Durban Conferences and Exhibitions [Archive]

romanSA

August 26th, 2010, 03:29 PM

Three times EXSA award winner, The Baby Expo MamaMagic, is back in Durban
Issued by: The Baby Expo - MamaMagic

The Baby Expo® MamaMagic Durban is well known for winning EXSA's Best Exhibition of the year for the past 3 consecutive years. And this weekend Durban will be able to experience this magical show once again. From 27 to 29 August The Baby Expo MamaMagic will be at the ICC, Durban. Having taken top honours in 2007, 2008 and 2009 as 'Best Exhibition of the Year' (6001m² to 12 000m²) for The Baby Expo Durban, this award is a testament that the expo are clear leaders in baby and parenting exhibitions. With over 6 000m² of exhibition spaced used, this is also officially the largest baby and parenting expo in South Africa.

"It is indeed an honour to be recognised in this category year on year," says Projeni Pather, Exhibition Director of The Baby Expo. "When I created the brand in 2005, my aim was to create a platform for parents and parents-to-be where they could find everything they needed for their parenting journey from products to expert advice. But receiving awards is not as important as ensuring that we deliver on our promises to our visitors and exhibitors. We consistently strive towards integrity, professionalism and transparency with our clients. There are no smoke screens when it comes to our statistics, we deliver what we promise."

"Winning the award is fantastic and we are very proud to be handed this honour. However, at the end of the day, winning is really about our exhibitors, their exclusive product offerings and the exposure that the expo gives their brands. Seeing how successful they are at our shows is our real reward," continues Pather. The Baby Expo MamaMagic is now in its sixth year and delivers visitors of quality to the exhibitors.

"It is an awesome show, year upon year The Baby Expo delivers just the best! We have seen our brand establishment become stronger and stronger, driving its footprint on the market to new places. We have seen new moms as well as committed clients returning as we come to know our customers more personally. It's all about holistic growing. I still believe in The Baby Expo above all else!" Hazel Smolowitz, Marketing Executive for Pigeon.

The Baby Expo has proved to benefit leading brands, and to create leading brands from what was once a small business idea. The expos are a great opportunity to launch innovative products, reach new customers and establish companies as recognisable brands.

In its six years of existence, The Baby Expo MamaMagic has proved to be streets ahead of its competitors by producing the most advantageous platform for new businesses to launch their baby products and services. It is the ideal opportunity to gain knowledge about pregnancy, being a parent and embracing the latest products under one roof. There will be workshops and show features that cater for each individual's needs throughout the day; where moms and dads will be able to pick up valuable tips and advice straight from the experts about what to expect for the next few years.

Come experience the magical world of parenting at The Baby Expo MamaMagic comes to Durban 27-29 August at the ICC. Visit www.mamamagic.co.za for more information.

Before you think that is all we have left be sure to check us out in Cape Town from 29 - 31 October at the CTICC and in Joburg for a summer show of a difference 25 - 28 November at the Coca Cola Dome.

[26 Aug 2010 09:00]

http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/94/51448.html

Andrew_za

August 26th, 2010, 03:35 PM

...Given that a report last year showed that the ICC has contributed more than R6.2b to the SA economy since its creation...

Excellent report!

romanSA

August 26th, 2010, 05:07 PM

Here's the media release from exactly 2 years ago...

-------------------

DURBAN ICC SCORES BIG AS PREFERRED CHOICE FOR INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS

During the past year the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban has won the rights to host 16 international congresses and events including the high profile 2009 World Travel Awards, the International Olympic Congress in 2011 and the International Union of Architects Convention in 2014.

An upbeat Miller Matola, Chief Executive Officer of the ICC, said the centre was ''ready to fly'' as a viable and profitable business operation. Since its opening in August 1997 the ICC had contributed R6-billion to the city's coffers - R700 million of that amount being earned in the past year.

Matola forecast direct revenue for 2008/9 would be in the region of R96 million. ''The R100 million revenue mark is within out sights and we'll soon smash through that barrier.

''We have been subsidised by the city by between R17 million and R25 million a year until now but have been taking less year on year. In 2006 the subsidy was about R20 million and in 2007 it was R17.6 million. This year we are not going to take the subsidy - the business plan has always been to lessen the subsidy and lessen the burden on the shareholder - eThekweni Municipality,'' said Matola

More than 282 000 guests, 24 000 of whom were international delegates, passed through the doors of the ICC to attend 855 events last year. Matola said the ICC had exceeded its budget expectations and had reduced operating costs by 12% through cost cutting and streamlined marketing. ''We need to maintain a balance between quality and price ratio without passing all the effects of food and petrol price increases on to our clients.''

ICC chair Mato Madlala said: ''Due to the additional capacity created by the Arena, the ICC can now accommodate business which we previously had to turn away. The ICC is a self- funding business, it pays for day-to-day operations and makes a profit at the end of each year, but its only shareholder, the eThekwini municipality, takes care of major capital expenditures.

''We will continue focusing on core business and managing yield by attracting some of the more lucrative events and are also marketing our services to the rest of Africa,'' Madlala said.

The 16 events won by the Durban ICC, voted Africa's Leading Conference Centre during this year's World Travel Awards Congress, are:

World Tobacco in Health Congress 2008
Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication 2008
International Works Congress 2008
Federation Internationale Motocyclisme 2008
World Travel Awards 2009
International Dancesport 2009
International Health Tourism 2010
Neonatal Nurses Congress 2010
South African Dental Association Conference 2010
International Olympic Congress 2011
World Methodist Council 2011
World Federation of Deaf 2011
International Musicological Congress 2012
International Cost Engineering Congress 2012
International Federation of Professors of French 2012
International Union of Architects 2014
Some of the major events hosted at the ICC Durban in the past year include;

International Congress on Entomology
International Society of Radiographers and Radiology Technology Conference
Merchants of Bollywood Concert
FIFA World Cup 2010 Preliminary Draw
International Pig Veterinary Society Conference
Africa Investment Forum
Danceport Championships
Enrique Iglesias Concert
Joe Cocker Concert
SADC
World Library & Information Congress 2007
7th Annual Congress of Midwifes of SA
Mary J Blige Concert
Michael Buble Concert
Brian McKnight Concert

For more information contact:

Sandy Le Brasse
ICC Durban
031 360 1359

26 - 08 -08

http://www.icc.co.za/PRContainer.aspx?doscrape=157

romanSA

August 26th, 2010, 05:18 PM

Travelwires conducted an an interesting online industry poll last year by pitting the ICC against the Cape Town ICC. Voters included locals and foreigners. Durban was voted tops by 61% of the respondents. Here's the poll. The accompanying comments make for interesting reading. Virtually every person who commented preferred the ICC to the CTICC....

http://www.travelwires.com/wp/2009/04/industry-face-off-durban-international-convention-centre-vs-cape-town-international-convention-centre/

dysan1

September 7th, 2010, 07:51 PM

Its time to Celebrate Durban again...attend the vast array of things on during the festival.

Celebrate Durban 2010: September 6-13

Publicity Matters
09/07/2010 10:41:33

A busy weekend coming up in the ninth annual Celebrate Durban events showcase held during September in recognition of heritage / tourism month.

The city has ensured that the season again sees an extensive calendar boasting a mixture of social, family, heritage, sports, arts, culture, health, environmental and community events to celebrate our city's cultural diversity.

Highlights for this week:

Every Saturday in Sept
Arts / Heritage Bus
Departs KZNSA Gallery at 9am
Contact: Domy Cortes
E-mail: domcortes@gmail.com
Tel: 078 161 2092
Arts Sept 18,
Heritage: Sept 11, Sept 25

The popular Arts Bus - and a new addition, the Heritage Bus - will alternate daily offering two different cultural experiences with a free hop-on, hop-off city bus which allows arts lovers to visit eight of the city's premier galleries and some of the city's top heritage attractions in a day. The idea is for residents to explore their city with comfort and ease; and for visitors to discover some of the arts and heritage treasures which the city has to offer. Packaging day trips makes visits easier with no transport, navigation or parking issues. A major benefit is that the bus has an onboard guide to explain the attractions en route and to provide a narrative context to all the places to be visited.

Entry: Free - but booking is essential

1 - 12 Sept
12th Jomba Contemporary Dance Experience
Venue: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre and others
Contact: Centre for Creative Dance
Tel: 031 260 2506 / 1816
Website: www.cca.ukzn.ac.za

For 12 days Durban will play host to the dazzling 12th edition of the international contemporary dance festival, JOMBA! As one of the four premier international festivals hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Centre for Creative Arts, alongside poetry, writing and film, JOMBA! has become synonymous with cutting edge astounding dance theatre. This year's edition is jam packed with dance works from Holland, France, Switzerland and Reunion Island.

Entry: Tickets Computicket. Tickets are R45 and student/scholars/pensioners are R30

9 Sept
Working for Ecosystems
Venue: Roosefontein Nature Reserve
Contact: Errol Douwes
E-mail: douwese@durban.gov.za
Tel: 031 311 7952

A municipal-funded ‘Working for Ecosystems' project was recently initiated at Roosefontein Nature Reserve. This launch will celebrate 25 new jobs and a host of environmental benefits.

Entry: Invitation only

9 Sept - 5.30pm
The Mahatma Gandhi and Satyagraha Awards Evening
Venue: City Hall
Contact: Avishkar Singh
E-mail: avishkarsingh@gmail.com
Tel: 072 658 7885

The Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace 2010 will be presented to Dr Enuga S. Reddy in recognition of his tremendous contribution at the United Nations in the building of international solidarity against apartheid and in recognition of the contribution made by the Government of India in support of the liberation struggle in South Africa. Satyagraha Awards for outstanding service will be presented to: Chief Albert Luthuli, Dr Yusuf Dadoo, Dr Monty Naicker, Ahmed Kathrada, Ruth First, Fatima Meer, Laloo (Isu) Chiba and Sophie Williams De Bruyn.

Entry: Invitation / ticketed

10 Sept
Senior Citizens Health & Beauty Spa Day
Venue: Newlands East Community Hall
Contact: Rochelle Davidson
E-mail: solidcc2@gmail.com
Tel: 083 974 5755 / 031 311 2047

The elderly from in and around Newlands are being treated to a day of health and beauty. Pensioners will have a royal pamper day - grans can enjoy hairstyling and makeovers and for the grandpas there will be a barber shop, health talks and various spa treatments.

Entry: Entrance is free and all Newlands pensioners are welcome.

10 Sept
Living Legends Award
Venue: ICC
Contact: Mlungisi Ngubane
Tel: 031 311 2222

In partnership with Old Mutual and Ukhozi Fm, the Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit of the eThekwini Municipality is organising the 2010 Living Legends Awards. A ceremony will take place on 10 September 2010, at 18h00 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

The aim of this project is to acknowledge and appreciate contributions made by these individuals in their different fields and representing the people of Ethekwini and KwaZulu-Natal with great aplomb.

Entry: Invitation only

11 Sept
Indian Ocean Blue Lagoon Festival
Venue: Blue Lagoon
Contact: Seelan Archary
E-mail: nwp@telkomsa.net
Tel: 083 563 7367

A music concert and comedy show will be held at the Blue Lagoon embracing all of Durban's cultures - traditional and contemporary - with a special emphasis on the youth. Music genres include Indian, modern, folk, bhangra, kwaito and pantsula. The theme is "fusion" combining different cultures and dance forms into an exciting new South African voice with which we can all identify. Theatre icons Pranesh Maharaj and Senzo Mthethwa will be on hand to provide some comedy relief. The event will boast a festival-like atmosphere with stalls offering food, craft, jewellery and clothing.

Entry: Entrance is free and all are welcome. Bring fold up chairs.

11 Sept - 11am
SA Navy Freedom of Entry into the City of Durban, Ceremony
Contact: W/O Manny Gounden
Tel: 031 460 6376 / 072 378 4122

The SA Navy will be exercising its right of entry into the city of Durban as the Freedom of City of Durban has been accorded to the SA Navy by eThewkini Municipality. There will be a march-past procession down West Street featuring the SA Navy Band, Indian Navy band and Brazilian Navy Band.

Entry: Entrance is free and all are welcome

12 Sept
The Coca-Cola Bunny Chow Barometer
Venue: Blue Lagoon
Contact: Shirley Naidoo
E-mail: Shirley.Naidoo@za.sabmiller.com or Kas.Naidoo@za.sabmiller.com
Tel: 083 7958 513

The finals of the 7th annual Bunny-chow Barometer will be held at the Blue Lagoon to find the best bunny-chow in the city. The judges have been scouring the suburbs to look for the city's top ten bunny-chow outlets and bunny-chow connoisseurs have been voting for their favourites. The final will feature the city's top ten bunnies competing for the title in both vegetarian and meat options. Entertainment for the day will be provided by Muthu Murugan and Music Corporation.

Entry: Entrance is free and all are welcome.

LOTS OF PIX AVAILABLE!

Understandably, as the season is so extensive, information changes daily.

Visit www.durbanexperience.co.za or phone the Department of International and Governance Relations - tel 031 311 2104

Also visit www.pubmat.co.za for full programme - which gets updated regularly

Publicity Matters has received this information from the eventors / producers in good faith and cannot be held responsible for circulating information which is inaccurate, unconfirmed or outdated.

Illa Thompson
Publicity Matters
arts, theatre, culture, festival, social justice and events publicists
tel / fax 031 201 1638
mobile 083 326 3234
illa@pubmat.co.za
www.pubmat.co.za

dysan1

September 11th, 2010, 07:54 PM

Durban International Music Festival

Written by Submitted on 11 September 2010

THE DURBAN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL – DURBAN AGAINST XENOPHOBIA

HERITAGE DAY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24 FROM 3PM @ INKOSI ALBERT LUTHULI ICC

Celebrate Durban. Celebrate South Africa. Celebrate Africa. Celebrate the world.

Let the music play on!

Once again Durban takes the lead in a nation-building explosion of music and dance. As one of the most prolific generators of SA’s creative talent, the city celebrates Tourism/Heritage Month on September 24 with a star-studded line-up of performers.

Featuring artists from around the world, the headline act is scintillating SA songbird Lira who lights up the stage with the likes of homegrown gospel/jazz favourite Ernie Smith, the inimitable Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the infectious HHP (Hip Hop Pantsula).

From Afro-pop, R&B, soul, jazz and rock to hip hop, maskanda, rap, house and electronica, the one-day festival is a celebration of Durban’s cultural melting pot. With one voice the artists’ message is loud and clear: Durban against xenophobia!

Music lovers from across all genres are invited to show the world what makes Durban so special.

Join the party and celebrate the sounds of Brazil, Mozambique, Germany, Madagascar, Burundi, Congo and South Africa – all under one roof.

Adding to the mix is the exhilarating Durban hip-hop and krump dance crew, Genesis Kings.

Eric Apelgren, head of Durban’s international relations, said: “This event certainly helps us celebrate our African humanity and is in keeping with the ‘halala Durban’ theme of Celebrate Durban. This is the first time we have had a concert focusing on anti-xenophobia. We think it will be the start of concerts countrywide, and as Africans it’s a message we are conveying to our brothers and sisters in this country that we will not tolerate such outbreaks.”

It’s all about building on Durban’s record-breaking 2010 Fifa fanfests and making this one of the biggest parties ever held in this city, he said. “We are catering to all tastes from the best of the contemporary sounds of the youth to jazz, hip hop, rock and funk. We urge people to make this a truly extraordinary music festival in typical Durban style.”

Tickets are R120 at Computicket.

It doesn’t get much better than this!

dysan1

September 16th, 2010, 07:22 PM

The Durban Convention Bureau has been established

Business in Durban - Issue 5 Q3 2010

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DurbanConventionBureau.jpg

dysan1

September 23rd, 2010, 03:20 PM

Durban Prawn Festival in October

Published: 23 September 2010

The Durban Prawn Festival brought to you by Blue Marine Frozen Foods, is now in its third year and will once again be held at the SUNZone at Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World on 7 and 8 October from 7pm.

The Festival has enjoyed immense support from the Durban community over the last couple of years and continues to grow rapidly. This year due to increased demand the Durban Prawn Festival will offer some 2000 visitors the opportunity to experience the culinary skills of 25 of the top chefs in the region. The stakes have been raised with chefs divided for the first time into two categories - Fine Dining and Casual Dining - to offer each visitor the opportunity to savour their signature prawn and savoury rice dishes.

Some of the participating restaurants include Aqua Seafood Restaurant – last year’s winner, Royal Hotel, Quarters Hotel on Florida Rd, Spiga D’Oro, Thandi Restaurant – Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, Cargo Hold, Sage @ Christina’s, Exquisite Cuisine, Dish Restaurant – The Royal Palm Hotel, Riviera Restaurant – Suncoast Hotel & Towers, Lingela – Elangeni Hotel, HLM @ Sibaya, The Riverside Cafe, Mozambik, Sublime, Durban Country Club, Suncoast Casino and Cosmopolitan Restaurant at The Square Boutique Hotel & Spa.

This year’s Durban Prawn Festival will see the use of 1.2 tons of Tiger Prawns from Blue Marine Frozen Foods, 1.5 tons of Aunt Caroline Rice, as well as spices, coatings & marinades from Unilever Food Solutions, which are a key ingredient for each chef to incorporate into their recipe. Additional support has been given by Gearhouse South Africa, Hychem, Easi Gas, Mac Brothers, W.L. Cole, ABI & L.P. Agencies.

Together with this, KWV South Africa will be giving each visitor two complimentary glasses of their sought after wines, as well as the opportunity to share in the tasting of two new blends which have just been launched into the market place.

Part of this exciting event is the chefs’ competition, which has become well anticipated by local chefs. All 75 chefs from the 25 restaurants will compete in their respective category for the coveted title of Best Signature Dish in both the Fine Dining & Casual Dining categories. What’s great is that the visiting public will be able to vote for their favourite dish in both categories, which will go towards the final judging by seven accredited South African Chefs Association (SACA) judges.

Damon Beard of East Coast Radio will MC the event, promising humorous interaction, good music and prize give-aways.

Tickets are available through Computicket at R150.00 per person or at the door on each evening. The Festival is an adult event and no children under the age of 18 will be allowed.

dysan1

October 3rd, 2010, 08:33 PM

Gateway Gauntlet

Once again Gateway aims to break the barriers and has now launched Africa's first and only indoor MTB event. Great addition to the MTB calendar.

The Gateway Gauntlet is the next best thing since remote lock outs were invented and takes place on the 9th of October inside Expo Xplore at Gateway Theatre of Shopping. This amazing concept event will become the signature sporting event for Gateway Theatre of Shopping as well as being the only MTB event in AFRICA that rides through and finishes inside a shopping centre. There are 3 main events; the first and biggest race will be a 2 lap (20km) course, consisting of an exciting and unique 10km route. The route will consist of flat out tar sprints, coupled with grinding and sharp dirt track turns, sprinkled every now and again with some short technical sections. Natural obstacles will be used or concept obstacles built to give riders an intense sense of adventure with a technical accomplishment. However don’t despair, chicken runs will always be available for the faint hearted!

http://mallguide.co.za/uploadimages/mall_521/gauntley_1283509445.jpg

Visit the website for more info and to enter

http://www.thegauntlet.co.za/

Durbsboi

October 4th, 2010, 02:54 PM

sounds interesting

p2bsa

October 15th, 2010, 06:58 PM

cross post from the main SA 2020 Olympics thread...

The 2014 Karate World Cup will take place at the ICC Durban...

>>>>>
South Africa has won the bid to host the 2014 Karate World Cup. The announcement was made in Durban last night following the 2nd annual Jacob Zuma Karate tournament. The tournament consisted of more then six countries from around the world.

It's the first time that the tournament will be held in the country. President Jacob Zuma says the country should be proud of its latest achievement. He said the hosting of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup has proved the country's capabilities to the world.

"We have earned accolades because we pulled off a successful World Cup during a global economic crisis. This proves our excellent economic management expertise. It's these attributed successes that make it possible for us to host other international events," says the President.

He adds that there has been a huge focus on the main sporting codes and hoped that such a tournament will help to promote the other sporting codes. He also says Karate is one of the sports that promote discipline and a healthy life style.

"Karate teaches self-defence, discipline and focus in everything one does. These are important skills for the youth to learn."

President Zuma was honoured with a six dan black belt, one of the highest ranks in marital arts. This has made him the first citizen in the world to ever be awarded this status
>>>>

p2bsa

October 15th, 2010, 07:29 PM

Seatrade* African Cruise Forum - Durban 2011

Africa's emerging cruise market
With the world's thirst for new cruise destinations, the potential that exists around the African continent offers real opportunities.

A large part of the new potential market lies on the Indian Ocean coasts. The African Cruise Forum will be taking place in Durban, directly following on from INDABA 2011, one of the largest African tourism marketing events.

In conjunction with the Cruise Indian Ocean Association (CIOA) and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority, the Seatrade African Cruise Forum will bring together executives from the major cruise lines with regional stakeholders, to discuss how to take advantage of these opportunities.

Please register your interest to be kept up-to-date with the Forum's programme – or contact Lynn Olorenshaw at lolorenshaw@seatrade-global.com

Seatrade African Cruise Forum 2011
10 May 2011 - 12 May 2011
Fairmont Zimbali Lodge & Resort, Durban

http://www.africancruiseforum.com/index.html
http://www.seatrade-global.com/index.php?ac=2&lac=24&lan=en

* Founded in 1970, Seatrade is a well-established brand in the international cruise and maritime community. Its publications, events, management training, award schemes and websites cover every aspect of cruise and maritime activity and are known and respected around the globe.

dysan1

October 16th, 2010, 02:36 PM

^^ that is a FANTASTIC initiative! Durban is a natural cruise hub for the region and it is glad to see that the planning of the last few years is starting to bare fruit. The city really needs a proper cruise terminal to reach this full potential though. I look forward to the day when more than the current two cruise ships are based here (and for longer than the 7 months we have them). Durban and indian ocean destinations one can reach from here are all year round options and cruising should be such as well!

Look forward to watching these developments

dysan1

October 16th, 2010, 02:37 PM

romanSA

October 29th, 2010, 07:47 PM

And another one...

-------------

Durban to host World Champion MMA fighter Ken Shamrock
29 Oct 2010 at 03:09 PM

The African Bureau of Conventions has successfully secured a first, not only for South Africa, but also for the African Continent. On the 25th November 2010, the ICC Durban will host one of the most highly anticipated Mixed Martial Arts events in 2010.

“Platinum” will feature International and national fighters, including Ken Shamrock, Donovan Hawkey, Abjul Hussain, Craig Fourie, Tyson Chelin, Donald Nziwara and Mike De Bruin to name a few.

Ken Shamrock is one of the most widely recognized MMA fighters in the world. He is a legendary American Mixed Martial Arts fighter and a former professional wrestler.

This tournament is part of the international 'King of the Cage' event where promoters travel around the world to expose and elevate the profile of local fighters, thus creating MMA legacies

Out Reach Programme

The newly developed and opened training facility, iThe Lions Den South Africa' has combined with NICRO, (The National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders), which is a non-profit organization working towards a safer South Africa.

Ken Shamrock is looking forward to huge success in South Africa both with MMA events, but more importantly building a sustainable program that encourages a healthier lifestyle for our youth involving MMA gyms and the MMA community.

On November 22nd and 23rd Ken Shamrock will be visiting Durban's South community to launch the project, spearheaded by Darian Smith from NICRO. Everyone involved in South Africa is extremely excited about the possibilities here including His Worship the Mayor of Durban, Councillor Obed Mlaba, who will be welcoming the team to Durban.”

This exciting event, will be broadcast to over 50 million people world-wide.

http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/durban-to-host-world-champion-mma-fighter-ken-shamrock/

romanSA

November 1st, 2010, 05:38 PM

Cycling for green Olympics
SOHANA SINGH

A MUNICIPAL team of 17 participated in the MTN Amashova Durban Classic last Sunday in support of the city’s bid to host the world’s biggest climate change conference in Durban next year.

The 17th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Cop 17) will be held in South Africa next November.

The conference is the most important platform for international climate change negotiations. Following the failure to reach consensus at Cop 15 in Copenhagen last year, Cop 17 is viewed by many as the event where a binding greenhouse gas emission reduction agreement will be reached.

Derek Morgan, Manager of the Energy Office at the Municipality, said, “Cop is the Olympics of climate change. It is possibly the most important conference in the world. “If we are able to negotiate and agree to binding greenhouse gas targets at the Cop 17 and it is held in Durban, the ‘Durban Climate Change Agreement’ may guide economic and development policies worldwide for the foreseeable future. Durban will be seen as the city where the world addressed climate change.”

The Municipality’s team of cyclists was drawn from various units. Alison Stanley, of the Special Projects Unit who coordinated the ride, said, “Thirty eight kilometres is pretty far, even if it’s mostly downhill. But it was fun and it’s been great to see how keen staff have been to support the bid.”

The team also included an electric bike or e-bike to promote e-bike use in the city. E-bikes are bicycle fitted with an electric motor to assist the rider on hills. The eThekwini Energy Office is testing one to see if it can be used for inner CBD transport. Although e-bikes are not strictly allowed to participate in cycle races, the MTN Amashova organisers were happy to allow the bike as part of the Municipality’s team in support the city’s Cop 17 bid.

singhsohana@durban.gov.za

https://www.ethekwini.co.za/durban/government/media/gazette/2010-2/october/october-22-2010/Metro%204%20Eng.pdf

dysan1

November 1st, 2010, 11:37 PM

Good news with or without winning cop17.

juzzy

November 2nd, 2010, 09:37 AM

World Federation of Chiropractic congress will be hosted at the ICC in April 2013. Cant find any Article on it, but is secured. Epect between 1500-2000 delegates

dysan1

November 2nd, 2010, 09:46 AM

Another great win

dysan1

November 2nd, 2010, 11:40 AM

SA to host Africa International Media (AIM) Summit

The Africa International Media (AIM) Summit takes place at the Durban Manor Hotel and Conference Centre in Durban, South Africa from 5-6 November 2010 addressing the 2010 FIFA World Cup and its successes. The two-day summit aims to develop a conscious awareness of the need to ensure balanced representation of Africa within the global community.

This "re-branding" of Africa is an evolving process that will continue over a period of ten years until Africa is set in a more positive light in the minds of millions, said Dr. Erieka Bennett, president, African Communications Agency (ACA), head of mission DAF (AU).

Honouring 2010 leaders

"The theme of this year's summit is, 'The impact the World Cup had on the image of Africa'. It also gives us an opportunity to say thank you to South Africa for organising a first-class event in Africa. The event ends with an Africa Living Legends Banquet where key African leaders, journalists and soccer greats will be honoured," she added.

The summit is hosted jointly by the African Union (AU), African Development Bank (ADB), Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Communications Agency (ACA) and the SA National Editor's Forum (SANEF).

The event plans to host the 2010 leaders of SA, football stars, and national and international media agencies and journalists.

Past honorees at AIMS since 2006:

Nelson Mandela - former president, South Africa

Kofi Anan - former secretary general, UN

Ruth Sando Perry - former president, Liberia

Professor Wole Soyinka - Nobel Laureate

Olusegun Obasanjo - former president, Nigeria

Chief Emeka Anyaoku - former secretary of Commonwealth

Muhammad Ali - former heavy-weight champion

http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/410/147/53852.html

dysan1

November 2nd, 2010, 12:03 PM

Here's the massive MMA event coming our way

http://www.kingofthecage.com/images/events/11-25-2010_500.jpg

romanSA

November 2nd, 2010, 01:54 PM

SA to host Africa International Media (AIM) Summit

The Africa International Media (AIM) Summit takes place at the Durban Manor Hotel and Conference Centre in Durban, South Africa, 5-6 November 2010, and will address the 2010 FIFA World Cup and its successes. The two-day summit aims to develop a conscious awareness of the need to ensure balanced representation of Africa within the global community.

This "re-branding" of Africa is an evolving process that will continue over a period of ten years until Africa is set in a more positive light in the minds of millions, said Dr. Erieka Bennett, president, African Communications Agency (ACA), head of mission DAF (AU).

Honouring 2010 leaders

"The theme of this year's summit is, 'The impact the World Cup had on the image of Africa'. It also gives us an opportunity to say thank you to South Africa for organising a first-class event in Africa. The event ends with an Africa Living Legends Banquet where key African leaders, journalists and soccer greats will be honoured," she added.

The summit is hosted jointly by the African Union (AU), African Development Bank (ADB), Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Communications Agency (ACA) and the SA National Editor's Forum (SANEF).

The event plans to host the 2010 leaders of SA, football stars, and national and international media agencies and journalists.

Past honorees at AIMS since 2006:

•Nelson Mandela - former president, South Africa

•Kofi Anan - former secretary general, UN

•Ruth Sando Perry - former president, Liberia

•Professor Wole Soyinka - Nobel Laureate

•Olusegun Obasanjo - former president, Nigeria

•Chief Emeka Anyaoku - former secretary of Commonwealth

•Muhammad Ali - former heavy-weight champion

[2 Nov 2010 10:55]

http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/410/147/53852.html

romanSA

November 3rd, 2010, 05:23 PM

Durban scores with visiting international artists
November 3, 2010

By Latoya Newman

Durban's classical music lovers are in for treat this week with a host of international artists set for performances at the Durban Music School Gala Concert at the Playhouse Theatre tomorrow and at the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra's 2010 Spring Season closing event at the Durban City Hall on Thursday.

The Quatuor Connection, a classical saxophone quartet from France, will feature at the Durban Music School Gala Concert along with the Youth Wind Orchestra from Germany.

South Africa's Maxine Matthews, a member of the quartet, said her journey into the classic saxophone started in Greece where at the age of 17 she began studying the alto sax.

"There I was told that if I want to study the classic saxophone I needed to go to France. So in 2008 I moved to Besancon and studied at the Besancon Concervatoire and Dole Concervatoire. The quartet started last year with myself, my professor Cecile Dubois, Paul Richard and Valerie Houssier. As part of our diploma we had to do a course in chamber music. The chamber worked so well that the idea came to keep it going," she said.

The Durban Music School Gala Concert will also feature performances by The KwaZulu-Natal Youth Wind Band (KZNYWB).

Kim Matthews, chairwoman of the KZNYWB, and who also works at the Durban Music School, said their senior ensemble toured Germany and Vienna last year and won first place in an international music competition in Vienna. "While we were in Germany we were hosted by a music school in Goppingen, Baden-Wurttemburg, which is KZN's sister province in Germany. We decided to invite the Youth Wind Orchestra from this school to tour Durban as guests of the Durban Music School and the KZNYWB.

"At our Gala Concert we will have the 74 piece-strong German Orchestra perform for the first half, then the French Saxophone Quartet and finally the KZNYWB. We will end the programme with a performance of the 1812 Overture," she said.

After a recital with The Friends of Music earlier this week French virtuoso cellist Jérôme Pernoo returns to local stage for the KZNPO's Spring Season closing. He will perform Offenbach's Grand Concerto Militaire. Italian maestro Alessandro Crudele will conduct the concert. The event will also mark the launch of the KZNPO's 2011 Summer Season.

The Durban Music School |Gala Concert starts at 7.30pm tomorrow at the Playhouse Theatre. Tickets are R50, bookings through Computicket. For more information call Kim Matthews |at 083 626 9739.

The KZNPO concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets range from R80 to R' they will be available from computicket. For more info contact Portia at 031 369 9438 or e-mail reception@kznpo.co.za.

http://www.tonight.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=5714704&fSectionId=398&fSetId=251

dysan1

November 8th, 2010, 12:37 PM

We really need to dig more on this refurb of the DEC and what it entails

An ICC Durban official quoted in yesterday's Sunday Tribune mentioned that the Exhibition Centre is to undergo extensive refurbishment, which will enable the city to bid for more events. Anyone knows what the refurbishments entail? Nothing yet on the ICC website. Did, however, come across this from last month...

--------------

ICC DURBAN WINS FIVE MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE BIDS
07 October 2010

In the past month the ICC Durban secured five major international conferences. This was made possible with the assistance of the Province of KwaZulu Natal, city of Durban, the local organizing committees and professional conference organizers.

The five conferences secured are;

•Disabled People International 2011
•World Transplant Games 2013
•World Chiropractic Congress 2013
•Congress of the Intl Assoc for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions 2014
•21st Baptist World Congress - 2015
The delegates attracted by these conferences over a five day period will generate an estimated R100 million in economic impact for the province.

Dr Reg Engelbrecht, CEO of the Chiropractic Association of South Africa (CASA) said “CASA is proud that the ICC Durban and the city of Durban were chosen to host this congress. One of the 2 Chiropractic educational facilities, the Durban University of Technology is located in Durban, providing an opportunity for visiting student delegates, Chiropractic lecturers and Research experts in the profession to interact with this institution over the course of the congress.”

“The World Transplant games were held in Australia in 2009 and attracted competitors from 38 countries and featured fourteen different sports. When the games take place in Durban in 2013 we expect the number of participating countries to be much more.” said Willie Uys, National Chairman of SA Transplant Sports Association. Uys continued “The world transplant games have been held across the world biennially for over 30 years. Following the upgrades of the city in preparation for the FIFA World CUP 2010, Durban becomes a premier destination for events of this nature.”

The ICC Durban is proud to host the 21st Congress of the Intl Assoc for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP). IACAPAP is a non-governmental organization the purpose of which is to promote the study, treatment, care and prevention of mental and emotional disorders and disabilities of children, adolescents and their families. The emphasis is on practice and research through collaboration between child psychiatrists and the allied professions of psychology, social work, pediatrics, public health, nursing, education, social sciences and other relevant fields. IACAPAP’s International congress meets every second year.

“Our success in winning these bids has relied on excellence in bid preparation by the ICC team and a strong team effort with city representatives. The united front and support of all stakeholders in the city and province is a key success factor when competing for business on an international stage” said Jeremy Hurter, acting CEO of the ICC Durban. Mr Hurter thanked and praised his dedicated team for the effort and passion which they display every day.

http://www.icc.co.za/About/News/ICC-DURBAN-WINS-FIVE-MAJOR-INTERNATIONAL-CONFERENCE-BIDS.aspx

romanSA

November 8th, 2010, 02:57 PM

Another successful high profile event hosted in Durbs..

-------------

Jordaan awarded at 2010 AIM Summit

Dr Danny Jordaan, South Africa's 2010 Organising Committee CEO, received an award at the 2010 Africa International Media Summit (AIMS) held in South Africa, 5-6 November, during the Africa Living Legends Banquet at the Durban Manor Hotel. Jordaan was awarded a white-beaded miniature replica of the 2010 Moses Mabhida Stadium for his role in hosting the successful 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Kwazulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize also received recognition for his leadership and vision and for also hosting a unique 2010 programme in his province to make 2010 a lasting legacy. South African National Editor's Forum (SANEF) deputy chair Mary Papayya, who is also the KZN editor of the Sowetan Newspaper, was honoured for her general contribution to journalism excellence and leadership on the African continent.

Media awards

The Living Legend award for soccer excellence went to soccer legend Pele. SA journalists Canaan Mdletshe (Sowetan), Zanele Buthelezi (SABC) and veteran journalist Subry Govender were given special achiever awards for their 2010 reporting. The SA National Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) received honour for the media entity that delivered on its mandate. AIMS office bearers from around the world received certificates for their achievements.

The two-day AIM Summit, organised by the Diaspora African Forum (DAF) and the African Communications Agency (ACA), deliberated the impact of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on the image of Africa.

"People said we would not be able to host this World Cup, but we delivered. People said we should not bill this as an African World Cup, with all that is going in the African continent, with the famine, civil war, child soldiers," said Jordaan.

"They said we did not have the infrastructure and the technology to deliver an event of this magnitude. Because of this FIFA advised us to have a plan B, but then when the World Cup arrived, and even before it started, it emerged that we were the first country in the world to host the World Cup that delivered on all its infrastructure ahead of time.

World Cup firsts

"It was the first time that the World Cup was broadcast in HD and 3D. It was the first ever in FIFA history that matches were watched on mobile phones - this did not happen at the last Germany World Cup, but in Africa," he added. The SA 2010 World Cup proved to be the one with the lowest crime rate in the history of the event. "They said this World Cup would make FIFA bankrupt, yet 700 million watched the event and it raked in an amount of US$2.5 billion for FIFA. This World Cup debunked all the myths and distortions," he added.

Premier Zweli Mkhize said the 2010 FIFA World Cup was used to market not only Kwazulu-Natal as a province but the whole of Africa and South Africa. "We hosted dignitaries, celebrities and ambassadors. We showcased our province and country not only as a tourism destination but also as one in which international investors could invest. People will remember us for the Vuvuzela that even Chinese people were able to pronounce when they left."

Uniting Africa

He said the greatest achievement of the SA 2010 World Cup was that it united the people of Africa. "We debunked all the myths surrounding Africa. We slayed the dragons of pessimism about Africa. It was pessimism where people thought that nothing worked, there is constant fighting, coups and famine - they never had a reason to praise Africa. Africa is now the envy of many countries who still want to host the World Cup. The SA 2010 World Cup attracted 28 heads of states, 20 of them from Africa - very few countries that have hosted the World Cup can record this," said Mkhize.

"We were honoured to host the fifth summit in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. It was our intention to say thank you to the people of South Africa for organising a first class event in Africa. The event put the African continent on the world stage. The re-branding of Africa is an evolving process that will continue over a period of ten years until Africa is set in a more positive light in the minds of millions," said AU ambassador Dr. Erieka Bennett, head of mission DAF.

The deliberations of the media summit attended by football stars, and media including African and South African journalists, and students, will be tabled before the African Union as part of the process to leverage a more positive image for Africa from all leaders including government and the media.

[8 Nov 2010 11:45]

http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/410/147/54070.html

romanSA

November 9th, 2010, 03:30 PM

King of the Cage makes first African appearance in Durban

Move over Vegas and enter the ICC Durban, as the first African host of the MMA (mixed martial arts) King of the Cage Fight on 25 November 2010 in the Arena. Acting CEO of the venue, Jeremy Hurter, says they will be working with the organisers to ensure that patrons will enjoy an evening of glamour and excitement similar to that of Las Vegas.

http://www.bizcommunity.com/InBrief/196/40/10062.html

romanSA

November 9th, 2010, 07:17 PM

We really need to dig more on this refurb of the DEC and what it entails

I am also very curious to see what this will mean for the ICC as a whole, especially the kinds of events the refurbishments will enable the ICC to bid for. According to the ICC website, the Exhibition Centre alone has approximately 10,000m2 of space, and it offers an additional 20,000 m2 of outdoor space in its plaza for exhibitions etc. That's pretty impressive, especially if you combine with the ICC arena and main ICC building.

