Serena Hotels Commemorate Rwanda's Genocide

CSR is a way of life at Serena Hotels

Serena Hotels has a large footprint in Africa. The hotel group is committed to nurturing both people and the planet and has dedicated corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes to uplift and empower the lives of local communities.

Rwanda’s Genocide: 100 Days of Remembrance

Since April 2013 staff and management at Serena’s hotels in Rwanda have been taking action to honour the victims of the Rwandan genocide at the Kigali Serena Hotel and the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.

Rwanda’s genocide took place in 1994 - a mass slaughter of Tutsis by Hutus in which more than 500,000 people lost their lives. The United Nations (UN) has named April 7 as the Day of Remembrance of the Rwanda Genocide and Serena Hotels has set up various initiatives to pay tribute to this turbulent time in the country’s history.

During the commemoration period, which runs for 100 days from April 7, the staff and management of Serena Hotels in Rwanda invest their personal time and energy to help change the lives of those affected by the civil war.

Films are shown at the Kigali Serena Hotel as an innovative way to raise funds. Denise Benzinge-Omany, Serena’s Country Sales and Marketing Manager for Rwanda, says: “Every year in April, we screen movies related to the genocide. We charge an entrance fee and the proceeds are used to buy food and fulfill other needs for victims.”

During the 100-day period, Serena Hotels is also focused on women’s groups and donating clothing and linen to various charities. Staff members also take time out to visit genocide memorial sites. Activities of commemoration are carried out within the local communities in Kigali, the district of Rubavu, and its capital, Gisenyi (where Lake Kivu is located).

Investing in Rwanda’s Future

Benzinge-Omany says commemorating the genocide is very important and stresses that Serena Hotels is invested in the future of those affected by this tragic chapter in Rwanda’s history.

She says: “We at Kigali Serena have been working with an association for genocide survivors which is made up of families headed by children who were orphaned in the genocide. Nineteen years after the genocide, these children have grown into young adults looking for jobs and skills, and also to further their education”.



Benzinge-Omany points out that Serena Hotels offers training opportunities, with a chance of employment where possible. Other CSR activities hosted by Lake Kivu Serena Hotel include supporting the local orphanages, women co-operatives and visiting Gisenyi Hospital. While Kigali Serena Hotel is also involved in supporting a local orphanage among other activities.

The Kigali Serena Hotel is ideally situated in a charming boulevard in the heart of Kigali. This five-star hotel is close to all the business amenities and attractions in the city. The Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is located on the sandy shores of Lake Kivu and is surrounded by tropical gardens. Visitors can go gorilla tracking to the Volcanoes National Park from the hotel.

Read more about these hotels at www.serenahotels.com

 

About Serena Hotels

The Serena selection spans some of the most evocative, exotic and enchanting destinations in the world. The Serena Group comprises a collection of 32 safari lodges, camps, hotels and resorts located in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Uganda and Mozambique) and Southern Asia (Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan).

The Serena service profile guarantees unprecedented luxury, extensive amenities and unrivalled warmth of personal attention. TPS Serena Hotels is an affiliate company of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED). AKFED promotes tourism by building, rehabilitating and managing hotels and lodges that contribute to economic growth in an environmentally and culturally sensitive manner.

Reed Travel Exhibitions Launching Africa Travel Week in 2014

Global leader Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) set to launch ‘Africa Travel Week’ at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from April 28th to May 3rd 2014.

Following the successful launch of ILTMAfrica in April earlier this year, the decision to create an all-encompassing travel week will ensure Africa Travel Week is the leading global event for Africa’s travel industry.

Comprising three co-located shows in one venue encompassing Africa’s inbound and outbound markets for general leisure travel, luxury tourism, and the MICE/business travel sector under RTE’s established portfolios of WTM (World Travel Market), ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) and IBTM (Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings).

Richard Mortimore, Managing Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented:
“Reed has been exploring opportunities in Africa for sometime and the success of our first launch event, ILTM Africa, has given us the platform to now introduce two more of our global industry brands to create ‘Africa Travel Week’ and make it the leading global event for the continent’s travel industry.

“Because of the sheer size of the continent and diversity of its travel offering, all three brands will help bring the world to Africa and promote Africa to the world’s leading source markets. RTE is committed to the African continent and its future as a global player in the leisure, business and luxury tourism sectors.”

WTM Africa will attract exhibitors from all categories of the leisure travel industry within sub-Sahara Africa as well as North African destinations, aligning itself with sister events, WTM, WTM Latin America, Arabian Travel Market and International French Travel Market – TopResa.

All shows will have a table-top format IBTM Africa will be in the West Ballroom, adjacent to the exhibition hall in the CTICC. Targetting the inbound and outbound meetings, events, incentives and business travel sectors of sub-Sahara Africa.

With suppliers from the MICE sector including hotels, venues, convention bureaus, DMCs, technology providers and suppliers of services. Reflecting the brand values of its sister events CIBTM (China), EIBTM (Europe), GIBTM (Middle East), AIME (Australia), AIBTM (US), IBTM India.

