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6th Durban FilmMart Delegate Registration opens

Media Release

6th Durban FilmMart Delegate Registration opens

Delegate registration for the Durban FilmMart (DFM), Africa’s premier film finance and co-production forum is now open.

Now in its 6th edition, the DFM, which takes place from July 17 to 20, is a joint project of Durban Film Office, the City’s industry development unit, and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) as an endeavour to raise the visibility of African cinema, stimulate production on the continent, and facilitate project collaboration between African filmmakers.

“The overall objective of the FilmMart is to support, facilitate and develop the growth of African film content and create viable opportunities for business within the sector to flourish.” says Durban Film Office’s Toni Monty. “The Mart, promises delegates access to influential experts, broadcasters and financiers in the film industry and creates a space for industry professionals to forge strategic relationships.”

DFM is presented in three strategic pillars: the Finance ForumMaster Classes and Africa in Focus – a programme of workshops, and also offers a series of networking and social sessions with like-minded industry representatives.

Delegates have access to Master classes held with leading industry experts in the areas of concept development, project packaging, co-production development, new media, finance, marketing, distribution, and other themes.

This year’s Master Class in Film Packaging and Finance, is entitled New Film-Making Strategies; from South Africa to Pan-Africa and towards the Global Market. Sponsored by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission (KZNFC), the master class will be presented by leading international film and creative industry specialist and published writer Angus Finney. Finney, comes to the Mart having actively been involved as executive producer on many films including  Neil Armfield’sCandy with Heath Ledger, Roger Michell’s The Mother with Anne Reid and Peter Vaughan and Rose Troche’s The Safety of Objectswith Glenn Close, and others.

"We are really pleased to be able to offer the delegates an opportunity to interact with and learn from someone of the caliber of Finney,” says Vuyo Sokupa, NFVF’s Head of production and Development. “Finney comes with years of academic and field experience in film packaging and finance, the cornerstone of developing a film project, and we believe his session will be incredibly valuable to those attending.”

 “Having such hands on experience adds real value to the experience of the delegates at the DFM, as they will be able to really come to grips with issues involving financing and packaging their projects for wider distribution,” elaborates Jackie Motsepe, Chief Operating Officer of KZNFC.

Finney has spent the past three years working as a risk manager and media advisor for Octopus Media, a division of Octopus Investments, a City of London Fund Manager, and is also Course Director for the Exeter University/London Film School MA in International Film Business. He holds a PHD in Business Strategy from Cass Business School in London, an MA in Film and Journalism from New York University and a BA from Sussex University in International Relations. His training includes working with Creative Skillset, Creative London and the Film Distributors Association, to mention a few. His professional work extends to South Africa, UAE, Ireland and New Zealand in the past five years. 

The DFM’s co-production market, for selected film projects from submissions made, sees roughly ten feature films and ten documentary films selected for mentorship, and presentation to industry experts during this time. Following rigorous meetings and sessions with these experts, projects are awarded a number of relevant grants for further development.

Partners and supporters of the Durban FilmMart 2015 that will be represented in Durban, include International Film Festival Rotterdam's (IFFR) CineMart, the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), the Berlinale Film Festival, HotDocs - Blue Ice Documentary Film Fund, New Cinema Network Rome, Produire au Sud, Restless Talent Management, French Embassy South Africa, Afrinolly, NFVF, KZNFC, VideoVision Entertainment , Goethe Institute,  Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie the City of Durban and many others.

For registration or for more information view the delegate registration process online at the official website: www.durbanfilmmart.com.  There is an Early Bird registration discount for those booking before June 27, 2015. Fees are R1485 (ZAR) for the 4 day event which includes access to allocated sessions, lunch, access to DFM networking events, entrance into the Durban International Film Festival screenings  (subject to ticket availability), listing in the DFM Industry Manual and access to Masterclasses and Africa in Focus programme. After June 27, fees are R2035.  Daily passes are R605 (but does not include tickets to the DIFF screenings or access into the opening and closing events.)

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14 May 2015

Caption to photo : Angus Finney

[see attached file: AngusFinney.Photo.jpg] [see attached file: DFM colour image.jpg]

Note to Editors:

The Durban FilmMart (DFM) is a co-production and finance market and is a joint programme of the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF). DFM provides filmmakers from across Africa with a valuable opportunity to pitch projects to financiers, distributors, sales agents and potential co-producers, and to participate in meetings, project presentations and a series of master classes and workshops on the latest industry trends.  www.durbanfilmmart.com

The Durban Film Office (DFO) is the film industry development arm of the eThekwini Municipality, mandated to position Durban as a world-class film production destination and facilitator for the development of the local film industry. The DFO drives activity and development in the sector in order to boost tourism, job creation and the development of core skills and SMMEs in the region.  www.durbanfilmoffice.com

The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) presents over 250 screenings from different countries and cultures with a special focus on Africa. The festival includes development programmes such as Talent Campus Durban and a rich schedule of workshops. DIFF is a flagship project of the Centre for Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal, which facilitates creative platforms and economic opportunities for artists and related industries, intercultural exchange and network development, training, audience development and strategic Pan-African and international cooperation in the cultural sectors.  www.cca.ukzn.ac.za

Issued on behalf of DFM by:

Sharlene Versfeld / Ayanda Mabanga

Versfeld & Associates

Sharlene@versfeld.co.za / info@versfeld.co.za

031-8115628

083 326 3235

Independent Filmmaking Workshop for local filmmakers

Independent Filmmaking Workshop for local filmmakers

“Make things happen” is the prominent theme behind a series of skills-based workshops during 2015 aimed at equipping and uplifting emerging filmmakers within the eThekwini Municipality.

The Independent Filmmaking Workshop - which covers the basics of filmmaking, is a joint developmental initiative of the Durban Film Office and the non-profit company, the eThekwini Filmmakers Association (EFA). The workshops take place every month in an endeavour to further develop important skills sets in the local film industry

The next workshop which will be hosted by award-winning author and playwright, Ndaba ka Ngwane,  takes place on Saturday, May 2 from 9am – 4.30pm at the Albany Hotel in Anton Lembede Street (Smith Street), Durban.

