SA DANCER MADE HISTORY

Date: 25 Fabruary 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli
Picture supplied

South Africa made history on 22 Feb 2011 in Killarney, Ireland at the annual "All Ireland Irish Dance Competition" by having a competitor go through to the final rounds. Reze-Tiana Wessels, the winner of the Solo-Dance section of the National Eisteddfod Academy's National Awards in 2010, made history by becoming the first South African ever, to receive a "recall" at the "All Ireland Irish Dance Competition.
Reze-Tiana (pronounced Reezuh-Tee-haana, (a grade 8 pupil of Randburg High School and formerly of Bryanston Parallel Medium) and 192 competitors, mostly from the US and Ireland, also England, Canada, Wales, Australia, etc, competed in the Girls 13 under 14 age group. Some 40 South Africans - of all ages - are competing at the event this year.

Reze-Tiana won the Solo-Dance section of the National Eisteddfod Academy's National Awards in 2010 and was joint winner of the Junior Dance section of the same competition in 2009.

The National Eisteddfod Academy the NEA, funded by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) presents this competition as a next level of participation for top achievers in various festivals or competitions. It provides a platform where the best young performers in music, dance and drama can compete and showcase their talents. Previous winners of this competition include Andile Ndlovu and Camille Bracher (both top achievers in the SA International Ballet Competition) and Julian Hepburn (finalist in the recent “SA got talent”). The 2011 NEA Awards Finals will be presented on 21 May 2011 at the Joburg ProMusica Theatre.

For more information on the National Eisteddfod Academy contact the office on tel.: 011-886-6005 / e-mail: info@eisteddfod.co.za / webpage: http://www.eisteddfod.co.za/.

Zangara was a Night of Celebrity Makers in Film Industry

Date:22 Fabruary 2011
Article: Zama Hlongwane

What a spectacle the first leg of the SAFTAS were, apart from the fact
that they started late, (which I find annoying) they were still
amazing. The circus theme was pretty appropriate seeing at how late
the show started which was hosted by Madame Zingara. The nominees
seemed to have forgotten that they were attending an award ceremony.
Like what where they wearing? I have never seen such plain outfits
in one room and at a award ceremony.

 Its like they took down the curtains at their homes to make an outfit
or even better they  asked their dressmaker aunts to make their
outfits. Can anybody spell fashion designer in the film industry.
Producers need to get with the programme and hire fashion designers
and not dressmaking auntie's.

Don't get me started on Joey Rasdin suit he looked like he was about
to pop he should fire his designer. Thami Ngubeni was looking good  in her matric
dance dress. I wonder which whole did Iko Mash crawl out of but
nevertheless Iko looked hot. The entertainment was amazing the Asian girls really know how to
bend it like Beckham. But they look like they don't eat, Madame
Zingara  please feed them. Not forgetting three tons of fun that
serenated us through out the night with old school sounds.

Now drum roll please and the winners are in their respective
categories. For best student film Agter die berge by Stacey Howell and
Meredith Aylward from AFDA. Best short film Karoo Oliver Kohl and
Fazilla Wahab from Kaugoom. Best animated film Mune by Jesca Marisa
Leibbrandt. Wildlife category. Best wildlife editor cinematographer Into the
dragon's liar Craig and Damon Foster-NHU. Best wildlife programme.

Into the dragon's liar-NHU. Youth and Children category. Best youth programme Ed and eppa in the
wild- Red Pepper pictures. Factual category. Best factual/Educational programme A country
imagined-Curious pictures. Best talk show Clive Morris Production.
Best variety show MK awards 2010-Magic factory. Best reality show
, Die Foon-Urban brew studios. Best sports show, Sports playback-Engage
entertainment. Best magazine show All access -Homebrew films. Best
game show Noot vir noot-Stemmburg television.

 Documentary category. Best director Jammer as ek so Bitter by Rina
Jooste-Kika productions. Best short documentary The killing of the
Iman -tuba films. Best documentary feature Playing the Enemy - Living
pictures.

Dr Preciuos Motsepe Open the Joburg Fahion week

 Date: 17 Fabruary 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli

The fashion week Joburg was officially open two days ago at the Fashion Kapital downtown Jozi, Nothende was graces the occation with her beautiful voice while the models took the center stage and seeying newcomers like Dj Sbu Showcasing his range Vandal (ghubuluzing}.the event also attended by Kanysile Mbau, Kabonina and off-caus Dr Precius Motsepe who also tank the audience who came to the opening, we believe in you and we know that you are going to succeed in this industry she said.

