The children at Heritage House Preschool had great fun dressing up in all kinds of colourful traditional clothing to celebrate Heritage Month.

#Keready Youth Health Movement Celebrates World Contraceptive Day

Encouraging Knowledge and Empowerment in Sexual Health

The #Keready Youth Health Movement is proud to join the global celebration of World Contraceptive Day on 26 September. This important day is an opportunity to raise awareness about safe and effective contraceptive methods while empowering youth to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

Dr Dakalo Munenyiwa, a young doctor from the Keready team in Gauteng expresses, “We firmly believe that accurate information, quality reproductive healthcare, and the ability to make choices that support overall well-being are essential rights for young people.”

Young doctor from the Eastern Cape, Dr Phumelela Sambumbu adds, “We strongly believe that comprehensive sexual education and access to contraception are fundamental human rights. By promoting awareness and providing access to accurate information, we can empower youth to make responsible choices, prioritise their well-being, and shape healthier futures.”

As part of an ongoing commitment to promoting sexual health education and empowerment, Keready organises a variety of activities and initiatives. The doctors and nurses conduct educational workshops in schools and community centres, providing comprehensive information about the different contraceptive methods available, their usage, benefits, and the importance of choosing a contraceptive that suits their lifestyle to make sure they are well protected.

Throughout World Contraceptive Day, Keready will actively engage with young people while amplifying the conversation on social media. The health movement aims to foster a supportive online community that encourages dialogue, knowledge sharing, and destigmatisation.

#Keready invites youth, parents, healthcare providers, educators, and community members to join in celebrating World Contraceptive Day. Another young doctor Dr Tevarus Naicker (Pictured here) who is based in the Western Cape says, “Together, let's champion the principle of choice, and ensure every individual has the resources to exercise their rights to reproductive health and freedom.”

#Keready consists of ten young doctors, along with a team of 96 nurses supported by teams of communicators, drivers and mobilisers who ensure that the young people in four provinces, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape, have access to the health services they need. With its 46 mobile health clinics Keready provides health services to young people providing free, accessible and confidential contraceptive services while sharing information about available resources.

In addition to physical outreach, the team of young doctors actively utilise social media platforms (TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and run a WhatsApp line, to share informative content, debunk common myths, and provide frank guidance on accessing contraceptive resources, all with the aim to reach young individuals far and wide.

For any questions relating to health, the Keready doctors can be reached 24/7 through their WhatsApp line: 060 019 00 00. The Keready doctors host a weekly TikTok Live every Wednesday at 7pm on their TikTok channel @kereadysa.

Check out Keready’s website for mobile clinics in your area (GP, WC, EC and KZN): https://www.keready.co.za/mobile-clinics/.

Supplied.

On Saturday, 16th September we played our monthly Greendale Spar Drawn trips competition which was well supported by our members. Thank you to Greendale Spar for their sponsorship of prize vouchers and teatime sandwiches and well done to the winning team of Ed Speed, Mary Steytler and Mark Taylor, as well as to the runners up who were Neil Wright, Pat Ciro and Colin Brown.

After the competition we held our Annual General Meeting where we adopted our new constitution. Thank you to the members who were involved in updating this important document to ensure that we keep up with the times and can accommodate all the new activities that are taking place at UWBC. One member we’d especially like to thank is Koos Marais, who really went above and beyond and put many hours into the new constitution; he had many meetings with different members to discuss the matter and put much time and effort into ensuring all the i’s were dotted and the t’s were crossed.

A note of thanks to our 2023/2024 committee who had a very successful year; some of the items achieved include the installation of flood lights on A Green, painting the outside and inside of the club, upgrading the seating area between the greens, building of a lovely braai facility, general improvements within the clubhouse and many other items. In addition to the long list of repairs and improvements, they have also managed to pull off some very successful monthly and annual competitions and have added much value to the club overall.

Lastly, we’d like to thank our members, without whom there would be no club! Thank you to each and every member who has joined us in the last year and been part and parcel of our success!

As we look forward to the next club year, we wish the incoming committee success and look forward to what the year ahead will bring.