Ka Ngwane who wrote directed and produced the multi award winning film uHlanga will unpack the process of breaking down the story concept for a film into the actual screenplay. From concept to screenplay, the workshop will tackle practical filmmaking issues like three act structure, treatment and scene breakdown and writing dialogue.

Ka Ngwane  who has worked extensively in the creative sector in the vernacular, brings a wealth of knowledge to the workshop. His literary works include the award-winning isiZulu novel Mhlaba Sengiyakwazi, which means “I’m Talking from Experience”. He has staged various theatre productions including Rain; After Tears; The Red Rose and Ronnie’s Underwear. His film credits include a short film Sindisiwe, which he wrote, produced and directed in 2007. He also featured in a local series When We Were Black, which aired on SABC 1 in 2007.

All filmmakers from the eThekwini Municipality are welcome to attend.

To book your place or for more information on the workshop contact eThekwini Filmmakers Association Chairperson Andile Buwa via email at efa031@gmail.com , call 072 994 343 or contact Ntuthuzelo Gentse on 084 3086 265.

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Talents Durban

TALENTS DURBAN – START MOTION

In cooperation with Berlinale Talents at the 36th Durban International Film Festival

17 – 21 July 2015

The industry development programme for young film-makers, Talents Durban, in cooperation with Berlinale Talents, will take place from 17 to 21 July as part of the 36th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) which runs from 16 to 26 July. The DIFF reminds participants to apply for the programme before April 13, 2015.

Forty selected participants from all over Africa will be given a chance to forge relationships with their global counterparts in an intensive programme of seminars, hands-on training, workshops and industry networking activities, as well as having access to hundreds of film screenings at the festival..

“The theme of the programme this year is Start-Motion,” says Tiny Mungwe, Project Manager at the DIFF. “At the turn of the 20th century, early filmmakers used stop-motion techniques to bring a sequence of still images to life on screen, astonishing audiences with the fantastical new medium. Throughout the history of film, new technologies have continued to revolutionize the way we make and watch films.”

“The 8th edition of Talents Durban aims to identify the compelling new voices of emerging African filmmakers and invites them to re-invent the approach to making films on the continent.” explains Mungwe. “With this, the idea of Start-Motion is born. It is how we bring together the knowledge of traditional practices, combined with the latest techniques, to create momentum for emerging African filmmakers to harness and use to fuel progress in our global society. Furthermore, the approach highlights changes in the current mode of storytelling in Africa, encouraging filmmakers on the continent to share their stories through their own cultural, economic and political lenses.”

With access to screenings throughout the festival and through participating in conversations with experts from around the world, Talents Durban seeks to boost the already rising flow of current filmmaking in Africa.  The 8th Talents Durban programme will consist of master classes lead by leading experts in filmmaking, panel discussions by the key industry players, networking opportunities with fellow Talents Durban participants and over 600 delegates of the Durban International Film Festival and Durban FilmMart as well numerous project orientated skills development programmes. Combined these elements will set off a chain reaction of perpetual motion in the contemporary African film industry that will continue to expand and thrive.

Applications are now open and deadline for completed application will be 13 April 2015.

To apply online go to: http://www.berlinale-talents.de/bt/ap/select/event/50 or visitwww.durbanfilmfest.co.za

 

Talents Durban is presented in co-operation with Berlinale Talents and is made possible by the KZN Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the German Embassy, the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, the Goethe-Institut and the Gauteng Film Commission.

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For more information contact:

Centre for Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Tel: +27 31 260 2506/1816

Fax: +27 31 260 3074

Email: talentsdurban@gmail.com

 

For media enquiries please contact:

Sharlene Versfeld

Mobile: +27 (0) 83 326 3235

Tel: +27 (0) 31 811 5628

Email: sharlene@versfeld.co.za

Twitter: sharlvers

Website: www.versfeld.co.za

Idris Elba Visits AFDA - Durban

Idris Elba Visits AFDA - Durban

With roots in Sierra Leone, it is no surprise that the internationally acclaimed actor, producer and DJ Idris Elba feels right at home when he is on South African soil. The most recently chosen brand ambassador for Oude Meester Brandy is in the country for a few days to attend exclusive events in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Elba's commitment to his craft and his passion for connecting with others, sees him lead the  ‘Mastery in the Making’’ campaign for the Oude Meester brand along with local actor and stand up comedian Siyabonga Radebe.

Elba and Radebe are on tour to showcase and celebrate the talent, skill and pioneering spirit of South Africa’s aspiring creative entrepreneurs.

The two paid a visit to AFDA (the SA School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) Durban Campus for a short Q & A session with the students last week.

Elba shared his career story and experience with the 100 odd attentive students. He explained that at 19  he joined a community college to study basic Performing Arts for 2 years and with no technical know-how he had to learn to fend for himself in a tough industry. “My friends teased me for doing ballet and wearing tights but I can tell you that those 2 years prepped me for where I am today. (It taught me that) I could fall on my knees, I could fall on my face many times and still get back and try again."

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AFDA Open Day

Media Release

AFDA Open Day November 15, 2014

The AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) Durban Campus will host a Mini Open Day on 15 November 2014 from 10 to 11am at the Glen Anil Campus. Prospective students and their parents are invited to attend and will have the opportunity to learn more about what courses the campus has to offer in film, television or performance.

Boasting world class facilities and complementary staff, AFDA is listed by the Council on Higher Education as one of the top six private universities in South Africa and is world-renowned. Its history dates back to 1994 in Johannesburg with six students and a rented television set. In 20 years, AFDA has grown to become amongst the finest of its kind with three fully equipped and functioning campuses. The school has a unique learning system that provides students with authentic undergraduate and postgraduate learning environments that are relevant to career opportunities both locally and international.

The Durban Campus opened its doors in 2013 with 63 students enrolled, in 2014 the number has multiplied to 130 students. Courses offered are fully accredited Undergraduate degrees with 22 different specializations across three schools which are Film, Television and Performance.