The fashion shows will continue until saturday aftertnoon with David Tlale schedule to showcase his range at Mandla Bridge,it is going tp a big stage out there, and tickest are available ta computickets.

Promusica’s ‘The Crucible’ : A play with movie tonalities

Date: 17 fabruary 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli
The Crucible - more relevant than ever.

In 1953 Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible as an allegory to McCarthyism; a period in US history during which numerous prominent Americans were named, shamed and ostracised as being communists and subversives. The play deals with the shocking Salem witch hunts of 1692, during which innocent people were sent to their death as a result of a wave of hysteria that was started by a handful of young girls.

This message of prejudice and mob justice is just as relevant in this new millennium.
Joburg Promusica is proud to present Arthur Miller’s The Crucible as you’ve never seen it before. Alby Michaels, known for his incredibly innovative and strongly visual productions, directs this production, which is designed by the talented Kosie Smit. From physical theatre to puppetry, from masks to music, The Crucible promises to be a feast for theatregoers’ senses.

The production’s top-drawer slate of actors includes Jacques Bessenger, Candi Brown, Kim Cloete, Christien LeRoux, Clive Gilson, Cindy Swanepoel, Clifford Hughes and Angus Charl Meyer, who goes by the mononym of Angus.
Dawid Boverhoff: adding fresh dimensions
Dawid Boverhoff spent his primary school years with the world-renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir. After matriculating, he completed a BMus (Composition) at the Utrecht Conservatoire in the Netherlands.

Now firmly entrenched back in South Africa, he’s been involved as rehearsal and performance pianist for musicals such as Grease, Footloose, Saturday Night Fever and the Joburg Civic Theatre panto, Snow White. He’s just returned from the Hong Kong run of Grease.

Dawid was Musical Director for seven Joburg Promusica ‘Kidz’ productions as well as the musical revue Spoof Full of Sugar at Sandton’s Theatre on the Square. Dawid accompanied Elzabé Zietsman in Op ’n Ligter Noot, and is now embarking on a regular piano duet concert series with Marga Sander.

When one thinks of a play such as The Crucible, one seldom thinks of music, but Boverhoff has written a ‘score’ for the play, almost as if scoring for a film. And every piece is newly and specially composed for the show by this talented artist.
Dawid broke down the music in The Crucible into three distinct themes, being: Religion, Love, and Witchcraft. Sometimes the themes use exactly the same piece of music, but shift into either minor or major, according to the emotional quality of the scene. Different instruments will also change the quality of each composed piece. All of the music will be pre-recorded, save for the presence of a live violinist on stage; Irishman David Delaney.
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For school/group bookings, contact Queen (queenm@promusica.co.za) or Nevolan (nevolanr@promusica.co.za) on 011 674 1356/7/8/9 or fax on 011 674 2365.
Other bookings can be made at Computicket Outlets (Checkers Hyper and Shoprite), or online at http://www.computicket.com/
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VENUE: Joburg Promusica’s Main Auditorium
DATES: March 7th – 26th 2011
TICKETS: R50
The Promusica theatre complex, situated within the Civic Centre at Florida Park, Roodepoort, offers ample free parking for patrons.
The production will then move to the UJ Theatre on the Kingsway Campus, booking is also at Computicket.

Promusica’s Summer Jazz

Date: 17 Fabruary 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli

The one-day-only seasonal smash is back!
The magic begins as soon as you leave your car in the parking lot - as you step into the foyer, you will be greeted by the infectious musical stylings of the well-loved jazz pianist and singer Neal Robertson, who will be at his post from 6.30pm.

Then, at 7pm, Zarcia Zacheus and her band will take to the stage. Born in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, Zarcia began her adventures in music at the tender age of nine, by singing in the church choir. By the age of 13 she had auditioned for - and landed a role - in her first professional stage production. She went on to sing for a variety of gospel and jazz bands. She has also recorded and/or performed with musicians such as Joyous Celebration, Patrick Duncan, James Okon, Mpumi Dlamini, Dave Koz, and the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra.