The East Ballroom will host ILTM Africa in its second edition after its successful launch focussing on Africa’s inbound luxury travel market. ILTM Africa is part of a global portfolio of luxury travel events that include ILTM (Cannes), ILTM Americas, ILTM Asia, ILTM Japan and ILTM Spa.

Both ILTM Africa and IBTM Africa will operate with a pre-qualified Hosted Buyer programme and a pre-scheduled appointment system. WTM Africa will combine a Hosted Buyer and appointment system with a trade visitor programme.



Africa Travel Week will be supported by Thebe Exhibitions Group, based out of Johannesburg. "We will be working with Thebe as our local management services contractor to provide logistics, operations and local sales and marketing services," added Mortimore.

Arthur Gillis, CEO of the Protea Hospitality Group, the largest hotel group on the African continent with some 130 hotels in 10 countries said:

“Africa Travel Week is the sort of event that exposes the best of the continent to a global audience that covers the entire travel spectrum from leisure to luxury, business to conferencing. Cape Town, arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world, will be the perfect backdrop to a travel showcase of this magnitude.

The Protea Hospitality Group firmly supports collaborative efforts of this nature in which tourism players work together for the greater good of growing travel and investment in Africa by creating infrastructure and permanent jobs in a market sector that I believe will continue to show steady growth in the long term.”

Dates for the events are:

ILTM Africa: April 28th – 30th

IBTM Africa: April 28th – 30th

WTM Africa: May 2nd – 3rd

www.africatravelweek.com

IBTM Africa will be the second major African meetings industry trade show. Meetings Africa, which attracted 350 buyers this year, will be held between 24-26 February next year in Gauteng.

About Reed Travel Exhibitions

The world’s leading provider of exhibitions in the travel and tourism industry. Its wide-ranging portfolio of events around the globe covers leisure travel, luxury travel, meetings, incentives and business travel, as well as golf, ski and spa travel. 

In 2012 Reed brought together seven million active event participants from around the world, generating billions of dollars in business with over 500 events in 39 countries.Today events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa and organized by 33 fully staffed offices. Serving 44 industry sectors with trade and consumer events and is part of the Reed Elsevier Group plc, a world-leading publisher and information provider and a FTSE 100 company. www.reedexpo.com

Mega-Hug Cares Campaign

The Mega-hug was born out of love and care for a loved one – my mom!

My darling mom needed warmth and company during her time in Grahamstown Hospice after her stroke, which had left her paralysed on her left side. 

 

When I found the fabulous new fabric called coral fleece, I realised that all I needed to do was come up with a simple design for a shoulder wrap that would easily settle around her, whilst still allowing her to manage it on her own - with one hand.

It worked. It would keep her warm yet left her lower arms clear to move freely for any chosen activity or to open easily when too hot. The resulting wrap proved a winner. The comfort, warmth and “company” it gave were incredibly gratifying.

I was soon making the wraps for family and friends for all sorts of reasons and sewing my hugs into each cuddly fleece. They proved to be the best gifts ever!

I gave each wrap with a gift-tag proclaiming that my arms were wrapped around them in the folds of the fleece and that I was close in spirit whenever the shrug was wrapped around them - together with a personal hug! It was amazing - all recipients loved the intent with which it was given and wanted to give the same to their own loved ones.

Now for every few Mega-hugs I sell, I donate one Mega-hug to a person in need, at organisations like the My Child Has Cancer Trust, the Hospitals in particular the Cancer wards, old age homes, hospices and safe houses.

You can help with this “Mega-hugs Cares Campaign” by adding an extra R50 when you purchase your Mega-hug for your loved one, and I will then be able to donate another Mega-hug to a person in need.

There is a Mega-Hug out there for all of your needs – make sure you get one today.

Visit www.mega-hug.co.za or email info@mega-hug.co.za or call 072 714 2332. facebook.com/MegaHugSA Twitter: @MegaHugSA

The New Luxury Club Floor and Lounge

New Club Floor adds to five-star business hotel experience at Emperors Palace

Launched last month the deluxe Club Floor and Business Centre Lounge at the award-winning 5-star D’oreale Grande hotel at Emperors Palace will provide discerning business travellers with an enhanced stay experience. 

 

Located on the quiet, top floor at the Peermont D’oreale Grande, the new luxury Club Floor and Lounge provides for restricted access and offers a superb view over the East Rand. Consisting of plush VIP rooms, meeting rooms, lounge and a host of personal and concierge services for guests.

Club Floor guests will be able to conduct business in the private Business Centre whilst enjoying complimentary refreshments, working stations (equipped with PC’s and Apple products), a meeting room, free Wi-Fi Internet access, local and international newspapers.

Access to a Club Floor Services Manager willing to assist with secretarial services such as typing, scanning, photocopying or faxing. The exclusive hub even houses a boutique library. The design of the Club Lounge and Business Centre elegantly mirrors the inspirational classic Roman décor that defines Emperors Palace and offers the ultimate in corporate luxury.