That’s all for this week… see you on the greens!

Events to keep an eye out for…

Friday, 29 September: Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45 (Book with Pippa on 083 467 8140)

Regular tabs in times are:-
Tuesdays at 08h45
Wednesdays at 13h15
Saturdays at 13h15.

Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact Wendy on 071 353 2866

Coaching by registered coaches is available: Contact Colin or Bernice on 071 164 3162 for further information.

Photo Caption: UWBC President, Kevin Palmer, with Barry Fairbrother who was awarded the “Big Stirrer” award at our AGM for his cheeky but fun banter on the greens!

In the heart of South Africa, our farmers face risks at every turn. But with our Farming Insurance, you can find comfort and security.

Our comprehensive package combines domestic and commercial insurance, designed to cater to each farmer's unique needs. From safeguarding your home, household contents, and vehicles to providing coverage for vital aspects of farming like tractors, equipment, sheds, liability, and livestock – we've got you covered.

We go the extra mile to ensure your tranquillity. Offering options to include the transit of livestock and runaway fire risks, we leave no stone unturned in protecting what matters most.

More about Cooke Fuller Group

BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY????

From just R200 per month, you can sponsor a kennel at the uMngeni SPCA.

Your sponsorship covers the cost of maintaining your kennel in tip-top condition, ready to welcome any animal that's sad, frightened, or hurt. Not only does it fund the maintenance of the kennel but also contributes toward the animals food and veterinary care. Your sponsorship can go a long way!

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book your kennel.

We also have a plaque made with your name on it and put it onto the wire part of the kennel for a year. You'll also get a section 18A tax certificate.

Yesterday, a number of students and a staff member from Treverton embarked on the challenge to reach the summit of the Rhino Peak and back again. Mr Travers Pellew, College Sports Co-ordinator, led the team, Daniel Jonck and Caleb Jennings, both grade 11 students. Another student, grade 8, Riley Babich (Pictured bottom right) competed alongside her father Mr Alex Babich.

Our school team did well, with Mr Travers Pellew coming in 2nd place overall, followed by Daniel Jonck in 3rd place. Daniel Jonck was the first student in. Caleb Jennings completed the challenge with a sub 5-hour time. Riley Babich took home the youngest competitor prize at age 14.

Thank you to Versus Socks for your support in our Fundraiser. There is still time to donate towards this incredible cause, www.rhinopeakchallenge.co.za

"The Rhino Peak Challenge (RPC) is a conservation fundraiser that takes place in the Maloti Drakensberg World Heritage Site each year. A limited number of RPC Ambassadors set themselves the challenge of ascending the famous Rhino Peak (3056m) and raising funds for the RPC Beneficiaries while doing so. Since its inception in 2016 the RPC has raised almost R5.2m for Wildlife ACT, The Endangered Wildlife Trust and EKZNW. These funds are spent specifically on projects involving Vultures, Rhinos, and Cranes.

In order to complete the RPC the Ambassadors must each complete the 21km course to the summit of the Rhino Peak (3056m) and back. There is no time limit and Ambassadors may walk or run the RPC. Over the years a number of South Africa’s finest Trail Runners have taken part in the RPC and the current Fastest Known Times (FKT) for the RPC is 2hr15min for the men and 2hr45min for the ladies set by Kane Reilly and Holly Page respectively. However, most Ambassadors adopt a far more leisurely pace with times ranging between 4 and 9 hours to complete the Challenge.

The real focus of the RPC is of course the fundraising, and each Ambassador spends most of their energy on this. A Profile with a payment link is set up on the website for each Ambassador and donors can then choose which Ambassador they would like to support. The Ambassadors reach out to their personal networks for donations and the Event itself also does all it can to raise funds on behalf of the Ambassadors. This formula has proved highly successful since 2016 with almost R5.2m raised."

For further information please visit www.treverton.co.za

Top image L-R: Daniel Jonck, Caleb Jennings and Mr Travers Pellew

Supplied.

