Kyle Shepherd Trio play Cape Town; Japan Tour next

 

Kyle Shepherd in a “DREAMSTATE – by gregory frans

The renowned Kyle Shepherd Trio will perform in Cape Town ahead of their Japanese Tour.

 

Just one day before they embark on their highly anticipated Japanese Tour, The Kyle Shepherd Trio, one of South Africa’s most progressive Jazz Trios, performs at The Reeler Theatre at Rondebosch Boys’ High School, Canigou Avenue, Rondebosch, Cape Town on Thursday, 19 May 2016, 8pm.

 

Already a regular visitor to Japan where he has performed mostly solo piano concerts, Shepherd is particularly thrilled that he’s able to tour there with his trio this time round. “After four solo tours – in as many years – to Japan, I’m very happy to be taking my trio to the country which is one of my favorite places in the world to perform in. A big thank you to my tour promoter, Seigo Matsunaga for organising the tour. I’m really looking forward to playing for the wonderful Japanese audiences again!” said Shepherd.Featuring Shepherd on piano, Shane Cooper on double bass and Jonno Sweetman on drums, this inspiring and inventive Trio, who have been together for the past six years, have captivated audiences across South Africa, Canada, Switzerland, China, Mozambique and Botswana. Their debut tour of Canada in June 2015 included performances at the Ottawa International Jazz Festival, the Victoria International Jazz Festival, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. The Trio performs compositions from band leader, Kyle Shepherd’s rich and evocative repertoire of both recorded and new unreleased original compositions!

“This is a true trio – intricately intertwining as they play Shepherd’s music; pensive and exhilarating by turns.” Nigel Vermaas, Jazz presenter & producer, South Africa.

 

Kyle Shepherd, arguably one of South Africa’s leading progressive pianists and composers of his generation, is fast gaining international recognition for his distinctive compositional style and performances. The twenty-eight-year-old virtuoso pianist who has a well-established record of celebrated performances in South Africa, Europe, Asia, Canada and the USA has already released five (5) critically acclaimed albums in his young career. ‘Dream State’, a 21-track double album of his Trio released in 2014, garnered nominations for both the 2015 South African Music Award [SAMA] and a 2015 Metro FM Music Award in the Jazz Category. His debut solo piano offering ‘Into Darkness’, recorded in Japan, was launched with a tour in the South-East Asian country in the same year [2014] and included a performance at the prestigious Tokyo Jazz Festival. Previous releases ‘fineART’, ‘A Portrait of Home’ & ‘South African History !X’, have also attracted SAMA nominations.

 

The award-winning Shepherd, recipient of both the coveted ‘UNISA National Piano Competition Award [2015] and the ‘Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year’ Award [2014] in the Jazz Category recently completed the music score for an independent film entitled ‘Noem My Skollie’. The film, a moving crime drama set in Cape Town in the late 60s, was written by John Fredericks and directed by Daryne Joshua. Shepherd’s music will also feature prominently in rising independent film-maker Nadine Cloete’s documentary ‘Action Kommandant’ which is based on the life of the South African liberation hero, Ashley Kriel. Both films are set for release later this year [2016].

CONCERT INFORMATION:

Venue: The Reeler Theatre, Rondebosch Boys’ High School, Canigou Avenue, Rondebosch, Cape Town

Date: Thursday, 19 May 2016

Time: 8pm

Entry Fee: R100.00. Students pay R 80:00. Cash at the door.

Reservations: Whatsapp / Sms or call 082 950 7309 or e-mail fineartmusic@gmail.com or the online booking form – http://goo.gl/forms/UICDyVpdet or at the door.

Secure parking is available in Rondebosch Boys’ High School grounds.

Concert-goers who arrive 30 minutes before the show starts will receive a complimentary glass of wine or fruit juice.

