 official languages. It emphasizes the importance of community, a way of thinking that influenced moves towards reconciliation and cultural people; music from the Cape region, inclusion fostered by the late Nelson including a Cape Malay choir and folk Mandela. musicians from remote regions of the Karoo; Pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim explains that ubuntu is a concept of humanity and two thrilling generations of jazz artists. In addition, two critically acclaimed South beyond borders. "Music always played an African classical singers will make their New integral part of the struggle; apartheid was York City recital debuts. not just a South African problem but a But the festival will extend beyond Carnegie struggle of humanity. We had to use culture Hall, with performances and events planned and music to put a humane face on our for other prestigious partner organisations. struggle."

Clive Gillinson, Carnegie Hall's executive and The programme will include visual art, film and dance, as well as panel discussions on artistic director, says: "The spirit of this significant cultural issues featuring leading attitude is embodied in the festival's programming, which features a varied line-up social and political voices.

Democracy turns 20 of artists representing the many threads that Carnegie Hall explains that the festival will together make up the country's musical begin with Twenty Years of Freedom, a culture. With the Ubuntu festival, Carnegie programme celebrating the anniversary of 20 Hall salutes South Africa as a colourful, years of democracy in South Africa at the artistic country." venue. On the bill will be Masekela and This is underlined by trumpeter and singer Vusi Mahlasela, joined by special composer Hugh Masekela, who says: "There guests. is a deep abyss of content that needs to be Additional festival highlights will include seen. There is no society that has as much Voices of South Africa with world-renowned wealth, culturally and musically. This African isicathamiya and mbube choral group heritage makes me feel like I come from Ladysmith Black Mambazo. It will explore the major wealth." central role the voice plays in South African Watch: Ubuntu - Music and Arts of South music.

Grammy Award-winning singer Africa: Angélique Kidjo will celebrate the South Diverse culture African cultural icon Miriam Makeba in Mama In creating the Ubuntu festival, "we were Africa; acclaimed visual artist and filmmaker inspired by the cultural life of this incredibly diverse country", says Gillinson. "It is a nation William Kentridge will host an evening of his short films with live musical accompaniment; with a dynamic, often surprising culture like and revered pianist and composer Ibrahim, a no other – the birthplace of larger-than-life great champion of Cape jazz, will hold a solo musical presences like Masekela, Miriam concert coinciding with his 80th birthday.

Makeba, Ibrahim, and now, a seemingly Ibrahim will also lead a master class for endless array of vocal talent from every corner of the country. Our festival also comes young jazz musicians, presented by Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute.

20 years after the first free elections in South Over two consecutive evenings in Zankel Africa, an anniversary made even more Hall, performances will incorporate dramatic resonant by the recent passing of Mandela.

The country's landscape continues to evolve, elements. In a programme titled Paper Music: A Ciné Concert by Philip Miller and William and this makes for fascinating explorations Kentridge, Kentridge will presents an evening through the arts.” of his short films with live music by composer Miller. The following evening, violinist Daniel Dedicated to Mandela's legacy, the Ubuntu festival will feature performances at Carnegie Hope will curate a music theatre production entitled A Distant Drum, joining forces with his Hall by artists representing different musical father, pre-eminent South African writer traditions, including performances paying Christopher Hope, for the Carnegie Halltribute to notable South African icons and commissioned work on the life of short story milestones. In addition to showcasing worldwriter and journalist Nat Nakasa, the brilliant, renowned South African musicians, impassioned spirit of his generation who left audiences will also be introduced to many kinds of South African music that may be less behind South Africa's apartheid of the 1960s for New York City. Noted authority on South well-known: the powerful spirituality and African music Andrew Tracey will be the ecstasy of the maskandi music of the Zulu musical supervisor.

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Zulu music A double-bill performance showcasing two aspects of contemporary Zulu maskandi music – which is often referred to as the "Zulu blues" – will feature two masters from KwaZulu-Natal: Madala Kunene leading a quintet that draws on the spiritual aspects of the style, and Phuzekhemisi performing exuberant, high-energy music with singers and dancers in traditional attire.

A second double-bill programme in Zankel Hall will feature the Young Stars: Traditional Cape Malay Singers, a 15-voice male choir led by Moeniel Jacobs. It will perform a style of vocal music from Cape Town that combines Dutch folk songs with beautifully ornamented vocal traditions from as far afield as Malaysia, Arabia and East Africa. The programme will also feature a performance by guitarist, singer-songwriter, and tireless champion of Cape music traditions David Kramer, joined by folk musicians from the remote regions of the Karoo.

Kesivan Naidoo, a drummer, composer and one of the leaders of the next wave of Cape jazz, will perform original compositions, standards and avant-garde selections for his New York City debut concert with his band Kesivan and the Lights. Dizu Plaatjies and his group Ibuyambo will perform the music of the Xhosa people as well as from other southern African traditions. In addition, two young, critically acclaimed South African sopranos will make their New York City recital debuts in Weill Recital Hall – Pretty Yende and Elza van den Heever.

