ACTIVISM: Save Newmarket Stables, FleaMarket, Berea Rovers Rugby Club, and Cyril Geoghan Cycling Stadium

Join Save Newmarket Stables on Facebook and become involved in saving this venue and the other TWO clubs that will be affected. 

Newmarket Stables is over 95 yeas old and could indeed be as old as Greyville Race Course- 1897. 

Funds from the LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB, ETHEKWINI and HOY PARK are being used to close down Berea Rugby Club, a major contributory club to the KZN Sharks Rugby Team. Close down the NEWMARKET STABLES AND RIDING SCHOOL, a non-profit organisation and a heritage site, with over 100 years of history, catering to disabled riders and able bodied riders making is affordable for Durban and surrounding areas chilsdren to learn ride. 

We have over 90 children a week that come to the facility to learn to ride. This is the only facility in the Durban area. It is also the training centre for the Kwa-zulu Natal Pony club (affiliated to the British Pony Club) and it is also a venue for training and development shows including the South African Schools Equestrian Association which is a development organisation for Juniors, young riders and Pony Riders. 

Approximately 11 horses may need to be euthanized to make way for LIVERPOOLS SCORER PLAN, and more than 40 horse will be required to be sold, moved or euthanized. 

More than 15 black males will lose their jobs, some of which have worked for the Centre for more than 40 years. 

The Cyril Geoghan Cycling Stadium, a legacy and property, left to the municipality for the exclusive use of cycling / equestrian shows, will be ignored despite the intentions of Mr Cyril Geoghan (deceased). 

All this despite the fact that the NEW MOSES MABHIDA stadium, with all the required facilities and more, is 500m away and is barely used – this begs the question, were is the money really going? Whilst Liverpool pumps funds into a local municipality in order for them to, without discussion, investigation, consultation, unilaterally close three clubs of various sporting activities FOR SOCCER. 

Furthermore, the Metro Police mounted unit, based at the Newmarket Stables, will also be closed down (and the Friesian horses they use, moved no doubt out of the greater Durban). This unit patrols the greater Durban and surrounding areas were vehicle have limited and no access like our beaches and is much needed in a country where the crime rate is so high. 

Nelson Mandela said: "Sport has the power to change the world…it has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers." So why now does some sport have more power than others...

PERFORMANCE: Sandy Bigara at Hinghams Nursery Tea Garden this Sunday

VINTAGE BLUES & LOVE SONGS (Piano & Vocals)

Sandy Bigara - www.sandybigara.com - will be conducting her monthly performance at Hingham Nursery Tea Garden (top of Clematis Grove, off Rinaldo rd, which is off Umhlanga Rocks Drive at the top, or Chris Hani rd at the bottom near N2 to Gateway)

Sandy's CD "A Night To Remember" will be on sale for R100.
In the spirit of #‎LoveYourBusker‬ please don't forget to bring cash tips for your performer and any bags of small dog or cat pellets for the Healthy Mongoose Feeding Program.
Booking is essential. To book your table either under the thatched boma or in the playground area, call Danielle Venter 0768123886.

Email tinkerbelldv@gmail.com if you have any special requests
(This charming #‎Durban‬ restaurant has a #‎playground‬, lots of shaded seating, has #‎wheelchair‬ access and wheelchair friendly toilets, the venue is also #‎PetFriendly‬)

Reviews:
The Taste Detectives http://tastedetectives.co.za/hingham-nursery/
Sunday Tribune http://tinyurl.com/Review-pg4-SundayTrib-20July
The Durban Journo http://www.durbanjourno.co.za/2014/09/in-spotlight-with-sandy-bigara-hinghams.html

Sandy will be performing new songs this Sunday... Honouring those who fell in WWII - hit songs of Vera Lynn, Doris Day, Nina Simone, Dinah Shore, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn... Such as My Funny Valentine, Stormy Weather, I loves you Porgy, Cry me a River, Misty, Bewitched, Let's face the Music and Dance, Don't eat the Daisies, Que Cera Cera, and some of her original love songs as well, there may be some classical songs too. :)

Regards,

Sandy Bigara
www.sandybigara.com

POLITICS: Death of KZN Councillor Ken Denysschen

Democratic Alliance media statement by: Sizwe Mchunu, MPL – DA KZN Leader, Greg Krumbock MP – DA Mooi Umgeni Constituency MP

7 November 2014
Release: Immediate

The Democratic Alliance is devastated by the tragic and needless death of one of its most beloved public representatives, Councillor Ken Denysschen. Councillor Denysschen was electrocuted while erecting posters ahead of the Mpofana elections scheduled for 26 November.