Has anyone checked out the nearby Olive Convention Centre (the Ice Rink complex that recently hosted the national ANC Convention)? Seems the developers did quite a nice job converting the old cinemas (the erstwhile large Ocean City cinema and smaller O'Connor cinema), and part of the ice rink, to convention facilities. It also offers additional smaller conference rooms. If this was adjacent to the ICC, it could have been incorporated into the Albert Luthuli ICC campus, and would have been a good addition to the current ICC campus facilities (Olive currently offers over 2,200m2 of space; if the remaining ice rink is converted into conferencing venues, this would presumably rise to over 3,000 m2).

See: http://www.oliveconventioncentre.co.za/occ/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=86&Itemid=165

and: http://www.oliveconventioncentre.co.za/documents/OCC.pdf

dysan1

November 10th, 2010, 10:43 AM

The developers of the Olive Convention Centre announced awhile back that they have further amibitious expansion plans which include restoring a full Olympic size rink and potential high rise development...

DB mentioned he was somehow involved? any insights?

PS... It actually looks very good from those images on their website!

Mo Rush

November 11th, 2010, 10:19 PM

Mo Rush

November 12th, 2010, 09:44 AM

I have just received news that Durban is currently the confirmed front-runner for COP17. I cannot confirm this but I thought I'd share what I've heard.

The second round of bid submissions and replies to questions from the first submission are just about complete, if not entirely complete.

UN selects Durban for talks on climate

November 12, 2010 Edition 2
MELANIE GOSLING Environment Writer
DURBAN has won the bid for the UN's climate change talks next November, beating Cape Town and Johannesburg.

The negotiations, which were held in Copenhagen last year and in Cancun this year, are one of the biggest UN gatherings. About 35 000 to 40 000 people attended the talks in Denmark last year.

Having the climate talks was hotly contested as the gathering is likely to inject about R1 billion of spending into the host city.
The host city also enjoys a high profile for the duration of the two-week talks.

The purpose of the talks is to thrash out a global, binding agreement to tackle climate change after the first phase of the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012. The talks failed in Copenhagen, and if the talks in Cancun later this month also fail to deliver, the negotiations in South Africa next year are likely to become "the big one" when the pressure will be on to reach consensus.

Some eyebrows have been raised by the choice of Durban, as the city has only one five-star hotel in a 15km radius of the city's conference venue. Cape Town has 18.

Questions have also been asked as to why the planned site-visit by UN staff was cancelled earlier this month at short notice without explanation. Some suggest this points to the fact that the decision was a political one, rather than one based on the city best able to host the event.

However, Joanne Yawitch, a deputy director-general at the Department of Environment Affairs, said yesterday that the decision had been based purely on the fact that Durban had the best facilities, adding that there was "nothing sinister" in the UN officials cancelling their visit.

"They were very involved with (the negotiations) in Mexico, and they could not come when we wanted them to. They agreed that we could go ahead," Yawitch said.

City of Cape Town officials were not available to comment.
melanie.gosling@inl.co.za

p2bsa

November 12th, 2010, 03:31 PM

^^Told ya so!!!
And that report is 'sour grapes' cos CT was strong as was Durban and JHB...
Durban is more than capable. And lets not kid ourselves politics always play a role... it's the nature of the world...

AS I reiterate - Don't underestimate Durban!
We love political support - but work really hard at everything we do... just like with the Olympics, we've been strategically positioning ourselves for all this (see article below ref to Bonn - where COP HQ is based), which shows our seriousness - not just sitting back cos we have political support...
I also have it on good authority that DBN is putting more money into this than CT... which in addition to our ICC - won it for us.

Council Members Voicing Local Action on Biodiversity
Bonn, 20 October 2010.

From the 24 to 26 October local authorities will gather in Nagoya for the City Biodiversity Summit organized in parallel to the international negotiations of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The summit is organized by ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability and the CBD secretariat.

Six members of the World Mayors Council on Climate Change are representing their city at the summit. More than ever before, it is obvious that climate change and biodiversity are overlapping global sustainability issues. Once again, local leadership can make a difference by addressing the problem at its roots and contributing to the building of global action. The Council is looking forward to initiating synergies between the outcomes of this summit and the next World Mayors Summit on Climate in Mexico City on 21 November.

The members present at the summit are:

David Cadman, Councilor of Vancouver, Canada and President of ICLEI
Lucciano Ducci, Mayor of Curitiba, Brasil
Imma Mayol, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona, Spain
Obed Mlaba, Mayor of eThekwini Municipality (Durban), South AfricaGérald Tremblay, Mayor of Montréal, Canada
Naomi Tsur, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, Israel
About the Summit

The City Biodiversity Summit aims to confirm the importance of "Cities and Biodiversity, "facilitate the sharing of information and exchange of experiences among local authorities worldwide, and appeal to the world the need for further expanding local initiatives to conserve biodiversity.

It also plans to confirm the CBD Plan of Action on Cities, Local Authorities and Biodiversity, which is needed for promoting the Convention on Biological Diversity at the local level, and deliberate on the flexible use of an index which enables local authorities to monitor biodiversity effectively.

The Summit results will be put together in the declaration and presented at the CBD COP 10 High Level Segment to introduce the initiatives taken by local governments.

Source: http://www.iclei.org/index.php?id=10327

Mo Rush

November 12th, 2010, 03:38 PM

dysan1

November 12th, 2010, 05:08 PM

Great news indeed. p2bsa seriously though, there is no need to be so OTT in response. the article has some flaws though. only one 5 star hotel in 15km radius? really? i can name 4 off the top of my head. but yes most are north. i can tell you now as i said before. durban won it simply down to the security and lock down nature of the icc site. you can completely close it off to the outside world.

Massive win for the city

juzzy

November 12th, 2010, 05:23 PM

will we attract huge groups of protesters as well?

dysan1

November 12th, 2010, 05:30 PM

Of course. expect the city and beaches to be filled with them

Andrew_za

November 12th, 2010, 05:32 PM

^^ that is a big plus. Security is usually the main focus at any event especially one of this nature.

Now...what new developments can we look forward to

dysan1

November 12th, 2010, 10:19 PM

The next year is full of a number of seriously important events in dbn. starting next month with the un ioc sport and culture conference.

romanSA

November 15th, 2010, 01:25 PM

Durban to host COP17
Christy Wyatt , 15 November 2010

The ICC Durban in South Africa is to host the COP17 conference in 2011.

The 17th Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is set to attract more than 30,000 delegates.

It will take place between 28 November and 9 December next year.

Delegate spend at the event is estimated to be worth more than £27m, according to the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau.

ICC Durban acting chief executive Jeremy Hurter said: "Hosting an event of this calibre and magnitude will leave a lasting legacy in terms of sustainability for the city. Based on our track record, the ICC Durban and the city of Durban have absolute confidence that we can host an event of this size."

Durban will also host the International Olympic Committee and UN’s seventh World Conference on Sport Culture and Education next month.

The last COP conference took place in Copenhagen in 2009 and attracted more than 20,000 people. This year’s conference will be hosted in Cancun, Mexico.

http://www.citmagazine.com/News/MostEmailed/1040957/Durban-host-COP17/

dysan1

November 15th, 2010, 01:40 PM

building a great portfolio of large events to leverage. No doubt the UN experience played a significant role in addition to the security offered by the ICC complex.

Mo Rush

November 15th, 2010, 01:58 PM

The decision was taken by government. I'm sure the security plans offered by all cities were more than adequate.

dysan1

November 15th, 2010, 03:36 PM

^^ I totally disagree, but then we always tend to. CTICC will never compete with the Durban ICC complex from a lock down security angle. The ICC has UN experience. No matter how much of a political decision you want to portray it, there are solid reasons Durban was and is better for it.

Mo Rush

November 15th, 2010, 03:55 PM

Read what I said.

I said the security plans offered by all bids were more than adequate, NOT, that CT provided the best security plan. I haven't seen the full contents of each bid, only snippets, so I cannot state that any bid was best, not that it matters, now that government has already made a decision.

And I have never said, that Durban does not deserve the event or that its bid is not suitable at all but I'm also not going to pretend that it was not a political decision simply for the sake of keeping the peace.

I think the event is great for Durban, and stated earlier, COP17 is a giant boost for the "Africa's Sporting and Event Capital" brand, along with the IOC event, and future/current Olympic bid.

Andrew_za

November 15th, 2010, 04:07 PM

Mo Rush

November 15th, 2010, 04:13 PM

In terms of security, Durbans ICC could be preferred since it can go into 'lock down' mode. It is also a very nice ICC.

On the other hand, as I said some time ago, Durban would get the nod from government due it being ANC territory and part of the Zulu Kingdom. Politics plays a HUGE role in decision making. Some of you would not agree since you from Durban, but much has been improved for the city since Zuma was elected as president. VOTE ANC in KZN

In Durban's defence.

A full fair bid process was underway, and Durban bid like every other city, made its first and second submissions. and replied to the subsequent questions, so in no way was it decided politically from Day 1 that Durban would host. In no way should this political decision detract from some of the good qualities of the Durban bid.

The part which caught everbody including the ICC, and officials from all bids was when a government spokesperson announced as part of a "general" cabinet "press release", amongst other announcements that the COP17 would be hosted in the "KZN province", the exact phrase used, as part of 1 paragraph of a large cabinet statement, which some bid officials stumbled across, one evening after making presentations a few day earlier. This I assume was not the manner in which most assumed a proper bid process would be concluded. (See below)

This is when everybody, including top business officials, ICC and CTICC people etc....responded with wtf?, after having gone through the 5 month bid process.

The poor DEA spokesperson had a hard time trying to appear defend the sudden decision, in light of the long and thorough process which was undertaken, and most of their credibility went out the door. Everybody was equally surprised, of course the ICC ecstatic, but so would the CTICC be, if the decision was in its favour.

Essentially when the UNFCCC inspection was canceled, government took over the decision-making.

Feel free to shoot me down, but I'm just glad its not Jhb.

There is a longer story, but I cannot reveal more than what is already in the public domain, as I have already advised Andrew_ZA, as a I respect information from alleged confidential e-mails.

Govt hopes that doctors implicated in illegal transplants will be disciplined - Statement on the Cabinet meeting, 10 November 2010, Cape Town

Statement on the Cabinet meeting, 10 November 2010, Cape Town

11 Nov 2010

Cabinet held its ordinary meeting in Cape Town on 10 November 2010.

Cabinet welcomed the settlement reached between the Competition Commission and Pioneer Foods that will see the company paying up to R1 billion in fines, penalties and other costs for its role in a price fixing cartel. This cartel was engaged in illegal and uncompetitive practices that saw the price of flour, bread and poultry products soar to the detriment of ordinary South Africans who are battling to make ends meet.This settlement sends a clear signal to all companies that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

Cabinet commends the Competition Commission for the innovative settlement that includes forcing the company to reinvest in activities that will bring new entrants into the industry through a competitive fund and the establishment of a special fund to bring food prices down. These innovative measures address uncompetitive behaviour but most importantly, will benefit consumers, especially the poor, by reducing the price of basic food products such as bread.

Cabinet welcomed the court decision to impose fines against Netcare KwaZulu-Natal for the unlawful surgeries whereby human kidneys were illegally acquired and transplanted at one of the company's hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal. Cabinet is outraged by the conduct of both the hospital and the doctors who are implicated in the scam. Government will not allow the country to become a haven for syndicates who traffic in human parts. This case also raises serious trust and ethical issues regarding the doctors who are implicated. Cabinet hopes and expects that the health professions body will also act against the individual doctors who are implicated in the ‘ritual'.

Government hopes that the Netcare group and the private health care industry will take all the necessary steps to ensure that this inhumane conduct never happens again. The law enforcement agencies must do all they can to ensure that all those who are implicated in the scam face the full might of the law.

Cabinet approved a six-month extension of the deadline for the registration of customers of mobile cellular operators. Section 62 (6) of the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act will be amended shortly to give effect to this decision. Mobile operators will be required to report to government on how they plan to comply with the new deadline.

Cabinet congratulated Banyana Banyana for their outstanding performance in the African Women's Championship, and urges all South Africans to continue supporting the team until they win this prestigious tournament. You have made the nation proud. A victory against Equatorial Guinea today will not only give the team a passage to the finals but also books them a place at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany. Government and the people of South Africa wish Banyana Banyana the best of luck in the game.

The meeting expressed full support for the initiative by the SAPS to launch the Festive Season Campaign that is aimed at dealing decisively with all forms of crime during the festive season. The meeting also called on the public to be vigilant and to work with the law enforcement agencies to root out crime.

Cabinet approved the extension of the revised pension dispensation to cover all members of the Non Statutory Forces (NSF) who are employed in government departments and other institutions that contribute to the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF). The current (NSF) pension dispensation was limited to members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). This decision will create parity in the pensions dispensation for all former NSF members.

Cabinet noted and supported a hybrid funding solution to enable Eskom to continue with its Build programme to ensure the security of supply of energy. The hybrid solution consists of increasing the guarantee framework from R176 billion to R350 billion to enable the utility to continue with its committed Build Programme up to Kusile Power Station and an equity injection of R20 billion over three years starting in the 2011/12 financial year. The equity injection of R20 billion will be funded through the Minister's committee on the Budget as part of the budgeting process.

Cabinet approved the fourth edition of the Development Indicators (2010) report. The report shows two major trends i.e. the negative impact of the global recession on employment, poverty and equality and illustrate that there are areas where state performance still requires improvement. The development indicators will sharpen the country's ability to assess the impact of government policies and improve planning. The report, which will be published shortly, is expected to generate debate on the milestones achieved thus far and the challenges still facing the nation. Minister Trevor Manuel will release the report shortly and lead the public discourse on the measures that need to be taken to address the challenges it raises.

Cabinet resolved to establish an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to coordinate and support the launch of a national campaign to strengthen measures to combat substance abuse in South Africa. The IMC will also consider the fast tracking of departmental action plans to curb substance and alcohol abuse in our communities. The campaign will raise awareness about substance abuse to strengthen existing programmes to address the scourge of substance abuse in parts of the country. The meeting also supported the convening of a stakeholder summit to develop a nation-wide programme of action in order to strengthen existing measures to combat substance abuse in South Africa. The IMC will comprise of the Ministers of Correctional Services, Science and Technology, Trade and Industry, Basic Education, Health, Higher Education and Training, and Economic Development. The Minister of Social Development will convene the IMC.

Cabinet approved the publication of the draft National Climate Change Response Green Paper and the Second National Communication for public comment. Following public comments, a white paper will be compiled at the beginning of the year for further comments and Cabinet is expected to finalise the policy by the end of the first quarter of 2011.

Cabinet approved a proposal to design and pilot a Performance Assessment Tool (PAT) that will be used to assess the performance of individual departments and other government institutions. This tool will be piloted and tested in selected national departments. The results of the PAT pilot will be presented to Cabinet by the end of April 2011 prior to a complete rollout to all departments and spheres of Government.

Cabinet approved the publication of the Integrated Strategy for the Promotion and Development of Co-operatives 2010-2020 for public comment. The strategy identifies coops as one of the critical and viable means of alleviating poverty, under-development and unemployment.The strategy identifies the following four pillars as enablers for the success of coops i.e. increasing non financial support services to co-operatives; creating demand for co-operatives products and services; improving the sustainability of co-operatives and to increasing financial support services. The strategy will be implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Cabinet noted the steps taken by the Department of Trade and Industry (the DTI) to implement its Export Development and Promotion and Investment Promotion and Facilitation Strategies in order to enhance South Africa's global footprint. The strategy provides, among other things, a framework on how government and the exporter and investor communities can engage with the global community to ensure that South Africa enters new high growth markets with competitive products; ensure that we keep our levels of trade in conventional markets; and to ensure that an environment is created in South Africa to facilitate the entry of new investors.

The meeting noted and agreed that South Africa hosts the 17th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP 17) which will also serve as the Meeting of Parties at the beginning of December 2011 in the KZN province.

Cabinet noted the report on the outcomes of the Eighteenth Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD 18) that took place from 3 to 14 May 2010 in New York that focused on mining; transport, chemicals, waste and sustainable consumption and production.

Military Veterans Bill

This Bill seeks to establish, develop, promote and implement national policy and standards regarding military veterans and their dependants to enhance the well-being and quality of life through progressive realization of their socio-economic rights.It further seeks to establish an advisory council for military veteran's affairs, military veteran's appeal board and to provide for benefits and entitlements relating to military veterans.

South African Military Ombudsman Bill

The Bill seeks to establish the office of the Military Ombudsman to attend to complaints emanating from members of the Defence Force and members of the pubic and to ensure speedy resolution of complaints within and against the Defence Force.Currently complaints arising from the Defence Force are dealt with in terms of the Individual Grievance Regulation and by a military investigator embedded in the office of the Public Protector.The Department contends that this arrangement is insufficient and inefficient as a complaints mechanism due to the uniqueness of the defence environment.

The following appointments were approved:

* Mr Jeff Molobela's contract was extended for two months as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Telkom SA.

* Ms P Nzimande was appointed as chairperson of the Human Science Research Council (HSRC) Board and Dr B Tema and Prof T Pillay were appointed members of the Board for the remaining term of office of the current Board, which ends on 31 October 2013.
* The following were appointed to the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP): Ms DA Howitson; Dr T Amanda; Ms LLC Malamba; Ms J Zingu; Ms CP Mazibuko; Dr Z Mkhize; Dr MM Motshedi; Mr DM Nghonyama; Mr A Theron; Mr FA Xaba; Dr M Mabetoa; Mr CM Malaka and Mr Mabizela.
* The following were appointed to serve on the Professional Board for Social Work: Ms K Mahlangu; Mr KB Mogadime; Ms M Van Niekerk and Ms T Mhlongo.

* The following were appointed to the Board of the National Development Agency: Government representatives will be Ms S Tolashe; Ms L Molema; Ms B Khan; Mr P Thabethe and Ms M Malapane. Civil society organisations will be represented by Mr MF Kekana (Board Chairperson); Ms TA Shange (Deputy Chairperson); Mr A Madela; Ms M Monakali; Ms RL Mdlalose and Reverend MO Xundu.
* The following were appointed to the Securities Regulations Panel for a three year period: Mr A Khumalo; Mr PJ Dempsey; Mr M Brits; Mr JM Damons; Mr RM Loubser; Ms A de Bruyn; Mr NA Matlala and Dr SM Luiz

Statement issued by Themba Maseko, Government Communications, November 11 2010
http://www.politicsweb.co.za/politicsweb/view/politicsweb/en/page72308?oid=210778&sn=Detail&pid=71616

p2bsa

November 15th, 2010, 04:58 PM

More on Durban's COP17 Coup!

This is the Durban City Council's statement today.

Durban to Host 2011 UN Framework Convention on Climate ChangePosted by MyZA on Monday, November 15th 2010

It is with immense pride that the eThekwini Municipality announces that the Seventeenth Conference of the Parties (COP 17) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and CMP 7 will be held in Durban, South Africa, in December 2011.

This further confirms Durban’s status as the sporting and events capital of Africa and will provide the city with another opportunity to showcase its ability to host large events.
It also presents an opportunity from which to raise awareness around climate change and to promote its own climate change work as an example to others. Following fierce competition against Cape Town and Johannesburg, both of which were worthy contenders, the announcement of Durban’s award was delivered by Parliament last week.

Upon hearing that Durban had won the award, Premier Zweli Mkhize expressed his delight saying that: “Durban as our host city in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal has again done us proud and this major conference will not only boost the profile of the city and province, with expected tourism benefits, but will also allow us to showcase our diverse developmental programmes of the city and Province during the COP17 and CMP7 meetings.”

Durban Mayor, the Honourable Obed Mlabastated:”Durban looks forward to welcoming as many as 40,000 COP 17/CMP7 visitors which will include Heads of State, Government Officials, Businessmen and other delegates.Durban has consistently demonstrated that we are truly a climate change leader. It is only fitting that an event such as COP 17/CMP7 is held in a city that has achieved this high standing at both a national and an internal level.”

Durban has on numerous occasions demonstrated that it has the capacity to host large events. The COP 17 conference will be hosted in the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre as well as the Durban Exhibition Centre – the biggest convention centre in South Africa.

“Hosting such a prestigious conference will provide a range of positive outcomes for the city of Durban and will confirm Durban’s status as Africa’s sporting and events capital” stated Dr Michael Sutcliffe, Durban’s City Manager.”
The benefits to the city will not only boost Durban’s tourism and hospitality sectors, which will imply the creation of new jobs, but will also generate a significant amount of international publicity for the city and continue to maintain the positive reputation created by the World Cup.”

Furthermore, Durban will be provided with an opportunity to showcase successful and progressive greening projects, some of which are firsts for the African continent. Durban’s work in the climate change arena and its international regard as Africa’s climate change leader really sets it apart.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC) is an international treaty arising from the UN’s conference on Environment and Development.The treaty aims to stabilise greenhouse gas emissions to minimise their impact on the earth’s climate.
The conference of the Parties (COP) is the governing body of the Convention, and advances implementation of the Convention through the decisions it takes at its annual meetings since 1995. In 1997, the Kyoto Protocol was introduced binding obligations for developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

SOURCE: http://myza.co.za/durban/2010/11/15/durban-to-host-2011-un-framework-convention-on-climate-change/

romanSA

November 15th, 2010, 05:03 PM

building a great portfolio of large events to leverage. No doubt the UN experience played a significant role in addition to the security offered by the ICC complex.

Those who say Durban got COP 17 because of politics are either ignorant or being disingenious (or both) as Durban has an excellent and unrivalled record in hosting major UN events. In fact, I'd wager a guess that Durban has hosted more major global "green" events than any other SA city:

1. International Union for Conservation of Nature World Parks Congress (2003). The 2003 Congress respresented the largest and most diverse gathering of protected area experts in history.

2. 29th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (2005).

3. COP 3 for the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (2008).

Now we can add:

4. COP 17: UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (2011).

That track record is unrivalled in SA. Fact.

"Green" track record aside, Durban's past experience in hosting major and prominent UN events include, amongst others:

1. World Conference Against Racism and Xenophobia (2001). This event, arguably the most controversial in the UN's history, generated massive publicity for Durbs and still does, almost on a daily basis, in blogs, journals, media reports, etc, based on the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), which charged Israel with racism by equating Zionism with racism. Follow-up sessions are referred to as Durban II (Geneva 2010), Durban III etc, thus ensuring perpetual free global branding for the city. Durban III is set to be a cracker as it's going to be hosted in New York City in September 2011. Anyone want to bet against it becoming an emotional and political cauldron with the US/Israel vs the Islamic world, on the anniversary of 9/11?.

2. 29th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (2005). Several new World Heritage Sites were inducted at this sitting; also, significantly, a special fund was set up to protect African World Heritage Sites.

3. COP 3 for the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (2008).

4. UNESCO/IOC 7th UN World Conference on Sport, Education and Culture (2010).

This excludes the numerous UNAIDS events that Durban has hosted.

I could be mistaken, but I think Durban has possibly hosted more major UN events than CT or JHB.

-----------

If I were to rank the top major events hosted, to date / going to be hosted in Durbs in the next couple of years (excluding actual sporting events), in order of prominence, I would list them as follows:

1. COP 17 (2011). Undoubtedly, this is going to be, by far, the biggest single and most high-profile conference event ever hosted on African soil. Dozens of world leaders will attend this one.

2. UN World Conference on Racism and Xenophobia (2001).

3. Launch of the African Union (2002).

4. World AIDS Conference (2000). This was arguably the most important [and political] AIDS conference held globally, to date, as it gave rise to the "Durban Declaration" [a declaration signed by the top global scientists affirming that HIV causes AIDS].

5. IOC Congress (2011).

6. FIFA World Cup Preliminary Draw (2009).

7. International Union for Conservation of Nature World Parks Congress (2003).

8. UNESCO/IOC 7th UN World Conference on Sport, Education and Culture (2011).

9 Commonwealth Heads of State Conference (1999).

10. XII Non-Aligned Movement Summit (1998).

1, 3, 9, and 10 attracted dozens of world leaders and security was of paramount interest in these events. And Durban excelled. This track record is hard to beat and was obviously taken into account in awarding COP 17.

Mo Rush

November 15th, 2010, 05:09 PM

romanSA

November 15th, 2010, 05:22 PM

Whether it was awarded instead to CT or JHB or PE or Bloemfontein doesn't change the fact that it was a political decision.

Yes, the CTICC, City, Accelerate CT would all be celebrating, but it would still be a political decision, taken by cabinet, not the UN.

If CT was was awarded the event, would that have also been been deemed a "political" decision? I don't the Capetonians would be making this argument.

Of course, if Durban beats CT, as it has now, then the only logical reason drawn by some (largely Capetonians) is that it MUST have been a political decision as it is inconceivable that CT could possibly have been / be beaten by Durban on merit and track record.

Yes, merit and track had absolutely nothing to do with it, and national government is now automatically favouring Durban at CT expense. Sadly, I can see just this argument being made every time Durbs beats CT in a head-to-head show-down. If CT beats Durban, than sanity obviously prevails.

romanSA

November 16th, 2010, 07:29 AM

Affirming what we've been saying was key to the ICC beating its rivals...

---------------------

Published: 15/11/2010
Durban gets ‘the big one’

Durban has won the largest conference to be hosted in a South African city.

Some 30,000 people could attend the 17th (COP 17) Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which will be staged in the ICC Durban from November 28 to December 9, 2011. The Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau has estimated that delegate spend alone is expected to bring in more than R300million (£26m) to the local economy.

A key element which contributed to Durban winning the bid is the ICC Convention Centre, Arena and Exhibition Centre, which will enable the entire conference to be held on a secure island site.

The interim CEO of the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau, James Seymour, said: “This will be the largest conference that South Africa has hosted and will go a long way in boosting the image of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal as an important business tourism destination.”

Acting CEO, Jeremy Hurter added: “Hosting an event of this calibre and magnitude will leave a lasting legacy in terms of sustainability for the city.”

Confirming that Durban will also host the seventh World Conference on Sport Culture and Education next month, municipal manager Michael Sutcliffe said of the COP 17 win: “Durban has got the big one”.

http://www.meetpie.com/modules/newsmodule/NewsDetails.aspx?newsid=13730

romanSA

November 16th, 2010, 07:30 AM

UNFCCC climate conference to be held in Durban next year
By: Christy van der Merwe
15th November 2010

The 17th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP17) would be held in Durban, from November 28, 2011 to December 9, 2011.

Durban was announced as the venue for the conference in Parliament, after competing against Johannesburg and Cape Town to host the event.

"Durban as our host city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal has again done us proud and this major conference will not only boost the profile of the city and province, with expected tourism benefits, but will also allow us to showcase our diverse developmental programmes of the city and province during the COP17 meeting," said Durban Premier Zweli Mkhize.

"Durban looks forward to welcoming as many as 40 000 COP17 visitors, which will include Heads of State, government officials, businessmen and other delegates. Durban has consistently demonstrated that we are truly a climate change leader," added Durban mayor Obed Mlaba.

The COP17 conference will be hosted in the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre as well as the Durban Exhibition Centre, which is the biggest convention centre in South Africa.

"The benefits to the city will not only boost Durban's tourism and hospitality sectors, which will imply the creation of new jobs, but will also generate a significant amount of international publicity for the city and continue to maintain the positive reputation created by the World Cup," noted Durban City manager Dr Michael Sutcliffe.

Durban would also have an opportunity to showcase its greening projects, some of which were first in Africa.

The UNFCCC is an international treaty arising from the United Nation's conference on environment and development.

The treaty aims to stabilise greenhouse gas emissions to minimise climate change. The COP is the governing body of the convention, and advances its implementation through the decisions it takes at its yearly meetings since 1995.

In 1997, the Kyoto Protocol introduced binding obligations for developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

The meeting was held in Copenhagen Denmark in 2009, and was touted as disappointing because the many member States could not negotiate with finality, and no binding, legal decisions on emission reduction were made.

The COP would be held in Cancun in 2010, and started on November 29.

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/unfccc-climate-conference-to-be-held-in-durban-next-year-2010-11-15

romanSA

November 16th, 2010, 07:32 AM

I am supposing that the proposed major refurbishment of the DEC will be completed in time for COP 17. It wouldn't make sense otherwise. Pity the proposed new Coastlands ICC hotel (and additional conference facilities it will house) won't be done before then too.

romanSA

November 16th, 2010, 08:21 AM

Some nice aerial shots of The "Island" in relation to the CBD, harbour, and beachfront.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k59/DURBAN2010/ICCAerial-1.jpg
Source: photobucket: http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k59/DURBAN2010/ICCAerial-1.jpg

http://www.powersoft.it/files/images/m_377.jpg
Source: http://pro-audio.powersoft.it/news_list.php?obj=372&id_menu=344

http://www.icc.co.za/Uploads/image/Explore/New%20ICC%20Aerial.jpg
Source: icc: www.icc.co.za

Without the Arena...
http://www.statssa.gov.za/isi2009/Images/Gallery/ICCDurban/DurbanAerialView.jpg
Source: statssa - http://www.statssa.gov.za/isi2009/Welcome/Galleries/Durban.aspx

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2624/4085224573_f4a9416b4b.jpg
Source: http://durban-travel.com/icc-durban/

http://cache4.asset-cache.net/xc/82626652.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=5047FA587DE1CADE54ED505688D60CEDC1AAD24AE91D41476542AD719502118F
Source: http://cache4.asset-cache.net/xc/82626652.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=5047FA587DE1CADE54ED505688D60CEDC1AAD24AE91D41476542AD719502118F

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/82626652/The-Image-Bank
Source: Getty - http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/82626652/The-Image-Bank

https://zgwfcq.blu.livefilestore.com/y1mRegBhPGc26JS3p6xYpV2ErBP2QzLr1nrT8MbapNJU9eM5jIbFUgXo67WlCZAGtN4a6tzXb-SvR2NPRTF68Xvbn5cKiLsgYqzRXZMvxuAfIFInLYbJ4yAqAlWws6W9K0gdnRUt26V_20-87qOipUDlA/DSC_0038.jpg
Source: http://thavash.wordpress.com/2009/08/

http://www.icc.co.za/Filehandler.ashx?nsfguid=e6792512-6c54-434c-bb6c-f8fa4859a4d2
Source: ICC -www.icc.co.za

p2bsa

November 16th, 2010, 01:10 PM

PR-GREENPEACE-2011-UN
SAPA PR -- DURBAN WILL HOST THE 2011 UN CLIMATE TALKS
Nov 16, 2010 at 11:52 AM
Issued by: Greenpeace Reactive

Attention: News Editors

For immediate release:
DURBAN WILL HOST THE 2011 UN CLIMATE TALKS

Johannesburg, November 16 2010--- Durban has been chosen as the host city
for next November's critical climate conference - a year before the historic Kyoto Protocol expires. Today, Greenpeace Africa welcomed the announcement calling it a unique opportunity for South Africa in the fight against global warming.
Michelle Ndiaye Ntab, the Executive Director for Greenpeace Africa said: "As the hosting country, the South African government must seize this unique opportunity to push for a legally binding agreement to save the climate.

"And the country's international climate leadership must be matched with a clear commitment to act on the domestic level to ensure a clean energy
future."

Durban is to host the 17th meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties ("COP 17"), in November 2011.

"A great deal for the climate can be made in Durban next year, provided that South Africa seizes the opportunity to become a climate leader and takes responsibility for being the largest emitter on the African continent," said Ndiaye Ntab .
Currently the world is preparing to meet in Cancun, Mexico, ahead of next year's crucial Durban meeting.
As Ndiaye Ntab noted, "Cancun is a key stepping stone towards a deal in South Africa. It is vital that the Mexican and South African governments continue to show a willingness to lead, while concentrating on building trust after Copenhagen.

"The world's governments need to choose whether they make big steps in Cancun and Durban towards a clean energy future, or stick to business as usual and the fossil fuel industry, risking climate chaos and its economic, social and environmental consequences.
"Climate change threatens to have catastrophic impacts, and as the Kyoto Protocol first commitment period expires in 2012, the time for empty rhetoric has run out.

"Now is the time for action." added Melita Steele, Climate Campaigner for Greenpeace Africa.

For further information:
1. Fiona Musana, Communications Director, Greenpeace Africa 079 512 9381
2. Melita Steele, Climate Campaigner, Greenpeace Africa 0725608703

Source: http://www.link2media.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10387&Itemid=12

romanSA

November 18th, 2010, 09:54 AM

Looks like a major Indian property show is coming to Durbs next year...

-----------------

India Property Show to explore new markets Abdul Basit

18 November 2010

DUBAI — Organiser of Indian Property Show plans to take the event to other parts of the world next year, a top executive of the company said.

The show, scheduled to be held from November 25-27, 2010 in Dubai, has emerged as the largest and most diverse exhibition of exclusively Indian property and a major showcase for Indian property developers.

“We are planning next show in Durban, South Africa, in March next year,” Sunil Jaiswal, chief executive officer, Sumansa Events, told Khaleej Times in an interview.

Its untapped market and a lot of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are settled there, said Jaiswal, who is the founder of the Indian Property Show.

“We are also looking at Oman and Qatar for our shows next year,” he said, adding: “We are putting everything together for the benefit of NRIs.”

In Dubai, the three-day exhibition will provide a unique platform for NRIs in UAE to interact face to face with Indian property developers, financial institutions, legal advisors, Vaastu consultants and more all under one roof.

There will be seminars, which will offer visitors opportunities to learn about issues such as the principles of Vaastu, legalities of buying property and the do’s and don’ts of financing among others.

Residential housing demand in India’s 30 main cities will grow nearly 17 per cent to 5.8 lakh units by the end of this calendar year alone – and by 2014, the demand in seven major cities will be three times the supply, Jaiswal said while quoting a report by Cushman and Wakefield.

“We will see the show almost double the size this year in terms of number of exhibitors,” he said, adding: “The show will bring in about 65 of the best builders with the best properties.”

“India is the top place to invest right now especially the Indian property market is immensely promising for a wide variety of reasons,” he said.

Real estate in India is now considered as one of the hottest investment options as compared to bank deposits or bonds where your return ranges between 5.55 to 6 per cent.

According to a recent study, returns from rental incomes on investment in commercial property in metros, is around 10.5 per cent, the highest in the world.

Each estate has different incentives to encourage investors in residential and commercial segments, he said, adding: “In many cases Mumbai witnessed very strong recovery and other parts are also recovering across the country. The average cost of a flat in Mumbai has increased by almost 50 per cent over the last year to Rs1.91 crores, he said by quoting Liases Foras.

“The demand for housing is gradually increasing. More and more people are investing in housing today. With these figures on the rise, the demand is slated to increase to 3 times the supply by 2014, making it now the right time to invest in property,” Jaiswal said.

When asked about any advice to property buyers, he replied: “Research, research and research.”

“A lot of people say location, but I say research and it’s easy to do research for properties in India,” he said. Value of unit also depends how it is maintained so research is important and history of builder, he added.

This year’s India Property Show for the first time will feature a luxury pavilion showcasing properties worth Dh1.6 million (rupees two crores).

Visitors can meet, interact and discuss with the best in the business or even seek advice from industry experts. Some of the developers at the show are: Unitech Limited, Reatox Group of companies, Jay Pee Greens, Aamrapali, Ansal Housing, Raheja Universal, Vatika Group, Panchsheel, Godrej Properties, Mantri Developers Bengaluru, Sunil Mantri Realty etc.

abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?col=&section=business&xfile=data/business/2010/November/business_November474.xml

JohanSA

November 18th, 2010, 11:05 AM

yes durban is south africas events capital - anc events that is......
COP 17

I can now confirm that Cape Town scored the highest after the evaluation and provided the highest monetary guarantee.

I can also confirm that the decision taken by government may be reviewed by the UN, which is unfortunate but necessary given the politics involved.

As I suspected, now confirmed, that decision is not for government to take.

I cannot say anymore. I personally do no think the host will change.

Mo Rush

November 18th, 2010, 11:22 AM

Well, its Jhb which got shoved aside, and had to complain such that it actually felt that it was part of the "process"

Contrary to the press, only Durban was visited, at which point the UNFCCC realized that as a basic requirements there were simply not enough hotel rooms, in the required category, amongst other things.

It all sounds a bit SASCOCKY to me.

If there is a change of host it will only be in January at which point, its unlikely that other cities will be prepared to step in at short notice, given the significant amount of rooms required in close proximity to the main events.

You can't really blame Durban, the only part you can blame Durban was the sneaky tactics post bid submission, but there are things I can't tell.

romanSA

November 18th, 2010, 11:39 AM

Cross-post from the Conventions thread...

-----------------

If these allegations are true, its evidentiary basis must come into the public domain so that it, and the government's processes / rationale for its decision, can be interrogated. Otherwise it remains baseless speculation / rumour mongering. This is not to say the claims are false. However, it's unreasonable to expect people to believe something without evidence.

Regardless of this alleged evidence coming to light, it is, however, very strange that Durban was mentioned as the host of UNFCC COP 17 by Lord / Sir Nicholas Stern, former Chief Economist of the World Bank and major bigwig on climate issues, as early as 11 August 2010:

http://epocanegocios.globo.com/Revis...DO+BRASIL.html

How can one explain this unless Durban was already possibly the mooted candidate / favoured city, of the UN (UNFCC) before the SA government even officially named the winning city? Furthermore, Yvo de Boer, UNFCCC Executive Secretary from 2006 to June 2010, also referred to Durban being the host of COP 17 well **before** cabinet's announcement:

http://www.lighthouse-foundation.com...php?id=375&L=1

This is on top of media reports from a couple of weeks back already painting Durban as the favourite to host COP 17 based on apparent "inside sources", way before Cabinet's announcement.

Thus, let's wait for the apparent evidence to come to public light before we allege / speculate. Then we can try to hold government accountable. Otherwise it comes across as sour grapes on the part of losing candidates. If the allegations are proven true, then government must account for its alleged irregular behaviour.