Citywide programme Festival programming at leading cultural institutions throughout New York City will include music, dance, film, visual arts, panel discussions and more. Ubuntu partners include: African Film Festival Inc; Anna Zorina Gallery; Apollo Theatre; Axis Gallery; Flushing Town Hall; Jazz at Lincoln Centre; The Juilliard School; Keyes Art Projects; (Le) Poisson Rouge; Live from the New York Public Library; New Heritage Theatre Group; Queens College, City University of New York; Ubuntu Education Fund; World Music Institute; and Yossi Milo Gallery.

Gillinson says: "It's such an unbelievably diverse nation with so many different cultures, we just thought it was a really good time to bring together that real kaleidoscope of what the country is."

The Ubuntu festival runs from 10 October to 5 November.

o

ne of South Africa's most famous and loved sporting faces is that of the divine Romy Titus, a former agenda-setting journalist and television anchor. A cheerful go-getter with a kind heart, Romy considers herself a bit of a tom-boy. As a little girl she used to climb trees and play with the lads instead of playing with dolls. “I was a tom-boy, and you would find me in the trees but I did have a tea-set and remember making mud cakes,” she said in an interview with Pulse.

Romy also revealed that as a child she always broke the 8pm sleep curfew so punishment which she did not mind was watching the 8 o clock news with her dad read then by the legendary Riaan Cruywagen.

That is how her nose for news developed. Born and raised in Cape Town, Romy moved with her family to Namibia at 12 before relocating to Johannesburg five years later. Her dad was an epidemiologist conducting research on HIV/Aids and malaria. Her different experiences while growing up helped prepare her for life. “I wanted to become a veterinarian but my maths was not so great.

Thanks to watching the news on television, and in my house you could not hear a pin drop when Cruywagen was reading the news,” she said.

One of the highlights of a career in journalist came when Romy met the man she idolized as a child in between them reading SABC news bulletins.

“He was going to read the Afrikaans bulletin at seven, while I was preparing to do the English broadcast.

We met and I took my picture with him,” she said.

Chosen South Africa's Best News Anchor by the SABC in 2008, Romy covered sports for fun. It was a passion that eventually consumed her.

She covered the 2010 Soccer World Cup and works across radio and television platforms as a sports presenter. Just as she was proficient as a news hound, Romy knows her sport.

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup Romy was one of the only females to be granted a platform during this tournament as the Senior Radio Anchor for Radio 2000. “I decided to

stories. It is the exact opposite of hard news especially nowadays in the South African landscape where we read more about rape, murder, abuse and the hardship of life.”

Romy is currently with SABC Sport, focusing mainly on the Premier Soccer League and the National First Division. She can also be heard on Radio 2000's flagship sports show 'Game on' covering a vast number of sporting codes as the shows anchor.

The accolades for Romy just keep on coming. Last month she was recognized as one of the world's leading sports journalists by the 2014 Laureus

Masekela and former talkshow host Felicia Mabuza-Suttle for E-News. A year later she had gained credibility within the broadcasting industry and as millions watched she became the youngest news anchor in the country.

Asked who are some of the favourite personalities she has interview, Romy rattled of several names, including comedian Chris Rock, President Jacob Zuma and, Oscar Pistorius, the disgraced athlete currently in the dock over his alleged 2013 Valentine's Day shooting of Reeva Steenkamp.

She said Pistorius was light-hearted and calm during the interview.

“I remember him being a fun, quirky,” she said.

Romy said sport was the best platform to unite the world.

“I love covering sport and cannot see myself returning to news, and dead bodies or children who have been abused,” she said.

“I want to continue the Madiba legacy of having sports as a unifier. He was also present at the inaugural awards in the year 2000. Africa is a platform for stories, I want to bring Africa Go-getter with a kind heart, Romy Titus to the world, unearth is recognized as one of the African stories for world’s leading sports journalists Women and Men.” by the 2014 Laureus World When Romy is not behind the d Sports microphone, reporting for radio and Awards. Romy will be a member of television, she's writing stories for the Laureus Media Selection Panel and various publications, and when she play a part in deciding the winners of puts the pen down on goes her the 2014 Laureus World Sports philanthropy hat as she pioneers for Awards, the premier global sports children's rights, as the founder of the awards honouring the greatest Organisation, 'Babies Behind Bars' sportsmen and women each year. ensuring that children born in prisons These awards will take place in Kuala on the continent are given the care Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday, 26 they deserve. The charity through the March 2014. assistance of mainly women donors has helped children behind bars in When she got the invite via email, Romy said she thought it was a hoax. South Africa, Namibia and Swaziland.

