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Green Heart Movement advert as appearing in the Durban Central Tourism brochure 2019

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Two collectible pieces in the KZNSA Art Auction

In the glow of World Art Day, art aficionados visited and supported the KZNSA Fundraiser and Art Auction on Thursday 18 April at KZNSA Gallery, Glenwood Durban.

  The event provided an opportunity to score some very collectible work.

  Two pieces in the Silent Auction included:

  59. Sanabelle Ebrahim, Shoreline treasures

Print, 46cm x 36cm Framed

Silent Auction - Starting Bid R250

SOLD

  76. Mikhail Peppas, I have a dream-scape

Photograph, 36cm x 46cm Framed

Silent Auction - Starting Bid R250

  ‘Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art.’ – Leonardo da Vinci

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Two must-see pieces at the 2019 KZNSA Members’ Exhibition

The KZNSA Members’ Exhibition themed UMHLABA | LAND explores: ‘Kufikani engqondweni noma ezandleni uma ucabanga ngomhlaba? | What comes to mind, to hand, when you think about LAND?’

  The exhibition runs from Tuesday 12 March to Sunday 7 April at KZNSA Gallery, Glenwood Durban.

  Two pieces in the exhibition include:

  SANABELLE EBRAHIM

Heritage in the Sands

Mixed media (Collage, Sand Art)

2019

R3,507

  Artist Statement

 The sun rises above the valley of hope where social cohesion amongst the four major South African race groups is illuminated.

 The four hillocks bear cultural and design features representing the race groups:

Zulu Love Letter (Black African); The Minstrels (Coloured); henna (Indian); and Art Deco detail from the Enterprise Building at 47 Samora Machel Street, Durban Central (White).

 ‘The medium is the message.’ – Marshall McLuhan

   MIKHAIL PEPPAS

Rest: Wavy Slab, North Pier

Photography

2019

R1,670

  Artist Statement

 Sun settles.

Canopy is quiet.

Destination reached.

Human has left.

 The fence-and-expectation is all that separates the elevated promenade slab from the restricted place of North Pier.

 In the grandness of progress – the soil is awkward but obliging. The machine largely

irreplaceable.

An opportunity of intervention.

Locals and tourists frolic in the completion.

 environment + machine + human + digital = i4.0

  ‘I couldn’t find the sports car of my dreams, so I built it myself.’ – Ferdinand Porsche

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Celebrating Women

Sanabelle Ebrahim

 International Women’s Day was commemorated with great aplomb at a symposium on Spiritual Entitlement of Women with special reference to the legacy of Sister Nivedita. The symposium was presented by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre and Consulate General of India Durban in association with Durban University of Technology (DUT), Department of Journalism and Eastern Eye Magazine.

 Sister Nivedita was born Margaret Elizabeth Noble (1867-1911).  She was an Irish teacher, author, social activist, school founder and disciple of Swami Vivekananda. Sister Nivedita met Swami Vivekananda in 1895 in London and travelled to Calcutta (present-day Kolkata), India in 1898. Swami Vivekananda gave her the name Nivedita (meaning "Dedicated to God") when he initiated her into the vow of Brahmacharya on 25 March 1898. In November 1898, she opened a girls’ school in the Bagbazar area of Calcutta. She wanted to educate girls who were deprived of even basic education. During the plague in Calcutta in 1899, Nivedita nursed and took care of the poor patients. In his letter to Margaret, Vivekananda wrote, “Let me tell you frankly that I am now convinced that you have a great future in the work for India. What was wanted was not a man but a woman, a real lioness, to work for the Indians, women especially.”

 The Consulate General of India Durban provided a welcoming backdrop for engaging talks, a video on Sister Nivedita, poem and Hindu song recitals. The programme was directed by MC, Krsangi Radhe Dasi.

 The welcome address was delivered by Adv Robin Sewlal (Department of Journalism, DUT). He highlighted issues such as equality, women as leaders, and support for women from all sectors. Adv Sewlal implored the audience: “You need to tell your stories. No matter who you are, get your stories out. You need to leave a legacy for your family.”