“We have spared no expense to ensure that international and business leaders take pleasure in an enhanced stay experience enabling peace of mind,” says Wayne Hill, General Manager for Hotels and Resort Operations at Emperors Palace.

Club Floor guests will benefit from a diverse bouquet of personalised services throughout their entire stay, including the unique offer of a Club Floor Services Manager providing all Club Floor guests’ with their every comfort 18 hours of the day. 

Additional Club Floor benefits will include early check-in and late check-out options, 24-hour refreshment in rooms, comfortable robes and slippers, selected complimentary food and beverage offerings, shoe polishing services, complimentary pressing/laundry and casino play vouchers on arrival. In addition, the Club Floor Services Manager and team will be on hand to assist with all entertainment and forward travel arrangements.

“Considering that Emperors Palace is located right next to the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, and conveniently situated on the Gautrain arterial bus route to Rhodesfield Station, we are convinced that the D’oreale Grand Hotel Club Floor is set to become the destination of choice for discerning corporate travellers,” concludes Hill.

Accommodation on the Club Floor will be made available to executive guests at a surcharge. As the impressive Peermont D’oreale Grande hotel at Emperors Palace is now a member of the prestigious Greatest Hotels of the World luxury collection, the new Club Floor and Business Centre Lounge, is a perfect addition to the most popular luxury hotel in the O.R Tambo International Airport precinct.

Emperors Palace is a Peermont resort. For more information and for bookings visit www.emperorspalace.com or call +27 (0)11 928 1000 or like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @emperorspalace.

The Luxury Network International Africa Launch

The Luxury Network Launches in Sandton

The Luxury market in South Africa and Africa at large is undergoing a radical shift in the right direction due to the vision of two prominent and insightful businessmen - Jeremy Nel, CEO of LUXURY BRANDS, & Co-owner/ Director, Xolisa Gaca.

Together these two extraordinary mavericks have proven themselves a force to be reckoned with, having acquired the rights for Africa to manage The Luxury Network International – the world’s leading luxury B2B affinity marketing, partnerships and events group with 17 international offices (including Johannesburg and Cape Town) and over 250 luxury brand members, growing by over 20 new companies per month around the globe.

The 25 April 2013 marked the auspicious introduction of The Luxury Network to 16 carefully selected, potential members including American Express, Burberry, Ducati, Mala Mala Private Game Reserve, Quintessentially and Virgin Atlantic’s Ulusaba Private Game Reserve.The exclusive event took place at the exquisite Daytona Showroom in Sandton, where existing and potential members mingled and networked the evening away amongst McLarens, Lamborghinis, Rolls Royces and Aston Martins.

Guests were treated to the opportunity of winning half a carat diamond to the value of R 16 000 from Uwe Koetter, a Visconti pen valued at R 6000 (both won by Nombini Mehlomakulu from Ogilvy) and a 2 night stay for 2 at the KarkloofSafari Spa, valued at R 36 000 (won by ElnaDennings of Decorex).

On arrival, each guest was given a glass of Champagne containing a Cubic Zirconia, which, when presented to the Uwe Koetter team, was measured for size, with just six individuals qualifying with a potential diamond. Each stone was tested by a diamond screening device, which revealed that the true ½ carat diamond was in possession of NombiniMehlomakulu of Ogilvy.

Special thanks to the following Luxury Network members who contributed greatly to the evening:

The Daytona Group, Constantia Glen, International Wine Co, Evian, Uwe Koetter Jewellers and LIVEOUTLOUD.

Additional thanks go to;

Moemas Catering for their outstanding canapés and deserts

Peroni for their bar and beverages

Silverflute Musicians for the entertainment

Visconti for donating a pen to the value of R 6 000 and

KarkloofSafari Spa for donating a 2 night stay for 2, valued at R 36 000.

Visit za.theluxurynetworkinternational.com

New Luxury Network South Africa members already include: The Daytona Group (Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, Audi, BMW, Mini and McLaren) Pam Golding Real Estate, ExecuJet, Seabourn Private Ships, LiveOutLoud, Sunseeker Yachts, Luxury Brands, Crystal Cruises, Val de Vie Estate, Uwe Koetter Jewellers, Ottimo Cibo, International Wine Co, Evian, Visconti Pens to name a few… 

About The Luxury Network International

The Luxury Network exists to create extraordinary, powerful and successful business relationships between many of the world’s most luxurious brands – a synergy that enables our members to gain unparalleled access to valuable, pre-qualified, high net worth private clients from around the globe. We generate and develop brand awareness and exciting new sales opportunities in ways high-end companies cannot achieve on their own.

The Luxury Network is the world’s leading business to business and business to consumer luxury affinity marketing, partnerships and events group - private consortium of premium brands in each luxury capital of the world working together at senior director level for mutual business and client development.

The Luxury Network, launched in London in 2007, covers all areas of the top-end market including: Marine, Finance, Motoring, Concierge, Health & Beauty, Wealth Management, Aviation, Property, Travel and Resorts, Finance, Sports, Events, Jewelry & Watches, Entertainment, Media, Fashion and many more…

The Luxury Network’s objective is simple: to facilitate co-operation and new business development activities between top-end companies under the umbrella of ‘Affinity Marketing’.