THANK YOU to everyone who was involved in our 2023 COLOUR RUN

We had 235 entries and raised a whopping R38 000

Thank you to our Colour Station Sponsors who made the Colour possible;
Ecochill
Harvard House
Midlands Veterinary Hospital
Wakefields Midlands
Mosaic Funeral Group Midlands
Howick Pre-Primary School
Village Talk Newspaper 

To our sponsors;
Truda Foods
Fruit & Veg Broz
B.O.N Natural Oils
Fairfield Dairy
Oakleigh SA

For pre and post run goodies;
Howick Lions for the pancakes

Knight Security Solutions for sponsoring a guard for the morning

DJ Kev Entertainment to Kevin and Jolene thank you to you both for helping create the vibe. And for always being their to help. The morning would not be the same without your tunes and to the Midlands Hospice Team and the marshals for helping make the morning possible!

Brian Bedingfield and Ilan Lax have collaborated with Rob Boyd (of Tangled Up In Poetry fame), bringing together a group of Maritzburg's finest musicians for an unmissable tribute to one of their musical heroes, Van Morrison.

The renditions of Van the Man's best songs are at once faithful, delectable and surprising, with vocal contributions from Tanya Nicolson, Ilan Lax (on flute), Brian Bedingfield (on guitar), and Roly Struckmeyer (on bass).

The rest of the band comprises Chris Smith (guitar and keyboards); Andy Arbuckle (trombone); Bernard Kisbey-Green (sax); and Paddy Austin (drums).

Rounding the show off, musical raconteur, Rob Boyd will be providing nuggety narrative in his own inimitable style, about the life and music of Van Morrison.

Hosted by Hebron Haven Hotel and Humphrey's of Hebron, in our fabulous banquet hall.
▪︎ R350 including 3-course meal
▪︎ Book on Webtickets https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Event.aspx?itemid=1533764294
▪︎ Dinner serving from 6pm
▪︎ Show starts 7pm

BENVIE GARDENS - Spring seems to have arrived early this year with the Yellow billed Kites arriving on the 12 August 2023. The clivias will be in flower from the first weekend of September and the early azaleas are already coming out. The owners have decided to open the Benvie garden from 9 September 2023 through to the 8 October 2023, because of the early spring.

Benvie is one of the Midlands’ showpiece gardens and should not be missed. Located in the beautiful Karkloof, it was the brainchild of John Geekie, a Scot from Dundee who came to South Africa in 1856, and bought the property in 1883. He was a man who loved trees, and bought the land with the express purpose of creating an arboretum and spent the rest of his life realising his dream. The house lies at the head of the garden which stretches out in front of it. A walk through the trees accompanied by the birdsong of the myriad birds that have made Benvie their home, is an uplifting experience.

The south-east orientation of the garden in a high rainfall mistbelt was ideal for Geekie’s idea of an arboretum. Seedlings were brought by ship from all over the world, transported from Durban to Merrievale by train and then taken by ox-wagon to Benvie. Conifers were bought from Inverness; hydrangeas, magnolias and other flowering trees from a nursery in Atlanta, Georgia, cedars from Japan and a , Ginkgo biloba from China, and grass tress from Australia. He also had a reciprocal arrangement with fellow gardeners in Durban and Maritzburg and he collected camellias and rhododendrons from the Durban Botanical Gardens.

The garden took five years to lay out. Paths were cut, ponds were dug and each tree was allocated a specific space to allow it to grow to its full potential. But this is no garden frozen in time as its 70 acres are constantly worked on – trees that have come to the end of their lives are replaced either with the same or similar variety. Tribute must be paid to John Geekie’s family, who, through the generations have devotedly cared for this magnificent garden, and continue to do so.

The garden will open from 9.00am to 4.00pm daily and the entrance fee remains at R50.00 per person for adults and children under 12 are free. Picnics are welcome.

Directions: From Howick, take the Karkloof Road. Pass the Ambers and drive 33 km from Howick (21km on tar). At the 33 km mark turn right on the York/Hanover Road. Travel a further 3 km, down the hill, and you will find the Benvie sign on your left.