After interval, it’s the turn of the freewheeling and eclectic outfit, Quantum. This multi-talented ensemble of jazzmen, who are no strangers to Joburg Promusica, was formed by their dynamic keyboardist, Jaconell Mouton as a labour of love. Audiences can look forward to a chill blend of smooth jazz, easy listening and a mix which includes public favourites as well as some more out-of-the-way gems.

Ms Mouton, who can be seen every week on TV’s Noot Vir Noot, is joined by her Noot Vir Noot colleague David Klaasen on drums, Denny Lalouette on electric bass, and Erik Paliani on guitar. Their passion for their music - and playing together - is evident in their unique and memorable sound. Jazz fans will, however, recognise within the band’s repertoire, echoes of renowned musicians and bands as Lee Ritenour, Fourplay, Joe Sample and Sting. This astonishing outfit - one of South Africa’s best kept secrets in jazz - rarely make public appearances, so this will be an occasion to treasure!

WHERE : Promusica’s foyer and Main Auditorium on Saturday Feb 26th
WHEN : Stage show begins 7pm. Foyer entertainment starts at 6.30pm.
SEATS : From R120

Bookings can be done at any Computicket outlet, or online at http://www.computicket.com/

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The Promusica theatre complex, situated within the Civic Centre at Florida Park, Roodepoort, offers ample free parking for patrons.

The of Jozi,Robbie Thorpe he is looking foward to taking best picture home at SAFTAS on sunday

Date: 16 Fabruary 2011
Article: Zama Hlongwane

We got to catch up with Robbie Thorpe of T.O.M pictures who has been nominated for six South African Film and Television Awards, which will be taking over two consecutive weekends of February on the 20^th and on the 27^th.  Film producer extrodinaire got to share  some light on the up and coming SAFTAS and on the year ahead. 

Zama: How does it feel to be nominated for six SAFTAS?
Robbie:I got to be honest with you, it feels great to be nominated 6 times it’s always good to get acknowledgement for your hardword work. I don’t mean to brag but I have been nomitaded about 40 times over the years it,s not  a new feeling but it always feels good. However getting nominated is just the cherry on top but it’s not the cake, instead one should not stop when they get awarded they should keep moving and achieve more,be better than the last production.
Zama: What was your insipration behind the film Jozi?
Robbie:My insipiration for Jozi was the drive to change the stereotype that people have, about Johannesburg which is where I come from, and my love for the city. To let them know that it’s the people who turn against the city and not the city turning against them.
Zama:Which award do you look forward to taking home?
Robbie: In all honesty I would love to take home the father of the year award(he laughs) but as a producer best picture would really do it for me.
Zama:lf you had a choice, which person would you not be in the same catergory with?
Robbie: No one I respect my colleauges, it’s just that i prefer on focusing on myself and my work. I mean what good does it do me to focus my energy on what the next personis doing?  Besides a little competion is healthy it keeps you on your toes.
Zama:What more can we expect from you in the coming year?
Robbie:Oh yes what would be the point of living if we stopped. I am currently busy with my next film Material on the14th of March the movie feature Riaad Moosa it’s going to be a comedy. As well as a film about people, authentic experiences in South Africa,watch out for those two films.he concludes

Sibikwa Arts Centre; Alive and Kicking!

Date: 16 Fabruary 2011
Article: Madoda ntuli

There appears to have been some rumour-mongering within the arts community that the Sibikwa is on the verge of disintegration. The source of these malignant whispers is unknown, but even a glancing inspection of the company’s itinerary reveals that Sibikwa is anything but a crumbling concern!

A very busy year ahead

Sibikwa’s Dance Company enjoys the patronage of Rand Merchant Bank, whilst the African Indigenous Orchestra, also under the Sibiwka umbrella, is supported by MMINO. Sibikwa Dance Co. is about to host their popular annual Dance Explosion in March, and the vibrant outfit has appearances booked for Goethe on Main in April, and the Grahamstown Festival in July. Other festival appearances are also in the pipeline. Sibikwa’s lecture/demonstrations on the schools circuit continue unabated, with the latest series on George Orwell’s Animal Farm having risen from enthusiastic teacher demand.