Through The Luxury Network unique partnerships are created via brand partnering, joint collaborations, privilege and reward programmes, client incentive projects, product launches, roadshows, luxury showcases, media sharing and high profile business to business and business to consumer networking and sales events.

We offer ongoing support and a comprehensive pre planned programme of affinity marketing activities designed to maximise your relationships with other luxury brands and generate a significant ROI.

The Luxury Network are experts in luxury brand affinity and partnership marketing with over 20 years combined experience in this specific field. We are the professional team in the middle, proactively creating, facilitating and mediating unique partnerships for over 300 luxury brands and high-end service providers around the world.

In a nutshell we allow our members to access each other’s very valuable pre-qualified high net worth private clients in a number of endorsed, unique, highly effective and professional ways. 

www.theluxurynetworkinternational.com  

 

The African Passion - A Gospel Opera

The world premiere of an exciting brand-new, original gospel opera

The African Passion

Baxter Main Theatre, Cape Town

Thursday 28 March at 8pm

This world premiere brings the Passion of Christ to life in a musical featuring original, innovative gospel-inspired songs. The story is based on the Gospel according to St John and will be a choral masterwork featuring close to a hundred voices on stage in every city. The tour begins in Durban and then moves respectively to Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Soweto, Johannesburg, Mafeking and then back to Durban.

Featuring

Bonginkhosi ‘Faca’ Kulu as Jesus

Natalia da Rocha as his mother Mary

Sharon Dee as Mary Magdalene

Grant Jacobs as Simon Peter

Dewaldt Von Solms as Pontius Pilate

Caitlin Kilburn as Pilate’s wife

Blessing Xaba as Caiaphas

Aubrey Lodewyk as Annas

And a host of other superb singers featuring the isicathamiya group Young Mbazo. And a 60-strong local choir, the Shekinah Full Gospel Church Choir.

The libretto is written by Themi Venturas and the music is composed by Phelelani Mnomiya (celebrated and award-winning gospel choral composer) Anthony Govender (of Destiny Music) and the Young Mbazo (grandchildren of world-renown accapella group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo) and is the perfect way to celebrate Easter this year.

Under the direction of Themi Venturas the show features Bonginkhosi ‘Faca’ Kulu (The Lion King in New York) as Jesus, Natalia da Rocha (original Natasha in Jimbo) as his mother Mary, Sharon Dee as Mary Magdalene, Grant Jacobs (Durban actor now based in Cape Town) as Simon Peter, Dewaldt Von Solms (of the popular singing duo Von West) as Pontius Pilate, Caitlin Kilburn (remembered for her stellar performance as Aldonza in Man of La Mancha) as Pilate’s wife, Blessing Xaba (seen as Fatty in the movie of John van de Ruit’s Spud) as Caiaphas, Aubrey Lodewyk (last seen in Handel’s Messiah and the Mandela Trilogy) as Annas and a host of other superb singers featuring the isicathamiya group Young Mbazo.


The cast of 21 are supplemented in each centre throughout SA by a 60-strong local choir: the Umlazi Oasis Church Choir and the Clermont Choir in Durban; the Transnet Port Terminals and Bella Voce Choirs in PE; the Shekinah Full Gospel Church Choir in Cape Town; the University of Johannesburg Choir in Soweto and Jo’burg and the Moses Reid Memorial Choir in Mafeking.

The African Passion plays out against a spectacular audio-visual background using the latest in modern AV technology in costumes designed by Nompumelelo Mkhize. Choreography is by Daisy Spencer and vocal direction by Desireé Govender. Bookings are at Computicket throughout SA except for at the Jo’burg theatre – booking is through http://www.joburgtheatre.com/ Jo’burg Theatre ticketing call centre - 0861 670 670

The African Passion is produced by Catalina UnLtd in Durban has been funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.

Charities, churches and fundraisers are encouraged to use the show to raise funds for their organisations. Those interested should contact the national sales manager of The African Passion, Ailsa Windsor on 083 250 2690 or editor.goingplacessa@gmail.com.

The tour takes place as follows:

28 – 31 March Baxter Main Theatre, Cape Town (5 Perfs)

Thurs @ 20h00, Sat @ 14h00 & 20h00, Sun @ 14h00 & 18h30

Tickets R125 @ Computicket

5 – 7 April Soweto Theatre, Johannesburg (5 Perfs)

Fri @ 19h00, Sat @ 14h00 & 19h00, Sun @ 14h00 & 18h00

Tickets R130 @ Computicket

11 – 14 April Jo’burg Theatre, Johannesburg (5 Perfs)

Thurs & Fri @ 19h00, Sat @ 14h00 & 19h00, Sun @ 14h00

Tickets from R100. Ticketing call centre - 0861 670 670

18 – 21 April Mmabatho Civic Centre, Mafikeng (4 Perfs)

Thurs & Fri @ 19h00, Sat @19h00, Sun @ 14h00

Tickets R130 @ Computicket

26 – 28 April City Hall, Durban (4 Perfs) To Be Confirmed

Fri @ 19h00, Sat @ 19h00, Sun @ 14h00& 18h00

Tickets R130 @ Computicket To Be Confirmed

Taunina Atelier Launches at Barneys New York

In a modern-day fairytale come true, South African lifestyle brand Taunina is launching its handcrafted soft toy collections at iconic luxury department store Barneys New York.