In the meantime, though, the international environmental community (and media) has already diarised Durban as the destination for COP 17.

http://climate-l.org/events/seventee...yoto-protocol/

Will cause mass confusion to change this now.

dysan1

November 18th, 2010, 12:48 PM

yes durban is south africas events capital - anc events that is......

yes because the ANC gave us the UN and IOC conference on sport, culture and education in Dec 2010.

They gave us the 2011 IOC congress to decide the 2018 Winter Olympics host.

They gave us the World Conference of the Deaf and World Midwives conferences next year with over 5000 people each.

They gave us the T20 in the MM stadium, surfski world cup etc.

Yes government gives Durban everything, Joburg and Cape Town never got any advantages ever pre Zuma, pre 1994...never not at all...hmmmm

dysan1

November 18th, 2010, 12:50 PM

Mo Rush

November 18th, 2010, 01:23 PM

If Durban is being clever enough to get things its way, so be it.

I wouldn't go that far.

Mo Rush

November 18th, 2010, 01:31 PM

romanSA

November 18th, 2010, 02:02 PM

The fantasy world....

As per my previous post. CT and DBN were correctly named as favourites in news articles as they scored the highest after the evaluation.

"Fastasy world" = attempt to distract from substance. Again.

You have conveniently and totally avoided the central question: why was Durban openly named as the host of COP 17 months ago by major international figures closely tied to COP? Surely they should have said "South Africa" instead of specifically stating "Durban" in relation to hosting it in Nov 2011?

dysan1

November 18th, 2010, 02:33 PM

Seems anything Durban related is always seen as "an agenda". We will all happily admit the city has far less 5 star hotel accomodation, but there are always other options that can be pursued at that level.

The cities key drive needs to be to increase the 5 star hotel capacity by at least 3 more sizable properties.

However again, nothing has been mentioned anywhere MO. Its getting like the Olympic thing, something doesnt go to Cape Town and its a revolt, but nothing in the press?

Mo Rush

November 18th, 2010, 02:47 PM

Don't be silly. I am simply sharing what actually happened, none of which will affect anything unless the UN review the decision in January.

You should know that when you run a shady bidding process, it will eventually catch up with you.

I am happy its in Durban, and not in Jhb, but that doesn't mean it was not a political decision or that events in Durban only take place because of the ANC.

Of course the UN will pursue other options but if they want enough 5 star hotels for an event of this magnitude and Durban cannot offer that, it once again, points to the political decision, and is a slap in the face of the DEA.

Contrary to what you may believe, I am sharing the information in good faith, in the same way I shared the COP17 announcement before it was "public".

As before I am more than willing to send you the e-mail regarding the bid process, on condition that you do not pass it along.

p2bsa

November 18th, 2010, 03:55 PM

romanSA

November 18th, 2010, 04:33 PM

Reaffirming its tag as SA's Sports and Events capital...

--------------

SA athletics season extended
November 18 2010 at 02:07pm

Lee Warren

Athletics South Africa have extended the season by adding two interprovincial meetings to the calendar.

Some significant changes have been made to the 2010/11 domestic track and field season, with Athletics South Africa (ASA) introducing two interprovincial championships in the six-event Yellow Pages Series.

The senior season, extended significantly by a four-event coastal summer series in December, will conclude with the SA Championships, which will again be held in Durban, in April.

The traditional Yellow Pages Series will start in Potchefstroom on February 19 before moving on to Pretoria (February 25) and Stellenbosch (March 10).

Two interprovincial meetings will then be held in Germiston on March 26 and Bellville on April 16.

Athletics South Africa’s 17 provinces will be invited to enter teams of 20 athletes (10 men and 10 women) and points will be scored according to the IAAF points table.

The national senior championships, which will act as trials for the World Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, will be held in Durban on April 8 and 9.

ASA board chairman James Evans, hoped the extended season, which includes 10 senior events over a period of four months, would ensure respectable medal hauls at the All Africa Games in Maputo in July and the global championships in August.

“I am confident the new-look calendar is athlete friendly and in the interest of allowing our athletes to deliver quality performances at the right times of the season in line with the bigger picture of doing SA proud on the international stage later in the year,” Evans said in a statement.

The SA Junior and Youth Championships will take place in Germiston on April 1 and 2, and the three-day SA Student Championships will be staged in Stellenbosch between April 28 and 30. – Sapa

http://www.iol.co.za/sport/athletics/sa-athletics-season-extended-1.837889

Sand-Shark

November 18th, 2010, 04:41 PM

Mo Rush

November 18th, 2010, 04:49 PM

I love the Capetonian insecurities showing through (not all of the visitors to the forum I might add). How can another city possibly start taking away it's rightful events?

The prospect of being upstaged, not once, but a number of times over the last few months, seems to have brought out the worst in some of the contributors.

I particularly love the "Of course we'll support Durban" comments, followed by the bitching about how unfair everything is.

Dude this is isn't fairy tale land. The issues the UN have with Durban are real, and the politics with regards to the bid process is/are real too, ask any member of the bidding teams.

The evaluation of the cities is real too.

As I've said before, it is in fact JHB which has moaned the most, given that it was not even on the list for the UN site visit, and had to beg to be included.

The site visit was eventually canceled completely because all 3 cities could not be included in one trip given time constraints and the Cancun preparations,hence, if the unlikely takes place, and the UN review the decision, it will take place in January 2011, by which booking the required amount of rooms, might even take the event to Jhb.

As I've said elsewhere, I don't mind forwarding the e-mail to anybody in good faith that it will not be passed along, and feel free to PM me at anytime with regards to any information I post on SSC, I am more than willing to share.

To however, think that the UN COP 17 decision, was not political is both delusional, and fantasy, given that an evaluation report ranking the cities exists, and the dodgy tale surrounding the decision is as clear as daylight.

Its fine when I post a day before the announcement that Durban was selected by government to host COP 17, but when the rest is revealed I suppose its all too convenient to refer to "upstaging".

romanSA

November 18th, 2010, 04:51 PM

cross post from the Conventions thread.... before I read the above...

this sort of arrogance from cape town is pissing a lot of ppl off...
("how can cape town not get it" it's unfathomable for them!)

Points
1. Government was unhappy @ the way Cape Town was promoting itself as if it had won the right to host COP17. (note how there was very little about the JHB and Durban bids)

2. Fact. Durban NOT Cape Town, had put the most money up to get this, which in addition to the size of the Durban ICC, was one of the other main determining factors...

3. The influential role of Debra Roberts, Kumi Naidoo and Obed Mlaba (as part of his role as a member of the World Mayors Council for Sustainable Cities)

4. Durban is a UN Nepad city, which has seen it host several small and big UN events over the years...

5. Impression to the adjudicating committee created by Cape Town. It had a great bid... but the highest officials did not make the presentations. Durban pulled out all the stops and almost treated this like a Olympic bid... Sutcliffe played a leading role and made the presentation to the adjudicating committee himself together with the Mayor. Ctn apparently handled it like how the US did the Olympic bid, where Obama did not even go to support the bid as the highest executive.

I am telling you guys... DONT UNDERESTIMATE DURBAN!

What I said before was that Durban - like the other two big cities can host the event... there will always be an element of political backing... but the choice was fair by the department itself...

I have been made to understand that cabinet just put it in the statement because they were aware of the decision... but how it was revealed was mainly because of the change of minister... so there was a sort of short leadership vacuum...

I sound bigheaded here... But I am connected (maybe as much as mo... lol)...

but what's happening here is sad, which was the same case with the Olympics bid... Ctn made a big halabaloo, and then dont bid...

I dont know what else to say... this is getting really annoying cos ppl in Ctn are bitching cos they think they know it all...

and the thing about the 1 five-star hotel... is crazy... besides the fact that the majority of the delegates will be staying in 2,3,4 star places and university residences...

Re: bold part - bingo!

Relatedly, cross-post from Durban hotel thread, in response to Mo's claim that the UN was not happy with Durban's accommodation options...

------------

I wasn't aware that the UN appoints anonymous Internet posters as their spokesmen.

If the UN allegedly has something to say, I would prefer them to articulate it, not some random anonymous Internet poster. On that note, it's amazing that the same UN that allegedly has a problem with insufficient 5 star accomodation in Durban, chose Nairobi to host COP 12. The same Nairobi that, to my knowledge, has far less (quality) accommodation than any of SA's 4 major cities (and in my personal opinion, based on 2 previous recent stays in two different 5 star establishments in Nairobi, questionable quality in regard to its 5 star establishments).

-----------

It's laughable how an anonymous, nameless, faceless person who, in turn, apparently relies on the word of other anonymous, nameless, faceless people gets defensive and insulting when he gets called on his claims (people who dare question his claims or request corroborative sources are called, amongst other insults, "drama queens"). :ohno:

Mo Rush

November 18th, 2010, 04:51 PM

cross post from the Conventions thread.... before I read the above...

this sort of arrogance from cape town is pissing a lot of ppl off...
("how can cape town not get it" it's unfathomable for them!)

Points
1. Government was unhappy @ the way Cape Town was promoting itself as if it had won the right to host COP17. (note how there was very little about the JHB and Durban bids)

2. Fact. Durban NOT Cape Town, had put the most money up to get this, which in addition to the size of the Durban ICC, was one of the other main determining factors...

3. The influential role of Debra Roberts, Kumi Naidoo and Obed Mlaba (as part of his role as a member of the World Mayors Council for Sustainable Cities)

4. Durban is a UN Nepad city, which has seen it host several small and big UN events over the years...

5. Impression to the adjudicating committee created by Cape Town. It had a great bid... but the highest officials did not make the presentations. Durban pulled out all the stops and almost treated this like a Olympic bid... Sutcliffe played a leading role and made the presentation to the adjudicating committee himself together with the Mayor. Ctn apparently handled it like how the US did the Olympic bid, where Obama did not even go to support the bid as the highest executive.

I am telling you guys... DONT UNDERESTIMATE DURBAN!

What I said before was that Durban - like the other two big cities can host the event... there will always be an element of political backing... but the choice was fair by the department itself...

I have been made to understand that cabinet just put it in the statement because they were aware of the decision... but how it was revealed was mainly because of the change of minister... so there was a sort of short leadership vacuum...

I sound bigheaded here... But I am connected (maybe as much as mo... lol)...

but what's happening here is sad, which was the same case with the Olympics bid... Ctn made a big halabaloo, and then dont bid...

I dont know what else to say... this is getting really annoying cos ppl in Ctn are bitching cos they think they know it all...

and the thing about the 1 five-star hotel... is crazy... besides the fact that the majority of the delegates will be staying in 2,3,4 star places and university residences...

get a clue.

1. Incorrect.
2. Incorrect. I have the monetary figures.
3. The CT team had a superstar team.
4. CT's team was a superstar team, underwritten by the city, province, wesgro, cticc, accelerate CT...if anything, it.

Dude, I'd honestly not say anything since all your points, except point 4 and the merits of the ICC are completely fantasy.

romanSA

November 18th, 2010, 05:11 PM

Its fine when I post a day before the announcement that Durban was selected by government to host COP 17, but when the rest is revealed I suppose its all too convenient to refer to "upstaging".

Actually, you may recall it was P2BSA who said on Oct 25, 2010, that Durban had been awarded the bid. That was well before you said anything...

Then, a media report on Oct 28, 2010, based on apparent rumours (including, possibly the earlier published statements of senior people involved in COP [such as Nicholas Stern and Yvo de Boer] stated that Durban was most likely going to host the event.

"eThekwini municipal manager Mike Sutcliffe and the national Department of Environmental Affairs would not comment yesterday on reports that Durban was most likely to host the climate change negotiations, which are organised by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)."

dysan1

November 18th, 2010, 06:12 PM

get a clue.

1. Incorrect.
2. Incorrect. I have the monetary figures.
3. The CT team had a superstar team.
4. CT's team was a superstar team, underwritten by the city, province, wesgro, cticc, accelerate CT...if anything, it.

Dude, I'd honestly not say anything since all your points, except point 4 and the merits of the ICC are completely fantasy.

So what i should take out of this is that Cape Town has Superstars :)

dysan1

November 18th, 2010, 06:15 PM

What i said elsewhere but will repeat here is:

How can Mo say the UN are unhappy with Durban - (Supposedly - add in extra big words and legal jargon) - BUT its the UN who were freely talking about COP17 taking place in Durban many many months ago?

Mo Rush

November 18th, 2010, 07:05 PM

I can only but send you the e-mail excl. the monetary guarantees by each host city. Other than that, its wait and see.

Go well.

christian17

November 20th, 2010, 10:34 AM

don't foget to add..
"South Africa will stage the International Union of Architects (UIA) World Congress in 2014. This announcement was made during the XXIII UIA Congress and General Assembly at the Lingotto Conference Centre in Turin, Italy.

Durban will be the first African city to host the Congress since Egypt more than 30 years ago. This is the third time that the event will be hosted in Africa; the first in sub-Saharan Africa and the second time in the Southern Hemisphere.

The South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) provided substantial support to the bid which was presented by The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA). An official delegation of the Department of Public Works, led by Minister Thokozile Didiza was also present to lend support to the Architectural Profession.

The National Organising Committee for the Bid was Chaired by Ms Trish Emmett (immediate past President of SAIA and SACAP Council member) and the Local Organising Committee by Ivor Daniel (President of the KwaZulu Natal Institute of Architects). The Committees comprised representatives of SAIA, the KwaZulu Natal Institute of Architects (KZNIA), staff of the eThekwini Municipality and Corobrik as well as other volunteers.

The UIA has organised a World Congress every three years since 1948. The Congress draws an audience of professionals, students and representatives of the institutional, political and entrepreneurial world to discuss topics related to the discipline and current issues. This year’s theme was entitled Transmitting Architecture: Culture, Hope, and Democracy and was attended by 9,800 delegates from across the world.

South Africa’s theme for the UIA 2014 Congress is entitled "MultipliCITY": World Future. The diverse and multilayered nature of Durban, South Africa, and indeed the continent of Africa, will guide the Congress as a living laboratory of multiplicity in action and co-existence.

“The award of the Congress provides a host of opportunities for members of the architectural profession, as well as others related to the profession, in the build up to as well as the staging of the event. A new structure will be established to coordinate the Congress as well as all activities leading up to the event. This body will ensure compliance with all UIA requirements. It is the intention of SAIA to make this structure as inclusive as possible without it becoming too cumbersome. Some of the role players would include representatives from SAIA, UIA, AUA, SACAP, national government, eThekwini Municipality, industry and the education sector,” says Hassan Asmal, President of SAIA.

South Africa to Host Architects World Congress in 2014 South Africa will stage the International Union of Architects (UIA) World Congress in 2014. This announcement was made during the XXIII UIA Congress and General Assembly on 6 July 2008 at the Lingotto Conference Centre in Turin, Italy. Durban will be the first African city to host the Congress since Egypt more than 30 years ago. This is the third time that the event will be hosted in Africa; the first in sub-Saharan Africa and the second time in the Southern Hemisphere.

The South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) provided substantial support to the bid which was presented by The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA). An official delegation of the Department of Public Works, led by Minister Thokozile Didiza was also present to lend support to the Architectural Profession"

romanSA

November 20th, 2010, 02:45 PM

Wow! 10,000 delegates! Pretty impressive. Would be ironic if CT was named World Design Capital 2014 (whatever that is supposed to mean and entail), and Durban hosts the UIA Congress the same year.

dysan1

November 20th, 2010, 08:33 PM

never realised it was 10000 delegates. Definately a very influential congress for the city to get and will probably have a number of run up projects around the city with an archi/deisgn edge

romanSA

November 22nd, 2010, 05:07 PM

SA's biggest food and wine show is about to begin...

-------------

Durbs gets Good Food
Mon, 22 Nov 2010 2:20

The Good Food & Wine Show, South Africa's biggest culinary extravaganza, takes place at the Durban Exhibition Centre from Thursday 25 November until Sunday 28 November.

Some of the show's main features and events include:

The Chefs In Action Theatre, sponsored by Samsung Home Appliances, Alchemy of Gold, Afrox Handigas, Top Billing, SABC3, The Mercury and the Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel, is at the heart of the Good Food and Wine Show. Here visitors will find the world’s leading chefs, including big names, such as Frenchman Eric Lanlard, Reza Mahammad, Atul Kochhar, Tobie Puttock, Justin Bonello and Katy Ashworth. Leading International chefs will be joined by the South Africa’s favourite chefs and foodie personalities.

Make sure you book early as preferential pre-booking rates are available through Computicket. There are also premium packages available, which guarantee you a VIP seat in the Food Theatre, an opportunity to be part of an exclusive meet and greet with your favourite chef and a signed copy of the chef’s latest cook book. These premium packages make great gifts too, so please visit www.gourmetsa.com to give a truly unique gift.

Hands- workshops

The hands on cooking workshops are taking place at the ‘Get Fresh with BBC Lifestyle Theatre,’ providing the unique opportunity for you to cook alongside your favourite BBC and local celebrity chefs. Twelve participants, each with their own oven, ingredients, utensils, branded apron and recipes will be given a Masterclass not to be forgotten. Booking is essential through www.gourmetsa.com or Computicket.

CBeebies Kidz Cooking

The Good Food & Wine Show caters to the whole family, including a dedicated children’s area, so bring your little ones along to milk the cows and collect chickens from the educational farmyard and cook alongside CBeebies favourite personality, Katy Ashworth from the BBC program ‘I Can Cook’.

Master of the Tongs

There’s more to braaing than boerewors! Step right this way and grab a glass of Amarula on ice whilst we take you into the heart of outdoor entertaining. Come along and meet SA’s finest chefs and local celebrities including Jason Hartmann, Terence Bray and Pixie Bennett to mention a few. The newly launched television channel, Food Network, coming soon to DSTV, will be filming the event, so if you fancy your face on camera, don’t miss this one!

At ‘Books for Cooks’ celebrity chef authors will be standing ready for signings of their individual cookbooks.

Durban Bites is a four day food affair which perfectly captures the explosion of the Durban restaurant scene. Make sure you catch the SA v England rugby game there on Saturday!

Spekko Cook of the year

Reza Mahammad chooses Spekko rice, who will he choose as Cook of the Year? Take your seat as the contestant’s battle it out over 4 days. The winner will not only walk away with the official title, but will also receive a whopping R50 000.00 in cash!

More highlights include the Johnnie Walker Theatre, the Alchemy of Gold for appreciators of fine brandy, the National Classic and Flair Cocktail Championships, the Grolsch experience bar and Wines from around the World which plays host to leading Australian wine sommeliers.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Pre-purchase your tickets through Computicket - Entrance is R60 for adults and R30 for children under 12 and pensioners. (At the door, tickets are R70 for adults and R40 for children.) Children under 2 are free. Show doors open Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 9pm and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Each ticket includes free food & wine samplings, prizes, giveaways and special offers. Premium packages and reserved seating for the ‘Chefs In Action Theatre,’ the hands on workshops and Wines From Around The World can also be pre-purchased through www.gourmetsa.com, Computicket or from the Theatre Bookings desk at the Show. Visit www.gourmetsa.com for more information.

http://lifestyle.iafrica.com/events/688734.html

romanSA

November 23rd, 2010, 07:01 PM

Here's an excerpt of the views of renowned political commentator, Patrick Bond, on Durban's award of Cop 17. He argues (perhaps correctly!) that the COP 17 negotiators shouldn't be offered the unbeatable security that the ICC can offer (and later, outlines why Durban is the most appropriate and symbolic place in SA to host COP 17)...

----------------

So nearly everyone was pleased, a fortnight ago, with the choice of Durban to host the 2011 Conference of the Parties (COP) 17, the world climate summit. Competition was tough. The conference centre in beautiful Cape Town was rejected, according to a guest post on former CT City Manager Andrew Boraine’s blog, because of “the high levels of security required… The CT International Conference Centre (ICC) falls way behind the ICC complex in Durban. You can lock it down completely and keep the over-the-top protesters well away from the high level attendees.”

Boraine, a Johannesburg NGO colleague of mine two decades ago when he helped Alexandra Township civic associations defend their over-the-top protests against apartheid, is now a public-private partnership facilitator. “Cape Town's proposal,” he rebutted, “took into account the need to be able to lock down certain areas for government delegations and VIPs.”

Sorry, I don’t accept the need for to safely insulate these rascals, for last December in Copenhagen I witnessed how badly the VIPs performed when tasked with making binding emissions cuts. Not only were none made but even the 1997 Kyoto Protocol’s minor five percent cuts (measured from 1990-2012) were completely undermined.

SA and US presidents Jacob Zuma and Barack Obama joined Chinese, Indian and Brazilian leaders in wrecking the last vestiges of UN democracy and threatening their own societies (especially Zulu and Luo kinfolk who are on the climate frontline), on behalf of the (mainly white-owned) fossil fuel industry and (mainly white) frequent fliers (like myself). Chief negotiator for the G77, Lumumba Di-Apeng, poignantly asked, “What is Obama going to tell his daughters? That their [Kenyan] relatives’ lives are not worth anything?”

At the COP 16 climate summit, lasting through December 11 in Cancun, Mexico, these VIPs definitely need a strong wake-up slap - as activists there gave World Trade Organisation negotiators in 2003 - not a quiet meeting place where they’ll just back-slap.

Actually, the strategy many in civil society considered around this time last year, was what Boraine unintentionally advocated: ‘locking down’ (and in) the world leaders inside Copenhagen’s Bella Centre, so they would finally feel the pressure to sign a real deal, instead of the sleazy Copenhagen Accord.

This would have involved blockades preventing delegates from departing last December 19, the way activists did in September 2000 at Prague’s ancient palace, where SA finance minister Trevor Manuel chaired the World Bank’s annual meeting. The VIPs barely scampered to safety from global-justice protesters, after again doing nothing to reform globalisation.

The plan to lock down the climate-negotiating VIPs in Copenhagen was considered and then abandoned when Danish police turned semi-fascistic. It’s not even an option worth discussing in Durban given that City Manager Mike Sutcliffe regularly denies permission to peacefully protest.

But come to think of it, on 31 August 2001, a march of 15,000 to the ICC led by the late Fatima Meer and Dennis Brutus against a pathetic UN racism conference came close to barging in on the lethargic delegates. Recall the activists’ valid complaints then: no UN discussion of reparations needed for slavery, colonialism and apartheid, and no action against Israeli racial oppression and occupation of Palestine...

...Even in the North’s most left-leaning government, it was all fibbery, as shown when Bank executive directors had a chance to turn down the notorious $3.75 billion Medupi coal loan in April. The Norwegian representative only managed a limp abstention, not the "no!" vote demanded by a South African-led global coalition of 200 concerned groups.

When Nore told the workshop that fifty governments had come to his agency for assistance in managing oil resources, including South Africa, I flashed back to South Durban’s oil grievances:

• massive greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to SA’s emissions of CO2 per unit of per person GDP being twenty times worse than even the US,

• regular fires, explosions, and devastating oil pipe leaks,

• the world’s highest recorded school asthma rates (Settlers Primary) and a leukemia pandemic,

• extreme capital-intensity in petro-chem production and extreme unemployment in surrounding communities,

• a huge new pipeline to double the oil flow from Durban to Johannesburg (already two children were killed after falling into unprotected trenches), and

• an old airport earmarked for expansion of the petrochemical, auto and shipping industries.

South Durban is one of the world’s extreme sites of climate change cause and effect: well-paid managers run leaky-bucket toxic factories by day and escape to plush suburbs by night, and gasping residents either slowly die from the exhaust or wake in fear when the refineries erupt with noxious fumes late at night. Yet thanks to one of Africa’s finest eco-social campaigning groups, SDCEA, the area can become an inspiring site for fighting petro-power and visioning alternatives.

Consistent with a global consensus that whales should be left in the ocean, the only solution to the climate crisis is one that genuinely decent Norwegian community residents, fisherfolk, environmentalists and social activists are promoting in their own petrol-rich Lofoten region. The demand there is identical to one made by South Durban residents fed up with smells far more damaging than the decomposing blubber of yesteryear: “leave the oil in the soil!”

Patrick Bond is on sabbatical from the UKZN Centre for Civil Society, based at UCal-Berkeley Department of Geography. His books include Uneven Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe’s Plunge.

http://www.counterpunch.org/bond11222010.html

dysan1

November 30th, 2010, 04:11 PM

Heard today that Durban has won another conference with about 4000 people in 2012 - something to do with Oceanonic studies

dysan1

December 7th, 2010, 09:23 AM

Another biggie won by the city for 2015 with 10,000 participants.

Durban Wins Forestry Congress

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) on behalf of the South African Government has won the bid to host The Fourteenth World Forestry Congress at the International Convention Centre Durban in September 2015.

The World Forestry Congress is held every six years and is attended by forestry professionals who gather for a week of intensive scientific and technical discussions. Topics include forests, biodiversity and water in the context of climate change; emerging opportunities and challenges in forest finance and forest governance. The event is expected to attract at least 10 000 delegates, ensuring an estimated economic impact to the local economy of approximately 100 million rand. The magnitude of the event will ensure that all hotels, restaurants and local businesses will benefit from this event. This will be a major opportunity to showcase Durban and KwaZulu-Natal to delegates through exciting pre and post conference tours.

The city of Durban, South Africa pipped its nearest competitor Hyderabad, India to secure this major event. A jubilant Jeremy Hurter, acting CEO of the ICC Durban, said, “We are extremely excited that we have won the bid to host this large conference at which many important discussions will take place regarding global forestry issues.” Furthermore he noted that the newly established Durban KZN convention bureau assisted greatly in securing this bid.

To date thirteen such events have taken place, the last one was held in Buenos Aires (Argentina) in 2009 and was attended by 7 000 participants from 160 countries.

Issued by The International Convention Centre Durban

http://www.theevent.co.za/daily_news/view/1739

romanSA

December 7th, 2010, 09:51 AM

Great news! Durban's ICC complex is well equipped for mega events like this.

This is yet another major 'green' conference for the city. This conference also ties in very well with the city's green initiatives, particular its major community reforestation drives (To date, more than 85,000 trees out of a planned 104,000 trees have been planted on 64 ha out of a total 104ha of ex-sugarcane land in Buffelsdraai alone. Another 590 ha of trees is still to be planted in future phases of this initiative in Buffelsdraai area alone).

http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/services/epcpd/projects/buffelsdraai-community-reforestation-project?-C=&plone_skin=eThekwiniPrint

This is on top of the Inanda Mountain reforestation initiative (at least 45,000 trees are being planted on 90 ha of land, with alien species concurrently being removed).

dysan1

December 7th, 2010, 10:15 AM

very interesting snippets there jerome. should dig into that and include in the Green Durban thread!

romanSA

December 7th, 2010, 10:25 AM

Will do. Durbs has many, many (largely unknown) greening initiatives, thanks to its (internationally renowned) in-house environmental big-wigs, like Debra Roberts. Will gather some info on these initiatives and post in batches over the next little while.

dysan1

December 8th, 2010, 03:43 PM

RPMASA 2011 International Transport and Environment Conference

7 - 11 March 2011 at the Durban ICC

The RPMASA is proud to announce its second International Conference at the Durban ICC entitled Producer Responsibility for Safe Transport of Chemicals. A value chain approach to protect people and the environment.

Millions of tons of Industrial and Consumer chemicals are transported around the world daily by road, rail, sea and air. Safe transport, energy efficiency, sustainable use of resources and reducing environmental impacts, emissions and footprint are KEY challenges facing Industry today.

The conference will provide a forum for participants from all over the world to meet and exchange ideas, and update on global trends and international legislation in transport of dangerous goods and products. It will help to build capacity in our people those from our neighbouring African countries. Accompanying training sessions will target improving knowledge of key issues for export and local compliance and conditions. It will benefit visitors to see our beautiful country, open up business opportunities and improve knowledge for safer packaging, transport and compliance with the IMDG, IATA and UN model regulations.

The RPMASA, Africa's only industry representative to the UN Committee of Experts for Transport of Dangerous Goods and the GHS (Global Harmonising Systems of Classification and Labelling), invite you to join them in this second landmark event of biennial Conferences in Durban for knowledge sharing, building relationships and improving skills to facilitate safe trade in dangerous goods and products.

romanSA

December 9th, 2010, 05:11 PM

Another major UN-linked conference, and another major 'green'-related conference for the city! Great to see. Looks like Durbs is becoming synonymous with hosting major 'green' events.

That said, I thought it would be worth cross-posting some interesting info from the COP 17 thread here...

--------------------

Durban has previously played host to major climate-related events and initiatives.

During October 4-7, 2004, Durban played host to a meeting of representatives from organizations and peoples’ movements from around the world to discuss "realistic avenues for addressing climate change".

This, in turn, inspired the creation of a growing global initiative, the Durban Group for Climate Change, now known more commonly simply as the Durban Group (named after the host city, not because its driven by the city or Durban players):

http://www.durbanclimatejustice.org/who-are-we

This 2004 meeting in Durban, in turn, gave rise to two international documents that explictly refer to Durban:

1. A global call for climate justice and a global grassroots movement against climate change:

http://www.carbontradewatch.org/durban/calleng.pdf

and

2. The Durban Declaration on Carbon Trading:

http://www.fern.org/node/3614

http://www.fern.org/sites/fern.org/f..._3614_3622.pdf

Following this, and following the holding of similar regional workshops globally, the city hosted a Workshop on Forest Governance and Decentralisation in Africa, during April 8-11, 2008, in support of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), sponsored by the governments of South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Norway, the United States of America and Germany. One of the important themes covered by the workshop was the impact of deforestation on climate change.

http://www.cifor.cgiar.org/publicati...ov_Program.pdf

Thus, the city's hosting of the World Forestry Conference in 2015 is a natural follow-up to the 2008 Forestry event the city hosted, while the 2011 conference will be a good follow-up to the 2004 climate change conference and a precursor to 2011's COP 17.

I hope COP 17 inspires revisits to all these initiative given how central the city was in inspiring them. I suspect COP 17 will result in even more such city-linked initiatives. Will be great (free) perpetual global exposure and branding for the city.

I certainly think the city's stature and brand is gowing exponentially through the hosting of these major international events. Methinks your signature "Improving in stature day by day" is most appropriate for Durban, Mike. :)

romanSA

December 9th, 2010, 05:34 PM

The 7th UNESCO/IOC World Conference on Sport, Education and Culture has ended, and has given rise to more invaluable global exposure for the city....THE DURBAN DECLARATION, which will guide future IOC policy on several issues, particularly in relation to the youth, including future Youth Olympics, education on doping etc.

http://www.olympic.org/Documents/Conferences_Forums_and_Events/2010_Durban/Durban_2010_Statement.pdf

----------------------

08 December 2010

Durban Conference calls for stronger youth involvement

The 7th World Conference on Sport, Education and Culture, which was held in Durban, South Africa, from 5 to 7 December 2010, closed with an exciting youth caucus and a set of recommendations which show the way forward. The inclusion of young people in the programme proved to be a huge success and was suggested for adoption for future events.

Young people on the panel

“Giving a Voice to Youth” was indeed more than the Conference motto in Durban. Young people who had participated as athletes, young reporters or ambassadors in the first Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in August took the floor in all debates to contribute their ideas and experiences.

Thumbs up for the Youth Olympic Games

The final plenary session was the youth caucus and featured YOG participants, representing countries such as Barbados, Austria, Singapore, Brazil, New Zealand, Slovakia and South Africa, as well as local South African students. Many of the YOG participants described the experience in Singapore as “life-changing”, and vividly recounted the friendships they had made and events they had witnessed. In the light-hearted, yet informative 90-minute session, the IOC's revolutionary Culture and Education Programme (CEP) was given a rousing “thumbs up” from the entire youth caucus.

Conference recommendations

This notion was included in the final recommendations of the Conference which were agreed upon by the more than 600 delegates attending as the future direction to be taken. Moreover, the Conference recommends that certain elements of the Youth Olympic Games should be extended beyond the Games and, for the benefit of young people, integrated into other programmes and events at continental, regional and national levels. Following the example of Durban, young people should be involved in future forums and conferences of the Olympic Movement and be consulted on actions related to policies and programmes that concern them. It is also advised that, as part of the country’s legacy for hosting the Olympic Games, the dedicated culture and education programmes should be continued after the Games.

http://www.olympic.org/en/content/Media/?articleNewsGroup=-1&articleId=108522

romanSA

December 10th, 2010, 04:16 PM

More follow-up reporting on the World Forestry Congress, which I didn't realise was a UN conference. Adds to the long list of UN conference the city has hosted...

---------------

World Forestry congress to be held in South Africa
09.12.2010

The World Forestry Congress is to be held by South Africa in 2015.

Organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, it is the first time that the event will be hosted by an African nation.

Held every six years since 1926, the congress brings together representatives from around the world and various sectors including government, academia and the private sector to discuss ways to implement and promote the interests of forestry.

The 2009 event was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where discussions focused on how to raise awareness of the industry and the changing trends within the global market. Around 7,000 participants from 160 countries attended the 2009 World Forestry Congress.

South Africa's department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries will host the 2015 congress at the Durban International Convention Centre.

This news item is brought to you by KMS Baltics in conjunction with Fest-Forest and EST KINNISVARA. Baltic forestry and property specialists

Click here to find out more about Forestry Investment with us http://www.kms.ee/index.php?page=75& or call us on 00441668.

http://www.kms.ee/articles/World_Forestry_congress_to_be_held_in_South_Africa?299

romanSA

December 13th, 2010, 05:48 PM

Durban Country Club ready for SA Open

by Michael Green 13 December 2010, 16:22

The South African Open Championship is a hugely attractive proposition at all times. Blend in an intoxicating cocktail of Major champions, international winners and some of the world’s top golfers chasing a purse of €1-million at the 100th playing of the country’s flagship event and it is easy to understand why the SA Open remains a Holy Grail for every Sunshine Tour player.

Three-time major winner Ernie Els, double US Open winner Retief Goosen and reigning Open champion, Louis Oosthuizen, will anchor a superb cast of entrants when the SA Open returns to Durban Country Club for a record 17th time.

In recent months, the acclaimed Laurie Waters and George Waterman masterpiece has enjoyed some major modifications by acclaimed course construction company, Golf Data, all of which promises to dish up four days of inspiring feats, rousing shot-making and a contest to savour from 16-19 December 2010.

Over 70 years old, the original paspalum greens had lost their shape due to infestation.

“It had gotten to a stage where the greens had more foreign grass then paspalum and were starting to look like upside-down saucers,” explained greenkeeper Willie Botes.

After extensive research, the revamp committee settled on an ultra dwarf bermuda grass called Mini Verde. “More than 2000 courses world wide, which face challenges and conditions similar to ours - high humidity, heat and situated on the coast - have changed to this grass in the last five years,” said Botes.

“The benefits are huge. We have cut our water consumption down to a third and we are using less the half the amount of fertilizer. Because it is a very slow growing grass, this assists in keeping the ball speed consistent through the day.”

According to Botes, the greens at Durban Country Club have always been on the slow side and the new grass is already outperforming the paspalum.

“The grass has low temperature colour retention and will retain its colour in the winter, while the paspalum usually went dormant,” he explained. All the greens were stripped and fumigated and all the greens had their basis rotovated and shaped to provide more pin placement possibilities. And all the greens except the 16th were given subtle changes to make the holes more playable and easier to maintain.

“We opened the course six weeks after we sodded,” said Botes. “Feet on the greens help them to settle and firm up quicker. We sprigged the fringes with Mini Verde and inter-seeded with Bent to get the cover as soon as possible.”

Golf Data also reshaped all the greenside bunkers to more or less their original form and added extra bunkers to holes five, 14, 16 and 18. The bunkers were all re-sanded and a few tees were rebuilt and resurfaced.

“Lastly we are building a new chipping and putting facility near the first tee, which is something Durban Country Club has never had,” said Botes. “We hope to have this up and running for the SA Open.”

Botes declared Durban Country Club more than ready to meet the demands of the modern-day golfer. “If we get enough rain, our greens will be perfect for SA Open.”

http://supersport.com/golf/sa-golf/news/101213/Durban_Country_Club_ready_for_SA_Open

romanSA

December 15th, 2010, 08:08 AM

This is a great initiative. Glad to see the province and city behind this. There's some really good jazz talent in the city....

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Durban cocked for a festive season jazz revolution ...
Dec 15, 2010
Canaan Mdletshe

IN A move that is likely to make Durban in particular, and KwaZulu-Natal in general, attractive to jazz lovers, the provincial department of arts and culture, eThekwini municipality's Living Cultures, in partnership with eThekwini Jazz Society, will launch a monthly Durban Jazz Revolution.

Jazz fest will raise funds

The launch, themed eJazz Music Festival, takes place at the Bat Centre tomorrow at 7pm.

The line-up will include McCoy Mrubata, Ernie Smith, Bongani Nkwanyana, Vanessa Moodley, Heels Over Head, Brian Thusi, Mkhumbane Jazz Ensemble, UKZN Jazz Ensemble and many others.

Organiser Monwabisi Grootboom said this monthly event was a continuation of the 2010 Fifa World Cup Jazz programme.

The programme "proved to be a great success and showcased a lot of talent within our city. It is aimed at developing local jazz artists and will also empower them with life and business skills," he said.

"The provincial department of arts and culture and Living Cultures will work with the eThekwini Jazz Society to make sure that our artists are empowered in many ways.

"The festival will be in the form of a picnic. Many provinces hold jazz festivals. It pains us to see people in KwaZulu-Natal leaving the province to find entertainment elsewhere. We hope that this festival will attract not only South Africans but international crowds as well," Grootboom said.

He said they aimed to put jazz on Durban's entertainment calender.

"Other music genres are given opportunities, especially during the festive season. We would like to see jazz receiving the same attention," Grootboom said.

Plans are afoot for next year's calendar of events, starting on January 9 in Umlazi; February 6 at the Harbourview Jazz Restaurant (Bat Centre) and March 6 through to April 3 at the Rainbow Restaurant in Pinetown.

Tickets for the launch are available from Computicket and at the door and cost R100 a person.

http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2010/12/15/durban-cocked-for-a-festive-season-jazz-revolution-...

dysan1

December 28th, 2010, 02:41 PM

romanSA

January 2nd, 2011, 05:29 PM

Durban has been selected as the host of the 2011 Junior Science Olympiad, an annual international competition in science, consisting of Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

The Olympiad is held for 15 (under 16) year-old Natural Science students and takes place over 10 days at a designated venue in countries that have been selected by the IJSO Board.