 Guest Speaker, Dr Usha Shukla (University of KwaZulu-Natal) stressed that all forms of knowledge are aspects of being. “The soul has no gender, hence there should be no barrier to spiritual growth.” Dr Shukla shared that Sister Nivedita experienced and expressed fully the spiritual entitlement of women and worked towards their emancipation in terms of improving their quality of life. “As it is said: You educate women and you educate a nation. We need to empower each other so we can live in a more spiritually charged world.”

 Renditions included a poem recital by Shristi Harinarain (Consulate General of India Durban) and a Hindi song recital by Kavita Solanki (Consulate General of India Durban).

 “We don’t have to strive to be someone else. We need to be who we are. Meditation is such an important sphere,” emphasised Sister Usha Jeevan (Brahma Kumaris, Durban). She said we are all entitled to be pure, wise, happy, peaceful, loving, joyful, and powerful. The light that is inside of each of us needs to radiate.

 Revered Parivrajika Ishtaprana Mataji (Sri Sarada Devi Ashram) said that women should be educated to elevate society. Women should not be ignored or enslaved.

 Dr Chaitanya Prakash Yogi (Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre) imparted that spiritual entitlement is the acknowledgement of strength from within. “Sister Nivedita became a revolutionary in the freedom struggle of India for participating in the political life of India. That experience is the entitlement.”

 A heartfelt Vote of Thanks was extended by Sunitha Singh, CEO of Eastern Eye Magazine. The event culminated in a High Tea.

Joining in the International Women’s Day festivities are Krsangi Radhe Dasi (left), Sunitha Singh, Dr Ela Gandhi and Elizabeth Petersen. Photo courtesy Sanabelle Ebrahim

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Celebrating Women’s Month in Red and Black

  Catch the Red/Black Exhibition currently on view at the African Art Centre till Sunday 2 September.

Coinciding with Women’s Month, the exhibition depicts the seemingly similar feelings evoked by the colours red and black that also counter each other. Through themes such as power, fear, passion, aggression, desire, love and rage, the artists explore the juxtapositioning and perhaps tension of these feelings within the works.

 Featured Artists: Pamela Benporath, Mhlonishwa Chiliza, Sanabelle Ebrahim, Rehana Khan, Shubnum Khan, Mbaliyethu Mabuza, Morgan Mahape, Anthea Martin, Khulekani Mkhize, Sphephelo Mnguni, Major Ndlovu, Ayanda Ngcobo, Bhekinkosi Nkwanyana, Zwelinjani Radebe, Kenneth Shandu

 Prints ‘Sea Siren’ and ‘The Clay Beat’ by Sanabelle Ebrahim.

The exhibition is part of the Velobala Exhibition Making workshop series.

 Red/Black Curators: Bhekinkosi Nkwanyana, Caelin Roodt and Zweli Radebe

 The exhibition was opened by Zinhle Khumalo. Passionate about creating platforms for young artists, Khumalo is involved in projects that strive to showcase and sustain creativity in Durban.

 Wondrous appearance by Suzy Bell and Peter Russell on opening night.

 Film historian Mikhail Peppas (left) and US script doctor Peter Russell. Photo courtesy Sanabelle Ebrahim

The African Art Centre is located at 15 Station Drive, Durban. The organisation has a commitment to development work. Activities include art and craft projects, training workshops and exhibitions to promote individuals and community groups. Contact the African Art Centre at 0027 31 312 3804, africanartcentre@afri-art.co.za.

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Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Awards 2017 – Nominees Announced

The KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission announced the nominees for the 2017 Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Film and Television Awards on Wednesday 28 June.

The event was held at Musgrave Exhibition Centre in Durban.

Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Film and Television Awards is an initiative of the Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission and is endorsed by the Sabela Family.

Since inception in 2013, the Awards has grown from five categories to 21 categories. The annual awards ceremony casts a spotlight on the talent that resides within the province of KwaZulu-Natal, while honouring some of the province’s stars in the film and television industry.

Simon Mabhunu Sabela was a legend in both the small and big screen. He was a revered actor, director and producer with a career spanning over four decades, resulting in over 34 movies locally and internationally.

The Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela Film and Television Awards is scheduled to take place in July during the Durban International Film Festival.

Board member of the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, Nise Malange congratulates the nominees. Photo courtesy Sanabelle Ebrahim

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Daphne Strutt Prize 2017 awarded

A delighted Zane Ngwenya received the Daphne Strutt Prize 2017 at the South African National Society (SANS) meeting on Tuesday 11 April. Zane is a 3rd year Fashion Design student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). Myra Boyes (SANS treasurer) presented the award to Zane who was accompanied by her mother, Jabu Ngwenya, and DUT Head of Fashion Design, Sunthra Moodley. In her acceptance speech, Zane said: “As a young designer, it’s great to make clothes that remind us about our humanity.” The prize comprises a book titled ‘Fashion in South Africa 1652 – 1900: An illustrated history of styles and materials for men, women and children, with notes on footwear, hairdressing, accessories and jewellery’ (now out of print) by Daphne Strutt and R1 500.

DUT Head of Fashion, Sunthra Moodley (left), Zane Ngwenya and Jabu Ngwenya. Photo courtesy Sanabelle Ebrahim

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BunnyKats celebrate Roald Dahl 100 in Buckinghamshire

Sanabelle Ebrahim

‘My dear young fellow,’ the Old-Green-Grasshopper said gently, ‘there are a whole lot of things in this world of ours you haven't started wondering about yet.’ - from James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

 Growing up on a healthy dose of Roald Dahl books, it was a dream come true to find myself in Buckinghamshire on what would have been the author’s 100th birthday anniversary, 13 September 2016. Roald Dahl lived and wrote for 36 years in Buckinghamshire village, Great Missenden, UK.

 Accompanied by BunnyKats on the Run and co-founder of the Green Heart Movement, Mikhail Peppas, I visited Roald Dahl’s grave that Tuesday afternoon. We were sure to take along pencils, toys and sweets to lay on his grave in true Dahlian tradition.

Pencils are laid on Roald Dahl’s grave to commemorate the author’s birthday anniversary. Photo courtesy Sanabelle Ebrahim

A visit to the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre followed. We participated in a storytelling workshop themed around ‘Revolting Rhymes’ and presented a BunnyKat to the Museum.

BunnyKats on the Run thrilling to literary adventures at the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre. Photo courtesy Mikhail Peppas

The literary celebration culminated in dinner with friends at The Nags Head, featured in the animated film, Fantastic Mr. Fox. The film was adapted from the Roald Dahl classic and incorporated local scenes from the Buckinghamshire landscape into its sets.

Surveying the Bucks countryside from The Nags Head. Photo courtesy Mikhail Peppas

Back in Durban, Kickstart presents ‘James and the Giant Peach’ at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, 5-23 July 2017. The production showcases a ‘magical re-imagining of the well-loved, deliciously quirky Roald Dahl children’s classic about the young orphan, James, who has a remarkable adventure involving a giant peach and five eccentric giant insects.’ Performances:  2.30pm Tues-Fri, 11am and 3pm Sat, 2.30pm Sun. Book at Computicket: www.computicket.co.za / 0861 915 8000 / Shoprite Checkers Money Market Counters. For enquiries for block bookings of 50 or more people / entire performances, please contact Ailsa Windsor of Going Places: editor.goingplacessa@gmail.com, or 083 250 2690.  Visit www.kickstarttheatre.co.za.

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Framescapes: Graphic Narrative Intertexts

Co-founders of the Green Heart Movement, Dr Mikhail Peppas and Ms Sanabelle Ebrahim were invited to present a paper, “DNA (Deco Nouveau Afrique) – Futurising Through an African Lens, Approaches to Comic Art: Writing in Pictures” at The Graphic Novel 2nd Global Conference, Mansfield College, Oxford, 22-24 September 2013. The paper was subsequently renamed “DNA (Deco Nouveau Afrique): Futurising African Frames.”