Not one to sit still, the tom-boy in “When I saw the email, I was pitch Romy keeps her busy as a bee. She side interviewing Stephen Keshi, the also owns a media training company Nigerian Coach for Chan. I first where she uses her years in the thought that it was one of those hoax industry to up skill various companies emails and I asked my assistant to managers, CEO's and staff on TV and confirm if this is true. I was in such radio and how best to make media disbelief to be chosen as one of the leading sports journalists in the world, your mate. This one-time tom-boy's no longer climbing trees but the it was overwhelming.” corporate ladder to success.

Romy is no stranger to the South African market, she began her career in broadcasting at a tender age of 19 Worl

Sports Awards

11

PULSATING NEWS

Meet Heshan de Silva, Kenya's 25-year-old

MULTIMILLIONAIRE "It is incredible that a kid who has no university degree can rise so quickly," says Heshan de Silva. "What a great country Kenya is – there are so many opportunities."

N

ine years ago Heshan de Silva was a suicidal, alcoholic, drug-addicted dropout. Seven years ago he used US$116 to start a small insurance business. Today the 25-year-old Kenyan venture capitalist, founder of the De Silva Group, is worth over $10-million.

The De Silva Group is the holding company for DSGVenCap, a firm that makes seed investments in Kenyan entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for new businesses, with the specific aim of reducing poverty in the country. De Silva also mentors young Kenyans, sharing business success tips and personal advice.

One piece of advice is to go for it, not wait for a "golden ticket" to venture into business. "Don't scratch your head saying there is no financing," he says. "With what you have, what can you do to achieve your goal? Investors like people who have taken that initiative."

De Silva graduated from high school at the age of 16, and immediately went on to university. His parents were reasonably well-off, so they sent him to the US, where he chose the University of Miami, Florida – for its climate.

"It was an interesting experience," he says wryly. "I'd come from a very sheltered upbringing. Going to Miami and having all that freedom was quite difficult."

He was young, undecided about his future, and hated lectures. Soon he was cutting class and sitting on the library steps, being paid to write essays for fellow students who preferred to party.

De Silva's essay-writing venture was soon earning him up to $600 a day, and that's when the wheels came off.

He had money, and was spending it – mainly on alcohol, and soon on drugs as well.

Far from Kenya, failing all his classes and an addict, Da Silva eventually tried to kill himself. His family fetched him home, and he slowly turned his life around. Today, Da Silva is one of his country's brightest young leaders, a dollar millionaire investing in people and new ideas.

Dropping out and getting ahead De Silva thrives on motivating and encouraging young people. His one mission is to change the perception that a university degree is essential to success.

"If you don't have a degree, if you don't have even a high school diploma, you will succeed if you plug a need," he says. "You don't require a piece of paper to be certified to do business.

"I think education enables you to open your mind to a lot of possibilities, but at the end of the day you are narrowed to what you have studied and you lock out everything that is going on around you. The counter to that is people like me are not narrowed to anything; we see opportunity everywhere."

Seven years ago De Silva invested his 10 000 Kenyan shilling ($116) allowance from his parents to start a small business selling travel insurance to the poor.

Going for as little as KSh5 – less than five US cents – it was bundled with long-distance bus tickets and could be bought via mobile phone. By the end of the year he had made KSh90-million, over a million US dollars.

"If you work hard and don't set limits for yourself you can get there," he says. "I am testament to that."

The ideas business After earning his first million, De Silva moved on to financing ingenious ideas. His DSGVenCap has so far invested in 22 000 people and has created 17 000 businesses. "This is the ideas sector, where you can convert ideas into viable companies."

Today one of the youngest venture capitalists in Africa, De Silva chooses the projects carefully, and has grown the De Silva Group into one of the region's most

12

enterprising entities. It has holdings in commodities, technology, renewable energy, insurance, robotics, advertising, hospitality, fashion, rural road construction, hardware and agribusiness, and works with major East African corporations such as Equity Bank, Housing Finance Corp, Scanad, and East African Breweries Limited.

DSGVenCap invests an average of $10 000 to $15 000 in each idea, and helps the entrepreneurs it funds to execute their ideas. So far, company and its beneficiaries have created jobs for some 70 000 people.

"When we started this we wanted to impact people on a large scale," De Silva says. "The mandate of our group is to reduce poverty from 60% to 40% in this country within five years."

Affordable services for a wider pool of consumers DSGVenCap has a 70% success rate, with three of its companies crossing the $10-million valuation mark. One of its businesses is an advertising company that offers GPS-enabled adverts on public transport for KSh150 ($1.74) and whose model has been patented in dozens of countries worldwide.The Gourmet Nomads, another lucrative business, distributes more than 1 000 lunches to businesses in Nairobi every day for KSh150 ($1.74) per meal. Offering affordable services, be it in advertising or packed lunches, De Silva says, is important because it appeals to a wider range of customers.

"I never take a majority stake in a business – usually around 25% to 35%, and that's it. Even if we are financing an idea completely, we will never cross 40% ownership," he says, adding that "trust is everything in our line of work".

"The really nice thing about it is that we are not looking for the next big thing. We are not looking for huge businesses. We are targeting the poorest people in this country. These are people who make $2 or less a day.