Over 50 countries have been participating in the last two olympiads and we expect the same number or more to attend the Durban Ijso in 2011.

Each country attends with 6 competitors and 3 leaders (Science specialists/co-ordinators). Therefore approximately 300+ students and 150+ leaders are present at a competition of this nature. Another 100 organisers and volunteers also assist during this event - about 550 people in all make this a massive undertaking over 10 days.

The competitors, who generally are the top science learners from each of their countries write three tests:

A multiple choice test made up of thirty items (10 each in Biology, Physics and Chemistry) - 30 marks

A theory test made up again of Biology, Chemistry and Physics based on a theme - 30 marks

An experimental examination - 40 marks. For this the 6 students participate as two teams of 3 each - for each country there is a Team A and a Team B.

http://www.scienceolympiad.co.za/event/2011-ijso%E2%80%94south-africa-durban

dysan1

January 3rd, 2011, 10:49 AM

2011 is looking like a massive event year for the city, with many very influential one's that will really serve to elevate the cities status and provide the platform to garner even more events off the back of this.

For me the biggies are Indaba which i think will be bigger than ever since the world economy is improving in parts and since South Africa hosted the World Cup alot of additional attention is being given to the country and hence more interest.

Tied to this is the Seatrade Conference - This will be a very important platform to start creating more of a buzz in the cruise industry about the Indian ocean cruise opportunities, Durban as a cruise hub and the potential for more cruises on different ocean liners to lead to greater competition and options. 2010/11 season is proving to be the best ever (however the Cape Town portion is not performing well). Hopefully we will hear more concrete news out of this conference on terminal facilities.

Then the May-August high season conference window takes full steam with a number of large events, but the IOC event will focus a mass of world media on the city again. Tie this in with the full IOC team in attendance and the Durban Olympic buzz and i am certain there is going to be alot of global coverage on the city and its Olympic potential. This will reach fever pitch if the government announces at the close of the event that Durban does intend to bid for 2020.

After the success of the first FilmMart last year, the 2011 edition is poised for even greater heights and increased participation from the global studios.

In addition at two separate points the entire deaf and the entire Anglican worlds will be focussed on the city as both hold major 2 week events in the city.

And then the mother of all events which will clearly keep Durban on everyone's lips for 2011 even if the other events dont - COP17.

All in all the days of not many people knowing about the city are rapidly changing forever, and these events need to be leveraged for maximum exposure and benefit. The projects that flow from these events are the one's that we need to watch. I do not doubt for a second that the gain from COP will be the largest - once you have coped with the biggest many other global conferences will take note. I do foresee this leading to at least 2 new 5 star hotels coming on stream in the next 2 years, if not more and the ICC one will get off the ground in 2011 to provide another 270 rooms right on site at a 4 star deluxe level (much needed if you ask any conference organiser in the city).

And who will be carrying this flag forward? The "new" Durban KwaZulu Natal Convention Bureau, who have already been influential in wins for the city (being lead by the ex head of Durban and KZN tourism and players that used to be at the ICC). And if we look at the future events already lined up... times are a changing...

takz

January 3rd, 2011, 03:33 PM

cooooooooooooooool

romanSA

January 4th, 2011, 08:26 AM

These are the 23 confirmed International Conferences to be hosted by the city in 2011. I am sure the number will be higher than this as these are just based on 30mins of net browsing. I'll say it again, Durban's low ranking on the International "rankings" is more to do with the city not having a convention bureau to compile and submit city wide stats for events like Cape Town has been doing for years. Throw Indaba in and a few more and you are at 30 easily, so 40 is not a far off aim.

Dates Name Venue Size
18 to 20 February 5th World Health Tourism Congress ICC 500
4 to 6 March SORSA-RSSA 2011 Imaging Congress ICC 500
7 to 10 March RPMASA 2011 International Transport and Environment Conference ICC 1000
7 to 9 March 2nd International Transport of Dangerous Goods and Environment Conference ICC 1200
15th March AFRICA BIOFUELS CONFERENCE & EXPO 2011 ICC 1000
28 to 31 March Durban Wild Talk Africa ICC 600
29 May to 1 June Commonwealth Pharmacists Association Conference ICC 1500
7 to 10 June African Aids Conference ICC 5000
11 to 13 June 1st International HIV Social Science and Humanities Conference ICC 3000
19 to 23 June 29th International Confederation of Midwives Congress* ICC 3000
3 to 9 July 123rd Congress of the IOC ICC 2000
4 to 8 July 13th International Society of Scientometrics and Informetrics Conference 2011 ICC 2000
15th July Oil & Gas Outlook Africa Ben Donne 2000
14 to 16 July WASLI International Conference Elangeni 1000
18 to 24 July XVI World Federation of the Deaf Congress ICC 5000
1 to 3 August World Methodist Council Meeting Central Methodist Church 500
3 to 8 August World Methodist Conference ICC 3500
8 to 11 September 4th Fidssa Congress Elangeni 1000
11 to 14 September 2nd International Conference of the WISA Membrane Technology Division 1-on-1 Conference centre 1000
11 to 15 September Thredbo 12 - International Conference Series on Competition and Ownership in Land Passenger Transport Elangeni 500
28 to 30 September INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE UKZN 500
10 to 13 October DISABLED PEOPLES’ INTERNATIONAL 8TH WORLD ASSEMBLY ICC 1000
28 Nov to 9 December COP 17 ICC/DEC 30000

Great list! In addition, what from what I could find for 2012-2013 (the big and significant one in bold)...

2012

18th World Conference on Non-Destructive Testing: 18 - 20 Apr 2012 (over 500 papers were presented at the 17th conference, hosted in Shanghai. Given that only a fraction of the delegates present papers at such events, several thousand can be expected to attend the 18th congress.)

2013

The World Soybean Research Conference IX: early 2013

World Congress of the World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine: date to be confirmed
This event will attract over 10,000 delegates and their partners. "The quality of the audience is exceptional and includes doctors, government ministers and officials, major business leaders from the pharmaceutical, hospital and allied medical fields, as well as the international media and representatives from the world's leading think-tanks and foundations". http://www.criticalcare2013.com/

romanSA

January 4th, 2011, 08:55 AM

dysan1

January 4th, 2011, 09:04 AM

Great list! In addition, what from what I could find for 2012-2013 (the big and significant one in bold)...

2012

18th World Conference on Non-Destructive Testing: 18 - 20 Apr 2012 (over 500 papers were presented at the 17th conference, hosted in Shanghai. Given that only a fraction of the delegates present papers at such events, several thousand can be expected to attend the 18th congress.)

2013

The World Soybean Research Conference IX: early 2013

World Congress of the World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine: date to be confirmed
This event will attract over 10,000 delegates and their partners. "The quality of the audience is exceptional and includes doctors, government ministers and officials, major business leaders from the pharmaceutical, hospital and allied medical fields, as well as the international media and representatives from the world's leading think-tanks and foundations". http://www.criticalcare2013.com/

Yeah i only did the digging for 2011, there are at least 35 others lined up for 2012-2015

takz

January 4th, 2011, 06:47 PM

thats super awesome. by the way how do you keep up with the threads that you posted in?

dysan1

January 4th, 2011, 06:52 PM

you mean check where you have made your posts? you can go into your profile and view all posts you have made. or just keep going into every thread and adding to the conversation all the time :)

dysan1

January 4th, 2011, 08:54 PM

Great video on the following link: LIVING THE DREAM: How the Fifa World Cup has helped business tourism in Durban

James Seymour, chief executive of the Durban and KwaZulu-Natal convention bureau, tells James Latham how the region is now living the legacy of the world's greatest football spectacular.

http://meetingsreview.com/news/2010/12/21/How_the_Fifa_World_Cup_has_helped_business_tourism_in_Durban

dysan1

January 4th, 2011, 09:43 PM

MEETING:the World, a programme that will be showcasing the world's best conference destinations will kick off in Durban in March 2011 with its first episode.

romanSA

January 4th, 2011, 10:29 PM

Nice. More attention for the city and ICC.

dysan1

January 10th, 2011, 04:37 PM

Great news for the ICC!!

Inspectors give ICC Durban the nod

Africa’s largest convention centre has passed a rigorous audit of its facilities to gain two International Standards Organisation (ISO) accreditations.

The International Convention Centre Durban came under the scrutiny of inspectors looking for excellence in training, systems developments, food handling and policies and procedures.

The 10,000-capacity centre was handed the ISO 9001, 22000 and SANS 10330: HACCP from the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), after passing the inspection with flying colours.

Jeremy Hurter, ICC Durban’s acting chief operating officer, said: “We pride ourselves as the leading convention centre in Africa and this accreditation is a great reflection on the ICC Durban team.”

The centre – situated between beachfront hotels and the city’s business district – was named Africa’s Leading Conference Centre in the 2009 World Travel Awards.

http://www.meetpie.com/modules/newsmodule/NewsDetails.aspx?newsid=13891

dysan1

January 11th, 2011, 12:54 PM

2011 Musho International Theatre Festival is currently on. A great program of events starting today and running until the 16th.

Check out www.mushofestival.co.za for more info!!

Trelawny

January 11th, 2011, 09:09 PM

Why is durban going to announce where the host of the 2018 winter olympics will be?

dysan1

January 11th, 2011, 10:01 PM

ummm...because the IOC are holding their session here...

romanSA

January 24th, 2011, 08:42 AM

Found this by chance. Here's the promo that formed part of the SA's Institute of Architecture's bid for the 2014 UIA (Union Internationale des Architectes) Congress and General Assembly, which Durbs eventually bagged. This is one of the city's biggies for 2014...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06Qxm68x4cs&feature=player_embedded#!

And here's the bid website...

http://www.uia2014durban.org.za/index.asp

romanSA

January 24th, 2011, 09:16 AM

And here's a pic they used to highlight Durban's fantab skyline. Old pic but nice one.

http://www.uia2014durban.org.za/photogallery/Durban/Durban_yacht_mall.jpg

ToxicBunny

January 24th, 2011, 09:57 AM

Lovely photo actually..

Also (for me at least) it seems to show that our CBD isn't clustered along the coast, but more along the harbour which I think is a good thing.

romanSA

January 28th, 2011, 04:46 PM

The ICC's 2009/2010 Annual Report has been published. A quick read-through revealed that aside from being rated as the Leading Convention Centre in Africa by the World Travel Awards, the ICC was again rated amongst the top 20 best convention centres in the world by the International Association of Congress Centres in 2010 (its held this distinction since 2004, to my knowledge).

The report also revealed that ICC has bagged the International Human Resources Conference for 2014. That should bring in thousands of visitors to the city.

dysan1

February 13th, 2011, 08:44 PM

Durban and KZN to host wildlife management conference
09 Wed, Feb 2011

The Durban KwaZulu Natal Convention Bureau has announced that Durban and KwaZulu Natal have won the right to host the 2012 International Wildlife Management Conference.

The conference is set to attract between 700 and 1 000 international delegates and is expected to generate around R10 million for the South African, KwaZulu Natal and Durban economies.

The event is also expected raise the awareness and profile of KwaZulu Natal and South Africa as important wildlife destinations.

Interim CEO of the Durban KZN Convention Bureau, James Seymour, said: “This project is another successful partnership initiative between the newly established Durban KwaZulu Natal Convention Bureau and Durban ICC.” Durban beat off Cape Town to win the event.

dysan1

February 13th, 2011, 08:49 PM

Good to see them joining an alliance...bad that i cant find any info on the alliance.

KZN Convention Bureau joins convention alliance
14 Mon, Feb 2011

The Future Convention Cities Alliance has accepted the Durban KwaZulu Natal Convention Bureau’s application to become a member of its marketing alliance.

The membership will help the province to improve the current operations of its convention bureau and the broader business tourism community in the metropolitan area of Durban and KwaZulu Natal.

James Seymour, interim CEO of the Durban KZN Convention Bureau, said: “There is no doubt that destinations of the like of London, Sydney, San Francisco, Seoul, Abu Dhabi and Toronto have achieved significantly in the realm of business tourism destination management.”

Seymour believes that business tourism requires alliances such as the Future Convention Cities Alliance to provide a pool of experience relating to meetings that have already been hosted by its members and that can serve as useful leads and support for the future bids of its members.

ZATUGA

February 17th, 2011, 12:05 PM

First World Forestry Congress for SA

For the first time in its 85-year history, the World Forestry Congress will come to Africa. The congress’s next gathering, held under the auspices of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), will take place in Durban in 2015.

The announcement was made just before the launch in February of 2011 as the International Year of Forests, a declaration of the UN General Assembly.

"What we need during the International Year of Forests is to emphasise the connection between people and forests,” said the FAO's assistant director-general for forestry Eduardo Rojas, ”and the benefits that can accrue when forests are managed by local people in sustainable and innovative ways."

During its 140th session, held in December 2010, the FAO decided that Durban’s International Convention Centre (ICC) is the ideal venue for the upcoming 14th congress, a week-long event.

The ICC is fast growing in status as an international convention venue and is also scheduled to host the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change’s 17th Conference of the Parties later in 2011.

South Africa’s national Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Daff) will host the world’s forestry experts in 2015. With 7 000 participants from 160 countries flocking to the previous event, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2009, an estimated 10 000 delegates will make their way to Durban for the next event.

The local economy is expected to benefit from the congress to the tune of R100-million (US$13.7-million).

South African experts presented scientific papers and participated actively in South America, an experience that stood them in good stead when bidding for hosting rights for 2015. The city of Durban was easily able to snatch the prestigious event from its closest rival, Hyderabad in India.

“We are extremely excited that we have won the bid to host this large conference at which many important discussions will take place regarding global forestry issues,” said the ICC’s acting CEO Jeremy Hurter.

According to Daff, South Africa’s involvement in the global dialogue on sustainable forest development has led to its vital contribution to the International Arrangements on Forests, a device of the UN Forum on Forests.

The upcoming World Forestry Congress will also boost the country’s contribution to the conservation of the Congo Basin forests, through the Congo Basin Forest Partnership which was set up in September 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.

Looking after our forests

The World Forestry Congress launched in Rome in 1926 and takes place every six years. The event addresses a range of current silvicultural issues such as forest policy, biodiversity, international dialogue and socio-economic implications.

In its 2008 publication titled Practical Guidance for Sustaining Forests in Development Cooperation, the World Bank reported that over 1.6-billion people depend on forests to survive, and a further 100-million have found employment in forestry-related industries.

The organisation also said that 80% of the world’s remaining terrestrial biodiversity is found in forests, and about 66% of the entire world’s species live in forest areas.

In addition, the leafy regions play a vital role in the regulation of the earth’s climate because trees trap carbon dioxide. FAO data suggests that trees and their surrounding soil hold as much as 1-trillion tons of carbon – double the amount found in the atmosphere. It’s not hard to see why trees are so important to the continued survival of the planet.

The UN plans to use 2011 as the opportunity to raise awareness among policy makers and the public of the need to conserve, protect and manage forests in a sustainable way.

According to the FAO, about 130 000 square kilometres of forest – and a tragic 100 animal and plant species – are lost every year to deforestation, whether because of conversion of forests to arable land, unsustainable logging, human encroachment, or bad land management practice. The World Bank estimates that these activities are responsible for up to 20% of annual greenhouse gas emissions.

Green South Africa

South Africa is home to one of the largest human-made forests on earth – the city of Johannesburg. A report on the city’s website states that although there are some 10-million trees growing in Johannesburg, it is classed as an urban forest rather than a rain forest because it doesn’t get enough annual rainfall to qualify as the latter – albeit human-made.

Elsewhere in the country, about 1.3-million hectares of South Africa’s surface area are covered by lush green planted forests, used for commercial purposes. The forestry sector employs almost 170 000 people, and adds R16-billlion ($2.2-billion) to the national economy.

South Africa also has rich indigenous forests, which have been inventoried by Daff and are now closely monitored and protected. Some 530 000 hectares of dense growth occur mainly along the coastal areas and the eastern and southern escarpments, as well as in isolated valleys and ravines.

A number of these natural forest regions, such as the Tsitsikamma National Park – now encompassed in the Garden Route National Park – are important tourist attractions.

romanSA

February 17th, 2011, 04:39 PM

Durban to host Hotel Investment Conference Africa

by MUZI MOHALE on 17. FEB, 2011 in TRAVEL PRESS RELEASES

A special Hotel Investment Conference Africa (HICA) with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa will be held in KwaZulu-Natal on 5 and 6 May 2011, preceding the annual tourism Indaba in Durban.

Convened by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) for the past five years, HICA is an established business platform for investors and developers in the African hotel sector and attracts financiers, entrepreneurs and government leaders.

The TBCSA will also host HICA North Africa in Morocco in September, in association with UK-based Bench Events, who manages similar conferences in other parts of the world.

“Previously known as the Hospitality Investment Conference Africa, the event has now evolved to have a more specific focus on hotels,” says TBCSA CEO Mmatṧatṧi Marobe. “Our theme at the May event will be ‘taking stock.’”

She says HICA will take stock of the hotel sector’s status quo in terms of demand and supply and take a realistic look at hotel investment opportunities in the region. “It is time, post FIFA World Cup and as the world moves out of the economic recession, that we present southern Africa as a viable, solid and long term investment option for the sector.”

HICA 2011 will also provide insight into global best practice in the hotel sector and promote actual investment projects. Experts will give advice on intended ventures and sessions related to marketing, pricing and statistics will give insight into present-day realities in the industry.

Ndabezitha Khosa, CEO of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, official partner of HICA 2011 says it makes sense to have HICA just before Indaba because all critical tourism stakeholders will visit the province in any case. “These stakeholders come from all over the world. Some of them may be investors who are keen to explore business opportunities in the African hospitality sector or be important business suppliers to the sector. Therefore we will continue to support HICA.”

HICA 2011 also enjoys the support of Avis, Pam Golding Hospitality and African Sun Hotels.

The HICA 2011 programme will include the event’s traditional ‘investment kraal’ where the hospitality investment climate in the region will be discussed, as well as case studies of actual investment projects. Experts will give practical advice on intended ventures related to financing, navigating the market and structuring of deals. The updated global and sub-Saharan hospitality barometers will also be discussed.

“We continue to work with our partners and stakeholders to enhance the hotel investment climate on the continent and to match investors, financiers and developers to help grow the industry in the long run,” she says.

http://www.travelwires.com/wp/2011/02/durban-host-hotel-investment-conference/

romanSA

February 21st, 2011, 07:52 AM

This weekend was another great one for Durbs, with the conclusion of the 60th Unlimited Dusi Canoe Marathon. Atmosphere in Blue Lagoon was amazing.

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Big cheers for Dusi paddlers

February 20 2011 at 09:47am
By Mervyn Naidoo

Though loud cheers rang out when Andrew Birkett pipped Ant Stott to the Unlimited Dusi Canoe Marathon finish post, the hundreds of spectators lining the banks of Durban’s Blue Lagoon also cheered when the other adrenalin junkies made it to the finish line.

Unlike the baby-faced Birkett who showed no visible signs of discomfort after the race, the other approximately 1 700 paddlers were not so fortunate. Ice-packs, masseurs’ tables and healthy doses of the sponsor’s brew were the most popular remedies for burning thighs and roasting shoulders after the 125km river race that spanned three days.

But that didn’t discourage Durban’s municipal manager, Mike Sutcliffe, who said: “Maybe I’ll do it next year.

“I’ve done a bit of paddling and surf-skiing before. I think I can do it. The Dusi tests your mental skills. I think I have the mental ability to pull it off,” declared Metro-Mike.

“I’m not into running the Comrades. I think I prefer the excitement of the Dusi with all its testing rapids. Maybe I’ll get Oscar Chalupsky, a veteran water sports exponent, to partner me. He can carry the canoe and I’ll follow him,” said Sutcliffe, laughing.

In previous Dusi races, Chalupsky used his water wisdom to carry home the likes of Naas Botha, Doctor Khumalo, Peggy-Sue Khumalo, Baby Jake Matlala and Clive Barker.

When quizzed about carting Sutcliffe in 2012, Chalupsky said: “It’s fine by me, I think he’ll enjoy it. I promise not to dunk him.”

This year Chalupsky teamed with Comrades king Bruce Fordyce and businessman Marcel Joubert as K3 entrants.

This being his tenth trip, Fordyce was officially tagged a “Dusi Rat”. “I’ll be back but I’m not sure when. I’ve been doing the Dusi since 1977 but obviously not in consecutive years,” he said.

So how does the Dusi fare when compared with the Comrades? “Thank God there’s no up-race for the Dusi! The Dusi is a wonderful adventure. It’s more exciting than the Comrades, around every corner, something different happens. But the Comrades, while it is more predictable, is definitely much harder.

“I’ve dedicated this race to the memory of Dusi great Graeme Pope-Ellis,” he said explaining his wearing a black armband.”

Pope-Ellis who died tragically last year, completed the race on 46 occasions and won 15 times. Although Bruce Wenke, 51, has no aspirations of matching Pope-Ellis’s feat he can be proud of completing his 33rd this year. - Tribune

http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/big-cheers-for-dusi-paddlers-1.1029139

romanSA

February 25th, 2011, 08:17 AM

2011 Time of the Writer International Writers Festival: Programme
by Sharlene on Feb 24th, 2011

Twenty-one prominent writers from a dozen different countries, will converge on Durban for a thought-provoking week of literary dialogue and exchange of ideas at the Time of the Writer international writers festival from 14 to 19 March. Hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of Kwa-Zulu Natal) and with principal funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, this 14th edition of the festival, presents a packed programme of both day and evening activities. ‘Freedom of Expression’ will feature as an underlying thread within the festival and audiences can expect to hear the opinions of leading writers on creative processes which inform their writing as well as on the enabling or constraining forces of political, social and environmental contexts within which they write.

The festival’s Opening Night Keynote Address will be delivered by the recently retired Constitutional Court judge, esteemed writer and cultural activist, Justice Albie Sachs. The award-winning author of a number of books, including Soft Vengeance of a Freedom Fighter and Justice in South Africa, Sachs was instrumental in the process of writing the constitution of South Africa and is therefore eminently qualified to speak on the festival theme of Freedom of Expression.

Following the opening night at which all writers present brief introductions, double-bill readings and panel discussions will take place nightly at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, preceded by book launches and live music.
View the complete programme at the Centre for Creative Arts (and see programme embed, below)

Tuesday 15 March will feature British-born American Raj Patel food activist and author of internationally-acclaimed Stuffed and Starved: The Hidden Battle for the World Food System, and his most recent offering, The Value of Nothing. Patel has been active in South African affairs and was a visiting scholar at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2009. Joining him in a discussion entitled Ugly/ Beautiful, Stuffed and Starved will be South African leading cultural commentator and author of the award-winning Ugly/Beautiful: African and Diaspora Aesthetics, Sarah Nuttall, with her reflections on contemporary society.

Also shining a spotlight on contemporary South Africa on the same night is author and journalist Lauren Beukes, whose novel Zoo City, has been described as “intelligent and witty urban writing for the 21st century.” Popular Durban-based author of The Lotus People (which won the 2001 Sanlam Literary Award for an unpublished novel), Aziz Hassim, joins Beukes in a discussion entitled Life in the Inner City.

Leading intellectual and award-winning writer Njabulo Ndebele, author of ‘Fools’ and other Stories, The Cry of Winnie Mandela and others, will, together with provocative post-colonial thinker and academic Achille Mbembe, tackle the heady topic of A Promise Delivered or a Nation Betrayed: Literature as South Africa’s Conscience. Cameroon- born Mbembe is a profound voice in contesting clichéd Western perspectives of Africa.
Ndebele and Mbembe appear on Wednesday 16 March, the same evening that a foregrounding of African culture will take place in the presentations by Petina Gappah (Zimbabwe) and Ellen Banda-Aaku (Zambia). Gappah’s debut collection of heartfelt short stories, An Elegy for Easterly poignantly describe the strained everyday living of Zimbabwe’s people, and this award-winning book has already been translated into six languages. Primarily a children’s writer, Ellen Banda-Aaku’s first novel, Patchwork – an emotive tale of a young girl’s journey towards coming to terms with her identity – won the 2010 Penguin Prize for African writing.

French writer Marie Darrieussecq’s best selling debut novel Truismes (Pig Tales) – a postmodern tale about the gradual transformation of a woman into a sow – explores the human state in the most bizarre and fantastical of ways. Matching her for a session titled Painting the Psyche on Thursday 17 March is award-winning artist Ondjaki from Angola, whose evocative work as a poet, documentarian, prose-writer and actor posits him a versatile talent.

Writing from the currently tumultuous context of Egypt, Sahar El Mougy, in a feminist perspective, articulates the conflict between the values of the west and traditional gender roles in the Middle East. In a hot topic session (Thursday), El Mougy will pair up with Durban-born Azad Essa in a discussion entitled Writing Revolution to unpack the role of writers in the scenarios unfolding across the region. Currently working for Al-Jazeera in Qatar, Essa’s provocative 2010 book Zuma’s Bastard, offers a fresh perspective around South African race politics and religion.

Two highly accomplished immigrants who have made their mark on the UK literary scene and world-wide, will take to the stage on Friday 18th March. Originally from the Caribbean island of St.Kitts and author of numerous award-winning books, Caryl Phillips, whose extensive writing oeuvre ranges from non-fiction and fiction to theatre, radio and television documentaries teams up with prolific Nigerian novelist and playwright, Biyi Bandele, in unpacking Roots and Routes.

Also on 18 March the genre of the “crime thrillers” brings together Sifiso Mzobe and Diale Tlholwe, in a panel titled Muti Noir. Exploring the life of a young car hijacker in KwaMashu, Mzobe’s Young Blood offers a glimpse into the emotional landscape of someone deemed by society, a “criminal”. Recipient of the 2010 South African Literary Award and described by South African established thriller-writer, Deon Meyer as “superb”, Tlholwe’s Ancient Rites, within the frame of a detective story, navigates the contrasting worlds of the real and the spirit; the urban and the rural.
Prolific Senegalese writer Boubacar Boris Diop and German writer and filmmaker Torsten Schulz will discuss The Pen as a Weapon against War on the closing night of the Time of the Writer. Diop’s work of fiction, Murambi, the Book of Bones, deals powerfully with the issue of memory around the Rwandan genocide, while Schulz’s novel Boxhagener Square, which won numerous awards and was made into a film, is set in the context of post-war Germany.

Chris van Wyk and Etienne van Heerden will culminate this year’s festival with a discussion on Re-Inventing Memory Through Literature. Van Wyk has an extraordinary knack for telling heartwarming stories of often comical personal experiences against the backdrop of critical periods in South African history. Van Heerden, with his work published in over sixty anthologies in South Africa and overseas, together with an acclaimed string of novels, poetry and essays, is one of the huge icons within Afrikaans literature.
Tickets are R25 for the evening sessions, R10 for students on presentation of a student card. Tickets can be booked through Computicket Tel: 083 915 8000 or 011 340 8000, or purchased at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 18h30

A broad range of day activities in the form of free seminars, workshops, including a full-day Publishing Forum on 17 March, book launches, school visits, and a prison writing programme, take place to promote a culture of reading, writing and creative expression and broaden access to the participating writers.

Visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za for the full programme of activities, biographies, of participants or contact the Centre for Creative Arts for more information on 031 260 2506/1816.

http://cca.book.co.za/blog/2011/02/24/2011-time-of-the-writer-international-writers-festival-programme/

romanSA

March 22nd, 2011, 09:17 AM

Durban has joined an exclusive 7-city convention city alliance boasting big hitters.

----------------

Leading Convention Cities of the Future Unite in Seoul
Published by Ozgur Tore
Wednesday, 16 March 2011 10:51

Representatives of all seven city members of the Future Convention City Initiative (FCCI) will convene in Seoul from March 20-23 for the first FCCI Action Forum.

The newly established alliance is an international cooperative which seeks innovation and further development in the convention industry through research and best practice models.

Seoul played a key role in the founding of the FCCI, which now counts as members London, Sydney, Toronto, San Francisco, Abu Dhabi, and Durban.

“The FCCI cities represent a wonderful cross-section of major players in the world convention industry, and their collective wisdom and teamwork will be vital in further development of the global industry,” said Samuel Koo, CEO of Seoul Tourism Organization.

http://www.ftnnews.com/mice/11902-leading-convention-cities-of-the-future-unite-in-seoul.html

--------------

Cross-post from Durban thread...

All the other members of this group are major players, and arguably equally, and in some cases, more, regionally important and prominent than their rivals in the BestCities Alliance (comprising Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Melbourne, San Juan, Singapore and Vancouver). Durban is obviously the counter to CT in terms of tourism, exceeding it in terms of domestic tourism and overall number of tourists (and more important than CT re: SA trade in light of its huge industrial base and harbour); London is considerably more important and prominent than both its BestCities European rivals (Copenhagen and Edinburgh); Seoul is the obvious counter to Singapore (Singapore is probably more well known, but Seoul has hosted a summer Olympics and South Korea has a much larger economy than Singapore); San Francisco easily outweighs San Juan (which is a US territory); Toronto easily outweighs Vancouver re: trade and economic importance; similarly, Sydney outweighs Melbourne re: prominence and standing; Abu Dhabi is the obvious counter to Dubai, and easily the wealthier and more sustainable representative from the UAE under current circumstances.

I think these rivalries will benefit CT and Durbs in the long run.

----------

Seoul City launches global alliance convention industry
2011-03-21 18:35

The Seoul Metropolitan Government launched a global alliance Monday aimed at fostering the burgeoning convention industry along with six major cities abroad.

The “Future Convention Cities Initiative” started last July along with four founding member cities ― Seoul, London, Sydney and Toronto.

During Monday’s launch ceremony, San Francisco, Abu Dhabi and Durban, South Africa newly signed an agreement to join the Seoul-led alliance.

The new international partnership aims to conduct joint marketing activities and share information and knowledge of the convention industry, the metropolitan government said.

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/...20110321000756

romanSA

March 24th, 2011, 07:19 AM

dysan1

March 24th, 2011, 01:49 PM

Yes it is, a strong bunch of cities for Durban to associated with and in my mind will be better than the Best Cities one in the future due to the stature of the main players.

dysan1

April 3rd, 2011, 06:53 PM

OPENING UP AFRICA - DURBAN 2011
13th & 14th September 2011

•Prestigious conference location: www.fairmont.com/zimbalilodge
•Conference programme will be published in April 2011

The majority of the developed world has just witnessed its worst trade recession in more than sixty years and is now seeking new partners.

Africa has always been seen as an unattractive market but is going through a business renaissance. This conference will give you valuable information on making a trading profit in this rapidly changing market place and how not to make costly and painful mistakes.

In partnership with Dube Tradeport and Emirates SkyCargo

http://www.aircargonews.net/content/opening-up-africa-2011.aspx

romanSA

April 6th, 2011, 03:26 PM

ICC Durban apponts Julie-May Ellingson as acting CEO

by Muzi Mohale on April 6, 2011 in Travel Press Releases

Ms Mato Madlala, Chairperson of the ICC Durban Board is pleased to announce that Ms Julie-May Ellingson has been appointed as the acting Chief Executive Officer of the ICC Durban, effective 01 April 2011.

The ICC Board has gone through a long and extensive process to find a replacement CEO for the ICC. The Board requires a person who will not only improve the governance systems within the organization as well as make the ICC much more competitive. Unfortunately, as yet, the Board has not found a suitable candidate.

Jeremy Hurter, who has been acting CEO, has reverted to his position of CFO as his expertise is needed full time in that department.

In addition, the Board has recognised that three events, critical to the ICC, the City and indeed even South Africa, are being held in the ICC and the Board immediately requires someone to lead the ICC through the preparations for these important events. These are Indaba 2011, the IOC’s 123rd session and COP 17 at the end of the year.

On 24th March 2011 the Chairperson of the Board approached Dr. Sutcliffe to request that he allow Ms. Julie-May Ellingson to be appointed as Acting CEO; ICCD with effect from 1 April 2011 to ensure continuity.

Ms Ellingson’s wide range experience in governance and developmental matters, her recent assistance to the ICCD in some of its upgrade work, and her understanding of the key challenges facing the board stand her in good stead to take the ICCD through this period.

Ellingson brings strategic and operational skills to the ICCD, this is critical as we strive to contribute to national economic growth by ensuring that the ICCD delivers against its strategic goals. The board is confident that the ICCD management team under the leadership of Ms Ellingson will maintain momentum and help to ensure positive growth in the business.

Given that Ms Ellingson is currently involved in a number of initiatives within the city among which are coordinating the city’s involvement in these three major conferences, she will continue as Head; Strategic Projects. The Board will undertake a quarterly review and report back to the City Manager on the longer-term process.

The board of directors wishes to thank Jeremy Hurter, the ICCD’s Chief Financial Officer who acted as CEO for the past year.

http://www.travelwires.com/wp/2011/04/icc-durban-apponts-julie-may-ellingson/

romanSA

April 6th, 2011, 03:27 PM

New acting CEO at ICC Durban

With three major events scheduled for the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban in 2011, board chairperson Mato Madlala board has appointed Julie-May Ellingson as the acting CEO, effective 1 April 2011. The current acting CEO, Jeremy Hurter, has reverted to his position of CFO, as his expertise is needed full-time in that department.

Ellingson's wealth of experience, acumen in governance, business and development matters, her recent assistance to the ICCD in some of its upgrade work and her understanding of the key challenges facing the board makes her a suitable candidate to take the ICCD through this period, featuring Indaba 2011, the IOC's 123rd session and COP 17 at the end of the year.

She brings strategic and operational skills to the ICCD, which are critical as it strives to contribute to national economic growth by ensuring that it delivers against its strategic goals.

Given that Ellingson is currently involved in a number of other initiatives within the city, among which is the coordination of the city's involvement in these three major conferences, she will continue as head: strategic projects. The board will undertake a quarterly review and report back to the city manager on the longer-term process.

The board of directors wishes to thank Hurter for his unwavering commitment during his term as an acting CEO.

[6 Apr 2011 09:13]

http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/94/58433.html

romanSA

April 6th, 2011, 03:30 PM

New boss for Durban ICC
06 April 2011 - 14:57
By Tamlyn Canham

The woman who oversaw planning on behalf of eThekwini municipality for the 2010 Soccer Word Cup will now be taking over the reins at Durban's International Convention Centre.

Julie-May Ellingson says as interim Chief Executive Officer she will be working on a restructuring and turnaround strategy at the conference centre.

She will fill the position until the ICC Board is able to replace its former CEO - Miller Matola - who left in June.

Ellingson will, however, remain involved in the Strategic Projects Unit but will spend a majority of her time at the ICC.

The city will have to pay more than R30-million rand to keep the centre afloat, according to their proposed budget for the next year.

Ellingson says over the next few months she will be focusing on governance issues and how to make the ICC sustainable.

"It is important to me to bring my knowledge of the city and bring my knowledge of economics and business modellings into the ICC arena, so for me it is an extension of the city business and we need to make sure that the ICC continues on its previous successes because it is very important to the overall city economy that the ICC remains competitive, remains Africa's leading conference destination."

http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-news?oid=1147221&sn=Detail&pid=490476&New-boss-for-Durban-ICC-

dysan1

April 7th, 2011, 12:09 AM

No offence but do we need 3?

romanSA

April 7th, 2011, 01:09 AM

1st 2 are similar but 3rd contains an interview with Julie-May, which is not covered in 1st 2 articles.

romanSA

April 7th, 2011, 03:31 PM

Durban put on business tourism map
April 7 2011 at 12:15pm
SUREN NAIDOO

http://www.themercury.co.za/polopoly_fs/nm-dbn-futureconvetioncity-1.1053550!/image/1901166650.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/1901166650.jpg

At the official launch of the Future Convention Cities Initiative (FCCI) in Seoul, South Korea recently were; from left; Rohit Talwar, FCCI secretary general; Gillian Taylor, business tourism manager of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority; James Seymour, CEO of Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau; Tracy Halliwell, director of business tourism at Visit London; Thomas Kiely, vice president of San Francisco Travel Association; Samuel Koo, CEO of Seoul Tourism Organisation; Lyn Lewis-Smith, COO of Sydney Convention Bureau; and, Tara Gordon, vice president of meeting and convention sales at Tourism Toronto. PICTURE: COURTESY OF SEOUL TOURISM ORGANISATION

Durban has joined an elite group of some of the world’s leading convention destinations – including Abu Dhabi, London, San Francisco, Seoul, Sydney and Toronto – under a newly launched alliance dubbed the Future Convention Cities Initiative (FCCI).

The initiative was officially launched at the FCCI First Action Forum in the South Korean capital of Seoul on March 21 with representatives from all seven member cities present.

Durban was represented by James Seymour, CEO of the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau.

The FCCI alliance, led by the Seoul Tourism Organisation, was started last July together with three other founding member city tourism bodies, Visit London, Sydney Convention Bureau and Tourism Toronto. It came in the wake of Seoul not being allowed into the Best Cities Alliance of international convention cities that includes Melbourne and Cape Town.

At the FCCI’s recent launch ceremony Abu Dhabi, Durban and San Francisco’s application to join the new alliance was approved.

Seymour said that Durban becoming a member of the powerful marketing alliance of global convention cities was a major business tourism coup.

“There is no doubt that destinations of the likes of London, Seoul, Sydney, San Francisco, Abu Dhabi and Toronto have achieved significantly in the realm of business tourism destination management.

“Business tourism is also undoubtedly one of the most extreme forms of relationship marketing that requires alliances such as the FCCI to provide a pool of experience relating to meetings that have already been hosted by its members. This can serve as useful leads and support for the future bids of its members,” he said.

“As a new conventions body, the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau is keen to learn from other leading convention cities… What we learnt about how Seoul goes out of its way to make you feel welcome has really inspired me,” added Seymour.

“This membership of FCCI will provide the province with critical insights to improve the current operations of its convention bureau and the broader business tourism community in greater Durban and KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.

Inspired

Rohit Talwar, executive director of FCCI and CEO of London-based research house Fast Future, said the launch event highlighted how much could be achieved by major convention cities working together.

“Our First Action Forum brought all of the FCCI members together for the first time, agreeing on a programme of strategic research, exchanging knowledge around key priorities for member cities and sharing expertise with leaders in meetings industry,” he said.