Following the conference, they edited an eBook volume, “Framescapes: Graphic Narrative Intertexts” (First Edition, 2016) that comprises an introductory chapter, ‘The Graphic Narrative, Heightened Versatility and Another Literature’ and 19 chapters drawn from paper presentations at The Graphic Novel 2nd Global Conference.

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Pass forward to heritage

Sanabelle Ebrahim

Learners at schools are encouraged to participate in the Durban Local History Museums Passbook Competition. The opportunity is open to Grade 4 to Grade 11 learners and requires visiting three participating Museums. The competition runs from 13 April to 31 August 2015.

Participating sites include the Bergtheil Museum, Old House Museum, Cato Manor Heritage Centre, Pinetown Museum, Palmiet Nature Reserve and the Mariannhill Monastery. The aim of the competition is to promote the museums through experiential learning.

Passbook (‘dompas’) once a hatred symbol of apartheid has been creatively adapted for the competition. Worksheets created are in line with Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS). Facilitating learning as well as developing empathy and an appreciation of the value of the participating sites has been the hallmark of the competition. Learners have to get their passbooks stamped at the participating sites. The competition consists of a lucky draw segment and an essay writing segment. The prize for the winning school is R10 000’s worth of IT equipment sponsored by Durban West Community Tourism Organisation.

The ARROWSA Passbook Competition Educational Excursion to the Palmiet Nature Reserve and Bergtheil Museum Westville is a collaborative project with Local History Museums. School visits of 90 learners per morning may be arranged to other Passbook Competition sites before the Palmiet Nature Reserve, example Pinetown Museum or Mariannhill Monastery or after, example Cato Manor Museum or Old House Museum. Through the Palmiet Nature Reserve Committee funding has been accessed from WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) for the attendance of schools at the Palmiet Nature Reserve. The interdependence of humans and the environment and each other is emphasised by nature walks that emphasise the fauna, flora, bio-diversity and geology of the Reserve. The visit to the iGwalagwala cliff archaeological dig at the Palmiet Nature Reserve and related artefacts that are housed at the Bergtheil Museum highlights how previous inhabitants of the Reserve used the environment sustainably as compared to how we abuse it today. Visit www.arrowsa.blogspot.com.

For more information, contact Mary Lange (ARROWSA Chair) at 082 652 7091, email: marylange7@gmail.com or marylange@telkomsa.net

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The Meeting of the Giants

Mikhail Peppas

The African economic giants met to explore a working relation in the area of film. The KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission is set to make KwaZulu-Natal a film production centre of choice. They hosted a Nigerian delegation from 10 to 14 March 2015. The visit explored how best to take advantage of the opportunities that exist in KwaZulu-Natal around location, infrastructure incentives and the production and distribution of content using existing platforms in South Africa, Nigeria and the Diaspora. The fact-finding mission included three days of presentations on the South African and Nigerian Film Industry landscapes and a two-day familiarisation tour of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal in partnership with EDTEA (Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs), Durban Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal.

Keith Shiri (left, Artistic Director, Africa International Film Festival – AFRIFF), Xolile Tshabalala (South African actress) and Pedro Pimenta (newly-appointed Manager of the Durban International Film Festival) share insights on Day 2 of the South Africa-Nigeria fact-finding mission at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel, Durban. Photo courtesy Sanabelle Ebrahim

Integrated World presents Mahmood Ali-Balogun (Head of Nigerian Delegation) with a BunnyKat at the South Africa-Nigeria Fact Finding Mission at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban on Thursday 12 March 2015. Jackie Motsepe (left, Chief Operations Officer, KZN Film Commission) and Sanabelle Ebrahim (Integrated World) were at the handover. Sightseers and influentials from across the world increasingly associate the BunnyKat as an iconic character that originates from Green Heart City Durban in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Photo courtesy Mikhail Peppas

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KORA All-Africa Music Awards Launches in Namibia

In a move that brings the journey full circle, the KORA All-Africa Music Awards will return to Namibia for the 2015 edition of the event.

It is a little known fact that the event is actually the joint brainchild of Namibian President, Dr Hage Geingob and Ernest Adjovi, at that time, a resident of Namibia.  Conceptualised by the two as a cultural and entertainment spectacular that would showcase excellence in African musical culture, the KORA All-Africa Music Awards has since become synonymous with the best that Africa and the diaspora have to offer musically.