Ken Denysschen was a councillor in the Mpofana Municipality where he had served with distinction since his election in 2011. He was a very rare person indeed, someone who had a great love of life and infected everyone he met with his boundless enthusiasm and bright hope for the future.

He was a virtual icon in the North Midlands area, being utterly dedicated to the community and getting to know scores of residents through his unrelenting service in the Mpofana Ratepayers and Residents Association, support of community associations and more recently as a councillor.

Attending a public meeting or information table with him was a humbling experience, as he seemed to know every single person there and they, in turn, had the utmost respect and appreciation for Ken's never-ending efforts on their behalf.

As a public representative, Ken Denysschen fought a brave battle as the lone DA councillor in Mpofana trying to root out corruption and improve service delivery. He was just beginning to achieve a measure of success when his cruel death cut short his work.

The heartfelt condolences and empathy of the DA in KZN, and nationally, go out to Councillor Denysschen's close family, his two sons and daughter, who we will visit today. May God be with you and comfort you in this very difficult time.
Regards,

Sandy Bigara
www.sandybigara.com

FAMILY: Teaching about Consequence - Tidy vs Untidy

My children, 6.5 and 4, use our lounge as a play area. My home office is there and they have always played near to me.

They play incredible games, very involved, and very messy. They turn the lounge into so many amazing places for adventures together - I love listening to them giggle, talking in 'american' accents and having a ball.

The outcome each time this year has been a lounge that is DESTROYED. And ME cleaning it :/ we have no Domestic Assistance and my Husband and I share the workload.

So this weekend I watched them thoroughly mess the lounge. Before I would have felt defeated and sad, moaning about the mess. This time however, I spoke to them gently and said "Whatever you do, you must undo later. The lounge will be neat by the time you go to bed." And they agreed - messing even more.

I then marshaled them for almost an hour while they tidied the room - I assisted in folding blankets with them, and guiding them when they had a little tiff etc. Kel 4 struggled, but I watched how Savanna stepped in and encouraged her sister to help by working alongside her. By the end of the hour they were very proud of the neat room. I had to take photos of them. They were that proud.

Monday - the lounge stayed clean the WHOLE day (a first!!)

Tuesday they started a 'museum' and brought through toys - moving the bigger couch cushions off of the couches and onto the floor - to create different sections of the museum - then they watched a movie and dragged their blankets and bed pillows into the lounge... They also opened a big tub of crayons and koki's, and drew lots of pictures on A4 paper... By 5pm the lounge was beyond destroyed. I couldn't walk straight across it.

I had finally climbed into bed a bit later not feeling so well, so Daddy oversaw the clean-up. I listened to them moving things, packing things away. Lots of giggles as their Daddy lifted them up inside their blankets and carried them to their rooms.

In 30min the lounge was tidy. Not perfect - but very tidy. Each couch even had little decorative cushions on it :)

I'm very keen to see where this leads... Hopefully teaching them to realise that for every action there is a reaction.

What do you do if your kids totally mess up a room or two in your house?

:)

Have a great day xx
Regards,

Sandy Bigara
www.sandybigara.com

THEATRE: There! Lays Ubuntu Sakhiwo Arts at Catalina Theatre Durban

Please Note: This article is written in support of Sakhiwo Arts And Skills Development Centre using information found online.

"Nobody is Born Dead, but life gives birth to death"

Brought to you by Sakhiwo Arts And Skills Development Centre, catch THERE! LAYS UBUNTU at the Catalina Theatre from 14 November - 23 November, 7pm daily and 3pm Matinee on Sundays. This play is relevant to all communities and will facilitate healthy dialogue regarding morality and cultural changes in modern times.

"Ubuntu is a belief in a universal Bond that connects all humanity"...

A heartfelt and emotional musical, based on the lost or rather dead morals and customs of Ubuntu evident in the lifestyle of the young adults and youth of the modern era. Tickets are R80 per person, and available on COMPUTICKET.

"UBUNTU IS LIFE"...however, looking at the 21st century, Ubuntu is nothing but a statement used to manipulate, to get people to obey,… or shut the fuck up...”

In this play, we see Death personalized as a character, and how he infiltrates peoples lives within a community, in the context of Ubuntu. Musa Ntuli is an award winning actor and director from Durban, South Africa, known for his well scripted and perfectly polished work, Musa is a dynamic force to be reckoned with. He is directly involved in the leadership of the Sakhiwo Arts And Skills Development Centre and this fledgling company already has a shining future.

"Morals and customs have died in the race of life. Man is driven by the will to dominate, the will to attain what the world will retain when they die. Man is living so fast… to die hard! As death takes over…" 

The Sakhiwo Team recently walked away with numerous trophies and awards at the Isigcawu Drama Festival! Their hard work and devotion to their craft is inspiring.