In the Mini Open Day presentation, prospective students will receive clear details regarding courses on offer and opportunities, they will be able to watch a short film and tour the campus and mingle with students. For those 2015 prospective applicants interested, appointment slots with an AFDA staff to discuss the course futher will take place on the same day however booking in advance is advised. Learners that are currently in matric, have finished school or in grade 11 are welcome to attend with parents.

The campus is located in Glen Anil at 2a Highdale Road. The programme will begin at 10 until 11am with appointment bookings before from 9am and after until 12noon. Interested parties can contact Milena Gevers to confirm their attendance on milenag@afda.co.za or callA

SCHOOLS POETRY WRITING COMPETITION

SCHOOLS POETRY WRITING COMPETITION

The Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), with principal funding from the City of Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, calls out to students to submit poems as part of the 18th POETRY AFRICA Schools Competition.

With its long-standing commitment towards nurturing a culture of reading and writing poetry amongst the youth, Poetry Africa invites primary and high school learners to take up the exciting opportunity of in the festival’s School Poetry Competition. There is no particular topic for the poems and they can be written in English, Zulu or Afrikaans. Submission must be  no more than two poems per learner, with a maximum length of one A4 page per poem - illegible entries will not be considered.

Poems must either be submitted by hand to the Centre for Creative Arts (Howard College Campus, UKZN), by email to poetryafrica@cca-ukzn.co.za or by fax to (031) 260 3074 by 19 September 2014.

The POETRY AFRICA festival, now in its 18th edition, takes place from 13 to 18 October 2014.

Winners will read their poems on the main stage of the Poetry Africa festival on the evening of 17 October. Prizes will be awarded by Adams Booksellers and the Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN).

For more details about this year’s Poetry Africa, visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or call (031) 260 2506.

Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), the 18th Poetry Africa is funded by the City of Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, Goethe Institut and the French Insitute of South Africa. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is a special project of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter.

 

 

Lebogang Phalula races to victory in 25th Durban SPAR Women’s 10km

Lebogang Phalula races to victory in 25th Durban SPAR Women’s 10km 

Durban at its best, Lebogang Phalula claimed a dramatic and sensational victory in the 25th Durban SPAR Women’s 10km race today (Sunday) in a time of 33.06.

Crossing the line in tears of joy, the Soweto-based runner collapsed on her knees after winning, completely overwhelmed by her victory.

On a picture perfect warm Spring morning, with a slight breeze, the elite runners started off in a pacey fashion, with race favourite Irvette Van Zyl blazing a trail in the lead and Phalula and Mapaseka Makhanya close behind with Phalula’s twin Diana hot on their heels. But in the end it was Lebogang Phalula taking the honours, and last year’s second place Rutendo Nyahora  shaving off 14 seconds from her time, and Rene Kalmer coming in third position.

Close to the 2km mark Irvette Van Zyl, last year’s winner Mapaseka Makhanya and twin sisters Lebogang and Diana-Lebo Phalula owned the early parts of the race.

Between the 2km and 3km mark, nearing the newly revamped Blue Lagoon, the twins broke away from Van Zyl and Mapaseka. As the duo neared 4km the sisters were still shoulder to shoulder as they approached the Indian Ocean.

The break happened at 6km where Lebogang made her move away from her sister. “I could see she was struggling and she gave me a nod that allowed me to leave her.” said the winning sister, Lebogang.

Coming under the M4 underpass around the 7km mark, running towards the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, Lebogang had a 25m lead on second placed Diana with Kalmer and Nyahora 70m behind in second place.

Rutendo and Kalmer had a cracker of a final few kilometres coming up from their fifth and sixth place. “We worked together slowly reeling in runner after runner. My confidence grew when we overtook Irvette, I knew I could do this!” said a delighted Nyahora at the press conference. I left Rene with 800m to go.”

“It was a nice race, and I felt stronger coming into the finish” said Nyahora, who said she had worked well with Kalmer to ensure they overtook van Zyl .

Rene Kalmer, who conceded the wind especially on the promenade was a hindrance, ran a steady race in fifth position and worked her way up to third position. “My next big event is the Berlin Marathon in 5weeks time so I am in marathon mode. The pace today was fast with a fantastic field competing.”

“I knew there would be lots of pressure on Irvette and the twins,” continued Kalmer, “and I knew the race would really start in the last 5 kilometres, so once we caught up with Irvette my confidence really grew. I am over the moon in being on the podium, and as there was no pressure on me I could really enjoy the race.”

An elated Phalula said “I am thankful to Irvette, as she set the pace in the beginning which was really fast. But I did say to myself to run my own race – not someone else’s.  I needed to make a strong comeback, and I was only racing against time, no one else.”

Diana-Lebo, had unfortunately pulled a hamstring last night as the sisters were stretching, which meant she was unable to stay with the pace but still managed to come in fourth with a time of 34.02.

A total of 14,256 took part in the event with 6,054 running the 5km and 8,202 tackling the longer race.

“We are once again pleased with this fantastic event. The weather was perfect and the mood festive and fun.” says MD of SPAR KZN, Rob Philipson. “Thank you to all the women who participated and their families and friends who came out to support them for making this a memorable day.”