This legendary specialty retailer located on Manhattan’s prestigious Madison Avenue is every fashionista’s best friend – the ‘go-to’ store for sought after designer brands. Taunina’s exquisite collections will be unveiled in March 2013, taking center-stage in Barney’s show-stopping Easter display - a coup for the Cape-based design house.

Arguably, the coolest department store in the world, with a deftly blended mix of cult-followed designer newbies and established luxury brands, Barneys’ A-list clientele includes chart-topping pop stars, Hollywood actresses – Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon and Halle Berry, fashion celebrities and New York City socialites. 

“It is a 9-story magical castle overflowing with beautiful, timeless and unique pieces of art. The perfect hideaway for our artists’ enchanting creations,”said Tracey Chiappini-Young, co-founder and CEO of Taunina.

Established in 2011 the sustainable luxury brand based in the hip suburb of Woodstock, employs underprivileged women skilled in its signature artistry to handcraft its heirloom-quality collections. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, created by a single artist over a four to seven day period and embellished with exquisite embroidery and appliqué detail.

"We are delighted to offer our one-of-a-kind Taunina treasures to Barneys' discerning clientele, and to provide them with the opportunity to serve as ambassadors of social good and protagonists for a better world,”said co-founder Karen Jansen. They meet the growing needs of disadvantaged communities through employment creation and authentic empowerment.

Besides paying the artists above market-related salaries, Taunina is structured so that 30% of the before tax profits flow to the artists: 20% through the Bear Essentials Fund to pay for housing, healthcare, and education, and 10% in the form of productivity-related bonuses.

Each Taunina creation carries the initials of the artist and is a manifestation of the artist’s inspiration and dreams for the future, providing her with financial security and the ability to transform both her own life and that of her family. 

“The unique beauty of each collection piece lies in how it transforms the life of the women who made it, and establishes a lifetime connection between the artist and the purchaser,” said Chiappini-Young.

Taunina’s soft toy collections made their New York City debut in September 2012 at premier children’s boutique store Bundle where these South African hand-made collectables flew off the shelves within a week. Taunina will be releasing its home décor range in April 2013.

Taunina collections are available for sale online at www.taunina.com and Bundle NYC  and at Barneys New York.

About Taunina

Taunina is a sustainable luxury atelier synonymous with social impact and timeless artistry. The name Taunina is an anagram of the African word “tau”, meaning “lion”, and “NINA”, an acronym for “No Income, No Assets”. Taunina gives women who were once without income and assets the power to become lions of their own destinies. Fashioned out of luxurious heritage fabrics from iconic textile houses. Gifts with soul. Gifts to be passed from one generation to the next. www.taunina.com

Bespoke African Brands - The Rising Stars of Luxury

Bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and luxury, high-end African brands are out to make a global impression. From clothing and jewellery to wine and tea, refined luxury is increasingly being packaged and sold by Africans.

The market for luxury African goods was once the preserve of rich expatriates and tourists, but as incomes soar across the continent, retailers report a growing appetite among local buyers and continental consumption is rising steadily.

Consumer spending in Africa is set to increase from $860bn in 2008 to $1.4trn in 2020 according to a report by consultancy firm McKinsey. The number of households with disposable income is due to grow by 50% over the next 10 years to 128m.

The growing number of high-net-worth individuals in Africa offers a compelling opportunity for proprietors of luxury brands seeking new markets. Read more...

 

The Wealth Report found the number of high-net-worth individuals in Africa rose to 100,000 last year. While China's economic slowdown has worried some luxury brands, others have been quick to take note of Africa's growth. Home-grown brands are taking the opportunity to establish themselves not only in Africa but on the global market.

Patrick Mavros, a Zimbabwean jewellery company, opened its flagship store in London in 2004. After 33 years of business, the company's clientele ranges from taxi drivers to film stars and heads of state. "African luxury is a rarity,"says Forbes Mavros, son of the brand's founder and head of the Mauritius atelier. "There are not many brands that have touched the international pulse and remained African in their identity."

Swaady Martin-Leke, the founder of YSWARA, a luxury tea brand with its headquarters in South Africa, also believes that it is important to maintain a country or region's heritage and culture when building a global brand. "If you look at European or Japanese luxury brands, you find the essence of the country of origin is in the detail," she says.



Euromonitor International revealed spending on luxury goods in South Africa rose from $628.5m in 2007 to more than $1bn in 2012. South Africa's global wine exports grew by nearly 40% between 2006 and 2012. Over the same period Kenya became its largest African importer of wine, buying 6.1m bottles in 2012. A prime example is Waterford Estate's "The Jem" 2007 bottles start from R680 ($80).