Author credit: Jackie Kalley

'Please would dog walkers pick up after their dogs when they poop. It is not neighbourly to expect other home owners to have to clear up after your dogs. Also, with warmer weather arriving, picking up dog poo helps keep fly numbers down.' Wendy White shared.

This polite request is well-timed and valid, please be a good neighbour by  cleaning up whenever your pets mess in public spaces. There truly is no magical Poop Fairy to do the job.

Calling potential investors.....

We are an existing Microbrewery/Distillery looking to relocate our entire operation to the most popular destination on the Meander and are looking for a cash injection to facilitate this exciting opportunity in exchange for a stake in our business.

To register your interest and receive the relevant information please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

'After an engaging session on the science, causes, impacts of climate change facilitated by @oneplanetsa, most importantly solutions to climate change were discussed. Grd 7s were amazed to find out that eating less animal products is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to reduce our carbon footprint which contributes at least 30% of greenhouse gas emissions.

They learned about the importance of restoring nature, as all ecosystems act as natural climate solutions which store carbon. In response to this they have set up a spekboom and succulent nursery which will be planted out later this year to add to the biodiversity gardens at Howick Prep and help take up carbon.

We were all impressed with the solar ovens that they had designed and made which we then tested, alongside 2 commercial solar ovens that reached temperatures of 120 degrees sun-baking some delicious apples bake and custard for an end of lesson treat.

All these efforts go toward achieving our Sustainable Schools status for 2023!

Suprema Quaero'

More about Howick Preparatory School

On the 1st of September our Annual Spring Walk was replaced by a Spring Puzzle Hunt. 21 Teams of 6 residents each participated, following clues to find puzzle pieces around our Village. Prizes were generously sponsored from business associates for lucky draws on the day and all ended with a burger and ice cream for pudding. Thank you to all who shared in this special day!

More about Amberglen

The Mother Dragon Speaks: Wisdom and Reflections - Drakondale School of the Arts

I had the privilege of sitting down with the remarkable Paula Tungay, affectionately known as the "Mother Dragon" among the Drakondale community. Mrs. Tungay shared her insights, experiences, and wisdom, offering guidance not only to the young people of Drakondale but to young people everywhere.

Early Roots and Lessons:
Paula Tungay's journey began with a deep-rooted passion for environmental conservation. As a child, she explored the natural world around her, sparking her curiosity and eventually leading her to a career in environmental science. Her grandmother's words, "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world," resonated strongly with her, emphasizing the importance of leading by example and staying true to one's beliefs.

The Power of Balance:
One of the key lessons Mrs. Tungay imparts is finding a balance between strength and compassion. She emphasizes the wisdom of "catching more flies with honey than with vinegar". In a world that sometimes glorifies aggression, her message is a reminder that true strength lies in kindness and empathy.

Challenges and Gender Equity:
Discussing challenges she faced as a woman in her field, Mrs. Tungay acknowledged the presence of gender bias. She stressed the importance of persevering, believing in oneself, and seeking knowledge and mentorship to overcome these obstacles.

Empowering Women Beyond Drakondale:
Mrs. Tungay sees women as masters of their destinies and believes that they have a profound impact on society. Her advice for women beyond Drakondale is to acknowledge their strengths, avoid vindictiveness, and take pride in being women. Their influence extends far beyond their immediate circles.

The Future of Drakondale:
Looking forward, Mrs. Tungay envisions Drakondale as a place where lush gardens and vibrant playing fields foster a spirit of camaraderie and competition. She recognizes the role of sports in helping young people release tension and learn to compete without being malicious.

A Passion for Poetry:
Aside from her advocacy and conservation efforts, Mrs. Tungay has a deep love for poetry. She expressed her enjoyment of reading poetry and shared one of her favorites, "Tarantella" by Hilaire Belloc. She emphasizes the importance of reciting it with rhythm, a testament to her appreciation for the arts.

The Unseen Charities:
Mrs. Tungay's charitable work extends to animals. Growing up on a farm in Ireland, she cared for horses and other animals and participated in distributing puppies for the hunt. Her love for animals and her commitment to their welfare are a testament to her compassionate nature.

