Vantage Vu Magazine Volume 54

VANTAGE VU

A Nation That Laughs Together , Drinks Together... Siyavanna SA

Ladies, Kids and Gents..... welcome to the rand show

Growing up outside Johannesburg and the Gauteng province, one of the biggest shows we were always told about was what back then was known as the Rand Easter Show, and school trips (before they were called excursions) were centered around this event around the Easter season

Even though back then I couldn't be in any of those school trips because my family was a bit too protective about me traveling far without them, I still longed to be in one of those trips (well look at me know, covering the dreams hahahaha).

This show was the center of every child's heart whether they have attended or not, but living in a country that had the Rand Easter Show was enough.

Now known simply as the Rand Show, this year is promising to be bigger and better than before. Now for a first-time attendee like myself, there is a whole lot of excitement going through me right now, the child in me is extremely jealous that I beat him to the Rand Show

At the media launch of the Rand Show, we got to understand the magnitude of this event and the constant innovation it brings forward to change people's lives and give them excitement at the same time

One of the most important things about this year's show is the continuation of the SMME summit just a day before all the festivities begin I say this is important because we are in a country that has a high rates of unemployment, and everyone who can contribute to the economy by creating at least one job, that person has

Decades upon decades of family fun and exhibitions and music at the Rand Show.

changed the world for the better We need small businesses in South Africa to give our country a fighting chance at remaining as one of the most progressive countries not only in Africa, but everywhere

Then staying on course with business, the big number of stalls and vendors that will be giving people a wide range of products to take home from the show is a big plus in how this year's show is about to make it's mark in being one of the biggest contributors in the Gauteng economy

Parents need not worry about their children because there is a hall that will ensure that your child plays so hard that when you get home with them you will be able to finally open that bottle of wine and forget they exist for an hour or two.

Now this is an interesting one... The SANDF did not make any promises about things not blowing up or bullet holes being the new deco at the Johannesburg Expo Center, but they did promise to put on a top notch display of South Africa's military power and all it's services.

Now can we talk about the music Dali banana, Dali oh banana With every day set to deliver some of South Africa's biggest Artists, you know very well that it is going to be a party Here is a line up of artists to expect at the 2024 Rand Show:

TOP SA MUSICIANS LIVE THE RAND SHOW 2024

The Rand Show is promising an incredible musical experience when it opens its doors from 28 March to 1 April this year Music lovers are in for a treat as South Africa's biggest

consumer exhibition unveils its lineup of some of South Africa's hottest talent From soulful melodies to energetic beats, The Rand Show promises an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages

Louise Carver: Friday 29 March & Saturday 30 March – Craft Area Stage

The two-time Billboard number one artist, Louise Carver, is set to grace the Craft Area Stage on Friday and Saturday Known for her powerful vocals and emotive lyrics, Louise's illustrious career includes multiple South African Music Award nominations and international chart-topping hits Her latest studio album, ''Dark Secrets,'' earned her a coveted SAMA for ''Best Adult Contemporary Album''

Jesse Clegg: Friday 29 March – Main Stage

Jesse Clegg, the platinum-selling singersongwriter, will take centre stage on Friday With three studio albums under his belt and eight Top 10 singles, Jesse is a force to be reckoned with in the South African music scene His heartfelt lyrics and captivating performances have earned him accolades and a dedicated fan base

Pabi Cooper: Saturday 30 March – Main Stage

Multi-talented rising star Pabi Cooper is not only pursuing her dream of becoming Mzansi's youngest referee but also making waves in the music scene. A dancer, performer, and football enthusiast, Pabi brings an undeniable energy and charisma to the Main Stage on Saturday.

Mellow and Sleazy: Sunday 31 March – Main Stage

Amapiano sensations Mellow and Sleazy are set to ignite the Main Stage on Sunday The power duo has captured the hearts of music enthusiasts locally and internationally with their infectious beats and collaborations with industry heavyweights Known for their versatility, Mellow and Sleazy are here to ensure that The Rand Show's Main Stage becomes a dancefloor like no other.