They do not have massive dreams of owning [a five star hotel]. So if it's just a need in your street or neighbourhood, and you create a business that can employ three or four people and make money at the end of the month, that is gold for us."

Expanding portfolio DSGVenCap not only invests in start-ups, it also monitors the new businesses' sustainability. De Silva relies on his team of 400 who listen to pitches and ensure the ideas presented to the company are executed.

"The number of requests that we get every day is phenomenal."

The company plans to invest in 50 000 businesses a year and has access to up to $2-billion over the next five years. It works in partnership with two New York-based funds.

"There are 11-million unemployed people here, who are sitting somewhere wondering what they are going to do," De Silva says. "Imagine if you can impact a fraction of those people. How fast would this country grow across many sectors?"

De Silva is galvanised by the change in the lives of the entrepreneurs he funds. Once struggling to put food on the table, these individuals can now afford to dine in the finest restaurants.

He is also inspired by how his New York partners work.

"They look at numbers as just that. They have no emotions tied to money. Having that attitude is brilliant when you are running a business."

Spending money irresponsibly is something De Silva knows all about. "When I started making a decent amount of money, there was no limit to how much I just wanted to throw at stuff. It was very irresponsible. It went full circle and I decided to live a simple life. I don't need anything fancy. I believe very much in stewardship."

To get money, don't aim for it De Silva's message to Africa's young aspiring entrepreneurs is to identify an actual need. "Don't wait for financing. Plug in with what you have and address that need. Build a business and the money will follow," he says.

"The youth make a mistake when they view money as the main goal of doing business. Money should never be the goal when you are in business. It should be about how you are going to grow the business and scale within your means. You will find that money will follow.

"If your aim is to be a billionaire, you are not going to get there. If your aim is to impact thousands of people with a product and you can actually do that, you will get there. Always look to scale and you will find that success will follow you."

Success comes from hard work, a great passion and a love for what you do, De Silva says. "It is incredible that a kid who has no university degree can rise so quickly.

What a great country Kenya is – there are so many opportunities. I want to keep growing our businesses.

The goals are limitless."

CAPE TOWN’S “OPEN STREETS” BRING THE PEOPLE OUT TO PLAY

PULSATING NEWS

There is nothing new about the open streets concept.

For the past 32 years Bogotá, Colombia, has cleared its streets of automobiles every Sunday and opened them to the community.

I

t is new to South Africa. Open Streets, founded in 2012, is being driven by a small but dedicated group of Cape Town volunteers. Among them is Marcela Guerrero Casas, who moved from Bogotá to South Africa seven years ago, first settling in Johannesburg and then, four years late relocated to Cape Town.

"I saw the potential of open streets in Cape Town and wanted to bring something good from my hometown to my new home," she says. She is also a cyclist, preferring to get around by bicycle.

In Bogotá, every Sunday and public holiday from 07h00 to 14h00, selected main streets are blocked off to cars for runners, skaters and bicyclists in a wide network. Stages are set up in parks, where aerobics instructors, yoga teachers and musicians hold classes or perform. Bogotá's ciclovía ("cycleway" in Spanish), as it is known, runs over 120 kilometres. Each week it is used by about 2million people, or 30% of the city's citizens.

City Government Involvement Open Streets is an opportunity for Cape Town to invest in health, economic development and social cohesion, Guerrero Casas says, with its first outing in 2013. This year, it is one of more than 460 projects running under the umbrella of the World Design Capital, a biannual International designation and the Cape Town city government has come on board.

Four Open Streets have been planned for the year: The first on 30 March, 25 May, 24 September and 29 November, although these dates may change.

Grant Pascoe, Cape Town's head of tourism, events and marketing, says Open Streets was officially supported as a city event in November 2013, with discussions underway to finalise agreements on this year's events.

The city is keen to see the success of Bogotá's ciclovías replicated, he says. "As an innovative city, the hope is that this will grow into an iconic event."

Cape Town's primary support of Open Streets is to promote the idea of "active mobility" by opening streets to "pedestrians, skaters, runners, cyclists and others with the simple aim of increasing the open space footprint for a day", Pascoe says.

Traffic logistics

A street closed off for the fastival held every Sunday

On a bigger level, open streets are about breaking down barriers and connecting communities. "The philosophy is to transform the way we experience streets," Guerrero Casas says. "It allows us to see streets as more than just transport thoroughfares."

Bogotá's first ciclovía attempt took place in 1974. In its second, in 1976, a mayoral decree defined ciclovía and established four routes. In 1982 a new city administration drew up a policy of public space recovery for citizens and the weekly ciclovía was inaugurated.

Now it's safe for kids to play in the street.

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It's a simple concept, but shutting the streets to motorised traffic challenges the status quo. South Africans are used to cars and taxis. Yet as Guerrero Casas stresses, traffic is a logistical issue and can be overcome.

Open Streets is working with the city fathers to find ways to manage it.