Parting Words:Mrs. Tungay encourages mothers to empower their daughters with knowledge, awareness, and self-reliance. She believes that women have the power to shape their destinies and influence the world positively. Her message, "Mistresses of our destiny" serves as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.

Paula Tungay's words and life experiences inspire us all to embrace our strengths, show kindness, and lead by example in our pursuit of a more equitable world.

Author credit: Yvonne Lecordier

We are so proud to congratulate Wendy Smith on her achievement of winning the NIBA Novice Singles for 2023! On Sunday, 10 September she played 3 games in intense heat, coming up against Elaine Van Rooyen from Maritzburg Bowling Club in the quarter finals, followed by Catherine Rennie from Howick Bowling Club in the semi’s, and then Di Krogman from Lynwood in the finals. What a fantastic standard of bowls to watch with all the players giving their best. Wendy's focus and concentration throughout the day was very apparent as she took time to contemplate each shot and delivering some really great drawing shots. How wonderful to see hard work and dedication pay off with a fantastic trophy! Well done, Wendy, and we look forward to watching you fly our flag high in future competitions!

Mention must likewise be made of Kevin Palmer who also represented UWBC at the Novice Singles. He played some great bowls and made us very proud to have made it through to the quarter finals where he really gave his opponent some stiff competition. Definitely keep an eye out for Kevin in next year’s novices competition!

Another UWBC superstar is Lisa Nagel who has once again been selected to play in the NIBA Inter-District B side. Congratulations Lisa, we're so proud of you and look forward to seeing you play with your fellow team mates in March.

What an exciting week for UWBC, but that’s all for this week… see you on the greens!

Events to keep an eye out for…

Saturday, 16 September: Greendale Spar Drawn Trips/Pairs. Tabs in 13h15
Tuesday, 19 September: J Leslie Smith & Co Nominated Pairs 2-4-2. Tabs In 08h45 (Book with Lisa on 084 586 6984)
Friday, 29 September: Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45 (Book with Pippa on 083 467 8140)

Regular tabs in times are:-
Tuesdays at 08h45
Wednesdays at 13h15
Saturdays at 13h15.

Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact Wendy on 071 353 2866

Coaching by registered coaches is available: Contact Colin or Bernice on 071 164 3162 for further information.

Photo Caption: Wendy Smith, Proud Winner of the NIBA Novice Singles for 2023

The European Film Festival in South Africa celebrates its 10th edition from 12-22 October with an inspired lineup of 16 new award-winning films screening in Johannesburg and Cape Town, with a special programme in Durban. Featured countries are Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Ukraine, while the festival also features an African-European co-production film, set in Sudan.

Filmmaker engagements, community centre and schools’ programmes will deepen the festival’s reach, while the countrywide online programme of free screenings will run concurrently during the festival. The festival will also present events at the Alliance Française in Eswatini (20-22 October) and Lesotho (20 – 29 October).

The European Union’s Ambassador to South Africa, Sandra Kramer, said that “not only does the 2023 European Film Festival showcase some of the most acclaimed productions to have emerged from the film industries in the European Union and Europe, but the films provide thought-provoking perspectives on issues that are just as meaningful to South Africans as they are to people everywhere. We hope this festival will strengthen connections between Europe and South Africa, and its immediate neighbours, Eswatini and Lesotho. May this festival stimulate discussion and new ideas around our shared experiences, hopes and dreams, as together we face our ever-changing world.”

Transition
The festival theme this year is Transition, as the films offer a cinematic reflection of the transition people go through during our turbulent and fast-moving times.

As festival co-director and curator Peter Rorvik explains; “There can be numerous transitional moments in a lifetime; awakenings, re-awakenings, renewal of purpose, our self-understanding, of who we are, and our direction in life. Transition is, in essence, a response to change, a process of managing change, or making a change.

All these elements of transition feature prominently in the line-up of films on offer this year. The illuminating power of cinema transports us deeply into these experiences, milestones, growth points and turning points, which offer resonance with our own life journeys, and the shared life journeys of those around us”.