JAPANESE TOUR SCHEDULE:

22 & 23 May 2016 – SHIKIORI, Miyawaka, Fukuoka

25 May 2016 – SAIKOUJI, Toyohashi, Aichi

26 May 2016 – KYOTO ART CENTER, Kyoto, Kansai

28 May 2016 – ANYOUINN, Tokyo

29 May 2016 – GARAMAN HALL, Ginoza, Okinawa

30 May 2016 – SCARECROW, Ishigaki Island, Okinawa

01 June 2016 – BOOK CAFÉ BREATHE, Miyako Island, Okinawa

 

MEDIA & CONCERT ENQUIRIES:

Theo Lawrence (fineART Music)

Mobile 072 351 5204

E-mail: fineartmusic@gmail.com

Website: www.kyleshepherd.co.za

 

JAPANESE TOUR ENQUIRIES:

Seigo Matsunaga

E-mail: seigojazz@gmail.com

 

RELATED VENUE:

Reeler Theatre, Rondebosch Boys’ High School, Western Cape, South Africa

 

Artslink.co.za Account:

Theo Lawrence

fineartmusic@gmail.com

072 351 5204

fineART Music CC

www.kyleshepherd.co.za

 

The Cape of Storms lives up to its nickname

Severe storms in the south-western Cape

Heavy storm clouds hang threateningly over Simonstown

Severe storms, linked to cold front and low-pressure systems, moving from west to east, occur mainly during the winter months in the south-western Cape. A frontal system or an inland cut-off low pressure system may have a surface wind gusting up to 100 kph or higher and may cause structural damage – roofs are blown off and trees uprooted. These storm systems are also intense rainfall producers and flooding (rivers bursting their banks and widespread urban and seepage flooding) can occur. Cold, including snow on the higher mountains, may also occur. Those living in low-cost housing or informal settlements are the most vulnerable.

Hailstorms may also occur when cumulonimbus clouds are present. Agriculture, gardens, buildings, vehicles, people, animals and birds may be affected.

Sea Surges and high waves may also cause some beach erosion and boat damage.  

Waves crash into the wall along the promenade along Sea Point Pavilion.

Gale-force winds

Gale-force winds may blow for a number of consecutive days during the summer months. Known as the “Cape Doctor”, these south-easterly or southerly winds can reach up to Gale-force in strength, usually blowing on clear, hot and sunny days and they are characterised by the “table cloth” over Table Mountain and the Hottentots-Holland mountains to the east of Cape Town. Caution needs to be taken, especially when walking in the Cape Town CBD and other areas where the wind may be unpredictable!

These windy conditions are also favourable for runaway fires that could easily become major blazes. The Fire Danger Index of a Red Warning for the Cape Metropole will most probably be in force during days with a Gale-force wind forecast. The general public are requested to apply fire-safe practices during these weather conditions – it is advisable not to make fires during this time, but especially not in open areas where the risk of a wildfire may be very high.

Precautionary measures to prevent wind damage

• Install straps or additional clips to your roof to secure it to the frame structure, in order to prevent roof damage.
• Trim trees and shrubs around your home.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat, should you own one.
• Maintain exterior walls.
• Protect windows and doors with covers or wind shutters.
• Reinforce double entry doors.
• Reinforce or replace damaged garage doors.
• Secure metal siding and metal roofs.
• Secure built-up and single-ply roofs.
• Brace gable-end roof framing.
• Ensure adequate insurance cover for possible storm damage.
• Motorists must watch out for fallen trees, branches and broken power lines along roadways.
• Exercise extreme caution in mountainous areas.

Cape Town Farmers Market relocates to the V&A Waterfront

Cape Town’s popular Farmers Market is set to move to the Granger Bay section of the V&A Waterfront as from Saturday 06 June due to current weather conditions.

Cape Town Farmers Market

The onset of Winter weather has prompted the organisers of the Cape Town Farmers market to make the move from the Oranjezicht City Farm as the wet weather has made the use of the current venue at Leeuwenhof, Oranjezicht lawns and parking area unusable.

The Oranjezicht City Farm (OZCF) is a non-profit project celebrating local food, culture and community through urban farming in Cape Town.

The market takes place every Saturday from 09h00 – 14h00 as from this Saturday at the V&A Waterfront until October 31, 2015.

The Cape Town Farmers Market is a community based farmers style market where independent farmers and food producers present their wares  for sale direct to the general public. products on sale include; fruit, preserves, pickled foods, seasonal vegetables, dairy products, confectionery, honey, muesli, spices, nuts, flowers, bread, free-range eggs as well as freshly cooked and raw foods.