Getting buy-in from the local government is one issue, but getting buy-in from ordinary residents is something else. "The community needs to own the activity itself. The main thing is to get people's support – so they see the value of it and don't view it as an inconvenience. It is about showing people what a street could be. It must be a gradual approach, and practical. We are selling an experience, a philosophy."

In the long term, there can be hard infrastructural changes, such as installing more cycle lanes, as well as soft changes, such as getting people to participate fully.

"The concept of Open Streets is easy to sell.

After all, we all want safer streets, and the lack of safety on our streets is a daily reality."

The group says that by embracing the philosophy, all residents can create shared places that embody respect for all and help bridge the social and spatial divides of their city.

In its manifesto, Open Streets says it believes that streets should: ·

Enable safer and more cohesive communities

·

Provide platforms for creative expression of local cultures and values

·

Be places for recreation and social interaction

·

Contribute to job creation and local economic activity

·

Provide choice in how we move around the city

October. There was soccer, dancing, cycling, cricket and other activities on the ays were a success and this year there are plans to hold more, with more community participation and ownership. usually busy thoroughfare. People were encouraged to avoid driving and rather to take public transport to the event. The two Open Streets days were a success and this year there are plans to hold more, with more community participation and ownership.

Open Streets has other activities, such as its Talking Streets series. The group leads some guests along a preselected street "to imagine together what is required to turn it into a genuine 'open street' that embeds

People were encouraged to join the Open Streets team in setting up their offices in the kerbside parking bays along the street.

The day, a Friday, was International PARK(ing) Day, which is when people in cities around the world find alternative uses – "mini park / office / sandbox /lounge / you-name-it" –for on-street parking bays.

World Design Capital World Design Capital is an initiative of the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid), which aims to promote and encourage the use of design to further the social, economic and cultural development of cities, says the city of Cape Town on its WDC website. "Attracting and promoting

Street Soccer in Township of Langa

Street soccer in the township of Langa.

(Image: Rory Williams)

From Observatory to Langa Cape Town's first Open Streets day was on a Saturday afternoon, on 25 May 2013, when Lower Main Road in Observatory was closed to traffic. lounge / you-name-it" –for on-street parking bays.

Then, on 12 October, Open Streets went to Langa, a township on the city's periphery. Homes were opened to arts and streets to people's activity and

Now its safe for kids to play in the streets.

creativity. Part of Maboneng Township Arts Experience, a permanent arts route, was opened on the day in the Langa Quarter.

Some 10 homes on Rubusana Street were turned into permanent gallery spaces, while Open Streets closed the street to cars "inviting both residents and visitors to occupy the streets as a way to express, interact and experience the street freely, safely and creatively".

Activities on the day included yoga, street drawing, skateboarding and games for children, and, of course, plenty of cycling.

Observatory's Lower Main Road was again turned over to Open Streets on 26

Playing Scrabble in the streets

respect for people regardless of who they are and how they move".

The aim is to engage friends of Open Streets to share ideas, experience together and 'walk the talk' in helping to pave the way for a street revolution of sorts in Cape Town. The day starts by walking along the street to learn what is already happening and to explore what else can be done to maximise its potential.

And on 20 September, Open Streets held an event called PARK(ing) on Long Street, the popular restaurantand bar-lined road in the city bowl.

innovative design, it provides an opportunity to showcase accomplishments, increase awareness and accessibility of design and highlight successes in urban revitalisation strategies."

The WDC describes Open Streets as "a citizen-driven initiative, it is both an organisation and a philosophy for public life, working to design and promote streets that embed and generate respect for people, regardless of who they are, and how they move".

15

PULSATING NEWS

From Township To Space Ship, The World's First Black African Astronaut Like music to Mandla Maseko's ears, this part-time DJ will blast off into space, literally.

No-one in Maseko's family has ever stepped outside South Africa, but now the 25-yearold is preparing to rocket into space in 2015.

I

t is an extraordinary dream come true.

Like music to Mandla Maseko's ears, this part-time DJ will blast off into space, literally. No-one in Maseko's family has ever stepped outside South Africa, but now the 25-year-old is preparing to rocket into space in 2015.

Maseko won the global Axe Apollo Space Academy competition for an hour long sub-orbital trip of 62 miles, or about 100 kilometres. Handpicked for the trip on the Lynx Mark II Spaceship, Maseko is one of only 23 civilians from around the world to win a seat on the space mission. He saw off a million other entrants to emerge victorious.

The son of a toolmaker and a cleaning supervisor, he hails from the dusty Mabopane Township near Pretoria. He will be the first black African, and the only other South African besides billionaire Mark Shuttleworth to have gone into space. Shuttleworth is a white entrepreneur and philanthropist who bought a seat on a Russian Soyuz capsule for ÂŁ12-million and spent eight days on board the International Space Station in 2002.