Martin-Leke believes that typical African luxury consumers, having travelled abroad, want products that reflect their identity. "They might want a Chanel watch, but they also want a beautiful couture ankara dress. "They have the money to buy Yves Saint Laurent, but they want African designers"

Source The Africa Report

2012 Eco-Logic Awards at The Cradle of Humankind

The Cradle of Humankind is the venue for 2012 Eco-Logic awards

If you care about Nature and the wellbeing of our Earth and are willing to demonstrate your care through your consumer spending (by purchasing products that are not harmful to the Earth), then the Eco-Logic Awards Gala dinner on Thursday September 27 at the Maropeng Centre in the Cradle of Humankind - is the ‘Gloriously Green ’ event that you should be part of.

Hosted by The Enviropaedia in association with SABC 3 this is an evening of fun and celebration that rewards companies and individuals who practice eco-logical values and thinking. Ranging from water to energy, recycling and eco-innovations, to eco-angels and eco-warriors, the 12 Eco-Logic Awards celebrate those who are making a positive difference to all life on Earth. With sponsors including SAB Miller, ACSA, Avis, RISO, Rand Water and Plastics SA, the Eco-Logic Awards prove that we can all make a meaningful difference to the world we live in. For more information visit www.enviropaedia.com

National Heritage Day

Along the pathway to the Tumulus building, stop to have a look at the site of an archaeological excavation. The Stone Age site has been excavated since October 2005 by scientists from the University of the Witwatersrand. The early stone tools found here belong to the Acheulean period and include handaxes and cleavers. 

Heritage Day a public holiday created in 1996, a day in which all are encouraged to celebrate their cultural traditions in the wider context of the great diversity of cultures, beliefs, and traditions that make up the nation of South Africa.

In an address marking Heritage Day in 1996, former President Nelson Mandela stated:
"When our first democratically-elected government decided to make Heritage Day one of our national days, we did so because we knew that our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our new nation."

I will be focussing on World Heritage Sites found in 141 countries, South Africa boasts eight. September is Heritage Month and I will take a look at some of these sites including the Cradle of Humankind which hosts Maropeng, the Tumulus which leads visitors back into the past and forward towards the future. Also to be seen at the Cradle of Humankind are the Sterkfontein Caves where Robert Broom discovered "Mrs Ples". Another site of interest in this general area, is Swartkrans where to date more than 200 huminid specimens have been discovered.

The Eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa are: 

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Robben Island, Cradle of Humankind, uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, Cape Floral Region, Vredefort Dome and Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape. This country also has 16 national heritage sites and several provincial sites.

In the vein of celebrating shared culture rather than focusing on cultural divisions, an initiative by Braai4Heritage calls upon all South Africans to celebrate their common roots by having a braai (barbecue) on Heritage day.  Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu,  was made the National Spokesperson for National "Braai Day" in 2007.

The State of Opulence in Africa

The golden continent and the ethics of luxury.

It is a struggle to reconcile the dichotomy of deep social concerns for our African continent, rife with poverty, and the light-hearted revelry and opulence associated with the luxury sector. This is particularly true as the global financial crisis has not yet loosened its grip, currency volatility remains erratic and unemployment figures remain high - these are uncertain and difficult times.

Outside of consumption patterns, in South Africa there is a tendency to downplay the employment opportunities generated by the luxury sector. The most obvious sectors to generate employment through luxury goods and services are the mining industry, through which a myriad of jewelry businesses are generated, and tourism where high-end hospitality and exclusive safaris show South Africa at its best. But aside from these two monoliths there are in fact many other areas of growth.

The multi-billion Rand boat building industry employs over 3000 permanent employees that has seen South Africa recognized for its high-end catamarans worldwide. BMW is a leader in the manufacturing of luxury cars and has recently announced further investment of R2 billion into 'BMW World Plant Rosslyn', its South African facility. They anticipate that the upgraded plant will be capable of producing up to 60 000 units per annum.

Global luxury forecasts for 2012 seem optimistic, particularly for those businesses focused on growth markets. The 2011 Global Wealth Report by Credit Suisse comments that in many respects, South Africa is the model for many other African economies. Household wealth has grown vigorously over the last decade, quadrupling in value from US$8,400 in 2000 to US$34,300 in mid 2011. Global Wealth overall is showing an upturn led by increased wealth in South Africa, China, India, Brazil, Australia, Chile and Indonesia.

That is not to say that the volume of HNW individuals is homogenous, indeed it varies radically between these rapid emerging markets - China boasts 1,017,000 US Dollar millionaires (and 5,000 with a wealth of over US$50 million) and South Africa sports a comparatively meagre 71,000 US Dollar millionaires. Fortunately we too have a few exemplary billionaires who have travelled to space, built luxury empires, not to mention the obvious financial and mining empires.