The Films

The festival includes two films which were jointly awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022:

From Italy
Set in the breath-taking Italian Alps, THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS is a compelling character-driven drama directed by Charlotte Vandermeersch and Felix van Groeningen. Gorgeously shot, this film offers a deeply textured glimpse into the bonds of friendship, the journeys of self-discovery, and the relationship between humans and nature.

From Poland
The Oscar-nominated film EO, directed by the legendary Jerzy Skolimowski, is an innovatively-conceived road movie with a difference; it is seen almost entirely from a donkey’s perspective. This beguiling and often-harrowing tale of a donkey is both thrilling and empathetic, compelling us to see the world differently.

There are three films fresh from the most recent Cannes festival in May 2023:

From France
ANATOMY OF A FALL, astonishingly well-written and directed by Justine Triet, won the top prize at Cannes, the Palm d’Or. This part thorny family story, part whodunit, part courtroom drama puts marital power dynamics under the microscope. As Time Out magazine says; ‘This is a thriller of real psychological, intellectual and emotional depth.’

From the United Kingdom
In THE OLD OAK, veteran filmmaker Ken Loach has made an incisive social drama about an English village where there is anger, resentment and a lack of hope since the closing of the local mine. What more could go wrong for the world-weary townsfolk? That’s when the Syrian refugees move in….this will be a time of transition for everybody!

African-European collaboration in Sudan
GOODBYE JULIA is a six-country coproduction film (Sudan, Egypt, Germany, France, Sweden and Saudi-Arabia) and winner of the Cannes Film Festival’s prestigious Freedom Award. Directed by Mohamed Kordofani, GOODBYE JULIA tells of the friendship between two women who represent the complicated relationship and differences between northern and southern Sudanese communities at a time of intense upheaval and transition. South African cinematographer for the film, Pierre de Villiers, will present workshops at the festival.

Discovering and affirming one’s identity is not a straight-forward process for all., especially in relation to gender norms. As evidenced by the following two films, this is all the more challenging for the very young who face enormous pressures as they attempt to find their place in the world, and within themselves:

From Spain
20,000 SPECIES OF BEES by Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren focuses on an eight-year-old child who asks “How come everyone knows who they are and I don’t?” Beautifully delivered, this richly textured chronicle of an 8-year-old’s gradual transitioning, and the effect it has on a family, is ultimately about tolerance and acceptance.

From Belgium
The Oscar nominated CLOSE by Lukas Dhont has been winning major awards for its sensitive portrayal of how the pressures of masculinity shatter the innocent friendship of two 13-year old boys. CLOSE is an emotionally transformative portrait of the intersection of friendship and love, identity and independence, heartbreak and healing, and of necessary transition.

Two films about responding to the unforeseen circumstances that sometimes surprise and challenge us:

From the Netherlands
In Martijn de Jong’s NARCOSIS, an adventurous, eccentric and fun father fails to resurface during a cave-dive, and we see how his family responds in unique but very relatable ways as they transition to new lives. This deeply touching story about love, loss and acceptance won four Golden Calf awards at the Netherlands Film Festival and was the Dutch submission to the Academy Awards.

From Germany
The smallest of decisions has seismic repercussions in THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE. When a young teacher decides to investigate theft at her school things escalate dramatically, not how she intends. İlker Çatak’s film is about a lot of things — conformity, rebellion, racism, optics, and intergenerational mistrust. The film swept up the top prizes at this year’s German Film Awards, and has just been selected as Germany’s submission for next year’s Oscars. (Top image.)

Coming-of-age processes are integral to making transitions in life:

From Denmark
Will a dream dictate life or death? AS IN HEAVEN, by director Tea Lindeburg, takes place in turn-of-the-century rural Denmark, where a mother goes into a complicated labour, thereby accelerating the growing-up process for 14-year-old Lise, a process that can be bewildering as well as joyful. AS IN HEAVEN highlights woman-centred experiences that remain just as relevant today.