“FCCI is a global strategic research and knowledge exchange partnership of the convention bureaux of seven leading cities in the global conventions industry – Abu Dhabi, Durban, London, San Francisco, Seoul, Sydney and Toronto. The alliance is co-ordinated by Fast Future Research – authors of the Convention 2020 study on the future of the meetings industry,” said Talwar.

“The founding goal of the alliance is to bring together leading future focused cities that want to secure or establish their positioning as leading destinations for key knowledge economy meetings and events,” he said.

Seoul Tourism Organisation CEO Samuel Koo said the positive outcomes from the launch of FCCI had surpassed expectations.

“The FCCI cities represent a wonderful cross-section of major players in the world convention industry. Their collective wisdom and teamwork will be vital in further development of the global industry,” he said.

KZN Tourism MEC Michael Mabuyakhulu said he was delighted that the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau’s application to join the FCCI alliance was successful.

“This will provide us with exposure to the activities of the convention bureaus and possible joint marketing ventures with the cities of Sydney, London, San Francisco, Toronto, Seoul and Abu Dhabi,” he said.

“Business tourism has been identified as a major pillar of sustaining tourism particularly during the low seasons as well as in the current economic climate. As a result, the dedicated Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau was established in July last year. The bureau is a partnership between the provincial government, eThekwini Municipality, Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” he said.

Mabuyakhulu said that Durban’s membership of FCCI came at an opportune time with the city set to host two of the most high profile international meetings – the International Olympics Committee Congress in July and the huge United Nations COP17 climate change talks in November/December.

http://www.themercury.co.za/durban-put-on-business-tourism-map-1.1053551

Mo Rush

April 7th, 2011, 04:24 PM

So R26 million bail-out in 2010 and R31 million in 2011, Good Luck to Julie May. Massive year for the ICC. In the spotlight in June and December, and if it there are losses, hopefully these events, and a more consistent set of events remove these losses.

juzzy

April 12th, 2011, 10:24 AM

World Congress of Chiropractic Students-Durban 2013

dysan1

April 12th, 2011, 12:35 PM

You won with your preso?? CONGRATS! Tell us about it

juzzy

April 12th, 2011, 04:08 PM

You won with your preso?? CONGRATS! Tell us about it

Yeah our delegation won. it was between us and Atlanta in the final round, i had to do a 10 minute presentation to the other 24 chiropractic universities present and we got the vote 23 to 1. :banana:

romanSA

April 13th, 2011, 09:11 AM

CONGRATS!!! And thanks for your efforts in bringing this to Durbs! Now let's go break the kneecap(s) of the 1 representative who didn't vote for us...

romanSA

April 13th, 2011, 09:12 AM

Oh, and out of curiosity, which promo material did you end up using and what was the feedback to your presentation?

juzzy

April 13th, 2011, 10:08 AM

i used a video that james seymour gave to me titled "Durban Gateway" the people were very excited actually to come to Durban and some didnt even know where it was located in terms of the country....had a few weird questions such as "do you have a pet zebra" and "will i need some form of protection from any lions that may be on the street"
btw the 1 vote that we lost was to Atlanta themselves... haha

Mo Rush

April 13th, 2011, 10:21 AM

Congrats. Is the video on youtube?

dysan1

April 13th, 2011, 11:44 AM

juzzy

April 13th, 2011, 05:49 PM

about 25% of them from USA, other included, Johannessburg, spain, wales, england, france, brazil, australia, new zealand, mexico, japan and Canada. the vid isnt on youtube, it wasnt the best but is up to date, barely any view of MM, but focused on the beach and wildlife. Im not sure if im allowed to share the vid, as james gave it to me as a marketing tool that they use, but if i can i will post it asap.

thanx for all the support guys...now the hard pasrt of organising the thing...bleh

romanSA

April 13th, 2011, 06:42 PM

SA Tourism themes INDABA 2011, “Playing Globally, Winning Locally”
April 13, 2011
Travel Press Releases

Celebrating a record year of tourism growth and unpacking the new goals set for the tourism industry will be the focus of INDABA 2011, which is being hosted again by South African Tourism this year at Durban’s Albert Luthuli Convention Centre from 6-11 May 2011.

Preparations are well underway for Africa’s biggest travel and tourism trade show – which spans 27 000 square metres – with more than 13 000 visitors, 1 300 exhibitors, over 170 international hosted buyers and hundreds of local and international media expected this year at INDABA.

With the theme of “Playing Globally, Winning Locally” INDABA 2011 will pay tribute to the role played by the South African tourism industry in achieving 15.1% growth and an all-time high of over 8 million tourists in 2010. South African Tourism and its stakeholders will use INDABA to highlight issues such as the phenomenal growth and opportunities in emerging markets in Asia and the Americas, while keeping the focus on the country’s core tourism markets. It will also place the emphasis on a renewed drive to stimulate domestic tourism and encourage South Africans to explore their own country.

Through events such as the Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (ETEYA) on 6 May, the eagerly-anticipated INDABA Opening Ceremony on 7 May and the Global Media Face Off (to be moderated again this year by CNN’s Richard Quest) and Welcome Awards on 8 May, INDABA 2011 will also start to address the 2020 goals set out by the National Department of Tourism in the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS).

“When the tourism industry met at INDABA last year it was amidst great excitement, anticipation and intense global scrutiny shortly before our country’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The event’s phenomenal success enhanced worldwide positivity and awareness of our destination and contributed to a record-breaking year for the South African tourism industry. At INDABA 2011 we will pay tribute to the role played by the entire tourism industry in helping to showcase our country in such a positive light, while looking at the factors and trends that led to South Africa outperforming the global rate of tourism growth by over eight percent last year and the opportunities which have emanated as a result. We will also use INDABA 2011 to look at the 2020 targets set for the industry by the National Tourism Sector Strategy,” said Ms Thandiwe January-McLean, Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism.

Ms January-McLean stressed, however, that INDABA remained Africa’s foremost travel trade show and will be an unparalleled business and networking opportunity for Southern Africa’s foremost product offerings, as well as a wide array of international buyers and tourism industry stakeholders.

“INDABA remains the highlight of the South African Tourism calendar and every year we strive to keep it fresh and innovative as we work with our partners to continue to grow the tourism industry and emphasise our country as a world-class tourism destination. We will also use INDABA to debut some of our exciting new campaigns and marketing work in our core and emerging tourism markets, as well as our new global creative direction,” added Ms January-McLean.

New innovations at INDABA 2011 this year will include a multi-touch table surface allowing multiple users to view and engage with South African destination information, video content and social media platforms, a dedicated INDABA TV channel, as well as exciting new networking platforms, seminars and briefings.

Indaba 2011 takes place from 7-10 May at the Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban ICC). For more information, including media and visitor registration, please visit www.indaba-southafrica.co.za

http://www.travelwires.com/wp/2011/04/sa-tourism-themes-indaba-2011/

romanSA

May 5th, 2011, 12:33 PM

Thousands head to Durban for SA Tourism's INDABA 2011
Tourism event to attract 13,000 visitors and promote South Africa as one of world's top destinations

BY: Melissa Rudd | Wed May 4, 2011

More than 13,000 visitors are expected to attend the tourism industry showpiece INDABA 2011 in Durban from Saturday.

The event, which runs from May 7-10, is themed ‘Playing Globally, Winning Locally’ this year and will feature 1,300 exhibitors and 170 international buyers.

It will pay tribute to the role played by the South African tourism industry in achieving 15.1 percent growth and an all-time high of over 8 million tourists in 2010.

South African Tourism is expected to place the emphasis on a renewed drive to stimulate domestic tourism and encourage South Africans to explore their own country.

“INDABA remains the highlight of the South African Tourism calendar and every year we strive to keep it fresh and innovative as we work with our partners to continue to grow the tourism industry and emphasise our country as a world-class tourism destination,” said Thandiwe January-McLean, Chief Executive Officer of SA Tourism.

http://www.africanbusinessreview.co.za/tags/sa-tourism/thousands-head-durban-sa-tourisms-indaba-2011

Mo Rush

May 7th, 2011, 07:46 PM

dysan1

May 8th, 2011, 02:24 PM

I have no idea what u are talking about in your second part of your post

GetDownAdam

May 8th, 2011, 03:52 PM

Mo Rush

May 8th, 2011, 09:48 PM

The Durban and regional KZN brand is "Exceptional", like India has "India, Incredible India". I assume the "Africa's Sports and Events Capital" was dropped for the "Exceptional" slogan. Surprising given that cities are the superbrands.

De Lille has declared she wants Indaba in Cape Town. CT Tourism don't want to poach Indaba, rather create a new competing event.

Mo Rush

May 8th, 2011, 09:54 PM

Some good news. CT, JHB and DBN have initiated a joint marketing agreement to synergize and collaborate on various tourism development projects e.g. cruise tourism, or events. Good things coming soon.

Bad news. Rumours that Durban, KZN, and regional brand has been reduced to "Exceptional", a big mistake in a time when city brands are key. As I've mentioned previously, "Africa's Sports and Events Capital" was scrapped, if not entirely, then certainly less visible, and not used as much.

Major SA cities sign joint tourism pact

--Share
6 hours ago
http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/images/sized/images/uploads/miscellaneous/SA1-250x167.jpg CEOs from Cape Town Tourism, Johannesburg Tourism and Durban Tourism met during Indaba to discuss the partnership that will target international and domestic markets.

Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban are South Africa’s economic and tourism hubs and the newly signed joint tourism pact includwa destination packaging and collaboration on events and trade shows as well as shared collateral and online campaigns.
“Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban tell three very different and unique but complementary stories. I strongly believe that we add value to each other’s leisure and business tourism offering. The time has come for us to use creative and innovative ways to maximise the domestic and international leisure as well as business tourism potential for all 3 cities,” says Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism.

Lindiwe Kwele, CEO of Johannesburg Tourism added: “All three cities have the confidence to define themselves in the minds of our markets. Johannesburg is a frontier city and personifies urban chic, achievement and a sophisticated energy. Durban is diverse, a leading port city and exemplifies warmth and tradition. Cape Town is a city of inspiration, hope and freedom with a rich cosmopolitan culture set against the backdrop of an unprecedented natural beauty.”
A joint marketing initiative will see high-level collaboration on marketing and branding initiatives and knowledge exchange. Priorities will include improved city branding and how the unique offering of all three cities are being presented and packaged to both domestic and international travellers.

Phillip Sithole of eThekwini Municipality’s Business Support and Tourism concluded: “One of the secrets of a winning destination is for cities to realise that we are brands and that we should harness our assets. Positive perception, unique identities, authentic experiences and a powerful story is the armoury of a successful city brand.

“The joint marketing agreement is a formal recognition of our synergies and will go a long way to present a conducive and integrated city tourism experience for both domestic and international travellers.” He added
Indaba is Africa’s biggest travel and tourism trade show – which spans 27 000 square metres – with 1 300 exhibitors, over 170 international hosted buyers and hundreds of local and international media who have descended upon the show INDABA.

GetDownAdam

May 8th, 2011, 11:39 PM

dysan1

May 8th, 2011, 11:48 PM

A competing event? Sounds a bit sour grapes. And publicly stating things like that is shocking for a political party to be doing

Mo Rush

May 9th, 2011, 12:24 AM

A competing event? Sounds a bit sour grapes. And publicly stating things like that is shocking for a political party to be doing

Tourism Indaba: DA to bid to move Indaba to Cape Town

6 May 2011
Statement by
Patricia de Lille
DA Mayoral Candidate for Cape Town

As mayor, I would bring the Tourism Indaba, Africa’s largest tourism event, to Cape Town. Cape Town is the best tourist destination in the country. International and domestic travel figures say so. And international travel companies like TripAdvisor say so.

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website, surveyed millions of online reviews and named Cape Town the best travel destination in the world according to the polled results. Special commendations went to the Derwent House Boutique Hotel and the Blackheath Lodge, which I am visiting today along with the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism in the Western Cape, Alan Winde.

If elected Mayor of Cape Town, I would commit to meeting the National Minister of Tourism, Martinus van Schalkwyk, within the first 100 days of assuming office to discuss the logistics of our bid for the Tourism Indaba.

The Tourism Indaba is the largest tourist event in Africa and the third largest event of its kind in the world. It is being held this weekend in Durban, where 15 000 delegates will be buying various international tourist packages and products.

It has always been held in Durban, run by the ANC. It needs to come to Cape Town, South Africa’s premier tourist destination. Currently, the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) does not have the capacity to host such an event. However, renovations which are to be completed in the next mayoral term will see the CTICC becoming large enough to hold the Indaba.

MEC Winde, has been working since coming into office in 2009 to market the Western Cape, and Cape Town, as South Africa’s top tourism destination.

Indeed, MEC Winde has repeatedly stated that he intends to increase provincial economic revenues from tourism from 10% to 15%. If elected mayor, I would make it a priority of my administration to work with MEC Winde to capitalize on Cape Town’s strengths and truly reap the economic rewards that tourism has to offer our city, creating synergy between DA governments for economic returns.

Cape Town has become the number one centre for investment in the country due to our competitive advantages. Companies from the ‘new economy’ are establishing themselves here to take advantage of all our city has to offer, including the clean and efficient administration the DA provides.

But we must not discount the effect that our city’s natural beauty, rich heritage and deep history have to play in drawing people here. Those natural advantages are complemented by a city that works for the people who live in it, whether as residents or visitors. The safe and clean administration we provide creates the environment in which people can enjoy our city. Efficient government and marketing from the DA has helped us realise our potential.

Businesses want to operate here and people want to visit. That relationship is one that has the potential to make our tourism sector grow even more.

And growth means jobs. It means more people spending more money in Cape Town, benefitting our citizens both in direct and indirect ways.

We have established ourselves as the best tourist destination through hard work, good government and strategic thinking. It is only right that the continent’s premier tourism extravaganza be hosted by the home of South African tourism: Cape Town.

romanSA

May 9th, 2011, 10:59 AM

Tourism Indaba: DA to bid to move Indaba to Cape Town

As mayor, I would bring the Tourism Indaba, Africa’s largest tourism event, to Cape Town. Cape Town is the best tourist destination in the country. International and domestic travel figures say so. If elected Mayor of Cape Town, I would commit to meeting the National Minister of Tourism, Martinus van Schalkwyk, within the first 100 days of assuming office to discuss the logistics of our bid for the Tourism Indaba. It has always been held in Durban, run by the ANC. It needs to come to Cape Town....

After her early days of chanting "Kill the farmer, kill the boer" (people tend to forget that pathetic chapter of her life), the underlined bit has to be one of the stupidest things I've heard De Lille utter. Indaba is a non-political event. Why bring politics into it? So, she's going to call up Martinus (who is [now] an ANC official, and tell him that the ANC has run Indaba for too long and it's time for the DA to run it? And he is going to be moved by that argument? Geez!

I am all for CT bidding for the event (they have a right to do so until a permanent host is named), and this will keep Durbs on its toes, which will ensure the event always improves. But that said, on the issue of political parties, first, that's not the way it operates (De Lille seems to forget that Durban's hosting of Indaba has preceded democracy in SA, and before the ANC took over the city). Second, a CITY hosts it, not a political party. While the ANC may be in charge of Durbs currently, they cannot be credited with Indaba's growing success. Thirdly, even if the ANC were running the event (which they are not), they are obviously doing a damn fine job of doing so. The event has just grown from strength to strength. Fourth, last I checked, Durban was still leading the domestic tourism stakes. In fact, all figures released by tourism officials in the last few months indicate that Durban just trumped CT in Dec-Jan, which is usually CT's busiest season. The other busy periods, Easter and June-July is traditionally owned by Durban. I'm thus not sure what domestic "figures" De Lille is relying on.

romanSA

May 9th, 2011, 11:09 AM

Hands off Indaba, says Mlaba

May 9 2011 at 10:16am

Suren Naidoo

Mayor Obed Mlaba says anyone with ambitions of snatching the Indaba tourism trade show from Durban had “better watch out”.

He made the statement at the Indaba opening ceremony on Saturday night after Cape Town DA mayoral candidate Patricia de Lille had earlier said she would bid to have the trade show moved to the Mother City.

“No one can deny that Durban is the best place for Indaba. It is the warmest place to be, not only in terms of weather, but the true warmth of our people and our hospitality… We have invested in growing Indaba to what it is today together with SA Tourism,” he said.

De Lille said on Friday that she would bring the Tourism Indaba – Africa’s largest tourism event – to Cape Town if elected mayor.

“Cape Town is the best tourist destination in the country. International and domestic travel figures say so. And international travel companies like TripAdvisor say so… If elected mayor of Cape Town, I would commit to meeting the Minister of Tourism, Martinus van Schalkwyk, within the first 100 days of assuming office to discuss the logistics of our bid for the Tourism Indaba,” she said.

“It has always been held in Durban, run by the ANC. It needs to come to Cape Town, South Africa’s premier tourist destination. Currently, the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) does not have the capacity to host such an event. However, re- novations which are to be completed in the next mayoral term will see the CTICC becoming large enough to hold the Indaba,” she said.

Speaking at the Tourism KZN CEO’s breakfast at In-daba, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism MEC Michael Mabuyakhulu said a decision should be made to make Durban Indaba’s permanent home.

“When we look at the two biggest tourism trade shows in the world, ITB in Berlin and the World Travel Market in London, they have a permanent home. Durban should be the permanent home of Indaba,” he said.

“When we look back at the humble beginnings of Indaba, we are amazed by what we have accomplished over the past 32 years of this travel and tourism spectacle. Durban has hosted it for some 21 times. Please don’t remove something that is part of KZN, something that we have invested a lot of money in growing over the years,” added Mabuyakhulu.

He said a decision on making KwaZulu-Natal the permanent Indaba host would enable the government and other role players to invest in Indaba’s further growth.

The Indaba host city contract is awarded every three years, but last year SA Tourism awarded it to Durban for five years.

http://www.themercury.co.za/hands-off-indaba-says-mlaba-1.1066106

Durbsboi

May 9th, 2011, 03:24 PM

what a cockey move by CT, its not like Durban was never capable of hosting this event. I know guys that come every year for it, members of the IDC, various tourisim organisations and agents. They love it here! There has never been any major hiccup with it and the weather for most parts played its part. Heck! This weekend I even met a girl from CT who is working at a stand and said that its awesome Durban gets to hose this event and showcases the city and the ICC.

dysan1

May 9th, 2011, 05:14 PM

De Lille clearly forgets that Durban has a contract to host until the 2016 event, so the earliest it could move anywhere else is in 2017.

Clearly a silly politically charged statements fuelled by a very narrowminded agenda. Makes one question the calibre of some individuals in the DA and makes De Lille look like a poor mayoral candidate.

juzzy

May 9th, 2011, 09:38 PM

just another attack by the DA on anything they associate with the ANC ...pssshhh

dysan1

May 9th, 2011, 11:18 PM

One wonders what the DA hierarchy in Durban would think of this whole thing...

GregPz

May 10th, 2011, 02:05 PM

Mo Rush

May 10th, 2011, 02:30 PM

GetDownAdam

May 10th, 2011, 02:58 PM

dysan1

May 10th, 2011, 03:22 PM

In today's press the DA's Durban mayoral candidate said he supports the Indaba being in Durban BUT that he doesn't think Durban should be its permanant home!! He'd probably hand the olympic bid to Cape Town as well.

Isn't this just a case of the DA playing the numbers. They know they can't win Durban, so why bother with the voters. It's more important for them to look like they are behind the cities they have a chance in.

This is taking ass kissing to a whole other level. It seems that everything DA is directed to their Cape Town mothership... Alot of the claims they are making in Cape Town sound exactly like the baseless claims we moan at the ANC about.

Oh what they will do if they lose Cape Town...

romanSA

May 10th, 2011, 04:05 PM

The DA in Durban (and some other SA cities) suck. They have no vision and are experts at moaning and complaining about virtually anything (especially if it's remotely related to the ANC). I think its shocking that the DA in Durban say that Indaba should not stay in the city permanently. And they are supposed to represent the interests of the city? Them having this position is like the ANC saying that the Cape Argus Cycle Tour shouldn't be based in CT permanently.

I wonder if Durban's DA had even the slimmest chance of winning the city if they would maintain the position that Durban shouldn't be the permanent home?. I'm pretty certain that if they were to miraculously win the city, they would fight tooth and nail for the event to remain in the city so that they could claim the glory under their party auspices. Instead, because the DA has a better than even chance of winning CT, if Indaba were to be hosted there, this would give the party a chance to bask in Indaba's success (vs not being able to do so now). Also, if CT were to ever get Indaba, I wonder if the DA would argue that it should not stay there permanently?

Puke.

romanSA

May 10th, 2011, 04:14 PM

'Okay to trade blows over Indaba’

May 10 2011 at 01:57pm

SUREN NAIDOO

Just as Cape Town DA mayoral candidate Patricia de Lille wants the Indaba tourism tradeshow to move to her city, the DA’s Durban mayoral candidate, Ronnie Veeran, says he will fight to keep the showpiece in Surf City.

“Obviously I would want Indaba to be retained by Durban and would give the support needed to make this happen… Just as she (De Lille) supports the Stormers, I support the Sharks as a passionate Durbanite. I would want what is best for Durban,” he said in reaction to De Lille’s Indaba bid.

“However, competition is good; it must be a case of the best bidder winning. Both cities need to put their best foot forward. Competition will bring out the best in the bidding cities. It must be a case of may the best competitor win, whether it is Cape Town, Joburg or Durban,” he said.

However, Veeran said he did not support the idea of making Durban the permanent home of Indaba.

“We have the capacity and have proved ourselves, so why not keep it open to bidding every few years? It’s like giving too much power to one political party; you don’t want to foster complacency. When our cities compete, they can bring out the best in each other,” he said.

The four-day Indaba ends today at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

Although the Indaba host contract is usually awarded in three-year stints, last year Durban was given a five-year contract lasting until 2015, when SA Tourism would make a new call for prospective bidding cities.

Durban, which has hosted Indaba 21 times in its 32-year history, is expected to face stiff competition from the Cape Town International Convention Centre, which is set to|undergo a multibillion-rand expansion, doubling its size, come 2015.

However, with space available around the Durban ICC, there has been talk in the Thekwini council of possible expansion of the facility. This could include an upgrade of the neighbouring Durban|Exhibition Centre and development of a hotel on the site.

http://www.themercury.co.za/okay-to-trade-blows-over-indaba-1.1066986

romanSA

May 11th, 2011, 09:34 AM

Top acts for Durban’s Africa Day Concert
Publicity Matters
05/10/2011 08:32:00

This year the annual African Renaissance Festival begins with a phenomenal musical celebration on Africa Day: Wednesday, 25 May 2011 at 18h30.

Durban’s ICC Arena will feature the eclectic musical combination of South African music heavyweights, Ringo, Liquideep and Mango Groove.

The hugely popular Africa Day Concert promises a melting pot of musical inspirations with hot-property mbaqanga artist Ringo Madlingozi, the loveable Mango Groove, with their unique blend of African marabi, kwela and pop, and the eclectic electro world-dub outfit Liquideep at the ICC Arena,

The full festival, which is usually held during the last week of May to coincide with Africa Day (May 25) is the only annual celebration of the African Renaissance principles on the continent. However this year, due to the municipal elections, African Renaissance programme has been pushed out until August with the Youth Conference now being staged on 02 August 2011, and the African Renaissance Conference on 04 and 05 August 2011.

The Africa Day concert has become an annual calendar highlight for lovers of innovative and iconic South African music.

Ringo Madlingozi is prolific. He has 10 studio albums, two live CD/DVDs and one compilation album, and his concerts are described as “not just performances but are intensely spiritual, rhythmic and healing journeys that take you with him to the heights of One-ness with all that is in the Universe.”

Ringo set the country ablaze when he won the Shell Road to Fame contest with his friends and fellow band members, Peto, back in 1986; the constant crowd-puller at musical events around the country, who remains a firm favourite across the country and the rest of the African continent and the world. He later formed a group called Gecko Moon with Alan Cameron, a fellow Peto member. Since his debut solo album, Vukani, which sold tens of thousands of copies, he has been unstoppable subsequently been nominated for and scooped multiple awards for his albums, the South African Music Awards (SAMA) and the Kora All African Music Awards, where, among others, he won the Best Male Artist in Southern Africa and the African continent Awards.

Mango Groove’s career has spanned a groundbreaking and turbulent time in South Africa’s history. Since its first iconic multi-platinum release in 1989, the band, together with its charismatic lead singer Claire Johnston, has gone on to become a household name in South Africa.

To date, Mango Groove has sold over 750 000 albums in South Africa alone, and in terms of its airplay across all radio and TV stations, continues to be an act that truly reaches the hearts of all South Africans.

Many people have tried to define the Mango Groove sound, and have resorted to a host of adjectives and phrases to do this: Kwela/Marabi Pop, SA Pop, Big Band Swing Pop, Eclecto-Pop, and so on. Certainly, the Mango sound is a pop sound, aiming at simple and accessible songs, grooves and melodies and certainly it is eclectic. This eclecticism is primarily reflected in the extent to which Mango Groove has drawn on the rich legacy of South African urban music forms from the ‘40’s and 50’s:

The Liquideep duo is made up of singer/songwriter/producer Ziyon and DJ/producer Ryzor, who “hooked up in 2007 over a mutual love of hook-laden, melodically rich, deep house music”.

Just two years after their formation they caught the attention of the entire nation with the track ‘Fairytale’, which was play-listed on every major station in SA, played on any dance floor worth its salt and received a SAMA nomination for Song Of The Year and won a Channel O Music Video Award for ‘Most Gifted Dance Video’.

Liquideep released their debut artist album, ‘Fabrics of the Heart’, in the middle of 2010 – and it became a undisputed sensation. In 2010 they shared stages with huge American superstars Akon and Angie Stone.

Tickets are available to the public and prices have been kept low to ensure as many fans as possible can enjoy the musical feast. Tickets are R70 throughout (no concessions) and available through Computicket 083 915 8000 / www.computicket.co.za Tickets are unreserved.

For more information about the full African Renaissance programme, contact reception@wozani.co.za or telephone 031 266 9792 .

For more information and photos contact:
Illa Thompson
Publicity Matters
Tel 031 201 1638/083 326 3234
illa@pubmat.co.za

and

Sharlene Versfeld
Versfeld and Associates
Tel 031 811 5628 / 083 326 3235
sharlene@versfeld.co.za

Related Event:
African Renaissance Festival
Dates: Tuesday, 24th May 2011 - Friday, 27th May 2011
Related Venue:
Durban ICC, Durban KwaZulu-Natal South Africa

http://www.artlink.co.za/news_article.htm?contentID=27085

romanSA

May 11th, 2011, 04:31 PM

IOC July session a ‘first for Africa’
May 11 2011 at 10:29am

Suren Naidoo

The build-up to Durban hosting the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) powerful 123rd session in July ratcheted into high gear last week with the event’s logo and website being revealed. Officials of the Munich 2018 Winter Games bid also jetted into Durban for the function.

The event is expected to attract up to 1 000 of the world top sports administrators, media, IOC sponsors, government leaders and even royalty. The big news is that IOC executive Prince Albert of Monaco will also be present and will host a glamorous bash with his newly-wed wife, Charlene Wittstock.

There is expected to be large delegations from the three cities bidding to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.

The IOC will announce the winning city at the congress – taking place in Africa for the first time – at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

Communications chiefs from Munich’s 2018 bid committee – Jochen Farber and Simone Seefried – were in Durban last week to meet local media.

The Bavarian state capital is up against the South Korean city of PyeongChang and Annecy in France to win the bid.

Revealing the official logo for the IOC Session last week, the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) said it would “proudly represent South Africa as the world Olympic movement comes to Africa”.

“Many important sporting decisions will be reached during the IOC session, with the all-important day being Wednesday, July 6, when the host city of the 2018 Winter Olympics will be revealed…

“Durban was first nominated to host the 123rd session in April, 2008, along with Hong Kong.

“Durban was given the honour at the 120th IOC Session in Beijing, China (during the 2008 Olympic Games) to host this meeting,” Sascoc said in a statement.

“The striking logo for the 123rd IOC session, predominately blue in colour, was designed by Cape Town- based company, Interactive Africa, with the designer responsible for the logo being Richard Quintal,” it said.

Explaining the rationale behind the logo, Quintal said he had done lengthy research before coming up with his final concept.

“I looked at various Olympic sports and one in particular stood out – that of the ribbon used in gymnastics, very fluid and elegant. I imagined what the ribbon would look like as it fell to the floor. I then used a single piece of ribbon and made it into the shape of Africa, scanned it and redrew it, creating a more graphical representation,” he said.

“I used the shape of Africa because it is a more identifiable symbol than South Africa alone. Most international people think that South Africa and Africa are one and the same,” added Quintal.

Sascoc president Gideon Sam said the country was very excited at the honour of hosting the IOC on South African soil.

“This is a first for the continent and at this stage President Jacob Zuma has put together a team of cabinet ministers to work with the national organising committee to make this session a very successful one,” he said.

“Regular meetings are taking place and the planning processes have progressed.

“For me this is another opportunity to show world leaders in sport what we can put together in this country… With our intention to one day bid for the Olympics, this session will give us another opportunity to put our best foot forward to impress the world leaders in sport,” added Sam.

l The IOC session will take place in Durban between July 4-9.

The official website is www.durban2011.co.za

http://www.themercury.co.za/ioc-july-session-a-first-for-africa-1.1067379

romanSA

May 11th, 2011, 04:43 PM

As the above article notes, the Durban IOC website is up and running. It's okay but contains some dated pics (for example, one pic of the fading slideshow banner is of the Golden Mile from probably 15-20 years ago [shows Little Top and the old Capital Radio Building, which was demolished well more than a decade ago; another shows the Rachel Finlayson pool refurbushment still in progress, which was completed pre-May 2010] and info (recommended things to do include visiting BBB, which has closed, and refering to the Golden Mile as being book-marked on one end by the Snake Park, which closed almost 2 years ago). This is sloppy editing and reporting. I plan to write to the website contact person (SASCOC official) to inform them of their bloopers.

If anyone else notices anything else that is amiss, please feel free to let the webmaster / contact person know. Here's the site:

http://www.durban2011.co.za/

romanSA

May 11th, 2011, 04:46 PM

Here's those dated pics...

http://www.durban2011.co.za/files/2011/04/fader5.jpg

http://www.durban2011.co.za/files/2011/04/fader2.jpg

romanSA

May 11th, 2011, 04:54 PM

IOC wraps up visit
May 9th, 2011 | Published in Uncategorized

A high-powered International Olympic Committee delegation has left South Africa following a successful week-long visit to Durban, ahead of the 123rd IOC Session in the city in July. Durban will play host to the session in which the highlight will be the announcement of the hosts of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Delegates from the IOC and other visitors conducted meetings and investigations and
afterwards heaped praise on South Africa. “It was hugely successful,” enthused the CEO of South Africa’s Olympic governing body, SASCOC, Tubby Reddy. “All our distinguished guests were very impressed. The three bid cities gave their presentations and it was highly satisfactory. All three of those cities – Munich (Germany), Annecy (France), and Pyeongchang (South Korea) – can now go back home and put the final touches to their bid presentations.”

The IOC delegates expressed their happiness with the organisation ahead of the 123rd
Session, from 4-9 July. “It proves that all our preparations are on track for this hugely significant date on the IOC calendar,” said Reddy. “Obviously, from a South African perspective in general, and from Durban’s perspective in particular, it also bodes well in showcasing our ability to put on a major sporting event.”

South Africa’s IOC member, Sam Ramsamy expressed his confidence that the signs were good for a successful Session. “A lot of work has gone into ensuring the country is capable of great organizational things. We are on the right track and the IOC expresses it’s congratulations to the organisers.”

The president of SASCOC, Gideon Sam, had said: “We’re very excited at the honour of hosting the IOC on South African soil. This is a first for the continent of Africa and at this stage the President of the country, President Jacob Zuma, has put together a team of cabinet ministers to work with the NOC to make this session a very successful one.

“Regular meetings are taking place and the planning processes have progressed far. For methis is another opportunity to show world leaders in sport what we can put together in this country. Now that we’ve taken another step with the IOC visit we’re confident we’re on the right track,” added Sam.

Operation meetings included site visits, technical meetings, media arrangement, medical
capabilities and aspects pertaining to security.

Issued on behalf of SASCOC by Highbury Safika Media

http://www.durban2011.co.za/ioc-wraps-up-visit/

ToxicBunny

May 11th, 2011, 04:56 PM

The logo is actually really nice..

And yeah, I also noticed that pic, and I'm trying to decide if the other pic of the guys with the rickshaws is also possibly v v outdated.

carolannlipschitz

May 17th, 2011, 12:48 PM

Who is doing the accommodation?13th ISSI International conference, 4-8 July 2011 - Durban ICC - 2000 people

South Africa won the bid to host the 13th ISSI International conference in 2011, to be held in Durban. ISSI meets regularly bi-annually. Previous ISSI conferences took place in Belgium (1987), Canada (1989), India (1991), Germany (1993), USA (1995), Israel (1997), Mexico (1999), Australia (2001), China (2003), Sweden (2005), Spain (2007) and Brazil (2009). There was strong support for the ISSI conference to be hosted in Africa (South Africa) for the first time and also recognition that South Africa is research leader in Africa and an emerging research contributor from the developing world.

dysan1

May 19th, 2011, 11:51 AM

Key thing coming through here is the Durban global rank has surpassed JHB for 2010, most likely due to more events being covered (as i said previously the creation of this agency would do, and that CPT has been doing for years).

Bureau launches new meetings guide for KZN

http://www.bizcommunity.com/c/1105/72834.jpg

The Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau, with Azalea Publications, has published a guide offering a comprehensive overview of all business or group meeting, incentive and exhibition venues and services in the province, by the various tourism regions.
It also introduces the services of the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau, details on possible incentive and pre and post conference tours and introduces the concept of responsible business tourism practice.

This publication was made possible through a special budget provided by the province's Department of Economic Development and Tourism and by Azalea Publications in raising additional advertising revenue to cover the costs of the production.

IMEX launch

The aim was to launch the publication of this guide just before IMEX, which is held in Frankfurt, Germany from 24-26 May 2011. The Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau will be part of the South African exhibition stand or pavilion at this show.

Download this guide (size: 5.85 MB) http://www.bizcommunity.com/f/1105/2011GuideLR.pdf

Other milestones

The Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau has contributed to various improved tourism rankings and events

Durban improved its International Congress and Convention (ICCA) ranking, in terms of regional and international meetings hosted that exceed 50 delegates and have rotated between more than three countries. Results just released show its 2010 ranking as 178, up from 231 in 2009, passing Johannesburg at 196. Cape Town remains South Africa's most important city in terms of this ranking, however its ranking dropped from 35 in 2009 to 41 in 2010.

One of the core reasons for the improvement in this ranking was that the bureau set out to ensure that all meetings that qualify for ICCA ranking were submitted to this organisation, as one of its initial goals.

The bureau also made a significant contribution to the organisation of the inaugural Seatrade Africa Cruise Tourism Forum, held at Fairmont Zimbali Resort from 10-12 May 2011, which was attended by 10 of the most important cruise tourism executives and over 150 delegates from Africa.

It contributed to the efforts of the students of the Durban University of Technology in winning the right to host the 2013 World Congress of Chiropractic Students. This conference is expected to attract in excess of 200 delegates from all over the world.

[19 May 2011 09:49]

http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/40/59647.html

romanSA

May 19th, 2011, 12:51 PM

DBN-boom

May 19th, 2011, 01:08 PM

Just beat me to posting this! :)

Yes, I think we'll see Durban's rankings progressively improving in the next 3 years. And to think that this jump in rankings is as a result of just a few months work! Imagine if the bureau had been estabished 5 years ago? I imagine we would be even higher now.

I also think the city's hosting of the IOC and COP 17 meetings will enhance the city's reputation and will help win other bids when we go up against major destinations.

^^Mmmh
That was the PR - here's the news story.

Durban rises in world conference rankings
Durban had shot up the world conference city rankings - up 53 places to 178th - ahead of Joburg, James Seymour, chief executive of the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Conventions Bureau, said yesterday.

Speaking at the launch of KZN's first dedicated business tourism planning guide, he said Durban had improved its rankings, according to the International Conference and Congress Association (ICCA).

"The gathering of data on international and regional meetings that took place in the city helped bolster Durban's 2010 ranking. In 2009, Durban's ranking was 231 and for 2010, which has just been released, it shot up to 178th spot," he said.

"This implies that Durban has moved ahead of Joburg, which came in at 196, in the influential rankings. Cape Town remains South Africa's most important city in terms of this ranking. However, its ranking dropped from 35 in 2009 to 41 last year.

"One of the core reasons for Durban's improvement in this ranking is the fact that the recently established Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau set out to ensure that all meetings that qualify for ICCA ranking were submitted to the global industry body," said Seymour.

He said the enhanced ranking would boost the city's image and could help it attract major events.
The city aimed to be among the top 70 leading conference destinations in the world in the next three years.
Merryl Fairfoot, the convention bureau's research and development manager, said Durban had been in the spotlight during the World Cup and was holding major international events this year - including the International Olympic Committee's session and the UN climate change summit.

"This has given Durban incredible momentum to secure more major events and conferences," she said.
Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Andrew Layman said Durban's rise in the rankings was good news. He said Seymour and his team were ensuring that Durban was noticed as a world-class player in the competitive global conference industry.

Seymour said the new KZN Meetings Industry Guide provided a comprehensive overview of all business meetings, incentives and exhibition venues and services in the province. He said the convention bureau's website also went live on Monday, and the bureau would be represented at the IMEX business tourism trade show in Frankfurt next week. - The Mercury

SOURCE:http://www.iolproperty.co.za/roller/news/entry/durban_rises_in_world_conference

dysan1

May 19th, 2011, 01:19 PM

The new website is live and downloaded the convention book, good showing of all the new venues, finally something that doesnt look SO blah and 80s/poor quality.

This new body is really upping the game for the Durban industry which was not fully professional in the way it worked previously

http://www.durbankzncb.co.za/

romanSA

May 24th, 2011, 10:52 AM

The Durban Comedy Invasion
Rhumbelow Theatre
05/24/2011 09:28:46

June is Comedy Month at Rhumbelow Theatre with two great shows over two weekends on 10-12 June and 17-19 June starring Glen Bo, Jem Atkins, Dusty Rich and Gareth Woods.