Kamo Mphela: Monday 1 April – Main Stage

Known as the ""Queen of Amapiano,"" Kamo Mphela will close The Rand Show with a bang on Monday With a passion for dance that started at an early age, Kamo's performances are a mesmerizing blend of skill and style Signed to Major League Music, she has taken the Amapiano genre by storm with hits like ""Sbwl"" and ""Amanikiniki""

There are many ways and many reasons to explore different destinations, and Meetings Africa provided a bird'seye view of these possibilities.

Over two busy days in the heart of Johannesburg's business existence, in Sandton, thousands of people gathered to explore tourism in all its possibilities

For me, a person who has not travelled a lot, the mission was to shed light on how starting your travel adventures here at home is extremely important.

I had the opportunity to speak to a few travel companies and accommodation companies about their offerings and how they are making touring South Africa trendy. Of course I will not be mentioning any names because as much as we love local business, we are still a business too.

The biggest thing I can tell you with all the confidence in the world is how affordable touring South Africa is Yes of course I don't mean that you can pack your bags every weekend and disappear, but when you work hard and smart enough, you can actually travel two or three times in a year around the country without really affecting your budget that much Some of the most affordable destinations I highlighted are Limpopo and Mpumalanga

Of course we can't talk traveling without something to nibble on Within this whole world of traveling the country and learning the beauty of South Africa, you need to remember to enjoy the delicious food that comes with these majestic sights

One of my favorites parts of Meetings Africa was downstairs in the -2 hall, and that is where I stumbled upon two local wine brands

I first found a local wine brand called Zulu Girl Wines (I'm mentioning them by name because I love alcohol, judge me then) Without diving deep into this brand, Zulu Girl Wines is an amazing local brand that produces some of the most delicious wines you can find in Mzansi.... We will talking to them a bit more in the next coming issues of Vantage Vu Magazine to learn more about their wines.

The second brand I found is called Nanola wines I think I'm converting to wine, because wow the appreciation for wine I got after just a few sips here, my goodness I'm ready to be a brand ambassador Also look out for more indepth conversation about getting to understand Nanola wines in the next coming issues of Vantage Vu Magazine

As I finish this short dive into Meetings Africa, I can easily say that as South Africans we need to travel more and appreciate our own country This will help us progress further than we can imagine ourselves at, and the industry needs to encourage the tourism industry to work with the media industry more because there are many amazing stories to be told out there.

In a few, yet extremely funny words, Mpho Popps highlighted the importance of the comedy industry in South Africa!!!

As wonderful as South Africa is, it is going through many hardships, from crime to GBV to high rates of unemployment, but the good thing we all have in common is the love of a great laugh We are one of the few countries, if not the only one that can laugh at itself and don't have a mini civil war going on after that.

At the Savanna Comics Choice Comedy Awards Nominees announcement event, the legendary Mpho Popps just before being announced as one of the Nominees for Comedian/Comic of the Year said a few important words. Mpho highlighted that if we were to look deeper into where things are in the country and the industries we have, we would realize that at the moment it is only Stand Up comedy that does not have a "building" to reference to Music and film have buildings, but one of the industries that literally saves lives through making us face our troubles and laugh at them has no building

A simple comedy show of two hours is one of the most therapeutic things a person can do for themselves We face a lot as people, and this art form we know as stand up comedy has given us a break from many of our troubles and just gave us something back even though we hardly ever realize it at first The point that Mpho highlighted is very important not only to Comedians, but to lovers of comedy This "building" Mpho is talking about does not have to one building belonging to one person, but multiple establishments that will build a strong comedy culture in South Africa and help be a happier nation

Here are the Savanna Comics Choice Comedy Awards Nominees

LOCAL COMEDY CELEBRATED AS NOMINEES & HALL OF FAME RECIPIENT FOR THE 11TH SAVANNA COMICS’ CHOICE COMEDY AWARDS ARE ANNOUNCED

The unveiling of the much-anticipated nominees for the illustrious 11th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards marks a grand salute to the vibrant South African comedy industry, celebrating a significant milestone in the world of humour and entertainment

Comedians, industry luminaries, and sponsors eagerly awaited the announcement of the nominees, showcasing the best and brightest in the comedy realm across 12 diverse categories including the announcement of the Hall of Fame recipient The reveal took place at the Radisson RED in Rosebank and was filled with cheers, celebratory whoops, and an air of camaraderie that defines the spirit of comedy – all while enjoying the refreshing taste of Savanna Cider, of course.