Patrons can also purchase garden supplies and the organizers have planned a variety of activities and entertainment for children and their parents.

For more information visit http://www.waterfront.co.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OZCFarm

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA’S NEW LAWS WHEN TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE

New laws about travelling with children come into effect on 1 June 2015. To assist travellers to South Africa with their plans, Cape Town Tourism has created a summary of some of the typical questions that come up for parents travelling with children or who wish to send their children on a trip.

Why is the government changing the child laws?

South African immigration authorities have noted that there is an unacceptably high volume of child trafficking over the country’s borders. The new laws aim to curb child trafficking but will result in considerable paperwork and advanced planning when travelling to and from South Africa with children.

When do the new laws come into effect?

1 June 2015

Who does this affect?

Anyone wanting to travel from or to South Africa with a child under the age of 18 years, parents who are travelling with their child but not their spouse and those who wish to send their child on a trip accompanied by someone other than a parent or unaccompanied. It does not affect those travelling within South Africa (i.e. you only need these documents if you cross South Africa’s borders by land, sea or air.

What will we need?

All children under the age of 18 leaving and entering South Africa will be required to have an unabridged birth certificate to accompany their passport – along with the relevant visa if required.

Various additional documents are required in various instances as outlined below.

Note that all documents must be dated within four months of the date of departure or entry. All documents must be original or certified as a copy of an original by a commissioner of oaths or equivalent authority.

What is an Unabridged Birth Certificate?

It’s a birth certificate that reflects the particulars of both parents of the child.

All children born in South Africa after 14 March 2013 were issued with a valid unabridged birth certificate automatically and free of charge.

Everyone born before that, and those from countries who do not automatically issue unabridged certificates, must apply for the document well before their travel date.

Do I need an unabridged birth certificate to travel around within South Africa?

No, but it will be required at all border controls by land, sea and air.

What about birth certificates that are not in English?

Should the birth certificate be in any language other than English, it must be translated into English in a sworn document by an authority in the country of origin. All supporting documents need to be original and duplicates must be certified.

There is no such thing as an unabridged birth certificate in our country, what must we do?

In the case of countries that do not issue unabridged birth certificates, a letter to this effect issued by the competent authority of the foreign country should be produced.

My child is adopted so our names are not on her birth certificate, what should I do?

The parents of adopted children should produce proof of adoption by means of an adoption certificate.

I am travelling with my child but not my spouse, do I need anything else?

If the child is travelling with only one of their parents, the traveller parent will be required to provide a passport and unabridged birth certificate (with particulars of the parents), as well as an affidavit from the non-travelling parent giving express permission for the child to travel with the other parent. The parent will also be required to produce a court order giving the accompanying parent full parental responsibility.

Legally separated parents should provide a court order when the other parent does not give consent.

I am a single parent, what do I need?

If the child’s unabridged birth certificate only reflects the name of one parent, parental consent from the absent parent is not required. If the parent’s name does appear, the other parent must consent in an affidavit. If the absent parent cannot be traced, a letter of special circumstances must be applied for.

My wife has passed away, what will I need in lieu of his consent?

Should one of the parents be deceased, a death certificate must be produced.

We are a gay couple (two fathers) and both our names appear on the Unabridged Birth Certificate. If we are both travelling with our child, will that suffice?

Yes, same sex parents are recognised as per the names on the unabridged birth certificate. Passports and visas (if necessary) will still be required.

My child is going on holiday with her aunt, what do we need to prepare?

If a child is travelling with someone other than a parent, additional documents to be presented will include an affidavit from the parents or legal guardian to state that the child is allowed to travel with that person, the contact details of the parents or legal guardian and copies of the identity documents and passports of the parents or legal guardian.

Where both the parents of the child are deceased and the child is travelling with a relative, the Director-General must approve such a person to enter into or depart from South Africa with that child. This affidavit may not be older than 3 months, dating from the date of travel.

My 17 year old son is going to spend a holiday with relatives in South Africa, he is flying alone, what do I need to do to?