RESULTS OF SPAR WOMEN’S 10KM CHALLENGE RACE

 Durban, South Africa - Results of the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge race run in Durban on Sunday

 Open: 1-Lebogang Phalula 33.06; 2-Rutendo Nyahora 33.41; 3-Rene Kalmer 33.49; 4-Diana-Lebo Phalula 34.02; 5-Irvette Van Zyl 34.29; 6-Mapaseka Makhanya 34.35; 7-Jenna Challenor 35.01; 8-Nicole Van Der Merwe 35.27; 9-Constance Nyasango 35.35; 10-Thozama April 35.56

 Junior (15-19 Age Group): 1-Mtshali Nomcebo 39.14; Thenjiwe Gumede 41.57; Nondumiso Khoza 42.43

 35-39 Age group: 1-Nonsikelelo Mbambo 41.55; 2-Debbie Perry 42.32; 3-Precious Duma 42.56

 Veteran (40-49 Age group): 1-Ronel Thomas 39.39; 2-Janene Carey 39.39; 3-Shani Silver 41.22 

 Master (50-59 Age Group): 1-Judy Bird 41.24; 2-Elmarie Coetzee 42.16; 3-Janine Engels 44.26

 Grandmaster (60+ Age Group): 1-Margie Saunders 43.27; 2-Sandra Fismer 49.02; 3-Judith Grove 49.45

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 CAPTION TO PHOTO BY ROGAN WARD:

Lebogang Phalula claimed a dramatic and sensational victory in the 25th Durban SPAR Women’s 10km race today (Sunday) in a time of 33.06

SPAR KZN Women’s 10/5km Durban: Sunday 24 August

SPAR KZN Women’s 10/5km

Durban: Sunday 24 August

Celebrating women in August, the 25th running of South Africa’s most beautiful race returns to Durban with thousands of women gearing up to participate in the SPAR Women’s 10/5km race on Sunday 24 August.

The race takes place around the Kingsmead precinct with two distances on offer, the shorter 5km course or the longer 10km route. The start this year is in Masabala Yengwa Avenue with the route going north first, circling around the Blue Lagoon area and then a long straight along the scenic beachfront taking the ladies back to town. The finish is in Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead.

Race Director, Brad Glasspoole commented, “Simply putting it - This year’s race has a great route! The run on the promenade heading back towards Durban will be breath-taking, and surely will make it worthwhile for all the ladies.”

The start times will be staggered with the 10km race going off at 08:00am and the 5km race going off at 09:00am.

The race organisers have decided to limit the entries this year to a total of 17,500 enthusiastic runners - amazingly 25 years ago, in the first SPAR Women’s race in 1990 only 2,200 ladies lined up to participate.

“A quarter of a century, what a wonderful milestone we are passing this year,” MD for SPAR KZN, Rob Philipson said.

Continuing, he stated, “The 2014 race is a bit later on the Durban calendar, but I believe it is fantastic having it in women’s month. The weather is likely to be a bit warmer than the usual July winter start and it is uplifting to see how many people come from around KwaZulu-Natal to participate and I hope that you all will enjoy the day with us!”

The race registration will be at Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World from Thursday 21 and Friday 22 August from 10:00am to 05:00pm and on Saturday 23 August from 10:00am to 03:00pm. There are 2 entry options; online at www.sparwomensrace.co.za with payment by credit card of EFT, or manual entries which will only be accepted at the race registration on the 3 days prior to the event. Entry forms will be available from participating SPAR stores in KwaZulu-Natal. No entries will be taken on race day.

All online and bulk entries received stand a chance to win a 3 night getaway for 2 people to the award winning Fordoun Hotel & Spa in the KZN Midlands valued at over R11,000.

In the Grand Prix, top athletes will be racing to win the R10,000 that is up for grabs. Elite runners from around the country will be taking part in the hope of not only taking the top honours but earning points for the national SPAR Grand Prix.

In recent times Olympic athlete, Rene Kalmer has dominated the Durban race taking three victories in the last decade. In late June, she also ran to victory in the Pietermartizburg SPAR race, “I love the Durban SPAR race; the route is flat and fast, so you can truly test yourself and aim for a personal best time. You are guaranteed good weather and the support is amazing!”

Being mindful of the future generation of road runners, the official race charity for this year will be The Mercury Hibberdene Children’s Home. R2 from each entry will go towards the official charity and online entrants will have an option to make additional donations to this very worthy cause.

For more info go to www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban or like the Facebook page SPAR Women’s 10/5km. For a run through of the actual race route, you can go to YouTube and search for SPAR WOMEN’S 10/5KM RACE SIMULATION – DURBAN.

 

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VIP Gala Screening for DIFF World Première Documentary A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake

VIP Gala Screening for DIFF World Première Documentary

A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake: Suncoast: Sunday 20 July at 17h15

The gala screening of the world première of A Snake Gives Birth to a Snakethe much-anticipated documentary debut of celebrated television/film/theatre director Michael Lessac, promises to be one of the highlights of this year’s DIFF (Durban International Film Festival) with some of the country’s foremost peace mediators joining members of the cast and crew for the world première screening, followed by a Q&A session at the Suncoast Cinecentre on Sunday 20 July at 17h15. 

Dr Alex Boraine, deputy chairperson of the TRC, and multi-award-winning veteran political commentator / author Max du Preez will be attending the gala and leading the dialogue after the screening. They will be joined by actors Thembi Mtshali-Jones,  Nick Boraine, and Fana Mokoena who will share their experiences of the journey that led to A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake.

It is fitting that du Preez was announced as winner of the Alan Paton Award at the 2014 Sunday Times Literary Awards for his book A Rumour of Spring: South Africa after 20 Years of Democracy. The Alan Paton Award is given for a work of non-fiction that promotes “The Illumination of Truthfulness…” a theme which is particularly pertinent to this documentary.

The producers are thrilled that last weekend, the Standard Bank Standing Ovation Award was presented to Thembi Mtshali-Jones for her illustrious career at the National Arts Festival and in recognition of a lifetime of creative energy in South Africa’s cultural life spanning over four decades. 

The documentary A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake follows a diverse group of South African actors as they tour global war-torn regions to share South Africa’s experience of reconciliation. As they ignite dialogue among people with raw memories of atrocity, the actors find they must confront once again our country’s complicated and violent past – and question their own capacity for healing and forgiveness.

“The film highlights the valuable role arts played in peace and reconciliation, and the genuine contribution arts can play in the global reconciliation movement and ongoing nation-building,” considers actor Nick Boraine who appears in the movie and who was part of the A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake project since its inception.

 A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake was edited by Joel Plotch (In the Company of Men; Nurse Betty; Gone). It was produced by Michael Lessac, Jacqueline Bertrand Lessac and Emma Tammi and Executive Produced by Jonathan Gray, and Robert Lear.  It features never-before-heard original music by jazz legend Hugh Masekela, with lyrics taken from TRC personal testimonies. 