"Excitement does not begin to describe 16

how I feel right now," Maseko told the Pretoria News daily. "If there was a better word than 'excitement' I would use it." He was forced to put his civil engineering studies on hold because he could not pay the fees; now will get to experience zero gravity and a journey that normally comes with a $100 000 price tag.

He heard the news of his achievement on December 5, only a few hours after the death of Nelson Mandela. "I have run the race and completed the course, now here is the torch," Maseko imagined Mandela would have said to him.

"Continue running the race and here's the title to go with it."

gravity".

Hopefuls from more than 105 countries competed for a spot on the shuttle. Only 30 entrants from South Africa were selected from a field of 85 000 determined individuals for the first set of challenges in Free State; they were cut down to three, who went to the US for further gruelling preparations. Maseko was among them – one black, one white, one of Indian origin. "We wanted to show South Africa is way past the colour of our skin. We are the human race."

From December 1 to 8, Maseko and fellow South Africans Dean Roddan and Haroon Osman faced arduous challenges at the Kennedy Space Center Entering the competition in Orlando, Florida. This would test their In August 2013, Maseko was lying on the resolve, strength and courage. couch when he heard an advertisement While at the Axe Apollo Space Academy, for the competition on the radio and Maseko engaged in a series of missions decided to enter, along with thousands of that gave all recruits a taste of the thrills other South Africans. "I needed to send and trials faced by real astronauts. in a picture of myself jumping off Among training missions, he learned to something. I jumped off the wall in the pilot an Air Combat USA aircraft and backyard. I had to do it three times braced himself for the strength of blast before I was happy with the picture." His off in a G-Force Simulator at the motivation for entering, he said was Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex. because he wanted "to defy the laws of

17

MISS EARTH

Hang Up Your Heels for Gumboots!!!

The Current Miss Earth SA

The Miss Earth South Africa Women Empowerment and Leadership Programme once Ashanti again promises to be one jam-packed with Mbanga, environmental milestones, sustainable achievements and green dreams as the organisation embarks on their annual search for South Africa's next green beauty. Young women between the ages of 18 and 26 are invited to submit their applications for the 2014 programme, which strives to empower young South African women to take an active role in sustainable development, food security, community greening, energy efficiency and carbon reduction programmes. With applications for the 2014 programme officially open, the organisation is eager to follow their phenomenal achievements of 2013 and to start working with amazing young women from across the country.

The 2013 programme saw the organisation achieve numerous milestones, including distribution of in excess of 13,000 stationery packs at underprivileged schools with Sappi and touching thousands of learners and community members through various greening and community upliftment projects around the country. The organisation also travelled to West Africa to launch the Miss Earth Côte d'Ivoire programme and spent World Environment Day and World Ocean's Day greening this West African state with Ivorian government and local UNEP officials. Finalists in the 2013 programme had the opportunity to travel to Cape Town and around Gauteng for numerous greening and community projects and educational workshops with Reliance Compost.

The Miss Earth South Africa programme aims to expose young South African women to important issues such as Water Stewardship, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energies, Glass Recycling and Sustainability. Successful candidates will have the platform to be hands-on involved in educational 18

programmes, workshops and much more.

The programme aims to add value to the lives of all the successful 2014 candidates. Miss Earth South Africa 2013, Ashanti Mbanga, was fortunate to travel extensively during the year of her reign and believes that her participation in the programme has changed her life in numerous ways, “It was during the competition that I realised how blessed I am to have the sponsors, partners and support that I have; I never lacked for anything and that helped me to be fully involved in all levels of my international experiences.”

The crowing of the 2014 Miss Earth South Africa will take place at an event later this year, which will be attended by high profile dignitaries, celebrities, and local and international green leaders. Proud partners of the Miss Earth South Africa include Tsogo Sun, IMPERIAL Toyota, Sappi, Crystal Forum, Reliance Compost, and Bijan Boutique Hairdressers.

CALL FOR ENQUIRIES Log on to www.missearthsa.co.za to download an application form and for details of application requirements. Like their Facebook page and follow them on twitter (@missearth_sa) for regular updates throughout the programme.

Entries close on 20 March 2014 and interview sessions will take place across the country from the 29 March and throughout April. Successful candidates will be notified of interview dates in their area. Join the green and glam revolution and be part of a solution to fight the effects of climate change. An opportunity of a lifetime awaits. Hang up your Heels for Gumboots! For more on the Earth journey visitwww.missearthsa.co.za, follow Miss Earth South Africa on Twitter (@missearth_sa) or Like the Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/missearthsa

FASHION

FIRST ‘STREET CRED” COMPETITION WINNER established to support the fashion design sector. The organization is founded and funded by the KwaZuluNatal Department of Economic Development and Tourism (KZNDEDT) and the eThekwini Municipality's Economic Development and Investment Promotions Unit. The KZNFC supports local designers through a number of strategic programmes such as Mentorship, Learning & Networking and Market Access.