This year, Celeste Ntuli, Robby Collins, Sifiso Nene, Dalin Oliver and Vafa Naraghi lead the pack with three nods each while Marc Lottering will be honoured with the Hall Of Fame Award This honour celebrates Lottering's remarkable contribution to the comedy landscape, marking him as an icon and trailblazer in the industry

Marc Lottering stands as an iconic figure in South African comedy, having significantly shaped its landscape with his sharp wit, unique storytelling ability, and an array of unforgettable characters that have resonated with audiences nationwide His career, spanning over two decades, has been pivotal in bringing to light the diverse nuances of South African culture, humour, and everyday life, making him not just a comedian but a cherished national storyteller

The Savanna Comics' Choice Comedy Awards, a landmark event in the South African entertainment calendar, is known for recognising outstanding comedic talent and providing a platform for the industry's most remarkable individuals

Stand-Up Comedy

Best Solo Show Award

Ambrose Uren

Carvin H Goldstone & Robby Collins

Celeste Ntuli

Dalin Oliver

Prins

Sifiso Nene

Comedy Festival/Show Award

Armchair Comedy Wednesdays

Bioscope Sundays

Blacks Only Comedy Show

Freshly Cooked Comedy Nights

Otherwise Comedy Nights

Savanna Newcomer Award

Callum Hitchcock

Khabane Moloi

Mr Chase

Mzonke Maloney

Thula Sithole

Breakthrough Act of the Year Award

Ebenhaezer Dibakwane

JamJam The Comedian

Shanray Van Wyk

Wazi M Kunene

Vafa Naraghi

Comedian of the Year Award

Celeste Ntuli

Kagiso KG Mokgafi

Mpho ‘Popps’ Modikoane

Robby Collins

Schalk Bezuidenhout

The Joe Mafela Award

King Flat

Mashabela Galane

Sifiso Nene

Summary

TT Phasha

Best Comedic Writer

Kagiso Lediga

Lazola Gola

Milo

Mojak Lehoko

Tsitsi Chiumya

Headliner Of The Year Award

Celeste Ntuli

Dillan Oliphant

Kagiso KG Mokgadi

Robby Collins

Sifiso Nene

Comedic Content

UpLIFTing Comedic Comedy Award, presented by LIFT

Costa Carastavrakis

Dalin Oliver

Nina Hastie

Shanray Van Wyk

Tums The Narrator

Vafa Naraghi

Funny is Funny

Herholdts for "Shady Shaun"

King Price for "Generating gees"

Switch Energy for "Home Affairs"

Switch Energy for "No More 'Shedding!"

Viya for "Don't be a laya, vaya”

Sauce of the Year Award, presented by Mrs Ball’s

Dalin Oliver

Dillan Oliphant

Mojak Lehoko

Tums The Narrator

Vafa Naraghi

Hall of Fame Award Recipient

Marc Lottering

Vote for your favourite!

To bring the awards closer to the public, four of the categories now go out for comedy fans to vote for their favourite for a chance to WIN a VIP experience to the main awards event on 13 April at Lyric Theatre:

Breakthrough Act of the Year Award

Sauce of the Year Award, Presented by Mrs. Balls

UpLIFTing Comedic Content Award, Presented by LIFT Funny is Funny Award

Fans can make their mark by visiting www.comicschoice.com before 31 March to cast their vote online or SMS your favourite nominees unique code to 33622, Sms’s are charged at R150 Ts & Cs Apply

Book your seat for the birthday celebration of the year!