·          A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake premieres at the Durban International Film Festival taking place in venues in and around Durban from 17 - 27 July 2014. The gala screening is on 20 July at 17:15 in Suncoast (6) with a second screening on Friday 25 July  at 20:15 at Suncoast (7)

·         Public are warmly invited to attend a morning Tea and Conversation function at the Tugela Room in the Maharani Hotel from 10.30am until noon on Monday 21 July. The topic is Unmasking Reconciliation: 20 Years On....Moving Beyond the Cliché. Join Dr Alex Boraine - Vice Chair: Truth & Reconciliation Commission / Writer / Commentator; Max Du Preez – Commentator / Columnist / Award-winning Writer / Film-maker; Thembi Mtshali Jones –Distinguished stage, television and film Actress; Ela Gandhi - Gandhi Development Trust / Activist in conversation with Mary Papayya – Media Leader /Secretary-General of SA National Editors Forum. Entry is free and all welcome

 For more information about the Durban International Film Festival go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za.

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AfriDocs Film Week at 35th Durban International Film Festival

AfriDocs Film Week 21-27 July 2014

Sub-Saharan Africa Broadcast

in association with channel ED and the 35th Durban International Film Festival

A world first will be taking place this month when a full week of African documentary films are broadcast across sub-Saharan Africa on DStv channel ED (channel 190) and GOtv (channel 65), from the Durban International Film Festival, the largest film festival in South Africa that takes place from 17 to 27July.

This unique film event will see a diverse and exciting range of films screened across 49 countries of sub-Saharan Africa. The AfriDocs Film Week will connect the largest film festival in Africa through a ‘film festival on your screen’ featuring documentary films from thirteen countries in Africa – The D.R.C., Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda.

“So many documentary films have been shot in Africa, but very few have been seen by African audiences”, says AfriDocs Executive Producer Don Edkins from Steps in Cape Town, “this heralds a new era of distribution for the continent.”

Films by African filmmakers Sani Elhadj Magori, Licinio Azevedo, Rehad Desai, Judy Kibinge, Andrey Samoute Diarra, Annalet Steenkamp and Mandy Jacobson together with filmmakers Mika Karismäki, Thierry Michel, Roger Ross Williams, Abby Ginzberg and Göran Olsson amongst others, will be seen for the first time by a wide audience as a result of this collaboration. 

Seven of the films screening at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) will also be part of the programme, including the award-winning Miners Shot Down, Concerning Violence, I AfrikanerThe Irresistible Rise of Moïse Katumbi and Soft Vengeance.

These African documentaries tell a wide range of stories; from films about great African artists, such as singer and activist Miriam Makeba (Mama Africa) and the Malian photographer Malik Sibidé (Dolce Vita Africana), to political and historical films about leaders Patrice Lumumba and Liberian President Sirleaf Johnson, as well as films dealing with revolutionaries, farmers, gangsters, musicians and evangelists. 

This week-long film event is a special broadcast project from AfriDocs, the first weekly primetime documentary strand broadcasting across Africa. Every Tuesday night on ED (DStv channel 190) and GOtv (channel 65), AfriDocs broadcasts top African documentaries to 49 countries by satellite, and terrestrially to an additional 100 cities in 8 countries.

AfriDocs is an initiative of the multi-awarded South African documentary production and distribution company, Steps, in partnership with the Bertha Foundation.

 Rebecca Lichtenfeld, Director of Social Impact Media at Bertha Philanthropies, said that the Bertha Foundation is proud to partner with Steps to help bring great documentary films to audiences across Africa, “Connecting documentary film to African audiences is something we have been hoping to do for some time now, and this is an ideal platform for that.”

For the full programme schedule and synopses of the films, please go to www.afridocs.net or www.facebook.com/AfriDocs

You can also follow AfriDocs on twitter: @Afri_Docs

#FilmFestivalAtHome #DIFF2014 #FilmFestivalOnYourScreen #AfricaNotOneStory #AfriDocs   #AfricaRising

Weekly Broadcast Times sub-Saharan Africa: Weekly. Primetime. Real Stories.

Tuesday evenings:

6 p.m. Cape Verde Time

7 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time (Mauritania to Benin)

8 p.m. West African Time (Niger to Namibia)

9 p.m. Central African Time/South Africa Standard Time

10 p.m. East African Time (Sudan to Tanzania)

11 p.m. Seychelles Time

From 1st August, 2014, the slot changes to one hour earlier in order to allow feature length documentary films to be screened.

For more information about the Durban International Film festival go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za.

 

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CONTACT

 

 

For media enquiries for DIFF :

Sharlene Versfeld/ Sipho Ngwenya

Versfeld & Associates

Mobile: +27 (0) 83 326 3235

Tel: +27 (0) 31 811 5628

Post: P O Box 30547, Mayville, 4058

Email: sharlene@versfeld.co.za

Twitter: sharlvers

Website: www.versfeld.co.za

 

for AFRI-DOCS

Social Media & Publicity: Patrice Carter
Email: patrice@steps.co.za

Programming: Theresa Hill
Email: theresa@steps.co.za

Phone: +27 21 4655805

 URL: www.steps.co.za

 

 

KALMER WINS PIETERMARITZBURG SPAR WOMEN’S 10KM

KALMER WINS PIETERMARITZBURG SPAR WOMEN’S 10KM

It was pretty much a solo run for Rene Kalmer as she took top honours in the Pietermaritzburg SPAR Women’s 10km today in a time of 34.13 on an icey winter’s morning in KZN’s Capital.

The field of 3800 participants braved the cold as the temperature plummeted to 2 degrees earlier this morning but had risen to about 5 degrees at the start of the race.

“This is the first time I have run this race in Pietermaritzburg, and I was happy with my performance. I felt very strong. The weather didn’t bother me – we are used to these temperatures in Johannesburg.” said Kalmer who sliced off 1 minute 11 seconds from last year’s winner Jenna Challenor’s time of 35.24.

