SA’s Ultimate Brand Ambassador (SAUBA) commenced filming for Season 2 of the reality and competition series to be broadcast on DSTV. SAUBA, a mentorship and leadership programme for women between the ages of 18 to 35, commenced the filming of Season 2 of the TV show over the weekend at the Manhattan Hotel in Pretoria CBD. The contestants, handpicked from a search that took place throughout South Africa in 2014, arrived at the Manhattan Hotel with no idea of what to expect, but with hope for the very best. SAUBA 2014 kicked off with a workshop, where the contestants were presented with information regarding what is expected from a brand ambassador. Furthermore, a representative from Head2Toe, Ms Morag Steyn, gave the ladies some make-up tips in order for them to put their best "face" forward. The contestants were immediately thrown into the deep end with a make-up challenge based on the tips they had received. They were required to present the results to the panel consisting of Mr Julian Rogers (MD: Quintessence Collections and SAUBA Season 1 and 2 Judge), Mr Sisa Salukazana (Director: Sibhushwana Cleaning Solutions and SAUBA Season 2 Judge), Guest Judge Ms Steyn and SAUBA Season 1 and 2 Host and Executive Producer, Tam de Vries. The aim of the show is to interlink social and corporate sectors while benefiting local communities and different charities. The drive of this reality competition is youth, social and economic development. So the contestants had to also present their action plans to the judging panel and answer a series of questions relating to their plans. On Sunday morning the contestants were placed into two groups and put through their paces with an ad challenge. They had to put together a concept for a commercial ad for Manhattan Hotel based on the offering of the hotel and interviews with staff members. The winning group was rewarded with a make-over and the opportunity to film the actual advert. The losing team had to say goodbye to one …
Pretoria Boys High hosts 24-hour mountain bike challenge
The grit and determination of the Gauteng mountain biking fraternity will be tested to the full when the Pretoria Boys High School 24-Hour Challenge takes place on Saturday, September 6. The fourth edition of this endurance event, presented by Barden Tyres, will once again roll out across the 85-acre campus in Brooklyn, southeast of the city centre. According to organiser Wynand de Villiers of ASG Events, up to 500 participants are expected to push the limits of their mental and physical staying power. "It's a unique experience – taking on a 24-hour challenge within the city limits," said De Villiers. "The course covers the school estate, taking riders between the historic school buildings, around the pristine sports fields and through its 100-year-old forests." He said solo riders and relay teams of two to eight participants would be required to cover as many laps of the 6km circuit as possible in the allotted timeframe. Last year's male and female solo winners were Christo van den Heever and Nicky Booyens. "Aside from negotiating the technical sections, riders have to manage their food and hydration levels and deal with factors such as fatigue and changing temperature and light conditions." De Villiers said a six-hour schools' challenge would be introduced this year in memory of former matric pupil and promising national cyclist Adam Reyneke, who was killed on a training ride four years ago. The Spur kids' races, for ages three to eight, would keep participants' younger siblings entertained, he said. "The kiddies' track will also be open after their race, so they can have fun throughout the event. In addition, we're launching a 24-hour corporate team challenge." As far as incentives were concerned, De Villiers said they would be giving away R10 000 worth of prizes to schools as well as products from Rudy Project and other items courtesy of the title sponsor. "Every entrant also receives a free T-shirt and event Buff. There's a …
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Great investment opportunities in Pretoria’s Northern suburbs
Due to the current housing shortage in the area, prices in Pretoria Moot will escalate over the next 12 to 18 months, says Hendrik Havenga, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Blue Chip Realty, whose office services the Pretoria Moot and Akasia areas. According to Havenga, the Moot area is a safe, well-established one with very few new developments or properties available to buyers. He notes that due to the fact that there is not a lot of vacant land available, buyers who want to purchase property in the area are limited to existing properties. Havenga says that the shortage of properties, along with the fact that new developments in the area are scarce, will likely push the area’s property prices up in the near future. He points out that the large majority of properties in Moot are older, freestanding homes that are situated on large stands. “Many of the current homeowners have lived in Pretoria Moot for years, have paid off their bonds and can afford to renovate their homes. “This has been a trend that has developed in the area, along with the subdivision of the property. Often the only way that new buyers can find a piece of land on which to build is by purchasing a section of property from an existing homeowner,” says Havenga. “Much like the area, the consumers that buy in Pretoria Moot are established and conservative buyers looking for their ideal family home.” In contrast to Pretoria Moot, the suburb of Akasia is booming with new developments. “Developers are purchasing vacant land and introducing entry-level and mid-range homes into the area. This has opened up a lot of investment opportunity and so it is not surprising that we have seen a great number of first-time buyers interested in these developments. The new developments along with older, entry-level homes in need of renovation have made the area very popular with young people wanting to get into the market. Even those who are currently unable to buy property here are moving to the area, which in turn is …
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Alma School in Pretoria raises most funds for Casual Day in Gauteng
The Gauteng awards breakfast for Casual Day, billed as “Breakfast with the Stars”, was a glittering affair. Casual Day celebrated raising the R23.5 million that was raised nationally in 2013 in style. The organisations and NGOs that raised the most in sticker donations for this fundraising project for persons with disabilities, were honoured for their selfless efforts. “This is an incredible achievement, considering the funds are raised R10 sticker at a time. This event brings tribute and thanks the thousands of volunteers that help us raise the funds,” says project leader Celeste Vinassa. This year Casual Day celebrates its 20th anniversary and will be pulling out all the stops with its Bring out the Bling theme, which gives participants the opportunity to dress up, not down, on Casual Day. Casual Day is a highlight on the calendar of the employees of many South African companies and invites all companies, government departments, public benefit organisations, schools, churches and individuals to join in the fun. On this day employers permit their employees to let their hair down, to dress in the theme and organise fun events in the workplace or do good works in their communities. It is an example of community spirit in action and unites all South Africans to create awareness of persons living with disabilities. The top organisations that raised the most donations in Gauteng are: Alma School in Pretoria, The Gateway Society on the West Rand, Gauteng Provincial Association for Persons with Disabilities in City West (with branches in Sebokeng, Tembisa, Orange Farm, Tshwane and Ormonde), Con Amore School in Kempton Park, National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in SA in Edenvale, Sunshine Centre Association in Craighall and Germiston, Eureka School in Vereeniging, Deaf Federation of SA in Richmond, Johannesburg, Casa Do Sol School in Linden, Johannesburg and the Association for Persons with Disabilities, Greater Johannesburg in Westcliff. The funds …