An unaccompanied child requires a passport, unabridged birth certificate and visa if needed. They will also need a parental consent affidavit or court order signed by both parents or a legal guardian stating that the child has their permission to travel.

The affidavit must also feature the parent’s contact details. In addition, you will need a letter from the person the child will be staying with, featuring contact numbers and the physical address of the place where the child will stay. Documentation should also include thename and contact details as well as certified copies of the identity document or passport, visa or permanent residence permit of the person, as well as the contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the minor.

I want to send a child who is in alternative care in South Africa on an overseas programme. What do I need?

A child who is in alternative care should produce a certified copy of an authorisation letter from the Provincial Head of the Department of Social Development where the child resides on departing South Africa.

How to go about obtaining an unabridged birth certificate in South Africa?

Parents are advised to apply for an unabridged birth certificate well in advance as the process may take months (the indicated time is between 3 and 8 weeks).

Apply at any branch of Home Affairs bringing:

–          R 75 in cash

–          Both parents’ ID books as well as the child’s ID number

You will be given forms to fill in.

For a summary of the Home Affairs legislation visit http://www.capetown.travel/uploads/files/SummaryImmigrationMinors.pdf

Download and share Cape Town Tourism’s handy infographic http://www.capetown.travel/industry_blog/entry/south-africas-new-laws-when-travelling-with-children

For more information

Contact South African Home Affairs for more: www.dha.gov.za

To speak to someone call +27 11 461 9252 (overseas callers), 0800 60 11 90 (within SA), or email csc@dha.gov.za

Preston, Valastro, Siba and Morris set to delight the taste buds at the Good Food & Wine Show

Foodies are in for a treat when the 2015 Good Food & Wine Show opens its doors at the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC), from 21 – 25 May.

Preston, Valastro, Siba and Morris set to delight the taste buds at the Good Food & Wine Show

The Good Food & Wine Show is synonymous with entertaining the patrons with cooking demonstrations by a line-up superstar chef’s.

This year it is no different as the organisers have pulled out all the stops to bring the Masterchef Australia’s Matt Preston to Cape Town.

Joining Preston is a number of the Cake Boss – Buddy Valastro, Food Network’s chef’s Siba Mtongana of “Siba’s Table and Jenny Morris who demonstrate an array of the latest food trends at the show.

Preston, known for his culinary knowledge and impeccable dress sense is well known to local food lovers who have grown acquainted with the “Big” man via his role as a judge on Masterchef Australia.

Buddy Valstro is the “Cake Boss” and he is sure to delight his fans by baking cakes with over-the-top decorations.

Food Networks chef’s Siba Mtongana Jenny Morris bring some balance to the line-up with their home-made view to cooking. Simple, yet refreshing and nutritious to boot, their cooking is unpretentious and makes anyone confident enough to cook a “master” dish.

Local food enthusiasts will be treated an array of the best local dishes complemented by the international stars food offerings, all guaranteed to delight the palate.

Private cooking and wine tasting sessions will be available to the discerning “foodie”, if that’s not your “cup of tea” then cooking workshops and collaborative cooking displays will take place at select times.

Local wine estates will be on-site in their numbers offering tipplers a taste of their best products, advising as to when and how to enjoy the wines as well as to recommend what foods dishes supplements their products best.

There will be something for everyone, from dishes for the health conscious to foodies with a sweet-tooth; there will even be a “Food Zone” for the kids who enjoy working in the kitchen or just to playing with the dough.

Local retailer Woolworths is sponsoring the Little Chef’s kitchen so the “older” folk can wander around peacefully while their little one’s experiment in the kitchen.

A number of food retailers and suppliers will be in attendance to exhibit their products via cooking demonstrations and tasting sessions, products on offer range from craft beers, wines, olive oils, chocolates, home-made preserves, coffees, teas, deserts and main’s.

Some cooking demonstrations by the celeb chefs would require an additional ticket purchase in order for patrons to attend the show.

Tickets are available via Computicket who will have a kiosk onsite for those foodies who wish to make their bookings at the venue.

