South Africa’s Department of Basic Education and Dove teamed up for a weeklong celebration in October 2023, honoring the International Month of the Girl Child. The event included selfesteem workshops and a Ministerial commemoration promoting female empowerment through education. Social media influencers were in attendance, highlighting the importance of collaborations to uplift and honor girls and young women. The event demonstrated the power of cooperation in effecting change and illuminating the importance of education and selfconfidence in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Sea Walls: Artists for Oceans is bringing together international and South African mural artists to create educational murals promoting marine conservation in Cape Town. The weeklong program includes outreach to local schools, selfguided tours of the murals, and a coastal cleanup. The initiative aims to encourage ocean stewardship through visual storytelling and creativity while addressing environmental challenges. PangeaSeed Foundation, supported by the Save Our Seas Foundation, is commemorating two decades of marine conservation by adding to their collection of over 500 murals across 19 countries.
The Women Lead Forum in Johannesburg is an annual event that aims to economically and socially empower women to attain gender equality in South Africa. The event brings together stakeholders, entrepreneurs, youth groups, academics, NGOs, media, and intergovernmental representatives to discuss and strategize the execution of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF resolutions. The forum focuses on tackling genderbased violence, promoting investment, trade promotion, economic growth, and job creation through effective leadership aligned with government strategic outcomes. The Women Lead Forum exemplifies South Africa’s dedication to achieving gender equality and serves as an inspiring reminder that collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships can catalyze significant change.
The No Man’s Land Parade in Johannesburg is an artistic spectacle, featuring musicians, majorettes, and a colorful array of participants marching through the city’s underprivileged neighborhoods. The parade is a unique collaboration between artists and neglected members of society, uniting disparate groups in public spaces. Through its focus on environmental and social issues, the No Man’s Land Parade cultivates a sense of unity and optimism in Johannesburg’s struggling communities, showcasing the resilience and untapped potential of its most marginalized residents.
Connie Ferguson, a popular actress, won three awards at the National Film & TV Awards South Africa, including Outstanding Performance of the Year and Celebrity Personality of the Year. One of the awards was for the TV show *Kings of Joburg*, created by her late husband Shona Ferguson, who passed away due to Covid19related complications. The event celebrated local talent and marked a new chapter in South African entertainment, with over 1.7 million TV and film fans voting in the award categories.
Run For Rangers is an annual event that promotes unity and compassion with game rangers who protect endangered species worldwide. The event involves completing a 100 km course over two days in a challenging terrain that requires fortitude and collaboration. The participants raised over R600,000, highlighting the power of sports in uniting people for a noble cause. The event serves as a compelling example of the potential in collaboration and community involvement for wildlife conservation.
World Food Day is a global effort to fight hunger and food insecurity, and this year’s celebration in KwaZuluNatal will focus on the theme “Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind.” The event will educate communities about coping strategies for food security, such as creating food gardens and endorsing agricultural cooperatives. The partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is critical in tackling hunger and malnutrition, and KwaZuluNatal’s agricultural landscape offers numerous opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Boatica 2023 is the most distinguished boat show in Africa, showcasing the latest boats, yachts, and catamarans constructed in South Africa. This threeday event offers not just relaxation but also an excellent platform for businesses and visitors to establish meaningful relationships, explore the latest products and services, and provides opportunities for unforgettable voyages and sailing clinics. Boatica plays a crucial role in highlighting internationally renowned boats created by local producers and supports Cape Town’s thriving blue economy that contributes billions of rands each year.
Get ready for an unforgettable event as the Great Optimist Race returns to Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, featuring a diverse fleet of novice sailors, including an alladaptive team of differentlyabled individuals. The event invites nonprofessional sailors to compete and raise funds for The Little Optimist Trust and a cause of their choice. This year’s race will implement a relay team format to promote inclusivity, and attendees can enjoy various familyfriendly attractions available at the Boatica exhibition. Join the race, form a team, and be inspired by the participants’ bravery and determination in breaking barriers and defying stereotypes.
South Africa is excited to host the 7th Biennial Global Alcohol Policy Conference, taking place from October 2426, 2023 in the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The conference provides a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices, contributing to the formulation of more effective alcohol policies worldwide. The organizers have invited media representatives to a press conference to provide updates on South Africa’s preparedness, and media accreditation is open for the event. The conference will feature engaging discussions and presentations by esteemed experts in the field of alcohol policy, and delegates will have numerous opportunities to network with international colleagues.
The Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa is hosting a dialogue on Labour Migration and Governance to tackle issues related to labour migration regulations and employment services. The event aims to promote innovative practices, identify challenges and opportunities, and encourage regional cooperation in the Southern African Development Community region. Attendees will include government departments, employers, workers, and international organizations, and the event will emphasize the importance of social dialogue and innovative solutions in addressing complex issues surrounding labour migration.
The Baxter Theatre Centre in Cape Town is hosting a variety of shows in November, including the heartwarming comedy Bucket Boy and Schalk Bezuidenhout’s onedogshow Otis. Local comedians will take the stage with Keeping up with the Xhosaz, and A Faint Patch of Light showcases the struggles of black lesbians in South Africa. Marc Lottering’s newest standup comedy show, So I Wrote That Musical, also runs throughout November. The theatre promises a diverse selection of performances to satisfy cultural cravings.
The Chef’s Studio is a unique culinary experience, where guests become chefs and create delicious dishes under the guidance of a professional. They offer a variety of internationalthemed classes for every taste and preference. In Florence, guests can expect to indulge in Tuscan cuisine, with dishes like wild mushroom tortellini and steak Florentine. The Chef’s Studio provides an authentic and immersive experience for everyone, from experienced cooks to curious beginners.
Get ready to laugh out loud at Mel die Storieverteller’s soldout performance, “Almal is Mal,” at Tiger’s Milk Somerset West on November 17. With a massive following on social media and over two decades of experience, Mel is a seasoned performer and provides valuable guidance for aspiring comedians. The Open Mic Night on November 29 will give emerging talents a chance to showcase their skills, with the lucky winner receiving a R2,000 voucher for lunch or dinner at Tiger’s Milk. Overall, these events celebrate the thriving South African standup comedy scene and provide a platform for comedy enthusiasts to connect and engage.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo is returning to Cape Town for their SA Legacy Tour in November, performing at the Artscape Theatre on November 17th and 18th. The group established the Mambazo Mobile Academy four years ago to nurture and develop the next generation of musical talent, and now they’ll be performing alongside the emerging artists on both local and international stages. The group’s performances serve to inspire young artists to value and preserve their cultural heritage through music, featuring both the veteran and newly discovered musicians.
The Golden Vines Awards 2023 was a starstudded event that celebrated the best in the wine and spirits industry, with winners including Sadie Family Wines, Domaine de la Romanée Conti, and Penfolds. The ceremony, held at the Opera Garnier in Paris, drew in nearly 1,000 professionals from 120 countries, including 27 Masters of Wine, 22 Master Sommeliers, and over 180 winemakers and wine merchants. Eben Sadie of Sadie Family Wines won the prestigious 2023 VistaJet Golden Vines World’s Best Rising Star Award for the second year in a row, solidifying his reputation as one of South Africa’s most celebrated winemakers.