Second and third place were owned by Nolene Conrad and Sithulisiwe Zhou both also running their debut Pietermaritzburg races.

Capetonian Nolene Conrad, who has been concentrating on her marathon running, sailed into the finish in second place in a time of 35.37. “I had a good race , but it was a bit of a difficult run with all the hills. My legs were really cold and only in the last three kilometres did I feel like I warmed up.” 

Zimbabwean Sithulisiwe Zhou was over the moon with her third position in a time of 36.16. “It was fantastic.” she enthused, “I am training for the Mandela Marathon, so I am really pleased to have been able to run with such elite runners like Rene and Nolene .”

Going through the halfway mark, Kalmer looked at complete ease as she took the palm-lined avenue up the hill through Alexandra Park a good 20 seconds ahead of Conrad.

KZN’s Tanith Maxwell, running in and winning in her category (35-39), came in fourth.

“Once again there was a great spirit amongst the participants at this year’s race.” said Rob Philipson, MD SPAR KZN. “Despite the bitter cold, the mood was festive and fun-filled, clearly dispelling all myths about this being Sleepy Hollow.”

“We are encouraged that this race is growing in stature and we are attracting elite runners such as Rene, Nolene, Tanith and Sithulisiwe.” Philipson continued.

A sum of R10 200 raised from a percentage of the entry fees was donated to the race charity CHOC.

The next SPAR Women’s 10/5km in KZN will take place on Sunday August 24 in Durban and is part of the SPAR Grand Prix.

Results

10KM

Open

1 Rene Kalmer (Modern Athlete) 34.13, 2 Nolene Conrad (Boxer AC) 35.37, 3 Sithulisiwe Zhou (Phantane) 36.16, 4 Tanith Maxwell (Boxer AC) 36.43, Keneilwe Sesing (Nedbank) 37.13

9-11

1 Thabelo Tshishonga 1.25.47, 2 Tasmiyah Essack 1.33.11, 3 Kendra Visagie 1.48.04

12-14

1 Kaydie Gouws 1.46.49, 2 Kate-Lyn Gouws 1.47.52, 3 Milan Comley 1.50.06

15 – 19

1 Nontlantla Gcinia 40.34, 2 Mbali Mtshali 40.37, 3 Nomusa Xaba 42.41

35 – 39

1 Tanith Maxwell (Boxer AC) 36.43, 2 Nonsikelelo Mbambo (Natal Carbineers) 41.37, 3 Michelle Ellis 44.05

40-49

1 Suzette Botha (Eskom) 38.36, 2 Janene Carey (Boxer AC) 39.21, 3 Marilise Vermaak 43.52

50 -59

1 Janine Engels (Westville Athletics) 44.23, 2 Jenny Taylor 54.27, 3 Trish Botton (Natal Carbineers) 1.00.09

60+

1 Judith Grove (Hilton Harriers) 49.53, 2 Jane Dickson 50.24, 3 Sandra Fismer (Hilton Harriers) 50.36

5KM

1 Londeka Mweli 20.20, 2 Nombuso Ndamane 20.21, 3 Sinenhlanhla Zondi 20.33, 4 Fezeka Mchunu 20.47, 5 Sthandile Dladla 21.16

 

-ENDS

Wild Talk Africa Showcases Best of Environmental and Wildlife Films at DIFF

Durban, South Africa: For the second year running, Durban Wild Talk Africa will showcase a selection of both local and international natural history films during nine slots at this year’s 35th Durban International Film Festival which runs from 17 – 27 July 2014.

Durban Wild Talk Africa Film Festival now in its 9th year, brings a world-class television market and natural history conference to South Africa every two years.  After the success of last year’s conference at DIFF, Durban Wild Talk Africa will again present a programme of nature films that are fast becoming a firm favourite in the festival’s diverse line up.  This year, the strand once again offers entertaining and enlightening viewing for nature enthusiasts, animal-lovers, adrenalin junkies and environmentalists alike. 

Some not-to-be-missed films include:

 “Unearthed” – a shocking insight into the world of hydraulic fracking through the journey of a young South African journalist who starts asking questions when the fracking industry arrives in her hometown in the Karoo. Her questions take her into the dark underbelly of America’s gas industry. 

“Black Mamba: Kiss of Death” - Spend an hour in the life of the most feared snake in Africa, witnessing the most intimate moments of its life and predatory attacks right here in Kwa-Zulu Natal. 

“Birdman Chronicles” - Launch into the adrenalin-charged world of wingsuit flying; revealing the beautiful freedom found in this sport, as well as the constant presence of potential tragedy. 

“DamNation” - With over 75,000 dams built in America after the Great Depression; this epic documentary odyssey explores the changing opinions towards dams, and witnesses the extent that some will go to answer the question , “Why have we damned up our rivers?’

“Expedition to the End of the World” On a three-mast schooner packed with artists, scientists and ambitions worthy of Noah or Columbus, we set off for the end of the world: the rapidly melting massifs of North-East Greenland.

Other films in this strand include the award-winning Iranian astronaut-inspired “Sepideh”, Liz Marshall’s photographic revelation into the commodification of animals in “The Ghosts in our Machines”, an artistic voyage into water in “Watermark” and the world premier of “Lady Baboon”- chronicling the life of a woman who single handedly started the controversial baboon conservation movement in South Africa and who is often described as “the unknown Jane Goodall.”

The partnership between Durban Wild Talk Africa and Durban International Film Festival is part of the City of Durban’s vision to position the city as Africa’s primary destination for film markets and festivals.

For more information about Wild Talk Africa contact shani@wildtalkafrica.com or call 021 422 0023, or visit www.durbanfilmfest.co.za for screening information and updates.

The 35th Durban International Film Festival is organised by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (a special project of the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Humanities, Cheryl Potgieter) with support from the National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development & Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, City of Durban, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, Industrial Development Corporation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture and a range of other valued partners.