Small and medium enterprises, well recognized in academic and policy literature for their economic and social importance, are perhaps where our craft-centric culture and the luxury industry could interest a government seeking job creation. There are many exemplary domestic luxury brands generating employment as well as being ambassadors for Brand SA. Avoova, for example, creates functional art and collectible items from the best fragments of ostrich eggshell that are carefully laid down as a fine veneered finish used as a decoration for objet d'art from bowls and bars to billionaires yachts. In doing so they support 40 artisans in the Karoo. For leather goods, Cape Cobra Leathercraft, who employs ninety people from the local community.

A new generation of designers has been born that has taken our raw materials and transformed them into world-class lines that are in global demand. Hanneli Rupert, daughter of Johann Rupert, has recently launched Okapi. The energetic, talented young designer, is a firm supporter of the potential job creation through luxury on our golden continent and as such she has committed to supporting local manufacturing and where necessary purchasing machinery to do so. She uses local suppliers in the creation of her new exotic handbag range with signature horns and has sourced rare leathers and materials from across Africa.

One often overlooks the impact of high-end consumption and disregards the more obvious arenas such as the gourmet sector, championed by master-chefs like Margot Janse, Reuben Riffel and Giorgio Nava, that employs and trains staff for numerous restaurants. Beyond fine foods, consumers are presented with an ever greater number of fine wines and spirits from farms and niche distilleries, that are reaching a new price echelon, whilst creating employment in the winelands and broader drinks sector.

South African fashion is achieving international acclaim - from Gavin Rajah to Malcolm Kluk, home grown labels have not only a solid local following but are being welcomed to the world run way from Paris Couture to New York Fashion Week. The work by Precious Moloi Motsepe, wife of billionaire Patrice Motsepe, in creating Africa Fashion International has seen the emergence and strengthening of many African couturiers and labels.

South Africa boasts a wealth of diamonds and gold but the bulk of manufacturing and finishing happens internationally. Johannesburg based African Romance has invested in local diamond finishing and the training of diamond polishers to retain value in South Africa. With the mining industry constituting one third of GDP, an estimated 50% of the world's gold reserves in SA and a huge 10 million carats annually of diamonds mined annually (with 90% of the diamonds being exported), it stands to reason that we should look at methods to retain value locally.

The Southern Africa Luxury Association, through the SALA Artisan Accelerator, has recently worked with Keith White to develop an initiative to build up the expertise of black jewelry designers, taking them through an apprenticeship to become master jewelers. De Beers Shining Lights Awards is another noteworthy program supporting the industry that has recognized his talents and those of other jewelers using our natural resources for world-class finished products.

Luxury eco-tourism in South Africa is globally revered and companies like the Mantis Collection and &Beyond are spearheading a sustainable, considerate view of engaging with nature at the top level.

Businesses which take a more thoughtful view of luxury and succeed in carving out a unique niche for themselves, with consideration for people, planet and profit, will be firmly entrenched on the road to success by adhering to a new definition of local luxury that exemplifies 'Proudly South African'.

Issued by the Southern African Luxury Association.

Full Article

RAYMONDA At The ARTSCAPE Opera House

It’s official!

STARS of the ROYAL BALLET

will feature in the

CAPE TOWN CITY BALLET - The South African National Ballet’s

next production

 

RAYMONDA

24^th August – 1^st September, 2012

in the

ARTSCAPE Opera House

No fewer than four guest artists will grace the stage in this glamorous re-creation of Norman Furber’s masterpiece, last seen in South Africa in 1996, when danced by the CAPAB Ballet Co.

Hikaru Kobayashi and Valeri Hristov, both Senior Soloists in the ROYAL BALLET, will dance the roles of Raymonda and Jean de Brienne at two performances, while Trevor Schoonraad, formerly of the ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET and now an international freelance artist, shares the role of Abderam with Xola Putye and Ivan Boonzaaier.

Dirk Weyershausen, of the NORWEGIAN NATIONAL BALLET, will partner Laura Bosenberg at three performances and the third pairing is Kim Vieira, formerly of the DUTCH NATIONAL BALLET, with Daniel Szybkowski, making this a truly international production.

The sultry role of Semiramis will be shared by our own Angela Hansford, Lauren Rogers and Kirstel Jensen, supported by an exciting cast of soloists and corps de  ballet, portraying the story of Raymonda’s abduction by Abderam and her rescue from his harem by her betrothed, Jean de Brienne.

With sumptuous sets and costumes and danced to the glorious Glazunov score, played by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Allan Stephenson, this production will showcase the wealth of South African talent alongside the best in the world, leaving you in no doubt as to the standard achieved by the CAPE TOWN CITYBALLET, @_CTCityBallet on twitter in it’s 78-year existence!

Raymonda was incorporated into the CAPAB Ballet’s repertoire in 1977, with choreography by Alfred Rodrigues and designs by Peter Cazalet. On 10^th August, 1980, David Poole and Norman Furber hosted a lecture demonstration at the Nico Malan Opera House in anticipation of Furber’s new production of the ballet, and on 2^nd September, 1980, Furber’s re-choreographed version was added to the CAPAB repertoire. It was reproduced five times subsequently until 1996, which is the last time Cape Town audiences saw the ballet.