General Admission Tickets:
Adult: R130

Pensioners: R110

7 – 12 years: R50

Children under 6 years FREE

Specials:
Combo package:
R155 (includes a taster glass and 5 wine tasting vouchers)

Group Package:
R1000 for 10 tickets

Wine:
R30 for a wine glass and 5 tasting vouchers

Additional wine tasting vouchers valued at R25 for a book of 5

Times:
Thurs- Sat 10am-9pm
Sun 10am-6pm

Venue:
Cape Town Convention Centre
Convention Square
1 Lower Long Street
Cape Town, 8001

City reinforcing the South Peninsula mountains after recent fires.

The City is reinforcing slopes and creating berms in the South Peninsula mountains following the displacement of vegetation by the recent fires.

The City is reinforcing slopes and creating berms in the South Peninsula mountains following the displacement of vegetation by the recent fires.

In order to reduce the risk of flooding and mudslides following the recent fires on the South Peninsula mountains, the City of Cape Town has commenced mitigation work on high-risk areas of the mountainside.

Vegetation that normally holds soils in place has been destroyed by the fire and these conditions place some locations of the mountainside at risk of destabilisation in very wet weather. This may result in mudslides and flooding.

The work includes the installation of silt-trapping fences at various locations, the placement of gabion structures (i.e. stone-filled wire baskets) to reinforce slopes and trap loose rock and sediments, and the creation of sandbag berms along some roads to cut off and redirect excessive flows. Special attention is also being given to ensuring that existing storm-water infrastructure is kept clean throughout the winter season.

Although the work to mitigate against flooding will continue throughout winter, the likelihood of flooding depends on the severity of the coming rains. Intense storms, especially early in the season, may overwhelm the City’s best efforts to afford protection. With this in mind, residents who think that their properties may be threatened are advised to institute complementary protective measures within their property boundaries. For example, if there is a threat of severe flooding and debris flowing through the property, homeowners should use sandbags to try and direct excess flow in such a way that damage to the property is minimised.

Residents who would like more information on how best to protect their property can contact Transport for Cape Town’s Asset Management and Maintenance District office for the South Peninsula on 021 710 8003 or e-mail them at tct.plumstead@capetown.gov.za

Residents are also encouraged to report any stormwater infrastructure that appears to be blocked to the City’s Transport Information Centre on 0800 65 64 63 as soon as possible so that action can be taken.

UNSTOPPABLE ONLINE CONTINUES TO DEFINE TRAVEL SECTOR MARKETING

Mobile first is no longer a nice to have. This was the sentiment at day two (16 April 2015) of World Travel Market Africa, a trade show and conference for African tourism that wraps up in Cape Town today.

‘Where is My Transport’, the City of Cape Town’s transport mobile app

Leading a panel who were discussing Mobile and the Visitor Journey, Digital Tourism Think Tank’s CEO, Nick Hall pointed out that businesses whose websites were not optimised for mobile were missing a big opportunity to communicate effectively. This impacted negatively on the ‘real life’ experience of a product or event, as well as the online experience.

Panelist Alana Witte of Revinate said that there was a real opportunity for hotels to use mobile to enhance the customer experience, even before the visitor arrives. They should be able to indicate pre-arrival whether they want room service, what newspaper they would be interested in reading and whether they want a room service breakfast.  Establishing communication in this way was also an oportunity for hotels to systematically gather data and feedback from their customers.

Iain Manley of Voicemap said 2015 is the year of the native app, and that news agencies were now looking to publish straight to app, leaving web out altogether. Whilst this is still the domain of early adopters – and app noise is high – this area of development is one to watch.

Cape Town Tourism’s Executive Marketing Manager, Velma Corcoran said that when entering the mobile domain, being clear is more important than being clever. “Simplicity is key and it’s vital that you are speaking to a visitor need. Those getting it right use mobile to solve real world problems. Uber is an example of this. Cape Town is a notable hub for innovation,  with user-intuitive apps such as Snapscan, gometro and apps against Ebola all coming out of the Mother City.”

World Design Capital yellow frame at the V&A Waterfront. Cape Town. Image courtesy of Cape Town Tourism.