  

In Short

Show: There!Lays Ubuntu

Where: Catalina Theatre

Date: 14-23 November 2014

Times: 7pm daily and 3pm Matinee on the Sundays.
Tickets: Available at all Checkers or Shoprite stores in KZN, or online click HERE.

Price: R80pp
Brought to you by Sakhiwo Arts And Skills Development Centre ‪

COMEDY: 31st October 22h00 What Kind? Halloween Edition Comedy Improv Show

Ghosts, Ghouls, Goblins and Vampires... Don't forget to head on down to The Catalina Theatre this Friday 31st October at 22h00 for our crazy What Kind? Halloween Edition of our monthly hit improv show.

What Kind? Is our South African version of the long running UK & USA tv series Whose Line Is It Anyway? with Drew Carey, Ryan Stile, Colin Mochrey and Wayne Brady that had us all howling with laughter in the ninety's & noughty's!

Our talented cast of professional actors returns for their fourth consecutive show and belly laughs are guaranteed (the show officially ends at 11:15pm but our cheering audiences have never let us finish before midnight!)

There is a dress-up competition and the best dressed audience member will win a nice prize to take home.

Did we mention that there will be free wine?... No? Well, there will be free wine. You're welcome.

Book your tickets (R80pp) at http://online.computicket.com/web/event/what_kind_improv_comedy/843673371 or at any Checkers or Shoprite store... Or, after a nice dinner at the wharf (if you're brave enough to party in your dress-up!) You can stroll along to the theatre at 9:30pm and buy your tickets at Box Office (next to Zacks)

See you there! #WhatKind
Regards,

Sandy Bigara
www.sandybigara.com

RACISM: Response to a Racists Questionnaire

The following article is In response to a hectic status/comment debate/discussion that started in a positive thought provoking way and, due to a racist jobbie, ended in confusion and offense.  The answers to her list and to ours are exactly the same word every time. 

Googled the answer and got this. Lots of this. (This is a clue)

I worked together with a friend of mine, Nelisa, and we came up with our own set of Questions... in response to a previous set of questions (originally written by the antagonist/protagonist/racist/rebel/activist?) A list of questions that also all had the same answer... at least the questioner thought that they all had the same answer... (I spent some time googling these questions trying to come up with the correct answer to each ... my effort was not well met unfortunately and I was told to hand over my home, job, money etc and leave South Africa to go... where? Dunno, cos I am South African. Passport and all says so... so, yes.) 

Look at them. Smug bastards.

As close friends (Sisters even, if Facebook's 'family' Status is anything to go by) of different colour, race and cultural groups - Nelisa and I have laughed and cried over race issues - working our way forward as friends. Sometimes she helps me to understand the complexities of racial understanding in South Africa, sometimes I get it... and sometimes I get my dear husband to make her awesome coffee, we eat a lot of jelly tots, but I digress. Cheetos as well. Add chocolate to this. And pasta. 

We have found that laughter is the best way forward. Let's see how well you do in our Questionnaire! 

Another clue. You're welcome.

These are the original racist questions to which my friend and I are responding:

1. Who is responsible for deforestation of the rain forests and wild trees
2. Who is responsible for the extinction and death of Wild Animals and Sea Creatures?
3. Who is responsible for the world pollution and man made illnesses.
4. Who is responsible for the wiping out of other races of human beings and the enslavement of others.
5. Who decided that the access to food should be sold and not freely obtained by all human beings on the planet.
6. Which people, no matter where you go on the Planet are always well off and own the majority of everything whether they are Natives of that land or not.

And as I said, the Questioner above, let's call her Sally, believed that each question had the exact same answer. 

The same answers to all of the questions in our next questionnaire: 

I can't even. 

Anyway, here is our list of Questions: 

1. What colour are most of South Africa's taxi's?
2. Finish the sentence: Clouds are ______.
3. What colour is fresh snow?
4. The non-black sections on a Zebra are ______.
5. The racist establishment in DC that houses the USA President, is called the ______ House. 
6. The colour of refined rice. (Which is also evidence of the power of imperialism)
7. Imperial Mints are ______. (Another sign of Imperialism!! *gasp*)
8. Holy Communion Wafers are usually ______.
9. The name of the rough paint used to paint houses is ______ wash. 
10. Sheep are ______ in colour.
11. A4 Printer paper is usually _______.
12. Finish the sentence: Icing sugar is _______. 
13. What colour sounds like the word "What" ______.
14. Finish the Michael Jackson lyrics: "It's black, it's _______. yeah. yeah. yeah." 
15. Women wait for their 'Knight on a _______ Stallion" 

The blatant racism here is just... shocking. 