The winners of the 11th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards will be announced at a glamorous black tie birthday celebration event at the famous Lyric Theatre a Gold Reef City on 13 April 2024 where the winners of the 12 awards will be unveiled whilst attendees will being entertained by comedy sketches from your favourite comedians, and celebrity appearances from Mzansi’s biggest stars Hosted by the incomparable Mpho ‘Popps’ Modikoane – it’s going to be a night to remember

The who’s who of SA’s comedy industry will be there, and you could be too. Secure your seat for an incredible awards show and night of laughter and entertainment. Limited tickets are available to the public via Computicket here. Dress code: Black tie with South African flavour.

The 11th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards is proudly supported by Savanna Premium Cider, Mrs. Ball’s, Comedy Central, LIFT and One-eyed Jack

6 Years Of Elevating The Film Industry In Africa.

JOBURG FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATES THE LEGENDS AND 6 YEARS OF STORYTELLING

Every year, the African continent assembles in Johannesburg for a week of amazing African storytelling.

2024 was no different, in fact bigger and better than the previous years, as we saw some of the most captivating stories being told on the big screens chosen around the city of gold

Like every year we saw the Joburg Film Festival being more than just a film festival, but a learning hub for those looking to find themselves as top film makers, directors and talent

One of the biggest highlights of this year's festival was the visit of legendary American actor, Malik Yoba who came to share his experience with the attendees and give them a leg up on many who did not get this opportunity

Just like with every year, the films that showcased at the film festival were part of the awards to celebrate their brilliance and this was done on a cool and rainy night in Johannesburg, but the glitz and the glam was in no short supply as we saw some of South Africa's legendary actors and actresses showing up to celebrate what was mostly a new crop of film makers who stood out and told thought provoking

stories that ignited conversations that would otherwise seem uncomfortable to have

Here are some details about the Joburg Film Festival Gala Awards Dinner

JOBURG FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATES THE LEGENDS OF STORYTELLING

As the curtain draws on the sixth edition of the Joburg Film Festival, presented by Multichoice and in partnership with Absa, the official awards ceremony took place last night at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg North.

Highlighting an enthralling variety of films crafted by both local and international filmmakers, the festival unfolded against the vibrant canvas extending from Sandton to Milpark Offering a dynamic assortment of cinematic gems originating from over 30 countries, the festival held audiences spellbound From thoughtprovoking documentaries to gripping dramas and inspiring narratives, it reverberated with the power of storytelling and the myriad hues of human experiences

The culmination of last night's event brought together industry players eagerly anticipating the announcement of the finest films And now, without further ado, let's unveil the winners

Amidst fierce competition, the coveted title of BEST FILM has been bestowed upon YELLOW BUS This gripping feature, shot across four distinct countries, immerses viewers in its intense narrative against the backdrop of a sand-swept city nestled in the heart of the Arabian Gulf. With its evocative setting and compelling storyline, this feature captivated audiences and stood out as a testament to the power of cinematic storytelling.

The coveted title of BEST AFRICAN FILM has been awarded to the local South African production DEATH OF A WHISTLEBLOWER This gripping tale, crafted by South African filmmakers, captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling and compelling performances

A Step In Preserving A New Mother's Dignity Was Taken

By

The Ronald McDonald House Charities At Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

As we all know that every child's first ever, and most important relationship is with their mother. This is the only relationship that naturally carries implications between life and death, so for it be dictated by social issues was and is still a true imbalance of nature

I'm a 38 year old male, and when I left my home at the age of 29 a few years back to come build my life in Johannesburg, I could not hold back my tears because of the bond I had built with my mother for 29 years of my life I felt like was abandoning the only woman who truly cared about me and what I am doing with my life All these emotions come from the fact this woman nurtured me from the day I took my first breath, and this is what mother is to a child A parent, a protector, a source of life and so much more

To see Ronald McDonald House Charities go out of their to ensure that one of the biggest hospitals in the African continent becomes one of the first in the country to have state of the art facilities that will give mothers a sense of comfort when they visit their children is more than an act of giving back, but a true act of humanity

Two family rooms at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital were refurbished by the Ronald McDonald House Charities. These family rooms cater to mothers who have children in hospital who are still not in a state to be out in the world yet. These rooms firstly provide the mothers with a

comfortable space to sit, catch a breather and talk to other mothers One of the most important things that these rooms are equipped to serve these mothers with breakfast, lunch and supper; this is very important because they need the energy to not only be there for their children, but give their children the source of life they need through breastfeeding them.