Talking best practice for blogger campaigns in the travel industry;  Cape Town Tourism’s Corcoran joined panellists Michael Bean, Business Director of Brand’s Eye – a digital analytics tool, Keith Jenkins – founder of iAmbassador – a blogger placement programme and Mariette du Toit-Helmbold – owner of digital marketing company, Destinate to discuss the role of bloggers in destination and product marketing.

The panel agreed that authenticity and independence were the key elements of a compelling and credible blogger campaign. Corcoran said that Cape Town Tourism no longer focused on bloggers alone, but on influencers – bloggers, instagrammers, photographers and locals amongst others. Cape Town Tourism was working with these influences to tell the story of the destination.

Brands Eye pointed out that there were lots of different ways to measure online campaigns, but increasingly people were valuing engagement rather than reach as a measure of influence. It is also important to look at the broader reach that the followers of followers could give.

Corcoran added that increasingly bloggers were becoming content generators, and if they were able to provide excellent content, destinations would pay for it. Du Toit-Helmbold added that there was a difference between bloggers and ‘blaggers’ (defined as bloggers who were in it for the fun and freebies). Serious bloggers presented their strategy and statistics well, provided compelling ideas to destinations and ultimately delivered great content.

In other news, the winners of the African Responsible Tourism Awards were announced:

Best for beach tourism: Chumbe Island
Best blog: The Good Holiday
Best destination for responsible tourism: Gansbaai
Best for engaging people and culture: Coffee Beans Routes
Best for poverty reduction: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve/Grootbos Foundation and Transfrontier Parks Destinations
Best for resource management: Chobe Game Lodge
Best for wildlife conservation: Marine Dynamics

Overall winner:
Gansbaai

Cape Town Tourism would like to congratulate all the winners of these awards and also acknowledge the success and contribution that the organisers and exhibitors of World Travel Market Africa have brought to the destination in 2015.

CAPE TOWN TOURISM BOARD DEVELOPMENT FUND 2015 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

In October 2013, Cape Town Tourism’s Board of Directors took a collective decision to forfeit their monthly remuneration in favour of the Board Development Fund (BDF) that assists Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) with support to develop their tourism businesses.

Caption: First Row L-R: Jonathan Jacobs (CTT Board), Siyabulela Siyaka of Ubizo Tours and Events (winner 2015), Ebrahim Osman of Ozzie’s Golf Guides (winner 2014), Shaheed Ebrahim of Escape to the Cape (winner 2015), and Enver Mally (Chairperson CTT Board). Standing L-R: Enver Duminy (CTT CEO), Alushca Ritchie (CTT Board), John van Rooyen (CTT Board), Brett Hendricks (CTT Board), JB Maree (Business Skills Coach)
Image by Deon Gurling, courtesy of Cape Town Tourism

In year two (2015) of the Board Development Fund, Cape Town Tourism received many promising applications and after a thorough selection process, a shortlist of four candidates was created. In March 2015, two beneficiaries were carefully selected and Cape Town Tourism has allocated R50 000 to each in support of their businesses’ growth. Additional non-financial support is also being given in the form of complimentary Cape Town Tourism membership, business skills coaching, mentorship and marketing support until February 2016.

The two successful SMME’s are Escape to the Cape and Ubizo Tours and Events.

Escape to the Cape, established in 2010, has continued to enjoy steady growth and Shaheed Ebrahim, the owner/manager has been recognised in the industry for his entrepreneurial flair. In 2012, Escape to the Cape pioneered on board Wi-Fi by introducing this service in their vehicles. Shaheed is committed to empowering and supporting five SMME’s by providing Wi-Fi for  their vehicles, creating more market share for them  and increasing mutual business opportunities.

Specialising in cultural and historical tours, Ubizo Tours and Events is owner-managed by Siyabulela Siyaka, a passionate tourism entrepreneur who has trained and employs ten local tour guides and three permanent staff. Working in the townships of Langa, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha, his focus is on telling the stories that balance traditional and modern norms. Ubizo Tours and Events would like to add cycling tours to their basket of activities.

The Cape Town Tourism Board and team look forward to the journey ahead with Escape to the Cape and Ubizo Tours and Events.