Accomplished musical luminaries who have graced the KORA stage over the years include Angelique Kidjo, Kofi Olomide, Miriam Makeba, Thandiswa Mazwai, Michael Jackson, Shaggy, Rihanna, Salif Keita, Oliver Mtukudzi, Bebe Winans and Femi Kuti.

The prestigious KORA trophy has been presented to Lifetime and Legendary Award recipients such as the late Nelson Mandela, Dr Cheick Modibo Diarra, Kofi Annan and Graca Machel.

Since its inception in 1996, the KORA All-Africa Music Awards has been hosted by South Africa, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. Throughout, it has maintained its status as an incredible marketing platform for African talent, and fertile ground for collaborations and partnerships  amongst African artists.  Boasting a live viewership of over 700 million in more than 54 countries worldwide, there is little doubt that the KORA Awards represent a meaningful game-changer in a participating artist’s life and career.

This year, the organisers have upped the ante, and have introduced a grand prize of a million US Dollars for the ultimate winner of the African Artist of the Year category. In addition, various category and genre winners will take home between USD 25000 and USD 50,000 dependent on the category.

“The KORA Awards have been unwavering in our commitment to rewarding and celebrating excellence in African music,” explains founder and Executive Producer Ernest Coovi Adjovi. “From the beginning, we have been clear on this goal. We are delighted to be back home in Namibia, and look forward to delivering an extravaganza that the entire world will tune in to watch. We have little doubt that the powerful partnerships we have forged will help us realise an awards ceremony to remember!”

Set to take place on Sunday 13 December 2015 at the Legacy Hotel and Resort’s prestigious Windhoek Country Club Resort and Casino, the event will be preceded by a fashion show on Friday 11 December that will feature six accomplished designers from across the continent.  The KORA’s have historically been a site of incredible glamour and fashion, African style, and the fashion show fully intends to honour that tradition of African chic.

“The association with the KORA All Africa Music Awards represents an ideal partnership for the Department of Environment & Tourism,” comments Minister Pohamba Shifeta. “Travel and tourism is a major economic driver for Namibia.  Recently, our nation had the distinction of climbing up 21 places in the World Economic Forum’s Tourism Competitive Index – we are officially amongst the top 5 destinations in Sub-Saharan Africa.  We have no doubt that the collaboration of an event of the stature of the KORA Awards will have a meaningful and sustained impact on tourism to Namibia, and are excited about the possibilities that this partnership offers.”

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Experience ‘Heaven on Earth’ at The Angel’s Place Boutique Hotel

Tourism Indaba 2013 introduced Sanabelle Ebrahim to Rosemarie van Staden, owner of The Angel’s Place Boutique Hotel. A coffee chat in the ICC Durban terrace revealed some of the distinguishing features of this luxury establishment.

“My vision is to provide a rare blend of gracious dining and living, with all the luxury finishes and comforts a seasoned traveller would expect. Our fine dining and presentation standards never drop. All our ingredients are fresh and organic,” shares Rosemarie.

Sanabelle was fascinated to learn about Angel’s Place sensitivity towards guests with disabilities. Menus, signs and important information are available in Braille and special technology has been installed for the Deaf.

Angel’s Place comprises 15 luxurious suites and offers elegant dining to in-house guests. The five-star boutique hotel has additional facilities for conferencing, functions and private events such as birthday parties, weddings and baby showers. Complimentary WiFi is available.

Angel’s Place classic High Teas are very popular for bridal showers and baby showers. A selection of fine imported teas and coffees with savoury and sweet fare, gateaux and delicate tastings blended with soft music complete the occasion. An ambience of Parisian or Venetian grandeur is distinctive of the Angel’s Place experience. Advance booking for High Tea eventing is mandatory.

Rosemarie and Sanabelle have since reconnected at Durban Tourism Indaba 2014 and look forward to the 2015 edition of Africa’s largest travel trade show from 9 to 11 May.