Speaking of breastfeeding, Ronald McDonald House Charities charities did not only stop at refurbishing there two family rooms, but went on to provide the hospital with a lactation center. This center is brilliant because it give mothers the privacy and dignity they deserve. Mothers can go to the center, get a lactation kit (I hope I'm saying everything right), find a comfortable chair and express milk for their children This room takes away a situation where mothers would sit in hallways and try to express milk in public while male patients and doctors would try to respect that process by looking away, but now that is all history

We know that many big corporates have certain charities they support, and for McDonald's to be part of such a critical time in any child's life is how we can be certain there are future generations being given a chance to live long enough to change the world, this also keeps mothers as the superheroes that they are

Getting a job in South Africa is one of the hardest and heartbreaking processes many people face Many cases of depression are attributed to the process of job hunting and the amount of rejection people face

Now here is the kicker... When you are one of the lucky ones who gets a job, now you don't have money to go to work, and that is where a life of debt begins, and you do not have enough clothes to always show up looking professional.

The Standard Bank Achieva Market born from the Achieva Banking product from Standard Bank is giving people the opportunity to have that confidence when going into the job market for the first time as they asked people to donate clothes that will help those going in to the job market for first time have that confidence and drive to fully immerse themselves into their work without worrying about how they look

This program goes beyond just being a bank making a change, but it awakens the spirit of humanity from the corporate world to the humans on the ground The Achieva Market hosted in Soweto on the 2nd of March was one of many that the bank looks forward to hosting and helping as many people as possible, and with help of South Africa's, this program will go forward in making sure we have a progressive South Africa

Standard Bank AchievaTM Exchange Market Day Empowers First-Time Job Seekers

This past weekend marked the official launch of Standard Bank's Achieva Exchange, a transformative movement designed to redefine the way we celebrate personal firsts. The movement, whose market day took place at Soweto’s Maponya Mall, called for contributions –from formal workwear to devices and stationery – that fulfil the essential needs of individuals embarking on their first job journey. The market day garnered immense public support, with over 2000 items donated, benefitting around 200 local young people Community generosity and engagement

The public's generosity was on full display as they contributed items that will certainly have a lasting impact on those embarking on their professional journeys Additionally, the event was a hub of activity, with an outside broadcast amplifying the movement's message of communal support and collective advancement Attendees were treated to vibrant entertainment from local Soweto DJs, creating a lively atmosphere of celebration and empowerment

Empowering Achievas

Achieva Exchange provided a unique (free) shopping setup for Achievas looking for items for their first jobs or job interviews

This personalised experience allowed individuals to select items that would aid them as they enter the workforce for the first time

As part of the day's offerings, Achieva Exchange hosted personal branding masterclasses. These workshops equipped attendees with valuable skills and insights to enhance their professional journeys.

"The first official Achieva Exchange Market Day was a resounding success, thanks to the incredible support from the public and our partners We are truly inspired by the generosity shown This event exemplifies our commitment to empowering

individuals as they take their first steps into the world of work We look forward to building upon this success and continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our Achievas," said Standard Bank’s Head of Middle Market, Motlatsi Mkalala

Celebrating life’s significant firsts

Achieva Exchange follows the launch of Standard Bank’s Achieva value proposition designed to journey with customers through life’s significant firsts – from that first qualification to the first car or home and beyond.

“As a bank, our goal is to empower customers to constantly improve their lives, enabling each generation to live better than the last Achieva Exchange is yet another manifestation of that goal With it we hope we’ve helped local Achievas in taking the first step towards making their firsts last,” Mkalala added