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TITANIC COMEBACK FOR PRETORIA TEAM
The Unlimited Titans made a great comeback in the Momentum One Day Cup series and will be going up against the Nashua Cape Cobras in the final at Sahara Park Newlands on Friday, 15 November. 29-year old Heino Kuhn played a decisive role in the team’s progression to the finals by scoring back-to-back centuries in the previous two matches. “The last two games have really been season highlights for me. We’ll go out there and give our best on Friday. Our game plan is to try and control what you can and we can’t do anything about the weather. The senior players know each other really well and the younger players are also mature for their age and have fitted into the squad nicely, so I think we can stage a really well-rounded attack at the moment. It would be really great to take the trophy home to SuperSport Park in Centurion,” mentions Kuhn. The team for Friday night’s epic clash will be captained by 28-year-old Farhaan Behardien, who will lead the team for the third consecutive time as official captain Henry Davids has been called up to join the Protea squad in the UAE. Behardien, who originally hails from Cape Town, is confident that the team can lift the trophy even though they are considered the underdogs. “This is my first stint as captain during my professional cricketing career. The last time I captained a team, I was fourteen at Westerford. It is a great honour to lead such a highly skilled team. The team spirit is phenomenal and although the final game is serious business, we also want to enjoy the privilege of playing on one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the world. Our team philosophy is to play for the man next to you and our last couple of performances have really positioned us well for the final. I am confident it is going to be a humdinger,” explains Behardien. According to coach Rob Walter, the team has good momentum coming off the back of four consecutive wins. “The team has shown that they can perform well under pressure, having …
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For Dream Weddings in South Africa Rely Only on Bronberg Wynlandgoed
Pretoria (05 February, 2013) – With a ton of different options as to where to have a wedding ceremony and reception, it is not uncommon for the bride and grooms to feel overwhelmed. There are certain aspects that couples look for when they want to have a traditional wedding. Delicious food and the right ambiance are always a must. For those who want a classic wedding with home-made food and wedding and conference venues with a Cape Wineland vibe, there is no better place than Bronberg Wynlandgoed. They first opened their doors on April 19, 2010 and have been a popular wedding venue since then. Previous guests and clients can attest to their superior service and the magnificence of the scenery. Located just outside of Pretoria lies, it is a quaint wedding venue complete with an adorable little chapel. The place is ideal for any type of wedding, be it an extravagant wedding with all the works, or a weekend nuptial with only immediate family. There are venues on the property that are able to accommodate a large and indulgent wedding as well as smaller function rooms to cater to private wedding parties. The location is ideal for those who want an unforgettable reception. Couples can receive their guests at the expansive wine cellar which can entertain up to 120 guests, comfortably. There is even a place for smaller wedding parties at the lovely Bronberg Wynlandgoed. A spacious loft found in the main building of the property can house between 30 to 50 people. That is just perfect for smaller weddings. It would also make a wonderful pre-wedding destination. The couple can host a pre-dinner party with all their friends and family at the private dining area. Each dinner party can be tailor made to fit exactly what the bride and groom want. Everything from the theme of the dinner, decor as well as the menu can be customized to each of the couples’ liking. The laid-back atmosphere that the wooden window frames and Cape Dutch gables present also takes the stuffy …
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Why Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Does Not Work
Ever since the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment framework was established, it has received numerous criticisms from various members of society. Independent BBBEE Practitioner, Sibusiso Nkosi, carries that criticism forward with his new book. Titled ''Forgotten Fundamentals: Why Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Does Not Work'', the book provides an analysis based on factors and elements of why BBBEE has not made the impact it was intended to make. ''The biggest problem is the BEE scorecard and how businesses chase the targets and points'', said Sibusiso Nkosi. ''This results in businesses implementing BEE compliance strategies that do not empower the previously disadvantaged individuals but they still score points on their scorecards.'' Although the book is not written to delve deeper into the analysis of these factors, it provides a clear platform for the stakeholders to engage in the issues outlined. ''The fundamentals of BBBEE are simple; equality, fairness and sustainability. That is what we should be seeking to achieve.'' expressed a passionate Mr. Nkosi. Although most of the arguments about BBBEE circle around Ownership, there are other critical areas such as Employment Equity, Skills Development and Enterprise Development that need to be focused on. In the book, the author has deliberately excluded arguments regarding Ownership citing ''they are already receiving enough attention'' ''The beneficiaries of BBBEE are not only rich business people. It is communities as well as people that are employees.'' he explained. ''That is what I wanted to focus on, how these people have been left out of the benefit basket and the dire results that this may possess.'' Forgotten Fundamentals: Why Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Does Not Work, is now available online for purchase on Sibusiso Nkosi's newly developed website, www.bbbeeinfo.co.za. Also see his blog www.bbbeematters.blogspot.co.za and follow @SibusisoBEE on twitter. More …