Contact information

The Angel’s Place Boutique Hotel

Hosts: Rosemarie and Johan van Staden (Owners)

Telephone: +27 12 997 7018

Fax: +27 86 578 0461

Cellphone: +27 79 849 4662 / +27 79 508 9431

E-mail: info@theangelsplace.com

Website: www.theangelsplace.com

Address: 610 Rubenstein Drive, Moreleta Park, Pretoria East, Gauteng, South Africa

Rosemarie van Staden (left) and Suzette Lerm with BunnyKats on the run at Durban Tourism Indaba 2013. Photo courtesy Sanabelle Ebrahim

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Sharing Cultures: ARROWSA youth production performed in global exchanges

Two groups of ARROWSA participants embarked on Indra (International Development of Reconciliation through the Arts) cultural exchanges to Derry, Northern Ireland and Lucknow, India during 2013 and 2014.

  The Indra cultural exchanges reinforce ARROWSA’s goals for face-to-face intercultural contact for the promotion of knowledge and understanding towards breaking down negative stereotypes. The global meetings provide platforms for the use of arts, culture and heritage towards peace and reconciliation.

  A socially-engaged theatre production titled ‘Imbewu Yesizwe – The Nation’s Seed,’ written, directed and performed by ARROWSA youth, has been showcased before audiences in Derry, Lucknow and Durban. Based on the merits of the play, the National Arts Council funded the airfare for the global exchanges.

  ‘Imbewu Yesizwe – The Nation’s Seed’ production at Bechet High School, Sydenham, Durban in October 2013. Photo courtesy Sanabelle Ebrahim

ARROWSA participants who attended the 2013 Indra Congress in Derry are Kholakela Zikhale (ARROWSA Bechet participant), Bhekithemba Dlamini (ARROWSA Bechet coordinator) and Mary Lange (ARROWSA chair and facilitator). Bhekithemba and Mary also attended the Indra symposium held at the University of Ulster.

Bhekithemba Dlamini (ARROWSA Bechet coordinator) and Kholakela Zikhale (ARROWSA Bechet participant) at Tower Hotel, the only hotel located within Derry’s historic city walls. They participated in the Indra Derry Congress in July 2013. Photo courtesy Mikhail Peppas

  Alongside the performance of ‘Imbewu Yesizwe – The Nation’s Seed,’ Bhekithemba identified as his highlights of the Derry Congress: Drama workshops, the youth Peace Bridge parade, and specifically the Ulster symposium.

  For Kholakela: “The dancing workshops and youth peace parade over the bridge were my highlights. It is the first time that I have worked with a professional dancer. She was very encouraging and I learnt a lot.”

  Upon returning to Durban, Bhekithemba coordinated the local performances of ‘Imbewu Yesizwe – The Nation’s Seed’ and initiated the writing of a follow-up production. Kholakela participated as a lead in the week-long production held at Bechet High School, Sydenham, Durban in October 2013.

  Inspired by the Derry Congress and success of Imbewu Yesizwe 1, a performance of Imbewu Yesizwe 11, directed and authored by Bhekithemba Dlamini, Darnell Fortune and the ARROWSA-Bechet group was held for enthusiastic audiences from Grade 8 to Grade 11 learners at Bechet High School on 13 and 14 May 2014. A performance for the general public will take place at a later date.

  The ARROWSA group that visited India in March-April 2014 are: Joy Seidle (ARROWSA schools portfolio); Luthando Ngema (regional and international portfolio) and co-author of the play ‘Imbewu Yesizwe’; Nonkululeko Dube and Sindisiwe Mkhize (ARROWSA Bechet performers from 2008 –2013 and assistant facilitators in 2014).

  Some of the highlights of the Lucknow trip included a visit to the Chota Imambara and Bara Imambara (historical landmarks of Lucknow), Botanical Gardens, CSIR-CIMAP (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants), Prerna School, and The Study Hall Educational Foundation. The Foundation was established in March 1994 with the objective of imparting quality education to children. One of the aims is to bring the benefits of education to all levels of society throughout India, by establishing primary, secondary and higher secondary schools, teacher training institutions, open school classes, vocational training programmes and adult literacy programmes.