Entries can be forwarded to handiwe Madikazi is the February

T

silhouette and skin tone, and he was

winner of the exciting and new

right, I absolutely love how the dress

KZN Fashion Council competition,

fits and looks on me”, says the ecstatic

street cred which aims to promote

Madikazi.

KwaZulu-Natal designers and

The competition considered the

encourage people to buy local designer

Facebook “likes” on our official page as

labels.

well as the judge's ratings to establish the winner. A total of 22 outfits which

Dressed by a local designer, Brownz

complied with the terms and conditions

Sibusiso Shozi from Forever Trendy

of the competition were entered to the

(KZN), Madikazi a graphic designer by

final draw, and were all posted on

profession, looks effortlessly stunning in

Facebook.

a floral dress which clinched the top spot for the month of February.

The competition is open until November 2014. A winner is selected

“I have always had a fetish for bold

each month, and stands a chance of

prints and this kind of fabric. We went

winning a R1000 voucher to shop at a

shopping with my designer, Sbusiso

local designer shop / boutique.

Shozi, who convinced me that this

The KwaZulu-Natal Fashion Council

pattern and colour will be perfect for my

(KZNFC) is a not for profit organization

admin@kznfc.co.za The KZNFC can be contacted on www.kznfc.co.za / Facebook and twitter.

Contact person: Nomonde Masoka Operations Manager Cell: +27 76 803 4660 / Tel: +27 31 825 8569 / Email: Shavera Sayed, Acting Programme Director, Cell: +27 84 593 2804, Email: shavera@kznfc.co.za

th

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s an established designer, Haroun Hansrot felt the need to open a showroom for the discerning

fashionista, thus this free-flowing, classic, upmarket and tranquil space has been created for clients to come in and peruse at their leisure. The couture store- 75, can be found on 75 Matthews Meyiwa (Stamfordhill) Road, Greyville and is now in it's third

World contestants and celebrities.He was awarded a scholarship by the Italian Embassy, where he spent 4 yrs studying at the ACADEMIA ARTE MODA & DESIGN college in Florence, Italy. Haroun has showcased in Italy and in Berlin, this time with world renowned artist Jean Paul Christo, and has had shows in India, Mauritius Fashion Week and South Africa.

year.

Apart from his own designs and stocking other International labels, Haroun has taken to mentoring young, up-coming designers by providing a platform for them to showcase their collections as well.

He is very much involved in the social up-liftment of the community and participates in training programs for the under-privileged on a regular basis at his

Bespoke designs and an impeccable sense of romantic style, he uses glorious fabrics which have made him a recognised design icon. His use of intricately beaded and detailed fabric for evening wear as well as his daywear ranges, capture the essence of ethereal and classic design in each unique garment. This slight, quietly spoken, modest man was involved with Julia Morley owner of the

store.

MISS WORLD Organization, where he judged top

Haroun Hansrot

swimwear model, and top model. He was also Hansrot has made a name for himself on the local and worldwide fashion ramps over the last 12 years.

His fabulous

commissioned as 1 of 6 designers to design for finalists for Miss World

gowns have been worn by Miss

His fabulous gowns have been worn by Miss World contestants and celebrities including dressing Bollywood and Broadway stars,models and top models. Haroun Hansrot's collections have shared the ramp with the likes of fashion luminaries Roberto Cavalli, Versace and Zuhair Murad.

He is a judge and talent scout for the Miss South Africa pageant as well as designing for the contestants.

L

arisa is a Russian-born fashion designer. She obtained her diploma and graduated on top of the class in fashion design and dressmaking in one of the prestigious University's in Russia.

She relocated to South Africa in 2008 and worked as a designer at bridal boutique "Belles of Hilton". In 2010 Larisa achieved a second place in the South African Bridal Industry Association (SABIA) in Couture category for KZN province.

After settling with her family in beautiful South Africa she is working towards establishing her own brand Larisa MODA. Larisa remains

passionate in her career with her gifted creativity and self-confidence which now promoted her to open her own Atelier Studio in Umhlanga.

With an ever-ending progressive talent, Larisa finds herself becoming inspired by different stitches and techniques. Recently she has been selected as 1 of the top 10 national finalists to present her design for the 2013 Vodacom Durban July Fashion Challenge. As well she was invited as a celebrity designer to 19th Annual Vukani Fashion Award.

e h c n a l b r e T a s i Lar

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PAS PARK AVENUE 184 Main Road Fordsburg.

Tel: 011 833 7770 / 011 634 1800 Fax: 011 836 2739 email: rubberstamps@parkavenue.co.za TRADING HOURS MON - FRI 8:30AM - 17:00PM SAT: 9:00AM - 13:00PM

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MOTORING

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TRAVEL

TRAVEL SA's RESERVES South Africa's National Parks……(Cape Cluster) South Africa has a vast system of natural reserves established to protect the country's indigenous plants, animals, landscapes and associated cultural heritage, ranging from the vast flagship Kruger National Park occupying an area larger than Swaziland to the tiny Bontebok National Park in the Western Cape.