One of the winners of the Board Development Fund in 2014, Ebrahim Osman, owner of Ozzie Golf Guides had this to say; “As a previous winner of the Cape Town Tourism Board Development Fund, I’m still grateful for the winnings and exposure my business received. With the cash prize I was able to buy some much needed golfing equipment, a laptop, upgrade my website and most of all start a caddie outreach development programme. This programme, with the help of the Big Six, proved to be very successful and we managed to take thirty caddies from five different golf courses to the various top attraction sites in Cape Town i.e. Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch, Cape Point, Waterfront and Groot Constantia. This exercise provided them with practical experience and valuable knowledge, which they can share with our golfing tourists in Cape Town – after all, they spend five hours on the golf course with visitors and we should regard them as grassroots ambassadors for the golf club, Cape Town and South Africa.

For me personally, winning the award provided me with great confidence and self-belief. Today my services are regarded as a value added service by most top hotels, guest houses and tour operators in Cape Town. Thank you once again for this wonderful opportunity.”

Chairperson of Cape Town Tourism Board, Enver Mally, wishes past and present winners well for their journey ahead; “Whilst the Board Development Fund is only a small gesture, it was something that we could implement immediately and is part of our bigger commitment to diversifying Cape Town’s tourism offering. On behalf of the Board I would like to congratulate this year’s winners of the Board Development Fund and we look forward to walking this path with you.”

Cllr Garreth Bloor, Mayoral Committee member for Tourism, Events and Economic Development, concludes; “The City of Cape Town is very proud of this initiative by Cape Town Tourism. It ties directly into the City’s mission to become an opportunity City that creates the favourable enabling environment for economic growth and development. Several City supported programmes advance entrepreneurs and SMEs, and so this programme is directly in line with the strategic focus of the City of Cape Town. We certainly wish the winning businesses well but encourage the other contenders to make use of the 90 plus agencies working with the City in our business support ecosystem to grow their businesses and flourish in Cape Town’s economically favourable environment.”

Africa’s Grandest Gathering, the Cape Town International Jazz festival kicks off

Sixteen Years ago Herbie Hancock headlined a stellar line-up at the North Sea Jazz Festival at the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town.

Africa’s Grandest Gathering, the 2015 Cape Town International Jazz Festival

Since then the event renamed the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, has grown to become a major event on the World Jazz calendar, the attendance figures also showed tremendous growth from 14 000 to more than 34 000 since 2000. The demand for tickets is so huge that SOLD-OUT are put up soon after they become available, having been snapped up by locals and international Jazz fans alike. The increase in fan numbers prompted the organizers to move the festival from the Good Hope Centre to the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Over the years the Cape Town International Jazz Festival attracted International award winning artists the likes of Patty Austin, George Benson, Norman Brown, Jonathan Butler, James Ingram, The Manhattan Transfer, Marcus Miller, Andy Narrel, Stanley Clarke, Cassandra Wilson, Rick Braun, Al Di Meola and who can forget the Buena Vista Social Club.

Marcus Miller at the CTIJF

The festival has also presented local talent, Miriam Makeba, Kyle Shepherd, Bongani Dyer, Judith Sephuma, Mafikizolo, Mi Casa, Hugh Masekela, Jonathan Rubain, Don Veno and Busi Mhlongo to name but a few.

Kyle Shepherd in a “DREAMSTATE – by gregory frans

This year it’s no different with headline acts like Basia, Al Jarreau, Mike de Torro, Courtney Pine, Amel Larrieux with a good sprinkling of local talent like Melanie Scholtz, Claude Cozens, Gavin Minter, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Pacific Express and the 2015 Open Mic competition winner Zoe Modiga to name but a few.

Doors at the Cape Town International Convention Centre open 18h00 on Friday 27 March and 16h00 on Saturday 28 March.

Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Zoe Modiga kick off the festival on their respective stages on Friday evening and on Saturday evening The Delft Big Band, Claude Cozens and Ringo Madlingozi get the festival underway.

Billed as Africa’s Grandest Gathering, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is going to be the hottest ticket in Cape Town this weekend but if you have not yet secured yours, you can hope to see some of the artist popping up unannounced at the many Jazz Venues around Cape Town.