AUGUST:

Fri 24^th at 19h30          Laura Bosenberg, Dirk Weyershausen*, Trevor Schoonraad*, Angela Hansford

Sat 25^th at 14h00        Kim Vieira, Daniel Szybkowski, Ivan Boonzaaier, Lauren Rogers

Sat 25^th at 19h30        Hikaru Kabayashi*, Valeri Hristov*, Xola Putye, Angela Hansford

Sun 26^th at 15h00       Laura Bosenberg, Dirk Weyershausen*, Trevor Schoonraad*, Kirstel Jensen

Wed 29^th at 19h30      Hikaru Kabayashi*, Valeri Hristov*, Xola Putye, Angela Hansford               

Fri 31s at 19h30          Laura Bosenberg, Dirk Weyershausen*, Trevor Schoonraad*, Kirstel Jensen

SEPTEMBER

Sat 1^st at 14h00           Kim Vieira, Daniel Szybkowski, Ivan Boonzaaier, Lauren Rogers

*=guest artist

Ticket prices range from R100 to R250.

Booking is through COMPUTICKET or ARTSCAPE Dial-a-Seat on 021 421 7695

You dare not miss this array of talent performing in one of the balletic showpieces of the 20^th Century!

SIZODANISA!

Carrol Boyes & WWF Keeping Africa's Iconic Rhino Alive

During the last few years South Africa has experienced an alarming increase in rhino poaching, triggered by the illegal demand for rhino horn. 

The brutal rhino horn trade is run by well-resourced, sophisticated, international criminal syndicates. If WWF and its partners had not been investing in rhino conservation over the past several decades, the situation could have been far worse.

Over the past two decades both white and black rhino populations have increased considerably as a result of conservation efforts. Current levels of poaching threaten to negate these gains, however, these efforts have put us in a far better position to weather this storm. WWF's Black Rhino Expansion Program has been at the centre of these efforts.

Since 2003 seven new black rhino populations have been created on about 150,000 hectares of habitat. Nearly 120 black rhino have been translocated to these sites. WWF galvanizes its efforts around a five pronged approach aimed at strategic parts of the poaching value chain.

WWF will continue to improve its understanding of trade dynamics in importing countries and to find ways to influence demand; improve bilateral co-operation between South Africa and importing countries such as Vietnam; improve the judicial and forensic processes (through capacity development as well as expert and hardware support); build community buffers around key rhino populations; and continue to build resilient rhino populations by improving management of existing populations as well establishing new founder populations in secure locations.

Carrol Boyes’ campaign helps support WWF-SA and its Rhino Conservation Work. By supporting WWF's rhino conservation work, we help to stop the criminal elements plundering our national heritage and endangering a global asset. Together, we can help keep Africa's iconic rhino alive.

During the last few years South Africa has experienced an alarming increase in rhino poaching. WWF works on two fronts to help rhinos - keeping them safe and growing their numbers. Carrol Boyes supports WWF and its Rhino Conservation Work, and helps to keep Africa's iconic rhino alive.

Carrol Boyes will donate 25% of the proceeds from the sale of these Business Card Holders to the WWF.

Map Paradise And Earn R100 000 Exploring A Tropical Island

 

TomTom is searching for explorers to map five tropical paradise islands. 

 

 A once-in-a life-time opportunity for 5 families or groups of friends to spend 2 weeks on a tropical island and earn R100 000. The Map Paradise Project will help create five new navigable maps for: 

Fiji, St. Lucia, Mauritius, Cape Verde, and the Seychelles.

To apply simply fill in this form telling TomTom why you are the perfect group to map paradise. At least one from the group must be able to drive. Successful applicants can take up to four family members or friends with them to help map a paradise island. In total, 5 groups will be sent on all-expenses-paid mapping assignments and each group will earn R100 000. No mapping experience is needed, but TomTom is looking for people who enjoy exploring beautiful places, don't mind great weather and who have a decent sense of direction.

Those selected for the Map Paradise Project will simply need to drive around the island in a specially equipped mapping car. This is the very first step in TomTom's map making process. This mapping field work will take anything from a day to two weeks depending on how much time is spent sunbathing, swimming or exploring.

“The very first step in creating an accurate map is proper field work, and that is where the Map Paradise Project comes in,” said Daan Henderickx, Country Manager for TomTom South Africa. “This project will not only create five new navigable maps, it will also give people a unique insight into how our maps are made. And where better to start mapping, than on a beautiful paradise island.”

The competition is open to residents in the UK, US, Canada, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Ireland and South Africa. For full information visit Map Paradise Project.

About TomTom

Founded in 1991, TomTom  is the world’s leading supplier of in-car  location and navigation products and services focused on providing all drivers with the world’s best navigation experience. Headquartered in Amsterdam, TomTom has 3,500 employees and sells its products in over 40 countries.

Our products include portable navigation devices, in-dash infotainment systems, fleet management solutions, maps and real-time services, including the award winning TomTom HD Traffic. For the world’s most up-to-date route planner, including live traffic information.