Table Mountain National Park is a global bio diversity hotspot, containing more plant species than the whole of the British Isles.

These are managed by the South Africa National Parks, established by the government in 1926 and one of the world's leading conservation and scientific research bodies.

National parks offer visitors an unparalleled diversity of adventure tourism opportunities including game viewing, bush walks, canoeing and exposure to cultural and historical experiences.

Fifteen of South Africa's 21 National parks offer park or camprun accommodation. Most parks and rest-camps have retail facilities and restaurants. Across the parks, there are a total of 6 000 beds and 1 000 camping and caravan sites, which can accommodate almost 12 000 overnight guests.

There are various park clusters:  The Kruger Park  The Arid Cluster  The Cape Cluster  The Frontier Cluster  The Garden Route Cluster  The Northern Cluster This month we visit the Cape cluster parks are those within the 40

South-Western reaches of the Western Cape and are home to the endemic Cape Floral Region, also a World Heritage Site. They also feature mountainous, coastal, riverine or estuarine habitats. They are the Bontebok, Table Mountain, Tankwa Karoo, Agulhas and West Coast National parks.

A shipwreck in Agulhas National Park.

Agulhas National Park Cape Agulhas is the southernmost tip of Africa, at 34° 49' 58" south and 20° 00' 12'' east, a point marked with a cairn.

Found in the Western Cape, the park captures the adventure of sailing around the tip of the continent, crossing from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean.

The Agulhas area contains representatives of unique vegetation such as limestone fynbos. Although most species bloom between May and

A giraffe silhouetted by the sunset in the Kruger National Park, which straddles the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

September, there are flowers to be enjoyed in any season.

Among the mysteries associated with this region is the legendary Cape of Storms, which wrecked many ships en route to the east via Cape Agulhas. Shipwrecks dot the coastline - of the Zoetendal, Birkenhead and Armiston - with key artefacts from the vessels on display at the Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum.

Ancient people also left their mark on the landscape. Archaeological middens indicate a successful hunter-gathering culture in harmony with its natural environment, and a cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years to when the Khoi-Khoi people trapped fish using ingeniously constructed tidal traps.

The remains of ancient stone fish traps can be seen to the east of the Cape Agulhas lighthouse, the second-oldest working lighthouse in southern Africa, which houses a unique lighthouse museum.  Year proclaimed: 1999  Current size: 56.9 square kilometres  Province: Western Cape

False Bay and has within its discretion of park management.

Bontebok National Park boundaries two world-renowned  Year proclaimed: 1986 Bontebok National Park in the landmarks - majestic Table Mountain and the legendary Cape Western Cape is a place of of Good Hope. beauty and peaceful charm, set The park is recognised globally for against the majestic Langeberg its extraordinarily rich, diverse and Mountains. A part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site, unique fauna and flora - with the park always offers something rugged cliffs, steep slopes and sandy flats. Nowhere else in the in bloom. world does an area of such The park boasts proud spectacular beauty and such rich achievements in biodiversity bio-diversity exist almost entirely conservation, from the within a metropolitan area - the endangered fynbos veld type, thriving and cosmopolitan city of coastal renosterveld, to the namesake bontebok. Once these Cape Town.  Year proclaimed: 1998 colourful antelope numbered a  Current size: 243.1 square mere 17, now the population sits kilometres at around 3 000. The park also offers bird watchers over 200 bird  Province: Western Cape species.

Tankwa Karoo National Park  Year proclaimed: 1931 The 80 000 hectare Tankwa  Current size: 27.9 square Karoo National Park, proclaimed kilometres in 1986, protects one of the most  Province: Western Cape starkly beautiful tracts of the Tankwa Karoo and is worth visiting for its koppie-studded, moon-like landscape, diversity of succulent plants, fine Karoo birding, in particular the enigmatic Burchell's courser. A dense population of black eagle breeding pairs is also found in the park.

Situated on the southern boundary of the Northern Cape, between the Roggeveld Escarpment in the east, Cedarberg in the west, and Klein Roggeveldberge in the south, the park erupts into a dazzling display Quiver trees in the Namaqualand. of flowering succulents after a shower.

Only two southern African regions Table Mountain National Park The azure waters of Langebaan lagoon, focal The Table Mountain National Park have been designated as point of the West Coast National Park.

Biodiversity Hotspots by encompasses the incredibly Conservation International. One is scenic Table Mountain Chain the Cape Floral Kingdom, and the stretching from Signal Hill in the other the Succulent Karoo, of north to Cape Point in the south and the seas and coastline of the which Tankwa is part.

There is no tourism infrastructure peninsula. It is one of the in the park, although there are a country's natural World Heritage couple of privately operated B&Bs Sites.

The narrow finger of land with its on the periphery of the park.

There are three very historical beautiful valleys, bays and houses offering only a roof to stay Table Mountain National Park beaches is surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the under and drinking water close by.

Entrance to the park is at the west and the warmer waters of 41

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