  Dr Urvashi Sahni is Founder and Chief Executive of the Study Hall Educational Foundation and facilitator of the Indra Lucknow group. The ARROWSA group participated in theatre and art workshops in Lucknow. Joy Seidle and Luthando Ngema delivered a PowerPoint presentation about ARROWSA and South Africa with particular focus on Durban. Sindisiwe, Nonkululeko and Luthando rendered a well-received adaptation of the production, ‘Imbewu Yesizwe – The Nation’s Seed’ at the Study Hall, which highlighted common themes around female empowerment.

ARROWSA participants engage in cultural exchange with Indra Lucknow group, March-April 2014.

  The play adapted a short skit style, merging poetry, music and dance. Considering that the play was acted out by three females, the performance aimed to reflect core African feminine issues. The narrative was conveyed through three generations of women, comprising Gogo; her daughter Nomusa; and grandchild Lindiwe. Both Gogo and Nomusa were played by Sindisiwe, where differentiated costume aided in the two characters assuming their own identity and appearing in different scenes. Nonkululeko played Lindiwe who is the main character as she represents the ‘girl’ in society; a young woman overcome by societal pressures yet displaying courage and strength from the wisdom of the two women in her life (Gogo and Nomusa). Luthando narrated the play and performed the opening poetry act, wherein she recited a poem about the strength of a woman.

  Storytelling was thus used as an engaging tool to represent African ideology and philosophy. Portraying three women as central characters emphasised the societal challenges that women encounter and how they overcome them. As such, the adaptation of ‘Imbewu Yesizwe – The Nation’s Seed’ attests to female orientated solutions, where female driven roles encourage female driven solutions.

  The audience comprised both male and female students from Class 10 to Class 11 (equivalent to Grade 10 and Grade 11) at the Study Hall Foundation. The play had an open ending; where the lead character Lindiwe had to make a life changing decision. The audience shared their feedback by suggesting the ending to the cast.

  Ultimately the ending was negotiated through dialogue, and the audiences were able to express their views and reflect on the performance. The interaction proved fascinating, as wider female audience participation was noted.

  Nonkululeko and Sindisiwe have attended ARROWSA-Bechet sessions upon return from India and shared their experiences with the group.

  ARROWSA will reciprocate by hosting a group from Indra Lucknow from 18 to 23 July 2014. David Oddie, director of Indra, will visit Durban in August 2014 and facilitate workshops on the use of the arts in anti-bullying campaigns at schools, The Centre for Communication, Media & Society (CCMS) – UKZN, and the Drama department, UKZN. He will open the annual ARROWSA collaborative DUT jewellery exhibition in the first week of August which will fundraise towards the ARROWSA attendance of the 2015 global congress in Bethlehem, Palestine where the group will be afforded an opportunity to improve their arts skills and share South Africa’s vibrant cultures through performance.

    ARROWSA – Art, Culture & Heritage for Peace is a voluntary nonprofit organisation in South Africa. The programme seeks to join people as individuals, from organisations and institutions, and from all over the world in art projects and face-to-face meetings that break down barriers, and promote conflict resolution and reconciliation, and understanding.

  “We hope to achieve this by sharing our stories, challenging prejudice and stereotypes, and developing the arts as a resource for reconciliation and the creative transformation of conflict,” says ARROWSA chairperson, Mary Lange.

    Indra is a network of artists, educators, young people and others committed to developing the arts as a resource for peacebuilding. The mission of the Indra Congress is to build a global network of artists, educators, young people and others who share a commitment to the development of the arts as a crucial resource for peacebuilding and the non-violent transformation of conflict.

  Indra’s vision is to use the language of the arts to challenge stereotypes, prejudices, inequalities and destructive myths, to build bridges, to promote empathy and to help build positive relationships across perceived boundaries and barriers.

  The aims of the Congress will be achieved through the development of an ongoing programme of live Congress events, regional, national and international within a framework of ongoing, grassroots activities, training, research and communication.