Yeah, so, there's that. Anyone can make a list, and make sure that all answers are exactly the same... I do suggest though, before making an accusatory racist list like the first one above, check your facts - wikipedia is great, or if you are a hipster then the Encyclopedia Britannica is surely at your local library - and, good luck with that. 

Anyways.......... I hope that you all have a good day. Make friends with someone who is different to you. Broaden your horizons guys. 

THEATRE: 7inch Stilettos by Thabiso Radebe

7inch Stilettos

Produced and directed by Thabiso Radebe,
Catalina Theatre on Wilson's Wharf
October 31 and 01 November
19h00
R60 (Just the show)
R120 (John Dorys and Show)
R120 (Spur and Show)
Book via Computicket, or at any Shoprite or Checkers stores, or at the Catalina box office open 1hr before each show.

Regrets no under 15's (15 VNL)

Durban is yet again the stage for good LGBTQ theatre, Thabiso Radebe - fresh from his well received run of Sofia Town - is bring us the sequel to High Heels with Balls - a gutsy drama piece that brought about good honest dialogue amongst viewers. Not for the faint of heart, and most definitely not for sensitive viewers, Radebe hits at sore points and speaks out aloud the questions that are so often asked.

A brave individual willing to stand in the gap and generate dialogue.

This week at the Catalina Theatre, Thabiso Radebe introduces another run this year of "7inch Stilettos" which sees Radebe and Sisanda Tshali collaborating with fine artist Sphephelo Mnguni.

Radebe's portrayal of Joyani is poignant and emotive.

"We are confronted with choices everyday. Sometimes we get them wrong, and sometimes right. Wrong tends to sting more than right satisfies. Bad and good decisions can get even thornier to make when they get more personal, involving ethics and morality."

Read the WN.com review HERE

 7inch Stilettos circles Joyani Maqa, a 25 year-old homosexual who chooses a path that destroys him. He flees home after his family has been murdered. Living on the streets, he's involved in the sex trade business, drug use and murders. His choices have become a burden to him as he seeks a direction
to a better Future.

Read IOL.co.za review in isiZulu HERE 

Contact Thabiso on 0835291361 or email thabiso.sbani@gmail.com

Poster by Mondli Madondo.

FOOD: My weekend... The Good Food & Wine Show

Speechless. 

What an INCREDIBLE weekend! The Clover & Selati Sweet Treats Theatre was pumping, there was standing room only :)  

So many cute and happy children - worth every stiff muscle from doing all of those action sing-alongs ha! 

So much colour! Here with Chef Katie Kasambala. 

The MISSING is ridiculous!!! The Good Food & Wine Show SA DBN was like a **festival of awesome** this year! 

Sarah Holloway Rainbow Experiential Marketing), Lentswe Bhengu Africa on a Plate), Sherwyn Sean Weaich (The Gourmet Bushie, Ultimate Braai Master), Candice Courtney (So Whipped), Katie Kasambala Little Cooks Club Durban North),Amy McKenna, Daniela Dotan (Daniella's Macaroons), Katelyn Williams & Ewan Strydom, Claire Winstanley Expresso Morning Show - SABC 3), Siya, Mishal Mookrey (Mela) & more... you made this weekend ROCK. 

Big loves from the Diva (Singing Chef) *kiss *kiss (Now put your left leg out... left leg in... )

THEATRE: Arno Els in Ahno it’s Arno - The Naked Truth

Ahno it's Arno - The Naked Truth

WHEN 

Friday October 31 @ 18:30

HOW MUCH 

R110 per ticket (includes Dinner, Wine, and the Show)

WHERE 

Colombo / The Factory Cafe (369 magwaza maphalala rd aka Gale street)

TICKETS 

Book your tickets via: email - info@the031.com phone - 072 122 7561

Comedian, Musician, and National Champion Arno "Ahno It's Arno" Els has finally pulled himself towards himself and put together a journey of a show - an hour and some odd change of comedy and music. 

When asked what the reason was, he responded by saying: "I'm broke. But also, i think I've found my voice and I'm ready to make people laugh, and leave them with something to ponder when they crawl into bed that night."

He's been around the block and performed with some renowned acts in DBN, JHB, and CPT as well as winning the 2014 DSOC Young Gun Of The Year Award.

Arno is also a respected musician in the Durban music scene and "The Naked Truth" sees him combining music and humour to get across what words simply can't.

Audiences can look forward to him diving head-first into topics such as relationships, addiction, procreation, growing pains, the struggles of being afrikaans but lacking culture, and where we'll find ourselves in the future as a human race.

The naked truth is loosely based around "myself, my thoughts, my shallow, yet vast narcism, and my love for everything alive."

Follow Arno Els on: Facebook // Twitter // Instagram