At the end of March, members of the Sibikwa Orchestra embark on an exciting trip to Sri Lanka, and the company also has a rigorous programmes of school lectures and demonstrations throughout the year - in addition to a full slate of corporate gigs!
Refusing to bow out: The Saturday Arts Academy Sibikwa’s SAA (Saturday Arts Academy) is an arts education programme targeted at young people between the ages of six and 24 which offers classes in Dance, Drama, Music and the Visual Arts. It’s true that the SAA was on the brink of closing down last year because of a lack of funding. However, parents and concerned leaders who appreciate the programme’s value to their community stepped in and, after a series of meetings held at the end of last year, worked on a plan to ensure the SAA’s survival.

New shows Sibikwa’s hit show, D.E.T. Boys High, is currently being revived in association with The South African State Theatre, and will be presented from March 10th -27th. The show will be directed by Sibikwa heads Phyllis Klotz and Smal Ndaba, who will be directing together again after a break of ten years.
Klotz is also currently working on an exciting new project in partnership with Wits University and a group of American exchange students.

The challenges of 2010

Towards the end of last year, because funds were not forthcoming as expected, Sibikwa was forced to downsize its staff in order to keep afloat. But it is heartening to see how people and organisations have rallied round, validating Sibikwa’s input to the world of the arts in the last 22 yearsLooking ahead.

Those who know Sibikwa founders Phyllis Klotz and Smal Ndaba will know that they don’t see hurdles - they see challenges. Sibikwa, which was founded during the State of Emergency in 1988, has faithfully maintained its output, despite unfavourable political and economic circumstances. The company has many exciting new projects in development, with sponsors waiting in the wings.

Sibikwa, with its strong focus on the community, is not the kind of organisation that would just fade away with a whimper. The fact that fewer companies are offering sponsorships is to be expected, bearing in mind that the economy has yet to recover fully. The creative arts are all about moulding the world around one rather than standing by passively, and the challenges that the company has encountered over the years have only served to strengthen Sibikwa. Its 2011 schedule simply proves that this vibrant entity is moving into the 21st century
with gusto, and turning adversary into triumph!

To discover the full scope of Sibikwa’s work this year, or to find out about funding opportunities, visit http://www.sibikwa.co.za/

South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAS) Best Soapie voting line open.

Date: 15 Fabruary 2011

Article: Madoda Ntuli

14 February 2011: The South African Film and Television Awards announces the opening of the Best Soapie Category voting line. The Best Soapie Voting line opens today 14 of February 2011 and will close on Friday 25^th of February.

As with previous years, viewers are encouraged to vote for their Best Soapie by sending an sms to 34877. The sms vote costs R2.00, and only 10 votes per number are allowed. To vote viewers are requested to type Soapie followed by Name of the soapie.

The SAFTAs are industry awards of which the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) of South Africa are the industry appointed custodians. The award’s main objective is to honour, celebrate and promote the creativity, quality and excellence of South African, film and television talent, and encourage entrepreneurship and the development of new talent in the industry.

The 5^th SAFTAs will be held at Melrose Arch at Madame Zingara’s Theatre of Dreams over a period of two weekends. The first event to be held on Sunday 20^th of February will award winners in the Non-fiction categories, followed by the second session - Fiction categories to be held on Sunday  27^th of February.

Released on behalf of the National Film and Video Foundation

Next month brings with it a red letter day for Gauteng’s dance community.

Date: 10 fabruary 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli

Sibikwa Dance Explosion: Be a Part of the Action
Next month brings with it a red letter day for Gauteng’s dance community.
Don’t be caught unawares!

DIARISE MARCH 21st

The Sibikwa Arts Centre in Benoni South will be the venue for all things dance on Human Rights Day, March 21st. Dancers from around Gauteng are invited to participate in the Dance Explosion, an opportunity for new and established artists to showcase their work at Sibikwa’s recently refurbished theatre. This event was a tremendous success last year, with over 20 dance companies participating.

WORK WITH THE SIBIKWA DANCE COMPANY

Groups taking part will have the opportunity to work during rehearsal with members of Sibikwa’s Dance Company, which was nominated for an Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival last year. The two-year-old company, which has already toured nationally and to Mozambique, will also be performing new work at the event. This will be real treat for dance lovers, as the group already enjoys a nationwide reputation for creativity and flair.

“The Sibikwa Arts Dance Company continues to explore innovative new South African dance styles, merging Asian forms with an African sensibility,” says Artistic Director Phyllis Klotz, “The company has an exciting programme for the year, including working at Goethe on Main and the Arena platform at the Grahamstown Festival. There will also be lecture/demonstrations in schools, and community work and performances at festivals nationally.”