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Daphne Strutt Prize 2014 awarded

A jubilant Candice Amy du Preez received the Daphne Strutt Prize 2014 at the South African National Society (SANS) meeting on Tuesday 13 May. Candice is a 3rd year Fashion Design student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). Guest speaker at the SANS meeting, Mr Farook Khan (journalist and author of ‘The Goodwill Lounge’) presented the award to Candice who was accompanied by DUT Head of Fashion Design, Sunthra Moodley. The prize comprises a book titled ‘Fashion in South Africa 1652 – 1900: An illustrated history of styles and materials for men, women and children, with notes on footwear, hairdressing, accessories and jewellery’ (now out of print) by Daphne Strutt and R1 500 cash.

  Farook Khan (right) presents Candice Amy du Preez with the Daphne Strutt Prize at the South African National Historical Society (SANS) meeting on Tuesday 13 May. Photo courtesy Mikhail Peppas

  About the Author

  Daphne Strutt served as Curator of the Local History Museum in Durban.

  She studied History of Fashion and Costume Design at the Johannesburg Art School under the late Phyllis Gardner; then joined the staff of the Africana Museum in that city, and eventually became Custodian of the excellent collection of historical costume.

  In 1953 she was appointed curator of the then new Natal Settlers Old House Museum in Durban, which housed a small but fine collection of settler dress; over the years this collection has grown to be one of the most important in South Africa, and in 1965 it was moved to form a part of the Local History Museum in the Old Court House.

    About the Book

  Daphne Strutt wrote and illustrated a vast historical survey of the clothing fashions that have been adopted in South Africa – from the time of the early Dutch settlers in the 17C until the end of the 19C.

  During the writing of this book the author drew upon a varied and very rich collection of sources: she visited most of the museums, galleries and archives in South Africa; she drew or photographed period apparel, old specimens and paintings; and she ransacked the rewarding treasures of family photo-albums and domestic records. What is revealed is that South Africa has a remarkably rich collection of the clothing of its pioneers – a precious heritage indeed.

  Strutt, D. H. 1975. Fashion in South Africa 1652 – 1900: An illustrated history of styles and materials for men, women and children, with notes on footwear, hairdressing, accessories and jewellery. Cape Town: A. A. Balkema. ISBN 0 86961 058 9

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SAIFTA Red Carpet sizzles

Mikhail Peppas and Sanabelle Ebrahim

  Glitz, glamour and starry grandeur graced the SAIFTA red carpet amidst rapturous screams from fans. ICC Durban sparkled on the night of Friday 6 September with the first South Africa India Film and Television Awards (Saifta) abound.

Dia Mirza. Photo courtesy Sanabelle Ebrahim

  Actors John Abraham, Siddharth Malhotra, Ranveer Singh, dancing sensation Madhuri Dixit, producer and actress Dia Mirza, British beauty Amy Jackson, Miss India Worldwide Nehal Bhogaita, producer Karan Johar, Bollywood sensation Priyanka Chopra and Tamil actress Isha Talwar were photographed and interviewed on the red carpet by local and foreign media.

  John Abraham. Photo courtesy Sanabelle Ebrahim

When she was crowned earlier this year, Nehal Bhogaita became the first deaf contestant to take the Miss India Worldwide title. She visited VN Naik School for the Deaf during her week-long visit to Durban, and spoke of the importance of positive thinking.

  Nehal Bhogaita. Photo courtesy Mikhail Peppas

Priyanka Chopra won the best actress award for her outstanding performance as an autistic girl in the movie Barfi. The coveted youth icon of the year award went to John Abraham.

Priyanka Chopra. Photo courtesy Sanabelle Ebrahim

  Afrikaans film Die Wonderwerker and TV series 7de Laan won best film and best TV show, respectively.

  A prominent feature of the event was the Saifta special lifetime achievement “Madiba” award, which this year was awarded to Nelson Mandela. His granddaughter, Ndileka, received the award from Bollywood actress, Waheeda Rehman.

  The man behind Saifta, Kedhar Gawde, said the event was more than just an entertainment awards celebration, but also involved skills transfers and cultural exchange between the two countries.