Four of Durban's best stand-ups are a deadly comedic fighting force. Invading with their weapons of choice, wit, funny-bombs and mirth-sharpshooting they will have you in stitches. Teaming up to take a show which is their personal best linked in-theme, expect intelligent alternative stand-up comedy.

They are taking the show to the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, so see it in Durban and send your troops off to war.

Glen Bo, the founder of the DSOC (Durban School of Comedy), has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe; London Comedy Festival, Splashy Fen, Rocking the Daises and all over RSA. With his signature style of observational biographic material he's energetic, witty and improv's during shows with hysterical crowd interactions. "Bo is brilliant" Daily News. "Future comedy giant" SA Times, London. "Excellent comedian, he got laughs from students and faculty alike, very clever" Kearsney College Upbeat Festival.

Gareth Woods. His style is one of witty and anecdotal analysis of life’s everyday occurrences and is sure to put a fresh lens on the ordinary. His accomplishments - Winning the ‘5fm Fresh Drive Comedy Competition 2009’. Opening for Trevor Noah's one man show 'Daywalker' at the Lyric Theatre

Jem Atkins, somewhat dry, somewhat bitter, with quirky antics and impressions he's a funny man. "Best new act Durban" 2009. Round 3 - SA's got Talent.

Dusty Rich: Dusty's style of comedy is lucid and physical with a unique (understatement) take on society and how he personally interacts with it.

Produced by the DSOC and Smashtime for the 'Durban Comedy Invasion'

FRIDAY 17 JUN 2011 Show starts 20.00
SATURDAY 18 JUN 2011 Show starts 20.00
SUNDAY 19 JUN 2011 Show starts 18.30
(Venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner)

R100 a ticket. Bring food picnic baskets.
(Block Bookings 8 or more R75 – both weekends)
(Braais will be available should you wish to cook some meat)
Limited secure parking available. Booking is essential.
Bar available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises)

Phone or e-mail Roland for bookings

Artslink.co.za Account:
Roland Stansell
roland@stansell.za.net
031 205 7602
082 499 8636
Rhumbelow
www.rhumbelow.za.net

Web site: http://www.rhumbelow.za.net
Related Venue:
Rhumbelow Theatre, Cunningham Avenue off Bartle Road Durban KwaZulu-Natal South Africa

http://www.artlink.co.za/news_article.htm?contentID=27207

dysan1

May 24th, 2011, 03:03 PM

Fox Surfer X Going Off in Durban

PRESS RELEASE

The annual Fox Surfer X is primed and ready to explode in Durban this weekend with South Africa's best surfers, MX racers and cross-over specialists convening for one of the most unique and exciting events on the national alternative sports calendar. Originally conceived in America this event takes professional athletes out of their comfort zones and allows the crossover experts a platform to show just how good they really are.

The event levels the playing field between boards and bikes as competitors must compete in both a surf and motocross contest, combining their results from each division to decide who is the ultimate cross-over champion.

The event is a proven favourite with competitors and spectators getting a mix of intense action and plenty of entertainment. Good surf is forecast and the track at Springfield is primed. A short course designed with a focus on speed rather than stamina means riders will be going flat out for 10 laps.

The field has been divided into three fields with categories for Pro Surf and Pro MX but the Main Class is for the guys who absolutely rip on dirt and water. Defending champ Wihane Coetze in unfortunately out due to a training injury but previous champions Wes O'Driscoll and Clint Dreyer will be looking to add a second title to their mantle. Combining two vastly different disciplines like this adds an amazing uncertainty factor that keeps the tension cranking right to the final flag.

The first round will take place at Umhlanga's main beach with the first heat hitting the water at 8am on Saturday 21 May. The MX portion will be run on Sunday at Springfield MX track with practice at 9am and the first heats beginning at 10am. Entrance for spectators is free. Once prizegiving is completed there will be an open invitation to anyone who wants to come and do a few laps with the competitors.

http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/press-release/fox-surfer-x-going-off-in-durban_55972/

romanSA

May 26th, 2011, 03:26 PM

Brazil, SA, India and China climate meeting under way in Durban
By: Christy van der Merwe
26th May 2011

Climate change experts and negotiators from Brazil, South Africa, India and China, the ‘Basic’ grouping, are meeting in Durban over the next two days, to discuss a common negotiating position for the 17th conference of the parties (COP17) in December.

The meeting would be followed by a Ministerial meeting on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29, which would be attended by Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa, Chinese National Development and Reform vice-Minister Xie Zhenhua, Indian Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh, and Brazilian Environment Ministry executive secretary Francisco Gaetani.

This would be the second Basic meeting since COP16 was held in Cancün, Mexico, in December 2010. The first was held in India in February.

The Department of Environmental Affairs said that the Basic meeting sought to build on the discussions of the February meeting and inform the countries’ strategy for forthcoming United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meetings, and other strategic meetings such as those of the Major Economies Forum.

The next UNFCCC conference was scheduled for June 6 to June 17, in Bonn, Germany, where negotiators would discuss progress towards the Durban COP17 meeting from November 29 to December 9.

South Africa was also a part of the Africa Grouping at climate change negotiations, and it was unclear whether or not these negotiating parties would have conflicting views.

Edited by: Mariaan Webb

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/brazil-sa-india-and-china-climate-meeting-under-way-in-durban-2011-05-26

DBN-boom

June 3rd, 2011, 04:04 PM

Olympics Royal Show for Durban
June 3 2011 at 02:21pm

SUREN NAIDOO
DURBAN will be at the centre of global sport when it hosts the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) 123rd Session in the first week of July with about 2500 top world sport administrators, royalty, government leaders and media expected to descend on the city.

Marking the 30-day countdown to the event yesterday, IOC executive member Sam Ramsamy said the eyes of the sports world would be on Durban.

“Heads of state, royalty, ministers and former ministers, leading international sports administrators, heads of international corporate companies and sports stars make up the illustrious membership of the IOC. It will be the first time that such a group will be assembling at once in South Africa,” he said.

Ramsamy said besides the widely publicised presence of the newly-wed royal couple of Prince Albert II of Monaco and wife Charlene Wittstock, other royalty expected to attend include the UK’s Princess Anne, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Netherland’s Prince of Orange, the Crown Prince of Denmark, and various Arab royal families.
Sepp Blatter – the controversially re-elected Fifa president is also expected to be in town, together with IOC boss Jacques Rogge and former Fifa president Joao Havelange. Other leading sports bosses set to attend include IAAF president, Lamine Diack; International Tennis Federation president, Francesco Ricci Bitti; and, International Cycling Federation president, Pat McQuaid.
Ramsamy said the highlight of the IOC meeting, which takes place from July 2-9 at Durban’s International Convention Centre, would be the announcement of the winning bid city to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.
“The three cities bidding for the privilege are Munich (Germany), Annecy (France) and PyeongChang (South Korea). The cities are expected to bring huge bid delegations and the winning host city will be elected in a secret IOC ballot on July 6. We have already had confirmation that German president (Christian Wulff) and South Korean presidents (Lee Myung-bak) are also expected to be in Durban to support their country’s bids,” he said.
“This event is the biggest biannual meeting of leaders in global sport. Having been born in Durban, this is indeed a great delight and honour that we can host such a high profile event in this city.

“In the 117 years of the IOC, this event has never been hosted in Africa. To host this event in our country and knowing how cities and countries vie to host the IOC Session, Durban is certainly fortunate. This gives me an opportunity to personally welcome my colleagues to the city where I was born,” said Ramsamy.

Gideon Sam, president of the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc), said the country’s hosting of the IOC Session was of huge significance.

“I cannot emphasise just how big an honour for South Africa it is to be afforded the privilege of hosting this… It’s the first time that it is coming to the African continent since the very first Session in Paris, France back in 1894," That's how big a deal it is,” he said.

Durban mayor designate James Nxumalo said: “This event is going to be huge for our city and it’s really exciting. We are delight to host this prestigious IOC meeting and all the leaders and royalty that will come along and get the international spotlight on Durban,” he said.

Ramsamy said in the first week of July “Durban was going to be rocking” with events around the IOC session, including Prince Albert celebrating his wedding by hosting a VIP reception at the Oyster Box Hotel for IOC members and with President Jacob Zuma, other government leaders and friends (July7). He said other events were being planned by the tourism authorities, but were under wraps.
Tourism bosses are predicting a money-spinning week for Durban with most IOC delegates expected to jet in on the Saturday that the city hosts the famous Vodacom Durban July horserace. Organisers have strategically themed the race as “A Royal Affair” this year.
Ramsamy said bidding cities for the 2018 Olympics were going all out with one even contemplating flying in the bid delegation and throngs of supporters directly to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport on a giant A380 Airbus.
He said Sascoc had spoken to the Airports Company of South Africa to ensure what happened during the World Cup semi final at King Shaka did not happen during the IOC Session. Government had appointed an inter-ministerial committee to oversee preparations for the event.

Meanwhile, Ramsamy said he was disappointed about the government’s decision not to bid for the 2020 Olympic Games. At 73, he said he wanted to see South Africa or at least Africa host the Olympics in his lifetime. Ramsamy said he was very confident the country would bid for the 2024 games.

Source: http://www.themercury.co.za

romanSA

June 6th, 2011, 04:12 PM

Durban is back in the game

June 6 2011 at 12:51pm
By OMESHNIE NAIDOO

Durban is finally picking up the pieces after falling off the fashion map.

The flagship Durban Fashion Week took a curtain call just three years after its inception, leaving the city out of the national fashion stakes.

However, this year marks the launch of the KwaZulu-Natal Fashion Council, generously funded by the Department of Economic Development, to bolster the sector. There will also be at least two major fashion showcases with the potential to put Durban back on the map.

Will we make the same mistakes this time around?

The 031 Collection, presented by Mr Price and held at Cobham Grove, just behind Moses Mabhida Stadium, at the weekend, was certainly not the first fashion show in the city this year, but what clearly set it apart from the rest is that it was backed by one of South Africa’s leading mass retailers.

Louis Holmes, marketing director at Mr Price, said the company had decided to stage the show as there was so much talent in Durban that didn’t get time in the limelight, unlike designers in Cape Town and Joburg, which had large fashion weeks.

She said that, after many years of sporting sponsorships, the company was keen to develop local fashion.

The company has shown its commitment through its support of the Elle New Talent Competition at South Africa Fashion Week and 031 marked the very first Mr Price New Design Award.

The winner, Cindy Armstrong, received R20 000, induction into a mentorship programme in Mr Price and the opportunity to design a range to be sold in stores.

Where this range may be manufactured is an entirely different question.

There is a distinct difference between retailers’ attitudes to manufacture and those to design.

Pricing and fabric are among the factors that determine choice of supplier and, with only a handful of good textile manufacturers left in Durban, there is not much chance that the whole value chain will remain in the country.

Local fashion commentator Renato Palmi says there has always been a disconnect between design and manufacturing.

“What the design sector doesn’t realise is that, the more the factories that close down, the harder it will be for them to find suppliers. Productivity in the clothing sector has dropped and, ideally, what we’d like to see is a local value chain.”

Whether we connect the dots and see fashion as an industry is the big question.

Alice Zejglic, one of the conveners of 031, said the company had targeted local and national media for the first showing. Perhaps in the future audiences will include buyers, design houses, manufacturers and retailers. Instead of just showing the country what Durban fashion has to offer, it may propel it into business and grow the sector.

Zejglic hits the nail on its head when she says there are two common goals to this sector, “publicity and sales”.

Nirod Bramdeo, honorary consul-general for Mauritius in KwaZulu-Natal, facilitated showing two South African designers at Mauritius’s Indian Ocean showing in March.

He says Durban has much in common with the island.

“It is competing just as much with the Chinese market as we are.

“Mauritius used the event to bolster its textiles sector and show its creativity.

“We in Durban should do the same. We may not always be able to compete with the cheap Chinese imports but, as a member of (Southern African Development Community), we could successfully export to Europe and America.”

Bramdeo said Durban had been a leader in clothing and textile manufacture and, if anything, we should be more of a continental fashion hub than Joburg, for example.

But it’s not all about the big bucks. Young designer Tehmeena Sather is demonstrating the power social networks have when it comes to building a brand.

Sather has been blogging and facebooking about fashion and has built up a network of industry people online. Those who have joined her Style of Fashion group range from designers to hair and make-up people as well as models looking to launch their careers.

She has pooled their talents to launch style shows this year, the first of which was held at Max in Gateway and the latest, a tea party and fashion show, at the Balmoral Hotel on the beachfront last weekend.

The show was a platform for Sather to launch her label, Anarkhali, and featured young designer Kashmitha Moodley’s collection, Kashmi.

Sather says: “I plan to organise these events every quarter and I don’t want it to just be about fashion. There will be food, entertainment and things to do before and after.” - The Mercury

http://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/style/fashion/durban-is-back-in-the-game-1.1079230

dysan1

June 15th, 2011, 11:19 AM

Southern African Music Conference is in the city...growing each year and hopefully can develop like similar global conferences of this nature.

Business of making music
June 15 2011 at 08:04am
By Therese Owen

The word “conference” conjures up the sheer boredom of discussions about nothing in particular followed by crazy parties and illicit sex at night. And the company pays.

Not so with the annual Southern African Music Conference. Sure, it being in Durban and all, night time is about crazy parties and illicit sex, but during the day it’s all about the business of music. Each year that I have attended this conference it has always impressed me how informative and practical each session is. Yes, it does come from a house background, but then again it is also the most informative conference when it comes to the business and creativity of music.

For those not yet in the know, the conference is organised by the biggest people in house music.

Vinny da Vinci, Christos, Fresh, Greg Maloka and Oskido not only created the South African house sound, they are the most influential DJs/producers to have come out of South Africa. For more than 20 years, they’ve ruled the roost that is popular culture in this country.

This year they have teamed up with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and broadcast sponsors SABC to present this event from June 27 to July 1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The event will host speakers such as Culoe de Song, Rocco and Franck Roger from France, as well as Ralf Gum from Germany. Other international speakers include Monique Bingham from Belgium as well as Robert Waler from the US. But most delegates will be looking out for words of wisdom not only from the big boys, but also from Black Coffee.

This man is one of the world’s biggest DJs. Black Coffee is also responsible for the gift of Zakes Bantwini, who is currently the country’s most loved musician.

What is also quite nostalgic is that Black Coffee studied at the University of KZN’s music school. He also creates his own house tunes from scratch and makes some of the most beautiful music.

Other speakers include Winnie Khumalo, Professor, Tumelo and the superstar Bantwini.

The focus this year is on songwriting. Said DJ Fresh: “We’ve noticed with past conferences that the people make nice beats, but they don’t write songs. We are going to focus on that to help young artists.”

This approach, says Oskido, is why the NYDA decided to give them money. “It’s good that they are coming on board,” he smiled.

“They told me that this conference is talking to their mandate. Tickets would have cost R500, but with their involvement it is only costing R350.”

SABC1 has also come on board, as have five SABC radio stations – 5FM, Metro, Motsweding, Ukhozi FM and Lesedi. Other topics include running your own independent label, promotion and latest music trends.

The conference will culminate in a huge after-party following the Durban July. The venue is the DLI hall just across from the Greyville Racecourse.

http://www.iol.co.za/tonight/music/business-of-making-music-1.1083713

romanSA

June 15th, 2011, 12:52 PM

On the back of last week hosting the 5th SA AIDS Conference (the world's largest AIDS conference after the World AIDS Conference), this week the ICC is hosting the 1st International HIV Social Science & Humanities Conference. Thousands of conference delegates are mulling around. Glad the weather is back to stellar this week.

dysan1

June 15th, 2011, 01:21 PM

romanSA

June 15th, 2011, 02:12 PM

SA ready to host 123rd IOC Session

Nthambeleni Gabara

15 June 2011

South Africa is fine-tuning its preparations for hosting international sports administrators, royalty and heads of state at the 123rd International Olympic Committee Session in Durban in July – a first for the continent.

The 123rd IOC Session will run from 4 to 9 July at Durban's International Convention Centre. One of the items on the agenda will be the decision and announcement of the 2018 Winter Olympics host city, with Munich (Germany), Annecy (France) and Pyeongchang (Korea) in the running.

The gathering to announce the host city will be held on Wednesday, 6 July.

Briefing reporters about the global session in Johannesburg on Tuesday, South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sacoc) CEO Tubby Reddy said: "Even if the visitors were to arrive tomorrow, we are ready to host them. Our preparations are currently at an advanced stage. We are fine-tuning our operational planning."

IOC executive board member Sam Ramsamy promised delegates to the 123rd IOC assembly an unforgettable week in South Africa.

"This is a historic moment for Durban, South Africa and for Africa to host the International Olympic Committee for the first time on the continent," Ramsamy said. "This is the first time that such a group is assembling in South Africa. This provides us with abounding opportunities to showcase our economy, tourism, culture and our people."

Ramsamy said the heads of state of Germany, Korea, Hungary, the Netherlands and Denmark would be amongst those taking part in the IOC session. Sascoc was still awaiting attendance confirmation for French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Royal wedding reception

Ramsamy also announced that the wedding reception of the Prince of Monaco, Prince Albert II, with his South African fiance, Charlene Wittstock, an Olympic backstroke swimmer, would be held in Durban on July 7.

Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula described the 123rd IOC Session as a second Soccer World Cup.

"This is the big event," Mbalu said. "We've hosted the world's football fraternity in South Africa, and we're delighted to now be playing host to the entire Olympic movement in our country.

"We look forward to constructive engagement with the leaders of world sport, as we look to continue entrenching our country's positive reputation as a major international sports, tourism and events destination," Mbalula said.

Royal wedding reception

The IOC 123rd Session will also coincide with the official launch of the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE), taking place in Cape Town from 27 to 29 July.

South African Tourism chief marketing officer Roshene Singh said: "Globally, sports tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry, and South Africa [has a] proven capability of hosting major events, as well as our significant infrastructure footprint."

Durban was first nominated to host the IOC 123rd Session in April 2008, along with a second candidate (Hong Kong). Durban was awarded the honour at the 120th IOC Session in Beijing, China in August that year.

Source: BuaNews

http://www.southafrica.info/news/ioc-150611.htm

romanSA

June 16th, 2011, 11:07 AM

Didnt even hear about that one. This is a very busy June/July/August hosting season. There are 12 international events with a total over 25000 attendees during this period, excluding the large local events like the SA Aids conference.

Yup, June-Aug is a big month for Durban. In a couple of days time, Durban will be hosting the 29th International Triennial Midwives Congress (19 - 23 June), which also draws thousands of delegates.

dysan1

June 16th, 2011, 05:26 PM

Indian Idols winners to perform in Durban

Jet Airways, along with AA Events, who also organised the Sonu Nigaam tour and The new age friendship concert at Moses Mabida Stadium, are proud to present Chandra and Sourbhee along with the other finalists of the enthralling Indian Idols 2010 competition in concert.

“Jet Airways is proud to be able to bring international stars such as Sreeram and Sourbhee to our Durban audience at a world class venue such as the ICC. This concert, with such an impressive line-up can only add to the youth day celebrations.”

Chandra, since winning Indian Idols 5 he has become an even bigger star in the playback singing business, and is in demand all over the world to perform in his own inimitable style. He will be joined on stage by fellow Indian Idols finalists Rakesh Maini, Swarup Khan. All of these high profile performers will be in Durban for one night only, on June 17th at the International Convention Centre.

With such an electrifying and varied line-up, it is sure to be a fun and music-filled evening for fans of all tastes. This glamorous and professional event is not to be missed and promises to be a highlight on the 2011 social calendar. Tickets are available at Computicket from R 100. For further information call concert hotline no: 071 5826656

http://www.newsonline.co.za/data/images/2521/INDIAN_IDOL_17TH_JUNE[1].jpg

http://www.newsonline.co.za/article_detail.asp?Article_ID=2521

dysan1

June 16th, 2011, 06:42 PM

Animation Expo Durban 2012

Why Animation Expo Durban?

Animation Expo Durban is a logical next step in boosting the animation industry in South Africa. Animation Expo Durban will be used as a stepping stone toward stimulating the animation industry in South Africa as well as to promote quality training and production in animation.

What is Animation Expo Durban?

Spanning a total of 4 days from 19th to 22nd April, 2012, the Animation Expo Durban will be the first of its kind, taking place over several venues, with the main several venues in and around the tourist friendly city of Durban. Animation Expo Durban will include Live Demonstrations, Networking Receptions, Workshops, Panel Discussions, Business Symposiums, Recruiting and Professional Exhibitions, Master Classes and an end of Expo Gala Dinner.

About The Expo

This event serves as a key meeting place, bringing students, academics and animation producers from all over the country, the expo will attract creative professionals from top studios and educational institutions both local and international. An estimated number of 250-300 delegates will be attending the event, creating an important communication link between fans of animation & the professional animators.

Animation Expo Zones

The event will also cater to about 5000 walk in visitors per day. The main exhibition venue will comprise of Animart or animation market place divided into the Animation Lifestyle Zone, Animation Business Zone and the Animation Study Zone. The Study Zone, for example, will give visitors an opportunity to meet teaching institutions and to investigate animation study opportunities locally and abroad. The Animation Business Zone will bring animation production companies and financiers in contact with writers, students and the general public in touch with each other.

Animation Master Classes

Training master classes will be held in smaller venues and will give pre-booked guests an opportunity to learn the secrets of animation from experienced speakers, writers and producers. Confirmed guests who have committed to participate in the inaugural expo include Mohammed Ghazala, an Egyptian based animator and Toon Boom Animation Canada, represented by Harry Ravelo. The Animation Expo will address crucial issues of animation such as animation development, challenges & opportunities in animation film production in South Africa, as well as outsourcing animation production opportunities Local production focus on TV Content, gaming and multimedia such as cell phone downloads are just some of the possibilities.

Mr. Krish Moodley, Expo Director attended Ficci Frames in Mumbhai, India, in March this year, where he met animators and producers who will be attending. This will provide locals interested in animation a chance to learn first hand from a very successful animation market. Master class sessions will also give delegates an opportunity to check out international trends and provide networking opportunities with other animators, producers and financiers.

www.animationexpo.co.za

ToxicBunny

June 17th, 2011, 10:23 AM

It will be very interesting to see which animators are thinking of attending.

romanSA

June 20th, 2011, 09:15 AM

ICM: 3000 midwives gather to tackle maternal mortality and morbidity

Fri Jun 17, 2011 7:21am EDT

Midwives from over 111 countries will gather today at the International Confederation of Midwives Triennial Congress in Durban, South Africa. They will call for governments worldwide to take the necessary steps to end to needless deaths of women in pregnancy and childbirth. Congress will start with an inaugural rally .and march at 1.30pm on the 18th June, when 1000 Congress delegates and supporters will walk for 5km through the city. This is the first time ICM has held a Congress in Africa. The event and the march represent a show of solidarity with mothers and midwifery colleagues across a continent which has some of the highest rates of maternal and infant mortality in the world. According to global estimates around 364,000 women die in pregnancy and childbirth each year. 99% of these deaths occur in low resource countries.

Congress delegates will be joined by high profile maternal health advocates, including the First Ladies of Kenya and Malawi and will participate in a comprehensive peer reviewed scientific programme. The programme will include key contributions from global agencies including the United Nations, the Gates Foundation, the Federation of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians alongside individual experts in clinical midwifery practice and policy. The programme has been organised by the South African Midwives' Association and aims to strengthen the capacity of midwives to tackle the five major causes of maternal mortality worldwide.

The landmark event will provide the global launch site for a major global report on the state of the world's midwifery, created in partnership with 26 international agencies, including ICM and led by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). The State of the World's Midwifery Report :Delivering Health, Saving Lives presents an overview of the number, skills level and distribution of life saving midwives in those countries which experience the highest rates of maternal death. The report will be launched on 20th June at 12.00 by the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Dr Babatunde Osotimehin and ICM President Bridget Lynch.

The ICM Congress will also see the launch of new global standards for midwifery education and professional regulation. These will provide national governments with the tools they need to address dangerous shortfalls in access to qualified midwifery and support them to deliver targets for maternal and infant health improvement. They have been developed in consultation with professional midwives, educators and maternal health policy experts over three years. Global in their scope, the standards answer the needs of those countries which face the greatest challenges in ensuring that women in childbirth are attended by professionals with essential midwifery skills.

Confederation President, Bridget Lynch said 'This Congress sees midwives taking their place as an essential part of the maternal healthcare workforce and marks a milestone achievement for our profession. We are the first healthcare profession to establish global standards for education, regulation and midwifery competence. The standards pave the way for high quality midwifery services. By launching these alongside Delivering Health, Saving Lives we will have a global picture of what is needed, the evidence of what works and the tools we need to deliver in those countries where mothers pay the heaviest price for giving life.' said Bridget Lynch, ICM President.

More information about the International Confederation of Midwives and the Durban Congress can be found at www.internationalmidwives.org .

Media enquiries to Anita Wiseman, ICM Media & Communications Officer

e-mail a.wiseman@internationalmidwives.org

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/17/idUS114151+17-Jun-2011+HUG20110617

romanSA

June 20th, 2011, 09:23 AM

16 African countries chosen for 2011 Durban International Film Festival’s Talent Campus
by Press Release
20 June 2011

DIFF (the Durban International Film Festival) has finalised its selection for this year’s Talent Campus (22-26 July, 2011)

Nearly 50 filmmakers, representing 16 African countries – Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cote d’livoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mali, Nigeria, Rwanda, Swaziland, Uganda and Zimbabwe – will converge on Durban to participate in an intensive programme of workshops and master classes during the first five days of DIFF.

Themed: ‘Africa in Motion’, the 4th Talent Campus includes a ‘Doc Station’ component where three selected recipients will receive expert mentoring before pitching their documentary projects to financiers, commissioning editors and potential co-producers within the Durban FlimMart.

Says Monica Rorvick, Talent Campus Manager: “Talent Campus Durban has already made a significant contribution to growing both skills and opportunities of African filmmakers. The Festival has noted more film submissions coming from ‘the talents’ – this year DIFF is screening many films by previous Talent Campus participants. Career paths are opening up internationally for some of them, such as Cameroonian filmmaker Ariane Astrid Adoji, whose first film premiered in DIFF 2010 and was then picked up for screenings at Goteborg, Dubai (where it won an award) and Hot Docs festivals. Ariane returns to Durban this year with a new project in the Durban FilmMart.”

The Talent Campus participants will also have the opportunity to attend screenings at the 32nd Durban International Film Festival which runs from 21 – 31 July.

Talent Campus Durban is a partnership programme between DIFF in co-operation with the Berlinale Talent Campus and the Berlin International Film Festival. It is supported by the German Embassy in South Africa, the Goethe-Institut and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

Apart from the main event in Berlin, Talent Campus partnerships take place at selected festivals in Beunos Aires, Guadalajara and Sarajevo. A further Campus is envisaged for Japan.

http://www.newsonline.co.za/article_detail.asp?Article_ID=2526

romanSA

June 20th, 2011, 09:31 AM

Durban July Fashion Experience
Posted: June 19th, 2011
By Sandiso Ngubane

David Tale and Gert Johan-Coetzee joined some of Durban’s most critically acclaimed designers, including Sibu Msimang and Terence Bray among others for the Vodacom Durban July Fashion Experience this past week.

These invited designers showcased alongside the Vodacom July Fashion Challenge finalists- all young designers from colleges across the country, hoping to come out tops in the annual competition.

The Victorian era, Afrocentric royalty and even what’s been described as rock star Royalty all came through in the many interpretations of this year’s theme- ”A Right Royal Affair”.

http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/thefrockreport/files/2011/06/David-Tlale2-1024x656.jpg
David Tlale (PIC: Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media)

http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/thefrockreport/files/2011/06/Gert-Johan-Coetzee-679x1024.jpg
Gert-Johan Coetzee (PHOTO: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media

http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/thefrockreport/files/2011/06/Sibu-Msimang-842x1024.jpg
Sibu Msimang (PHOTO: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media

http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/thefrockreport/files/2011/06/Terence-Bray-679x1024.jpg
Terence Bray (PHOTO: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media

http://blogs.timeslive.co.za/thefrockreport/2011/06/19/durban-july-fashion-experience/

romanSA

June 20th, 2011, 09:40 AM

SA's biggest short-distance race also took place this weekend. People's Park was the finish point. Good to see it being put to use...

---------------

Van Blerk storms to victory
19 June 2011, 11:44

http://images.supersport.co.za/IrvettevanBlerk100320InactionG300.jpg

Irvette van Blerk (Nedbank CGA) stormed to victory in the Spar Women's 10km Challenge in Durban in a personal best time of 32.50 minutes on Sunday morning.

Van Blerk, who was narrowly beaten into second place in the Port Elizabeth Challenge last month, went into the lead from the start at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, and never looked like losing.

It was her second successive victory in Durban. She won last year's Challenge in 33.45 minutes.

"I was so disappointed in Port Elizabeth, and I really wanted to win this one, so I decided to go ahead right from the beginning," she said.

"I couldn't see what the girls behind me were doing, but I just put my head down and ran."

Van Blerk, who returned from New York a few days ago, has been fighting off flu and a troubling cough, said she thought about not running the race, but decided to go ahead so that she could earn valuable Spar Grand Prix points.

Her victory on Sunday increased her lead on the Grand Prix table, and she now looks almost certain to win the prize of R60 000.

Zimbabwean Rutendo Nyahora (Nedbank AGN) finished second in 33.25 minutes and Zintle Xinewe (Nedbank WP) was third in 33.37 minutes.

Annerien van Schalkwyk of Irene was fourth in a time of 33.39.

Van Blerk's teammate and rival, Rene Kalmer, who missed the Port Elizabeth race because of international commitments, was struggling with an ITB injury which was aggravated when she ran the Prague Marathon last month and pulled out of the race after three kilometres.

Van Blerk, who is the South African 10 000km champion, has her eyes set firmly on the Olympic Games in London next year, but plans to qualify for the marathon rather than the 10 000kms.

"I think it's easier to qualify for the marathon," she said.

"I don't like running on the track ¬ 10 000 on the track seems so far. I much prefer road running, so I'll be going for the marathon instead.

"But I definitely want to go to the Olympic Games next year."

In what could be a sign of the future, 12-year-old Simonay Weitsz of Kempton Park easily won the 5km race.

More than 13 500 runners took part in the two races.

FULL RESULTS

SENIORS:

1 Irvette van Blerk, 32.50, 2 Rutendo Nyahora, 33.25, 3 Zintle Xinewe 33.37,

Annerien van Schalkwyk 33.39, 5 Tanith Maxwell 34.26, Nolene Conrad 34.33,

Tabitha Tsatsa 34.39, Mpho Mabuza 34.42, Ntombesintu Nfunzi 34.46,

Samukeliso Moyo 35.02

VETARANS

1 Maya Lawrie 37.27, 2 Shani Silver 39.23, 3 Grace de Oliveira 40.07

MASTERS:

1 Olga Howard 44.38, 2 Sandy Fismer 45.53, 3 June Watson 47.17

GRANDMASTERS

1 Lien Botha 48.20, 2 Aletta Engelbrecht 54,53, 3 Stephanie Carlton 1.01.49

JUNIORS

1 Happiness Mkhize 36.27, 2 Dominique Scott 37.14, 3 Thabiso Sirayi 37.54

http://supersport.com/athletics/running/news/110619/Van_Blerk_storms_to_victory

romanSA

June 21st, 2011, 01:37 PM

Durban beckons
21 Jun 2011
Philani Dlamini

IT'S that time of the year when filmmakers from all over the African diaspora showcase their work at the 32nd Durban Film Festival at the University of KwaZulu Creative Arts Centre from July 21 to 31.

The festival will open with a world premiere of director Sara Blecher's Otelo Burning,which was filmed in Durban.

The story dates back to the 1980s when youngsters from Lamontville township, in Durba, discovered that surfing could empower them to escape political violence and be a career at the same time.

The film stars Jafta Mamabolo, who plays Matthew in Generations, Thomas Gumede, who acted as Sphiwe in the SABC 1 drama series A Place Called Home,Tshepang Mohlomi, who recently won a best supporting actor award at the SA Film and Television Awards for his performance in Izulu Lami and Sihle Xaba

The latter is a bodybuilder and surfer who has appeared in the television drama series Bay of Plenty.

Prominent filmmakers and producers from the other provinces are also expected to grace the festival.

Festival director Peter Rorvik said: "It is fantastic to open the festival with a film shot in Durban. This shows that Durban is growing as a film hub."

Filmmakers from townships around Durban will also get an opportunity to attend the screening of films.

There will be some screenings at KwaMashu's Khaya Multi-Arts Centre.

There will also be workshops where young film makers will learn more about screen writing and film production.

http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/goodlife/2011/06/21/durban-beckons

romanSA

June 21st, 2011, 01:38 PM

Hot entertainment for Durban July
21 Jun 2011
Edward Tsumele

DURBAN is set to rock when the e.tv music entertainment show Club 808 and DJ Tira pull out all the stops to give partygoers a weekend of pure entertainment during the Durban July festivities on July 1 and 2.

The weekend will kick off with a hot Durban July pre-party, hosted by DJ Tira at his club Afro Lounge.

The climax of the festivities will be the Durban July after-party at Moses Mabhida Stadium, featuring artists such as Liquideep, Teargas, DJ Cleo, Zakes Bantwini and Fisherman.

Throughout the weekend Club 808 presenters, self-proclaimed "soul-head" Mo Flava, "ultimate mistress of fun" Dineo Ranaka, Durban's hottest music man DJ Tira and a range of artists from his label, Afrotainment, will join forces to ensure that Durbanites are treated to the party weekend of a lifetime.

Ranaka says: "C lub 808 is the hub of music entertainment. We are at the cutting edge and currently at the forefront of the South African music scene.

"As a fresh, dynamic and reputable brand, it's important for us to associate ourselves with brands of the same stature. DJ Tira is one perfectly dynamic South African brand with a track record of being a musical trendsetter.

"Throw in Durban July, a royal theme, a party marathon, celebrities and a few of our valuable viewers and you have a brilliant recipe for one of the biggest party weekends on the event calendar."

To top it all, three lucky Club 808 viewers will get a chance to tag along for the most memorable Durban party weekend.

Club 808 presenters and DJ Tira will give the three winners a glitzy VVIP experience, chauffeur driving them to the Durban July and later hosting them at the electrifying Moses Mabhida Stadium after-party.

"Club 808 has become one of SA's most influential music television shows. We value the continued support from loyal fans and the South African music industry at large," says e.tv head of channel Monde Twala.

"In just one year the show has reached a broad range of artists and interacted with powerful music brands from across the country.

"We would like to take it a level further by ensuring that the presenters are part of key music events such as the DJ Tira rocks Durban."

All the action and the behind-the-scenes happening will be revealed on Club 808 on July 8 at 7.30pm.

http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2011/06/21/hot-entertainment-for-durban-july

romanSA

July 1st, 2011, 01:59 PM

City Upbeat About The IOC

01 July, 2011

Story By: THEMBA KHUMALO

Durban may no longer be in the running to host the 2020 Olympics, but the Municipality remains upbeat about hosting the International Olympics Committee (IOC) for its 123rd session which starts on Monday.

Mayor James Nxumalo said, “I am delighted that Durban will host this prestigious event. This is the first time that the Olympic movement will hold its meeting on the African continent and doing so in Africa’s sporting and events capital makes it an even greater honour for us in Durban.” Nxumalo said the IOC was the first international sports organisation to associate itself with the struggle against apartheid. “In 1992, the foundation for a free South Africa was laid. To encourage this, the IOC welcomed South African athletes to the Barcelona Games. We would want to use 2011 as an opportunity to thank the IOC for what they have done for us and for what they continue to do.

“We must do everything we can to entrench the Olympic Spirit among our people and expose the Olympic Committee members to the warmth and friendship of our people,” Nxumalo said. The event is being organised by the eThekwini Municipality in partnership with Sport and Recreation South Africa, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee. About 3000 people are expected to attend, including international sports administrators, heads of state and journalists. The highlight of the proceedings, which end on 9 July, will be the announcement of the cities to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Sports Destination

City Manager Michael Sutcliffe said, “Durban has established itself as Africa’s sporting and events capital. We have hosted the world’s most prestigious and biggest conferences and events, and over the next week we will find the world’s attention again focused on us. “The 123rd session of the IOC means a lot for us economically and from a marketing point of view. Compared with the rest of our country, our hospitality industry is reaping the benefits of the Municipality’s strategy to bring in such unique and important events as the IOC session,” he said.

Sutcliffe described the event as an opportunity to continue to reinforce Durban as Africa’s sporting and events destination. “The Municipality has worked very hard to ensure that the city will be safe, that our volunteers are well trained and that we have a city and beachfront which is buzzing in a Durban which will be the Warmest Place to Be,” he said. Meanwhile the new State Protocol Lounge at King Shaka International Airport has been officially opened by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and KwaZulu Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize. The lounge belongs to the National Department of International Relations and Cooperation and will be used for visiting heads of state, royalty and other VIPs.

EThekwini Head of International and Governance Relations Eric Apelgren said, “The lounge will be used during the upcoming IOC and COP 17 meeting this year. It is acceptable protocol that the Mayor and Premier receive heads of state, ministers and royal family members at the lounge.”

khumalotk@durban.gov.za

http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/discover/news/city-upbeat-about-the-ioc/view

p2bsa

July 1st, 2011, 04:44 PM

* The biggest SA feature story hitting the world press today! Appearing on 100s of websites and newpapers across the world!

Durban hosting IOC puts SAfrica back in spotlight
By THAHIR ASMAL , 07.01.11, 10:00 AM EDT

DURBAN, South Africa - A year after South Africa basked in the glow of staging the World Cup, the country will be back in the international sports spotlight when Durban hosts the biggest Olympic gathering in Africa in more than 70 years.

The International Olympic Committee's 123rd session, or annual general assembly, will start next week in this balmy coastal city on the Indian Ocean.

The meeting will attract royalty, world leaders and sport's highest decision-makers to a country once banned by the IOC and cast into a 30-year isolation for its apartheid regime.

The only previous time the IOC held its assembly in Africa was in Cairo in 1938. The event may edge Durban closer to hosting the first African Olympics in the future.