A WORTHY LEADER

This year, The Sibikwa Arts Dance Company will be headed by Thabo Rapoo, who was the recipient of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for 2008/9.
Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of this vibrant dancer’s career is that it grew “from the street up”. Thabo started dancing with a Pantsula group in the mid-’80s, although it was a three-year diploma in Dance at the Johannesburg Dance Foundation that would unleash his potential by exposing him to a wide range of styles. His professional dance career began in 2002, when he entered two works at the FNB Vita Dance Umbrella. These were well-received, and earned him the prestige he needed to further his craft.
Thabo’s work has not only been enjoyed in Gauteng, but has taken him to the Grahamstown National Art Festival - and as far afield as Italy, Austria, Luxembourg and Sweden. He frequently holds workshops in South Africa and Botswana, and is on an unending mission to foster new and upcoming talent.

In addition to this tireless terpsichorean’s various postings in dance education, he has choreographed openings for prestigious TV shows and expositions, and has performed internationally - including in Indonesia, where

Penny Mtya releases Afro Jazz Gospel Album

Date: 08 fabruary 2011
Released by Kwathole Connexion

new African Jazz Gospel album titled ‘iThemba lam’ My Hope. Less word describe Penny Mtya-earthy, jazzy, afro velvet deep tone yet elegant voice with a very spiritual background. She has managed to work with successful Oscar Award soundtrack nominee and SAMA winner Phinda Mtya, her younger sister. Penny’s deepest desire remains to reach out and embrace the soul of her beloved country through sincere and dedicated song. Like an African elephant, she keeps on walking, spreading the good news.  Having been in the music scene for more than two decades and never gave up on her dream; ultimately Penny Mtya has landed with a 9 tracks full gospel album. Already the Album is blazing South African airwaves. Penny is the member of Universal Gospel Choir and has toured Africa spreading the message of love, peace and hope.

 Born in Eastern Cape, her performances master the standard of South African Music, purely Gospel. Inspiration comes from Shirley Caser, Miriam Makeba, Hlengiwe Mhlaba and S’fiso Ncwane. Through determination, hard work, discipline and an iron-will to succeed, she overcame the disadvantage of her semi-rural background. In the 80’s Penny recorded a Vocal Jazz album with Musa Manzini and Tebogo Mloto. Age is nothing but a number to the vivacious Penny.  She is back with the new fresh African Jazz Gospel sounds.  Her music appeals to the young and old with Xhosa clicks of blended marabi sounds yet gospel flavour. Album recorded at 247 Records featuring great musicians and sound engineers, Patrick Jack, Quincy, Makathi Molekwa and Lungisani Masondo.  The younger sister Phinda Mtya-Matlala and Morgan Matlala produced the Album.

In celebrating February the month of Love, Penny Mtya will be spreading the message of Love with her hit song Mthande. ‘Mthande’ Thy Love, track 3, simple a plea to give love to the fullness and admire God’s great eternal love with no boundaries.  ‘Jordaan’ a dance tune yet a revelation of one way closer to God, followed by Malibongwe-a gratitude song with an adult feel. The album is available on stores now. 

The Johannesburg Philharmonic’s Orchestra’s first season kicks off on Wednesday 9 February

Date: 08 Fabruary 2011

The Johannesburg Philharmonic’s Orchestra’s first season kicks off on Wednesday 9 February.
Johannesburg concerts will take place on Wednesday and Thursday nights at the Linder Auditorium in Parktown. Selected programmes will be repeated at Unisa’s ZK Matthews Hall in Pretoria on Sunday afternoons.

The first three weeks of the season will see Emil Tabakov, the eminent Bulgarian conductor, composer and double-bass player, leading the JPO as well as a number of top international soloists. Maestro Tabakov is well-known around the world as a guest conductor and has an enormous repertoire featuring a variety of styles from classical and romantic to contemporary genres.