From Switzerland
Barbara Kulcsar’s feel-good comedy GOLDEN YEARS shows that coming-of-age can come at any time. As a newly retired husband and wife discover, it’s never too late to find the courage to make a change in life. And growing old is certainly not for sissies! GOLDEN YEARS was a breakout hit at the Swiss box office, ranking as the most successful Swiss feature film since the beginning of the pandemic.

New participants Bulgaria and Romania have films in the festival for the first time this year:

From Romania
MIKADO, directed by Emanuel Pârvu, is a fast-paced drama about power dynamics in a Romanian family. Teenager Magda offers her expensive necklace to a sick child, thereby creating conflict with her controlling father. A complicated situation develops where every action has consequences…

From Bulgaria
Inspired by a true and transformative story, Zornitsa Sophia’s MOTHER starts out with a theatre director in Bulgaria struggling to come to terms with her inability to have a child, and progresses to her discovering a new and culturally challenging kind of motherhood in Kenya. The director Zornitsa Sophia will attend the festival accompanied by the remarkable artist and cultural activist Elena Panayotova, on whom the story is based. (Pictured here.)

Adding an exciting new dimension to the festival are two extraordinary animations:

From Ukraine
Carving a path to peace and a future beyond war, MAVKA – THE FOREST SONG, by directors Oleh Malamuzh and Oleksandra Ruban, is the highest-grossing Ukrainian film ever. Poignant and uplifting, this animated story touches on themes of love, trust, and the coexistence of two worlds: people and forest creatures, and the transformative power of music!

From Portugal
José Miguel Ribeiro’s film NAYOLA brings us much closer to home. A painful secret, a reckless search, a combat rap-song, a suspended love, an initiatory journey - NAYOLA is about three generations of women plagued by the long civil war in Angola. Based on a play by José Eduardo Agualusa and Mia Couto, NAYOLA is bold and thrilling storytelling alive with eye-candy animation!

Finally, from the Czech Republic
Petr Václav’s IL BOEMO (THE BOHEMIAN) is a special treat for music lovers. Prolific 18th century composer Josef Mysliveček was admired by Mozart, but forgotten by history. This biopic includes Mysliveček’s romantic dalliances, revealing backstage intrigue, and the colourful lifestyles of the era. Centrally of course, there is glorious music featuring some of the world's leading operatic soloists performing with the renowned Baroque Orchestra Collegium 1704.

The Screenings
Screenings take place at Ster-Kinekor’s The Zone in Johannesburg, and The Labia in Cape Town. Each film will screen once. Ster-Kinekor Gateway in Durban will present a limited programme of films not available in the online streaming. Five of the most recent films will only show in cinemas: ANATOMY OF A FALL, GOODBYE JULIA , THE OLD OAK, THE TEACHERS LOUNGE and MAVKA – THE FOREST SONG. 11 films can be viewed for free online. Visit www.eurofilmfest.co.za for more information.

The European Film Festival 2023 is a partnership project of the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa and the participating European embassies of Belgium, Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine; as well as the cultural agencies of British Council, Camoes Institute of Portugal, Diplomatic Representation of Flanders, French Institute in South Africa, Goethe-Institut and Italian Cultural Institute.

The festival is organised in cooperation with Cineuropa, supported by Ster Kinekor, The Labia and coordinated by Creative WorkZone.

The special programmes in Eswatini and Lesotho are organised in partnership with the Delegations of the European Union to the Kingdoms of Eswatini and Lesotho respectively, and the Alliance française in Maseru and Mbabane.

Venues: Ster-Kinekor’s The Zone Johannesburg/The Labia in Cape Town & limited screenings at Ster-Kinekor Gateway in Durban as well as ONLINE.

Supplied.

Shiriska Neethling, a Grade 12 Art Student, recently was placed 1st at the Honey Festival, held at the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds, Art Competition. Shiriska, has being consistently honing her painting talent this year, and her hard work has paid off in this lovely result which was a homage to the common bee and it's importance in our ecology.

Maggies Coffee Shop will be running Cupcakes for a Cause in October. Please save the date. Preorder and pay to secure your cupcake.