The IOC executive board meets Monday, with the entire 110-member body in session Wednesday through Sunday.

The centerpiece of the meeting is the vote Wednesday on the host city for the 2018 Winter Games. The three candidates are Annecy, France; Munich; and Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Local organizers say the gathering represents a "spiritual" return to the Olympic family for South Africa and is the latest sign that it sees sport as a vehicle to carry its reformed image to the rest of the world.

Now an IOC executive board member and the former head of South Africa's nonracial Olympic body, Sam Ramsamy led an emotional return to the Olympics in Barcelona in 1992 alongside Nelson Mandela.

The Durban-born Ramsamy said this session is probably the most significant Olympic moment for his country.

"Having waited for 117 years to host this event in our country and knowing how cities and countries vie to host the IOC session, Durban is certainly fortunate," Ramsamy said. "This gives me an opportunity to personally welcome my colleagues to the city where I was born."

South Africa has enjoyed memorable highlights in rugby, cricket and soccer. It's now eager to make its mark in the Olympic world.

"In a sense, it's bringing the Olympic movement to South Africa," Durban city manager Mike Sutcliffe told The Associated Press. "This is closing that circle where they're coming back and hopefully helping us as we develop a spirit of Olympism. We have all the right ingredients and are fully ready for this. I have no doubt about that."

Boosted by its widely praised World Cup, South Africa immediately targeted a bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Durban, with its mild midyear temperatures and burgeoning tourist setup, was the overwhelming favorite to be the candidate after Cape Town failed in a bid for the 2004 Games.

A possible bid was welcomed by IOC President Jacques Rogge.

But in May, the government said it was not the right time, unwilling to commit to another major financial investment for a sports event with poverty still affecting many of South Africa's 50 million people.

Still, a resounding success for Durban could revive a 2020 bid before the IOC's Sept. 1 deadline.

So far only Rome has confirmed it will go for 2020, while Tokyo and Madrid are possible contenders.

"South Africa might never enjoy the same position in 20 years to come, to host such events," South Africa's sports minister Fikile Mbalula said last month, adding a 2020 bid was not ruled out. "I think we have to do everything in our power, if there's an opportunity or an avenue to host a mega event, let's do that."

Despite the dampened Olympic hopes, the IOC gathering in South Africa's sunny city is an ideal opportunity to impress. An ambitious South Africa is also targeting the 2022 Commonwealth Games, a track world championships and a Diamond League meet.

"We as a country must realize that such major events are few and far between and many countries would give their eye teeth to have such a session in their own cities," South African Olympic Committee President Gideon Sam said. "It cannot be more opportune as we set our sights on continuing to bring bigger and better events to the continent of Africa."

The 2018 bid race is almost a side issue for Durban - a city of just under 5 million people characterized by a mix of inhabitants descended from Indian immigrants, South Africa's Zulu kingdom and British colonials.

It's where Mahatma Gandhi developed some of his philosophies of peaceful resistance and where visitors were wowed last year by the Moses Mabhida World Cup stadium and its giant roof arch.

Next week's delegates will include the presidents of South Korea, Hungary and Germany and royalty like Prince Albert of Monaco - with new South African bride and former Durban resident Charlene Wittstock.

The city - with a World Cup and a Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting under its belt - will have no problem with the high-profile visitors, officials said.

"There have been times when we had more heads of states in the city than this, so we know what we will be dealing with," national police spokesman Col. Vishnu Naidoo told AP.

AP Sports Writer Gerald Imray in Johannesburg contributed to this report.

SOURCES:
* http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/07/01/sports-oly-ioc-durban-apos-s-showcase_8545463.html

* http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j3K_VhZmEvWK7orM2sTv0MdheuxQ?docId=0113a0af75c74887bcf7f00a206dcb94

* http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/south-africas-olympic-session-pushes-ambitious-country-back-into-spotlight-after-world-cup/2011/07/01/AG2nfUtH_story.html

* http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/07/01/2294547/durban-hosting-ioc-puts-safrica.html

* AND this list goes on & on...

romanSA

July 4th, 2011, 05:28 PM

07-04-2011 17:41
Can Korea repeat glory in Durban for Olympics?

By Na Jeong-ju

DURBAN — There have been historic moments for South Korean sports in this eastern harbor city of South Africa, and the country is seeking to add another feat — winning its bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.

For old and middle-aged South Koreans, Durban is a city of nostalgic memory because in 1974, Hong Soo-hwan claimed World Boxing Association’s bantamweight title here by beating then-champion Arnold Taylor of South Africa in a bloody 15-round fight. Hong’s achievement was rare, coming in an era when the paramount priority of South Koreans was to surmount poverty and bring food to the table. Engaging in sports or any other kinds of activities were put on the back burner.

During a post-fight interview, Hong was allowed a brief telephone conversation with his mother and he talked just like a young son.

“Mom! I ‘ate’ the championship,” Hong said. His mother, Hwang Nong-seon, replied, “I’m very proud of you, son. Hurrah! Korea.”

Their conversation was the talk of the town at the time and the boxer became a symbol of courage and challenging spirit in a country where poverty was the No.1 challenge for most people.

Thirty six years later, Durban became a city of hope for South Koreans again when the Korean football team drew 2-2 with African powerhouse Nigeria in the final group match to reach the second round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Durban was full of cheering Korean fans and the Durban Stadium, where the match was held, was recorded as a sacred place for South Korean football as it was the first time for the team to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup on foreign soil.

With the IOC vote to choose the host city scheduled for Wednesday here at the International Convention Center, South Koreans hope Durban will be the Holy Land for South Korean winter sports as well. The winner will be chosen from South Korea’s PyeongChang, Germany’s Munich and France’s Annecy.

To Germans, Durban is a place of bad memories. The country lost to Spain 1-0 in the World Cup semifinals in 2010.

“The meaning of Durban is significant to Korean fans. We want to write another chapter of our sports history here on Wednesday,” said Park Jeong-ha, spokesman of the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae.

While meeting with South Korean delegates on Sunday, President Lee Myung-bak, who arrived here a day earlier, asked them to do their job perfectly until the vote takes place. Korea held the final rehearsal on Monday for the final presentation to members of the International Olympic Committee, which will take place five hours before the vote.

“We need to make our utmost efforts to make the presentation successful in the belief that sincerity will move heaven and earth,” Lee said.

jj@koreatimes.co.kr

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/sports/2011/07/136_90215.html

romanSA

July 6th, 2011, 03:44 PM

Olympic Spotlight On Durbs
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
By Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Durban will be put in the spotlight today when the International Olympic Committee names the city to host the 2018 Winter Olympics at South Africa’’s coastal hot spot.

The event will be attended by prominent sports leaders including Fifa president Sepp Blatter, CAF boss Issa Hayatou, IAAF president Lamine Diack and IOC supremo Jacque Rogge.

Representatives of various royal families across the world, including the newly-wed Prince Albert of Monaco and former South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock, are also attending the 123rd IOC gathering that is being held for the first time in Africa.

The three bidding cities are Munich (Germany), Annecy (France) and Pyeongchang (South Korea).

South African Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula said: "This is a massive marketing tool for our country, especially tourism. The gathering will be a resounding success and people from other countries are already impressed that we have been able to put up a great show."

Pyeongchang 2018 Games bid chief Cho Yang-ho is confident the popular South Korean city will win the bid to host the event.

"The national government, the Gangwon provincial government and the municipal government of Pyeongchang will all be contributing to the Winter Games budget and they fully pledge to honour all required IOC guarantees," Yang-ho said.

German President Christian Wulff, who will address the IOC gathering today as part of the final presentations by the bidding cities, said: "I think Munich has presented an excellent bid here."

The French are equally confident of winning.

http://www.newstime.co.za/Sport/Olympic_Spotlight_On_Durbs/28382/

romanSA

July 6th, 2011, 03:48 PM

Just over an hour and a bit to go before the 2018 Olympic host is announced...

-----------

Olympic bid schedule in Durban

Tuesday, July 5, 2011 12:21pm EDT GB Editor

The 2018 Olympic Winter Games bid election will take place at Durban's International Convention Centre (ICC) Wednesday. The IOC will be producing a live, high-definition broadcast of the bid city presentations, election vote and final announcement ceremony that will be made available for television coverage.

Munich in Germany, Annecy in France and PyeongChang in South Korea are the three candidates vying for the hosting rights to the Games in 2018. They will make final, live presentations to the voting IOC members before the final election.

The following is the schedule for Wednesday July 6, in local Durban time, as published by the IOC.

8.30-8.45 a.m. President’s opening remarks and Opening of the 123rd IOC Session - followed by the presentations of the 2018 Candidate Cities
8.45-9.55 a.m. Presentation by Munich, Germany
10.10 a.m. Media conference by Munich, Germany
10.25–11.35 a.m. Presentation by Annecy, France
11.50 a.m. Media conference by Annecy, France
12.05–1.15 p.m. Presentation by PyeongChang, South Korea
1.30 p.m. Media conference by PyeongChang, South Korea
2.45–3.15 p.m. Report by the IOC Evaluation Commission
3.35–3.50 p.m. Vote and election of the host city for the XXIII Olympic Winter Games in 2018
5-5.30 p.m. Announcement ceremony of the host city for the XXIII Olympic Winter Games in 2018
6-6.45 p.m. Signature of the Host City Contract and joint IOC/host city media conference

IOC President Jacques Rogge is expected to open the envelope containing the name of the winning city at precisely 5:22 p.m.

http://www.gamesbids.com/eng/winter_olympic_bids/2018_bid_news/1216135785.html

dysan1

July 7th, 2011, 12:00 AM

Well done South Korea

ToxicBunny

July 7th, 2011, 04:18 PM

Congratulations to South Korea... I think the Winter Olypmics there will be awesome.

romanSA

July 7th, 2011, 04:31 PM

Like Rio (which bid until it got the Games), the moral of the story is that persistence pays off. A bid by a SA city probably won't win the Games on its 1st attempt (unless any previous bid by the country is factored in, even by another city). Thus, if the govt plans on someday bidding for the summer Olympics, it should commit to bidding for 2020 AND 2024 if it wants one of them (or 2024 / 2028).

romanSA

July 15th, 2011, 06:52 PM

Africa's premier film festival, the Durban International Film Festival, is about to begin...

-------------

Gay-themed movies for Durban festival
July 15 2011 at 09:28am

The 32nd Durban International Film Festival, running at various venues from next Thursday until July 31, will present a number of engaging gay-themed films as part of its feature film selection.

From the powerful Man at Bath,which chronicles a week in the life of two soon-to-be ex-lovers, to Skoonheid, the latest award-winning film from South African prodigy Oliver Hermanus, the festival offers a snapshot of life in the various gay, lesbian, bisexual and trangender communities around the world.

Skoonheid won the Queer Palm award at Cannes this year for best gay-themed film. It is a remarkably sensitive film about an older, closeted man whose attraction to the son of an old friend threatens to shatter his carefully constructed identity.

Hermanus, whose debut, Shirley Adams, was one of the highlights of an earlier Durban Film Festival, will be in attendance at screenings of the film.

Man at Bath is a graphic, but ultimately moving, look at two men’s attempts to stop loving each other. Set in Paris and New York, the film chronicles the last week of a relationship, which its protagonists spend in the two different cities.

The result is a powerful visual poem to the complexities and richness of urban gay life.

Memories in March, from Indian director Sanjay Nag, is an account of the relationship that comes to exist between a mother and her dead son’s gay lover, while Canadian director Xavier Dolan’s second film, Heartbeats, is described as a beautifully executed account of a sexual triangle between three close friends.

Other films with gay themes include Tom Tywker’s Three, which chronicles another unusual sexual triangle, Greg Araki’s bisexual Kaboom, Circumstance which explores the forbidden relationship between two Iranian girls, and the Thai film The Terrorists which provides a powerful political message.

Then there are the multiple narratives I Am and Dog Sweat, which explore contemporary sexuality in India and Iran respectively.

The Durban International Film Festival is organised by the Centre For Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) with support from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder).

The big event – South Africa’s longest running film festival – also receives support from the National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, HIVOS, the City of Durban, German Embassy of South Africa, Goethe Institut of South Africa, Industrial Development Corporation and other partners.

http://www.iol.co.za/tonight/movies/gay-themed-movies-for-durban-festival-1.1099759

romanSA

July 20th, 2011, 06:12 PM

Showcasing a city of harmony
20 Jul 2011
Estelle Sinkins

DURBAN is a melting pot of cultures and faiths, and the local organising committee for the 20th World Methodist Conference is determined to show delegates from around the world how the city’s different communities work together in harmony.

It’s only the second time that the conference has been staged in Africa — the first one took place in Kenya.

One of the men tasked with making the conference go off without a hitch is Athlone Park Methodist Church Minister, Reverend Graham Goodwin.

Based in Amanzimtoti, he has had to find time in an already busy schedule, looking after both his church in Athlone Park and a second parish in Isipingo, to ensure that this year’s event is a truly memorable one for the delegates travelling to Durban from 74 member churches, representing more than 132 countries.

“What we’re wanting to do this year is to showcase Durban,” Goodwin said. “We have so many cultures living in harmony, and all the faith communities working together in social justice issues, whatever they may be, that we want to show people from around the world the high degree of tolerance and diversity in this city.

“One of the significant things that we have pushed for, is to have people from other faith communities come and give greetings at the conference, so for example Sheik Walid El Saadi from the African Muslim League will be attending, to do exactly that.”

This year’s theme is Jesus Christ — for the Healing of the Nations, and all the Wesleyan and Methodist Christians from around the world would, Goodwin said, get the full African experience, courtesy of various cultural events, hospitality and worship.

The opening ceremony on August 4, which is titled Ubunye, Ubuntu and Amandla, and the closing ceremony on August 8, promise to be especially representative of South Africa’s multicultural heritage, and will include a range of music presentations, choir performances, and a colourful banner procession.

Malihambe iVangeli, an Evangelism event on August 9, will see delegates joining in with local societies, and the ‘un-churched’ around the city.

There will also be Sunday morning services in churches in and around Durban, during which visitors will get “a glimpse of our own brand of Methodism”.

Dr Mvume Dandala, former presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of South Africa (MCSA) and the general secretary of the All Africa Council of Churches (AACC), will deliver the opening address at the conference.

Other speakers on the programme include Dr Joy Moore from North Carolina in the Unites States; Archbishop Elias Chacour of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church; Dr Claudio Betti of the Community of St Egidio; Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, from Norway; Dr John Barrett from the United Kingdom; and Dr Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the British Methodist Church.

During the conference, which takes place at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), delegates will take part in a street parade through the streets of the city on August 7, culminating at the Durban City Hall. The public is invited to participate in the procession, which Goodwin says will show “the diversity of the Methodist-Wesleyan family”.

Reverend George Freeman, the World Methodist Council’s (WMC) current executive director agreed, adding: “South African Methodists want their global counterparts to meet in Durban, so they can experience the changes that have taken place in South Africa since apartheid ended.”

Incoming chief executive of the WMC and presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Ivan M. Abrahams, added: “Many see Africa as the ‘womb of humanity’, ‘our primordial home’ and the ‘mother of us all’, and they are keen to live and experience the greatest human experiment in the 21st century as people quilt together a new society, after years of conflict and strife.”

Abrahams will be the first African and first non-American to serve in the office of WMC General Secretary.

Away from the ICC, delegates will have the chance to enjoy a beach party hosted by the Ethekwini Metro Council, during which Ladysmith Black Mambazo will perform. They will also visit mission projects in KwaZulu-Natal.

All participants in the 2011 World Methodist Conference have been asked to bring school supplies for underprivileged children, which will be distributed to selected schools across South Africa by the Methodist Church of Southern Africa.

• For more information, visit http://www.worldmethodistcouncil.org or e-mail gills@turner group.co.za or phone 031 368 8000.

http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global%5B_id%5D=64900

romanSA

July 22nd, 2011, 09:33 AM

Get your tickets, people. I have marked at least 4 films that I will be seeing, some of which are world premiers. Many have the film-makers in attendance...

--------------

Film buzz hits Durbs

SHELLEY SEID
21 July, 2011 23:55

The Durban International Film Festival, the oldest and largest of its kind in Africa, has began, a far cry from its birth in 1979 by film buffs Ros and Teddy Sarkin.

The 32nd event offers 200 screenings over 11 days in at least eight venues, with dozens of premieres and a host of workshops, public forums and seminars.

The festival, now run by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, seems to have come full circle. Initially established to allow South Africans a view of the outside world, today it gives the world a view of South Africa.

"We are often the first point of contact for people inquiring about African and South African cinema," says the centre's director, Peter Rorvik.

"Over the last five or six years we have curated or directly provided films for other festivals in places like Korea, The Netherlands, Greece and Reunion."

For years the festival has played a key developmental role in the local film industry: This year, for example, marks the fourth "Talent Campus Durban", a five-day programme of workshops and master classes for 50 film-makers from 16 African countries.

Then there is the "Durban Film Mart" which gives selected African projects the chance to pitch their films to international financiers, sales agents, co-producers and funding organisations. It's also the 10th anniversary of the workshop for first-time film-makers.

"When we first started we were servicing needs of entry level, aspirant film-makers," says Rorvik, "but as people progress, so does the call for more professional workshops. We now see some of that young talent producing work that we can screen at the festival."

Aside from exciting African and South African productions - including the African premiere of Terrence Malick's The Tree Of Life, which just won the Palme d'Or in Cannes - the festival will focus on the cinema of India and Canada, and will screen a number of hard-hitting environmental films.

Last year's festival saw 24900 bums on seats over a 10-day period.

"We want to continue contributing to the growth of our film industry. We want to see more South African productions," says Rorvik.

■The 32nd Durban International Film Festival runs from July 21 to 31. For more information phone 031-260-2506 or 031-260-1816 during office hours, or go to www.cca.ukzn.ac.za

http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/2011/07/21/film-buzz-hits-durbs

romanSA

July 22nd, 2011, 11:57 AM

Durban Film Festival Back In Focus
Friday, July 22, 2011
By Edward Tsumele

Asthe film world, starting from today, focuses on the local annual feast the Durban International Film Festival, the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is unleashing a number of locally made films.

"The National Film and Video Foundation is proud to announce its continued support and participation at the 32nd Durban International Film Festival, which runs from July 21 to 31," says Karen Son, acting NFVF chief executive.

"An array of the NFVF-funded feature films, shorts and documentaries will be exhibited at the festival. We are once again proud to be one of the main supporters of the DIFF, which has for many years celebrated the best of South African, African and International talent.

"This year’s programme provides testimony to the continuously thriving film industry, which is now complimented by outstanding female film producers and directors," she said.

Otelo Burning, directed by Sarah Blecher, will be making its debut. This is the film’’s African premiere.

It is the story of a 16-year-old boy’s journey of discovery.

He, together with his younger brother, are invited to the beach house of their friend, Tau Modise.

The two discover a new world, that is the opposite of the environment they grew up in; where constant and growing threats of political violence, instigated by Inkatha hostel dwellers and United Democratic Front comrades, are the order of the day.

Otelo Burning is not the only NFVF-supported film at the festival. Another film making its debut, also funded by the NFVF and which promises to be a favourite with South African audiences, is Retribution.

This film premieres on July 22 at 6pm at the Nu Metro Cinecentre Suncoast.

Directed by Mukunda Michael Dewilland and starring SA’s favourite and award-winning Joe Mafela, the film tells the story of a retired judge who decides to take time off to write his memoirs at an isolated cabin.

When he takes in a hiker lost in the wilderness he later discovers the hiker is not really lost and this is no chance meeting.

Retribution is the second film to be distributed by the NFVF after the success of the multi-award winning SKIN.

Other feature films financed by the NFVF include 31 Million Reasons and How to steal Two Million.

The NFVF also co-financed six feature-length documentaries making their debut at the Durban Festival.

These are Dear Mandela, Imam and I, King Naki, Dawn of a New Day, Mama Africaand Punk in Africa, and two short films Dirty Laundry and Umkongo.

http://www.newstime.co.za/Entertainment/Durban_Film_Festival_Back_In_Focus/29285/

romanSA

July 25th, 2011, 03:34 PM

Durban mart helps sell African movies

Filmmakers show off pics, raise coin for new projects

By Kevin Kriedemann

Durban fest player 'Hawi,' from Ibrahim el Batout, raised coin at last year's market.
The Durban Film Market, aimed at raising the visibility of projects from Africa and creating opportunities for the continent's filmmakers, has positioned itself as a pan-African business base for regional filmmakers.
Unspooling during the Durban Intl. Film Festival along the picturesque South African coast, the mart is a joint venture between the Durban Film Office, the film-industry development arm of the eThekwini Municipality and the fest.

The mart, now in its second year, has already proven its value to regional filmmakers.

Egyptian filmmaker Ibrahim el Batout attended the inaugural mart last year to raise funds for his third feature, "Hawi," the story of Youssef, a prisoner who is released from solitary confinement after five years and told by his jailers to collect some important documents.

Shooting the film himself using non-professional actors and an unpaid crew, El Batout managed to raise his small budget from the Hubert Bals Fund (Netherlands), Doha Film Institute (Qatar) and Aroma Film Labs (Egypt). "Hawi" went on to win the top prize at the Doha Film Festival, and is in competition at the Durban fest.

El Batout has a new project, "Ali, the Goat and Ibrahim," at the mart this year.

This year's selection of 20 projects from 127 entries has roots across the continent, from Algeria, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt and Kenya to Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda and Tunisia. The mart ends July 25, and runs in conjunction with the Durban fest. The filmmakers behind the 10 features and 10 documentaries will have pre-arranged one-one-one meetings with potential financiers like Claire Launay, Arte France's head of projects; Matthew Plouffe of Focus Features, who is also involved with Focus' Africa First Short Film Program; and Cynthia Kane, senior program manager for ITVS and ITVS Intl.

Not only does the mart attract outfits looking for African content such as South African funding body the National Film and Video Foundation, local cinema circuits Ster Kinekor and Nu Metro and the World Cinema Fund, it also draws commercial shingles such as Fortissimo Films and Canal France Intl. The fest features a variety of funding awards, including $7,500 for the most promising fiction project from the Hubert Bals Fund, and Videovision Entertainment's award of $10,000 to the best South African film project.

The Durban mart has also worked closely with the Intl. Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam to launch Doc Circle, where participants will pitch to a panel of commissioning editors, including BBC Storyville.

"(The Durban market) gets all the participants under one roof, so they can exchange ideas and do business together," says El Batout. "It is also important because it places African filmmakers and producers with the right industry contacts in Europe and North America, which opens doors for international co-productions with Africa and better distribution possibilities for African films across the globe."

Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118040265?refCatId=13

romanSA

July 26th, 2011, 10:59 AM

Durban Pride Week kicks off

CANAAN MDLETSHE
26 July, 2011 00:29

Durban has proudly and boldly declared itself the "gayest" city in the country.

This is according to Siphokazi Nombande, youth leader of the Durban Lesbian and Gay Community Health Centre.

Compared to other big cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, Durban was the most accommodative towards gay people.

"We have a very small number of hate crimes against gays and lesbians reported in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal in general," he said. "I would say there are 10 cases that have been reported. But these are the cases that we have records of. There could be many more."

A handful of gays and lesbians converged to the Durban City Hall yesterday to start a week-long Durban Pride Week, aimed at celebrating the "I AM" campaign.

The campaign began when members of the Durban Lesbians and Gays hoisted a Rainbow Flag as a reminder to rise above discrimination, hate crimes, gay-bashing, corrective rape and other injustices faced by lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

By the flag, they celebrate the struggle they have gone through to "finally publicly celebrate our existence and beautiful experiences".

One of only two serving gay DA councilors in the eThekwini municipality, Martin Meyer, said he was proud to be part of the event.

"I am grateful to be part of history in the making. Today, we say to the city it's time they accept us, it's time we write our own history. We will not rest until our rights are respected. We are not saying that people must accept homosexuals, but we say they must accept our rights," said Meyer.

The ANC Youth League's Mdu Khuzwayo said it had been the league's struggle to champion the rights of young people.

"We are part of forming society groups that respects other people's rights. It's not a crime to be gay or lesbian . We cannot speak of gender balance when you talk of men and women, leaving out gays and lesbians," said Khuzwayo.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/2011/07/26/durban-pride-week-kicks-off

dysan1

July 26th, 2011, 03:35 PM

Big parties planned for saturday

SA BOY

July 27th, 2011, 03:42 PM

bru no way as queer as Cape Town

Mo Rush

July 27th, 2011, 04:32 PM

Hence only a handful.

romanSA

July 29th, 2011, 10:48 AM

bru no way as queer as Cape Town

Well, of course not. The Durban organisers said that more tongue in cheek (probably to rile Durban's conservative elements, and there are MANY of them), than literally meaning it. I think on a serious level, they will admit that CT is waay ahead in gay establishments / gay tourism stakes. I am amused CT media and gay tourism officials took it so seriously that they felt a need to react and object to the statements. :lol:

romanSA

July 29th, 2011, 10:53 AM

Have attended a few movies with actors and producers in attendance and all have been great....

--------------

Durban film festival doesn't put a foot wrong

SHAUN DE WAAL
Jul 29 2011 00:00

"Can you feel the buzz?" someone asked me excitedly at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) last weekend.

Yes, I could feel the buzz. It was so loud I could barely hear myself think. I could practically smell the sweat of the filmmakers lining up at the Durban FilmMart to make their pitches, to manoeuvre for funding, to hear the National Film and Video Foundation's pronouncements in one of the many workshops offered as an adjunct to the festival and film market, or those eager just to tell one another about their latest projects.

In fact, the FilmMart has gone from zero to a hundred in one year -- this is only its second year of operation, and yet it was already jam-packed with filmmakers, funders and other interested parties, including the sponsors of an award from sports-items company Puma, offering a whack of money to help new entrants into the industry to get their projects off the ground.

And the DIFF itself has grown enormously. "Bit by bit," says organiser Peter Rorvik of the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Centre for the Creative Arts, but he's being too modest. DIFF is now unquestionably the biggest and best general-interest film festival in the country, with more than 150 films on show. I can't remember when last I attended the DIFF (it could have been as many as 10 years ago), but it has gone from a smallish university-based festival centred on the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre to something that seems to bestride Durban like a colossus.

Full houses

All the cinema chains of Durban have bought into it, with the Avalon Group, which runs the cinemas at the Suncoast casino-mall, offering the premieres of the South African movies in a huge movie house that was full for each premiere. (It has to be said that the projector in the big theatre isn't really up to the task, leaving most of the movies shown there rather dim and soft of focus, but it's still a prime venue.)

Opening with Otelo Burning, a tale of surfing youth set in Lamontville township in 1989, the festival went on to premiere Charlie Vundla's crime thriller How 2 Steal 2 Million, the comedy Taka Takata and others.

Audiences were appreciative and many stayed after the credits had rolled to hear the relevant filmmakers take questions.

Skoonheid, the much-lauded new movie by Oliver Hermanus, wasn't a world premiere (as MC Nashen Moodley wryly put it, that privilege went to a little festival in the south of France), but it was South Africa's first chance to see this remarkable piece of work. It lived up to expectations. As one experienced filmmaker said to me, of the director: "He doesn't put a foot wrong."

Apart from the obvious entries, there were many sidelights to relish. My only regret is that I couldn't make it to as many screenings as I'd have liked.

When else in South Africa is one going to get a chance to see, on a big screen, BÃ©la Tarr's The Turin Horse, which is 148 minutes long but composed of only 30 shots? Or the extraordinary Gandu, an Indian film that is a million miles away from either Bollywood or the seminal work of that great pioneer Satyajit Ray (who received a mini-retrospective at the fest)?

Challenging conventional expectations
Gandu, which means "asshole" or "moron" in Indian slang, is a low-budget but highly inventive movie about a disaffected young man who (when he's not crawling into his mother's room to steal from the guy she's having sex with, or taking drugs or jerking off) raps his anger at the screen amid a plethora of wildly designed subtitles. Oh, and it's almost all in black and white.

Some hated it, some were shocked; I heard one viewer complain to his companion, as he left: "I thought it was a comedy." Me, I thought it was hilarious (as well as disturbing), and just the kind of thing we need to see more of in South Africa: more movies from places other than the American Empire, more movies that challenge conventional expectations.

As for the running of the festival, anyone expecting something a bit ramshackle would have been surprised. A transport manager, between frantic calls to drivers on her cellphone, half-apologised to me for any delay; I reassured her that, as far as I was concerned, the organisation of the fest was superb. I thought all concerned did a great job, and I look forward to DIFF 2012.

http://mg.co.za/article/2011-07-29-durban-film-festival-doesnt-put-a-foot-wrong/

GregPz

July 29th, 2011, 12:02 PM

I've been very impressed by how well supported the festival has been. Also there seem to be a lot more directors, producers etc in attendance.

romanSA

July 29th, 2011, 02:08 PM

Also a major success was the accompanying FilmMart...

--------------------------

2nd Durban FilmMart a success

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:56

Nearly 300 delegates from around Africa and the rest of the world attended the 2nd Durban FilmMart, the continent’s largest co-production market, which drew to a close on 25 July.

The delegate programme, presented by local and international specialists, took the form of master-classes, workshops and forums and covered industry-related issues, such as film financing and funding, new media and distribution strategies, digital and online developments.

Says DFM CEO Toni Monty: “The DFM promises to be a further catalyst for growth in the region by becoming one of the key events of the South African and African film industry and a focal point to interface with global parties and stimulate interest and activity in the city.

“In addition, it has given African filmmakers the opportunity to pitch film projects and network with financiers, funding organisations, sales agents and internationally-reputed directors and producers and network in order to form alliances for future collaborations. We hope that as a result of these partnerships DFM will become a ‘feeder’ of African product to other international festivals and markets. DFM hopes that the number of fundable African projects will ultimately find their way to the big screen.”

“The overwhelming success of DFM this year and its close relationship with the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) contributes enormously to the business component of the festival. Running a film festival and co-production market in tandem is essential to the longevity of a market of this nature for the long-term,” comments DIFF director Peter Rorvik.

Monty says: “Without the support, in cash and in kind and co-operation of local role players, such as the eThekwini Municipality, CineMart and the Hubert Bals Fund of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, Microsoft, TIKZN, IDFA, The Cape Film Commission and The National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF), we could never dream of enjoying such success so quickly for the Durban FilmMart and we are most grateful, as it gives impetus to the growth of the DFM for the years ahead.”

Monty notes that there was a distinct shift in the market at this year’s event. “In 2010 delegates weren’t sure what to expect from DFM and were pleasantly surprised by the standard of the market. In contrast this year filmmakers and producers came well prepared - with strategies and plans and very definite ideas as to who they wanted to meet and what they wanted to get out of the four-day event.

“The networking was intense and the relationships which were forged are sure to yield wonderful results in the months ahead. This is a real accolade for The Durban Film Office (DFO), as it shows that our own industry-players are taking the market seriously, Monty adds.”

Rorvik believes that the signs of the growing confidence in the DFM can be seen all round. “The response from international guests has been phenomenal and very encouraging. We took the comments and feedback from last year and we delivered an even better market in 2011. Even the increase in the number of awards that were made possible by sponsors and funders, points to this growing commitment and support for the DFM.”

http://www.screenafrica.com/page/news/film/350591-2nd-Durban-FilmMart-a-success

dysan1

July 31st, 2011, 08:45 PM

the film mart is becoming a hugely influential event and it is only in its second year. bodes very well for its future success

romanSA

August 2nd, 2011, 05:20 PM

Durban-produced film wins Audience Award at DIFF
Published: 2 August 2011

The First Grader, produced by Durban-based Videovision Entertainment, won the coveted Audience Award at the 32nd Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), it was announced on Monday, 1 August at the festival’s awards ceremony.

The film had its South African premiere on Sunday, 24 July at the festival, with actors, Oliver Litondo and Tony Kgoroge; producer, Anant Singh; and guest of honour, Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Paul Mashatile, in attendance.

The Audience Award at the Durban International Film Festival is further recognition for The First Grader, which has won awards at top international films since it debuted at the Telluride Film Festival. Among the awards won by The First Grader are: the DGB Trade Union Award – Audience Choice and the Bernhard Wicki Award – Best Film at the Emden International Film Festival; the Audience Award: Best Feature Film and Director’s Choice Award: Best Feature Film at the Sedona International Film Festival; the Audience Award at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival and the Pan African Film Festival; Best Film at the Palm Beach Film Festival; and was runner-up to The King’s Speech for the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The First Grader has also received endorsements from former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan and Whoopi Goldberg. Annan said, “The First Grader is inspirational and proves the old adage that one is never too old to learn,” while Goldberg commented, “A great movie. Brilliantly done. Fantastic! Run – do not walk – and go see this film.”

The First Grader, based on a true story, is set in a remote primary school in the Kenyan bush where hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education promised by the new Kenyan government. One new applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school. He is Maruge, an old Mau Mau veteran in his eighties, who is desperate to learn to read at this late stage of his life. He fought for the liberation of his country and now feels he must have the chance of an education so long denied - even if it means sitting in a classroom alongside six-year-olds. Moved by his passionate plea, head teacher Jane Obinchu, supports his struggle to gain admission and together they face fierce opposition from parents and officials who don’t want to waste a precious school place on such an old man.

“We are delighted that that audience once again reacted so positively, especially at the premiere screening at the Durban International Film Festival,” said Anant Singh. “We are delighted to have launched the film at the festival and to continue our association and support for the festival for the 25 years,” added Singh.

Director, Justin Chadwick, commented: “Winning the Audience Award in Durban is brilliant news, especially for its forthcoming opening in South Africa. Wish I was there to share in this excitement.”

The First Grader will be released at cinemas nationally on 23 September by Videovision Entertainment through United International Pictures (South Africa).

The First Grader is a BBC Films and UK Film Council production, in association with Videovision Entertainment, Lipsync and ARTE France. It is a Sixth Sense / Origin Pictures production directed by Justin Chadwick and stars Naomie Harris, Oliver Litondo, Vusi Kunene, Tony Kgoroge and David Chege. It is written by Ann Peacock, produced by David M Thompson, Sam Feuer and Richard Harding and executive produced by Anant Singh, Helena Spring, Joe Oppeheimer and Norman Merry.

http://mediaupdate.co.za/?IDStory=39940

romanSA

August 2nd, 2011, 05:21 PM

Nader and Simin, A Separation wins Best Film at Durban
By NewsDesk

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011

Nader and Simin, A Separation (Iran) directed by Asghar Farhadi won the Best Film at the 32nd Durban International Film Festival.

“…a masterpiece! We are awarding Best Film for the simplicity and precision of Asghar Farhadi’s craft and his portrayal of the complexities of this family and society in a way that is subtle and universally understood,” the Jury said in its statement.

Andrey Zvyagintsev was awarded the Best Director for Elena (Russia).

Skoonheid directed by Oliver Hermanus won the award for the Best South African Feature Film.

The Best First Feature Film went to The Dynamiter (USA), directed by Matthew Gordon.

Best Documentary went to Position Among the Stars (The Netherlands), directed by Leonard Retel Helmrich. “With its incredibly intimate portrayal of life in Indonesia’s slums, this daring documentary illuminates family relations while treating its subjects with dignity,” the Jury said.

Dirty Laundry (South Africa), directed by Stephen Abbott was declared the Best Short Film. “With a fresh storyline and strong acting, this is a colourful and humorous mini-snapshot of the “dirty laundry” of ordinary South Africans,” the Jury stated.

This year, the festival held a special focus on “India Independents”. Six films of Satyajit Ray were presented. Leena Manimekelai’s The Dead Sea premiered at the festival while Onir’s I Am, Sanjoy Nag’s Memories In March, Kaushik Mukherjee’s Gandu and Aamir Bashir’s Autumn were screened at the festival.

http://dearcinema.com/news/nader-and-simin-a-separation-wins-best-film-at-durban/1619

romanSA

August 2nd, 2011, 05:22 PM

Comedians to tickle Durban’s funnybone

August 2 2011 at 09:29am
By Latoya Newman

02 Aug 11

An effort to bring a different type of comedy to the Chatsworth community, will see top UK comedian Martin Davis and respected local comedians associated with the Durban School Of Comedy take the stage in the Odeon Comedy Nite.

Sagren Moodley, director of Box-Office Promotions who regularly hosts local comedy at the Odeon, said the idea was to bring in a brand of comedy that is not usually accessible to the community.

“As comedians we often perform within our own circuits and communities, so I approached Glen Bo from the Durban School of Comedy to arrange this event. If all goes well, we could possibly host an Odeon Comedy Nite every quarter,” he said.

Davis will headline the night with a line-up that will includes Bo and Jem Atkins (who recently returned from National Arts Festival on a hyped note after audiences warmed to their Durban brand of comedy); Neil Green, Karou Charou and more.

Bo said: “The comedians the community will see are the best-working mainstream comedians in KwaZulu-Natal. They can expect something different, but good. We haven’t really pushed into the Indian market at community level, so this should be an interesting one.”

l The Odeon Comedy Nite takes place on Saturday at The Odeon in Chatsworth. Doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets cost R80 at community outlets, R90 via Computicket. For more information on where tickets are available, call 031 402 1142.

http://www.iol.co.za/tonight/what-s-on/kwazulu-natal/comedians-to-tickle-durban-s-funnybone-1.1110209

romanSA

August 2nd, 2011, 05:24 PM

2011 DURBAN PRIDE SINCE HAILED AS “BRILLIANT”

The last weekend of July saw the city of Durban become a sea of rainbows as hundreds of LGBTI and gay friendly people marched through the streets on the city’s Pride march.

http://www.mask.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_4137-150x150.jpg

Durban Pride Photo by: Stanley Mabena

The Durban Pride Parade which commenced and ended at the Durban City Hall was the city’s first Pride celebration since 2005.

The march was followed by a host of activities which included a fashion show, live music, singing and dance performances which kept the large crowds entertained through out the day.

The theme for the Durban Pride Parade was “I Am”, which organisers said was aimed at remembering the importance of rising above discrimination, ‘hate crimes’, gay-bashing, ‘corrective rape’ and other injustices faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

The Durban Pride Parade was widely supported by LGBTI activist from various organisations.

Welcoming everyone who had converged at City Hall, Nonhlanhla Mkhize, Director of the Durban Lesbian and Gay Community and Health Centre said “You all look so beautiful. Nice and bright, just as we are as gays and lesbians.”