On Wednesday, 9 February 2011 and Thursday, 10 February 2011, the JPO will kick off its first season of concerts for 2011 with Rossini’s Semiramide: Overture and Mozart’s Symphony No.36, K.425, C major (Linz), and will be joined by pianist Michael Roll for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto, No.4, Op.58, G major.
Roll is one of Britain’s most distinguished pianists, who came to prominence at an early age and has since enjoyed a career that has taken him around the world, giving recitals and appearing with prominent orchestras. The programme will be repeated at Unisa’s ZK Matthews Hall at 3pm on Sunday, 13 February.
On 16 and 17 February, the orchestra will perform another Mozart composition, The Impresario Overture, K486, as well as Beethoven’s Symphony No.4, Op.60, B-flat major. Also on the menu is Haydn’s Cello Concerto, Hob.V11b:2, D major, featuring talented 25-year-old Belorussian cellist Georgi Anichenko, now based in Paris, who has won several international music competitions – including first prize in the Unisa International String Competition.

The following week, on 23 and 24

February (as well as on 27 February at Unisa), it’s the turn of Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture, Saint-Saëns’s Introduction & Rondo capriccioso, Op.28, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34. Accomplished and highly decorated Bulgarian violinist Svetlin Roussev will make a special appearance, performing Ravel’s Tzigane, Rapsodie de concert for Violin & Orchestra.
Join the JPO for some choice musical encounters of the classical kind in 2011! The Wednesday and Thursday night concerts at the Linder Auditorium start at 8pm, and the Unisa Sunday concerts start at 3pm. Tickets are available at Computicket or at the door. For more information, call 011 789 2733, e-mail info@jpo.co.za or visit http://www.jpo.co.za/.

Nominees of the 5th SAFTAs were announced at an event graced by industry professionals, government officials,

Date: 28 January 2011
Article: Madoda Ntuli

Nominees of the 5th SAFTAs were announced at an event graced by industry professionals, government officials, awards nominees and celebrities. The event was held at the Ster-kinekor Theatres complex at The Zone in Rosebank.

The SAFTAs are industry awards of which the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) of South Africa are the industry appointed custodians. The awards’ main objectives are to honour, celebrate and promote the creativity, quality and excellence of South African, film and television talent, and encourage entrepreneurship and the development of new talent in the industry.

"The NFVF congratulate this year's nominees and wish them all the best for the main event where all winners will be revealed. The NFVF, the SAFTAS Committee as well as the judging panel are amazed at the support the awards received this year. Eighteen (18) feature films were submitted to contest in the 5th SAFTAs, tripling the number of entries in this genre compared to last year's awards," says Eddie Mbalo NFVF CEO. Mbalo further emphasised that the increase in the features entry is testament that the industry is indeed thriving. "With commitment to supporting the industry by the Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile, we are guaranteed that the industry will grow to its full potential as a business sector and an economic contributer to the country."

Leading the movie pack with eleven (11) nominations in the Feature Film category is Life Above All, followed by Spud and Jozi with six (6) nominations each. Life Above All’s (eleven) 11 nominations comes as no surprise given its popularity on the international platform, and was recently named in the top nine contest for the Best Foreign Language Film category of the 83rd Academy Awards. The film began to garner recognition at the 2010 Cannes International Film festival.

In the Soapie drama genre, Isidingo is on top with ten (10) nominations. The soapie, broadcast on SABC 3 is followed by e-tv’s Rhythm City with six (6) nominations. However, 7 de Laan (SABC 2), which was voted by the public as the Best Soapie during the 2009 awards, failed to impress the judges, only receiving one nomination for Best Ensemble in a TV Soapie.

"Once again it was a pleasure to officiate during the judging process. The judges all took on board their responsibilities and the process was efficiently managed by the NFVF. Congratulations to all the nominees and we look forward to the awards event, says Paul Raleigh, the SAFTAs Chairperson.

The 5th SAFTAs will be held at Melrose Arch at Madame Zingara's Theatre of Dreams over a period of two weekends. The first event to be held on Sunday 20th of February will award winners in the Non-fiction categories, followed by the second session which will award the Fiction categories to be held on Sunday 27th of February. "We are very excited about the event this year. The process of the past 9 months from call for entries to the judging process and now the run up to the event has been a labour of love for all concerned and hosting the awards in the Madame Zingara Theatre of Dreams will be a delightfully daring experience," says Azania Muendane, NFVF Head of Marketing and Public Affairs.

Judging panels made up of industry organisation representatives, institutions, companies, media and general society select the nominees and the eventual category award winners. The judging process of the SAFTAS is overseen by independent auditors Pricewaterhouse Coopers who ensure that the process is fairly undertaken.