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The Knit Wits of KZN to Knit, en masse at Nelson Mandela Capture Site

The Knit Wits of KZN to Knit, en masse at Nelson Mandela Capture Site 

On 15 June 2014, KZN ‘knit-wits’ from Zululand, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, the Midlands and the Drakensberg, will congregate at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick for a good cause. 

The cause is 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day – an initiative that aims to collect thousands of handmade blankets which will be distributed to those in need on Nelson Mandela Day (18 July).

According to Carolyn Steyn, Founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day: “This Father’s Day, we’ll be celebrating the father of our nation by hosting a concert organised by actress and our Midlands Ambassador, Annie Robinson, for our loyal ‘knit-wits’ who have been working so hard to create blankets for those less fortunate. Stitch by stitch we will be keeping people around our beautiful country – and around the world – warm this winter.”

The ‘knit-wits’ are in for a special treat with performances by acclaimed South African troubadour, Nibs Van der Spuy; passionate and versatile musician, Kaolin Thomson; one of South Africa's leading concert pianists, Christopher Duigan; Pietermaritzburg based musician and Idols finalist Erin Fourie, and Steyn’s goddaughter, Ella Grealy.  Even if you are not a ‘knit-wit’ – join us for a great day out - dads are invited to join in too ….it is after all Father’s Day!

“Hundreds of the handmade blankets will be on display at the foot of the famous statue of Madiba for an official photograph. This photograph will illustrate the goodwill of South Africans and show the world the impact the father of our nation, Nelson Mandela has had on all of us.  Already, we have collected over 670 blankets – we hope to collect hundreds more from our Kwa-Zulu Natal based ‘knit-wits’,” says Steyn.   

67 BLANKETS FOR NELSON MANDELA DAY CONCERT

DATE:                        15 June 2014

TIME:                          Concert starts at 12:00pm, Blanket handover to take place at 2:30pm

PARKING:                 There will be a designated 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day parking area

SPONSORS:             Sound equipment and stage has been kindly sponsored by Selbys.  The MC for the day will be Brendan Grealy who has been involved with the development of the Mandela Capture Site since its inception.

REFRESHMENTS:   Everyone is encouraged to bring their own picnic baskets and picnic blankets.   Food and drinks can also be purchased at the Capture Site.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day started as a challenge but has quickly grown into what some are calling a movement. It’s captured the attention of thousands of South Africans as well as corporates and hundreds of people in the UK, Australia, New Zealand. Canada, Germany, Cyprus, London, the US and India.

Joining the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day movement is easy.The only requirement is that the single bed sized blanket or baby blanket has to be handmade – no store bought blankets will be accepted. 

Blankets can be knitted or crocheted and should measure 150 cm x 200 cm.  Most importantly, those who pledge to make a blanket must please keep their promise and complete the blanket or blankets by 1 July 2014. 

Drop off points include Auto & General Insurance offices nationwide, the Auto & General Theatre on the Square, the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, The President's Award office in Grahamstown and Clifton Preparatory School in Nottingham Road in the Midlands Monday -  Friday or contact Annie (abgrealy@iafrica.com)

Charity beneficiaries will be announced closer to the time.

For more information, please visit: www.67blankets.com

Twitter - @67blankets

Facebook - 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day

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ISSUED ON BEHALF OF 67 BLANKETS FOR MADIBA DAY BY BUZ PR

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

Christabel Zulu/ Bridget van Oerle

BUZ PUBLICITY

011 482 3467 /3489

083 706 2952/ 083 263 6991

christabel@buz.co.za / buz@buz.co.za

skype: buzpr

 

5th Durban FilmMart Project Selection Announcement

5th Durban FilmMart Project Selection Announcement

It’s that exciting time of the year again when the Durban FilmMart proudly reveal the names of the African filmmakers whose film and documentary projects have been officially selected to participate in the continent’s leading finance and coproduction film market.  The Durban FilmMart was pleased to receive applications from filmmakers from around the African continent intent on participating in the biggest edition of Durban FilmMart thus far.

Set to take place in Durban at the new venue of Tsogo Sun, Elangeni Hotel from 18-21 July 2014, during the 35th edition of the Durban International Film Festival (17-27 July 2014), the Durban FilmMart – a joint initiative between the Durban Film Office and the Durban International Film Festival - will serve as a meeting place for African filmmakers, financiers, broadcasters and top film experts.

“We are very pleased to note that the number, quality and geographical spread of project submissions are growing every year. Our evaluation committee had a tough job selecting the top twenty projects most suited to the Durban FilmMart programme and we thank everybody who submitted projects for their interest in Durban FilmMart.” said Durban Film Office Head Toni Monty.

The project selection process was undertaken by a Reader Panel consisting of African and international film professionals who were given the daunting task of moderating and scoring the 164 submissions, which consisted of 85 feature and 79 documentary projects.

Following the outcome, 10 fiction projects and 10 documentary projects have been selected for one-on-one meetings with potential investors and co-producers in the Finance Forum. This year’s programme will also include a full day pitch forum in which both documentary and fiction projects will be pitched to a panel of commissioning editors, funders and financiers.  Durban FilmMart participants will also have the opportunity to liaise with industry professionals during several scheduled networking sessions.

Many of the Durban FilmMart alumni have gone on to compete and premiere at festivals across the globe, including the Durban International Film festival, said festival manager Peter Machen.  “From Durban to Cannes, Toronto and Berlin, talented African filmmakers, including those selected to participate in DFM 2014, are making their mark in the global arena.  African filmmaking is on the rise.”