Dawn Cavanagh, Organisational Director, for the Coalition of African Lesbians (CAL) said the Durban Pride Parade was “brilliant and a beautiful political moment. Seeing the passion and the people waving… People have been murdered, raped and brutally assaulted, but here we are, powerful in numbers, it was really amazing.”

Cavanagh added, “We see Pride in its best form, as a political statement for our communities in the state of violence, in the face of all violations, that however you feel about us, we will resist any attempt by people who try to erase our visibility and we are here for activists who are fighting for LGBTI rights.”

Bontle Khalo of the Ekurhuleni Pride Organising Committee (EPOC) said it is important for them as EPOC to be visible and form relations with other LGBTI organisations.

“It is very important for us to be out here and be abreast of issues that happen in the rest of the country and to represent EPOC and Ekurhuleni. Hate crimes are everywhere and it is our struggle.”

Khalo also encouraged the LGBTI community in Durban to also come and support the Ekurhuleni Pride March saying, “We encourage them to come and also march with us. Our marches are still political in fighting against the struggles faced by LGBTI people.”

The Durban Pride Parade was a conclusion of the week long festivities which included Flag Raising Ceremony which was then followed by an LGBT Movie Festival, High School debates on bullying in schools, a cheese and wine read-a-thon and the Mr and Ms Pride contest.

Asked about the significance of Pride openly gay, Ruby Phewa said “Pride sets me free, it’s about showing people that we are out there and we are proud to be here.”

According to the organisers Durban Pride celebrations of this kind had not taken place since June 2005.

Baby Rawlins, Director for Zeep Productions, who were also part of the organisers of the Durban Pride Parade, lauded Nonhlanhla Mkhize, Director for the Centre.

“Nonhlanhla and her team did a great job, I salute her, today covered everything, all our hard work,” she said.

Asked about the importance of parents being supportive of their children regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, Rawlins said, “As a parent you do not pick what your child becomes and if parents are supportive, their children can be confident as well.

She added, “If you are a parent and you’re not supportive of your gay or lesbian child, you are missing out a lot. I am part and parcel of my child’s joy, it’s important for parents to also love and respect their kids being gay and lesbian as it’s not a choice, it’s who they are.”

Rawlins pointed out that going forward into organising next year’s pride they want to surpass what they achieved this year.

“We are going to triple these numbers, Jo’burg Pride watch out,” she said.

As the pride week celebrations began, the Times, a national newspaper here in South Africa reported that Siphokazi Nombande, youth leader of the Durban Lesbian and Gay Community Health Centre had declared Durban the “gayest” city in the country.

She said that compared to other big cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, Durban was the most accommodative towards gay people.

Durban, the city whose former mayor, Obed Mlaba, once notoriously said (and later apologised for saying) that “Cape Town can stay with its moffies and its gays”, on Sunday had, Mishack Nyawose, representing new mayor James Nxumalo, saying: “Ethekwini supports what you are doing. Enjoy yourselves.” Ethekwini is Durban’s Zulu name.

Pride marches in South Africa date back to the 1990s. In fact the first ever African gay and lesbian Pride parade took place in Johannesburg in 1990.

By Simangele Mzizi (Reporter)

http://www.mask.org.za/2011-durban-pride-since-hailed-as-%E2%80%9Cbrilliant%E2%80%9D/

romanSA

August 2nd, 2011, 05:25 PM

The Starlight Pop Opera Concert is finally here
KZNPO - KZN Philharmonic Orchestra
08/02/2011 10:40:47

It is almost hard to believe that the 13th annual FNB Starlight Pop Opera Concert is just around the corner.

The concert, already a highlight in Durban’s Arts calendar, promises to be even more spectacular this year.

Set-up for this prestigious event commenced on Monday with rehearsals starting on Tuesday August 2. The amazing line-up for the show includes Leanne Manas as the Master of Ceremonies, South Africa’s premier orchestra, the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, and the vocals of Hanli Stapela, Cape Flats Tenors, Joseph Clark, Juanita Kruger, Lloyd Cele, John Ellis and Shannon Mowday on the saxophone.

On Friday 5 August FNB will host 100 old age home residents from The Natal Settlers Old Age Home, Tafta Ray Hullet, Tafta Kings Hall and Tafta Lodge South Beach at the Final Dress Rehearsal.

Saturday 6 August is the public evening commencing at 5.30pm. The public is encouraged to purchase their tickets early and arrive early so that they can choose a good area to view the concert and enjoy with their friends and family.

On Sunday 7 August it will be a closed event for the FNB invited guests. At this event FNB will sponsor R25 000 to the Lungisa Indlela Village, known as the LIV Village.

Ticket prices are R80 for adults, R30 for students and pensioners, and children under 12 years enter FREE. Bookings are open through Computicket and parking is available at Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

For more information please contact 031 369 9438 or log onto www.kznpo.co.za

Photographs available on request

KZN Philharmonic Orchestra
Janet Finch, Marketing Manager
031 369 9438/53; 078 802 0900
marketing@kznpo.co.za

Web site: http://www.kznpo.co.za

http://www.artlink.co.za/news_article.htm?contentID=27721

romanSA

August 5th, 2011, 11:44 AM

This sounds great and Durbanites should be proud the city is hosting this ballet. I hope it's well supported.

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Don Quixote classic ballet set to dazzle
Copy Dog Editorial Enterprises CC
08/05/2011 09:18:33

The scintillating ballet classic Don Quixote, presented by Mzansi Productions, returns to the stage in Durban and Johannesburg in September and October.

For the first time since the mid-1990s ballet audiences in Durban and Johannesburg will be treated to the traditional full-length 3-act version of the great ballet Don Quixote when the scintillating classic comes to the stage later this year. The staging by Mzansi Productions will feature leading South African ballet dancers as well as 18 Cuban dancers and a further contingent of other international dancers. Mzansi Productions receives generous funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) and it is this support which makes the new production of Don Quixote possible.

The Mzansi Productions staging will be based on the acclaimed Cuban version, promising to make Don Quixote one of the ballet highlights of recent years. With their stylish classical technique, the Cuban dancers are today applauded as the finest performers of this great bravura classic of the international ballet repertoire.

Based on an episode in Cervantes epic novel and set in bustling Barcelona, the ballet tells a story of the triumph of young love over parental match-making. The beautiful, audacious Kitri and the dashing but poor Basilio are determined to marry but Kitri’s father has more ambitious plans for his daughter.

The sparkling comedy unfolds in a cascade of dazzling classical ballet which features some of the most celebrated showpieces in all ballet, the most famous of which is the virtuoso Don Quixote Pas de Deux.

The new décor and costumes will be designed by leading South African stage designer Andrew Botha.

Don Quixote will be performed in Durban in the Playhouse Opera on 29 and 30 September, 1, 4, and 5 October at 7.30pm; and at 2.30pm on 1 and 2 October at 2:30pm. Tickets at R80, R100, R120 and R160 can be booked through Computicket on 083 915 8000.

Johannesburg performances of Mzansi Productions’ staging of Don Quixote will be at the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, from 13-15, 20-22 October at 8:15pm; and on 15, 16, 22 and 23 October at 3pm. Tickets: R60, R120, R180, R220, and R300 for the Royal Boxes. Booking is through Computicket.

Mzansi Productions receives funding from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.

Media enquiries:
Johannesburg: Leon Bezuidenhout; 011 492 1467; leon@mzansiproductions.com
Durban: William Charlton-Perkins; 031 309 8736, copydog@artslink.co.za

Related Venues:

Playhouse, Durban KwaZulu-Natal South Africa

http://www.artlink.co.za/news_article.htm?contentID=27749

romanSA

August 16th, 2011, 09:23 AM

Aug 16 2011 7:50AM

Jomba! to take city by storm

Dance lovers can look forward to yet another season of Jomba! Contemporary Dance Experience.

The 11-day festival hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts opens on August 31 and runs until September 11.

World champion break-dancers BBoyz – Junior and Stylistik, from France who have turned the contemporary dance world on its head by shifting what is often seen as an improvisation and “battle” dance form, to the theatre stage are bound to draw huge crowds.

One of the highlights at the event this year is the Jomba! New Works programme, which features innovative artists, Mlu Zondi and S’fiso Magesh Ngcobo.

Ngcobo’s “Similar Pathways” explores the real meaning of ubuntu on life’s journey, while Zondi’s incorporates video artwork into a reflection of a dancer’s psyche and memory in Devolva.

From Johannesburg, Gregory Maqoma brings Beautiful Me that has travelled the globe to critical acclaim. Maqoma, one of South Africa’s most internationally recognised choreographers, has worked with creative input from Akram Khan, Faustin Linyekula and Vincent Mantsoe in a dance and choreographic dialogue that has resulted in this fiercely beautiful solo work.

A first for Jomba! this year is the adventurous Women’s Solo Project featuring Hélène Cathala from France with a work that celebrates the search for new dance languages. Durban’s Desiré Davids has made a short dance film which is the second part of the work she premiered at Jomba! in 2010; Lliane Loots has created a politically charged work on Flatfoot dancer TeeKay Quvane; and Gauteng-based Dada Masilo makes her Jomba! debut with her controversial and celebrated solo, The Bitter End of Rosemary.

Jomba! takes place at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre except for one of the major highlights of this year’s festival, Jomba! City – a site-specific dance and art-making encounter with the inner city of Durban. Curated by David Gouldie this is sure to be the street party event of the year. The event features more than 100 artists, including Doung Anwar-Jahangeer, Ewok, Sifiso Khumalo and Vusi Makanya, among others, as well as leading DJs and bands. – TNA 701198

http://www.thenewage.co.za/25860-1008-53-Jomba!_to_take_city_by_storm

romanSA

August 19th, 2011, 05:00 PM

Tourism jobs expo set for Durban

19 August 2011 - 10:47
By Noloyiso Mbalane

If you are interested in a career in tourism, there is something on the horizon to watch out for.

The third National Tourism Careers Expo takes place in Durban from the 23 to the 25 of next month and organisers say preparations for the event are well on track.

Deputy Tourism Minister Tokozile Xasa told the media in Durban yesterday that the careers exhibition is designed to expose the youth of South Africa to the exciting employment opportunities in tourism and to develop skills among educators teaching tourism.

"The content of what they are taught, either at schools or at university level, does not match the skills that are required by the industry. So the interaction here creates that awareness, it creates a platform where people get to understand - even the educators and the institutions themselves, plus the industry together are able to decide what it is that we want to achieve as the tourism industry," she said.

http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-news?oid=1333516&sn=Detail&pid=490476&Tourism-jobs-expo-set-for-Durban

dysan1

August 22nd, 2011, 03:27 PM

Fantastic to see that South Africa's top Film Festival grew a whopping 19% in attendance and the two newer additions of Filmart and Talent campus are giving further clout to the premier gathering of the film industry. Decisions and contacts made during these events are becoming highly influential to the success of movies from across the continent.

Increased attendance at DIFF 2011Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:07

The Durban International Film Festival has announced a significant increase in attendance for its 32nd edition which concluded on 31 July.

The festival recorded total attendance of 29,792 including attendance of 2,452 at the festival’s workshop and seminar programme. This reflects a 19% increase on 2010 attendance figures.

The success of the 2nd Durban FilmMart and 4th Talent Campus Durban programmes and the strong international linkages all bode well for industry development locally and across the continent.

Says DIFF Director, Peter Rorvik: “We are extremely pleased with the increase in attendance and this clearly shows that there is an eager audience in South Africa for cinema from around the world. It was also great to see so many sold-out screenings and that the South African films did particularly well at the festival. We congratulate the many award-winners, and thank the juries and also the audience for voting in the audience awards.”

DIFF is supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

“Apart from the afore-mentioned funders, the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) and DIFF would like to acknowledge HIVOS, City of Durban, German Embassy of South Africa, Goethe Institut of South Africa, Industrial Development Corporation, KZN Department of Arts and Culture and other valued partners who support our efforts. We look forward to the 33rd edition of the Durban International Film Festival, which takes place from 19th to 29th July 2012, and have already begun planning a range of exciting enhancements,” concludes Rorvik

romanSA

August 22nd, 2011, 10:13 PM

Wow! That's very impressive. To put in perspective, that's more than Cannes (just over 29,300 attendees)! Of course, Cannes is considerably more high-profile, but DIFF does Africa proud with its size and growth (especially as the viewings are not free).

Rob WP

August 24th, 2011, 05:15 PM

Been to Cannes... aside from the after-parties its actually just a bunch of tourists standing around taking photos which is just annoying. Parties are epic though...

Anyone have any take on the climate change summit coming up and the impact it will have vis-a-vis Durban's international rep? I mean people still talk about the Kyoto Protocol... is that now going to be the "Durban Protocol"?

dysan1

August 24th, 2011, 11:19 PM

Well we have Durban 3 all the rage... The "anti-israel" UN conference that so many blow way out of proportion

Durbsboi

August 25th, 2011, 03:34 PM

Small one that shouldnt really make headlines but SAIRAC (South African Institute of Refridgeration Aircon & Cooling) are celebrating their 60th Anniversary today and they're holding it at the Moses Mabhida Conference Center. Will be going so hoping to take some pics!

romanSA

August 25th, 2011, 04:49 PM

This event did make headlines...

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James Blunt rocks Durban
25 Aug 2011
Ryan Calder

JAMES Blunt opened his concert by waltzing in from the back of the crowd to the stage in amongst nearly 7000 people at the ICC in Durban last night.

Backed by a full stage of impressive LED video screens and a five-piece band, the British pop star performed to a seated audience, who warmed up after he addressed the KZN crowd. "I can see you like sitting," he said to laughs and applause. The situation threatened to turn nasty when many from the cheap seats walked up to the stage from the back, obstructing the view of the front row larnies. But KZN chillocrity prevailed and the cheap seats returned to their rightful place.

Having just come from China and Japan, Blunt joked that it was a "great relief to be able to speak in English to say 'How're ya doing?!'," which garnered massive applause. "Thank the f*** for that!" he said.

Blunt performed numerous of his number one hits, including 'Wise Men', '1973' and 'You're Beautiful'.

Opening up proceedings was Idols winner Elvis Blue with a backing band. He performed some of the hits from his latest album, such as 'Save Me', 'Things My Father Said', 'lighthouse' and a cover version of 'Hallelujah' (which prompted an "I like this guy" from a gentleman in the crowd).

http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global%5B_id%5D=67161

architectokuniwin

August 26th, 2011, 06:20 PM

send articles on architecture in Africa for print publication to editor@arwestafrica.com
selected writers will be compensated.

romanSA

August 30th, 2011, 12:36 PM

Celebration of a joint heritage

August 30 2011 at 10:15am
By Latoya Newman
Comment on this story

WHAT started off five years ago as an effort to showcase Indian arts and culture has become a growing project that now facilitates the annual exchange of artistic showcases between South Africa and India, and significant collaboration between the two on fresh works.

This year Shared History – The Indian Experience in South Africa features an array of Indian works premiering in the country.

Among these are the highly anticipated Rhythm Divine, a dance work by world-renowned Astad Deboo Dance Company, and Mahesh Dattani’s acclaimed theatre production, Dance like a Man.

Ankur Bhardwaj of New Delhi-based Teamwork Productions, who has teamed up with the high commission of India in South Africa on this project, said that when they were setting up the first export of Indian shows they were confident that Indian arts and culture would be appreciated in South Africa.

“We (South Africa and India) have a lot of history together and we have a lot in common. We try to showcase art forms from different genres every year. From contemporary and classical music, dance, literature, theatre and food… We at Teamwork travel India and the world, assessing the different art forms and choosing what we feel South Africa will like.”

Bhardwaj said the biggest challenge they faced was that the standards kept going up.

“The bar goes up a notch every year and, while we don’t want to draw comparisons between shows every year, we do aim to achieve a minimum standard. The acts and cuisine are chosen from all over India. In this year’s festival, all the works are new, premiering in South Africa.”

In Durban, a variety of events and performances are on offer, from the Primetime Theatre Company’s Dance like a Man to contemporary dance in Rhythm Divine.

Dance like a Man is the story of Jairaj and Ratna, two Bharatanatyam dancers past their prime, and their daughter Lata, who is establishing herself as a brilliant dancer.

Her imminent success creates tension and jealousy, and the audience is drawn into the dark secrets of family relationships and conflicts between generations. The play is written by Dattani, and produced and directed by Lillete Dubey.

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/30-aug-11-iol-tonight-pic2-ndr-shared-histories-lead-1.1127622!/image/2746640353.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/2746640353.jpg

On the dance front, Rhythm Divine believes dance is a system of ideas and together with music, can enrich the moral, the material and the intellectual. The acclaimed Astad Deboo walks the perimeter with eight Manipuri Thang-Ta dancers to create a universe.

The result is a work that records the traces and clues of things to come. Thang-Ta, The Art of the Sword and Spear, is an exciting dance form that has been adapted from the ancient martial arts form of Manipur, in north-east India.

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/30-aug-11-iol-tonight-pic3-ndr-shared-histories-lead-1.1127621!/image/2907803440.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/2907803440.jpg

But, as Bhardwaj pointed out, when the festival started, the objective was not for it to be an import of Indian arts, but to get a dialogue going and to bring South African arts to India.

“Last year, we collaborated with Ronnie Govender to bring his plays to India, and we collaborated with Dance Factory. Earlier this year, South Africa’s famous poet/ storyteller Gcina Mhlophe came to India… There are ongoing talks with writers to bring more productions to India.

“And over the years, the response from both South Africans and Indians has been hugely supportive of the festival, across the board, not just by people with an Indian cultural background. And we have also seen increased collaborations between the countries on new works,” he said.

In a statement, the high commissioner of India, Virendra Gupta, said the Shared History Festival was a unique celebration of plurality and the common heritage of India and South Africa.

Anil K Sharan, consul general of India in Durban, said: “Five years ago, Teamwork Productions built a unique cultural bridge between South Africa and India with an exemplary partnership between public and private instructions in both countries. Today, the festival has become the most important and sought-after cultural event in South Africa.”

l Shared History – The Indian Experience in South Africa 2011 runs from Saturday to September 24 in Joburg, Pretoria, and Durban.

See Computicket website for information.

http://www.iol.co.za/tonight/what-s-on/kwazulu-natal/celebration-of-a-joint-heritage-1.1127624

romanSA

August 30th, 2011, 12:38 PM

Three highlights in Durban

August 30 2011 at 10:04am

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/30-aug-11-iol-tonight-pic-ndr-shared-histories-info-box-1.1127592!/image/961738939.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/961738939.jpg

Three highlights in Durban: the Primetime Theatre Company’s Dance like a Man, contemporary dance by Rhythm Divine and the mesmerising music of Rajasthan Josh.

l Rajasthan Josh, Blue Lagoon, Saturday 10 September, 8pm (entrance is free): Combines the folk traditions of Rajasthan. Kutla Khan, Nathoo Solanki, Chuggee Khan and the enchanting Patricia use instruments like the Morchang, Bhapang Khartaal, Double flute, Nagara and Bamboo Flute and incorporate vocal styles ranging from the mystic Sufi traditions, bhajans and popular folk songs of Rajasthan. The performance will be interspersed with captivating dances like the Chari Dance, Kalbelia (Snake charmers’ dance) and Terah Taali.

l For theatre-lovers, Mahesh Dattani’s Dance like a Man will be presented at The Playhouse Company, 13 and 14 September, 8pm. Tickets are R100 and R110 from Computicket.

l Dance-lovers can enjoy the world-renowned Astad Deboo’s Rhythm Divine at The Playhouse Company, 15 to 17 September, 8pm. Tickets are R100 from Computicket.

l For further information visit the Shared History website www.sharedhistory.co.in and www.teamworkfilms.com

http://www.iol.co.za/tonight/what-s-on/kwazulu-natal/three-highlights-in-durban-1.1127593

romanSA

August 30th, 2011, 12:41 PM

Jomba! City lights up the night
Sharlene Versfeld
08/29/2011 14:40:39

Jomba! Contemporary Dance Experience presents what promises to be Durban’s art street party of the year this Friday at 7pm.

Delving head first into a site-specific encounter with the city centre, Jomba! City is an amalgamation of dance, music, art, installations, lights, sound, film, and one or two VERY happening DJ’s.

Supported by the City of Durban as one of the Celebrate Durban events, Jomba! City offers a safe and spectacular evening in the Durban city centre amidst statues of Queen Victoria and road plaques that honour struggle heroes amongst the pomp and ceremony of the City Hall backdrop and the everyday reality of the pedestrian crossings. All these form the backdrop to a night out that will get you face to face with the beautiful mix that is the Durban art and contemporary dance scene, all carefully curated by David Gouldie.

As you wander through the closed off cultural precinct in front of the City Hall, you will meet Linda Vargas and her flamenco dancers, surrounded by a marimba band backing up a group of Durban’s finest breakdancers. Buy delicious food items from the I Heart Market vendors, a beer from the bar and walk through art installations by the likes of Peter McKenzie, Karen Logan and Neil Coppen. Find Doung Anwaar-Jahangeer’s “Ma Dlamini” who looks a lot like Queen Victoria … and finally on the main stage, performances by Dusi Dance Company and Johannesburg’s celebrated Tshwane Dance Company.

A highlight of the evening is France’s two premier B-Boyz, Junior and Stylistik, dancing alongside Durban’s Life Check crews. This is sure to be a street dance encounter that reminds us of the talking souls that dance across nation and nationality.

The night ends with a rousing party that includes Crazy White Boy, DJ Switch and DJ Veranda Panda. Durban’s inimitable Iain Ewok Robinson is the MC for the event and watch out for some of Durban’s finest rap artists.

Tickets are R50 and available on the night at the two entrance gates (one in Anton Lembede Street opposite the Royal Hotel and the second in Dr Pixley Kaseme Road).

See www.cca.ukzn.ac.za for more details.

The 13th Jomba! Contemporary Dance Experience is organized by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal) and supported by National Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), HIVOS, City of Durban, French Institute of South Africa, Goethe Institut of South Africa.

Media Enquiries:
Sharlene Versfeld
Versfeld & Associates: The Communication Works
031 811 5628
083 326 3235
sharlene@versfeld.co.za
Twitter: sharlvers
Skype: sharlene.versfeld

Related Event:

Jomba! Contemporary Dance Experience
Dates: Wednesday, 31st August 2011 - Sunday, 11th September 2011

http://www.artlink.co.za/news_article.htm?contentID=27953

dysan1

September 1st, 2011, 10:20 AM

the Jomba event is going to be great!

dysan1

September 1st, 2011, 10:24 AM

Durban wil host the World Golfers Championship between October 29 and November 5 2011.

This is the epic final after a mass of qualifying events all over the world and is the biggest event in amateur golf. This is the second time KZN has hosted the event, we last hosted it in 2006.

http://www.worldgolfers.com/

romanSA

September 1st, 2011, 10:27 AM

the Jomba event is going to be great!

Street party sounds great...

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‘JOMBA! City’ — lively art street party in Durban
01 Sep 2011

AS part of Durban’s JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, the Centre for Creative Arts presents Durban’s art street-party, tomorrow night at 7 pm.
JOMBA! City is an amalgamation of dance, music, art, installations, lights, sound, film, and one or two very happening DJs in the city centre, amidst statues of Queen Victoria and road plaques that honour struggle heroes.
Curated by David Gouldie, the event will feature flamenco dancing courtesy of Linda Vargas and her dancers; a marimba band; delicious food from the I Heart Market vendors; walk-through art installations by the likes of Peter McKenzie and Neil Coppen, and Doung Anwaar*Jahangeer’s Ma Dlamini, who looks a lot like Queen Victoria; as well as performances by Dusi Dance Company and Johannesburg’s Tshwane Dance Company.

The night ends with a rousing party that includes Crazy White Boy, DJ Switch and DJ Veranda Panda. Slam poet, Iain Ewok Robinson, is the emcee for the event, which also features some of Durban’s finest rap artists.

Tickets are R50, and are available on the night at the two entrance gates (one in Anton Lembede Street opposite the Royal Hotel, and the second in Dr Pixley Kaseme Road). For more information, log on to www.cca.ukzn.ac.za

— Arts Editor.

http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global%5B_id%5D=67500

dysan1

September 5th, 2011, 11:58 AM

STREET MUSIC FESTIVAL-Napalma, Rob Warren, Ewok, King Bee and more

http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/276896_275841749095218_8233398_n.jpg

Time Saturday, September 10 · 5:00pm - 11:00pm

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Location Davenport Rd, Glenwood Durban

dysan1

September 5th, 2011, 12:02 PM

SUNDAY FOOD & CRAFT LOVERS MARKET

http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-ash2/276911_243021002409782_6843259_n.jpg

Time Sunday, September 11 · 8:30am - 2:00pm

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Location Bulwer Park
Glenwood

Live Jazz, Food Stalls, Local design.

romanSA

September 6th, 2011, 07:38 AM

Giving voice to Durban’s vibe with artistic flair

September 6 2011 at 05:00am

http://www.iol.co.za/polopoly_fs/street-1.1131809!/image/3379557003.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_300/3379557003.jpg
INLSA
FRESH AND FUN: Designs from last years Street Scene Tours

Street Scene Tours will present the second annual Interpret Durban event, in collaboration with eThekwini Municipality, at the City Hall precinct on Friday, September 23 and artists are invited to submit entries in several categories.

It is calling for entries for video, T-shirt designs and photographs according to this brief: “Share your interpretation of Durban focused on three words: Rediscover. Reconnect. Reveal.”

The top 10 finalists’ tees and photography prints will be available to buy or order on the evening. Umthombo art surf boards will be auctioned on the evening with all proceeds from the auction going to the Umthombo organisation for street children.

Video installations, live art, fashion shows, food and music will provide the backdrop to a collaboration that will energise the city centre and showcase its potential as a vibrant art precinct. Acts confirmed are BLK JKS, The La Els, The Meditators, Seake, Coco Loco, The Wilderness Act and more.

The closing date for submissions is September 19 at 5pm. More information can be found at www.streetscenetours.co.za.

The event on September 23 will feature the top 10 creations in the three categories and there will be prizes valued at more than R30 000.

“The idea is to celebrate our city,” says Richard Powell of Street Scene Tours, “Our work is based on showcasing our city, and this event was designed to showcase our city’s talent and people. We are so excited to see what Durban creates.”

Pre-sale tickets for the event will be available for R50 at Keys On Florida (170 Florida Road) as well as Computicket, while tickets at the door will be R70 on the night.

More information on submissions is at www.streetscenetours.co.za and click on Interpret Durban.

Join the Facebook page www.facebook.com/InterpretDurban for running updates.

http://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/lifestyle/giving-voice-to-durban-s-vibe-with-artistic-flair-1.1131810

dysan1

September 7th, 2011, 07:29 PM

The National Flow Body Board Championships take place at the Wave House Durban at Gateway on September 17, 2011.

Time: 11.30am to 1.30pm
Entry: R100

And even bigger news from that world... 2011 FLOW World Championship will take place in Durban.

Attention flowriders and flowriding enthusiasts – the moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived! The FLOW (Flowriding League of the World) Championships will take place October 5th – 9th at our very own Wave House Durban South Africa! The 2011 Championships mark the 3rd annual FLOW Championships and will draw the world's best flowriders from the US, Singapore, Chile, Dubai, UK and various other countries to compete on our Double FlowBarrel.

Qualifying competitions are already under way in the US and Chile with the rest of the world soon to join in. Read more and see pictures of last year's FLOW Championships at www.wavehouse.com

romanSA

September 12th, 2011, 02:56 PM

Major coup for Durban...

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Durban gets next three SETE exhibitions

12 September 2011

Durban has won the right to host the next three Sports and Events Tourism Exchange exhibitions, which sees representatives from the sports, tourism and events industries coming together to position South Africa as a major sports and events destination, from 2012 to 2014.

"The city of Durban will be an excellent host for the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange," said South African Tourism global events manager Sugen Pillay in a statement last week. "Durban recently hosted the International Olympic Committee session and in 2010 it was a host city during the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

"It is strengthening its position as a world class sporting destination with the capability and capacity to bid for mega events in the future."

Exceeded expectations
The inaugural SETE exhibition, held in Cape Town in July this year, exceeded all expectations, with the exhibition attracting 88 exhibitors and over 1 400 visitors, and the conference attracting 32 speakers, 191 delegates and 25 international hosted buyers.

The international buyers came from as far afield as Australia, Canada, China, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Russia, Switzerland, UK and USA. Outside of the international hosted buyers and speakers there was country participation form Botswana, DRC, Germany, Namibia, Netherlands and Zimbabwe.

"After a successful inaugural event held in Cape Town in July this year, we look forward to growing the event together with the city of Durban and the province of KwaZulu-Natal over the next three years," said Thebe Exhibitions and Projects Group MD Carol Weaving.

"We believe that by awarding a three-year contract to the new host city of Durban, this will add an element of continuity to the event, establishing it as a 'must attend' on the annual global sports and events calendar."

Showcasing Durban, KZN
The key outcomes of the 2011 event saw the establishment of a steering committee, driven by Sports and Recreation SA, South African Tourism and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, which will explore the establishment of an events fund, establish criteria for the management of the fund and pave the way forward for an effective communication plan to all stakeholders.

"The city of Durban and the province of KwaZulu-Natal are delighted to host the likes of the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange as this not only provides the opportunity to showcase what Durban and KwaZulu Natal has to offer as a sporting destination, but to prove that Durban certainly has the potential to host mega-events such as the Olympics," said Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau CEO James Seymour.

The next SETE exhibition and conference will take place from 12-14 September 2012 at the International Convention Centre.

SAinfo reporter

Read more: http://www.southafrica.info/news/conferences/durbansete-120911.htm#ixzz1Xk5v3JFJ

romanSA

September 12th, 2011, 02:58 PM

Durban City Orchestra to perform at Old Mutual's Spring Spectacular concert
Published: 12 September 2011

18 September will see the orchestra make its debut appearance in the Old Mutual Music at the Lake series at the Durban Botanic Gardens.

The Old Mutual Music at the Lake series sees thousands of people packing their picnic gear and heading off to enjoy great South African acts on Sunday afternoons in the great natural setting of the botanical gardens.

The Durban City Orchestra has been in existence since 1888 when it was formed as the Durban Philharmonic Society and it comprises musicians from various backgrounds. To mark the arrival of warmer sunny days, conductor Russell Scott has chosen a wide selection of light classical and up-tempo music from the shows as well as popular hit favourites. The afternoon will be filled with rich orchestral sounds complimented by talented vocal soloists Leendert de Jager, Jessica James and Lisa Bobbert.

Visitors will be treated to a delightful concert, incorporating classical pieces such as La Donna e Mobile from Verdi’s Rigoletto, Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission, Beethoven’s 6th Symphony (the 1st Movement) and Libiamo Ne' Lieti Calici - the famous Drinking Song from La Traviata - with Leendert de Jager singing both male and female voices!

The contemporary line-up is every bit as bubbly – the perfect complement to a lovely spring day in the garden. A broad scope of contemporary songs will be given a Durban City Orchestra makeover, ranging from Shania Twain’s Don't be Stupid to a full Tina Turner medley. Go West is another medley of western movie themes such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Other standards that are featured include Frank Sinatra’s My Way and even Michael Buble’s hit, I Just Haven’t Met You Yet.

It’s clear from the line-up of the concert that there is something for everyone to look forward to. “We are so excited to be performing at the Durban Botanic Gardens – we are going to make music in a beautiful natural setting, while contributing to its upkeep – this is a wonderful partnership between Old Mutual and the Durban Botanic Garden,” said Leendert de Jager, one of soloists in the upcoming concert.

The Old Mutual Music at the Lake series presents live concerts every month throughout the year at the Durban Botanic Garden and all proceeds from the performances go to the Durban Botanic Garden for its upkeep.

For more information about this and other events in the Durban Botanic Gardens, visit the website or call the Info Centre on 031-3091170 or the Friends Office (weekdays) on 031 2025819.

For news, updates and more on the Durban City Orchestra, go to www.dco.za.net.

Tickets for all concerts are available on Ticketbreak:

Pre-sale at gardens
Adults: R50.00
Children 10 to 18 years: R20.00

On-day sales at gardens and Ticketbreak
Adults: R60.00
Children 10 to 18 years: R20.00

(Children under 10 years are free.)

Gates open: 12:30
Concert starts: 14:30
Gates close: 18:00
Facilities available: Tea garden available on site.

Alcoholic beverages are for sale at the restaurant and tea garden.
Everyone is welcome to bring picnic baskets and blankets.

Kids Zone available from 13:30 to 16:30.

Secure parking is available on the Juventus ground. Entrance to all parking is off lower Sydenham Road, adjacent to the Botanic Gardens and the Munies Hockey Field also off lower John Zikhale (Sydenham) Road.

The following acts are coming up next at the Durban Botanic Garden:

9 October: Be EPIC
13 November: Goldfish
13 December: Carols by Candlelight

http://mediaupdate.co.za/?IDStory=41312

romanSA

September 12th, 2011, 03:00 PM

Poetry Africa and 100 000 Poets for Change
Sharlene Versfeld
09/12/2011 10:29:49

The Centre for Creative Arts and Poetry Africa will present a special Heritage Day programme as part of the 100 000 Poets for Change project.

This bold endeavour, initiated by Californian poets Michael Rothenberg and Terri Carriòn, will see worldwide poetic action on September 24 in 500 cities in 93 countries across the planet. The project invites poets and poetry organisations everywhere to compile their own programmes around social, environmental, and political change.

The Poetry Africa event in Durban presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu Natal, supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, will especially focus on environmental challenges, as poets, musicians, artists, and humanitarians gather in a collaborative effort to drive environmental awareness.

This free outdoor event takes place from 15h30 at Durban’s Green Hub, an environmental sanctuary nestled among trees near Blue Lagoon, where the Umgeni River enters the Indian Ocean. The programme includes live music, open mic opportunities for poets to express their thoughts and feelings about the environment and related issues, and a poetry weaving session where everybody will be able to take part by writing on a sheet of cloth a few lines of poetry focusing on the environment. Guest participants include Gcina Mhlophe, Patrick Bond, Busisiwa Gqulu, Sakhile STP Shabalala, Siphamandla Xaba, and the New Diva Jazz Ensemble. A riverside clean-up commences at 14h00 and is part of a full day of Green Hub activities such as the 2nd River Revive Bicycle Ride (09h00), Green Info Booths (11h00), and Greening Workshops (13h00).

The evening will conclude with a special sunset film screening of the Lucy Walker film Waste Land, which won three awards at the 2010 Durban International Film Festival – Best Documentary, the Amnesty International Award and the Audience Choice Award.

A free shuttle service will run between Aliwal Street (opposite Exhibition Centre) and the Green Hub, from 10h00 until 21h00.

The 100 000 Poets for Change programme is aligned to the newly formed World Poetry Movement (WPM), which although only two months in existence has already been joined by 100 international poetry festivals and over 500 poets from all continents. Poets and poetry organisations are invited to join the WPM and strengthen the voice of poets, and add African representation to this growing international organisation. Poets can register at worldpoetrymovement@gmail.com or visit the World Poetry Movement website at www.wpm2011.org

The 100 000 Poets for Change project is an advance programme for the 15th Poetry Africa international poetry festival which will take place in Durban from 17 to 22 October 2011. See www.cca.ukzn.ac.za for more information.

Sharlene Versfeld
Versfeld & Associates: The Communication Works
031 811 5628
083 326 3235
sharlene@versfeld.co.za
Twitter: sharlvers
Skype: sharlene.versfeld

Web site: http://www.cca.ukzn.ac.za

Related Event:
Poetry Africa Festival
Dates: Tuesday, 4th October 2011 - Sunday, 9th October 2011

http://www.artlink.co.za/news_article.htm?contentID=28092

dysan1

September 12th, 2011, 03:38 PM

Great stuff. Good to see that the first event was a success. Interesting that they handed it out as a 3 year contract. Will be good from continuity and help the host city put more into it, as they know that they will be able to build and grow it for their benefit. Same with the Indaba situation. Hope the event grows from strength to strength.

Major coup for Durban...

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Durban gets next three SETE exhibitions

12 September 2011

Durban has won the right to host the next three Sports and Events Tourism Exchange exhibitions, which sees representatives from the sports, tourism and events industries coming together to position South Africa as a major sports and events destination, from 2012 to 2014.

"The city of Durban will be an excellent host for the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange," said South African Tourism global events manager Sugen Pillay in a statement last week. "Durban recently hosted the International Olympic Committee session and in 2010 it was a host city during the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

"It is strengthening its position as a world class sporting destination with the capability and capacity to bid for mega events in the future."

Exceeded expectations
The inaugural SETE exhibition, held in Cape Town in July this year, exceeded all expectations, with the exhibition attracting 88 exhibitors and over 1 400 visitors, and the conference attracting 32 speakers, 191 delegates and 25 international hosted buyers.

The international buyers came from as far afield as Australia, Canada, China, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Russia, Switzerland, UK and USA. Outside of the international hosted buyers and speakers there was country participation form Botswana, DRC, Germany, Namibia, Netherlands and Zimbabwe.

"After a successful inaugural event held in Cape Town in July this year, we look forward to growing the event together with the city of Durban and the province of KwaZulu-Natal over the next three years," said Thebe Exhibitions and Projects Group MD Carol Weaving.

"We believe that by awarding a three-year contract to the new host city of Durban, this will add an element of continuity to the event, establishing it as a 'must attend' on the annual global sports and events calendar."

Showcasing Durban, KZN
The key outcomes of the 2011 event saw the establishment of a steering committee, driven by Sports and Recreation SA, South African Tourism and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, which will explore the establishment of an events fund, establish criteria for the management of the fund and pave the way forward for an effective communication plan to all stakeholders.

"The city of Durban and the province of KwaZulu-Natal are delighted to host the likes of the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange as this not only provides the opportunity to showcase what Durban and KwaZulu Natal has to offer as a sporting destination, but to prove that Durban certainly has the potential to host mega-events such as the Olympics," said Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau CEO James Seymour.

The next SETE exhibition and conference will take place from 12-14 September 2012 at the International Convention Centre.

SAinfo reporter

Read more: http://www.southafrica.info/news/conferences/durbansete-120911.htm#ixzz1Xk5v3JFJ