The following fiction film projects have been selected for DFM 2014:

 All Time Idlers (Egypt) - Directed by Khaled Hafez and produced by Hossam Elouan

The Boy in the Mask (South Africa) - Directed by Jan Lampen and produced by Jennifer Mostert              

Cold Stone Jug (South Africa) - Directed by William Collinson and Ashleigh Nash

Dances of Red (Namibia) - Directed by Oshosheni Hiveluah and produced by Tapiwa Mahaka     

Hawa Hawaii (Kenya) - Directed by Amirah Mohamed Tajdin and produced by Wafa Mohamed Tajdin

Nyanga Sky (South Africa) - Directed by Matthew Griffiths and produced by Rafeeqah Galant   

The Story Of A Kiss (Egypt) - Directed by Ahmed Amer and produced by Wael Sayed El Ahl          

The Train of Salt and Sugar (Portugal/Mozambique) - Directed by Licinio De Azevedo and produced by Pandora Cunha Telles   

Tree of Crows (South Africa) - Directed by Stephen Abbott and produced by Eduan van Jaarsveldt

The Wound (South Africa) - Directed by John Trengove and produced by Elias Ribeiro    

The following documentary film projects have been selected:

Afterglow (South Africa) - Directed and produced by Amber (Arya) Lalloo

Alex On Seventh (South Africa) - Directed by Engelbert Phiri and produced by Guy Bragge

Alison (South Africa) - Directed by Uga Carlini and produced by Amy Nelson       

Beyond the Barricades (South Africa) Directed by Zanele Muholi and produced by Joost Verheij               

The Colonel’s Stray Dogs (South Africa) - Directed by Khalid Shamis and produced by Steven Markovitz

Egyptian Jeanne d'Arc (Egypt) Directed by Iman Kamel and produced by Talal Al-Muhanna         

Home Expulsion (Rwanda) - Directed and produced by Kayambi Musafiri

In search of African Duende: The Uganda Flamenco Project (Uganda) - Directed by Caroline Kamya and produced by Keren Cogan

Kula: A Memory in Three Acts (Mozambique) - Directed and produced by Inadelso cossa

The Sound of Masks (South Africa) - Directed by Kofi  Zwana and produced by Sara Gouveia

The 5th Durban FilmMart takes place in Durban from 18-21 July 2014, during the 35th edition of the Durban International Film Festival (17-27 July 2014). Filmmakers who do not have projects as part of the official selection can still register as delegates for the event, and will have the opportunity to attend numerous cutting-edge masterclasses throughout the four-day event.  Registration is now open and early bird rates apply until 27 June.

For more information on the Durban FilmMart and how to register as a delegate please visit www.durbanfilmmart.com

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AFDA Durban Campus Launch Assist Programmes for their Students

The AFDA Durban Campus have launched a series of Assist Programmes for their first and second year students in the various schools of Live Performance, Film and Television Production with partners such as iKind Media and the iconic Catalina Theatre.

Students in the School of Live Performance which is headed by AFDA Lecturer Lloyd O’Connor have been working at the Catalina Theatre getting a firsthand experience on how to run a theatre from General Manager of the Catalina Theatre, Francis Bigara. Through her guidance the students have been put through administrative paper work, ticket sales, equipment maintenance, ushering, networking and so much more.  “The aim is to help bridge the gap, step by step over the years, between 'student', 'amateur', 'semi-professional' and 'professional', to equip the students with the current active skills and knowledge required to realistically make a living in their chosen careers” says Donna Steel, a Discipline Champion for First Year Stage Acting.

AFDA students in the School of Film will be working in collaboration with iKind Media, a Durban based Broadcasting and Media Production Agency, on a thriller feature film trailer called ‘Intruders’.  “We have already began constructing the set for the shooting of the next scene within the trailer of the film on campus, students have been able to gain firsthand experience in building a professional set and from next week we will start shooting” says head of the School of Film and Filmmaker, Richard Green. 

The AFDA TV Department is working on a SABC 1 program called Hosanna with AFDA Lecturer and Executive Producer at Dynamic Vision Productions, Ailsa Kaminski. Hosanna reflects the different textures and forms of Christianity in communities around the country. The format includes music, prayer, ministry, personal testimony and insight into the impact of faith on people’s lives. “For the purpose of providing assist training for the first year AFDA students certain elements were designed to be filmed in the AFDA studio, namely interviews, presenter links to camera, inspirational messages by ministers and music items shot on green screen….the students were great, it was a pleasure working with them, wonderful to see their enthusiasm and energy, and their eagerness to learn” says Ailsa Kaminski.

AFDA Durban Campus will be hosting an Open Day on Saturday, 03 May from 09:00 to 13:00, for more information on the event or about AFDA you can contact Milena Gevers on (031) 569-2252 or e-mail her on milenag@afda.co.za.

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MUVO Bus Driver Winner

Durban bus driver Deena Dayalan Naidoo was awarded as Durban’s best bus driver for the month of April as part of the Move to Muvo Campaign.

 

Deena Naidoo was previously employed by the Airports Company of South Africa as a courier of flight documentation and through sterling work was promoted to shuttle driver, transporting passengers from platforms to their destined flights. A resident from Hilary in Durban, Mr Deena Naidoo has been driving one of the  People Mover Buses in the city for over 5 years. Often found doing his daily commuter route passing the famous Indian Spice Market, Warwick Junction, the Botanical Garden, West Street and South Beach, Naidoo says that he really enjoys his job. “I love my job, interacting with the different people of our beautiful, sunny city brings great joy to me. I believe that as a driver to respect and help all of my passengers at all the time is part of my job and I always look forward to that”

 

He was awarded the Best Bus Driver of the month award voted for by the commuters for being a good ambassador and assisting commuters with their Muvo cards.

 

From April 1, bus coupons have been discontinued, and replaced with the new MUVO Smartcard, which will provide a safer, more efficient way of paying for public transport. The card is part of GO!Durban, the massive Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network, that will eventually be used on all the public transport within the network which sees the integration of  public transport with dedicated lanes for busses and upgraded transport corridors for rail.

The card is being issued free of charge until further notice.

Muvo has been running a competition for Best Bus Driver for this Move to Muvo campaign. The objective of the competition was to help improve the service provided to the commuters and encourage bus drivers to become ambassadors of the Muvo brand. Commuters had to vote for their favourite bus driver in order for their favourite driver to win the competition” says MUVO Project Manager Michelle Pearton.

 

For enquiries about the MUVO Card call 080 000 6886 or visit the website on www.muvo.co.za

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